Gratitude

This is my gratitude crystal.  It is a nice flat piece of Carnelian - one of my favourite crystals!

I keep it by my bed to remind me of all that I have to be grateful for in my life.  I see it when I get up in the morning and when I go to bed and I am reminded how fortunate I am - for my lovely husband, my family, my friends, for my crystals, my customers, for being able to live in the New Forest, for the sunshine, perhaps something special I am doing/have done that day ...

Even if I think I have had a "bad" day, when I look at my Gratitude Crystal I am reminded of good things that happened that day that I am grateful for - the stranger who smiled at me, a door being held open for me, the birds singing, the nice wholesome food I ate, a text from a friend.  It makes me realise that my day wasn't as "bad" as I thought it was and "good" things did happen.

A gratitude crystal can be any type crystal of your choosing.  I personally like flat crystals as they are nice to hold when I want to be reminded of all that I have to be grateful for.

I have recently moved house - from a lovely rented house to a house that needs a lot of working doing to it. When our furniture arrived three weeks ago, virtually all the floorboards on the first floor were still raised so that new wiring and central heating pipes could be put in, so all our worldly goods were (are still mostly are!) piled floor to ceiling downstairs.

In those three weeks we have had a lot to be grateful for - the workmen who have been doing the necessary work so we now have power, hot water and lighting, our old neighbours who let us stay in their house when ours wasn't habitable and the support of our friends and family.

Last weekend we were able to make up a bedroom and clear some room in the lounge for a sofa and TV (essential to Barry to watch sport!).  This was something to be grateful for.

I chuckled to myself this morning when I was proudly showing the builder my  "kitchen" as I now have electricity in the kitchen and have a space to put a mini oven (gratefully lent to us),  an electric grill (gratefully won in a raffle) and a single ring to put a saucepan on.

So think of what you have to be grateful for in your life.  Choose a crystal to use as a Gratitude Crystal and look at it frequently to remind you of the good things to be grateful for in your life. Don't dwell on anything negative, (we all have that to varying degrees), but see how many positive things you do have to be grateful for.  Some people like to write down 5 or 10 things that they were grateful for at the end of each day in a nice little book, and this may also be something that appeals to you.

A recent 'quote of the day' from Brahma Kumaris said that "The quality of thought creates the quality of life", so if your thoughts reflect you gratitude, so will your life.

Hematite

Whilst going through the house-buying process with all its pitfalls and tribulations, I was drawn to use Hematite.

When I re-visited its properties I released what a good choice it was! 

 

Some of its wonderful properties are listed here :-

v  Hematite is from the Greek word “haematites” which means “blood-like”.  It was known as “bloodstone” during the middle ages.  The Egyptians used Hematite to staunch the flow of blood from wounds and for the formation of blood cells.

v  Hematite ranges in colour from grey to black with a shiny lustre.  Unpolished, Hematite has red tones.

v  Being traditionally associated with the blood, hematite can benefit blood disorders.

v  Hematite is used to treat anaemia (as it is composed of 70% iron itself), especially when there is a lack of vitality.

v  Hematite improves the quality of the red blood cells 

 

v  Hematite makes for better usage of iron in the diet.

v  Hematite has the ability to reduce blood pressure. 

v  Hematite aids circulatory problems and is especially useful for treating Reynaud’s Disease.

v  It is recommended for use during childbirth, partly to prevent excessive bleeding and partly to keep everyone calm, due to it’s calming effect on the nerves.

v  It is said to be the “stone of the mind” as it helps one to sort out things in one’s mind.  It is also useful for mental attunement.

v  Because of Hematite’s affinity with the base chakra, it is particularly good grounding crystal.  It helps those who feel heady and ungrounded, especially after therapeutic treatments.

v  As well as drawing negativity from the base chakra, Hematite will prevent you from absorbing the negativity of others.

v  It strengthens our connection with the earth, making us feel safe and secure.

v  Hematite is a calming stone that helps to soothe the nerves and is useful for alleviating stress and anxiety.

v  Hematite prevents negative energy from entering the aura.

v  Hematite gives us courage, strength, endurance and vitality.

