Book Reviews

Birthstones

Birthstones were traditionally believed to be bearers of luck and a source of protection and are associated with various qualities that symbolise the month of birth. There have been many different sets of birthstones used throughout history and in different cultures, but in 1912 the American national association of jewelers officially adopted the list used here and it is currently the most widely used list in the United States and many other places including Australia and Thailand.

But if the only place you believe precious stones belong is on jewellery, you may be surprised to know that gems have also been revered for their properties and, according to many ancient cultures, their ability to heal.

Crystal healing is based on the principle that the body is surrounded and permeated by electromagnetic fields, known as auras. The knowledge of how crystals emit and direct energy, forms the basis of crystal healing. It is not a new approach to health but a return to therapies employed by ancient cultures including the Indians, Egyptians, Aztecs and Chinese. What these and other cultures believed, was that crystals could be used to affect the energy fields of the body by absorbing negative energy and readjusting or reordering the flow, returning the body to its natural rhythm.

Crystals have both piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties. This means that the polarities of the crystal will change when subjected to pressure or heat (even body heat from the hands). This will radiate energy from the crystal due to this reversal of polarities. It provides the transfer, storage and transformation of energy. Offering a balanced energy field, energy modification, amplifies both energy and thought, clarity in thinking, and harmony and alignment with the chakra energy areas.

Different crystals are thought to have different purposes depending on their shape, mineral content, colour and vibration. Crystals with warm, rich colours (red, orange and yellow) are thought to promote energy flow, while light-coloured crystals (clear, white and green) are used to achieve a calmer or more focused state.

Crystals are said to assist with an endless number of ailments: from sore throats, to liver complaints to protection from negative energies, with each stone fulfilling a different purpose. To read more about individual stones click here. Some healers suggest keeping the relevant crystals in a pocket, or wearing them in a necklace of different lengths -­ so as to be close to the relevant chakra -­ while others say how you decide to wear them is merely a matter of style.

The best way to choose crystals is to follow your intuition. Choose the crystals to which you are most drawn. Hone your knowledge of which crystals assist with which strengths and ailments, consult a book or a therapist.

An astrological version of the birthstones using the 12 zodiac signs instead of the 12 calendar months was also created:

Aquarius (21 Jan-18 Feb) - Garnet

Pisces (19 Feb-20 Mar) - Amethyst

Aries (21 Mar-20 Apr) - Bloodstone

Taurus (21 Apr-21 May) - Sapphire

Gemini (22 May - 21 June) - Agate

Cancer (22 Jun-22 Jul) - Emerald

Leo (23 Jul-23 Aug) - Onyx

Virgo (24 Aug-22 Sep) - Carnelian

Libra (23 Sep-23 Oct) - Peridot, Aventurine

Scorpio (24 Oct-22 Nov) - Beryl

Sagittarius (23 Nov-21 Dec) - Topaz

Capricorn (22 Dec-20 Jan) - Ruby

 

CLEANSING YOUR CRYSTAL:

Crystal healers suggest that crystals should be cleansed to rid them of negative energies. However, be careful when cleaning your crystals ­ some gems and the metals in which they are set, can be sensitive to the cleansing methods. Several ways are suggested:

1. Place it under the light of a full moon/sun for 24 hours;

2. Bury it in the earth (make sure you mark it!), for 24 hours;

3. Place in Sea Salt Water. One teaspoon of Sea Salt in a glass bowl in cool water. Place the crystal in the water. Make sure the crystal is covered with water. Let this bathe in the water for 24 hours. This is a wonderful way to rejuvenate the power of your crystal. It washes away any negative energy it has absorbed and recharges it with the positive healing energy again. (Note: Some crystals should NOT be washed/cleansed in salt water/sun for it changes their physical properties (not their metaphysical properties), they are listed below.

Not to be cleansed in Salt Water: Calcite, Carnelian, Labradorite (Spectrolite), Lepidolite, Moldivate, Opal, Turquoise and Ulexite. Use caution only with the softer Mica and crystaline stones

May fade in Sunlight: Amethyst, Celestite, Opal and Turquoise.

