The moon has been influencing our planet long before there were sentinent beings to notice.  The moon influences tides, fertility, and biorhythms; it has been a central feature of religious worship and scientific study through the ages.  Can the pull of the moon still be felt in our modern lives, and can we work with moon energy to find more meaning in whatever our current circumstances may be?   Well, in a word, yes!

We see the full moon as fully illuminated because the earth lies between it and the sun; the sun's rays pass around the earth to light up the side of the moon which faces the earth.  This is in contrast to the new moon, which seems to ride next to the sun in the sky, and consequently is not illuminated for us to easily see.  The full moon rises around sundown, and sets around sunrise; the new moon roughly rises and sets with the sun.  The harvest and hunter full moons rise a bit before the sun sets, and they add an extra light to the shortening days of fall in the northern hemisphere.  Energetically, many people experience the full moon as a time of restless sleep, heightened dream activity, and increased intuitive knowing.  You don't have to share these experiences to begin working with moon energy; all you need is a willingness to try, and a calendar so you know when the moon is full.

Moon energy is typically viewed as a powerful feminine force which brings our intuitive and emotional senses to the fore.  It is widely believed that the full power of the moon would correspond with a peak in our subconscious, watery hidden side, the part of ourselves that is truthful and inventive.  One very basic way of working with the energy of the full moon, is to sit under it's light and allow the mind to wander, being aware of the images and ideas that come to us under it's influence.  Keep a journal so you can record the ideas that crop up, even if they don't make sense at the time.  Give yourself permission to entertain all possibilities and try to refrain from judging whatever comes up as your mind wanders; simply record what you're given and build up a few months' worth of entries.  Look back over the group 6 to 12 months later to see what themes emerge; what was important to you?  Where did you hurt, and where were you happy?  What to keep, what to release?  These are some of the questions you can sit with, feeling your responses rather than intellectually understanding them.  Since moon energy is intuitive, you'll want it to percolate through your gut and heart before the distillate becomes fuel for your conscious awareness.

Another way to work with moon energy is to start with some brainstorming sessions at the time of the new moon.  Hatch a new plan, or write out a question that has been tugging at your heart.  Find even a snip of time to bask in the light of the night sky every couple of evenings, as the new moon waxes toward it's full state.  Visually you'll see a change in the right side of the moon's face here in the northern hemisphere, as the sliver of light grows into a full moon.  Intuitively, you may build a treasure chest of clues toward the answers you seek.  Again, give yourself permission for your mind to wander and know that whatever you get (or don't get) is perfectly okay.  Most of us start out feeling very silly in this work, and it can take some time before we are able to glean something very "concrete" that we can act on, or share with others.  Our minds aren't used to wandering with our blessing, so please be patient while they learn to play again.  Look back over your journal entries taken during these times of increasing moon influence, and you will probably find that your subconscious mind has been closing in on answers to some of your deepest questions.

A  third way to work with moon energy involves using it to help you release whatever emotional stuff you'd like to let loose of.   Beginning at the time of the full moon, tune into a particular emotional target and record that in your journal.  As the full moon wanes toward the dark new moon, you will visually see the bright left-hand portion of the moon slowly shrinking.  Emotionally, let the intensity of your emotions relax a bit more every few nights; bear a little less of a grudge, carry a tiny bit less grief.  It may take a few moon cycles before you notice a difference, and you might not want to start with a really huge emotional challenge at your first go.  Most people find this process helps shed layers of emotion.  Rather than banishing your baggage, this process is likely to help you reduce it to the smallest burden it can be, and to turn the intensity down a few notches so you can feel the other portions of your life again.

Putting both halves of the cycle together, then, might go something like this:  Whatever positive thing you are wanting to bring into your life, can be the focus of your brainstorming session at the new moon.  Pick a facet of this goal and let your mind run with it, playing with this goal as the moon builds to fullness.  Keep a journal, or somehow record the impressions you get as your work through this half of the cycle.  Once the moon begins to wane from the full moon to the new, pick a facet of the goal that holds you back, or isn't supporting the positive expression of your new plans.  Allow yourself to release the fears and energy that feed this negative facet, letting a little bit more slip away every couple of nights.  Again, you'll want to record the impressions you get as the negativity seeps out of the picture.  Because you are working with your subconscious, you might not get hugely visible results right away at any given point in the cycle.  But you'll probably notice, looking back, that along the way you started acting more in concert with your goals, and that the dips in the road didn't bother you as much as they used to.  Can you go through this process at any time, independent of the moon phases?  Absolutely.  But you're likely to find that working in harmony with the moon gives a little more depth to your insight, and helps the process feel more natural to you.

These are just a smattering of ways to work with moon energy, and require only that you know when the moon is full or dark.  More layers can be added by introducing astrology to the picture, but it's perfectly okay to experiment with moon energy on it's own.   The pull of the moon is something most of us feel in our bones; we simply haven't given ourselves permission to root around in that energy, until now.  Working with moon energy helps us ask better questions and focus more clearly on where our attention goes.  The moon is simply there to give us encouragement as we travel where we were headed, in the first place.

