STONES ETCÖ With the resurgence of a desire to return to a simpler and more natural way of life there has been a great interest in also getting back to a more natural way of healing ourselves. The 60's saw a real push to return to nature, while the 70's was more the plastic decade (plastic furniture, plastic clothing and lots of flashing neon). In the 80's we were inundated with technological advances that were beyond what our forefathers could ever have imagined. The 90's seems like a strange mixture of the past 3 decades; we have nightclubs filled with flashing neon, computers in almost every home and office and yet we see more people seeking out the serenity of nature, wearing clothes made of natural fibers like cotton and silk, naturopathic medicine, foods without all the additives that we thought were necessary and a more natural way to maintain good health. We car coming to the realization that we can do a lot to aid in the healing of our own bodies and minds. Along with all this there is now almost a reverence for the "Old Ways". We are using a lot more herbs to feel better and accept that we are more a part of nature then we ever realized before. This is evidenced today by the amazing number of people who are buying and using different stones and crystals in their daily life. There are as many reasons to buy and wear stones as there are people in this world. Crystals and gem stones have been in use for centuries. They are everywhere in history and mythology. They adorn the crowns of royalty, the swords of warriors, the garments of the aristocracy and the bodies of almost everyone. Certain properties have been associated with different stones (protection, wealth, healing, etc.) Each stone or crystal sends out vibrations at different frequencies which are in turn received and processed by different centers in our brains and bodies. Stones and crystals are not, by any means, meant to replace medical advice or treatment. If you are not comfortable with a conventional doctor, try seeing a Naturopath, but if there is a serious medical problem please seek out competent medical care. During the course of these articles there will be some references to Chakras, so I will give you a very basic outline of where they are, what organs they correspond with, and their principle aspects regarding mental and spiritual development. Different stones vibrate at different frequencies and these in turn activate the different areas of the body, which in turn activate or stimulate different organs and glands. This can be very beneficial for healing. There are 7 main "receptive" centers in our bodies called Chakras. This is a very short and condensed description of the Chakras, their locations and what aspects of life each one deals with: 1st ñ (Root) ChakraÖÖÖÖÖ..AdrenalsÖÖÖ.grounding to earth energy, survival located in the genital area 2nd ñ (Navel) ChakraÖÖÖÖ.GonadsÖÖÖÖÖÖÖ.sexual located 2 inches below the navel 3rd ñ (Solar Plexus) ChakraÖÖÖÖÖSpleenÖÖÖÖÖ..will or personal power located slightly above the navel 4th ñ (Heart) ChakraÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖThymusÖÖÖÖÖlove and emotional located in the center of the chest 5th ñ (Throat) ChakraÖÖÖÖÖÖ.ThyroidÖÖÖÖÖÖÖ..Communication centered in the throat 6th ñ (Brow or 3rd eye) ChakraÖÖÖÖÖÖÖPituitaryÖÖÖÖÖ..intuition & communication located in forehead about 1 inch above the eyes 7th ñ (Crown) ChakraÖÖÖÖÖÖÖ.PinealÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖSpiritual located at the top of the head. The combined interaction of the pineal and pituitary glands activates the 3rd eye. The following are some terms that I use fairly often that are not commonly used in most people's everyday lives. Aura ñ A low energy field that surrounds the body. It gives off a dim glow that is often a single color from the spectrum. This field is not visible to the average person but some of it's effects can be recorded with Kirillian photography. Balance ñ the evening out of the positive and the negative forces within ourselves; the balancing of the physical and the spiritual aspects of our existence; keeping your perspective and not letting one thing take over and control your energy expenditure. Cleansing ñ Ridding your crystal of unwanted energy; should always be done when you 1st buy it. Centering ñ Developing a sense of security; the ability to feel comfortable about people and situations that surround you; getting in touch with your origins rooted deeply in the earth; attuning yourself with the forces of nature. Talisman ñ Something worn or carried (usually hand crafted piece of jewelry, i.eÖ. ring, bracelet or pendant) to ward off negative influences or to attract positive influences. Often called a "Good Luck Charm". We will start out with the most commonly work and used stone; the Quartz Crystal. Most shops carry them in one form or anotherÖÖthey are sold as pendants, earrings, rings, carved figures, spheres and key-chains. I have seen them mounted on letter openers, bookmarks and window hangings. They can be found raw or polished and shaped; singly or in clusters; large or small. Prices range from $.50 to $2500.00 or more. Because of the popularity of crystals today, most of them are drastically over-priced. They are sold as "Personal Power Crystals" at grossly inflated prices, to cash in on the sudden popularity of these natural formations. I, myself, refuse to pay more then about $10.00 for a large Quartz crystal. The best place to buy your stones is at a reliable lapidary shop. Raw or unpolished Quartz crystals are usually priced at around $.50 for small ones and about $1.50 to $5.00 to medium to fairly large ones. These are perfect for caging and wearing as pendants. You can purchase Quartz clusters in varying sizes anywhere from $4.00 to $25.00. There are wonderful as decorations around the house or for using as a focal point for meditation. Buying a crystal isn't as difficult as many would have you believe. It does not have to be a mystical experience. When you get to the shop where you intend to purchase your Quartz crystal, wander around and get the feel of the place. You should feel relaxed in there and not feel pressured to buy something you don't want or need or cannot afford. First decide on the size of the crystal that you need and for what purpose it will be used; then pick out about 10-12 that meet your criteria. Take each one in your hand and