Stones That Work Well With the Lunar Energies of the Waxing Moon

Here we are again in the energy of the Waxing Moon. The moon is coming to its fullness and growing in energy. The energy of the waxing moon is of manifestation and intention. This is a time to focus on new projects and ideas. It is a good time to build a crystal grid dedicated to success, prosperity and growth as well as toward your manifesting of desires.

There are quite a few stones that will serve well in aiding the manifestation of abundance and prosperity. During the Waxing Moon you'll find it is the perfect time to wear and use crystals that resonate with abundance and prosperity. Since this is the lunar energy that is present, you might find it best working with and wearing crystals such as  Green Aventurine, Malachite, Citrine and Ruby. these are all wonderful abundance crystals and a great place to start.

Remember to focus on new projects and mindsets as well. in doing this we are putting ourselves into a better alignment and position to receive, utilize, and share any abundance coming your way.

Here is a list healing of crystals to use in helping you along with your new projects, ideas, and areas of growth. Have fun with it as you learn which stones work well for you.

1. Agate: brings strength & courage, brings protective energies, balancing and accepting emotions
2. Amazonite: manifestation of hopes and dreams, calming and soothing energies, expressing your true self, starting over, a new beginning
3. Amethyst: wise decision making, achieving balance, breaking free from addictions & habits, furthering your spirituality
4. Angelite: relieving anger and tension, brings spiritual inspiration, encouraging faith and forgiveness
5. Aquamarine: clearing your mind, enhancing meditation, bringing discernment in love, releasing anger, making positive changes
6. Aventurine: manifesting prosperity and wealth, ease in changing your job
7. Black Tourmaline: releasing negative energy, protecting yourself from psychic attack
8. Bloodstone : increasing energy and endurance, courage and determination
9. Carnelian: strengthening motivation, increasing self confidence, increasing creativity, finding your personal power, weight loss and exercise
10. Citrine: manifesting your dreams, acquiring prosperity, increasing positivity and joy
11. Clear Quartz: magnifying intentions, clarifying the mind, amplifying energy levels, bringing focus
12. Fluorite: clearing confusion in your mind, releasing negativity, increasing concentration, wise decision making, expanding the mind
13. Garnet: increasing energy level, becoming more grounded
14. Hematite: connecting to the Earth, becoming more grounded and focused, releasing negative energy
15. Jade: releasing self-limiting thoughts, attaining goals, filling your life with abundance, living from the heart
16. Labradorite: discovering your true self, uncovering your destiny, finding your life purpose
17. Malachite: balancing your mind, bringing focus, life transformation, purifying your energy
18. Ocean Jasper: increasing positive feelings, relieving stress and worry, living with happiness, lifting your spirits, becoming more optimistic
19. Onyx: shielding your body and mind from negative energy, overcoming feelings of depression, reducing stress, calming your fears
20. Pyrite: overcoming financial hardship, making wise financial decisions, achieving success, increasing your willpower and motivation
21. Red Jasper: increasing motivation, speaking out, becoming more active, manifesting new ideas and projects for creative types
22. Rose Quartz: opening your heart to love, finding love, loving yourself, attracting a harmonious long term relationship, healing from emotional wounds
23. Rutilated Quartz: healing from a loss or death, connecting with your angels, increasing your willpower, starting over
24. Selenite Crystal: working on prayer or meditation, finding divine wisdom, healing
25. Smoky Quartz: releasing fear and anger, overcoming negative emotions, letting go
26. Tiger’s Eye: finding your personal power, strengthening your willpower and motivation to achieve goals, looking at the positives instead of the negatives, giving a creative boost

Be good to yourselves - Blessings!

Embracing the Darkness

What is darkness? We first need to define it in order to embrace it. Darkness is defined as the polar opposite to brightness, is understood to be the condition of a very small amount or even an absence of visible light. 

That said, understanding that we as humans are unable to distinguish color in conditions of either high brightness or darkness it lets us see they are equal. In conditions of insufficient light, we perceive it as black, dark. It is known as a void.The emotional response to darkness has generated many notions that it is evil or scary. It doesn't need to be. 

