Some of us feel healthier and even happier during the summer months and this especially goes for people who live in cooler climates. Although with our volatile weather, even those who live in warmer climates can feel a bit off in the winter. Most of us find during warmer months we that we're physically healthier, more energetic, happier, motivated, more adventurous, and even less fearful. How could that be?

What happens in the winter that causes all of these good feelings to disappear or vastly disintegrate? Mostly it has to do with our lack of contact with nature. We have to realized that being made up of the same elements as the earth and stars makes it's imperative that we maintain our connection to it. During the summer we're more apt to be outdoors in nature, in the sun (our biggest star), and by the water. Each of these proves to be beneficial to our health and happiness. So what do we do during the winter months if we don't want to spend a lot of time out doors?

Crystals are a great way to bring nature indoors. They are one way that we can bring in all the energies of summer and more. There are crystals that represent sun energy and those that reflect nature. The sun is very empowering while nature is healing to both our bodies and hearts. It fills us with an abundance attitude. We even have crystals to warm you up. There are different stones that represent the water element in its many forms. Many of us are soothed and rejuvenated by water. The type of water that is healing will often vary from person to person.
Following are nine crystals to help bring back those positive summer vibes:

Sunstone and Yellow Tigers to connect with the sun. Many people suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) to some degree during the winter months, especially in a cooler climate. Both Sunstone and Yellow Tigers Eye are really affective against SAD. Both stones are known to empower the individual and raise optimism. Sunstone alleviates stress and worry. Yellow Tigers Eye grounds and protects. Sunstone is named after the sun, but in early times Yellow Tigers Eye was called Eye of the Sun.

Green Aventurine and Moss Agate to reconnect with nature and the outdoors. Both of these stones contain the abundant feelings of summer. They remind us that we are always provided with more than enough. They are healing for both the heart and body as a whole. Green Aventurine tends to bring out the adventurous side making us more willing to try new things. Moss Agate is a nice stone for gardeners. You know that lovely feeling you have after you've just come in from spending time with your hands in the dirt. It contains moss which makes it a great stone for personal growth.

Flame Agate for warmth and to add zest to life. This crystal is known to heat things up. It is said to embody the fire element. It improves circulation, increasing feelings of physical warmth. It's also known to increase life force energy and vitality. Lastly, Flame Agate is an amazing stone to have nearby when there's a decision you're having a tough time making.

Ocean Jasper, Larimar, Amazonite and, Aquamarine to reconnect with the natural waters. Ocean Jasper is an oceanic energy stone. It has its name because it's found in the ocean. Like water on a shore, the bad feelings roll out and the good feelings roll in with Ocean Jasper. Larimar captures the sea and is reputed to be from Atlantis. So we might even think of it as a stone with an exotic water aura. Larimar is a very peaceful stone that encourages inner growth and wisdom. Amazonite is said to come from the Amazon river. It not only captures river energy, but the same power and dynamism found in some of our other fresh waters. Amazonite is wonderful at helping you realize where your powers lie. This stone will also aid you in expressing those powers. Aquamarine truly brings in the soothing quality of water and it can represent any of our natural waters. All waters are emotionally healing. Water energy is all about love and the emotions. Aquamarine has a cleansing effect, helping to wash away what no longer serves and encouraging us to grow.

Put together a combination of some of these crystals to beat the winter doldrums and enjoy the colder months. Go with the ones you feel compelled to get. Remember that you don't require large crystals and stones to obtain their magic. You can stay on budget and buy small tumbled stones, the power of crystals doesn't lie in their size. Set an intention with each crystal, an Intention tells the crystal what you'd like to get from it. You should work with them consistently and not passively. It doesn't take much, just sit near them each day for a few moments and think about your intentions. Recharge them in the moonlight once a month or more. This loads them up with more energy so just put them on the window sill for a few hours.
Crystal Blessings XX

Crystals are an amazing way for us to heal and empower ourselves. So why not go to the Crystal Kingdom for a little assistance in 2018? We can consider crystal grids, crystal jewelry, or loose crystals which we keep in our environment. With the New Year coming soon I always create a few new grids around my home. Crystal grids continually send energy to a person, group, or situation. I also think about what loose crystals or crystal jewelry I might want to add to my collection. As a Crystal Healer I realize the immense healing gifts that each stones in the Crystal Kingdom has to offer.

Crystal Grids can be as simple or complicated as you'd like although I think simple is better. We don't  want to confuse the universe with conflicting messages about what we are asking for. if you keep it simple your message will be sure to get through. Stones can be purchased from a store or you can use what you find in your yard. I find it best if you try and go with somewhat of a uniform size. You can use a grid cloth like the Flower of Life grid cloth in the photo or go without. Grid cloths help ensure that the crystals are laid according to Sacred Geometry which is said to be the language of the universe.  I created this grid for my Crystal Healing Business. It is made up of Green Aventurine and Garnet with a Clear Quartz termination. The combination of the Red Garnet and Green Aventurine is very healing and balancing for the heart. Mine is a heart based business and I chose these crystals to bring these benefits to both me, as a healer, and my clients. Grids can be created for anything including health, business, abundance, and love.

