Good Morning!
Crystals and Gemstones for the Holidays
Any gemstone makes a beautiful holiday gift! There are some obvious, as well as some not so obvious choices I would like to mention, that can make a great gift as well as have great significance.
Chiastolite
The "Cross Stone"sign of devotion towards awareness and dispels negativity. It signifies both death and re-birth and helps one to understand the realization of immortality. It is used as a bridge for "crossing over". It helps one to assimilate during times of change. It provides insight to answers when problem solving. This powerful crystal balances one's perspective in both creativity and practicality. During illness, it helps to maintain spirituality, lessens fever, balances blood flow, increases secretion of milk in nursing mothers and repairs chromosome damage.
Diamond
When considering the use of a Diamond for healing purposes, one must ignore its monetary value and concentrate upon the stone's unique relationship with energy. It is frequently combined with other gems or crystals. If used with an Aquamarine, a Diamond will increase the cleansing properties and mental soothing that Aquamarine helps to produce. It worn or carried alone, it will amplify the energy of the wearer. Unfortunately, this includes any negative energy the wearer might possess as well. Some literature contends that the blue light within the color spectrum of a Diamond is beneficial for glaucoma. Diamonds are beneficial to the brain and testicles. Some recommend it for diseases of the bladder but only in desperate cases. In all cases, the stone needs to touch the skin in order to increase its effectiveness. Emeralds and Amethyst Quartz are especially amplified by Diamonds. Powerfully absorbs and amplifies thoughts/attitudes of user, other gems, and wearer's strengths and weaknesses: Prosperity, generosity/ vs. miserly; love vs. distrust; overview, spirituality vs. lust, immediate gratification. Used with loving, clear intent; clears blocks, opens Crown Chakra: spiritual love, peace. Clarity, trust, confidence. Cleanse thoroughly (It can hold our other's previous attitudes, emotions...) Ancients also used for detoxing.
Gold
An excellent all-purpose, high level gem amplifier and electrical conductor, especially on Solar plexus and Heart Chakra. Strengthens meridians, nerve system, digestion. Positively charged with warming sun energy. Often worn by teachers/healers, especially after much self-healing (addictions, childhood...) Attracts prosperity, stores, amplifies thoughts/emotions/energy (Greed too). Yang. Pink = Gold + copper. Lovingness, warmth, spirituality. Amplifies gem effects. White: Combines sun and moon's energy, thus higher conductor and amplifier. A regenerator, helping one renew oneself. Works on the physical, mental, and spiritual planes. It benefits the nervous system and improves the ability of the nerves to transmit information in the most efficient manner. Helps digestion and helps the body in the proper assimilation of food. Benefits the circulatory system and blood. Helps control hormonal and chemical imbalances. Can be of great importance to individuals with degenerative diseases, such as heart disease or arthritis. Helps the brain work more efficiently. It works well with all crystals and gemstones. Can be used in conjunction with Copper and Silver, which aid in boosting its abilities in specific instances. Gold settings: Gold is ruled by the Sun a masculine planet, and therefore imparts a more assertive energy to crystals & minerals that are mounted in it.
Goldstone
Medium brown with tiny coppery glitter. Goldstone is a man-made stone, just a type of glass with glittery metallic material in it. It is a valid classification, as it has many properties of NATURAL glasses, such as obsidian which are modified by its being man-made and having been doped with additives. Originally created when alchemists were working towards creating gold. Gently uplifting, mildly helpful to Solar plexus Chakra to reduce stomach tension, protect center of body.
