Love & Light Live Crystal Healing Podcast

Taurus season is here! This astrological season, it's important to focus on self-love and self-care. This can be something quick and simple that you do regularly as part of your daily routine this month, or it can be a deep dive into ways to heal and nourish yourself. As we dive into Taurus season (April 20 - May 20), the focus shifts to taking stock of your security and finances. Is your current financial situation supporting you? If not, what changes can you make to improve it? If so, how can you continue on this path? Discover more about this special time, and some of the best crystals for Taurus season to use in your healing practice... When you feel secure, it allows your body, mind, and spirit to relax and feel supported. So if you don’t have a stable foundation in place, make this part of your self-care practice by taking steps toward changing this situation. Working with your crystals to call in this energetic support will be incredibly helpful in making any necessary shifts. Working with the following Taurus-aligned stones aligns you with the current celestial energies and is an excellent way to enhance the positive aspects of this astrological phase while balancing its challenges. Taurus Season Correspondences:   Dates: April 20 - May 20 Symbol: The Bull Ruling Planet: Venus Modality: Fixed (Resistant to Change – related to determination, focus, and individuality) Element: Earth (Click Here to learn more about working with Elemental Crystals) The Body: Throat and Neck Keywords: Devotion, Intellect, Love, Persistence, Reliability, Responsibility Taurus Season Gifts: Calm, Cozy, Dependable, Loyal, Relaxed, Tranquil Taurus Season Challenges: Cheap, Jealous, Materialistic, Miserly, Possessive, Shallow, Stubborn Best Crystals for Taurus Season: During Taurus season, select crystals that amplify love, reliability, and security. It’s important to note that Zodiac crystals are a little different than birthstones (more on that here). You can work with the following crystals to enhance or balance the energies of Taurus season. Whether enhancing positivity or addressing challenges by balancing out the more difficult energetic aspects of Taurus, these stones are the best companions for the celestial journey ahead.   Moss Agate Tree Agate Amber Green Aventurine Bronzite Carnelian Chrysocolla Emerald Fuchsite Red Rhodolite Garnet Rainforest Jasper Red Jasper Greek Kyanite Malachite Obsidianite Pink Opal Peridot Petrified Wood Rose Quartz Rhodochrosite Rhodonite Angel Wing Selenite Serpentine Pink Tourmaline Top 3 Crystals for Taurus Season: Obsidianite: This stone is the perfect crystal companion for the nurturing energy of Taurus season. It supports those who are healing a broken heart or who are working through their grief, but it can also be useful for those who grieving lost parts of themselves. If you have been neglecting yourself, or if you frequently address the needs of others at the expense of yourself, Obsidianite can help you reclaim your self-care practice. Pink Opal: This common Opal (meaning it's a potch Opal that lacks any sparkle or fire) is useful for instilling compassion and empathy. If you don’t feel deserving of love or struggle with prioritizing self-care, reach for a Pink Opal. This stone helps take action rooted in compassion (for others and yourself). Rose Quartz: Rose Quartz is connected to Taurus' ruling planet, Venus, and it exudes love. This stone helps remind you to nurture yourself. Taurus season is a great time to get in the habit of adding a few extra minutes to your morning routine for something to nurture yourself. So, even when you feel rushed or like other things feel more important, make an effort to make yourself a cup of herbal tea, spend some creative time painting or writing, or make some time for a stroll outside or to do some gardening...

Divination is the art of seeking knowledge and wisdom through one’s inner knowing or intuition through the use of divination tools like tarot or oracle cards, pendulums, etc. Scrying is a specific divinatory practice that can be practiced with a number of mediums from fire to crystal balls, to clouds, to water, and more — join me to explore the different ways you can practive divination with crystals... Working with crystal scrying tools, objects made from crystal that commonly feature a reflective surface like a Clear Quartz sphere or a Black Obsidian mirror, is a great way to experience the art of gazing into a crystal to receive guidance & wisdom. Scrying divination is a great way to hone your intuition. Developing your intuition helps you fill in the gaps where you don’t have all the information or data necessary to make the best possible decision. That doesn’t mean you should just follow your intuition without a second thought, but learning to trust your inner guidance, and combining that insight WITH reason and logic is far more practical than following logic alone. Performing the art of scrying divination with crystals takes patience and practice. You might need to form a relationship with your crystal tools before you start to see any meaningful symbols or images. Here are a few of my favorite crystal scrying tools and techniques to help you get started with your scrying divination practice.   Crystallomancy - Scrying Divination with Crystal Balls: Crystallomancy, is the art of gazing into a crystal ball to receive guidance and wisdom in the form of images revealed within the sphere. The energy of a sphere represents wholeness and infinite possibility and spheres emit energy in all directions. John Dee's Divination Tools & Obsidian Scrying Mirror at the British Museum Humans have been practicing the art of crystallomancy also known as crystal ball reading, for hundreds – if not thousands of years. One of the most famous crystallomancers was John Dee, advisor to Queen Elizabeth I. Dee practiced his art in the 16th century, but people still know him today for his wise counsel. He relied upon his crystal scrying tools for their ability to reveal hidden truths and offer profound guidance. The British Museum displays Dee's crystal ball and other divination tools, such as his Obsidian scrying mirror. Tips for Selecting Your Crystal Ball: When choosing a crystal ball to work with for scrying, it's important to select one that will allow you to see into the depths of the crystal. Quartz-based minerals (like Clear Quartz, Smoky Quartz, Amethyst, etc.) typically work best for this and are also great amplifiers of energy, but there are many suitable transparent stones available (like some Calcites, Fluorite, etc.). These transparent to translucent stones let you gaze into the crystal to explore the sphere’s inner landscape for symbols and images in the stone’s fissures, fractures, and inclusions. Opaque stones (like Jaspers), however, typically aren't recommended for scrying as they limit your gaze to the very surface of the stone. One common exception is Black Obsidian, which has such a glassy surface, it allows you to scry using the exterior surface of the stone, rather than the interior of the crystal…(Obsidian will be  covered in more detail in the next section as we dive deeper into exploring divination with crystals.) For example, there would be quite a big difference in attempting to scry with an opaque stone like Unakite compared one that is transparent like Ametrine. Ametrine’s transparence really lets you view into the crystal, see into the depths of the crystal, whereas the Unakite would really only allow you to view the surface of the stone which would make scrying much more difficult, particularly for a beginner. Be Aware of What You're Purchasing When Looking for a Crystal Ball: It’s also important to note here that there are many commercially available “crystal balls” t...

