Why not Good News Instead?

Why not good news instead?  Making and designing jewelry is a creative, artistic endeavor. To feel inspired I need to be a in cheerful, mellow state of mind where ideas can flow freely and I can act on them. All of us, whether in an office, school ,business of any type do our best work and are happiest and most creative when not weighed down by the bad news of the world around us. So how can you avoid this complete downer?

Instead of checking out the major news sources who make their living by reporting only the worst possible stories in the most horrifying terms opt instead for the "good news" channels. Those who report on the wonderful things many people in the world do every day.

Try one of these sites  http://www.goodworldnews.org and/or http://www.huffingtonpost.com/good-news/ 

and have a happy day

GEMSTONE METAPHYSICAL LORE R- T

Gemstone lore for those stones R thru T that I like to use in making jewelry:

RHODOCHROSITE

The Incas believed that the blood of their ancient rulers turned into this stone.

Soothes the nervous system, enhances the immune system; is an emotional balancer and has a strong effect on intuition and creativity.

RHODONITE

This stone was first used in Russia in the 18th century and was made into dinner plates.

Reduces stress, calms the mind, enhances self esteem and confidence. It gives an aura of elegance and grace.

SHELL

Used for decorations, amulets and religious objects as far back as 20,000 B.C.E.

Used for fertility, rebirth and good luck.

SODALITE

This stone calms and clears the mind. Helps to release the past, set positive goals. It enhances communication and creativity. Excellent for psychic development and meditation.

TIGER’S EYE

This has been worn for centuries as protection against the evil eye and spells.

It is an emotional balancer, softens stubbornness and grounds and centers. Considered a good luck stone.

TOPAZ

In the Middle Ages, St. Hildegarde, Abbess of Bingen developed an eye lotion to cure failing eyesight using Topaz.  

The ancient Greeks used it on divining rods to find precious metals. Romans used it as protection when traveling.

Said to guard against depression and negativity. Aids in creative thinking. Said to prevent accidents and fires and to balance the emotions.

TOURMALINE

Used in jewelry for centuries. The Dutch originally used it to clean ash from pipes!

Said to build self assurance, protect from fear and negativity, enhance concentration and inspiration and to inspire creativity.

TURQUOISE

The Egyptians mined this stone in the Sinai peninsula.  It is highly prized by all cultures as a lucky stone. Known as the Venus Stone said to protect against evil eye and accidents.

Symbols of generosity, sincerity and affection. Said to help with peace of mind, creativity, communication and emotional balance.

This material is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice.

 

Gemstone Metaphysical Lore Q

Gemstone Metaphysical lore  Q. I figured that Quartz types needed a post all by themselves!

QUARTZ

The ancient peoples thought it was petrified ice. A belief held as late as 1777.

Roman ladies carried crystal spheres to cool their hands during hot weather. Roman armies used it to focus sun’s rays to cauterize wounds.

Throughout Europe, Ireland and England, many crystals set in metal bands were found; it was believed to be protection against ill wishing.

To the Japanese it is a symbols of eternity and to the Chinese it is a stone of concentration. In Australia and New Guinea it is used to produce rain and in South America it’s worn to repel evil dreams and as protection from danger.

It is said to be an emotional balancer, repels and destroys negative energy; stores and transmits energy. Wearing a piece of Quartz is said to change your luck.

ROSE QUARTZ

Heals emotional wounds, develop compassion, reduce stress and anxiety. To build self confidence.

SMOKY QUARTZ

Stone was sacred to the Druids, Romans, Egyptians and Sumerians.

Gemstones and Minerals M Thru P Metaphysical Lore

MARBLE

Said to promote calmness and balance.

ONYX

Onyx seals were popular with the ancient Romans. One English church used a healing onyx for years.  It is worn in India as protection from the evil eye.

Today is worn to gain emotional balance, self control and for protection.