There are a number of brochures we hand out at shows, and people seem to like them.  We copied the text of these brochures into individual blog posts, but some of them are quite lengthy and seemed to drag on interminably down the screen.  Brevity isn't a strong suit but we do know how to insert links, so for the sake of brevity, here are the brochure texts in a more likeable presentation.

An Introduction To Clear Quartz Crystal

Basic Pendulum Brochure Text

Chakra System Handout and Visualization Text

Color System Handout and Visualization Text

Gemstone Basics Brochure Text

Himalayan Salt Lamp FAQ Handout

Introduction to the Chakra System Brochure Text

Smudging With Sage Brochure Text

Tumbled Stone Face Card Texts


Have at it, and enjoy!

Astrology is a fascinating area of study, but sometimes people don't connect with it's language.  They may learn the feel of different signs, or have a sense of how well their sun sign relates to them, but it might be challenging to actually apply what they know to their daily experience.  Crystal Astrology is a book which helps the reader interpret astrology on many different levels, some experiential and some intellectual.  And always fascinating!

Crystals are certainly introduced in this book, with one crystal assigned to each of the 360 degrees of the astrological circle.  This allows for a more intuitive connection with the energy of an individual day without having to know where the moon is, and is also helpful in coming up with your personal birthstone.  You won't recognize all of the crystals included here but it's still nice to learn about them, and they do feel relevant.  Costelloe talks about how to utilize the crystal energy with or without the stone being in your possession.

Other tools introduced by the author introduce deeper layers of understanding and usefulness.  Each day is given a consecutive numerological value, so the first day of Aries becomes day 1, and the last day of Pisces becomes day 360.  Sabian symbols, Marc Edward Jones keywords, and Jane Ridder-Patrick healing body points are given for each degree of the 360 as well.  These tools allow for great depth in the interpretation of something casual, such as the query "what kind of energy are we looking at for the weekend," but may also be applied to a standard natal chart as well.  Affirmation, expression, sun focus and message are given for each crystal as well.  The layering of these tools is what gives this book it's uninterrupted  versatility and insight, and allows the feel of each degree to be accessed in many different ways.

While this might seem like an intimidating book on account of the very variety which is so impressive, the author skillfully presents the information so the reader feels they can keep up.  This is the type of book which can be used in different ways through the years, as your own information base changes, in contrast to the many books which have a more limited focus and application.  This book would make a great oracle deck, although of course it can be used in that fashion by simply letting yourself be guided to the appropriate page.  Available from our website and at shows, this is a book you'll be glad to own.

The Summer Solstice is a melancholy day for me.  The promise of summer just ahead seems to conflict with the shortening days; it feels like the season is ending, rather than beginning.  In addition to my usual meditation on this day, this year we had our first visit to the Downey Community Labyrinth in Blythedale MO.  Our time at the labyrinth helped this years' Summer Solstice feel like a day of balance, rather than a day of sorrow.

Our friend Sandy is the designer and caretaker of the labyrinth, and maintains the old cemetery which shares the hillside.  Sandy was attracted to the neglected cemetery when it was simply a weedy patch on her in-laws' land; ultimately, she and her husband Scott built their home uphill from the cemetery.  Sandy wanted to both restore the cemetery, and build a labyrinth; she was inspired by her cousin's labyrinth in Wisconsin.  While Sandy hired a professional to complete the initial cemetery restoration, she did the bulk of the labyrinth work herself---just ask her about shoveling 4 tons of sand, by hand, out of her pickup truck!  She continues to uncover additional gravestones on all sides of the labyrinth, and is proceeding with her own restoration of these finds.  Sandy is learning some of the history of the folks who are buried here, from their descendants who have come to visit; you can see how the cemetery looked before the restoration, here.  The updated name of "Downey Community Labyrinth" reflects the healing and new sense of purpose which are the result of Sandy's work; this area is no longer the end of the road for forgotten souls.  Thanks to Sandy's efforts to restore balance, the labyrinth and former cemetery are becoming a place of spiritual growth and exploration for all who find their way to this community. 

This labyrinth has a peaceful, happy feel, and the view of the surrounding hills is fantastic.  You can definitely feel the sacred blend of energies from the newly-honored cemetery, the humble labyrinth, and the watchful oaks.  A fire pit stands close by and there are plenty of benches for those who wish to rest in this nurturing setting.  We visited in the early evening and stayed through until nightfall, with the last photo showing the labyrinth rim illuminated by solar lamps.  We plan to visit during one of the Full Moon walks, and might be lucky enough to photograph some orbs at that time.  To see photos of the labyrinth construction, learn about upcoming events, and generally have a good nosey, check out the Downey Community Labyrinth page on Facebook.