The elements represent the four creative energies of the universe and each has a set of archetypal energies associated with it. Getting familiar with these can help you better understand their energetic influence on you. Each element is also associated with certain healing stones based on their respective properties and energies. Let's dive into water element crystals, and discover how you can incorporate the power of water into your crystal practice... Water is a powerful ally, a companion, and a wise teacher. Water has had such a profound impact on my life... From summer walks around the pond near my grandparents' house during my childhood, to hiking the marshes near my home searching for skunk cabbages in college, to my deeply profound pilgrimage to Avalon where I connected with the Red & White Springs (which had a huge impact on my spiritual practice), water has been ever present in my life...even here in the Midwestern US! Water has held me during times of joy and deep grief, in moments of embodied presence and mystical experience.   The Water element connects you with emotions, intuition, cleansing, and love.      Keywords: Fluidity, Adaptation, Emotions, Intuition, Love, Memory, Wisdom, Reflection, Healing, Release Color & Symbol: Blue Crescent Moon or Blue Inverse Triangle Season & Direction: Autumn, West Parts of the Body: Belly, Adrenals, Intestines Zodiac Signs: Cancer, Scorpio, & Pisces Tarot Suit: Cups / Chalices (representing the emotions, intuition, love, and a mirror of your heart) Planets: Moon, Venus   Crystals for the Water Element:        Blue Lace Agate – a cooling, water element stone Botswana Agate – reminds you to go with the flow Lake Superior Agate – connects you with the energy of the water element (the life-giving source); aids you in healing the Earth’s bodies of water River Agate – helps you tap into your inner power - like a river carving through rock Amazonite – lets compassion flow like water from your heart Amethyst – connects you with the intuitive aspects of the water element Vera Cruz Amethyst – reminds you of the life-giving energy of water Aquamarine – a stone of the sea and its creatures     Brown Aragonite – helps to release the fear of water Azurite – promotes mental clarity during intuitive work Aqua Calcite – facilitates a calm mind, like a pool of still water Red Coral Calcite – connects you with the energy of the water element White Calcite – offers you space for reflection Cavansite – connects you with the energy of the sea Blue Chalcedony – reminds you to shift and change according to your present circumstances (like water filling different shaped containers) Charoite – enhances water healing practices (including H.A.D.O.)     Chrysocolla – instills respect for the Earth’s bodies of water White Coral – encourages communal tending of waterways and water sources Creedite – connects you to the energy of the water element to wash away feelings and thoughts that need to be released Dumortierite – connects you to the energy of the water element so that you are better able to “go with the flow” Blue Fluorite – connects you to the energy of the water element for cleansing, emotional healing, etc. Fossilized Echinoid (Sea Urchin) – enhances your connection to the water element Iolite – used to navigate the sea, this stone helps you find direction when you feel swept away by the current of life Gary Green Jasper (Petrified Bog Wood) – it took ages for this stone to form so it encapsulates the idea that good things take time and reminds you that you must have patience     Blue Kyanite – a powerful energetic cleanser Lapis Lazuli – helps you recognize the powerful microcosm-macrocosm relationship of the water within your body and your cells in relation to all the water here on earth