PEARL

According to legend: In The Orient - drops of heavenly dew fell from the Moon, at the time of the full moon, and were caught by oysters. The dew hardened into pearls. They believed that pearls shone at night.  The ancient Hindus believed that occasionally pearls could be found in the stomach, forehead or brain of elephants. They were powerful talismans against danger. Pearls are associated with the moon and therefore representative of lovers.

Today, Pearl helps to find truth and wisdom and absorbs negative energy.

PERIDOT

Ancient Egyptians and mediterranean people considered this tone sacred and it was much prized. Romans wore it for protection and to ward off illusion and depression.  In the Middle Ages, it was worn to gain foresight, inspiration and often was used in religious jewelry. The Aztecs, Toltecs, Incas and Egyptians used  Peridot to calm,purify and balance the physical body.

Today it is said to reduce stress, stimulate the mind,aid intuitions, calm emotions and stimulate growth and change.

Gemstone Lore D Thru J

EMERALD

Ancient Egyptians used emeralds around 2000 B.C.. Most mines at the time were in Upper Egypt near the Red Sea. Most famous mine was in Mt. Zabarah and said to belong to the Queen of Sheba.  Romans believed nothing evil would stay in the presence of Emerald; if powerless to repel misfortune, it was believed the stone would fall from its setting as a warning.  Nero watched gladiator fights thru an emerald because he believed the stone protected his eyes and revealed the truth.

An old belief says emerald will change color if lies & treachery are planned within its vicinity.

In India and Egypt, it was said to give the gift of memory and good luck.

Mystical significance to Christianity is triumph over sin.

Today, it’s used to ward off negativity, attract prosperity, peace, balance, love, healing and patience. Strengthens artistic abilities, opens the way to new beginnings.

FLUORITE

Ancient Egyptians carved it and made into statues and scarabs. The Chinese carve it into figures.

Today, it is used to help ground nervous energy, cleanses the aura, increases concentration. Nicknamed “genius stone” as it’s said to be excellent for study or work; focuses the mind.

JADE

A stone used by ancient midwives to aid childbirth. In Ancient Egypt it was given as a gift that brought good fortune.  In China and the Far East, bangles were worn for physical strength and to throw off illness. Jade butterflies were exchanged between engaged couples to ensure happiness.

Jade is popular with racing enthusiasts as it’s said to draw success. Said to attract courage, justice and wisdom. It helps to solve problems and is an excellent stone for business people and musicians; brings calm, peace, harmony and releases tension.

JASPER

The Anodyne Necklace, valued in England at one time, was worn to treat stomach troubles.

The Egyptians used Jasper to protect against enemies, wild animals and fear.

Green Jasper is worn for good luck. Brown, multicolored is worn to help keep your feet on the ground and not get caught in extreme emotions.

Gemstone and Mineral Lore Stones B thru C

BLOODSTONE

This stone was used by the ancient Egyptians. The Leyden Papyrus says that ti will open all doors and break down all walls. The Greeks and Romans used it for endurance and to bring renown. The Gnostics for prolonging life and to bring wealth. Ancient physicians for stopping the flow of blood from wounds and the Chinese to stop nosebleeds and prevent kidney stones.

Legend says that Christ’s blood at the crucifixion splashed onto green Jasper producing Bloodstone.

Used for renewal, preserves the health, creates high prosperity consciousness, gives fame, brings money and strengthens self-confidence.

CARNELIAN

Ancient cultures used this stone in seal rings because it easily separates from wax or clay.  In the Middle Ages it was used to protect against the evil eye. The Moslems call this the “Mecca Stone” said to fulfill all desires and bring happiness. Ancient physicians used this to stop bleeding, aid in childbirth and treat jaundice.

Said to give courage, protection, a cheerful mind, help lower back trouble, strengthen concentration, balance creativity and organizational abilities and follow thru on plans.

CHRYSCOLLA

This was used as a musical amulet. For centuries, musicians used it to heal throat and lungs.