A Crystal Mandala is a mandala made up of crystals and it brings positive energy to all aspects of one's life. Like a grid each of the stones should be of similar size to give it a cohesive look. The mandala pictured right is one that I created for myself for 2018. The photo is labeled so you can use it as sort of a guide if you choose to set one up for yourself. Use a compass when setting it up in your home so that the Protection stone sits in the North, the Healing crystal sits in the West, etc. I often work with clients giving them several crystals to choose from for each area and they pick what they are attracted to. When they are done selecting all of the stones we go over what each means for the particular area the crystals are intended for. A Mandala Session is  often given as a home visit. The client is left with the mandala completely set up and activated. I later send them a written up sheet on the stones and their meanings. Mandala Sessions can also be given long distance. Afterwards I mail the crystals and a written sheet of instructions on how to set the mandala up and activate it. You can also create your own mandala by selecting the stones intuitively for each area. Try visiting a crystal shop and see what speaks to you when you think of "Relaxation", for example.  Go through each area of the mandala and find the crystal you are compelled to get for each section.

Zodiac Stones fill us with vitality, are very protective, and empowering. These stones are aligned with the particular planetary energies that hold rule over the zodiac signs. I recommend owning at least your own zodiac crystal. Choose whichever you are most drawn to. Some people have a few different crystal for their sign. Zodiac Stones are different from Birthstones. Birthstones were an invention of the Jeweler's Industry and are loosely based on Zodiac Stones. In Early time individuals owned a crystal for each sign of the zodiac even if they weren't applicable to their sign. These people seem to have been more connected to planetary energies as evidenced by Archeological findings. Ancient people readily saw the influence the planets hold over us. They found ways to work with universal  and planetary energies. They realized that each planet has it's gifts to offer us energetically speaking. They also realized the challenges that could come as a result of these planetary powers. Keeping zodiac stones on hand for each month was considered highly protective. Crystal offered a way to keep in balance with the universal laws so-to-speak.

Aries - Hematite, Diamond, Pyrite, Smoky Quartz, Red Jasper, Clear Quartz, Carnelian
Taurus - Lapis Lazuli, Emerald, Rhodonite, Rose Quartz, Peridot, Carnelian, Pink Tourmaline
Gemini - Agate, Citrine, Moonstone, Moss Agate, Pumice, Mica, Golden Tiger’s Eye
Cancer - Emerald, Ruby, Red Japer, Sunstone, Amethyst, Aquamarine, Blue Tourmaline
Leo - Onyx, Peridot, Carnelian, Golden Tiger’s Eye, Red Jasper, Clear Quartz, Garnet
Virgo - Blue Sapphire, Galena, Magnetite, Emerald, Peridot, Citrine, Carnelian
Libra - Peridot, White Precious Opal, Black Obsidian, Wulfenite, Pumice, Mica, Aquamarine
Scorpio - Yellow Topaz, Chrysoprase, Malachite, Amethyst, Aquamarine, Moonstone 
Sagittarius - Yellow Topaz, Turquoise, Jet, Labradorite, Red Jasper, Clear Quartz, Sodalite
Capricorn - Red Garnet, Amber, Black Onyx, Emerald, Peridot, Amethyst, Ruby
Aquarius - Garnet, Amethyst, Rainbow Fluorite, Bloodstone, Pumice, Mica, Turquoise
Pisces - Blue Lace Agate, Blue Kyanite, Aquamarine, Amethyst, Blue Tourmaline

A piece of Crystal Jewelry is a fantastic way to carry crystal energy with you. Whatever stone you are attracted to is the right piece for you as long as you are not merely choosing the piece for monetary value. Quartz is considered the Master Healer because it can be programmed to do anything that any stone in the Crystal Kingdom is able to do. No other crystal is able to achieve that and for this very reason some Crystal Healers only work with Quartz. It's a great stone to look at when buying when a piece of crystal jewelry. BEWARE: for some Quartz energy can be too strong and it makes them jumpy. Quartz is fire energy and a termination (shown in the picture left) can be too strong. Those people should go with a more soothing stone. Whatever you choose, hold it to your heart and see how it makes you feel before purchasing it.

I like to wear a large Quartz when doing my healing and intuitive work. I recently came across an Isis Twin Quartz.  A twin is when we have two crystals that grow side by side and they merge during the growing process. Quartz crystals are typically six sided, but an Isis Quartz grows with five sides. Each side represents one of the elements. These crystals link us with Goddess energy and help us give birth to our dreams through action. It also aids us in expressing Divine energy here on Earth. This is a rather large crystal that I wear between my Solar Plexus and Heart. There are some breaks and cloudy areas within. This crystal is considered self-healed which aids the self-healing process in others. What that means is it broke during the growing process. Then mineral spilled on the breaks and grew over the damage.

You can begin your crystal journey with just one stone. So why not choose a Personal Crystal? You have to start somewhere right? You can begin with just one crystal within your home or office. A "Personal Crystal" is a great place to start. This is one that you are overwhelmingly attracted to compared to the rest. It's not based on what you've heard about it or what you know. You either have a gut feeling, are visually, or energetically drawn to it. First make sure you are relaxed and centered. Take yourself to a shop with a large selection. When you ask yourself which is my personal crystal, see what one pops out at you. Worry about what it's healing benefits are afterwards. My personal crystal is Amethyst. I chose this particular piece to sit on my alter. I am a Fire sign and this stone cools and calms me. It keeps me in line with my intuition and Higher Self. Amethyst heightens my meditation practice. Best of all, I find it to be grounding as well.