Aries season is here! This astrological season, you may feel a bit preoccupied with what others think about you. Even if you're typically grounded in more practical matters, your self-image may feel quite important to you this month. As we dive into Aries season (March 21 - April 19), the focus shifts to developing your sense of courage and inner strength. Discover more about this special time, and some of the best crystals for Aries season to use in your healing practice... Perhaps you want to put your best foot forward or make a good impression, but be aware of any unchecked self-confidence struggles or self-worth issues that are surfacing. The right crystals can help you shift your focus to courage, bravery and inner strength to address these self-worth issues head on. Working with your crystals to call in this energetic support will be incredibly helpful in making any necessary shifts. Working with the following Aries-aligned stones aligns you with the current celestial energies and is an excellent way to enhance the positive aspects of this astrological phase while balancing its challenges. Aries Season Correspondences:   Dates: March 21 - April 19 Symbol: The Ram Ruling Planet: Mars Modality: Cardinal (Outgoing - related to imagination, resourcefulness, and talent) Element: Fire (Click Here to learn more about working with Elemental Crystals) The Body: Head (Neck, Face, Crown) Keywords: Adventure, Courage, Determination Aries Season Gifts: Bravery, Enthusiasm, Flexibility, Honesty, Leadership, New Beginnings, Outgoing, Strength, Willpower Aries Season Challenges: Arrogance, Fiery Emotions, Impulsiveness, Jealousy, Rashness Best Crystals for Aries Season: During Aries season, select crystals that amplify courage, personal power, and confidence. It’s important to note that Zodiac crystals are a little different than birthstones (more on that here). You can work with the following crystals to enhance or balance the energies of Aries season. Whether enhancing positivity or addressing challenges by balancing out the more difficult energetic aspects of Aries, these stones are the best companions for the celestial journey ahead.     Apricot Botswana Agate Fire Agate Amber Bloodstone Carnelian Citrine White Diamond Yellow Diamond Red Pyrope Garnet Heliodor (Yellow Beryl) Mookaite Jasper Red Jasper Lava Rock Mahogany Obsidian Pyrite Clear Quartz Pyrite-Included Quartz Golden Rutilated Quartz Smoky Quartz Rhodochrosite Ruby (Red Corundum) Red Spinel Vanadinite Top 3 Crystals for Aries Season: Lava Rock: Lava Rock aligns well with the energy of Aries season. It provides a great boost of self-confidence, especially when you're feeling self-conscious in unfamiliar group settings. This stone helps you feel comfortable in your own skin. Lava Rock helps you draw on your inner strength to take control of any internal thoughts that may be impacting your sense of self-worth. Red Pyrope Garnet: This crystal is known for its association with courage and bravery. If you’ve been letting your focus get preoccupied with how you stack up to others rather than focusing on your own strengths and gifts, you can reach for a Pyrope Garnet to help you ditch the unproductive comparisons. Though it's natural to compare yourself to someone you know or admire, if these thoughts become unhelpful, Red Garnet can encourage you to be brave, authentic, and just be yourself. Ruby: This red variety of Corundum is filled with fiery, passionate energy. Working with this stone can help you overcome mindset blocks that may be keeping you from recognizing your true worth. This is especially useful for those in positions of leadership or for folks in the spotlight. Ruby helps you overcome negative self-thinking so you shine your inner light with confidence and ease.   Best Crystals for Aries’ Ruling Planet (Mars):

One way that I like to connect with the seasons and cycles of the earth is by tuning into The Wheel of the Year. This is a relatively new practice for me, but I'm finding the journey into exploring this way of being in flow with the seasons to be an enjoyable one! Read on to discover how you can connect more deeply with the earth's natural cycles in your spiritual practice as you celebrate Ostara...   The Wheel of the Year can help you tune into natural cycles (similar to the Lunar Phases - but on an annual scale rather than just monthly) and helps you internalize these outward changes in nature as reflections of the growth and evolution you experience in your own life. Living in harmony with the seasons and the ebb and flow of nature helps you to lead a more soulful life and to cultivate a deeper understanding of yourself on a soul level. The Wheel of the Year helps you recognize who you are and your role in the world around you. So what is the Wheel of the Year? Separated into 8 main holidays, the Wheel of the Year is a representation of seasonal cycles that focuses on the 4 Solar Holidays of the year (also known as the quarter days). This stems from the Anglo-Saxon cultural observations of the solstices and equinoxes, with the addition of the 4 Gaelic, agrarian, seasonal celebrations (the mid-points between the solar holidays known as the lunar cross-quarter days or fire festivals). Although some of the holidays observed in the Wheel of the Year are quite old, The Wheel of the Year as a whole is fairly modern (being developed in the late 1950s). Though I don't personally follow the tradition that created the contemporary Wheel of the Year, I do find it a helpful way to think about the passage of time and what's happening in the world at each time of year. I tend to identify more with the Gaelic Cross-Quarter Days, as they stem from my ancestral heritage, than I do with the Anglo-Saxon solstices and equinoxes, but I do find value in these quarter days because they more closely align with the seasons as I observe them where I live in Madison, Wisconsin. For example, though my ancestors in Ireland and Scotland celebrated Imbolc as the beginning of Spring, I don't quite feel things awakening until the time of Ostara, the Spring Equinox, here in the United States. For this reason, these seasonal markers are important for helping me feel connected to what's happening in nature all year long, while the cross-quarter days hold more spiritual significance for me in other ways. An Introduction to Ostara: Ostara, or the Spring Equinox here in the Northern Hemisphere, is the first of the quarter days, which marks the second of the spring holidays (the mid-point between Imbolc and Beltane). Ostara is traditionally celebrated on the day of the Vernal Equinox, determined by when the Sun is directly over the earth's equator (this date may range from March 19th through March 22nd each year depending on the Sun's position). Modern Ostara celebrations stem from the contemporary Wheel of the Year, where Ostara is associated with the Spring Equinox and is celebrated as a time of new beginnings and the re-emergence of life after the depth of winter. Set up your Ostara Altar with me! / Crystals for Ostara: Green Aventurine Pink Opal Moonstone Bloodstone Lepidolite Citrine Morganite Heliodor Rhodonite Aquamarine Rose Quartz Golden Quartz Amethyst Eclipse Jasper Yellow Jasper Ostara Signifies the Time for: Abundance Renewal Fertility Growth Balance Joy New beginnings & change Taking action Blessings Light Celebrating the return of all things green The coming of Spring Rebirth Why celebrate Ostara? Ostara welcomes in the Spring, the return of longer days, and the renewal of the land. At this time, plants and animals are beginning to wake up from...