4. Smudge your crystal with sweetgrass, sage, cedar or incense. Pass the crystal several times through the wafting smoke.

5. Place your crystal on a large crystal cluster for 24 hours.

6. Soaking your crystal in flower water with the petals of the flowers such as rose, honeysuckle, orange blossoms for 24 hours will cleanse the crystal of all it's negative energy.

SIMPLE CHAKRA HEALING:

Chakra is a Sanskrit word meaning, "Wheel or Circle of Light", and refers to one of the 7 major energy centers, which spin like wheels through and around the body. Each one of these energy centers has a specific purpose in the healthy functioning of our bodies.

Each chakra varies in colour, size or shape, rotation or spin, and the amount of energy that is produced by the chakra. These characteristics all affect the auric field. The chakra is "blocked" when the energy flow is restricted - thereby causing dis-ease.

Five of the major chakras are in alignment with the spine, while the sixth is located between the eyebrows, and the seventh, just above the crown of the head. The size of the chakra is dependent on the individual's personal development. The colours of the 7 major chakras affect different parts of the body.

ROOT OR BASE CHAKRA - RED (garnet, red jasper, ruby, red agate, tigers eye)
Location for healing - The base of the spine.
Areas of Influence - The root chakra relates to material comfort and awareness of reality. It is the source of kundalini (or serpent energy) that provides the driving power for the chakra system.
Imbalances - pain or tension, constipation, lack of energy, flight or fight mechanism in overdrive and fear. Use a red stone to balance this chakra.

THE SACRAL CHAKRA - ORANGE (carnelian, calcite)
Location for healing - The centre of the sacrum/lower abdomen, around the reproductive system.
Areas of Influence - All bodily fluids, hormones, the reproductive system. Sensuality, desires and cravings. Imbalances - fluid retention, menstrual problems, frigidity. Emotional problems with food, alcohol, cigarettes or compulsive behaviour. Use a orange stone to balance this chakra.

THE SOLAR PLEXUS CHAKRA - YELLOW (amber, topaz, citrine, yellow jasper)
Location for healing - Above the naval, around the stomach area.
Areas of Influence - Digestion, the liver, small intestine and stomach, the metabolism. This chakra affects world power, independence and the ability to learn from experience.
Imbalances - digestive disorders, sluggish metabolism, inflexible attitutudes, hyperactivity and lack of self confidence. Use a yellow stone to balance this chakra.

THE HEART CHAKRA - GREEN (aventurine, chrysophrase, malachite, jade, moss agate)
Location for healing - The centre of the chest level with the heart.
Areas of Influence - Heart, lungs. The development of compassion and spiritual love. The awareness of past lives and ancient worlds. Imbalances - constant coughs and colds. Allergies, heart palpitations. Psychosomatic illnesses and over sensitivity to the problems of others. Use a green stone to balance this chakra.

THE THROAT CHAKRA - LIGHT BLUE (turquoise, aquamarine, celestite)
Location for healing - Close to the adams apple in the centre of the neck.
Areas of Influence - Throat and speech organs, mouth, the neck, shoulders & the ears. The ability to communicate & creative powers. Imbalances - sore throats, mouth and ear problems. Inability to express feelings or translate thoughts and ideas into workable plans. Use a blue stone to balance this chakra.

THE BROW OR THIRD EYE CHAKRA - INDIGO (lapis lazuli, sodalite, blue lace agate)
Location for healing - The centre of the brow.
Areas of Influence - Eyes and ears, sinuses, the left and right hemispheres of the brain. Communication with angels and devas, spiritual healing abilities, prophetic powers. The brow chakra connects us to our guides and own higher knowledge. Imbalances - unexplained blurred vision, headaches, migranes, blocked sinuses, nightmares and insomnia. Use a indigo stone to balance this chakra.

THE CROWN CHAKRA - VIOLET (amethyst, sugalite)
Location for healing - The top of the head.
Areas of Influence - The brain and the whole body. The soul/psyche. Imbalances - headaches and migranes. Inefficient functioning of the immune system. Forgetfulness and frequent minor accidents. A lack of meaning in life.

To read more about individual stones click here

 

 

 

 

 

 

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