The mental side of darkness can be debilitating when we are afraid to embrace the darkness. 

"The darkness, the void, the space that the mind is terrified to enter, is the beginning of all life. It’s the womb of being. Fall in love with it, and when you do, it will immediately be taken from you, as you witness the birth of light." (Katie Byron)

We need to learn to love what is. There is definitely a balance between dark and light. They are both defined by the lack of the other and eliminated by the presence of the other. The balance is where they meet and are both respected as equal and necessary.

Metaphors of darkness vs light that allude to the spiritual, behavioral, and mindset add to the fears we as humans can harbor. As in yin/yang philosophy there needs to be balance of these two opposites to maintain peace. This can be a struggle in our minds then as a result, our lives. Good vs bad, reward vs punishment are just examples of what we do to ourselves. These beliefs can cause stress and uncomfortable feelings blocking energy flow. This is the birth of the struggle.

If we would just accept what is as it is, see the beauty and value in these opposites, and the wonder at their union we would know peace and health - vibrancy.

We can change the way we think, we don't have to see things as positive or negative but as experiences of value. We can take each experience at its face value as something we've learned and experienced growth from.

I believe we would know true happiness if we would not let fear of the unknown block us from experience. If we could change our mindsets that dark is not bad, but different we may learn to not be victims, be fearful, angry, etc. I don't believe emotions to be good or bad. While I don't think we should deny our feelings, I also don't believe we should act upon them or feel victimized by our circumstances. 


If we could take our experiences as just that and not allow our mind/emotions to convince us it is wrong we can be happy. I personally have known suffering, as many have. I choose to be happy and grateful for what I have and have learned in life. I have physical limitations. I don't feel sorry for myself or victimized because of it. I enjoy fully what I can do and am glad for what health and life I have. Yes, there are times I get frustrated. I am human, after all. I just choose to find the balance, the union between what is and what I'd like things to be. 

We all have challenges. What we do with them; resist or face them head on, affects how we see and feel about them. The end result is how we perceive our lives - health, wealth, and relationships.


I truly hope we can all learn to embrace the so called darkness so that we can find the light.


Be good to yourselves - Blessings!

What's a Ritual?

What is a ritual exactly? Merriam Webster defined it  as, "something that is always done in a particular situation and in the same way each time." 

Rituals are everywhere in our daily lives. They are evident in everything from social customs such as handshakes and greetings to celebrations and what they entail, such as birthdays and holidays. Some have daily rituals to prepare for the day while others only partake for religious or social customs.

Some rituals are spiritual in nature like lighting candles for prayers or spells, ceremonies such as honoring our dead, honoring the cycles of nature and seasons or cyclical events like solstices, stellar events, and lunar cycles.
 

 Some rituals are more religious like baptisms, sacrament, certain holidays and feasts, and some weddings.
                            

Some rituals are more common, life events - learned behaviors such as how one gardens, sets a table for holiday guests, shares stories around a camp fire, interacts in certain social settings like graduations, weddings or memorials, etc.

 

Whatever the intent or purpose, rituals are a part of everyone's life to one degree or another. They are not to be afraid of or ashamed of. They are how we interact with the world we are in and how we relate to the events of our lives. Rituals are both personal and social aspects of our existence and help us put meaning in the things that we do.

For me rituals grant me a means to make changes and affect growth in my life. They provide me a way to celebrate the simple things and allow a spiritual aspect to the mundane. Rituals give me a way to daily, monthly, quarterly, yearly - take stock in the life I am living and allow me to continually work toward being a better version of myself. 

Next time someone mentions a ritual they need to do or have done, understand that it one way or another is an important part of who they are. Feel honored that they shared this information with you. If it is not something you understand, perhaps you can ask them to explain it to you.(Keep an open mind if you do.) There might just be something that you yourself can find useful and implement it into your own routines to add quality and depth to your own life. 

If you are still unsure what rituals can do to help you and would like to learn more there are many websites that list different types of rituals and even give examples of how to carry them out. Do some research, find what suits you in your present situation. Decide for yourself if you need to implement them into your life. Either way, I wish you a blessed, enriched life.
 