Pisces season is here! This astrological season offers you the opportunity to embrace more creativity and compassion with the help of your crystals. As we dive into Pisces season (February 20 - March 20), the focus shifts to turning inward and focusing on your spirituality. Creating space for inner reflection and soul searching will be incredibly rewarding for you during this time.    After Aquarius season, where communication was key, you'll now find that Pisces' connection with the water element will heighten both your emotions and your intuition. This can be productive for air, water, and earth signs, or for those who are very in tune with their intuition, but fire signs may find this period challenging as it often brings the shadow side to the surface.     Working with the following Pisces-aligned stones aligns you with the current celestial energies and is an excellent way to enhance the positive aspects of this astrological phase while balancing its challenges.   Pisces Season Correspondences:   Dates: February 20 - March 20 Symbol: Two Fish Swimming in Opposite Directions, connected by a cord or rope Ruling Planet: Neptune Modality: Mutable (Open to Change - related to adaptation, intuition, and acceptance) Element: Water (Click Here to learn more about working with Elemental Crystals) The Body: Feet (Ankles, Heels, and Toes) Keywords: Change, Influence Pisces Season Gifts: Creativity, Compassion, Generosity, Kindness, Romance, Wellness Pisces Season Challenges: Emotional Volatility, Insecurity, Reactivity   Best Crystals for Pisces Season: During Pisces season, select crystals that amplify connection, empathy, and creation. It’s important to note that Zodiac crystals are a little different than birthstones (more on that here). You can work with the following crystals to enhance or balance the energies of Pisces season. Whether enhancing positivity or addressing challenges by balancing out the more difficult energetic aspects of Pisces, these stones are the best companions for the celestial journey ahead.       Afghanite Blue Lace Agate Amazonite Amethyst Aquamarine Blue Aventurine Bloodstone Caribbean Blue Calcite White Calcite Chrysocolla Indigo Gabbro Garnierite Blue Kyanite Larimar Rainbow Moonstone White Moonstone Black Obsidian Boulder Opal Black Pearl White Pearl Aqua Aura Quartz Selenite Blue Tourmaline (also known as Indicolite)   Top 3 Crystals for Pisces Season: Amazonite: This stone carries the energy of the water element and helps you tap into your emotions as a source of strength. Amazonite assists with releasing stagnant emotional energy that’s blocking you from reaching new levels of spiritual connection. Work with this crystal to let go of things that no longer serve you. This crystal helps you remain patient, compassionate, and full of self-love if you encounter any shadow side issues during Pisces Season.   Aqua Aura Quartz: This stone is an intense emotional balancer (in a good way!). If you let the previous Aquarius season vibes take you on an emotional rollercoaster, this crystal helps you regain control of the situation and mellow things out during Pisces Season. It’s not about dulling your feelings though; instead, it’s about choosing to feel in a way that lifts you up or that supports you. Larimar: This gem, known as the Dolphin Stone, helps you ride the energetic (and often emotionally-challenging) waves of the Pisces Moon with poise. It enhances your intuition, so reach for this stone if you need some guidance from the Universe.   Best Crystals for Pisces’ Ruling Planet (Neptune): Each sign of the Zodiac is represented, or ruled, by a planet. This Ruling Planet is the planet that is held to have a particular influence over its corresponding sign of the zodiac, house, aspect of life, etc.

