As I am doing some research and fact finding for the book I am writing, I came across some information I don’t necessarily agree with. I am not saying that it is wrong, mind you. Just that in my experience, doesn't fit. To be honest, I’m glad I didn’t read it before I started working with metal. I never paid much attention other than what I felt or understood. So when I came across it, I was a tad bit confused. I think instead of going down the path of what I found, I would rather speak to what I understand. On a side note, here is an interesting article about the phrase of the title.
The aim of what follows is not to get you to agree with what I write. It’s to get you to think about what you think. Or maybe get you started thinking. I don’t want to be a mystical Amazon! Where you see something that looks interesting and you have it in your grubby hands in two days. This may not be easy. One must put some work into it. At least this is how I have found it to be so. With this thought in mind, let's take a quick look at two, copper and iron/steel.
Copper. I have really grown to have a deep appreciation for this metal. I find it very yummy. At first I was like, isn’t this the stuff I carry around in my pocket that has little value? (think penny) It was almost discarded. Change in the couch, in a dish at the convenient store, seemed to be all over the house. So going into it as a magical metal I don’t think I gave it the respect it was due. I no longer see it this way, at all. It has become a big part of my practice. I find it very energizing. And a flowy, liquid feeling. The electrical wires in our homes are made of this. It can be mirror shined or heated to multiple rich colors. I now find this metal to be very exquisite, and warm. And so much more. Don’t take my word for it. Get some and spend time with it. Go to your local big box store and diddy bop over to the plumbing section. Pick out something copper that you can put in your pocket or wear around your neck. And spend some time with it.
Iron/Steel. I will use these interchangeably. Although technically not the same. Steel is iron with some (<2%) carbon. And there are also different types of steel that have other materials in it, and we can be at this for some time. So, let’s not. Let’s just say for the use of magical properties, we can treat them the same. At least from my working anyway. I have always felt iron as very rigid. I think of bones sort of. If you have seen pictures of tall buildings being built, you will see a metal structure that everything else is built on and around. So I get strength, protection. I also get an aggression from it at times. Think braww! This is dependent on what is being co-created. There are so many layers to this metal. Like the dust that comes from the forging. This metal ushered in the human revolution. Once again, don’t take my word for it. If working with metal is something that may interest you, then my advice is to get to know it. Back to the big box store you go. See if you can find something that strikes your fancy where the black iron pipe is. And then spend some time with it. What do you notice?
Both of these exercises are for those that may have an interest in working with metal. I think it is good to know and understand that which I am working with. Try journaling with it. Lay it on your altar at the end of the day. Think about relationships. It will take some time. The very thing most don’t want to invest, yet there it is. I do strongly encourage you to do this. I think you will be surprised by what you discover. For me, it has taken my Work to another level. More connected, vibrant, tuned in. It has positively affected other parts of my life because of doing this, building my relationship with metal. I don’t think you have to be a smith to develop this at all. So, your mission should you choose to accept it, is to get yourself some metal and test it! Feel free to reach out to me and let me know what you have uncovered. Or if you have any questions, please ask!
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