 
Be good to yourselves - Blessings!

Stones That Work Well With the Lunar Energies of the Waning Moon

Here are some of the best stones to use during this time in the Lunar Cycles. They are all known as love stones. Rhodochrosite, Rose Quartz, Rhodonite, Ruby in Fuchsite, Kunzite and Danburite work well with self love and healing, exactly what is needed during the Waning Moon. 

Ruby in Fuchsite

Ruby in Fuchsite combines the qualities of Ruby and Fuchsite creating synergy for a beautiful heart stone. This stone is best known to help clear blockages within the heart, replacing negativity with pure loving energy. Use it to help clear destructive patterns and encourage new, loving ones.

           

Rhodochrosite

Rhodochrosite is known to bring a sense of balance to life. It allows grace to deal with life's annoyances, bringing a sense of peace and freedom. This can bring a deep sense of happiness and relief from ongoing stress and inner conflicts.

Rose Quartz

Rose Quartz is known as the stone of unconditional love. It has been used to open the heart to all forms of love. Its high frequency is believed to give this stone the property of enhancing love in any situation. Bringing love into our daily life brings a balance that helps keep stress levels down. Rose Quartz has been known to bring a sense of peace to all around it. Because of the happiness and love associated with this stone it is known as a love stone.

Danburite

Danburite is known to facilitate deep change and the ability to release what no longer serves one well. Use Danborite to bring about peaceful sleep, to stimulate the heart chakra, and to gain a closer connection to the Divine. It is believed that working with this stone can bring about spiritual and emotional healing and a generally positive outlook on life.

 Kunzite

Kunzite is known as a calming, relaxation stone. Kunzite opens the heart to all forms of love. It has been used to relieve tension and bring about a peaceful disposition. Kunzite has subtle peaceful vibrations. The gentle energy of Kunzite helps to release blockages allowing one to be more receptive. Use Kunzite to release daily stress, calm nerves, anger and fear.

Rhodonite

Rhodonite is a stone known for compassion, forgiveness, and release. Rhodonite has been known to bring peace to troubled relationships and bring peace in troubled times. Use Rhodonite to help discover innate talents, in meditation, and general healing work.

These wonderful Heart stones can bring much needed healing and strength. As we go through our sloughing off stages in releasing, coming to find and love  ourselves, finding forgiveness in our hearts, and learning to love unconditionally may we find peace and growth. 

Be good to yourselves - Blessings!

The Lunar Cycles, What Can We Gain From Their Symbolism?

Lunar cycles can be very meaningful and ritualistic in the growth of an individual. They are  usually in increments of 28 days to a cycle and each cycle has phases. These phases, if internalized, can help one grow and change according to their intentions and observation of these cycles and the symbolism tied to them.

We have a waxing moon, full moon, waning moon core, followed by the new moon cycle. Within this set there are also subsets of gibbous moon, meaning diminishing or increasing of illumination depending on if they are waxing or waning. The quarters fall into the gibbous stages and follow or precede the crescent just as it waxes full or wanes to new moon.

Just like the seasons have newness, growth, harvesting, then a time to rest before the cycles begin again. The moon too represents cyclic nature and continuing growth through change.

Some find meaning in following rituals either someone else's or of their own design. These rituals encourage awareness of the Lunar cycles and what they mean to the individual or group of participants. These rituals can be simple or complex. Either way it brings an awareness and connection to personal growth in cycles along with the cycles of the moon and seasonal cycles encouraging one to improve and carve out their path to wholenes.

There will be more talk about rituals, what they are, how to partake, and how they can enhance life in another post. In the meantime, this purpose of this post is to help some understand the ties between lunar cycles, and their connection to personal growth.

 

As the moon is waxing full we are seeing the fruits of the seeds of our intentions placed at New Moon. At Full Moon we discern what serves us well and what has not, lovingly releasing that which has not and adapting to create the changes we'd like to see come about for our benefit. As the moon wanes we rejoice in the accomplishments and continue to adapt and change for the greater good. Then at full circle at New Moon, we again reflect inward and plan our path to be closer to our heart's desires and plant the seeds of intentions for further growth. It is a beautiful thing.