You may (or may not) know this about me, but in addition to teaching classes with the Love & Light School, I also own a crystal shop here in Madison, Wisconsin. Each year, I travel to the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show for my shop, Mimosa Books & Gifts, with a small team — myself, my shop manager, and our shipping manager — to pick out some amazing crystal treasures from across the globe. Big shows like this can be intimidating, so I've put together this helpful Tucson Gem Show Guide to use when attending! Last year, I wrote a short article with some Tucson Gem Show Tips and some helpful information about spotting crystal fakes, but with more and more people starting their own crystal shops (either in-person or online), I have been getting more questions than ever about how it all works! This year, I've broken down our entire experience into a handy Tucson Gem Show guide, to give you a look behind the curtain at the show, or help you plan your own trip!   2024 Tucson Gem Show Highlights: Before we dig into the specifics of how to shop a show like Tucson, I thought I’d share some notable highlights from the 2024 show: Favorite Crystal Find: Quartz with Epidote Druze from Turkey (Forest Epidote) Best-Quality Gems: Garden Quartz from Brazil (it was off the charts this year!) Most Unexpected Find: Brilliant cerulean Blue Opal from Peru Most Expensive Thing: Weardale Fluorite from the UK Best Value: Gorgeous Rainbow Petrified Wood Palm Stones Most Beautiful Find: Rhodochrosite rosettes on Rhodochrosite and Quartz druze form Peru Most Outrageous Fake: Composite Lepidolite made by binding together chips with plastic Best Jewelry Item: HUGE Manifestation Quartz Pendants Popular Trends: Interesting mineral specimens of all types (clusters are in!) Declining Trends: Mass-produced towers of all types (multiple vendors reported a huge decline in sales) Best New Vendor: From the Mines (Sustainable & Fair Trade Minerals) And with that little wrap-up, let’s dig into our Tucson Gem Show strategy from start to finish! Travel Planning for the Tucson Gem Show: We usually start planning and preparations for the Tucson Show in November or December (the show begins in late January, so this gives us a month or two to make our plans). This is when we book our airfare, rental car, and house for our trip. There’s quite a bit to consider about each of these things when planning your travel… Booking Airfare: After many years of going to the show, we have learned to give ourselves as much space as possible with our flights to make the most of our time in Tucson. On the way out, we catch an early flight (the day before one of the biggest shows opens up), so we have time to settle in (more about that later). On the way home, however, we book a late afternoon flight so we have time to run any last-minute errands, squeeze in some extra shopping, and get to the airport with minimal stress and lots of time to spare. I'd also highly recommend giving yourself extra space for any layovers you may have so you don't miss your connecting flights. We missed our flight this year due to mechanical issues with our flight and got stuck overnight in Dallas (which was very expensive!). Booking a Rental Car: The Tucson Gem Show is one place where having a bigger vehicle comes in handy. We usually rent a small to mid-sized SUV so we have lots of space for hauling minerals and luggage. With 3 of us attending the show, we need the luggage space getting from the airport to our rented house, and there are always a couple of days when we shop so heavily that nearly every free inch of the car is filled with boxes of crystals. We typically rent a hybrid vehicle to save on gas, but a big car is a must for our little team. Renting a House: The first few years I went to the Tucson show, we stayed in a motel. Looking back I don’t know how we did it. It was cramped, impractical, and made it hard to enjoy our time at the show....

Once you've made the decision to pursue crystal healing certification, you may feel like you've opened the doors to a whole new set of questions & considerations regarding your options. Probably one of the most common questions I receive from prospective students is: Is it really possible to learn crystal healing online? A few times per year, the behind-the-scenes activities of the school build up to a frenzied pace as we prepare to welcome in a new round of students for our Crystal Healing Certification Program. I absolutely love the excitement of this time and I start looking forward to connecting with new students…hearing their excitement about the program, answering their thoughtful questions, and learning from the stories and crystal experiences they share with our community. And although many of our students enroll right when we open the doors to the program, we also receive lots of questions this time of year from folks who are excited and curious to learn crystal healing, but wonder if an online program is really the right fit for them. Maybe you’ve even wondered about this yourself.  With the popularity of crystal healing for personal well-being and healing arts businesses, plus the rise of online certification programs, many people wonder if virtual crystal training provides them with the same value and learning potential as an in-person classroom setting. So…if you find yourself asking, “Can I really learn crystal healing online?” here are some things I’ve learned offering online classes and programs over the past 17 years…   Online training offers benefits like: Flexibility - You can take classes according to your schedule. You can choose when you work on your classes based on the best time of day or your weekly time commitment (and you can make changes if the need arises without getting behind). Accessibility - Online classes are more accessible because they can be done from home so there’s no need to travel. Additionally, class materials are available in a wide variety of formats to suit different learning styles and may make them a better option for disabled students. Convenience - Both the flexibility and accessibility of online classes create a level of convenience that’s unmatched compared to in-person classes and training. Online courses save you time and allow you to learn from the comfort of your own home. Even with these benefits, you may still be wondering if an online crystal healing certification is right for you. You may have doubts or fears about whether or not you’d have a positive experience in an online environment. We’ve been offering online classes for nearly 20 years, so we know these fears can get in the way of going for something you really want! If you feel excited and passionate about crystals and you want to learn more, but you’re feeling uncertain because of something (or lots of somethings), let’s dive into the reasons why opting to learn crystal healing online might work better for you than you think. “How will I stay organized and disciplined in my studies if I’m learning crystal healing online?”   Many students question whether or not they’ll stick with their online classes (or if they’ll even start at all!). Maybe you’ve signed up for something in the past and you haven’t seen it through, or you feel like you have a track record of not finishing what you started. I’ve been there too. Which means…I know exactly where you’re most likely to become stuck, and I have some tools to keep you motivated and moving forward with your studies! Create Success Through Balance: Perhaps one of the biggest concerns new students face when it comes to online learning is personal accountability. It’s natural to wonder, “If I’m not showing up physically to a classroom, on a set schedule, will I be able to hold myself accountable for keeping up with classes and assignments?” If you really need a little nudge to get back into the...

