Tricolor Cannabis-Themed Beaded Necklace with Gems

Frannie from SpiritClique recently completed her latest art project. We love this fun beaded necklace — just in time for spring! Check out more of SpiritClique’s spiritual lapidary art at the SpiritClique Etsy shop.

My first step was to create the color palette.  I went with a standard tricolor here because I wanted something bold and festive, that would show the gleam of the stainless steel off to its best advantage!

The color yellow has a deeply spiritual vibration that is interpreted in similar ways throughout human culture. As the color we most associate with the sun, yellow symbolizes life, renewal, and community. People with a yellow aura tend to be friendly, strong, and (despite the western’s association between yellow and cowardice) bravery.

Red is often associated with the planet Mars, plus all the strength and creativity that comes with it. In China, red is strongly associated with good fortune. In the western world, we associate it with physical strength, passion, and power. It’s no wonder that people with a red aura have a strong and vibrant life force!

Many cultures attribute qualities like healing, fertility, and relaxation with green. It has been proven that the color green can help people center their thoughts and get to a more logical place mentally. It’s also associated with the earth, plant life, and the heart chakra. Green aura bearers are naturally loving, brought to earth as healers and helpers. Green is a lucky color, combining the energy of yellow and the tranquility of blue. And of course, it’s the color of American money and cannabis — making it a great choice for this project.

These three colors together can symbolize many things. Lots of cultures use this color combination of red, yellow, and green: Pan-African culture, Rastafarian spirituality, Malaysian traditions, as well as the flag of the Lithuanian people. 

As a proponent of medical cannabis and a person of Lithuanian ancestry, this color combo has a special place in my heart! I chose to use lemon-yellow micro beads for this project because I had a lot of leftovers from my ongoing khokhloma project — but also, I wanted the piece to be warm and summery. Plus, making yellow the dominant color in my palette removes any assumption that this is a Christmas necklace. Not that the weed focal isn’t also a huge tip-off. :)

Beads. I chose sunny yellow Czech micro beads (11/0) for this project. And may I say, the 11/0 size is starting to become a fav to work with. :) Green crystal bicones and shimmery metallic Czech glass beads add more body and diversity to the piece. 

Metals. My chosen focal is a cannabis silhouette glyph made of brushed stainless steel. I love using steel in my pieces because it’s tough as hell, easy to care for, and fun to work with. Mars is the planetary correspondence of iron, and it’s also my main ruling planet. Iron is also the metal correspondence of Aries, which is my zodiac sign. And of course, as a daughter of miners, steel makers, and iron workers... it’s a perfect medium for me!

Gemstones. Because I’m working around a cannabis theme, I decided to choose two types of gemstones to represent the two basic weed types: soothing indica and invigorating sativa.

Flanking the cannabis focal are three beads made of natural shell dyed in red, yellow, and green — these are my soothing indica stones. Mother of Pearl is a fantastic choice for organic jewelry. Associated with the moon, throat chakra and solar plexus chakra (especially in yellow and green!), these ethereal shells are also linked with the psychic realm. It’s a wonderfully healing gem for people with anxiety or those who need healing in negativity-filled situations.

My sativa choice just had to be the lively, energy infusing emerald! I added about a carat of emerald beads to the center of this piece, keeping it close to the heart chakra to add all that fab green energy. Emerald is one of my favorite gemstones to use for its fun loving and exciting vibe. It’s the birthstone of May as well as a gemstone of Taurus. It is one of the world’s most precious gemstones (along with diamond, ruby, and sapphire). Many old-world religions strongly associated emeralds with love, more so than virtually any other jewel. And it’s no wonder — the emerald reflects the green power of the heart chakra. Emeralds can help us rediscover passions for people and things that seem a little boring; it helps to heal depression, raise self-esteem, and invigorate the soul.

I also have this piece in a white/blue combination with howlite! But that’s a story for another time.

Green Aventurine Properties: Crystal Magick

There’s a reason that this cool, green stone in the quartz  family is so popular with beginners. It’s a powerful crystal, but so easy to work with!

Aventurine is a great all-purpose crystal! It works wonders for attracting wealth, healing, & confidence. It also turns negative energy into positive!

Green Aura

One of the most popular colors of aura bearers everywhere is green -- and green auras can come in all shades from the darkest "nori green", all the way up to pale minty green shades. 

Green is a cool, soothing color within the auric spectrum.  It corresponds to the element of earth and to the Heart Chakra.

Keywords to describe a blue aura person would be: friendly, healing, positive, sociable, spiritual, stubborn, tenacious, natural, connected, communicative.

A more in-depth analysis of what a green aura means can be found in my previous entry here.  Many shades of green 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.

Magickal Properties of Turquoise

If you're a unique sort of person who marches to the beat of their own drum, the turquoise might just be your best bet for a personal power gemstone!

The word itself is derived from the Greek word "Turkois," their name for the country Turkey, which was the main source of turquoise in ancient times.  This gemstone is formed by minerals such as copper or aluminum being pressed by the Earth's surface while water drips through the minerals for millions of years.