It helps to clear old resentments, fears, guilt and tension. Aids in forgiving people. It calms the emotions, brings inner strength and enhances creativity and communication.

CORAL

Legend: Medusa’s(snake headed monster whose gaze said to turn men to stone) death at the hand of Perseus (Greek hero).  After her death, he put her severed head into a bag and started the journey home. He rested beside the sea and put the bag down on a bed of seaweed and brushwood at the edge of the waves. Medusa’s power and blood leaked out of the bag and turned the seaweed and brushwood to stone. Sea nymphs came and carried that to the ocean floor where it became the first coral beds. So, the Greeks call red coral Medusa’s Blood and The Ocean’s Tree Of Life.

The ancients used coral for protection. Italy - It is common even today to see little coral hands with closed fist and index and little finger extended used as pendants to protect against evil eye. Mediterranean vessels nail red coral to the mast to guide them safely home. The Pueblo Indians consider it to be one of the four elements of Road of Life.

Said to be for emotional openness, love, life energy, protection and to prevent accidents.

Gem and Mineral Historical and Metaphysical Lore

I use lots of gems and minerals in the jewelry I create and I figured that it would be  interesting and helpful to list the historical and metaphysical lore of the stones. 

 I am attracted to different stones at different times and have found that I seem to be attracted to the one or two at any time that fit what I am experiencing in the world.

So, below you will find a list of the stones that begin with A (of course!) that I use in making jewelry now. I will post an entry for each "letter" at least one per week.  

Hope you find this interesting and helpful. 

History and Use

Of Gemstones

AGATE

A belief held for centuries is that Agate protects against stumbling and falling.  In the 1500’s in Italy it was used to turn away lightning and the destructive power of storms.  People in Western Africa prefer white, green and red for positive effects and to guard against snake bite, paralysis and mental illness.  In Ancient Britain, it was used to prevent falls and guard against skin disease. In the Middle East - To purify the blood.

Wearing Agate is said to prevent sea sickness and in a ring or pendant, it promotes deep sleep, calmness, good health, long life and will sweeten the disposition.

BLUE LACE AGATE

This gives a sense of security, helps you to handle new situations and softens stubbornness.

MOSS AGATE

The Greek Orpheus said to wear this was to receive divine favor and aid.  In Europe and England in the 1800’s, it was used for good luck.

Said to draw good health, long life, connect to nature energies, bring wealth and happiness.

AMAZONITE

This was known and used by ancient Egyptians, Mesopotamians and others as well as Central and South America.

Increases self confidence, stimulates creativity. Helps us to celebrate the “new” in life ( career, new goals, birth, etc.). Helps call out your “warrior spirit”.

AMETHYST

Ancient Greeks and Romans dropped an Amethyst into a goblet of wine to neutralize the effects of alcohol (i.e. drunkenness).

Chaldean Magi used it to bring success and good luck. In the Middle Age Europe,known as the “Bishops Stone” worn by cardinals and bishops.

The practice of the groom giving a heart shaped Amethyst to his bride to bring great happiness and tranquility for their lives, is still in use today.

Amethyst cuts thru illusions, strengthens and develops intuition, inspiration. Enhances creativity and creates balance between spiritual and physical.

APATITE

No known folklore. This stone helps to let go of useless aspects of life, people or objects. It also enhances creativity and balances the emotions.

AQUAMARINE

A large Aquamarine was on the crown of James II. The stone is said to impart purity to wearer.

It clears the mind, aids creativity, banishes fears and doubts. Aids in calmness, peace, inspiration and love. It protects from accidents and brings wealth.

AVENTURINE

Aventurine relieves anxiety and fear, builds positive attitudes, good health and independence. Used with Malachite, it helps clear emotional or mental blockages.

AZURITE

This was used by ancient cultures to raise consciousness.

This tone enhances creativity and intuition.  It aids in self confidence and helps when studying, researching,brainstorming for project ideas.