Each year as we approach Imbolc, I feel something stirring within me, I’m not sure if it’s just the excitement and anticipation of Spring after a long, cold winter here in Wisconsin, or if there’s something more behind it. It’s a sort of yearning to reconnect with the land after spending so much time indoors. Even as I write this we’re in the midst of a big winter snowstorm, and thinking about the year’s first blooms, the sound of the birds, and the squelch of the ground beneath my feet after the spring thaw, all feel so far away. Yet I can’t seem to pull my mind from thoughts of these things. The little signs that Spring is here always feel palpable. But between the awe of the winter wonderland I enjoy at Solstice and the first warm days when the world seems to come back alive, is one of my favorite holidays…Imbolc. Imbolc is the first of the cross-quarter days, and marks the very beginning of spring (the mid-point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox). A celebration of hearth and home, Imbolc is the perfect time to hold space for renewal, fertility, purification, rebirth, hope, growth, planning, and new beginnings. Imbolc is also when you release what no longer serves you, shedding darker days behind to make room for new growth. To share some inspiration with you this season, I’ve rounded up the following useful resources about how to celebrate Imbolc:   Imbolc & the Wheel of the Year Article: This article delves into the significance of Imbolc, a celebration in the Wheel of the Year marking the transition from winter to spring. The Wheel of the Year, representing the cycles of light and dark, is a tool for connecting with natural cycles and understanding personal growth. Imbolc, celebrated on February 1st, signifies the first hint of spring. Energies associated with Imbolc are renewal, fertility, purification, and new beginnings. The article provides insights into the traditions, symbols, and deities linked to Imbolc, emphasizing the connection to the Goddess Brigid, a symbol of light, fire, and fertility. It concludes with suggestions for how to celebrate Imbolc, including feasting, divination, planting seeds, and connecting with the energy of the sun. If you want to embrace the Imbolc season, the article serves as a comprehensive guide to the rituals, traditions, and deeper spiritual meaning associated with this important seasonal celebration.   Imbolc Altar Cloth and Crystal Set: This cotton altar cloth features an exclusive Imbolc design featuring my digital collage artwork! Use this cloth to decorate your Imbolc altar and celebrate the turning of the Wheel of the Year. You can also add three of my favorite Imbolc crystals: tumbled Amethyst, tumbled Infinite Serpentine, and rough Pyrite, to enhance your connection to this sacred season.   Crystals & A Card Spread for Imbolc Article: This article provides insight into practical, hands-on ways to celebrate Imbolc. I suggest specific crystals, such as Red Garnet, Carnelian, and Pyrite, to work with during this time. Each stone carries symbolic meanings related to the returning warmth and energy. Additionally, I share a sacred, Imbolc Card Spread for introspection and guidance during this period. The seasonal spread covers aspects of foundation, direction, growth, and illumination. Use this spread to uncover hidden influences, regain clarity, focus on personal growth, and receive Universal messages.   FREE Goddess Brigid Coloring Pages: Celebrate Imbolc with these 3 FREE printable coloring pages to honor Goddess Brigid! These coloring pages (hand-drawn by me!) include images of the Goddess Brigid, a Corn Dolly, and a Brigid’s cross. You can print these pages at home and color as an act of devotion or meditation. Corn dollies are often made in her image and are called “Little Bride’s.” Brigid’s Crosses are woven each Imbolc and hung in the home as a symbol of protection, fertility, abundance, and blessings.