You cannot go wrong when choosing stones so don't be fearful that maybe you are selecting the wrong one. Maybe you go to get a stone for your recurring headaches and you are immediately drawn to a crystal in the shop. You buy it, but it doesn't help the headaches as you had hoped. After a few weeks you do notice that it is helping an area in your life where you are stuck. This area had previously remained unmoved prior to your purchasing the stone. The Crystal Kingdom knows what we need more that than we do ourselves. It ends up that as one heals the emotional the physical ills recover. Sometimes the crystals will decide that we should heal somethings or invite an energy in before we deal with another area.

Have you put much thought into your dream vacation? Is there a place that you truly want to visit? You feel a yen to go there because it’s seems that this place is calling you. Somewhere that, once there, would be life changing for you in some way. Maybe the trip would provide healing benefits, knowledge which is essential to you, or perhaps your spirituality would be furthered. Yet this trip seems unattainable due to financial or other reasons. Although thoughts of this journey keep popping into your head. It’s as if this destination is beckoning you.
 
When I first became serious about meditation I started to think about visiting Asia to further my practice. I knew that seeing the temples there would have a profound effect. As the years went by Nepal became the place. Many of my friends that I meditate with are from Nepal and what an amazing country to visit. Nepal is also home to the highest mountains in the world. These mountains emit a powerful energy that I’d like to experience. In Nepal people rely heavily on Natural Healers, oftentimes over traditional medical care. What better place for a Crystal Healer and Energy Worker? There was just one little problem with my dream. I didn’t have enough money to take a long weekend so how would I do this? I put the thought out of my mind and decided it would probably never actually make the trip.
 
This year I decided to manifest my dream trip for 2018. So how exactly does that work? Manifesting is mainly about intention. All healing is about intention and manifesting works the same way. You set the intention that you are going to bring something into your life. That thing could be better health, a partner, or even a trip. You think about the thing you’d like to manifest and surround it with lots of loving and positive thoughts. So I think about my trip to Nepal, imagine myself there with all the things I’d like to do, and surround it with love. I also see more work coming in to help pay for it and I see everything falling into line. Where attention goes energy flows,

An amazing crystal for manifesting is Citrine. It’s a Solar Plexus Crystal that unites us with our personal power. Citrine is THE manifesting crystal. It gives us the confidence that we’ll be able to bring about our desires. Citrine is also known as the abundance crystal and abundance it brings. This crystal makes us feel deserving of the bountifulness that the universe has to offer us and once that is done it begins to shower us with gifts. We just have to expect them to come. It’s a great stone to use when you are trying to bring in any big change. Citrine is also known to attract money which is necessary for many things to come about including dream vacations. To use for manifesting, try writing your intention/s out on a sheet of paper. Fold it up and place it beneath a piece of Citrine. Spend a few minutes each day in front of your crystal thinking about the intention you wrote out. See the trip manifested within your life in your mind’s eye each time you sit with the stone. Believe and it will be.
 
So do you just sit with your Citrine, send out positive thoughts, and that’s it? Not exactly. Manifesting is not a passive practice. We have to do a little more although its not as much as you would think. Taking a few actions helps to change you vibration, letting the universe know that you are ready for your desires to manifest. The first step I took was opening a new credit card, one that gave great rewards towards purchasing airline tickets. I went with Capital One, but there are several that offer this benefit. Thier's happened to fit my needs best. I charge most everything on the card. The most important thing is you have to pay the card off at the end of the month. If you do not do that then it really doesn’t matter how many points they give you because of the interest charges you’ll be paying. Anyways, if I have a bill that I’m paying then I always choose to use my mileage earning credit card.
 
The second thing I did was I started saving small amounts towards my trip. I put away $10 a week which isn't much money to set aside. That adds up to $520 a years. Whatever the amount you choose be consistent unless you put away more some months. Once you start making the effort to save the universe will meet you by sending extra cash or new ways of obtaining it. Believe me I’ve seen it happen. Once I started saving, extra money began coming in for me to add to the pot. I noticed that more people were booking Crystal Healing and Intuitive Reading appointments with me. I was also finding things like money and jewelry. It even seemed like my expenses were shrinking, although how could they? The saving seemed to added up fast.
 
The last thing I did was I started behaving like the trip to Nepal was coming soon. I made an appointment with the Travel Clinic and started the shots that I’ll need in order to visit Nepal. When People asked me what’s new I told them I was planning a trip to Nepal in November 2018. It never occurred to me that I might have to eat my words. I knew the universe was conspiring to make it happen because it was sending me all these messages that it was hearing me and I was going. For example, I started walking daily and making uphill walks a big part in order to prep for the mountainous terrain. On one of these walks a car drove past me playing a song in Hindi. It was a song from India that was often played at the meditation retreats with my Nepali friends and I knew the universe was telling that my trip would be coming in November.

Finally, I decided to tell people that I was MANIFESTING a trip to Nepal in 2018. Some or  my friends and family may be laughing at me, but guess what? I checked my points on my credit card and I now have enough to cover a free flight to Nepal and back. My cash is adding up and I am confident that I’ll get enough funds together for a 3 or 4 week visit. I’ll put my crystals to work to help gather the rest and remain confident that everything will fall in line.
 
