Posts Tagged ‘metaphysical healing gemstones’

Aquarius: Daring Visionary, Role Model and Artist (January 20 – February 18) Birthstone: Aquamarine

Monday, January 18th, 2010

visionboardjpgHow was your last week with the Solar Eclipse and all the astrological action we had? I got together with some of my girl friends and created a really terrific vision board for my next book. It was so much fun and so stimulating that I had a hard time to go to sleep that night. I kept working with colors and forms all night. I hope you enjoyed yourself as much as I did. It is very powerful to do that in a circle of friends and share this exhilarating process!

This week the biggest event is that two planets are moving hand in hand into Aquarius, the Venus and the Sun. The Sun in Aquarius will set the tone for a whole month and Venus for about 225 days. The Sun as the center of consciousness and life giving entity for our planet can be seen as one of the male planetary principles. Venus on the other hand is the goddess of love and harmony, rules relationships and defines how open we are in our hearts and what we are looking for in love. A conjunction between Sun and Venus is always depicting the yin and yang balance between the forces and the need to come to some form of equilibrium between the two.

Aquarius might be a sign of personal freedom but still is an individual looking for a place within the context of a relationship, a group or society. For relationship matters this is a month to have a fresh look into the balance between autonomy and intimacy in your relationship and maybe ask yourself some questions.

  • Do you have the balance between autonomy, freedom and intimacy you like to have in your relationship?
  • Or do you feel stifled or suffocated?
  • Can you talk about and share your visions of life and specifically about your needs in your love relation?
  • What are you willing to commit to?
  • Maybe you like to do something spontaneous together, take a weekend off and have a little honeymoon somewhere?

If you have planets in Aquarius in your personal chart you can expect them to be more activated this month and pushing into the foreground. You might be willing to take more risks and receive sudden inspiration or insight. Let us have a deeper look at the particularities of Aquarius and how we can support ourselves with the birthstone Aquamarine.

The Age of Aquarius
Aquarius is a masculine air sign ruled by Uranus and belongs to the 11th House—Friends & Vision.

If you’ve heard the song from the musical Hair—“This is the dawning of the Age of Aquarius”—you know that Aquarians are such original thinkers and nonconformists that they can change the world. They are not interested in how things have always been, but how they can reshape the world. They always have their eye on the future, not on the past. The cultural revolution of the 1960s and 70s epitomized the Aquarian need to rebel against the established order and bring forth a new vision.

A Sign of Change
Aquarians have a rich personality—a mixture of many traits—that can be hard to pin down, making them unpredictable. And that’s how they prefer it as they are always open to new ideas and new ways of being—as long as they initiate those changes themselves. They need the freedom to express their individuality. They can be very impulsive and act according to their own established values on a moments notice. Sudden changes belong to Aquarius.

Great Humanitarians
Water holds great importance for Aquarians, as depicted by the symbol for this sign, a woman carrying water. That seems to be a contradiction at first glance because it is a sign of air. But water is associated with nurturing, and Aquarians are fundamentally nurturing humanitarians, with a deep interest in and genuine concern for other people. They readily volunteer their time to service organizations of humanitarian interests.

aquarian mindAn Inventive Problem Solver
Their original way of thinking allows Aquarians to see solutions to problems that others don’t see. They pursue goals and challenges with great determination, but they have the flexibility to change course in midstream when they see a new solution or a better way of doing things.

Relationships

Aquarius is a highly sociable sign. Aquarians are very likable, quite interesting, and great communicators. Many people are drawn to those qualities of Aquarians, and they tend to have a great many friends and associates and to join a lot of clubs and groups. Because of their need for individuality and freedom, and their mental approach to life, they can appear to be somewhat emotionally distant in relationships. When you meet Aquarians for the first time you may reveal quite a bit about yourself but you might not learn as much about them. Although they have many relationships, they only disclose themselves to a small group of trusted friends. Even with their chosen partner they might be uncomfortable and dissociate when confronted with too much intimacy.

