Review: Crystals, Plain & Simple

Crystals, Plain & Simple
Author: Cass and Janie Jackson
Hampton Roads Publishing Company

Description: 135 page book

Crystal, Plain & Simple is an excellent beginner's guide into the world of crystals. Many topics are covered in the pages of this book, so don't expect in-depth coverage, but there's enough to peek your interest and steer in the direction of discovery.

I became interested in crystals a few years back. The idea that these stones have special properties and abilities is fascinating. My collection of both crystals and the knowledge of their specialties have grown over the time I've spent with them. This guide will be placed upon my shelf for quick and easy reference to various crystals.

The topics covered by the authors are:

• What are crystals? - "Most crystals are of mineral origin - though modern usage of the term "crystal" includes amber, pearl, coral, and a few items that are not mineral in origin."
• Crystal Legends and Folklore - "Sardonyx was used in India and Persia to protect against the evil eye, ..."
• How to Bring Crystals Into Your Life - covers choosing, cleansing, purifying, bonding, and charging
• Crystals for Psychic Development and Divination - covers a few crystals and methods
• Crystals for Visualization and Positive Thought - covers how a few crystals can help
• Crystals for Meditations - covers the best crystals for process
• Healing with Crystals - covers healing properties of a few crystals, touches on chakras, and other healing methods
• A Gallery of Crystals - presents information on a variety of crystals
• Crystals in Everyday Life - offers practices to include your crystals into your daily life
• Crystal Correspondence - covers birthstones, zodiac, anniversaries, and good luck charms
• Growing Your Own Crystals - instructions to grow your own crystals

"Amber - This material has been used for healing throat problems since at least Roman times. It is most effective for curing throat disorders but also for relieving respiratory problems and any related pain. Amber also helps to relieve depression."

"Hematite enables the user to disconnect from everyday material affairs so that they may then connect with the unseen and develop great psychic powers."

I recommend this book to anyone interested in beginning a journey into the world of crystals and their special qualities.

Grab your copy at Red Wheel Weiser.

(Review Product supplied by Red Wheel Weiser.)

Review: Carry Me Crystals

Carry Me Crystals
Authors - Joanie Eisinger, Elizabeth Jarvis & Peter Jarvis
Schiffer Publishing, 2016

Description - 44 Cards and a 96 page guidebook in a sturdy cardboard box, with magnetic closure.

Card Size - 3.5 X 2.5

“Gems are precious and each one can assist you on a spectacular journey to enlightenment."

Carry Me Crystals is a multipurpose deck with the focus upon crystals and their energies. You may choose to carry the crystal card of your choice around with you throughout the day to absorb its energy. You can follow the guidance displayed on the reverse side of the card. The deck makes a great oracle. It can also be used for chakra clearing ~ each card is coded with a color dot to represent the chakra association of the card.

Carry Me - Each card features an image of a crystal, which may be used to draw energy from just as you would with an actual crystal. When I carry a crystal, I place the stone in my pocket. The same can be done with these cards, but you may want to take into consideration your work activity and situation. The cards are made of good stock, but I'd still be worried over the issue of loss and/or damage. If you have a desk job, you could place your chosen card at your desk.

Choosing a Crystal - One method of choosing the crystal would be to flip through the images to find the one which feels right for you at that moment. Another option is to choose the best message, from the reverse side, to aid you in gaining the energy you need for the day.

 

Oracle Deck - To demonstrate this possible option, I asked the cards: "What do I needed to focus on at this moment?" Shuffle and select a card as you would with any deck. I received the Jade.

The guidebook suggests the Jade can be used to heal emotional wounds. On the side with the message, the fourth dot (green) is filled in. The stone represents the Heart Chakra.

So ~ I need to be focusing on emotional wounds - my fear, my sadness, any sense of betrayal I may be feeling at this moment.

Chakra Clearing - The Jade can be used to clear the Heart Chakra. The guidebook suggests placing this card near a magnet for ten to fifteen minutes to magnify its energy. Then, place it upon your heart chakra, center of your chest, to draw out your emotional pain.