v  Hematite has the ability to help you “keep your cool” – mentally as well as physically.  So place it on the forehead to reduce a fever or on any painful and inflamed area of the body to cool them.

v  Hematite is beneficial for arthritis sufferers due to the benefits above.

v  Hematite is beneficial for getting rid of leg cramps.

v  Hematite is useful for muscular-skeletal conditions.

v  Placing Hematite on the base of the spine or on an area if misalignment is said to help adjust the vertebrae.

v  It assists the healing of fractures

v  Hematite is a good kidney cleanser.

v  Hematite is beneficial for insomnia sufferers.

v  Hematite harmonises the body, mind and spirit. 

v  Hematite has a strong yang element, redressing yin imbalances.  It also balances the meridians

v  Hematite is beneficial for legal situations.

v  Psychologically, Hematite gives strength.  It boosts self-esteem and imparts confidence.

v  Hematite is especially beneficial for timid women.

v  Hematite boosts willpower.  Especially useful for those who over-eat, smoke or generally over-indulge and want to do something about it. 

v  Hematite helps you come to terms with your mistakes and to accept them as learning experiences rather than disasters.

v  Mentally, Hematite stimulates concentration and focus.  It enhances memory and original thought.

v  Hematite is especially useful for the study of mathematical and technical subjects.

v  It brings the mind’s attention to basic survival needs and helps to sort out problems of all kind.

v  Hematite is conducive to enabling one to entering into a loving relationship and is said to attract “kind” love.

Using Hematite

Carry Hematite in your pocket to protect you from the negativity of others.

Use as an elixir for fevers.

Hematite is very grounding and is the main crystal to activate the Earth Star chakra.

Animal Healing

Benefits animals in transit

Calming for groups of animals, where agitation can spark off a reaction.

Useful for shocks to the system.

Crystals for these Changing Times

Happy New Year!

Over the past year or so, I have been reading more about Astrology. I am very much a beginner as it seems to me to be a vast and complex subject!

However, when I have faced challenging times of late, friends have pointed me in the direction of Astrology books and blogs showing me that these challenging times have often coincided with planetary changes.
 

I have been reading with interest that the next 6 months are going to be times of change. My first blog written in 2011 was entitled “the times they are a changing” and it seems that this is still the case!

So to help us face the coming months, I am focusing on a couple of crystals that can help us cope with change.

The first crystal I have chosen is Labradorite.

Labradorite is a useful companion through change, imparting strength and perseverance. It is a stone of transformation and helps to advance through the cycles of progression. Labradorite also provides vitality for transition.

 Labradorite banishes fears and insecurities and the psychic debris from previous disappointments, including those experienced in previous lives. Labradorite strengthens faith in the self and trust in the universe.

Labradorite helps to relieve stress.

I also read that extra protection may be needed through this period of change and Labradorite is a highly protective crystal.

It protects the aura and helps to keep the aura clear, balanced and free from energy leaks. Labradorite also deflects unwanted energy from the aura.

Labradorite calms an overactive mind.

Labradorite energises the imagination, bringing up new ideas.

Labradorite helps analysis and rationality to be balanced with inner sight.

Labradorite brings contemplation and introspection.

Synthesizing intellectual thought with intuitive wisdom, Labradorite is an excellent dispeller of illusions, going to the root of the matter and showing the real intention behind thoughts and action.

The second crystal I am focusing on to help with change is Moonstone.

Moonstone is a “stone of new beginnings”. As its name suggests, it is strongly connected to the moon and to the intuition. Like the moon, the stone is reflective and reminds us that, as the moon “waxes and wanes”, so everything is part of a cycle of change. (New beginnings are in effect the fruition of each” end”).

The energy of Moonstone is balancing, introspective, reflective and lunar. It is capable of helping with the changing structure of life on the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual level.

Moonstone as an affinity with our “emotional body” and its most powerful property is that of calming the emotions.

Moonstone calms over-reactions to situations and to emotional triggers.

Moonstone soothes emotional instability and stress and helps to stabilise the emotions.

Due to its favourable effect on the emotions, Moonstone is beneficial to the sacral chakra, (which is a focus for emotional tension).

