Hey & crystal blessings! I hope you're enjoying the disciplined influence of the Capricorn moon, and are finding yourself checking things off your to-do list. Even though this may not be the most "fun" of the lunar transits, it certainly can prove helpful.
So. In the no-nonsense spirit of the Cappy Moon, let's get right down to talking about one of my personal favorite crystals, labradorite.
Labradorite is a beautiful blue/grey member of the feldspar family known for its breathtaking iridescence, which makes it very easy to identify. Its name is derived from the Labrador Peninsula in Canada, where it was originally discovered in 1770 - however, there is evidence that the Inuits have worked with this stone for quite some time, believing that the Northern Lights sprung from it. I have heard "Spectrolite" and "Labradorite" used interchangeably, and this is incorrect. Spectrolite was discovered somewhat later (1970) in Finland; it is a specific type of Labradorite which depicts the entire color spectrum (hence the name) - this distinction is important because, not only are these stones physically different, but are not treated as one in the same in terms of their properties and energy signature. Nuumite, which is pretty hot on the crystal market right now, is another relative of Labradorite (but that's for a future blog post.)
Labradorite is one of the most important crystals for the third eye, and drawing out your innate witchy abilities - telepathy, clairvoyance, astral travel, spirit guide communication, tarot cards and other forms of divination, past-life work, psychic abilities...basically, this is the stone for all your New-Age needs. Labradorite earrings are particularly good if you're interested in consulting your spirit guides and hearing their messages, and labradorite rings are a must-have for witches, enhancing the ability to send, as well as receive, magic. Place a labradorite specimen on your third eye (between your two physical eyes) for a few minutes each day, and I can pretty much promise that you'll start to notice a difference.
However, if you're not necessarily trying to open your third eye, have an out-of-body experience, or divine the future, this is still a really good stone to have in your collection - it is a powerful de-stresser, radiating calming blue-ray energy, and can also be used to alleviate fear and insecurity. Labradorite also stimulates the imagination (Pineapple Amethyst, Botswana Agate, and Alexandrite are also really good crystals to use for this, and pair well with Labradorite) and is a very supportive for when you're going through change, encouraging perseverance (Agates are good for this also, especially Tree Agate.)
You know how some people are so negative that even just being around them makes you feel drained, tired, and altogether uncomfortable? Wearing or carrying labradorite provides you with a little energetic shield to protect you against such energy depletions. Labradorite also removes attachments that sometimes plague your aura when someone sends negative thoughts your way - whether intentional or not, these can be quite disruptive to your life, so its good to clear 'em out.
Physically, crystal healers use labradorite to treat colds, gout, rheumatism, high blood pressure, menstrual discomforts, and eye problems. It also helps to energetically regulate the metabolism.
So these are the main uses of labradorite, a total must-have for your crystal collection. It's very available on the market right now, so you should have no trouble finding this crystal beauty. Its vibration is very user-friendly, so its a great entry-level stone for third eye work (though still intense.) Have fun & enjoy ;)
Thursday, March 31, 2016
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
A LITTLE BIT ABOUT GREEN APATITE
Hi and crystal blessings! Hope everyone has enjoyed the last few days of the Sagittarius Moon energy - for some reason, I have actually been pretty stressed out and emotionally off despite the usual laid-back vibe of this lunar transit (though I suppose you can't blame the moon for everything!) I did want to mention that tonight around 10 P.M. the moon goes void between Sagittarius and Capricorn - all this means to you is that this isn't a super great time to start anything, so don't sit down to write that paper, because you'll find your creative juices just aren't flowing. Tomorrow, the moon will enter serious Cappy, so we'll be in the mood to get things done and attend to our responsibilities, so whatever you were thinking about getting started tonight, just wait 'till tomorrow!
I'm really wanting to get back to focusing on specific crystals in my blog posts, and spending the entire time exploring their energetic signature and all the cool ways you can work with them. Today, the crystal I want to push into the spotlight is GREEN APATITE.
That's right. Not blue. Not yellow. These are the apatites everyone is always wanting to talk about, and perhaps rightfully so - I'm wearing my blue apatite ring as we speak, and I never do any form of public speaking without my blue apatite wrap (don't worry, I'll post about these varieties of apatite, too!) But, the green variety, being slightly less common, tends to get skipped over completely, which is a total shame - these little guys have an EXTREMELY user-friendly, nonthreatening energy, so even people who don't work a lot with crystals tend to really like them (this makes them particularly good for kids, too.)