Jade is a fantastic stone for attracting money and bringing luck to your ventures. It is another one of the abundance crystals so it’s great for manifesting. Considered to be both a Heart and Solar Plexus Chakra stone, Jade encourages you to become who you truly are. It is great for opening the heart to the many gifts the universe has to offer. You’ll find it to be highly protective as well.
 
The New Moon is the ideal time to manifest according to the Native Americans. The New Moon Period (the 4 days prior, the day of, and the 4 days after) is all about new beginnings and creation. You can manifest any time, but during the New Moon Period you have the moon’s energies working with you. We are currently in a New Moon Period with the New Moon on November 18th. I’ll be holding a free New Moon Mediation in Arlington, MA on the next New Moon, December 18th from 7:30 -  8:30 PM. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.

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Did you know that Native American Tribes traditionally hold Moon Meditations each month? The New Moon is tied to new things and creation while the full moon's energies represents removing and releasing. Tribes have traditionally used these moons each month as part of their personal and spiritual development. Those who follow shamanic practice manifest on the New Moon and let go of the things that are holding them back on the Full Moon. Both acts are done in accordance with one's life path. We are all here to do certain things and share various gifts in this life. At times it may be necessary to bring something into our life to assist us on this journey. Other times releasing may be what is necessary to move us along.

Why the moon? All tribes believe in the transformative power that the moon and planets hold. The Moon is tied to the water element. Think about it, when we have a Full Moon the high tides are higher than usual. Water is all about the emotions. Emotion is one of the main ingredients when it comes to the creative process and the process of releasing. If you really think about it you'll see that the things you love the most you have already manifested into your life. That's because you surrounded those things with lots of positive thoughts and loving emotion before they came about. You visualized them into being. Those thoughts and emotions helped to make those things come about. It was the scientist Nikola Tesla that said something along the lines of, first we have thought and then we have form. He and many other scientists saw/see the power of the emotions and thought. You've imagined having this in your life and surrounded it with a positive light. What you think about all the time, you attract so it makes you more cognizant of your thoughts. Worry too much about something and you're actually inviting that into your life. It works somewhat the same with releasing. First off you need to believe that you are going to be able to let it go. You might possibly want to start taking on the thoughts of how you'd be without whatever it is that you're trying to release. This may help with any necessary actions that need to be taken. What would your life look like without it? Behave as if it is that way.

The Moon Meditation period lasts for a little more than a week. You CAN manifest or release anytime of the month. The New/Full Moon just give us the assistance of lunar energy in our endeavor so it is considered the ideal time. Meditations may be held anytime during both the New Moon and Full Moon period. It may be on actual day of the New Moon/Full Moon, anytime 4 days preceding, or anytime 4 days following that moon. Sometimes meditations are held each day of the 9 day period. The 4 days around the New/Full Moon are considered to be energetically the same as the actual moon itself. The energy is considered to be just as powerful as it is on the day of New or Full moon.

 How does manifesting work? The only rule to manifesting is that it not be selfish. We are not able to create what is selfish and/or inconsiderate of others. It is best to connect with our Higher selves through meditation and ask what would be ideal for us to manifest at this time. If it is inline with your life path then it will come about easily. We can manifest all sorts of things like better health, love/self-love, things around our work. It can even be a trip when it's for the right reasons. I have been wanting to go on a trip to Nepal as part of both my spiritual development and for my work. If spirit feels that this is a necessary part of my journey then I will have my trip.

How does releasing work? Letting go is all about shedding what no longer serves us so that we a freed. Connect with your Higher Self through a little Silent Meditation. Ask what would be best for you to let go of at this time. We can let go of old beliefs or things in our lives that are no longer working. The beliefs may revolve around our health or self image. Sometimes we have a negative image about our health that we need to let go of. This allows space for better health to come in. Maybe we need to let go of a love, friend, or job that is dragging us down so that we can open up to a new opportunity. Remember that Spirit wants the best for all of us!
How to do a Moon Meditation.

1. Sit quietly with or without a crystal grid.
2. Feel your body and feet on the floor
3. Relax the eyes
4. Connect with the breath as it goes into the center of the chest, right into the center of the heart
5. Meditate silently for a few minutes
6. Ask yourself what would be beneficial to manifest/let go of at this time
7. See what words and picture come to you.
8. Come up with a clear picture of what you need to create/release
                Surround it with as many details and positive emotions as possible.
9. Think about actions you can take in your life to make this come about. It tells the universe that you're serious about it and changes your vibration.
                I decided to go to the Travel Clinic not oven knowing for sure if I'd be able to get all the money together to go on my trip. I started the immunizations and the universe heard   me. It really looks   like this trip will be happening in the Fall of 2018.
10. The most important thing is to believe. Believe that you will create and release successfully!

Using a crystal grid: I always set up a crystal grid. Native Americans are into the power of crystal and so am I. I use 1 crystal to represent each of the elements and I'll also have stones to signify where we are in the zodiac. Some crystals aid in manifesting, like citrine and others can be ideal for releasing, like smoky quartz. The energies of the crystals aid in the meditation. We send our intentions to the center crystal which acts as a generator. All of the other stones in the grid send energy to the generator. The generator sends our intentions out into the universe.