Aquarius season is here! This astrological season offers you the opportunity to embrace more freedom and joy with the help of your crystals. As we dive into Aquarius season (January 21 - February 19), the focus shifts to cultivating joy and allowing your authentic personality to shine through. Your energy, words, and actions can be a catalyst for inspiring others and supporting those in need of your connection and companionship.    After the busy pace of Capricorn season, now is the time to slow things down, savor moments of quality time with your loved ones, and let your communication skills flourish. Nurturing these relationships allows you to show others just how much you care about them. Communication is an important area of focus during Aquarius season, so, put your energy toward communicating clearly, sharing your ideas with others, and fostering the relationships that are most important to you.     Working with the following Aquarius-aligned stones aligns you with the current celestial energies and is an excellent way to enhance the positive aspects of this astrological phase while balancing its challenges.     Aquarius Season Correspondences:   Dates: January 21 - February 19 Symbol: The Water Bearer Ruling Planet: Uranus Modality: Fixed (Resistant to Change - related to determination, focus, and individuality) Element: Air (Click Here to learn more about working with Elemental Crystals) The Body: Legs and Hips Keywords: Communication, Compassion, Fairness, Freedom, Inspiration, Joy, Logic, Nurturing, Unconventionality, Wit Aquarius Season Gifts: Friendship, Intellect, Loyalty, Teamwork Aquarius Season Challenges: Detachment, Stubbornness, Separation, Distance in Relationships   Best Crystals for Aquarius Season: During Aquarius season, select crystals that amplify joy, communication, and personal expression. It’s important to note that Zodiac crystals are a little different than birthstones (more on that here). You can work with the following crystals to enhance or balance the energies of Aquarius season. Whether enhancing positivity or addressing challenges by balancing out the more difficult energetic aspects of Aquarius, these stones are the best companions for the celestial journey ahead.     Blue Lace Agate River Agate Amazonite Amethyst Chevron Amethyst Ametrine Angelite Aquamarine Azurite Bloodstone Aqua Calcite Cavansite Celestite Blue Chalcedony Cross Stone Blue Fluorite Rainbow Fluorite Red Pyrope Garnet Labradorite Lepidolite Mica Black Moonstone Pumice Blue Quartz Himalayan Salt Turquoise   Top 3 Crystals for Aquarius Season:   Blue Fluorite: This crystal is associated with the Air element, so it’s naturally well-suited to Aquarius energy. Blue Fluorite promotes mental clarity which can support you during Aquarius’ emphasis on communication. It’s a great companion stone if you often struggle to find the right words or if you find it challenging to communicate in difficult or uncomfortable conversations. This stone can support you as you try to keep things light and uplift others.     Blue Lace Agate: This stone enhances feelings of hope and optimism, which is useful for the joyous and inspiring energy of Aquarius. Furthermore, it encourages you to speak with purpose and can assist you in clearly expressing complex ideas. Since Aquarius season is a time to focus on friends and family, Blue Lace Agate makes an excellent companion due to its ability to foster harmony and group cooperation. This stone provides a calming influence that helps you feel at ease, even in large groups. It’s also helpful for making new connections and for building your social network. Celestite: This crystal helps you tap into the energies of Aquarius’ ruling planet, Uranus. Celestite helps you tune into guidance from your guides,

The new year is a common time to make big changes and set the stage for transformation and a fresh start. Most of us have grandiose plans at first, but quickly slip back into old habits. So how can you be sure to stick with your plans and stay on track with your goals in the new year? Try working with these top crystals for new beginnings!     Crystals work great along with your intentions for helping you reach your goals. For example, Rhodonite is a fantastic crystal for new beginnings.  To start a new routine in the new year, simply reach for a piece of Rhodonite and hold it in your hands.   Close your eyes and think about exactly what you’d like to do differently in the new year.  Visualize it in great detail - is it a new wellness routine, a commitment to read a book per week, or quitting a habit?  See it as clearly as possible, as if you can see it playing like a movie in your mind’s eye.     Once you’ve been able to visualize this new routine, hold the crystal over your heart for a moment to show gratitude to the stone. Your stone has now been imprinted, or programmed, with the information from your visualization. Once you’ve programmed your stone, simply carry it with you, in your purse, pocket, or handbag.   Any time you feel yourself begin to stray from your new routine, just reach for your stone for a bit of support and a reminder of that good feeling you had during your visualization, as well as a reminder of what you're working toward and why it's important to you. This will help ensure that your good intentions for creating new beginnings keep their momentum the whole year through. Since you’ll be carrying your stone throughout the day, you’ll need to be sure to cleanse it frequently.  One of the simplest methods of cleansing is to pass it through the smoke of burning herbs. Try rosemary, mugwort, or lavender.       A great alternative method to smoke-cleansing your stones is to ring a bell or sound a chime near your crystal.  Sound is a powerful cleanser of energy and is quick, simple, and convenient. For more ideas, see this article on other common crystal cleansing methods. And while you're cleansing your stones, you may wish to cleanse your space while you're at it. By allowing stagnant energy to linger in your environment, you’re inadvertently telling the Universe that you’re fine with anything in your life that feels stuck.  Clearing this energy out of your space tells the Universe that you’re ready for new energy that's more aligned with your current vision and goals. Click Here to Check Out Our Classic Blog Post on Using Selenite & Black Tourmaline for Cleansing & Protecting Your Space so that you can welcome some new energy in the New Year!   Something important to remember is that new beginnings don't just magically happen. Lasting change typically requires our effort and focus. Many of us remember to do simple things like routine energy cleansing. But when it comes down to energetic self-care, it’s easy to fall short. Quick and easy healing exercises are ideal (because you’ll actually DO them), but are they effective?  Let me put it this way, it's better to do little exercises more frequently because they are quick and easy than to put off energetic self-care because you don’t feel like you have time. It’s almost always better to be doing something than to do nothing at all – especially when it comes to your energetic well-being. Click Here to Check Out Our Classic Blog Post, “3 Tips for Self-Care with Crystals” and get your New Year’s self-care routine in place now!   Want to enhance your daily crystal practice for an entire year? Crystals can be such a support when we’re planning our weeks and months ahead. That’s why, in my Your Crystal Clear Year Course, I share ways to connect with your crystals daily through meditations, self-care exercises, and more – because I know firsthand that connecting with your crystals daily can ...