Turquoise is a mineral with a coloring that's so distinct that the robin's-egg color is actually named after it!  This rich blue-green stone can actually range in color from dark blues and greens, all the way to the lighter sky blue that is turquoise's namesake.  The gemstone is associated with the month of December, and can be found in many parts of the world, including China, India, many parts of South America, and the southwestern United States.

Native Americans consider the turquoise crystal to be a sacred and powerful stone.  In the past, turquoise was often carved into shapes of animals and birds, and placed into tombs as offerings, to attract positive spirits and to keep their dead safeguarded from evil.  Additionally, warriors would tip their bows and arrows with turquoise to ensure an accurate shot during battle or hunting.  The ancient Mayans would also use it to decorate artwork for their temples, forbidding people to wear it as it was revered as a stone of the gods.  In the Middle East, turquoise was used to create religious relics as lines from the Koran would be carved upon it and guilded.

When you are looking for a stone of protection, turquoise is an excellent choice.  It can help to enhance positivity and repel negative forces.  Turquoise is also soothing to the heart and mind, instilling calmness and clarity to a restless or grief-stricken soul.  Legends also say that a turquoise stone can foretell illness; if the bright color fades, it is said that the health is leaving the body of the gemstone's bearer.  When the stone returns to its normal shade, the person's health should return to normal. 

Peridot Power! Its Magickal Properties

A word of caution:  The peridot crystal is only for the most extreme personalities.  If you're interested in harnessing the magickal proprties of this firey, intense gemstone, you'd better be able to handle it!  It is sometimes referred to as "That stone which is the color of Mountain Dew."  And it's true: few things are similar to the delicious lemon-lime color of a peridot.  It is truly a unique stone for many reasons.

The brilliant yellow-green peridot is one of history's oldest gemstones.  The earliest written history of the peridot dates back to about 1500 B.C. in ancient Egypt.  There are some experts who feel that the infamous emeralds which were worn and prized by Cleopatra were actually peridots. 

Most gemstones are formed in the Earth's crust.  This is not true of the diamond or the peridot.  Instead, these gems are formed in the mantle of the earth, and rise to the surface as the mantle is disturbed by various forces of nature.  Peridots are formed higher up in the mantle than diamonds, but both are pushed upward by volcanic activity and earthquakes.

Throughout history, the peridot has been revered as having many different mystical powers.  First and foremost is the peridot's power to shatter and dispel all other enchantments at the bearer's will.  It is unparalleled in its ability to dissolve spellwork -- for maximum potency, choose a peridot which is set in gold.  Its healing properties are also legendary; peridot allegedly has the power to heal asthma, to alleviate fevers, and to help the digestive system work in optimal condition.

Peridots are also thought to alleviate a number of emotional and mental issues, as well.  It can fight depression and anxiety; it's particularly helpful for phobias and panic attacks.   Sadness, grief, and sorrow can be helped by lighter shades of peridot as well.  Peridot can also enhance restful sleep and relaxation.  It can also balance mood disorders such as bipolar disorder, and alleviate self-consciousness and low self-esteem.

The Mystical Powers of Emerald

Emeralds are one of the most beautiful and popular gemstones, having been mined and prized since the ancient Egyptians began to mine them.  They are part of the beryl family; while the emerald is most commonly known as a green stone, the shades of green can vary from yellow-green all the way to a deep blue-green. Only the deepest, darkest colored stones are known as emeralds; beryls of lighter shades are often classified as other types of gemstones.

Emeralds are very rare and valuable crystal stones, revered for their deep luscious color and their mystical properties as well.  As the traditional birthstone for May, the emerald is also associated with the green Heart Chakra and thus can be used in healing the heart, circulatory system, lungs and throat as well.  They are also purported to help with the eyesight, guard against drunkenness, strengthen the digestive system, and counteract poison.  More importantly are the mental and emotional benefits -- inner healing, introducing mental clarity, and increasing perception are all claims by emerald enthusiasts.

Many folks associate the green of emerald with the green of money and prosperity.  However, if you're looking for a powerful stone for love spells, you needn't look any further than the emerald! If it is your birthstone, you're covered as long as you feel the need to wear one.  If not, you can always use your favorite emerald in spiritual workings.  Program the emerald just as you would consecrate and program any crystal that you like to use for rituals, and then wear it near your heart.  An emerald pin would be perfect for this type of purpose, or a tiny chip of emerald that you can wear in your pocket!

"Who first beholds the light of day,
In spring's sweet flowery month of May,
And wears an Emerald all her life,
Shall be a loved, and happy wife."

The Powers of Aquamarine

Aquamarines are beautiful, valuable, and very powerful!  Named for the blue-green shades of the ocean which are remeniscent of this gem's beautiful hues, the aquamarine is part of the beryl family.  These crystal gemstones are often found near deposits of tungsten and tin ore, and beryls can come in an array of beautiful shades like greens, blues, yellows, and reds.

The words "aqua marina" mean "water of the sea."  The turquoise shade of aquamarines make it a stunning and desireable stone for jewelry; at the turn of the 19th century, it was extremely prized and often paired with silver.  This stone is associated with the month of March and the element of water.