I offer free Moon Meditations each month from September to May in Arlington, MA. One is offered each month on either the New or Full Moon. They are held at the Theosophical Society Center for Spiritual Studies. We are at 21 Maple St which is not actually on Maple, but behind #19 Maple. The next New Moon is on October 19th. I'll be holding a New Moon Meditation on Friday, October 20th from 7:30-8:30 PM. Subsequent mediations will be: Sa 11/4, M 12/18, M 1/1, Th 2/15 , Th 3/1, Su 4/15, & Tu 5/29 2017 & 2018. I have several coming to the October 20th mediation. If you'd like to join us please shoot me an email. My name is Liz and I can be emailed at info@ecmomarts.com

Did you know that we are all natural healers? It isn't that some people are able to heal and some are not. We all have this gift. Energetic Healing is a matter of tapping into the Universal Healing Energies and acting as a conduit to them and then sending them along to a receiving source. The act is done with egoless love. It is all about finding a way that works for you. Once you begin the journey and you learn to listen hard enough, through all of your senses, the universe will send messages to you on exactly how it is that YOU should administer a healing. There are a number of methods out there that people practice and I encourage you to find yours.

Crystals are a fantastic way to begin your healing journey. I began healing work as an Energy Worker in a few different methods that I meshed together. I found that I was bringing crystals into my sessions and decided to become certified in Crystal Healing after some time. Crystals truly opened the door to the abundance that the universe has to offer. They powered up my healing sessions with clients, increased my intuition, and opened me to better health, more love, and abundance throughout my life. We are made of the same elements as crystals and vibrate uniquely, just as they do. Each of us will have an individual healing relationship with the Crystal Kingdom. This relationship is enhanced and fortified over time.

Quartz is the Master Healer. It is probably the crystal that the majority of people are attracted to initially. Quartz Crystal is the most common crystal found on the earth. Many other crystals and stones contain some Quartz. The Metaphysical Healing Properties that go along with this crystal are lengthy. It can be used to heal any chakra and is able to be programmed to do anything. You can buy one in a store or find a white stone in your yard and it is most likely Quartz. Quartz is a great stone to begin your collection with because of its versatility.

I encourage you to listen to your intuition when it comes to healing. This is one of the ways that the universe communicates with us. My intuition guides me in all my crystal and stone choices whether I am buying a new stone or using crystals in a session. It is also through my intuition that they communicate with me. I use a number of methods to open this dialog. I will be sharing numerous techniques in an upcoming class called "Working With Crystals: Awakening Your Crystal Connection". Crystals communicate with each of us differently.  The workshop will cover How to Read Crystal Energy and Work With Crystals. Tickets are for sale on Eventbrite for $55 each and the class size is limited to ten to allow for individual attention. The workshop is being held Tuesday, September 12th from 7-9 pm in Arlington Center, MA.  

The practice of attributing stones to specific months began in early times, as early as the 1st Century. Flavius Josephus first wrote of the natal crystals in the "Antiquities of the Jews". Josephus attributed the stones of the High Priest's Breastplate to the 12months. The first know High Priest's breastplate is said to be the Breastplate of Aaron written about in the Book of Exodus. Josephus' writings state that the virtues of the stones went thought to be carried on by the bearer. In the 5th Century St. Jerome contributed further writings on the natal stones and also linked them to the High Priest's Breastplate. In 335 the Christian Church took a stand against amulets and zodiac stones passing a Canon that would cast anyone out of the church for wearing them. This rule was ignored or employed, depending on convenience, by those in power for centuries. By the end of the Renaissance the church had clearly moved away from the use of Zodiac Crystals.

Today's Zodiac Crystals are tied in with the planets. Each sign is said to have a ruling planet and each planet has associated crystals and stones. The energies of the stones balance and/or accentuate the signs in the zodiac. They have been known to bring out one's strengths and fill the wearer with vitality. Zodiac Stones bring out the most positive traits of a sign while down playing the weaknesses.  They are also said to be highly protective.

Did you know that we are all affected by whatever zodiac sign we happen to be in? Each of us is influenced by the push and pull of the planets. That's why we often find ourselves taking on traits of a zodiac sign while it is ruling over us even if it is not our own sign. In early times people had stones for each sign of the year. They found them to be essential tools for living. I encourage you to get a collection of stones together. It's easier that you think. Every sign has several zodiac crystals to choose from and many signs have stones that are identical to other months. Amethyst, for example, covers Cancer, Scorpio, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. Only pick the stones you are attracted to, those are the ones meant for you.