Wheel of the Year represents seasonal cycles focusing on the 4 Solar Holidays of the year (also known as the quarter days).

A Crystal Message about the Healing Properties of Orange Aventurine: "I take a sacred pause to release thoughts that weigh me down, making mental space for new clarity and inner guidance."

The healing properties of snowflake obsidian are powerful - they will bring you into alignment and banish any negative energy from your space.

Shungite is an amazing stone for healing and purification, but it’s controversial due to some of the claims made about its use. I was recently interviewed for an article at mindbodygreen about the properties and benefits of Shungite.

The time of the full moon is the peak time to engage your intuition and use your psychic gifts, such as clairvoyance or clairaudience. Be on the lookout for any signs or symbols that present themselves in your life during this lunar phase.

Malachite is a deep green, copper-based stone with swirling patterns and orbs. A Crystal Message about the Healing Properties of Malachite: "You are a child of the earth; wild, creative, and free."       Common Healing Properties of Malachite: Amplifies energy and intention Promotes grounding Enhances energetic protection Encourages earth healing Connects you with nature Enhances spiritual guidance Aids in your creative visualization practices Activates psychic power & intuition Encourages unconditional love Enhances scrying divination practices Facilitates astral travel Helps you access intuitive messages from your subconscious mind Encourages positive changes in your life Reveals obstacles on your spiritual path Assists you as you work to remove outdated thought patterns Facilitates the positive expression of your emotions Increases confidence Encourages compassion Enhances concentration Heals the emotional body Aids in exploring the inner self Enhances your creative energy Penetrates suppressed emotions and helps draw them out of the energy body Focuses your thoughts and energy Colors: Swirly bands of dark and light green Zodiac Signs: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn Elements: Earth, Water Companion Flowers: Geum Companion Essential Oil: Spearmint Companion Stone: Peach Feldspar Common Origins: DR Congo, Russia, Namibia Notes: Malachite has high Copper content and is NOT safe for use in crystal elixirs Wanna’ Get Science-y? Click Here to get more information about this crystal! More About the Healing Properties of Malachite: Malachite is an intense green, banded copper ore. It often occurs in conjunction with azurite, and forms in fascinating botryoidal (dome-shaped) formations. Malachite is a really earthy stone and it's also a copper-based mineral, and copper-based minerals generally promote self-love. Moreover, the healing properties of Malachite also apply to soothing matters of the heart, and you may feel called to it if your heart needs emotional healing. Likewise, it also reminds you to nourish yourself and to evaluate what you let into your mind and soul. If you suddenly feel drawn to work with this stone, it's possible you may need to work on overcoming negative thoughts. Negative thoughts about yourself can damage and drain your energy little by little over time. Learning to change this pattern can support you as you work to re-train your brain and stop negative self-talk.   Malachite Lore: When stone age hunter/gatherers tried lining their fire pits with some pretty green stone that had been exposed by flooding, they accidentally invented the science of smelting metal from ore. Copper was almost certainly the first metal they discovered and used, because it’s so easy to extract from malachite — all you need is fire. Hence, you can well imagine that when people saw the reddish metal coming out of green stones, they felt it was magic! Besides its use as copper ore, people have long used malachite as an “evil eye” talisman. The stone’s natural curved lines and circles form natural patterns that look like eyes — eyes to “send back” bad intentions, envy, or other dangerous feelings, as well as simple bad luck. Babies and others wore these amulets in ancient Egypt and Greece, medieval Europe, and many other places. Powdered malachite is also one of the oldest pigments, providing an intense green color for paint and makeup. The use of Malachite dates back to at least 4000 BCE. In ancient Egypt, people mined Malachite from the area near Mt. Sinai, which they then powdered to make cosmetics, especially eye makeup to promote clear vision (clairvoyance). It’s possible that, as eyeshadow, Malachite powder averted the evil eye as a magical cosmetic (though we now know powdered Malachite to be very dangerous and a he...

Calling all introverts ... Meet powerful and radiant Sunstone, your new crystal for confidence.

Selecting crystals for the seasons is all about trusting your intuition and considering the emotions each season evokes in you. Then it's as simple as matching these feelings with crystals that reflect the same energy.

It's perfectly natural to wonder, well, do I need a certification to learn about crystals? And the answer might surprise you.