I will save the matter of rituals for another post. I will however say that following the moon and syncing my spiritual path with its cycles is a beautifully sacred thing to me.

The Magic of Candles in Our Daily Lives

Candles have been used for many things throughout the years. They are used for comfort, ambiance, prayers, celebrations, rituals, and spells, to name a few. Let's take a look at some of the ways we use them.

I can't count the many times I lit a candle to lighten the atmosphere of a room or a mood. Sometimes I may choose a candle by color or scent to facilitate this shift. Imagine the scent or color of your favorite candle, remember how it made you feel when it was lit, the flame flickering and carrying your cares away, the scent soothing what ails you. Doesn't that feel good? Many of us do this without even thinking. We know that it will make us feel better. We don't question why, we just do.

In celebration we sometimes light candles for the blessings of the here and now, and for the hopes of what is yet to come, it lifts us up and adds to the joy. Think of weddings, birthdays, holidays, the list goes on. For each occasion the candle has a significance and we light the candles with purpose, with intent. 

As we light our candles with purpose and intent we are focusing our intentions on the candles. As they burn, the smoke raising up, the flame flickering, the scent wafting, we are placing these intentions, our hopes upon them to carry them off to the Universe, in hopes that our intentions are met. It is magical. 

Think of a birthday candle, "make a wish" we often say as the candles have been lit in celebration, the intended makes their wish (their hopes, intentions) then blows the candle out. It is this very act that is magical. Wedding candles lit for hopes of a blessed union, prayer/ritual/spell candles in hopes that our intentions and hopes will be lifted up.  It is the same. 

Candles are a perfect visual to connect us to the spiritual. Because of this, they help us stay focused. They are wonderful tools to add to our spiritual toolkits. Use them well, use them wisely. Remember your intent, light with purpose, light them often, and let the magic of happiness, comfort, peace, and deliverance from our burdens happen.

Be good to yourselves - Blessings!

Chakras, What Are They and Why Are They Important to Maintain?

Chakras are the energy centers of our being. They are thought to affect our physical, mental, and emotional facets of who we are. There are seven main Chakras. There are more, but that is for another time. If the energy is blocked in our Chakras it can often lead to illness, It's important to understand where each Chakra resides and what it represents in order to keep this energy flowing freely. This chart shows how our thoughts and behaviors can bring about blockages to our Chakras. Knowing this can help us identify what we need to work on, release and clear the thoughts and behaviors that no longer serve us, and make new intentions for growth.

 

Following is a listing of the Chakras and their reported

correlation to our mind/body centers and our spirituality.

Root Chakra — Represents our foundation and feeling of being grounded

The Root Chakra can be found at the base of spine in the tailbone area. It is known to be tied to survival issues such as financial independence, money and food.

 Sacral Chakra — Our connection and ability to accept others and new experiences

This Chakra is found in the lower abdomen, about two inches below the navel. It is known to be connected to our sense of abundance, well-being, pleasure and sexuality.

 Solar Plexus Chakra — Our ability to be confident and in control of our lives

Located in the upper abdomen in the stomach area the Solar Plexus Chakra is said to house the ego and our feelings of self-worth, self-confidence and self-esteem. It is the source of your "own power".

Heart Chakra — Our ability to love

Found in the center of the chest just above the heart is our Heart Chakra. It is what powers our ability to feel and share Love, joy, and inner peace.

Throat Chakra — Our ability to communicate

As its name implies this Chakra is found in the throat. It is known to influence communication, self-expression of feelings and the truth.

 Third Eye Chakra — Our ability to focus, see the big picture

The Third Eye Chakra, also known as the Brow Chakra is found in the center of the forehead between the eyes. It is said to be the overseer of our intuition, imagination, wisdom and the ability to think and make decisions.

Crown Chakra — The highest chakra represents our ability to be fully connected spiritually

It can be found at the very top of the head, the crown.