Work
Aquarians are valued as employees and coworkers for their great social skills. They work well on group tasks. They enjoy new technologies and they make great scientists and inventors. Their communications skills and humanitarian values draw them to careers in service organizations and the media. Their creative side makes them innovative artists.

The Shadow

Aquarian people can get lost in contrariness, eccentricity or rebellion and loosing their inner connection with being part of the whole of humanity and society. It is essential for them to find their chosen family and circle of like minded spirits to share their innovative thoughts and actions.

How Gemstones Can Enhance Your Aquarian Experience
Gemstones are the perfect way for Aquarians to achieve balance among the many different aspects of their personality and to support their unique life vision. They can help to align you to the true purpose of your soul for this life and help to stir you towards your evolutionary journey which must counter your social conditioning and old beliefs.

Gemstones have both physical and metaphysical qualities that can enhance all aspects of your well-being. The perfectly aligned crystal structure of gemstones creates an energy field that interacts with our own when you hold it or wear it on your body. In this way, the gemstone can be used to calm you, bring you mental clarity, increase your energy, enhance your creativity, and much more.

Astrology and Gemstones
Astrological principles manifest at all levels of creation, from the largest bodies in the cosmos to the tiniest particles of atoms—all are part of the same network of universal energy. Based on the hermetic principle “As above, so below,” those universal principles allow us to read relations among the planets and extrapolate those principles to things here on Earth, to events in our lives, as well as to our natural environment. The universal principles that govern the planets are also seen on the much smaller level of gemstones, crystals, and metals.

The Signature of Gemstones
Each gemstone is associated with specific planets. You are already aware that each planet has its own personality in astrology. And each gemstone has a personal “signature”—specific metaphysical qualities, different for each stone, that arise from the stone’s association with its planets.

How to Make Gemstones Work for You
By considering the individual signature of gemstones, you can select the right gems for very specific purposes, according to their astrological qualities.

Gemstones can be used in three different ways:

  1. They are precious objects of beauty that may hold a special meaning for us. We enjoy their beauty by giving them a special place on a shelf, desk, or altar.
  2. They can be used in meditation by tuning into their frequency for the purpose of balancing our energy field.
  3. They can be made into jewelry pieces for our pleasure, enhancing our individual expression of beauty and sense of empowerment.

You can learn more about the metaphysical properties of gemstones, their application for jewelry and the true birthstones for all the different signs reading my articles in the birthstone series.

aquamarineAquamarine: An Aquarian Stone

The Aquamarine is one of the true birthstones of Aquarius. It is found around the world, with the most important sources in Brazil and Madagascar. It crystallizes in a long six-sided prism. Its name derives from the Latin for “water of the ocean” because of its color, which may be light blue, medium blue, or blue-green. The most expensive and desirable color is the darkest blue.

Uranus infuses Aquamarine with some unusual qualities and a vision beyond our
usual limited mind-set, making Aquamarine the rebel among the gems. This is the gemstone of visionaries fighting for a better life, supporting goodness and necessary changes. It urges us to seek freedom and independence and to express our uniqueness. Aquamarine is the stone of innovators, ahead of their time in many ways. It encourages us to always question our limiting beliefs with an open mind and to be willing to grow beyond them. It can help us to find our own vision and purpose in life and the courage to live them.

This unique gem connects us with the unlimited aspect of being that is found in the ocean, symbolizing the vastness of existence, the unlimited space and horizon that we experience standing on a beach or on a boat.

Aquamarine also has a female aspect, represented by the Moon. The Moon symbolizes our unconscious mind, our emotions, and our past memories. It reflects our emotional needs and wants, our ability to give and receive. Through its female aspect, Aquamarine supports and nourishes us, as if with mother’s milk. Feeling full and nurtured, we are able to share from the abundance of our own heart.

Aquamarine also sharpens our mind and our powers of discernment and helps us tap into the collective unconscious mind with all its creative resources.  In so doing it helps us develop our intuitive creativity and objective knowledge.

Aquamarine opens and balances the throat chakra, which helps us to express our personal truth, including our true feelings. The throat chakra is an area where we all have many blocks; thus we often feel limited in our self-expression.

