Amber: A Gemstone’s Meaning and Origins

Amber is formed from the petrified sap of conifer trees (such as pine). Sometimes, we will find fossils of ancient life forms within it, such as insects, leaves and wood bits, or the bones of other small animals. Although amber is classified as a gemstone, it is not actually stone. Amber isn’t a mineral or stone. However, it is still considered a gem, and we can loosely call it a gemstone (even if it’s technically a gem resin). And anyway,  it does make fantastic gems for jewelry and crystal work.

Baltic amber is a very special type of this beautiful gem.  While virtually all other ambers of the world are just as beautiful and fascinating, the Baltic variety differs from the rest in its chemical composition; it has high levels of succinic acid, which has healing properties. In fact, another name for Baltic amber is succinite — so called due to the rich succinic acid contained within each piece.

Along the waters of the Baltic Sea were huge prehistoric subtropical forests. This wasn’t just an innocent group of conifer trees — they were super trees, growing to sizes that could only be possible with an unpopulated planet. Millions of years ago, these botanical giants fell and decomposed, trapping their precious, sweet-smelling honey resins in the newly formed ground where it remained, undisturbed for eons until the Baltic folk claimed the amber for their own. 

Legends within this region claim that amber is great for physical and emotional pain. It promotes comfort and healing, as well as a sense of peace and cleansing. Many churches in Eastern Europe came to incorporate the use of Baltic amber incense as an offering to God. 

Amber’s Magickal Properties and Spiritual Power

Baltic amber has been a crucial part of spiritual work among the Vedma pagan culture for thousands of years, as the gems collected from the salty beaches of the Baltic Sea are rich with healing, anti-inflammatory properties. It is venerated within many circles in both modern and historical spirituality.

Amber is said to help with pain, stress, and other physical or mental ailments. It’s especially helpful for respiratory issues, such as asthma. Amber is prized for its beauty and range of stunning colors — rich honeys and caramels, flaming oranges and sunny yellows. These shades link amber with the Root Chakra (responsible for sustaining life force & reproduction) and the Solar Plexus Chakra (ruling over personality and self-expression). 

Brown Aura

One of the most popular colors of aura bearers everywhere is brown -- and brown auras can come in all shades from the darkest chocolate brown, all the way up to pale, light tans and khakis.

Brown is a warm color within the auric spectrum.  It corresponds to the element of earth and to the Root Chakra and Solar Plexus (since many browns tend to be in the orange and red families).

Keywords to describe a brown aura person would be:  physical, giving, sociable, grounded, friendly, natural, practical, brave, fragile, logical.

A more in-depth analysis of what a brown aura means can be found in my previous entry here.  Many shades of this color are listed, so you can find your specific shade meaning easily. :)

Magickal Properties of the Pearl

Pearls are the gemstones of the sea. Not a crystal but can still be used in crystal therapy. There are various myths that tell the story of a pearl's formation; they are said to have been formed by a tear from Venus, the Goddess of love. However, the truth is that a pearl is made grain of sand or other object manages to get inside the shell of a mollusk (oyster, clam, etc.). The foreign object becomes covered with a calcium substance that is secreted by the animal. Over time, it becomes hard and smooth, with a radiant luster. Pearls come in many shades; the most popular are white, but pink, black, yellow, brownish, and other colors also occur in nature. They are found in bodies of water all over the world.

Because of the pearl's shape and luster, as well as its origin, it is considered to be a gemstone of the Moon. Pearls are also said to have aphrodisiacal qualities and boost feminine powers, as well as ability to make the bearer immortal. Legend has it that pearl powders are a key ingredient in elixirs of immortality as they are a talisman of youth and beauty. Pearls are the gem of choice to strengthen the heart, kidneys, and lungs.

Yellow and green pearls are said to bring prosperity and abundance, while brown hued pearls give their bearers intelligence and foresight. White pearls are worn to give strength, female power, and happiness. All pearls are powerful in blocking the evil eye, curses, and negative energies; they are all also instrumental in enhancing psychic abilities.