This gem is a wonderful stone for healing all parts of the body, though it is said to be especially effective for the heart, circulatory system, and immune system.  It is also thought to be healing to the eyesight, as gazing upon the stone can produce a soothing and calming effect on the eyes.

It is also healing for emotional issues, too.  Aquamarine is an ideal talisman when used to level one's moods, as well as to help one to open up and share his or her feelings.  Many blue-toned gemstones have had legendary powers to cool and subdue harsh feelings like anger and aggression; this one is no exception, having the power to relax and soothe hurt feelings.  Aquamarine can also enhance psychic visions and mental clarity, as well as to enhance the inner charisma of whomever chooses to wear it.

The Cross Crystal Grid: An Easy Crystal Grid Layout for Pain

I have recently seen some searches to my blog which are seeking crystal grid layouts, so within the next few months I'm going to try adding some for you. :)

This grid layout is an easy, but somewhat unusual one.  You only need four crystals for this grid layout.  My personal preference for this layout is to use green and orange crystals -- tourmalines of either or both shades, agate, or amber would be perfect choices.  If you can find tourmalines in both orange and green, that would be ideal!  Orange is, of course, the color of the sacral chakra where many of our pain management abilities are stores.  And the green represents the heart chakra, which I feel can help to lessen the worry of the pain itself.  Trust me, when I have a fibromyalgia flare-up (and even when I don't!)  I stress about whether or not some activity is going to make me hurt.  Green is a stabilizing and comforting color here!

You can use typical polished or tumbled stones for this grid, but I have found that it can be even more powerful when choosing crystals which have points.  The unusual thing about this layout is that the points actually focus inward, as opposed to outward and away from the body.  You are essentially harnessing your own energy in the achy spot, and helping it to fight the pain and soothe your body naturally, as opposed to seeking an outside source of energy. 

It may be tempting to add more crystals than four, but I'd keep it to just four.  This layout is meant to be simple and fuss-free.  Besides, more than four points focusing inward might be too much energy in one spot.  Keep it gentle!

You can use this layout anywhere on the body that you choose.  If you need to surround the body part with the crystals instead of putting them directly onto your body (such as with a smaller area, like a finger or an earlobe), that's fine.  The crystals don't need to be on or off the body specifically, as long as the points are facing the area of discomfort.  I have used the back in my example because it's a relatively common pain area, as well as a big part of the body, just to show you how it's done.

I hope this layout is helpful for you! :)  Namaste!

A Green Aura and Its Meanings

Green is one of cooler and more soothing colors within the aura spectrum.  This hue corresponds to the elements of earth and water.  Green corresponds to the Heart chakra, and is a peaceful and healing color.

People with green auras, in whole or in part, are natural healers.  They often derive great joy from helping others, and they're usually very good at it as well.  Most shades tend toward peaceful and relaxed behavior, with just a spark of inspiration and positivity to balance things.

The mint green aura tends to be found in very spiritual people.  Clergy or those who live their lives as pacifists tend to have this color present somewhere in their auric composition.  They seek spiritual advancement as part of their overall growth.

Apple green -- like a Granny Smith apple -- may seem like a sour, strong color in the physical world.  But when it comes to auric colors, this shade is actually a quintessential healer color.  You will find this in people in the medical profession, as well as caring and nurturing people.

Lime green aura bearers can be difficult to handle.  Because of the high yellow content in this color, they have the ability (like many yellow aura folks) to manipulate or take advantage of other people.  However, the green spark gives them the ability to get away with it more often than not; the healing properties of green will also "reverse" onto themselves, reducing their guilt about deception against others.  Aura colors can be changed, but yellow-based shades are often very reluctant or unable to change.  Proceed with caution.

Shimmering green auras are amazing to behold.  Those with this aura tend to be social butterflies, loving nothing more than to be in the company of others.  They enjoy the limelight; being the center of attention is their idea of heaven.  Generally they mean well enough, and are fascinating communicators and story tellers.

Emerald green auras are often seen in people who have experienced a lot of turmoil in life, and who have finally relaxed enough to close the door on those problems and move on with their life.  They are often only too happy to lend their counsel to other people in similar situations.

Aquamarine auras generally come before an emerald green aura has the chance to develop.  This person may still be experiencing trauma or stress, but is just beginning to come to terms with those issues.  They often turn to other people in trouble, or others who are in need of help, as a form of escapism of their own issues. However, the clouds in their lives are "clearing," and offering help to other people is actually a healthy and therapeutic thing to do -- provided that they don't escape into other people permanently!

Dark or muddy greens, such as olive green, can indicate a slow and sluggish thought process, especially where other people's wellbeing is concerned.  There is also a tendency toward stinginess and selfishness, as well as a conservative nature that is so deeply ingrained that it becomes detrimental instead of merely cautious.  Try some aura polishing techniques if you need help.

Other deep green shades indicate positivity, benevolent and caring personalities, as well as healing tendencies.   Green aura bearers have a strong connection with the earth and with other people.  These are the types of people who make excellent friends and caring partners.

A green aura can mean many things depending on the shade, so find the one that works best for you.  Every aura is different, and different things may work for various aura colors and aura patterns. Go with your instincts!

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.