Iron gives Aquamarine its color and energizing element. It is said to help balance iron deficiency. With its high energy level Aquamarine restores equilibrium in over energized people who are impatient, always rushing about, overstressed, and tense. Those individuals may be at high risk of accidents!

Aquamarine also represents Mother Mary. When we strip away two thousand years of male Christian tradition, we discover that Mary was not only the mother of Christ but a strong and highly evolved being in her own right and thus a role model for us today. Her strength also relates to the tradition of the Black Madonna that is found all over the world. The Black Madonna stands for the destructive and creative female principle of the universe, called Shakti in the East Indian tradition.

Thus versatile Aquamarine represents the qualities of freedom, growth, moving beyond limitations, a sharp mind, creativity, self-expression, and balance. Drawing on these qualities, Aquamarine helps women to grow into a new dimension of their womanhood and helps men to balance their own inner woman. A man who integrates these aspects of Aquamarine is able to enter into a balanced and equal relationship with a strong woman without fear of losing himself or his position.

As you can tell, I am very passionate about the potential of healing gems and all the different applications of those enchanting allies to raise your frequency for more balance and joy. I have even written a book about my over 30 years of experience in the fields of healing gemstones, meaningful jewelry, and astrology.

I wish you an enchanted journey into the mysterious world of healing gemstones and looking at them in a new way! If you enjoyed this article and my perspective on things, I would like to invite you to sign up for my free weekly newsletter where I discuss the actual universal astrological forces and the special powers of gemstones and inspire you to use them wisely for a more successful and joyful life.

Aloha and many blessings, Shakti.


Shakti Carola Navran: astrologer, jeweler and author

jewelry and gems bookYou can learn more about the metaphysical properties of 67 different gemstones through my book Jewelry and Gems for Self-Discovery: Choosing Gemstones that Delight the Eyes & Strengthen the Soul. My book will teach you about astrology and how to read the blueprint of your own chart. If you know where your challenges are, you can then take steps to support and balance yourself with your 12 personal healing gemstones. Jewelry and Gems for Self-Discovery is a treasure chest of ideas about Soul Jewelry— how to select, purchase, and wear jewelry that will enhance your body, heart, mind, and soul.

The Metaphysical Properties of Crystal Quartz: One of the True Birthstones of Capricorn Astrology (December 21–January 19)

Monday, January 4th, 2010

New YearWelcome to the New Year 2010! I assume you found your very own personally satisfying way to ring in the New Year and enjoyed the stillness of the days between the years. It reminds me to the miracle of our breath. There is always this moment of stillness between the in an out of the breath reversing its course. This stillness carries the promise of life with its renewal and potential.

I took the week off my usual activities and allowed myself to slow down and relish the change of pace into the realm of contemplation, time with my friends and reorienting myself for the New Year. Looking backwards I was really surprised to realize how much I have accomplished last year even if it didn’t feel that way first. Now I feel recharged and inspired to take action towards the manifestation of my insights and new goals I have set for myself.

The Highlights for the Week:

  • We still have 4 planets in Capricorn additionally to the North Node.
  • Mercury is still retrograde as well as Mars.
  • Moon is moving through Virgo, Libra, Scorpio and into Sagittarius

So I will take this opportunity of this lull to present this month Sun sign Capricorn in more depth with the extra information about the true birthstone for Capricorns.

It seems like we are getting a little extension of time with inward focus with the two retrograde planets Mars and Mercury. It is a chance to delight in rethinking (Mercury) our life’s direction and fine tuning (Mars) our intentions, inner strength and will power into the new direction. All the planning and taking a new aim in your life will do nothing for you without the willingness to take steps towards implementing action from that place of inspiration. And Capricorn is a great ally for that.

Capricorn: The Conservative Pragmatist

Capricorn is a feminine earth sign ruled by Saturn. Their home is the 10th House—Public Image, Career, & Destiny.

As you move through the zodiac you will notice that the qualities of the signs reflect a process of evolution from self-centered toward greater social consciousness and responsibility. Saturn is associated with social order (rules, laws), duty, concrete reality, and the material world.