The Brown Aura Color and Its Meanings

Brown is a deep, tranquil, and earthy hue within the auric spectrum. It is generally thought to be a combination of darkest orange, with a bit of green or blue energy thrown in for good measure.  Corresponding to the earth, it is a color of practicality, warmth, and persistence.

People with a brown aura, regardless of the shade of brown represented or the amount of within the aura, tend to be very businesslike and careful, but nurturing and generally interested in helping others. They are often very brave, and wonderful team players. On the negative side, however, despite their best or most loving intentions, brown aura individuals may have control issues or anxiety.  Brown aura bearers can also be of delicate constitution, needing extra time to charge their emotional batteries.

Light brown auras are a good example of the caring nurturer with a practical approach to solving problems.  The lighter color may indicate that the aura bearer is running out of energy, or is coming to the end of a major issue in his or her life.

Tan, like light brown, also symbolizes a depleted sense of energy.  However, a tan aura bearer tends to be less focused on feelings and emotions, and more concerned with logic and facts in order to achieve goals.

Greyish brown (mushroom color) is another shade that shows a deficiency in personal energy.  Brown aura bearers tend to deplete themselves quickly, so they need to take extra energy.  This shade indicates a slower and more careful thought process, in an attempt to pace him- or herself.  Try some aura polishing techniques if you need a positive change.

Chocolate is a common shade for the environmentally conscious, outdoorsy type of person.  This person can recharge those batteries by connecting with the earth, plants and animals.

Rusty brown can be indicative of a tough-as-nails, persistent person who will fight through anything to achieve his or her goals.  The addition of a red essence in this shade boosts the aura bearer's natural "brown" tendency to fade quickly.  There is an aggression here that can be channeled positively.

Reddish-clay brown aura bearers show persistence and grace under pressure, as well as a pioneering spirit and an unconventional nature.  However, there is also the tendency for a short temper or stubbornness to rear an ugly head occasionally.

Espresso brown is a calm, quiet shade that gives its bearer a simple elegance and a lot of common sense.  There may not be too many original ideas coming from this bearer, however the logic of such an individual is quite valuable when processing or improving upon ideas from other sources.

The next time that you wonder what a brown aura means, you only have to look inward.  Each aura is unique,  and aura patterns can contain many different shades of brown.  Do what feels right for you!

The Beauty & Mystery of Agate

 Agate is a lovely type of crystal with a smooth sheen; it is part of the quartz family.  It occurs naturally in North America, as well as Australia, Morocco, and some South American countries.  Many different types of agate exist, and quite a few of them feature multiple layers of color.  Agate is often a bit opaque and can be found in a stunning array of shades -- red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, brown, pink, white, grey, and more.

As with many types of crystal, agate has its own special healing properties to improve the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being of its users.  It is often used for relaxation and balance, to ground and provide tranquility to its owner.  Agate is also useful for improvement of logic skills, eyesight, to bring hidden abilities to the forefront, and promote agility.  It can also be used for pain relief, and can promote healing of the lymphatic, circulatory, and respiratory systems.  Agate can also promote good digestion and a healthy appetite.

Each color of agate has its own specific healing abilities as well:

Fire agate is a gorgeous multicolored stone that often features reds, yellows, and browns prominently.  It can enhance the user's natural sense of courage and alleviate fear and anxiety.  This type of agate is also helpful to enhance psychic abilities, blood circulation, and the nervous system.  It can also aid in digestive issues.

Rose agate is an excellent choice for soothing wounded emotions.  It can promote forgiveness and healing of a wounded soul.  It is said to enhance the owner's capacity for love and caring.

Botswana agate is an amazing type of agate streaked with white and many shades of grey, sometimes brown and pale blues as well.  It is said to promote physical virility as well as fertility and passion, inspiration to artists, emotional peace and protection.