Following is a list of Zodiac Stones:
Aries - Diamond, Pyrite, Smoky Quartz, Red Jasper, Clear Quartz, Carnelian
Taurus - Emerald, Rhodonite, Rose Quartz, Peridot, Carnelian, Pink Tourmaline
 Gemini - Citrine, Moonstone, Moss Agate, Pumice, Mica, Golden Tiger’s Eye
Cancer - Ruby, Red Japer, Sunstone, Amethyst, Aquamarine, Blue Tourmaline
Leo - Peridot, Carnelian, Golden Tiger’s Eye, Red Jasper, Clear Quartz, Garnet
 Virgo - Blue Sapphire, Galena, Magnetite, Emerald, Peridot, Citrine, Carnelian
 Libra - White Precious Opal, Black Obsidian, Wulfenite, Pumice, Mica, Aquamarine
Scorpio - Yellow Topaz, Chrysoprase, Malachite, Amethyst, Aquamarine, Moonstone 
Sagittarius - Turquoise, Jet, Labradorite, Red Jasper, Clear Quartz, Sodalite
Capricorn - Red Garnet, Amber, Black Onyx, Emerald, Peridot, Amethyst, Ruby
Aquarius - Amethyst, Rainbow Fluorite, Bloodstone, Pumice, Mica, Turquoise
 Pisces - Blue Lace Agate, Blue Kyanite, Aquamarine, Amethyst, Blue Tourmaline

You can also choose crystals based on their healing properties. Maybe you’d like to wear an Amethyst because you are looking to be more intuitive, calm an addiction, or sleep better. Possibly you had an accident where you broke a bone badly and now you have chronic energy leaks in the area, well then wearing Labradorite may be the key. I bought a Turquoise ring because Turquoise is useful in meditation and for ascension. Turquoise is also one of the early natal stones attributed to August and I am a Leo.  
             
Below are graphics with Early Zodiac Crystals for each Sign. Theses come from the Breast Plate of Aaron in the book of Exodus.  Some healing properties are also included. Also listed are modern zodiac crystals for each. The zodiac calendar begins with Aries and ends with Pisces.

Art is an amazing medium of healing for both the artist and viewer. Art is known to be included under the title, "Healing Arts". Art making is said to be self healing.  By creating art, artists are invited to explore and enhance various parts of themselves. The options are endless, it can be anything having to do with mind, body, or spirit. A series only serves to enhance the healing by allowing one to work through the process in stages. Viewers are invited to partake in the healing experience by exploring the effects the works have on them and what they point out concerning them personally.

My life changing series. In 2010 I did a painting of a flower. It was much larger than life to give it a wow factor. I had taken it out of its natural setting and placed it against a painterly background. The background was reminiscent of something you would find in a high end portrait studio. I had been in an artistic slump, one where I found myself unable to paint for a year until I came across this flower that I just had to paint. I decided to imagine this flower as being representative of myself. By the time I was completing the piece I decided that I wanted to do a series. I would call each, "Self Port as a Flower" The first was entitled "Self Portrait as a Flower #1" and they went on consecutively from there. The series was transformative for me and also allowed  me to see myself at a higher level. I found that each was biographical on one level, but they also allowed me to see higher aspects of myself.

Working on the series allowed me to value myself as something beautiful and precious.  I began this series when I was in a rough period of my life. My marriage was ending, I was middle aged, and I felt that the world was telling me that I had little worth. I wanted to say back, “I’m beautiful and I should be appreciated like a flower in bloom!”  It seemed that with each flower I painted I began to see myself the same way that I was gazing at the bloom. Little by little I was taking my self worth back. In the end I can out more confident than I had ever been in my life. I wanted the viewer to feel the same effect when looking at and taking in the energy of the works.

In 2012 I did a Sketchbook about the series for the Brooklyn Sketchbook Library. The Sketchbook Library is available to visit in person or online. The sketchbooks are fantastic artist books created by artists of all levels. I wanted to create one about the "Self Portrait as a Flower" series. In it I described the series in story format with words, collages, and paintings. The Sketchbook Library is a great place to visit with books on absolutely every subject you could think of. It is something I'm truly glad I participated in. Blow are photos from my project. I hope you enjoy it. Remember whether you look at art or create it. It is a wonderful mode of self healing.

Did you know you can use crystals and stones to bring more abundance into all areas of your life? The summer is a great time for us to think about abundance when it comes to our lives. We're just past the Summer Solstice and it's the growing season. The earth is showing us it's abundance in our gardens, waters, and forests. Why not welcome that growing energy into our lives around health, wealth (many definitions), and love. Below I mention six crystals that you could pick up at most crystal shops. You can meditate with them or place them on your bedside table so they can work while you sleep.

Citrine is probably the best known crystal for abundance and it's fantastic to have around when you are looking to manifest anything. Just visualize exactly what it is that you want. You'll find that it's easiest to manifest things that are inline with us at this specific time. It will also bring in a wealthy mindset where you will expect more than enough of everything to come your way so that you may succeed in life. This crystal works on both the Sacral and Solar Plexus chakras making you a more courageous and confident person when attending to all areas.

Many of or green crystals and stones bring in abundance and Emerald is one of them. It is such a wonderful stone for the heart chakra and if you buy one at a crystal shop they run rather cheap. These are not of the grade that go into rings. Emerald will harmonize all areas of your life with its abundance of love energy. This may be the stone to help you move forward with your life's gift (what you are here to share, whether it be your job or a hobby). It will bring an intensity and focus to your work.

Carnelian will root you deeply to the earth through your finger tips, Root chakra at the base of your spine, and feet (don't forget the toes). We are made up of the same elements as the earth. When we are rooted we are centered and can draw from the bounty of earth energies for our own healing purposes. So a rooting meditation with your carnelian where you picture yourself rooting to the earth. Picture the roots wrapping around the crystals and roots within. They breath in and inhale whatever healing the earth feels you require from it, the Crystal Kingdom, and the Plant World. Feel yourself fill with vitality.