Capricorns seek to be in visible positions of power and prestige in society. Their high degree of organization, discipline, ambition, and intelligence make them perfect as leaders of organizations of all types, in government, business, and the military. Their conservative values and black-and-white thinking can make them inflexible with respect to morality. They are bent on success, holding high standards for themselves and others.

The influence of Saturn, the earth element, and the position in the last quarter of the zodiac make Capricorns practical, organized, controlled, self-disciplined, and conservative. “Ambition” is the keyword for this sign. Capricorns have a strong need for status and material success. They are hard workers with high career ambitions who do best in positions of authority, without supervision. They go about their goals step by step, overcoming each hurdle, and don’t give up until they’ve reached the top. They excel at hierarchical planning. They are usually financially successful.

Capricorns may appear reserved in relationships, but once committed they make loyal and reliable friends and partners. Still, their careers take precedence in their lives.

The Dark Side of Capricorn

Because Capricorns are so driven, self-disciplined, and controlling, it is hard for them to relax into the benevolence of life, trusting the flow of life and its ultimate goodness. Due to the rule of Saturn, there is an element of contraction and fear that urges the Capricorn to be continually in action and in control. It is very important for Capricorns to take time out of their busy lives and allow time for relaxation, introspection, and inner peace. Only then will they be in balance.


Bringing Light into the Darkness

It is very helpful for Capricorns to practice some form of meditation, Tai Chi, or yoga to slow down their mental activity and anxiety. Meditation with gemstones, especially Crystal Quartz, will especially appeal to Capricorns’ practical and concrete nature—it’s simply a matter of lying down and placing one or several stones on your body.
I have written two other articles about crystals and their amazing qualities: 1. Using Quartz Crystals and the Law of Attraction and 2. Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Crystal Quartz and Its Practical Applications.
Crystal Quartz is the perfect stone to bring consciousness and light into our lives, helping us to gain clarity, insight, and a higher perspective on life.


How Gemstones Can Enhance Your Capricorn Experience

Gemstones are the perfect way for Capricorns to both focus on their goals, and to bring more emotional and spiritual balance into their regimented lives.

Gemstones have both physical and metaphysical qualities that can enhance all aspects of your well-being. The perfectly aligned crystal structure of gemstones creates an energy field that interacts with our own when you hold it or wear it on your body. In this way, the gemstone can be used to calm you, bring you mental clarity, increase your energy, enhance your creativity, and much more.

Astrology and Gemstones
Astrological principles manifest at all levels of creation, from the largest bodies in the cosmos to the tiniest particles of atoms—all are part of the same network of universal energy. Based on the hermetic principle “As above, so below,” those universal principles allow us to read relations among the planets and extrapolate those principles to things here on Earth, to events in our lives, as well as to our natural environment. The universal principles that govern the planets are also seen on the much smaller level of gemstones, crystals, and metals.

The Signature of Gemstones
Each gemstone is associated with specific planets. You are already aware that each planet has its own personality in astrology. And each gemstone has a personal “signature”—specific metaphysical qualities, different for each stone, that arise from the stone’s association with its planets based on their individual color, crystal structure as well as the chemical composition.
In this article we will talk about one of the true birthstones for Capricorn which is Crystal Quartz. You can find more articles on true birthstones in my birthstone series for the other astrological signs of the zodiac on my website.

How to Make Gemstones Work for You

By considering the individual signature of gemstones, you can select the right gems for very specific purposes, according to their astrological qualities.

Gemstones can be used in three different ways:

  1. They are precious objects of beauty that may hold a special meaning for us. We enjoy their beauty by giving them a special place on a shelf, desk, or altar.
  2. They can be used in meditation by tuning into their frequency for the purpose of balancing our energy field.
  3. They can be made into jewelry pieces for our pleasure, enhancing our individual expression of beauty and sense of empowerment. I call those pieces of power Soul Jewelry.

Quartz CrystalCrystal Quartz: Your Guide to Higher States of Consciousness [1]
“ Crystal Quartz is one of the true gemstones of Capricorn. This is one of the most common and well-known crystals in the world, found virtually everywhere on the planet. It is composed of silicon dioxide and forms six-sided hexagonal prisms.