Herkimer Diamond
Found only in Herkimer, New York. A special clear quartz. Cleanse often. Shifts brain powerfully into alpha/deep stillness, opening the Brow and Crown Chakra for a strong, clear channel, psychic readings, meditation. May take one too "high"/spacey to wear. The "Dream stone" - in meditation or pillow, it wonderfully enhances visualization, astral travel into the light and dream recall. Amplifies and stores thoughts, energy; use as bridge to stimulate energy flow up through the Chakras. These clear crystals closely resemble Diamonds but are really Quartz. Help to increase the energy and healing qualities of other stones. Very useful in helping to lessen the pressures of day-to-day life and the stress and tension- related diseases that can result. They help you recognize the signs of stress before it can do physical damage. Helps you choose a direction to follow that will offer the path of least resistance. They contain a store of ecological memory that can be utilized by a person who can tune into the energy. Can also guide you in remembering your own past-life experiences.
Jade
There are two varieties of Jade, Jadeite and Nephrite. Nephrite is quite similar to Jadeite in its healing abilities, but its colors are creamier and less translucent than Jadeite; Nephrite is the more commonly found variety. Jade may come in a variety of colors, green, blue, black, violet, white, yellow and a reddish and brownish variety. Each with its own slightly different use. Green: Health, wealth, longevity stone. Ancient Chinese used also for courage, wisdom, justice, mercy, emotional balance, stamina, love, fidelity, humility, generosity, peace, harmony. Lungs, heart, thymus, immune, kidney and blood detoxification, nervous system. Androgynous. A gentle, steady energy. While all Jade has some healing influence, each color relates more specifically to certain ailments or organs. Properties common to all colors of Jade include its ability to mellow one's existence. Helps one rid themselves of negative thoughts and energy. Strengthens the body's filtration and cleansing systems and assists in the removal of toxins. Very beneficial to the heart in both physical and spiritual senses. It is a very protective stone and will keep its wearer out of harm's way.
Opal
A silicate. Contains water, correlating with our emotions. Clarifies by amplifying and mirroring feelings, buried emotions, desires (including love and passion). Less inhibition, more spontaneity. Crown and Brow Chakra. Visualization, imagination, dreams, healing. Easily absorbs, stores emotions and thoughts. Fragile. Fades/cracks in sun, heat, salt, acidic foods. Moisten frequently with water or oil. Some cancel/negate other gems. May change color with high energy/intensity people.
Pearl
Usually pale white or cream-colored, though darker blue, gray, and even black variations exist. In tune with women, especially pregnant women. Absorbing by nature and because of this must be used with caution. If you feel excessively negative while wearing a Pearl, it will hold that energy until it is worn again. Remember, Pearl is the result of layer upon layer of substance produced to combat irritation. It is very nurturing. If used properly, lessen stress and its resulting maladies: hypertension, headaches, and exhaustion. May help to prevent heart attacks and strokes. Also an assist in digestion and may reduce the chance of developing ulcers. If using Pearls in conjunction with other gemstones, consider Diamonds to amplify and purify, or Emeralds to bring negative energy out and disperse it. Recommended for occupations as varied as artists, chiropractors, and farmers. White: Symbol of pure heart and mind; innocence, faith. Of the sea, it has watery and lunar elements, thus balancing emotions, especially for water signs. Absorbs thoughts, emotions. For Solar plexus Chakra (digestion, stomach, immunity) and emotional stress. Low integrity or anger rebounds to user (like Opal). Cleanse frequently. Fire signs less compatible unless drawn to Pearl. May cool and soothe.
Quartz
"Rock Crystal" encompasses a large family of stones and crystals, all of which are made up primarily of silicon dioxide, one of the most common and most important substances in the world. Quartz can be formed of microscopic crystals and take on entirely different appearances and qualities. Other members of the Quartz family include Chalcedony, Agate, Jasper, Carnelian, Onyx, and Sardonyx. These are treated separately because their healing qualities are very different from crystal Quartz.
Probably the most versatile multipurpose healing stone. Easy to cleanse, store info/energy in, program or amplify energy and healing with. Can both draw and send energy. Powerful clear ones open Brow, Crown, and Transpersonal Chakra for meditation, sending/receiving guidance. Stimulates natural crystals in body tissues and fluids to resonate at new healing frequency.
