Understanding Stones Part:4 Chrysoprase

Photos in collage are taken from Pinterest.com

Stone Name: Chrysoprase

Birthstone Month: No known modern associations.  Some attribute it to the birth month of May.

Zodiac Association: Gemini

Affected Chakra: Heart

Healing Properties:  Chrysoprase is said to be a problem clarifier and can used for protection on sea voyages.  This stunning green stone brings subconscious thoughts to the surface to provide insight and strengthen higher consciousness.  It encourages acceptance of self, forgiveness and compassion while letting go of jealousy, resentment and greed.  With Chrysoprase's low vibration, it aids in relaxation and the reduction of nightmares.  It equalizes yin and yang energies to allow a deep meditation.  It is also believed to draw out inner talents and stimulate creativity while bringing energy to leave you feeling renewed.  

History of Use: The name "chrysoprase" comes from the Greek words chrysos meaning 'gold' and prason meaning 'bloom' or 'leek.'  It was first described over 2000 years ago by the Roman scholar Pliny who bestowed this name due to the presence of the golden drops that appears to be contained in the stone.  Often mistaken for imperial jadeite, chrysoprase is a variety of chalcedony (quartz) that owes its stunning coloration to the nickel content it contains. (Most gemstones owe their color to chromium or vanadium.).  Because of this, keep Chrysoprase out the light to prevent it from fading.

Chrysoprase's green aura has been mentioned in the New Testament - Revelations, Chapter 21:20 - it was a stone in a foundation wall in Jerusalem.  Alexander the Great's 11 year winning streak was said to have been attributed to a Chrysoprase stone imbedded in his belt.  Cleopatra wore the stone because she believed it helped to retain her youth.

Up Next: Citrine

SALE!

As you can assume from the post title, we are having a sale.  It's been pretty rainy here in northern Florida with the hurricane season upon us and I've been getting ready for a few things in the studio, but I haven't attended the market for the past TWO weeks and I feel bad.  So to make up for it, I've decided to have a sale online!

It's a good one too!  25% OFF ALL full-priced items, and an additional 25% OFF ALL SALE ITEMS!  Use promo code NoMarket at checkout.

Limited Edition Spectrum Apetite Necklace ONLY $39!

Willow earrings ONLY $10.50!

Artemis bracelet ONLY $24.40!

Medicine Wheel earrings ONLY $24!

Understanding Stones Part:3 Amethyst

Above images taken from Pinterest.com

Stone:  Amethyst, "the sobriety stone"

Birthstone Month/Zodiac Association: February/Pisces

Affected Chakra: Crown Chakra

Healing Properties: Amethyst is an all-purpose stone to increase spirituality and enhance intuition.  It is known to help open gateways to spiritual consciousness and and can bring about a change in thought patterns.  Amethyst works as a great travelers talisman by alleviating homesickness.  Because it is a type of quartz with similar vibrations, amethyst helps clear a cluttered mind during meditation and tame pain from headaches.  It has a sedative energy that calms the mind to promote peace, contentment and inner strength.

History of Use:  Amethyst is a crystalline quartz mineral that owes its color to iron and aluminum impurities.  Its purple color ranges from pale violet to deep purple.  Without impurities, Amethyst would just be a clear crystal.  Pale-colored amethyst is sometimes called "Rose de France" and can be seen in Victorian jewelry.  Amethyst is mined in a variety of places around the world.  Generally amethyst from South American tends to be available in larger sizes than African amethyst but amethyst from Africa has the reputation for having a more saturated, color in small sizes.  Very dark amethyst, mostly in small sized, is also mined in Australia.

The word amethyst comes from the Greek word "amethystos" meaning "not intoxicated."  It is said crushed amethyst was used by the ancient Greeks and Romans in their wine.  That way, they could water down their wine  meaning less alcohol, but still retain a purple appearance.  They also carved their wine goblets out of amethyst stone.

There is a Greek myth of how amethyst got its purple color.  Once Dionysus was angered by Artemis that he set violent tigers upon a maiden attending her shrine.  To preserve the maiden, whose name was Amethyst, Artemis petrified her in a sparkling quartz to protect her from the brutal claws.  Dionsysis wept tears of wine in remorse for his action at the sight of the beautiful statue.  The god's tears immediately stained the quartz purple creating the famous gem.