Green apatite does most of the cool things it's blue and yellow siblings do - they all are beneficial to people with social discomfort or anxiety, bringing social ease, charisma, and dissolving an aura of aloofness. The apatites are also good at cultivating a healthy relationship with food, and can therefore be helpful little crystal companions for dieting.
I like to recommend this stone particularly to Sun Sign VIRGOS because Green apatite is extremely soothing and calming to the nerves. Typically, Virgos are more abundant with nervous energy than any other sign of the zodiac, always trying to burn it off by running errands, doing chores around the house, working out, or even with mental activities and distractions. Plus, Virgoans are grounded, and will also appreciate the earth connection provided by this stone in addition to the soothing effect it has on their nerves.
As you probably could have guessed by the green color, this is a wonderful stone for the HEART CHAKRA. It is used by crystal healers to treat physical conditions of the heart, and this is a great stone for understanding the karmic routes for your current emotional circumstances (meditate with your green apatite or place it under your pillow to gain such karmic insight.) Additionally, you should wear this stone if you are trying to shed any unhealthy habits you may have in your relationships, or are trying to improve your communication skills with your significant other. This is also a wonderful crystal for soothing heartbreak.
Green apatites are unique because they carry the emotional energy of the green ray combined with the mental energy of an apatite. What this means to you is that this crystal will balance your mental and emotional selves, so is beneficial to people who tend to gravitate toward one of these to an unhealthy extent, instead teaching you to appeal to both your emotions AND intellect when going about daily life and making decisions.
This is also a good crystal companion for TEACHERS and HEALERS, as it helps you to put energy out (as both of these occupations require you to do), while still maintaining some inner balance. If you are a healer, you should definitely be interested in green apatite, as it helps with the transfer of healing energy during reiki or healing touch sessions. It's also great to use in a crystal treatment, as witch's use this stone to amplify the effects of other crystals (and it can also make you more sensitive to crystal energy.)
As with most green stones, green apatite manifests ABUNDANCE and is a wonderful companion for people who have unhealthy relationships with or attachments to money - for this, pair it with almandine garnet (the most common, wine red variety.) Not only is this emotionally beneficial, but according to the law of attraction, will then attract abundance.
Green apatite is a great stone to carry around after battling an illness that really took a piece out of you, or suffering emotional pain or difficulty - its vibe, which can only be described as fresh and spring-like, is rejuvenating and restorative.
So, that's a little bit about a vastly underappreciated apatite and some of the cool ways you can work with it. While you will likely not find a green apatite at any ole' new age shop, most mineral stores will have them, and they are definitely available online.
Thanks for stopping! :)
~The Crystal Witch
I'm really wanting to get back to focusing on specific crystals in my blog posts, and spending the entire time exploring their energetic signature and all the cool ways you can work with them. Today, the crystal I want to push into the spotlight is GREEN APATITE.
That's right. Not blue. Not yellow. These are the apatites everyone is always wanting to talk about, and perhaps rightfully so - I'm wearing my blue apatite ring as we speak, and I never do any form of public speaking without my blue apatite wrap (don't worry, I'll post about these varieties of apatite, too!) But, the green variety, being slightly less common, tends to get skipped over completely, which is a total shame - these little guys have an EXTREMELY user-friendly, nonthreatening energy, so even people who don't work a lot with crystals tend to really like them (this makes them particularly good for kids, too.)
Green apatite does most of the cool things it's blue and yellow siblings do - they all are beneficial to people with social discomfort or anxiety, bringing social ease, charisma, and dissolving an aura of aloofness. The apatites are also good at cultivating a healthy relationship with food, and can therefore be helpful little crystal companions for dieting.
I like to recommend this stone particularly to Sun Sign VIRGOS because Green apatite is extremely soothing and calming to the nerves. Typically, Virgos are more abundant with nervous energy than any other sign of the zodiac, always trying to burn it off by running errands, doing chores around the house, working out, or even with mental activities and distractions. Plus, Virgoans are grounded, and will also appreciate the earth connection provided by this stone in addition to the soothing effect it has on their nerves.
As you probably could have guessed by the green color, this is a wonderful stone for the HEART CHAKRA. It is used by crystal healers to treat physical conditions of the heart, and this is a great stone for understanding the karmic routes for your current emotional circumstances (meditate with your green apatite or place it under your pillow to gain such karmic insight.) Additionally, you should wear this stone if you are trying to shed any unhealthy habits you may have in your relationships, or are trying to improve your communication skills with your significant other. This is also a wonderful crystal for soothing heartbreak.