Sapphire
Corundum. Blue, green, pink, purple, clear. Related to Ruby. Blue: Communication, insight, intuition, clairaudience, inspiration, spiritual prayer/devotion, peacefulness. Pituitary and Thyroid. Detoxing skin, body. Antidepressant. Cools, contracts, soothes, thus reducing inflammation, fevers, nosebleeds. Hearing problems, TB, burns, etc. Nervous system (& Epilepsy) and meridians. Strongest if next to skin. Especially Throat Chakra. Also: wisdom, will, centering, cheerfulness, luck. Reduces radiation effects, anxiety, procrastination. Some effects subtle. Black: more grounding. Protection. May strengthen by posing challenges to overcome. Lessens tension and aligns the mental, physical, and spiritual planes. Can be an important stone for people with spiritual confusion or depression, those involved in situations out of their control, and anyone with concentration problems. Black Sapphires are the most protective of all Sapphire colors.
Star Sapphire
Similar to the Blue Sapphire, differs in that it has an aqueous inclusion in its makeup that creates a refracted five-pointed star on the stone's surface. This star is a focus point in the gem. Recommended for people who wish to awaken or heighten their psychic abilities. Works as a relaxing agent during times of extreme physical exertion. Healers of the spirit and and body are often drawn to this stone.
Silver
Excellent for mental, emotional, and physical releasing and cleansing. Works on mind/emotions to see overview, emotional balance, patience. Like the moon's energy, it has gentle, cool, smoothing effect. Thus it reduces inflammation, fever, nervous system stress. Best with the gentler, cooler-colored gems. Works with pituitary and upper energy centers. Generally Yin. Wear the metal that you feel attracted to. Works best as a communicator. Should be worn only when it feels right. Benefits the circulation and detoxifies the blood. Helps the body recognize imbalances or high levels of hormone and chemicals more readily, enabling them to be naturally corrected. Helps the lungs and throat and reduces irritation by pollutants and other impurities in the air. Improves the transmission of nerve impulses. Aids those with degenerative brain disease, poor memory, irrational fears, and emotional imbalance. Also aids in verbal and representational communication. Helps balance the functions of both sides of the brain. Can be worn as a belt buckle to improve fertility. Can help resolve sexual problems that result from dysfunction or impotence. Mental activity is clarified. An increase in your ability to approach intellectual problems. Also known to lessen anxiety over problem-solving. Suggested use in conjunction with Agate, Jet, Moonstone, and Turquoise. Silver Settings: Silver is ruled by the Moon a feminine planet, and therefore imparts a softened less assertive emotional energy to crystals & minerals that are mounted in it.
Star Ruby
Known as the "star of purity", "star fire" or "ruby crystal" is said to promote dreaming and tends to stimulate connection between the self and your spirit guides. Used as a rod-like conductor, it provides the pathway from the user to the electrical and magnetic forces. It assists in purifying, and correcting disoriented energy, which leads to atrophy. It helps to align the auric and physical bodies as one. It is an excellent stone for releasing blocks, which keep you from a spiritual path. Star Ruby is a stone of great energy, development and protection. It releases negative energy and serves as a tool of empowerment. It helps in the focus of healing energies and chosen pathways.
Staurolite: Fairies' Cross
Brown/grey, cross like extrusions. Represents four elements and joining of spirit with earth/matter. Spirituality, compassion, allowing, dis-attachment; Focus centered on the Here and Now. This beautiful and rare stone crystallizes in the form of flat and short prismatic crystals with cruciform crossing. This mineral is a talisman of good luck! Historically, this stone is said to be formed from the tears of fairies when they were brought the news of the death of Christ. This stone is said to provide a connection between the physical, astral and extra-terrestrial planes. It can provide an overpowering "release" in stressful situations and provides support, initiation and incentive in dealing with detrimental habits.
Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac
http://www.peacefulmind.com/order_crystals.htm
Therapies for healing
mind, body, spirit