Since purple is considered one of the royal colors, amethyst has quite a historical importance as an insignia of power.  Fine amethysts are featured in the British Crown Jewels and were also a favorite of Catherine the Great and Egyptian royalty.

Up next: Chrysocolla

Understanding Stones Part 2: Agate

I shouldn't do only one post for Agates.  There are so many varieties with many different characteristics.  I'm sure I'll come back around to discuss each agate at length in the future, so for now, consider this a brief overview.

Agate images are taken from Pinterest.com

Stone:  Agate, the "Carry-on" gemstone

Birthstone Month/Zodiac Association: Most agates are associated with those born under the zodiac sign Gemini, with the exception of Blue Lace Agate being the stone of Pisces, Botswana Agate being the stone of Scorpio and Moss Agate being the stone of Virgo.

Red Agates

Blue Agates

Affected Chakra: The color of agate will determine which chakra it is associated with.  Red agates are associated with the Solar Plexus Chakra and Blue Agates are associated with the throat chakra.

Spiritual Properties: Agates are the ultimate protection stone.  Metaphysically the Agate has a lower intensity and vibrates to a slower frequency, but don't let that fool you.  Agates attract strength, help protect dreamers and provide self-confidence for important decisions.  Creativity and intellect are enhanced when wearing agates, as well as perceptiveness and balance between emotional, physical and spiritual states.  The agate is useful as a protection amulet when traveling and help us to recognize impermanence to allow us to let go and carry on with our lives.  

Physical Healing Properties:  Agates are used in the treatment of hollow organs, such as the stomach, intestines, uterus, etc by placing the agate on the Solar Plexus.  They are also helpful to the heart and blood vessels.  Wearing an Agate in the middle of the chest strengthens the cardiac muscle.  Placing a cold Agate on the forehead can help reduce a fever (if the fever persists, see a doctor).  It may reduce the symptoms of epilepsy and have been thought to be good to harden the gums.

History of Use:  Agates are a variety of Chalcedony and run in the Quartz family.  There are hundreds, if not thousands of varieties of Agates that are found around the world and come in nearly every color the earth can produce.  They are commonly banded or striped, some have specks of color or "eyes", some have fossilized inclusions and others are solid.  Agates were first found by Theophrastus in the Achetes River in Greece around the 3rd to 4th centuries BC.  They have been discovered amongst artifacts from the Neolithic era and have been used as healing amulets dating back to Babylon.  Their medicinal uses continued through the ancient Greek and Egyptian civilizations, and spread throughout Africa and the Middle East into Russia.

Up next: Amethyst

Transition and a short introduction

We've provided a loaded blog post today.  You get to see a few pieces from our Autumnal Collection that will be available soon in our shop, as well as an early fall lookbook entitled "Transition" featuring the stunning photographical work of Nicole Cavany and hott mama Morgan Malone.

Upon reflection of the inevitable changing of the seasons, we begin to ask ourselves how to accept the loss of sumer and embrace the transition to Autumn.  We begin to realize the days will be noticeably shorter, the colors of the earth deeper and richer, and the sweaters will begun to be unearthed from storage in preparation for the northern hemisphere to begin its descent into its wintery slumber.  To help with this transition, in this upcoming collection we use:

 Turquoise: (of course) For protection from negative forces

Howlite: For its transitive properties 

Lapis: For stress relief and immunity boost

Kyanite: Promotes introspection and alignment of the chakras

Titanium quartz: For it's ability to energize the chakras

Pyrite: For stability and good luck.

Brass: Because of its copper and zinc content.  Copper is a great conduit for one's spiritual belief system and allows energy to flow between persons and crystals.  Zinc stimulates this energy and is good for the overall life forces.

Connected Necklace - soon available in Turquoise, Howlite or Lapis

Offering Bracelet - handmade brass and green turquoise

Unity Wrap Bracelet - Kyanite and handmade brass

Source Necklace - Aura Quartz and brass

Temple Necklace - Aura Quartz, Lapis and brass

And now for the lookbook!