turn it over a few times, getting the feel of it. You will find that one or two seem to feel "right" in your hands. Sometimes one will catch your eye and you will feel that you MUST have it. Go with your instincts. If it feels comfortable to you then by all means purchase it. It will be the right one for your purpose at that time. There are so many different types of Quartz that it would take a whole book just to describe them, but I just want to go into the most commonly used ones. The most common is the Clear Quartz. It is a wonderful general use stone. Wearing a clear Quartz will help keep you balanced and provides and excellent grounding effect and a link with the oneness of nature. It is a good focus for meditation and aids in our physical and emotional well-being. Stimulate the 7th Chakra. Rose Quartz is an excellent choice for use in balancing the emotions. It helps the mind get rid of negative influences and uncomfortable memories. It is wonderful for lonely people and children. When feeling really stressed out it is soothing to run a warm bath and soak in the tub with a piece of Rose Quartz in the water. Stimulates the 4th Chakra. Smokey Quartz, while not that prevalent, has its won uses. It is good for grounding energy for successful action and is best used in brining white light down to the base of the spine. It increases your understanding of nature, neutralizes negative influences and is very useful to bring about gradual change. Stimulates the 1st Chakra. Carnelian, a type of Quartz, comes in a variety of colors ranging from red to orange and, in some cases, even to dark brown. It soothes depression and supports mental balance, reduces negativity and nightmares. It improves the sense of touch and may help some with asthma. It stimulates the 2nd Chakra. Amazonite is a pale turquoise colored stone (mineral). It is very soothing to the brain and nervous system. It stimulates your natural intuition and aids in finding the most effective method of expression. It enhances masculine qualities and is an excellent stone for anyone involved in the Arts. It stimulates the 5th Chakra. Amber is composed of fossilized resin formed millions of years ago from the sap of trees. It may contain mummified insects or plant matter which only strengthens its ability as a grounding stone. Amber eases stress and strengthens the memory and helps the body by absorbing negative energy. Because of this it should be cleansed regularly with water and an air bath. Stimulates the 2nd Chakra. COMMON BERYL can be either white, gray or pale blue and is opaque. It helps to overcome stress and strengthens mental balance giving the wearer a good grounding, and can also be sued to aid in lower digestive track disorders. Stimulates the 1st Chakra. DIAMOND clears the crown Chakra of both mental and physical blockages. It is a great aid to further developing your spirituality as well as guarding against envy and relieving insecurity. It is also wonderful for dispelling distress and increasing self-esteem and clarity of thought. Stimulates the 7th Chakra. LAPIS LAZULI is a beautiful deep blue stone, sometimes with flecks of pyrite running through it. It improves and eases stress, and provides mental calming while providing strengthening of the will. Lapis should be worn as close to the throat as possible but can be successfully carries in a stone pouch. Stimulates the 6th Chakra. ROSE QUARTZ is fantastic for keeping you in a mentally relaxed state which always aids the learning process. It increases confidence and heightens personal expression, creativity and comfort. Stimulates the 4th Chakra. OBSIDIAN wards off negativity and protects the wearer from becoming over sensitive. It helps you let go of the old ways and feelings in order to make room for new experiences and emotion. Stimulates the 1st Chakra. RUBY increases flexibility, vitality and develops leadership skills by reinforcing self confidence. It strengthens the heart (emotionally) and focuses the ability to love. The deep red color of the Ruby provides an energy boost and increases personal courage. It is a wonderful stabilizer both emotionally and physically. Stimulates the 1st Chakra. CHALCEDONY increases both mental clarity and balance. It heightens dreams, soothes depression, helps to dispel nightmares and brings about a general feeling of joy and happiness. Chalcedony also brings out the maternal instinct and is helpful in dealing with disturbances regarding ones sexuality that are creating conflict within oneself. Stimulates the 4th Chakra. CORAL is wonderful for providing a good balance between the mental and physical selves and attuning oneself with the earths energy. It aids in banishing nightmares, easing depression and developing the imagination. Stimulates the 1st, 7th and higher Chakras. HEMATITE is one of the best stones for seeing yourself as you really are. It is extremely beneficial in developing self-esteem and knowledge and understanding of your inner self. It is a great stone for people who are just learning to live with themselves (either on their own for the first time or as the result of a relationship ending). Stimulates the 7th and higher Chakras. MOSS AGATE is one of the better stones for maintaining emotional and mental balance. It creates a feeling of total harmony with yourself and your surroundings. The green streaks in it are found to form a link between nature and your subconscious. Stimulates the 4th Chakra. AMAZONITE activates thought energies for completely balanced expression. It calms the brain and helps filter information and combine it with natural intuition. Stimulates the 5th Chakra. JADE comes in many different colors but is commonly found in various shades of green. It brings the wearer peace and is generally calming. It projects universal love and intensifies your expressive ability. Stimulates primarily the 4th-6th Chakras. TOPAZ can be found in yellowish-orange, green, blue and brown. They all aid in soothing the digestive system and help the body assimilate nutrients and energy. As well, it works on the direct will center of the brain and this facilitates the intuitive ability of correct action. Topaz assists in the development of problem solving abilities and is used widely by those involved in the arts and sciences. Wearing a topaz ring or pendant will keep you feeling relaxed and at peace with yourself. Stimulates the 3rd and 7th Chakras.