Green apatites are unique because they carry the emotional energy of the green ray combined with the mental energy of an apatite. What this means to you is that this crystal will balance your mental and emotional selves, so is beneficial to people who tend to gravitate toward one of these to an unhealthy extent, instead teaching you to appeal to both your emotions AND intellect when going about daily life and making decisions.
This is also a good crystal companion for TEACHERS and HEALERS, as it helps you to put energy out (as both of these occupations require you to do), while still maintaining some inner balance. If you are a healer, you should definitely be interested in green apatite, as it helps with the transfer of healing energy during reiki or healing touch sessions. It's also great to use in a crystal treatment, as witch's use this stone to amplify the effects of other crystals (and it can also make you more sensitive to crystal energy.)
As with most green stones, green apatite manifests ABUNDANCE and is a wonderful companion for people who have unhealthy relationships with or attachments to money - for this, pair it with almandine garnet (the most common, wine red variety.) Not only is this emotionally beneficial, but according to the law of attraction, will then attract abundance.
Green apatite is a great stone to carry around after battling an illness that really took a piece out of you, or suffering emotional pain or difficulty - its vibe, which can only be described as fresh and spring-like, is rejuvenating and restorative.
So, that's a little bit about a vastly underappreciated apatite and some of the cool ways you can work with it. While you will likely not find a green apatite at any ole' new age shop, most mineral stores will have them, and they are definitely available online.
Thanks for stopping! :)
~The Crystal Witch
Sunday, March 20, 2016
TEN CRYSTALS TO BENEFIT YOUR RELATIONSHIP
With the impending Libra Lunar eclipse occurring Wednesday, March 23rd, you will likely be noticing some stress or shifts in your closest relationships, particularly those which are romantic in nature. Of course, strong relationships will survive this turbulent time regardless, but arming yourself with a few crystals can make any potential obstacles easier to circumvent. So, here are my top crystal recommendations for those whose relationships could use a little bit of energetic attention (& these are not necessarily in order):
1.) GARNET. This stone is specifically useful in relationships that suffer sexually - couples who don't have enough sex, have lost passion for their relationship, or have sexual libidos that are simply not in sync (just be careful about placing a garnet by the bed, as these little guys also increase fertility.) This stone also reignites passion beyond the bedroom, stirring excitement and enthusiasm for the relationship and your partner. Garnet is one of the very best stones for ensuring commitment and fidelity in a relationship. As I explain in my blog post devoted to Garnet, Almandine Garnet is the most readily available and the one I am referring to here.
2.) CHRYSOPRASE. I LOVE this stone for relationships - it just may be my favorite. First of all, Chrysoprase clears the heart of any old wounds associated with exes that really hurt you, so if these pose a problem to your existing relationship, this is the stone you will want to work with. It is wonderful for encouraging trust, so if you struggle with trust issues (even if your partner has not necessarily given you a reason to) a meditation session with chrysoprase on the heart chakra could be just what you need. Like Garnet, these green beauties also encourage fidelity and commitment, but there is an added bonus here - chrysoprose prevents unhealthy codependent relationships from forming, encouraging healthy independence for both parties, while still ensuring commitment. This stone also encourages forgiveness if you often find yourself punishing your partner for their mistakes.
3.) CELESTITE. Celestite is the beautiful light blue form of Anhydrite, and is becoming more rare, as some major Celestite sites have recently become exhausted. However, this is a wonderful stone for bringing harmony to a dysfunctional relationship. If you have a fiery temper that poses issues, wearing or carrying Celestite regularly can help you balance this and promote a less turbulent situation.
4.) CHRYSOCOLLA. Like Celestite, Chrysocolla also acts as a stabilizer of turbulent relationships, and I like this one because it acts as a personal power stone, and can therefore help to keep your individuality in mind for those who become easily caught up in their significant other to an unhealthy extent.
5.) EMERALD. This is a great stone for general domestic bliss and harmony, so even if no immediate weaknesses come to mind regarding your relationship, an Emerald is a perfect little token to keep it this way! Like Garnet, it is also said to ensure fidelity and commitment (and is historically said to change color in the presence of an unfaithful lover...hm, interesting?)
6.) GAIA STONE. I added this one with reluctance, as Gaia Stone is artificially manufactured glass made with volcanic ash from Mount St. Helen and is NOT a direct product of Mama Earth. However, for those who subscribe to the idea of man-made crystals (I'm not so sure I do) this is supposedly a wonderful stone for promoting the growth of love and intimacy, and acting as a wonderful talisman for relationship and heart chakra health.
