Tuesday 16 December 2008

Green Aventurine and Difficult Decisions

If I was planning on doing a top 10 of favourite crystals I would definitely have to put green aventurine in the top 5. It is such a wonderful all rounder of a crystal, with gentle and balancing properties. And it’s exquisite to look at.

Green aventurine has been used for physical healing by lots of people who swear by it, but seeing as I have not experienced this myself yet I will not be discussing this use here. I have however, turned to this beautiful crystal many times when I need to make a decision or think things through in a logical or methodical manner. It is amazing how much clarity green aventurine can bring you.

How Does Green Aventurine Work?
It works by bringing out the positive from any situation - working with your own innate wisdom. We can often have our judgements cluttered by too many distractions and stresses in modern life, or simply by letting our emotions rule our heads. Green aventurine, for me, seems to be able to put all of these things to one side and show me the right path or course of action to take. Which of course I knew all the time, but couldn’t see for looking!

So, if I’m feeling indecisive, here are the ways in which I use green aventurine. A very simple method - and the one I try first - is to place it by my bed at night, as close to me as possible to allow it to influence my dreams and subconscious. I may not necessarily have any answers come to me through my dreams but I can certainly feel the difference in my thinking when I wake up in the morning. I have had quite a few eureka moments .

It can also be used with some basic meditation techniques (see my last post about snowflake obsidian for more info) in order to draw out of you the answers you seek. Also try carrying it around with you throughout the difficult times, as of course you can do with most crystals for any of your problems.

But one of the most effective methods for more long term problems is to bring it into the heart of the situation wherever possible.

For example, I have used green aventurine for many a work decision when I’ve been struggling to find the right solution. I have left a green aventurine tumblestone on my desk or taken it with me to meetings (tucked away safely in my pocket), and sometimes even left it nearby to colleagues that were part of the problem!

You will find that the qualities of this crystal will soon have you able to see what is the best thing for you to do, and give you back an empowering sense of control over your life.

Chris

Tuesday 2 December 2008

Snowflake Obsidian


Seeing as it’s nearly Christmas I’ve decided to go for a wintery feel to my first, real crystals piece and talk about snowflake obsidian. Even the sound of it conjures up images of log fires and hot chocolate! It certainly is a feel good crystal and is a good one to start with seeing as you can fit working with it into your day pretty much immediately.

Firstly, I have to say that I find snowflake obsidian absolutely beautiful (hence it making it to the first post on my favourite crystals!). Black and white, yin and yang, light through the darkness - its stunning contrasts are bold and unapologetic. It’s clear that it’s a strong gemstone that will cut through any nonsense! Which is precisely why I find it so invaluable in reaching the all important inner self.

Snowflake obsidian is also often referred to as the stone of purity, and is associated with the root, or base chakra. Situated at the base of your spine, it is the first chakra - responsible for survival, instincts and physical energy. It is easily blocked by the pressures of life, be them criticisms and put downs at work or the monotony of housework (the list is endless). These strains can cut you off from your from your true self, and leave you feeling totally overwhelmed.

Recognise this feeling? Let’s face it who doesn’t. It’s time to bring some snowflake obsidian into your life!

As snowflake obsidian deals with purity and the inner self, I would recommend using it for meditation. (Click here for some basic meditation techniques if needed.)You can simply have it on your person while you meditate, but try to keep it central so that you maintain the correct balance between the left and right side of your body. Alternatively, you could try lying down on your front with the snowflake obsidian placed on your base chakra, right on the tailbone.

As you start to open up, allow all feelings and thoughts to flow through you, and don’t be afraid of any negative ones. The obsidian will help to guide you through them, and resolve any issues. Be strong and be determined to turn these feelings around.

You should start to feel the power of the gemstone being absorbed into your body and soul, and the meaning of time fading away. Clarity of thought is the inevitable result. Try and put aside at least half an hour if possible. However if that’s not viable, carry it with you as you go about your day and try to remember to close your eyes and allow the properties of the obsidian in whenever you can. A grounded and balanced state of mind will soon catch up on you!

So seeing as it is nearly Christmas, I think it’s time for me to get my favourite piece out, the snowflake obsidian angel! I think the description here is spot on - the stillness of freshly fallen snow! And it looks lovely in the lights :)