The word crystal derives from the Greek krystallos, meaning “ice,” as the Greeks believed that quartz was water that was eternally frozen, an image also found in the work of Hildegard von Bingen, a saint and ancient seer of the healing aspects of stones. Ice is a metaphor for the cooling and clear aspects of the crystal.

Quartz is a very sociable being, growing in groups and clusters and very often found together or in close connection with other minerals; thus it teaches us to have close, friendly relationships without loosing our individuality and center.

Like the Diamond, Quartz is very closely connected to our search for light and love, our longing to awaken to a higher state of consciousness, and it is our guide on that quest.

Crystal Quartz: The Manifestation of Light

Crystal Quartz is the manifestation of light, clarity, concentration, and perfect crystallization, a metaphor for our own search for perfection. If you examine a single crystal you will see that as it grows it becomes more and more clearly developed and defined toward the tip. You can also see the six sides of the crystal, corresponding to the first six chakras in the body, with the tip of the crystal corresponding to the crown chakra. In this way Quartz is a perfect mirror for our own process of growth as we move from confused or unenlightened to a state of increasing awareness and clarity on our path to higher consciousness.

Quartz is a good friend, brother, and sister and may have many additional properties, depending on the form of its “face,” or crystal tip. It might enhance our psychic abilities, such as channeling, telepathy, and clairvoyance, or connect us with ancient teachings and spiritual knowledge.

Cleansing your Stone

Although every stone may be said to pick up information by reading vibrations, Quartz is especially sensitive to the environment, absorbing everything around it. So it is very important to program it to do this consciously and to clean it often. This can be done with the help of all the elements and with the conscious state of your mind in combination with rapid, strong exhalations.

Different Forms
herkimer-diamondA double-terminated crystal (one with two tips on each end), like the Herkimer Diamond sets up an energy flow between the two ends, which act as positive and negative electromagnetic poles, and thus is especially adept at balancing opposites like yin and yang. In a single-pointed crystal the energy rises up from the more clouded bottom toward the clear tip.

A crystal in a spherical form—a crystal ball—gives off a wide, radiant, harmonizing energy field that, depending on the size of the crystal, can fill a whole room with sparkles of light and awareness. Because the sphere is the most perfect form in the universe it brings out its being in the highest form. By directing your thoughts to influence the energies of the crystal, you might program it with your needs and create a very powerful energy field for healing, concentration, or whatever you long for.”

As you can tell, I am very passionate about the potential of healing gems and all the different applications of those enchanting allies to raise your frequency for more balance and joy. I have even written a book about my over 30 years of experience in the fields of healing gemstones, meaningful jewelry, and astrology.

You can learn more about the metaphysical properties of 67 different gemstones through my book Jewelry and Gems for Self-Discovery: Choosing Gemstones that Delight the Eyes & Strengthen the Soul. My book will teach you about astrology and how to read the blueprint of your own chart. If you know where your challenges are, you can then take steps to support and balance yourself with your 12 personal healing gemstones. Jewelry and Gems for Self-Discovery is a treasure chest of ideas about Soul Jewelry— how to select, purchase, and wear jewelry that will enhance your body, heart, mind, and soul.

I wish you an enchanted journey into the mysterious world of healing gemstones and looking at them in a new way! If you enjoyed this article and my perspective on things, I would like to invite you to sign up for my weekly newsletter where I discuss the actual universal astrological forces and the special powers of gemstones and inspire you to use them wisely for a more successful and joyful life.

Aloha and many blessings, Shakti.

Shakti Carola Navran: astrologer, jeweler and author

jewelry and gems book[1]Adapted from Jewelry and Gems for Self-Discovery: Choosing Gemstones That Delight the Eye & Strengthen the Soul © 2008 by Shakti Carola Navran. Llewellyn Worldwide, Ltd. 2143 Wooddale Drive, Woodbury, MN 55125-2989. All rights reserved, used by permission of the publisher.