7.) MOSS AGATE. Moss Agate promotes the gradual increase of ANYTHING - it is frequently used to attract abundance, but it can also be used to increase romance, love, trust, and/or intimacy in your relationship. It makes a wonderful addition to a mojo bag with other love crystals. If your relationship is just starting out, this is a wonderful talisman for new beginnings (psst...this is also a great crystal for support during a breakup, but that's for a future blog post...) Tsavorite Garnet is a little more rare, but works similarly to Moss Agate.
8.) RHODONITE. Rhodonite is a great stone for healing all sorts of emotional imbalances within you that may manifest as problems in your relationships. First of all, it is a wonderful talisman for healing codependence. Additionally, working and meditating with Rhodonite can help you achieve pure, unselfish love not rooted in toxic emotion, and will help you to form a healthy relationship with yourself, halting a tendency to blame your partner for issues that are really more about you than them. Of course, stuff this heavy and internal requires regular and consistent meditation and contact with the stone.
9.) ROSE QUARTZ. This is the ultimate spiritual stone for helping you to open your heart chakra and receive love. Before you write this off as sounding too New-Agey, realize that problems in relationships often manifest because you are having a difficult time accepting and letting yourself receive love. Working with Rose Quartz helps you to approach love in an unselfish, healthy way (much like Rhodonite), forgive, and realize that you are worthy of the greatest love your partner can possibly give you.
10.) GREEN APATITE. I was reluctant to add this one to list, as it can be hard to find and I wasn't sure similar effects cannot be received from other crystals I've already mentioned here, but I think it's unique enough. Wearing a piece of green apatite jewelry helps one to combat destructive patterns they have developed within their relationship, as well as work on their communication skills with their partner (for an extra boost of this loving communication energy, pair green apatite with amazonite.)
The great news is that most of these crystals are common as tumbled stones, so I would recommend stocking up on as many as you can. Making mojo bags is my favorite way to work with crystal energy, especially for a goal such as this. I would recommend filling a mojo bag (preferably pink, red or green) with a couple of these crystals (as many as possible!), a few drops of essential oil (Lavender, Orange Blossom, Rose, Jasmine, and Ylang Ylang are great ones for love, depending on your specific goal) and some dried herbs (Jasmine, lavender, rosemary, or rose petals work lovely.) Placing them in your love corner (the farthest right corner of your home or apartment, from the front entrance) may also prove rather effective.
Have some fun with this, good luck, and happy Libra Lunar Eclipse! :)
~The Crystal Witch
1.) GARNET. This stone is specifically useful in relationships that suffer sexually - couples who don't have enough sex, have lost passion for their relationship, or have sexual libidos that are simply not in sync (just be careful about placing a garnet by the bed, as these little guys also increase fertility.) This stone also reignites passion beyond the bedroom, stirring excitement and enthusiasm for the relationship and your partner. Garnet is one of the very best stones for ensuring commitment and fidelity in a relationship. As I explain in my blog post devoted to Garnet, Almandine Garnet is the most readily available and the one I am referring to here.
2.) CHRYSOPRASE. I LOVE this stone for relationships - it just may be my favorite. First of all, Chrysoprase clears the heart of any old wounds associated with exes that really hurt you, so if these pose a problem to your existing relationship, this is the stone you will want to work with. It is wonderful for encouraging trust, so if you struggle with trust issues (even if your partner has not necessarily given you a reason to) a meditation session with chrysoprase on the heart chakra could be just what you need. Like Garnet, these green beauties also encourage fidelity and commitment, but there is an added bonus here - chrysoprose prevents unhealthy codependent relationships from forming, encouraging healthy independence for both parties, while still ensuring commitment. This stone also encourages forgiveness if you often find yourself punishing your partner for their mistakes.
3.) CELESTITE. Celestite is the beautiful light blue form of Anhydrite, and is becoming more rare, as some major Celestite sites have recently become exhausted. However, this is a wonderful stone for bringing harmony to a dysfunctional relationship. If you have a fiery temper that poses issues, wearing or carrying Celestite regularly can help you balance this and promote a less turbulent situation.
4.) CHRYSOCOLLA. Like Celestite, Chrysocolla also acts as a stabilizer of turbulent relationships, and I like this one because it acts as a personal power stone, and can therefore help to keep your individuality in mind for those who become easily caught up in their significant other to an unhealthy extent.