Understanding Stones Part:1 Ammonites

Welcome to our first installment of an ongoing post series called Understanding Stones!  For the next several weeks we will be posting information about various stones, their history and their possible uses.  Enjoy!

Stone:  Ammonite

Birthstone Month/Zodiac Association: No known associations

Affected Chakra: Root Chakra

Healing Properties: Wear ammonites to assist with prophetic dreams and deep meditation.  It is told these 'stones' radiate positive Earth energy and bring good luck and general prosperity.  Ammonites are used to help find your way down a spiritual path, assist with general good health, stamina and high energy.  It is told to change negativity into smoothly flowing energy. It is also said to assist with childbirth, depression, and general survival instincts.  Ammonites helps to release karmic debris and harmful thought patterns. This fossil also works on stimulating the instincts while providing clarity and enhancing personal power. Worn as jewelry it imparts sensuous beauty and charisma.

History of Use:  An opalized fossil of a marine invertebrate went extinct to the tune of 65-240 million years ago.  It's closest relatives include octopuses, cuttlefish and the chambered nautilus.  The term "ammonite" originates from the Greek Ram-horned god called Ammon.  Ammonites were officially recognized as a gemstone in 1981 by the International Commission of Colored Gemstones.

Up Next: Stay tuned for our next installment of Understanding Stones: The Agate

Wanderlustology

I've been focusing on some wanderlust lately.  Usually, for me, it comes after a challenging or stressful time (I suppose they're one in the same, aren't they?).  This past year and a half has been fairly stressful for me.  With the purchase of our house, my partner Alex and I have had to make sacrifices regarding finances which in turn had to curb all our travel plans.  So far, we've only been able to visit family in Pennsylvania for the holidays (we grew up together there), gone on a climbing trip in northwest Georgia, made a quick trip down to the Florida Keys and went on an extended car camping trip where I had to drive back into town to work for the day then return to the campsite in the evenings.

Of course, I'm thankful to have the ability to get away at all - even for a day or two - but I'm feeling stuck.  It's been hard to take it all in stride.  To understand that the work and money toward our house is an investment?  I never wanted to own a house.  I'm not a homebody.  I like to expand my knowledge of the world through exploration and travel.  I feel burdened and in limbo.  On one hand, it's really nice to feel the ownership of the place I live in.  Before I moved to Florida (I was living in Portland, OR at the time), I didn't have a single room call 'home.'  All of my earthly possessions were stored in a small storage unit and set up like a walk-in closet.  I lived in extended stay hotels and sometimes stayed with friends.  Once I sublet a room for a couple months, but couldn't justify the cost of the lease because my job had me traveling so much (a minimum of 5 days a week, sometimes for a couple weeks at a time).  I had been a Stormwater Supervisor for one of the largest asset maintenance companies in the nation.  I got to see a lot of the Pacific Northwest, Montana Idaho and Nevada because I had to drive from location to location for inspections and maintenance.

Along the way somewhere in Wyoming 2011

Elk and geysers in Yellowstone National Park at dusk 2011

J. N. Ding Darling Nature Preserve 2012

In a retention pond in central Florida 2012

Before that, I spent a year and a half in the wilderness of Washington State and in Forest Park in Portland through AmeriCorps working on building and maintaining recreational hiking trails and bridges.

Mount Adams Wilderness 2009

Mount Saint Helens NVM wilderness tool & supply drop 2009

Volunteer party carrying in wood to rebuild a bridge in Forest Park 2010

I'm ready to take a trip.  Somewhere.  Anywhere.  So I'm beginning to plan.  Everything is in a state of impermanence and there is a light at the end of the tunnel.  I'm planning for my re-emergance!

Kings Range Conservation Area CA 2012

Triple Falls Trail OR 2011

Triple Falls Hike 2011

Understanding Stones Intro

Greetings!  In the next couple weeks, I will be introducing you to a new series called "Understanding Stones."  It will offer a more in depth view of the history and uses of the materials I have used in my work the past 15 years and to hopefully help you gain insight into the energy around us.  Stay tuned!