This Chakra is the home of our perceptions of our inner and outer beauty, our connection to spirituality, and pure bliss.

If you want to learn even more about Chakras and keeping them well. I offer classes to give you the keys to your health. Until then, here is a helpful meditation to focus on while working with your Chakras and another chart that shows some stones that may be helpful as you begin working on strengthening and maintaining your Chakras. Be good to yourselves - Blessings!

Our Responsibilty To Ourselves As Sentient Beings

                             

Being a sentient being means being responsive to or conscious of sense, impression, sensitive in perception or feeling, being aware. What exactly does this mean, what does this definition encompass? In my opinion, it includes all life(energy).

                                             

We as humans tend to think we're above all life. I do not think so. All energetic beings have an energy frequency that makes us who/what we are. We are unique, but similar. Our frequency is what makes us what we are. A blade of grass, a tree, an animal - of the field, sea, or air, rocks, water, and air all have energetic frequency. Now the question would be do we feel more than any of these, or just differently?


                                 


                                             

It was once thought that because these other energetic beings didn't seem to communicate discomfort or joy, that they were not sentient. This is where mainstream gets the notion that we as humans are better/higher beings. Again, I disagree. I am glad to see Science coming around and recognizing that we are not the only sentients on the planet.

                             

Consider this, houseplants respond to our emotions and our care of them. When it is tended well it is happy and vibrant. When neglected, not even grossly, it is limp and sad. In the forests where heavy toxic air is abound trees get sick. Animals in their natural environs thrive and are full of life, contain them and they do not thrive as well, though some may fare better if given good care it is still not the same as in their natural habitat. Water too, records all it is ever in contact with, it has a memory. It reacts and shows its fulfilment or discomfort by its quality. Rocks have the ability to aid in balancing human energies and are used for physical and emotional healing in the field of metaphysics. These beings may not use words but they do communicate and contribute to our lives, as we should also contribute to their greater good and mutual benefit.


                                           

I believe that as we show greater love and respect for all sentient/energetic beings we benefit. We receive so much from these beings and they too should benefit from us. This is why I feel it is so important for me to bless and send Reiki to all energetic beings. I am honored to share this existence with such an abundance of knowledge and energetic exchange with all life. There is much to be gained by giving and receiving fully and freely. I take to heart the lessons I learn from all energy.


                                   

We have much to learn. I truly hope that I can see the day when we as humans take the lessons from all energetic beings, apply them to their lives, and prosper from it. I long for a time of remembrance, connectedness, and the realization of all. We are all dependant upon each other. What we put out energetically affects all energy. May we find that love of all is what we need to heal our planet, ourselves and all therein.

Be good to yourselves and all around you and see the changes for good unfold.  I wish you life abundant with love, light, and peace - Blessings!

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Lessons From Nature

                  

Last Saturday, I had the good fortune to start my day with several visits from a lively yellow Finch. I took its message to heart and am grateful for the lessons learned as a result. I was open to receive many more revelations throughout the day, some that are personal and some I will share. 

I shared on the Facebook page a post about the bird's message, which was simple and direct. It wanted me to be joyous in discovering my own song, to find joy in the simple things of my life, and to make an honest connection with nature. It was a timely message as we had planned a road trip on the Harley and I would have ample time to put these principles to practice. 

We road the Beartooth Highway, Montana/Wyoming border. I saw creatures, various landscapes, skylines - cloud formations, it was a smorgasbord to the senses and spirit. I found joy, my heart did sing, and I felt truly connected with Earth Mother and the bounty of creation and creative inspiration she provides through nature. 


I was able to meditate on the messages Spirit had lined up for me and the knowledge of how to apply them in my life. I learned from the breezes to listen intently and speak softly. I learned from the clouds to pay close attention, what I perceive to be the message may not be, as life is constantly changing. I learned from the waters to go with the flow and to be happy to be not thinking or caring which way a passage will take me but to be happy just being and moving with the whole. There were so many lessons revealed, even with animal visitations.

The point I want to convey is to get out there, see, feel, do. Go seek with open heart the lessons nature may have for you. Be good to yourselves - Blessings!