5.) EMERALD. This is a great stone for general domestic bliss and harmony, so even if no immediate weaknesses come to mind regarding your relationship, an Emerald is a perfect little token to keep it this way! Like Garnet, it is also said to ensure fidelity and commitment (and is historically said to change color in the presence of an unfaithful lover...hm, interesting?)
6.) GAIA STONE. I added this one with reluctance, as Gaia Stone is artificially manufactured glass made with volcanic ash from Mount St. Helen and is NOT a direct product of Mama Earth. However, for those who subscribe to the idea of man-made crystals (I'm not so sure I do) this is supposedly a wonderful stone for promoting the growth of love and intimacy, and acting as a wonderful talisman for relationship and heart chakra health.
7.) MOSS AGATE. Moss Agate promotes the gradual increase of ANYTHING - it is frequently used to attract abundance, but it can also be used to increase romance, love, trust, and/or intimacy in your relationship. It makes a wonderful addition to a mojo bag with other love crystals. If your relationship is just starting out, this is a wonderful talisman for new beginnings (psst...this is also a great crystal for support during a breakup, but that's for a future blog post...) Tsavorite Garnet is a little more rare, but works similarly to Moss Agate.
8.) RHODONITE. Rhodonite is a great stone for healing all sorts of emotional imbalances within you that may manifest as problems in your relationships. First of all, it is a wonderful talisman for healing codependence. Additionally, working and meditating with Rhodonite can help you achieve pure, unselfish love not rooted in toxic emotion, and will help you to form a healthy relationship with yourself, halting a tendency to blame your partner for issues that are really more about you than them. Of course, stuff this heavy and internal requires regular and consistent meditation and contact with the stone.
9.) ROSE QUARTZ. This is the ultimate spiritual stone for helping you to open your heart chakra and receive love. Before you write this off as sounding too New-Agey, realize that problems in relationships often manifest because you are having a difficult time accepting and letting yourself receive love. Working with Rose Quartz helps you to approach love in an unselfish, healthy way (much like Rhodonite), forgive, and realize that you are worthy of the greatest love your partner can possibly give you.
10.) GREEN APATITE. I was reluctant to add this one to list, as it can be hard to find and I wasn't sure similar effects cannot be received from other crystals I've already mentioned here, but I think it's unique enough. Wearing a piece of green apatite jewelry helps one to combat destructive patterns they have developed within their relationship, as well as work on their communication skills with their partner (for an extra boost of this loving communication energy, pair green apatite with amazonite.)
The great news is that most of these crystals are common as tumbled stones, so I would recommend stocking up on as many as you can. Making mojo bags is my favorite way to work with crystal energy, especially for a goal such as this. I would recommend filling a mojo bag (preferably pink, red or green) with a couple of these crystals (as many as possible!), a few drops of essential oil (Lavender, Orange Blossom, Rose, Jasmine, and Ylang Ylang are great ones for love, depending on your specific goal) and some dried herbs (Jasmine, lavender, rosemary, or rose petals work lovely.) Placing them in your love corner (the farthest right corner of your home or apartment, from the front entrance) may also prove rather effective.
Have some fun with this, good luck, and happy Libra Lunar Eclipse! :)
~The Crystal Witch
Friday, March 18, 2016
APACHE TEARS: 5 Ways to Work with my Favorite Obsidian
Hello! Hope everyone is enjoying the playful Leo moon - people are feeling a little more generous today, so this is a great time to ask for a raise or a favor. However, try to steer clear of drama - people are also feeling more dramatic and overly-emotive now, so this is something to watch out for. Additionally, this is a very romantic position for the moon to be in, creating the perfect energetic atmosphere for telling or showing someone how you feel ;)
Anyway, I want to talk to you today about my favorite member of the Obsidian family - Apache Tears, which are readily available and can be found in virtually any New Age or Mineral shop. Apache Tears are typically found in volcanic regions, and there is a rather sad legend accompanying the name - Apache warriors were apparently forced over the edge of a cliff by the U.S. cavalry, and the tears of the Apache women mourning their men solidified and turned to Apache Tears.