Guidebook - In the short introduction, there is a chart which identifies the markings of the Chakra(s) for the deck. The bulk of the book covers each stone, its related Chakra region, and how to use its energy. There's enough information given to get you started with this deck.

However, I did feel the information provided was sometimes vague and glossy. If you want more in-depth information on Crystals, many sources are available out there in both books and on the internet.

My personal favorite is Healing Crystals - a wealth of information and you can buy crystals from them at great prices. I love this place.  

Carry Me Crystals would be great for someone looking to get started working with Crystals.

The deck also makes a great tool for those experienced with Crystals, providing a new method of choosing your crystal for the day. If you don't have the physical crystal, then you now have a crystal card version to experiment with.

Grab your copy at Schiffer Publishing.

(Review Product supplied by Schiffer Publishing.)

Create Your Own Crystal Holder/Wrap

A crystal wrap is an easy way to store your favorite crystals. 

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What you will need to make your own Crystal Holder/Wrap: a piece of cloth (12 inches by 6 inches), a 12 inch piece of ribbon, a spool of thread, and a sewing needle. 

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Step One - Lay your material out flat on a hard surface. Carefully fold the material into a six by six square. You will normally have a faded side and a dark side to the material. At this point, you want the faded side facing you.

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Step Two - Thread your needle. Then, carefully sew up two sides of the square, leaving one side open. Gently insert your hand into the open section and pull the material right side out.

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Step Three - Lay the ribbon out across the square. You will need to secure the ribbon to the material. Although it is fine to secure it to both layers, you can also take a little time and secure it to only one side. This will allow it not to be visible on the opposite side.

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Step Four - With the ribbon securely in place, it is time to sew up the open end of the material. As this will be visible, take your time. You may want to make small stitches, but you could also make decorative ones if you have the ability to do so.

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Step Five - Time to select your crystals. Depending on their size, you should be able to fit multiple stones within your wrap. Choose a few and then place them in the center of your new wrap.

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Step Six - Take two edges of your material and lay each over the stones. You should in the end have a cone shape, with the ribbons extending from the long sides. You may need to hold the flaps down.

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Step Seven - Bring the other two flaps over each other closing the Crystal Wrap. You will basically have a nice little square - crystals inside. Again, you may have to keep your finger on the material to keep it in place.

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Step Eight - Tie your ribbon in a nice little bow and you are all done.

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When ready to display, untie ribbon, unfold cloth, and enjoy the beauty and energy of your crystals during your tarot reading or other ritual. When done, simply tie back up and have no worries of crystals being knocked to the floor, lost, or carried off by one of your furry loved ones.

Need a little Tarot Guidance? Order a reading.

 (previously published on The Examiner, December 4, 2013)

Do crystals really have special powers?

The healing power of crystals is a subject I've only mildly researched, but figured it was worth a try.

I've experience major negativity in my work place and it was really bringing me down, both physically and spiritually.

At first, I carried a clear quartz stone in my pocket, but it only seemed to mildly disrupt the flow of negativity surrounding me. I finally decided to go a step further and am glad I did.

With my new amethyst crystal necklace - seen in the photo - I have been freed of the largest proportion of the negative energy. It's still there in the workplace, but it no longer affects me in the same way.

Each type of crystal has different power abilities. Concentrating on protection, I chose the amethyst.

Protection: Amethyst is a crystal of protection, because it repels more than it attracts.

The Amethyst also represents the Crown Chakra, and is known to increase spiritual awareness.

My anxiety level was extremely high by the time the necklace arrived. For the first two nights, I wore it to bed to help me sleep. Its ability to ward off nightmares proved true, but I experienced a lack of dreams all together. Feeling dreams are a way of the mind to work through daily matters, I discontinued the process of wearing the necklace to bed.

It's been almost a month, and I feel so much better than I did before I placed my crystal around my neck.

Have you used crystals for protection? Do you have suggestions on learning more about the power of crystals? Share your thoughts/experiences.