Placed on the solar plexus, it draws out old emotional patterns so it can be understood and then dissolved. It can also help here where emotional stress disrupts the nervous system and digestion of food.

Moonstone provides deep emotional healing and heals disorders of the upper digestive tract that are related to emotional stress.

Moonstone promotes inner reflection and inner growth.

Moonstone helps to diminish obstacles on the path leading to ones progression and fulfilment of destiny. It facilitates the attainment of end-results.

The energy of Moonstone can help to replace physical energy in our bodies, especially when we feel depleted.

Moonstone is helpful in cases of insomnia.

As Francois de La Rochefoucauld is quoted as saying “the only thing constant in life is change” so go with it, work through it and allow it to help you live the authentic life your were born to live.

Enjoy using your crystals - hold them, meditate with them or make a crystal elixir.

Wishing you a joyful 2014

Julie

Christmas Crystals Blog

This time of year can be a stressful time for many.  Preparing for Christmas, buying presents, writing cards, shopping for food all take time and energy.

It is often a time when extended families get together and sometimes tensions can sometimes run high!

This blog will focus on the Crystal Kunzite as I feel that it would be a good crystal for this busy time of year.

I have included some of its wonderful properties below:-

v Kunzite is a very tranquil stone. 

v Just holding this crystal produces the feeling of a powerful peace, gently penetrating the inner core of one’s being.

v It is a very spiritual stone with a high vibration.

v Kunzite awakens the heart centre and unconditional love.

v Kunzite radiates peace and connects you to universal and infinite love.

v It produces loving thoughts and communication.

v Kunzite is a protective stone, both for the individual and for the environment.

v It has the power to dispel negativity.

v This stone shields the aura from unwanted energies, providing a protective sheath around it, and dispelling attached entities and mental influences from the aura.

v Kunzite strengthens the energy field around the body.

v Kunzite imparts the ability to be self-contained, even within a crowd.

v Kunzite encourages self-expression and allows free expression of feelings.

v It promotes the quality of tolerance for the self and others.

v Kunzite is helpful in reducing stress-related anxiety.

v Kunzite facilitates introspection and the ability to act on constructive criticism.

v It clears resistance and assists in effecting compromises between personal needs and those of others.

v Kunzite’s mood-lifting effect is helpful in depression arising from emotional causes.

v It is excellent for alleviating panic attacks.

v It stimulates the immune system and benefits stress-related dis-ease.

v Kunzite helps the physical body to recover from the effects of emotional stress.

v Kunzite helps to secrete the hormones of well-being.

Elixirs 

Kunzite is a great crystal to make into an elixir.  See Blog October 2011 for instructions on how to make an elixir.

Using Kunzite

Hold or place as appropriate.

  

Hold or place on the solar plexus to alleviate panic attacks.

It is most effective when worn as a pendant or taped to a mobile phone or other electromagnetic device

Allow it to “rest” in your environment!

NOTE Sunlight causes Kunzite to fade

I hope Kunzite can help you at this busy and often stressful time.  It is a crystal that I find very useful!

Seasons Greeting and wishing you all a very Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year.

Julie

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If there was anything specific you were looking for, or you have any questions please contact me via the Comments section at the bottom of the page and I will get back to you.  (Comments are emailed to me so don't immediately go on the blog unless you would like me to publish them!)

Thank you for your understanding.

Cleansing, Energising and Programming Crystals

Crystals absorb negative energy from those who have touched them and the surroundings.  From the mining process to awaiting sale, crystals will have been touched and handled by many people and will have absorbed their energy which could then be passed onto you.

Therefore it is necessary to cleanse your crystals before you use them.  It is also necessary to cleanse your crystals regularly to keep them functioning in your best interest.  No matter who may have given it to you or where you got your crystal, always cleanse your crystal to remove any negative vibrations and physical dirt. 

When using them in a Crystal Healing session, it is especially important that they are thoroughly cleansed before use and also cleansed at the end of the session too.  This will ensure that any residual disharmonies are removed from the stones. 