So, here are some cool ways you can work with this stone (and I highly recommend you do):
1.) PROTECTION. While its crystal 101 knowledge that black stones typically=protection, Apache Tears have a particularly important protective ability, and are one of the finest crystals for this. Much like fluorite, they work like little psychic vacuums and powerfully absorb negative energy. They can be left in the home or any other environment to regularly keep the amount of negative energy in check. Additionally, this is a great crystal to protect you on your travels, especially at night, and should be tucked away somewhere in your car if you travel frequently overnight. You can also take it on vacations with you if you're going to an unfamiliar and potentially hostile area. Apache Tears are said to give their beholder the gift of psychic invisibility - no, they don't LITERALLY make you invisible, but they are said to help you keep a low profile if you're walking home alone at night. It is also said that these little guys can warn you of approaching negative people or situations.
2.) TRANSMUTING GRIEF. Whether you are mourning a deceased loved one or a collapsed relationship, Apache Tears are pretty much the very best for emotional cleansing and helping one to overcome grief (Crazy Lace Agate is also great for absorbing emotional pain, and the two work beautifully together in a mojo bag for this.) Additionally, it also works on the emotional body to draw out lingering emotional pain from previous hurts and anxieties about the future.
3.) FORGIVENESS. Forgiveness is SO important; while you may think that to deny someone your forgiveness is to punish them, it is you who suffers when you hold onto an unhealthy grudge. In Reiki, resentment is the attributed energetic root of really severe physical dis-eases - so you definitely don't want that clogging up your heart chakra! Apache Tears are great to work with when you need to forgive someone, as you realize your resentment is holding you back. Mangano calcite, rose quartz, and chrysoprase are some of my other favorite crystals to use for forgiveness, and an Apache Tear can be added into a mojo bag with these other ingredients to boost the effect.
4.) TO HELP YOU BE MORE PRESENT AND STILL. This is a heavily recommended stone for the Type A personality; meditating with it or carrying it around with you everyday balances the root chakra, and can therefore help one to experience stillness and presence - something normally lacking in the Type A personality.
5.) FOR SUPPORTING THE HEALTH OF THE PHYSICAL BODY. Apache Tears are said to be powerful blood cleansers (use with Bloodstone), immune boosters, and detoxifiers. Additionally, they are said to help the body to assimilate Vitamins C and D.
So, while there is more that can be said about Apache Tears (they are also said to help remove self-imposed limitations, improve analytical abilities, protect against snakes...) these are pretty much the top five most unique and important ways to use them. Hopefully this list was helpful to you!
Anyway, I want to talk to you today about my favorite member of the Obsidian family - Apache Tears, which are readily available and can be found in virtually any New Age or Mineral shop. Apache Tears are typically found in volcanic regions, and there is a rather sad legend accompanying the name - Apache warriors were apparently forced over the edge of a cliff by the U.S. cavalry, and the tears of the Apache women mourning their men solidified and turned to Apache Tears.
So, here are some cool ways you can work with this stone (and I highly recommend you do):
1.) PROTECTION. While its crystal 101 knowledge that black stones typically=protection, Apache Tears have a particularly important protective ability, and are one of the finest crystals for this. Much like fluorite, they work like little psychic vacuums and powerfully absorb negative energy. They can be left in the home or any other environment to regularly keep the amount of negative energy in check. Additionally, this is a great crystal to protect you on your travels, especially at night, and should be tucked away somewhere in your car if you travel frequently overnight. You can also take it on vacations with you if you're going to an unfamiliar and potentially hostile area. Apache Tears are said to give their beholder the gift of psychic invisibility - no, they don't LITERALLY make you invisible, but they are said to help you keep a low profile if you're walking home alone at night. It is also said that these little guys can warn you of approaching negative people or situations.
2.) TRANSMUTING GRIEF. Whether you are mourning a deceased loved one or a collapsed relationship, Apache Tears are pretty much the very best for emotional cleansing and helping one to overcome grief (Crazy Lace Agate is also great for absorbing emotional pain, and the two work beautifully together in a mojo bag for this.) Additionally, it also works on the emotional body to draw out lingering emotional pain from previous hurts and anxieties about the future.
3.) FORGIVENESS. Forgiveness is SO important; while you may think that to deny someone your forgiveness is to punish them, it is you who suffers when you hold onto an unhealthy grudge. In Reiki, resentment is the attributed energetic root of really severe physical dis-eases - so you definitely don't want that clogging up your heart chakra! Apache Tears are great to work with when you need to forgive someone, as you realize your resentment is holding you back. Mangano calcite, rose quartz, and chrysoprase are some of my other favorite crystals to use for forgiveness, and an Apache Tear can be added into a mojo bag with these other ingredients to boost the effect.
