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.

Crystal Magick with Cherry Quartz

The pink and red hues of cherry quartz are so beautiful and magical to behold! But it’s more than just a pretty stone.

Cherry quartz can attract love like rose quartz, but with more of a sexual/erotic flair. It also promotes happiness and bursts of creativity. 

Wear it to be the life of the party, or to get inspired!

Red Aura

One of the most popular colors of aura bearers everywhere is red -- and red auras can come in all shades from the darkest burgundy, all the way up to light and bright reds.

Red is a warm color within the auric spectrum.  It corresponds to the element of fire and to the Root Chakra.

Keywords to describe a red aura person would be:  passionate, loyal, competitive, loving, aggressive, strong, versatile, powerful, stressful, physical, sexual.

A more in-depth analysis of what a red 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. :)

The Magickal Properties of Garnet

Garnets are loved and revered the world over for their breathtaking beauty, their lustre, and their mystical powers.  While they have similar physical characteristics to crystals (such as structural formations), garnets are actually composed of crystal silicate materials that can vary in hardness.  They are found all over the world in a stunning array of shades.  The most commonly known garnet hues are red and pink, but they are also seen in oranges, yellows, greens, blues, purples, browns, blacks, and even clear.  Some garnets even change their reflective color depending on how much light is reflecting off of them.

Because of the common red color of garnet crystal, it is often associated most with the more aggressive emotional moods, such as anger and aggression.  Long ago, it was known as the "warrior stone," as it was carried into battle to protect soldiers and warriors from injury and illness, and to help them come out as the victors in their battles.

Garnets are also often used in love spells, to keep a man or woman faithful to the garnet's owner.  It can also enhance the wearer's sex life, making him or her appear more physically attractive to the one she or he desires. It’s also the January birthstone — and can be used for all birth months as a powerful talisman.

Like most crystals and minerals, garnets have some great healing properties as well.  Garnets are great for detoxifying the body, drawing out negative physical elements as well as bad energies from the bearer.  It is also great for reviving the libido and rekindling emotional passion, not just for sex, but for anything where the bearer feels the need to focus and get down to business.  Try garnets for giving yourself a bit of extra drive in business and personal endeavors as well.

Magic Properties of Diamonds

There is, perhaps, no gemstone nearly as famous as a diamond -- and certainly none as precious!  These stones are among the hardest in the world, and prized all over the planet for their immense beauty, durability, relevance as a status symbol, and most of all... their power.  Although they are often imitated, nothing is quite the same as a real diamond.

Diamonds come in all types of colors, though white is the hue we think of most when diamonds come to mind.  They also come in all shades of brown, yellow, grey, even pink or red!  Commercial diamonds are often treated to enhance their color or clarity, though it certainly does not detract from their beauty.  Many different colors, shapes, and crystal styles can be created through modern technology.

Many legends and myths surround this awe-inspiring gem.  As an amulet, it is known as the "mother's stone," since it helps to protect the female reproductive organs, the heart, and the circulatory system.  It is also said to protect against all manner of catastrophic issues:  snake bites, curses, fire, poison, illnesses of all types, as well as evil magicks.  Diamonds are virtually indesctructable; they symbolize innocence, purity, and beauty.

As healing stones, diamonds are very useful for reproductive parts of the female anatomy and the heart.  It is also excellent for depression, memory issues, to center and calm the bearer as it strengthens.

The Meaning of a Red Aura

Red is the hottest, most fiery shade of the spectrum. Corresponding to the element of fire and the Root chakra, it is a hue of passion, sexuality, and creativity.

People with a red aura, regardless of the shade of red or the amount of red within the aura, tend to be passionate and emotional people. They also have much creativity and innovation to offer the world, and thrive in arenas where making and producing are at the forefront. Red aura bearers are also often aggressive and opinionated -- sometimes for good, and sometimes for bad.

Brighter reds tend to be seen in people with higher levels of aggression, and the brighter the red, the more anger is being harbored by the aura bearer. This may be a temporary flash in the aura, but if a bright red color is a more permanent fixture, this person may need to learn how to relax or address the source of his or her anger.  Sometimes aura polishing techniques can help to soothe the burn.  Each aura is unique, and different things may work for various aura colors and aura patterns.  Go with your instincts!

The crimson aura, which is one of the darkest red shades, is a good representative of the versatility of a red aura. Creativity and innovative thinking are paramount in this aura shade.

Burgundy is another very dark, and very creative aura hue. People with a burgundy aura after often very tenacious and able to see difficult situations to the end.

Maroon is a brownish red shade with a deep, dark hue. Like most red-hued aura bearers, people with a maroon aura have a great deal of personal power; however, the brownish cast also helps this aura bearer stay grounded and self-disciplined.

Scarlet is a deep, but vivid red. This can indicate someone who is very confident thinks very highly of him- or herself.

Cinnabar or vermilion auras tend to be brighter and more positive red aura bearers, with a lighter and more artistic personality. They can also be highly charismatic.

People with a magenta aura tend to be seeking new horizons in their life, looking for change and improvement. They often wish to better themselves in body, mind, or personal circumstance.

Mystical Properties of Ruby

The ruby has a long and fascinating history. Nicknamed the "King of Gems," the ruby is the birthstone of July.  The word "ruby" iteself comes from the Latin word "ruber," which means "red."  Ruby is a 9 on the Mohs scale, making it very hard and strong.  Along with emeralds, diamonds, and sapphires, the ruby is considered one of the most precious stones on earth.

While a ruby can range in color from the deepest crimson all the way to lighter pink shades, the darker reds tend to be the rarest and most valuable.  In fact, the rarity of a quality ruby with that sought-after dark red color is so rare that it can often be worth more than a diamond of the same size.

Throughout history, rubies have been revered for their mystical properties.  Healing qualities include treatment for blood disorders, or heart problems.  It has also been thought to aid digestion and to provide extra energy to the wearer.  It is a wonderfully curative, protecting stone; warriors would wear ruby jewelry when going off to battle, and women would keep rubies nearby during childbirth.

If you're looking to buy ruby jewelry, the most important thing to keep in mind is the quality of the stone.  Remember that size isn't as important as the quality and color of the ruby.  Seek out deep, dark red shades.  Also, realize that most stones have inclusions, but in my opinion, this only makes your ruby more interesting and unique.  What is important, however, is the cut -- your crystal should be cut so that its brilliance and beauty are maximized.  Be sure to carefully inspect your ruby to make sure that there aren't any small scratches or chips.  Some people prefer synthetic lab-created gemstones for their beauty and affordability; if you're interested in something pretty to wear, feel free to go down this road.  However, a ruby that occurs in nature is going to be a better choice for its natural power and authenticity.

Rubies have amazing spiritual properties!

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.