Pyrite is also known as Fools Gold, but it is really good stone for attracting wealth. The Crystal Kingdom likes to supply us with cash when it's for good reason. Maybe it's money that you need to leave an unhealthy relationship or it's for something which aligns with your life path. We can even bring in extra money for trips when it's about advancing out Spirituality or something of worth. Pyrite is both a Solar Plexus and Root chakra stone. It will bring a plentitude of luck and protection.

Ruby is a Heart chakra crystal for an abundance of love and compassion. Looking to amp up the love in a relationship or to bring a big love in then Ruby is your friend. Like Emerald it's reasonably priced in a Crystal Shop. Tumbled stones are always the cheapest to get of anything.  I'm one who believes in working with Zodiac stones during their period whether it be your sign or not. Ruby is one of Cancer's stones so it's perfect for now.  This crystal is also great for compassion and can bring in an out pouring of forgiveness. Many of us need to forgive ourselves for some reason or another.

Moss Agate for an abundant garden. This little stone is wonderful for aiding things in their growth. Try gridding your garden with Moss Agate. Place some along the edges underneath the soil. It amplifies the energy within and is said to provide more veggies on plants. I use it in my gardens every year although I have potted plants. Beware that this stone will fade in sunlight just as moss bleaches when sitting in the sun.

Be sure to clean the crystals every now and then by leaving them in the moonlight. It's best to place them on the soil when you do so, but you can put them on your window ledge as well. Three or four hours will do for a cleaning. Don't worry about the Moss Agate which is already in soil because the soil keeps them clean.

Crystal Grids are a way of healing utilizing crystals, sacred geometry, and intention. They can bring healing energy towards any situation. Some grids are created for protection, while others are intended to increase love, bring in abundance, or to heal the body, mind, and spirit. A grid can be created for anything that you can think of. While the grid is active it sends healing vibrations out to where they are intended. No fancy materials are required. You can pick up all of the stones you need at the beach, by the river, in the woods, or in your yard. You'll need one larger stone for the center (the generator), six of similar size to be placed around the generator, and then six more of similar size to go around the circle you just laid.

The most important part of the grid is the intention you set. The intention tells the grid what your aim is for it, what you are looking to gain. Keep it simple! There is no need to get into a million and one details. That will only serve to confuse the situation. See if you can state it in a few simple words. Follow those words with plenty of heart felt emotion and images for how it will look and feel once your plan comes through.

I created a grid for Abundance; abundance in health, wealth, and love. I mostly used stones from the beach for my grid with a few from a crystal shop. Colors which represent abundance are gold and green so I chose a gold rock from the beach. I wrote the word Abundance across it to further infuse the abundance energies into it and then I decorated it with some green. I surrounded that stone with some Carnelian I bought at a crystal shop. Carnelian is a wonderful motivator so it will motivate me to do work towards these areas of my life. Carnelian is an earth elemental crystal which makes it physically healing and revitalizing as well. The stones in the outer circle are Quartz. Quartz is considered the Master Healer because it can be programmed to do anything that any other crystal or stone can do. Quartz it is the most readily available crystal, it makes up the majority of our Crystal Kingdom.

You may also choose to buy a few stones from the crystal shop to supplement your grid.Small crystals and stones run from about $3-$8 each. Following are some crystals and a few of their associated properties. Citrine is all about abundance, manifesting, and increasing courage. Black Onyx is protective, it absorbs sadness, and is great for grieving. Jade is for luck, love, and abundance. Smoky Quartz transmutes negative energies to positive ones, it's great for pain relief, and is grounding. Your best guide is your intuition so always go with what your gut tells you to do.

Why do people set grids atop sacred geometric shapes? When we see crystal grids we usually see them resting on grid clothes with sacred geometric shapes printed on them. Grid sheets are readily available on the web and you can print them for free, grid clothes are available online, or at a metaphysical shop. The stones are laid in sacred geometric patterns to increase the effect of the healing. Sacred Geometry is the language of the universe and by using specific shapes we are partially communicating what we wish to accomplish from the grid. In the Abundance Grid I used the Seed of Life which is the unit cell of the Flower of Life. I was thinking of Abundance as the unit cell of life on earth. We need to be ready to take everything in with an attitude of abundance. Circles simply put are all about creation. Squares represent the earth and protection. Triangles represents empowerment and amplification. Octagons are all about transformation.

The most important part of a grid is the intention. You need to have a clear plan for what you'd like to get from a grid and you also need to expect that you will get it. When you lay each stone set them down with intention. Begin with the center stone (generator), writing on that stones or placing a sheet of paper beneath it with your aim written out, can be a great way to begin. Next place a circle of stones around the generator, beginning at the top and moving clockwise. Place these with intent as well. Finally place your outer circle of stones beginning at the top and moving clockwise, again set these with intention.

Be sure to activate the grid. We do this by connecting all of the crystals and stones with light. Point to the generator stone with your forefinger. Think about the aim for the grid while holding your finger over the generator. Next move your finger around the perimeter of the grid in a circle three times. See all of the stones connecting with an imaginary line of light. Hold the intention for the grid, in your mind's eye, throughout the process.