4.) TO HELP YOU BE MORE PRESENT AND STILL. This is a heavily recommended stone for the Type A personality; meditating with it or carrying it around with you everyday balances the root chakra, and can therefore help one to experience stillness and presence - something normally lacking in the Type A personality.
5.) FOR SUPPORTING THE HEALTH OF THE PHYSICAL BODY. Apache Tears are said to be powerful blood cleansers (use with Bloodstone), immune boosters, and detoxifiers. Additionally, they are said to help the body to assimilate Vitamins C and D.
So, while there is more that can be said about Apache Tears (they are also said to help remove self-imposed limitations, improve analytical abilities, protect against snakes...) these are pretty much the top five most unique and important ways to use them. Hopefully this list was helpful to you!
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
OPALITE, GAIA STONE, ANDARA GLASS, & BISMUTH: YOUR GUIDE TO THE MAN-MADE "CRYSTALS"
Hey and crystal blessings! The astrological weather today is a little foggy, with the moon in limbo between lighthearted Gemini and emotional Cancer - you might spend the day feeling a little bit foggy, and should burn some lemongrass incense to help give you some needed mental clarity. The second-quarter waxing crescent (which will be beautiful tonight) will finally enter sentimental cancer tonight around 9 o'clock P.M., and over the next few days you might be feeling a little touchy, overly-sensitive, needy, or even clingy toward those you love. But don't worry, this will pass in a few short days when the moon moves toward outgoing Leo on Friday March 18th. In the meantime, we're eagerly awaiting what is going to be a STUNNING Lunar Eclipse in Libra next week, which might shake up your closest relationships a bit (in addition to all the typical full moon effects, amplified).
But anyway, today I wanted to talk a little bit about the manmade crystals, which seem to have snuck into the New Age Market. Before I tell you a little bit about who they are and what they do, first, a little disclaimer: while I admit to having a lab-grown bismuth and an opalite in my crystal collection, I would pretty much advise you to stay away from the man-made "stones". While often beautiful, and typically considered to carry energetic properties (though even this is pretty heavily disputed by some well-respected voices in the crystal healing community), there are simply too many beautiful and powerful crystals that are NOT man-made to waste your time chasing artificially manufactured glass. But, if this disclaimer doesn't deter you, read on to learn about the four major ones you will likely come across on your crystal journey.
1.) OPALITE. Not to be confused with OPAL, which it has nothing to do with and is completely unrelated to, Opalite is synthetically opalized glass with a distinct milky white appearance. It is intended to energetically mimic the properties of Tiffany Stone, a beautiful mineral that you are realistically probably never going to encounter on your crystal journey due to its rarity. Opalite is said to be beneficial to the crown chakra and therefore help you on all your psychic endeavors - incorporate it into your tarot card readings, meditate with it for a cool experience, or carry it with you to fine-tune your psychic abilities. Additionally, this stone is also said to help express yourself emotionally if this is something you struggle with. For a little help with this, use Opalite in conjunction with Aquamarine, Amazonite, and/or Blue Lace Agate. Physically, Opalite is said to balance and stabilize the hormones, particularly in younger people.
2.) GAIA STONE. This is probably my favorite of the lab-grown crystals. Gaia Stone is artificially manufactured green glass, and supposedly is made with Volcanic Ash from Mount St. Helen's - assuming this is true (don't buy Gaia Stone from a sketchy source) this is actually a pretty cool companion to work with. Gaia Stone is particularly protective of women, so is wonderful to use when you need a touch of feminine strength, and also helps to attract love, abundance, and good fortune, and makes a wonderful gift to your sweetie because it promotes the growth of love and intimacy. This is also a powerful emotional healer and stabilizer, helping to release fear of the unknown, calm anxiety, and help you adjust to a new routine.
3.) ANDARA GLASS. This is one of the most heavily disputed man-made crystals, because some healers LOVE it, claiming it to be some sort of master healer, while others maintain that, like all man-made crystals, it is merely a piece of glass and a rip-off. Like Gaia Stone, Andara Glass is allegedly made with natural materials, though you can assume this is definitely not always the case. If you do choose to work with Andara Glass, it is said to be a really nice receptacle for spell-work or intention-setting, and also helps to protect against EMS (the negative, harmful energy emitted by technology.) Physically, those who use it claim it to be a master healer, bringing the entire body into balance. Of course, Clear Quartz is also a fine receptacle for intentions and spellwork, and Amazonite, Sodalite, Fluorite, Black tourmaline, and/or Malachite are always my go-to crystals for protecting against EMS.