Moss agate is named for its mossy green and white speckled appearance.  It evokes associations with nature and freedom.  Moss agate is thought to help with health issues such as skin problems, inflammation, and infections.  It can also help the owner feel less emotionally trapped and promote a sense of freedom.

Lace agate has a delicate blue color range.  We often associate it with positive thinking, happiness, and relaxation.  It can be used to help calm stressful situations where emotions run high, or to cleanse the user of negativity and promote optimistic feelings.  Physically, it is said to be good for joint health and flexibility, thyroid issues, fever, inflammation, and trouble with the neck and shoulders.

Violet agate is another excellent choice for fertility help.  It is thought to be especially useful to women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant; violet agate can also be used to lessen the pain and problems of childbirth.  Additionally, it can be good for helping promote feelings of empathy and understanding between people.  

Brown agate comes in all types of rusty red and brown shades; everything from coffee to caramel!  It's an excellent choice to promote digestive health.  It can also be used to enhance the workings of the liver and pancreas.  Brown agate can also work to help pets and other animals, as well as to ground and stabilize the user.

White agate is an excellent all-purpose type of stone,  but most specifically it can be helpful in assisting the body in expelling toxins and promote regenerative healing.  Spiritually it does much the same thing, helping to clear the mind and soul of negativity and to enhance one's ability to not only think with clarity, but also to learn and develop further abilities faster and with greater ease.

Healing and Magickal Properties of Jasper

Practicioners of crystal therapy claim that the vibrations of each type of crystal can perform various functions. Their energy can be harnessed to make subtle changes in one's physical and mental health.

Jasper is a type of quartz which has often been referred to as "The Supreme Nurturer." This stone can be wonderfully supportive to people during times of stress or emotional turbulence. Jasper can bring about a calm peacefulness which can be like a soothing balm to those in distress. Jasper stones can bring a tranquil sense of calm to the bearer, and they can also absorb negative energy as well. Many different colors and types of jasper exist, and although each of them have specific beneficial properties, they all have a wonderful nurturing advantage to their energy.

Red jasper helps to protect from stress, panic, and anxiousness by helping to give insight into issues which require more attention. Red jasper can also help you with interpreting and recalling dreams. Physically, it is thought to aid blood circulation and promote a healthy liver.

Yellow jasper is another great choice for calming distress and promoting tranquility in someone who is upset or feeling a high level of anxiety. Its physically healing properties give it the power to heal digestive ailments and soothe an upset stomach.

Green jasper is another mood-levelling type of jasper, though this one is thought to work especially well on obsessive thoughts. One can also turn to green jasper for aid with troubling skin conditions and immunity imbalances. Like yellow jasper, green jasper is also proficient in healing digestive troubles as well.

Ocean jasper is an amazing type of jasper that comes in myriad colors and patterns; it's not uncommon to see an ocean jasper item containing blues, reds, greens, yellows, and black all in one piece. It is another highly protective jasper which can aid the user with a calming, patience-boosting property. This one can help to provide insight and perspective in order for the bearer to take personal responsibility for any issues he or she may have caused. Because it often contains yellow and green shades, this is another good choice for helping digestive troubles and also to dispel toxins from the body. It is also reputed to help with body odor.

Picture jasper is another multi-colored type of jasper. Often it contains shades of orange, red, and sandy brown, with ripples of dark brown and black veins. This gorgeous stone can help to promote peace and harmony, as well as to encourage stability. Picture jasper can also help calm phobias and gently uncover repressed emotions. Physical healing properties include the stimulation of one's immunities in order to promote self-healing, as well as the treatment of kidney illnesses and troubles with the skin.

Zebra jasper is usually a black and white rippled jasper, though it can sometimes be seen in colors other than white. It's another excellent choice for promoting peace, harmony, and stability. Zebra jasper can also keep you grounded and calm emotional distress.