How to Cleanse Crystals

There are several ways to cleanse a crystal, including smudging, burying them in the earth, using salt/salt water, asking the light/angelic realm to cleanse the crystals.  Again, be guided by your own inner knowledge.  Only use a technique that truly resonates with you and your energy field.

Natural Water Cleansing (this is particularly suited to those born under a water sign)

First find a source of pure, clean fresh water.  This may be a stream, waterfall, river or spring.  Hold your crystal under the flowing water until you feel all the dirt or stored negative vibrations have left it.  When this process is complete you will feel your crystal is pure and vibrant.  It is now ready to be used, programmed, charged or dedicated.  Please check that your crystal is safe in water.  Some crystals, such as Selenite or Halite, are water-soluble.

Saltwater Cleansing

Purely from a scientific angle, it is advised not to use saltwater on a crystal, as this process will, in a short time, damage the crystalline structure and split the crystal or make it appear cloudy, dull or changes colour.  Salt will get into any crystalline structure, causing irreparable structural damage.  Remember, salt is also a crystal.  

If you do want to try cleansing with the salt vibration.  It is recommend you place the crystal in a large bowl of sea salt, allowing enough salt to completely cover the crystal.  Leave it buried for as long as your intuition tells you.  You could also dowse for the correct amount of time.  Wash your crystal with plenty of fresh, clear, clean pure water after its salt immersion. 

Note: Laying an Opal in salt will damage it by extracting the water.  You can lay the Opal or any crystal that might react negatively to salt – in a small glass dish that is embedded in a larger glass dish full of salt.

Smudge Cleansing (this technique is particularly suited to those born under an air sign)

The burning of herbs or incense is a sacred practice held in common by many traditions.  In American Indian tradition the practice is called “smudging” or sometimes “smoking” even though the herbs may not be inhaled.  Smudging, practised traditionally, takes many forms.  Sometimes the herbs are tied in a bundle and called a “smudge stick”.

Earth Cleansing this technique is particularly suited to those born under an earth sign)

Bury crystals to be cleansed in the earth and allow Mother Earth to remove any negativity.  Wash crystals when cleansed.

The method I use is as follows: -

Holding the crystal under running water whilst visualising all the negative energy leaving the crystal. (N.B. do not leave Selenite wet).

It is worth reading up and experimenting with different cleansing methods, as what is right for one person, isn’t always best for another.

The crystal then needs to be either put in sunlight or moonlight in order to charged or energised.  A note of caution, some crystals such as amethyst and Celestite must not be left in sunlight permanently otherwise the sun will lighten its colour.

Programming Crystals

Once the crystal has been washed and energised, you need to programme your crystal.  It is like a computer without a program it will not work.   Programming crystals is a way of focusing the crystal’s abilities for a specific need (e.g. the needs of your patient).   I suggest you hold the crystals whilst programming them.

Crystals can be programmed for many purposes.  You may want your crystal for protection, prosperity, peace or love for a treatment room.

In a Healing session, you would programme the crystal for your patient’s benefit by asking the crystals to help the patient in whatever way is needed for the patients higher good e.g. for pain relief or to energise them etc. 

You may feel drawn to add something else at this point, e.g. to ask that the crystal work in truth, love and light.

The Twelve Chakras

Up until recently, it was thought that we had seven major chakras (from the Sanskrit word wheel) or energy centres in the body.

It is now thought that there are twelve major chakras as there were in Atlantean times.  As we become more spiritual and move from the third dimension to the fifth dimension the twelve chakras become more evolved.

When our energy centres are unblocked and free flowing, we enjoy optimum health and wellbeing.

However, if our chakras are not in balance, the free flow of energy (or prana/ki/chi), is impeded, leading to physical, emotional, mental or spiritual unease.

Chakras can become blocked by negative thought and feelings, regrets, worries, fear and also from pollution and what we eat.

Crystal Healing, meditating and using crystals on the chakras can have positive health benefits as they can help keep the chakras unblocked and spinning with health and vitality. 

To teach people more about the Twelve Chakras and how we can keep them working optimally, I will be running a Twelve Chakra Workshop on Saturday 7th September.  Please contact me via the comments box below for more information