Finally meditate with your grid each day. Sit by it and visualize your aim coming into fruition ,watch every detail. Feel the energy of the stones and the intention going out through the generator and into the universe. They are working together to bring you your desire. When the universe sends signs that the grid is working, acknowledge those signs during your meditation. Recognize that your health is becoming more abundant, for example, and expect more to come.

Crystals are a great way to help us move further along in life. They come from the earth and have a multitude of healing benefits. Crystals and stones can be used to aid mind, body, and spirit which makes them an amazing form of self-healing. All we have to do is meditate with crystals or carry one around in a piece of jewelry or in your pocket. It is helpful to set an intention to let the stone know what you wish to receive from it. Remember that many of these little gems have been around for millions of years so respect them like your eldest ancestors. An example of an intention would be, "I am using this Rose Quartz for the highest good, to soften and open my heart". Finish the intention with, "... and whatever the crystal deems necessary." because the crystal might have even greater gifts to give at this time. Remember that each time you work with a crystal will be a little different so don't expect the same experience. They heal us a little more each time.

There are so many crystals out there so how do you begin? There are so many different types of crystals and stones and each one is different from the next. Even if you have two Amethysts, They will not heal exactly the same. The mineral make-up and growing conditions will vary in each even if they are from the same mine. Your best guide for buying is your intuition, buy what you are drawn to. If going this route be sure to ground and meditate for a little bit prior to shopping.  Also pay close attention to any crystal gifts that you receive, there is a reason you were gifted the crystal.

Following are my 8 top picks to begin a self healing collection. They will cover all of the chakras for optimal health and help you to excel in life.

1. Clear Quartz - If you can only have one crystal then it has got to be this! Clear Quartz is considered the Master Healer because it can be programmed to do anything that any other crystal can do. Some Crystal Healers only work with Clear Quartz for this reason. It brings in more light and transmutes negative energies into positive. Clear Quartz can be used on any chakra. This stone is fire elemental energy. It is too strong for some when used in a rough or terminated form. A tumbled Quartz like shown in the photo lets out a gentler energy.

2. Petrified Wood - A fantastic second choice for a healing stone is Petrified Wood. Petrified Wood is an earth elemental stone and will help to ground and root you to the earth. When we are connected to the earth we are confident and able to draw on her energies for healing. It is incredibly strengthening and revitalizing. Just like the tree had mineral split on it and developed into a beautiful stone, Petrified Wood aids you into developing into your strongest and best self. This is a root Chakra Stone and we always want to be grounded when healing.

3. Rose Quartz - My third pick would be Rose Quart which can be used for healing, attracting love, and personal growth. It is such a soothing crystal for the Heart Chakra. Most think of it as a stone to attract love, but it's great for attracting friendship as well. Isn't it best to have relationships that start out as friendships? Rose Quartz invites love and compassion energy. It's also a nice little stone to have around when healing the heart after a heart break. Lastly, we should consider that our biggest place of growth is from the heart. Bringing more love energy in brings on these growth spurts.

4. Amethyst - Is also from the Quartz family, but this is water/air energy. This is a great crystal for opening up your intuition. It connect you with your Third Eye and Crown Chakras allowing your guides to come through. It's wonderfully calming which enables you to read the messages and signs. This is also a great little crystal to have around to rid yourself of headaches and migraines. Because of it calming properties, Amethyst is also good for insomnia. Try bringing some into the bath for an extra relaxing tub. One by the bedside table can ensure a restful sleep.

5. Citrine - I love, love, love Citrine! It may be my favorite crystal. Citrine is the Abundance Crystal. If you are looking to manifest something of need more abundance in your life then Citrine is for you. This is a fire energy crystal so you may want to stick with the tumbled version for gentler energy. See how it feels in your hands. Cirine is great for the digestive system and personal power. It will make you feel confident and more abundant in all areas of your life. This is a Solar Plexus Chakra stone.

6. Amazonite - Is such an amazing stone for the creative process, it connects us with our higher selves. Amazonite aids us in creating the life we are meant to live. It reminds us of why we are here in this life. As a Throat Chakra stone it allows for confident and guided self expression. The Throat Chakra is in charge of creative expression and Amazonite will bring that to a higher form.

7. Carnelian - Carnelian is another of my favorites. It is wonderfully grounding as an earth elemental. This stone is highly revitalizing with its red energy which makes it great for your health. Carnelian will connect you with your tribe. It is both a Root and Sacral Chakra stone allowing for the integration of emotions and the release of all fears. Carnelian will keep you motivated.

8. Onyx - Is a wonderfully protective stone for anyone to have around them. The black absorbs negativity and changes it into light. It has been used for mourning and to absorb sadness since early times. Onyx is a Root Chakra stone which makes it great for grounding and releasing uneasiness. Black stones make wonderful protectors. Some choose to grid rooms with them by placing one in each corner.

Be sure to clean your crystals and stones every now and then. - Placing them in the moonlight for several hours is probably the safest way to clean crystals. Some dissolve in water and others fade in the sunlight. Moonlight is a great option so just place them on the sill. You can also smudge them or use incense.  Feel free to ask any questions that arise.