4.) BISMUTH. While Bismuth is actually a base metal that IS found in nature, the stunning, multi-colored bismuth sold everywhere in New Age stores is lab-grown. However, it seems to be widely embraced in the crystal healing community, appearing in pretty much every New Age/Mineral shop, including the most respectable. The lab-grown stuff is intended to mimic the energetic signature of the real thing, and you can use it when you need a little boost of energy - use Carnelian for a natural alternative or supplement to this.
So, now that you know a little bit about the alleged properties of the man-made "stones," you can decide for yourself if you want to add any of these to your collection. While you can research all day what the "experts" are saying, the choice is yours. But it is worth mentioning that none of these "stones" have properties that cannot be found in the world of natural minerals, so they are DEFINITELY not a necessity.
Blessings!!
But anyway, today I wanted to talk a little bit about the manmade crystals, which seem to have snuck into the New Age Market. Before I tell you a little bit about who they are and what they do, first, a little disclaimer: while I admit to having a lab-grown bismuth and an opalite in my crystal collection, I would pretty much advise you to stay away from the man-made "stones". While often beautiful, and typically considered to carry energetic properties (though even this is pretty heavily disputed by some well-respected voices in the crystal healing community), there are simply too many beautiful and powerful crystals that are NOT man-made to waste your time chasing artificially manufactured glass. But, if this disclaimer doesn't deter you, read on to learn about the four major ones you will likely come across on your crystal journey.
1.) OPALITE. Not to be confused with OPAL, which it has nothing to do with and is completely unrelated to, Opalite is synthetically opalized glass with a distinct milky white appearance. It is intended to energetically mimic the properties of Tiffany Stone, a beautiful mineral that you are realistically probably never going to encounter on your crystal journey due to its rarity. Opalite is said to be beneficial to the crown chakra and therefore help you on all your psychic endeavors - incorporate it into your tarot card readings, meditate with it for a cool experience, or carry it with you to fine-tune your psychic abilities. Additionally, this stone is also said to help express yourself emotionally if this is something you struggle with. For a little help with this, use Opalite in conjunction with Aquamarine, Amazonite, and/or Blue Lace Agate. Physically, Opalite is said to balance and stabilize the hormones, particularly in younger people.
2.) GAIA STONE. This is probably my favorite of the lab-grown crystals. Gaia Stone is artificially manufactured green glass, and supposedly is made with Volcanic Ash from Mount St. Helen's - assuming this is true (don't buy Gaia Stone from a sketchy source) this is actually a pretty cool companion to work with. Gaia Stone is particularly protective of women, so is wonderful to use when you need a touch of feminine strength, and also helps to attract love, abundance, and good fortune, and makes a wonderful gift to your sweetie because it promotes the growth of love and intimacy. This is also a powerful emotional healer and stabilizer, helping to release fear of the unknown, calm anxiety, and help you adjust to a new routine.
3.) ANDARA GLASS. This is one of the most heavily disputed man-made crystals, because some healers LOVE it, claiming it to be some sort of master healer, while others maintain that, like all man-made crystals, it is merely a piece of glass and a rip-off. Like Gaia Stone, Andara Glass is allegedly made with natural materials, though you can assume this is definitely not always the case. If you do choose to work with Andara Glass, it is said to be a really nice receptacle for spell-work or intention-setting, and also helps to protect against EMS (the negative, harmful energy emitted by technology.) Physically, those who use it claim it to be a master healer, bringing the entire body into balance. Of course, Clear Quartz is also a fine receptacle for intentions and spellwork, and Amazonite, Sodalite, Fluorite, Black tourmaline, and/or Malachite are always my go-to crystals for protecting against EMS.
4.) BISMUTH. While Bismuth is actually a base metal that IS found in nature, the stunning, multi-colored bismuth sold everywhere in New Age stores is lab-grown. However, it seems to be widely embraced in the crystal healing community, appearing in pretty much every New Age/Mineral shop, including the most respectable. The lab-grown stuff is intended to mimic the energetic signature of the real thing, and you can use it when you need a little boost of energy - use Carnelian for a natural alternative or supplement to this.
So, now that you know a little bit about the alleged properties of the man-made "stones," you can decide for yourself if you want to add any of these to your collection. While you can research all day what the "experts" are saying, the choice is yours. But it is worth mentioning that none of these "stones" have properties that cannot be found in the world of natural minerals, so they are DEFINITELY not a necessity.
Blessings!!
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