Our friends Mark and Carla are Raventree Pewter, and they make truly beautiful lead-free pewter jewelry.  We periodically offer some of their pieces for sale, and just today have taken on some charming morel mushrooms.  There are three styles to choose from, with each pendant mounted on an adjustable black cord as shown in the left-hand photo.  Center photo shows the Raventree Pewter Studio, a self-contained portable pewter shop complete with generator, sound system and alternative method of transportation.  You can see Mark in "the laboratory" at the polishing wheel, in the right-hand photograph.Raventree offers an interesting selection of pieces to complement many interests and spiritual paths; custom work is also welcomed.  You can visit their website at raventreepewter.com or find them on Facebook.

The mineral kingdom is full of surprises, and each Natural Enhydro crystal is a great example of that.

These crystals have grown faster through their outer edges than through their centers, causing water/fluid bubbles and other inclusions to become trapped within the crystal. Some of the trapped bubbles are stationary, while others move from side to side like the bubble on a carpenter's level. The age estimates on these crystals range from about 250 to 400+ million years old.

Please bear in mind that some of the trapped bubbles are only 1/32nd of an inch in diameter, so seeing them for the first time can be challenging. Most of our enhydros will come to you with a viewing aperture drawn on the crystal in fine-tip permanent marker. This is the perspective we were able to see the bubble the best from, although your own experience may vary. You may remove the writing with rubbing alcohol if you like, or leave it in place; it will not influence the quartz to have the marking left in place. We will only select for sale those crystals whose enhydros that we have personally been able to see.

Other minerals which have had enhydros within them include aquamarine, calcite, selenite and emerald.  In our personal collections, we have some examples of amethyst and smoky quartz enhydros.  Metaphysical qualities of these crystals include:  helping one remain flexible in the face of any circumstances; supports empathy for others; helpful for any form healing involving water, be that healing with water, or healing of water.

You definitely want to keep these crystals within normal room temperature range, because the fluid in them is capable of freezing and boiling.  We had a batch of enhydro quartz crystals which we left in the trailer after a show one weekend, and during an unexpected frost, some of the crystals broke apart.  We could see the hollow channels within the broken crystals, and the quartz itself looked different than normal broken quartz; the enhydro shards were more fragile.  Since then, we've had a couple of people at shows tell us that their enhydros broke when left in a windowsill at the peak of summer.  So, a word to the wise!  We generally have these with us at shows but sometimes we don't have enough space to put them out.  Just ask Mark next time we're at a show in your area, he will know where they are hidden under the table.

Here's your chance to see the Candle Laboratory in action!

Photo 1, upper left hand.  Each batch of our Soy Wax candles starts out as a measured amount of soy wax flakes which are heated until thoroughly melted.  This generally takes 30-45 minutes, depending on how high Mark has the burner set.

Photo 2, upper center.  Mark's system is set to make batches of 9 candles at a time.  In this photo you can see the jars for a single batch of candles, plus a Frankenstein jar for any extra wax.  The wicks have been adhered to the center of each jar by means of a wick-sticking tool.  We use German braided cotton wicks because they are very clean-burning, although many other wicks include a thread of metal for wick stability.

Photo 3, upper right.  Once the wax is fully melted, fragrance and color are added and the wax is stirred to begin the even distribution of these additions.  Mark will wait until the was is right around 100 degrees, at which point he will pour the wax into the prepared glass jars.

Photo 4, lower left.  Here are some just-poured candles with their wicks akimbo.  Mark will continue to top off each of the 9 candles in this batch to ensure the jars have all been filled evenly.  This particular batch is Sweet Dreams of Home, which is a ringer for the Home Sweet Home scent made popular by Yankee Candles.

Photo 5, lower center.  You will see some white plastic wick stabilizers on the jars in the left of this image.  These stabilizers hold the wick in the center of the jar until the wax hardens.  The taller center candle is our current Frankenstein, which has Jasmine as the lower layer of wax, and fresh Sweet Dreams of Home on top of that. 

Photo 6, lower right.  These Frankenstein candles are what we burn at home, when we're not testing sample fragrances.

We've just added about twenty more new items to various categories.  You'll find many more pendants in our Jewelry and Cabachon section, as well as all-new pendulums.  Check it out!

This interesting piece of Rutilated Quartz was purchased at Morning Light book store in Des Moines, from the "Melody's Garage Sale" collection.  This was a group of mineral specimens being sold by the well-known author of the "Love is in the Earth" book series; this particular specimen has so much rutile, it looks like some fast-growing quartz enveloped a hunk of straw.  A few small rainbows are present in the lightly-smoky natural quartz.

The mineral takes it's name from the Latin word for red, rutilus, and some specimens do feature a deep red color.  Other colors for rutile include gold, silver and brown.  Rutile is a naturally-occurring form of titanium dioxide, and as such it has numerous industrial uses.  Nanoscale particles of rutile are added to sunscreen lotions to protect against UV light, in addition to other commercial applications.

Rutile enhances the metaphysical properties of it's host crystal and stimulates chakras 3 through 5.  We do have a glossary entry for rutile in our Metaphysical Glossary, as well as offering many nice pieces for sale.  Glossary and sale pieces may be found on our website.

Have you ever heard the old adage that the mechanic's car is never fixed, or the plumber's pipes are always leaky?  Not to disparage the skills of either the mechanic or the plumber, but since it's what they do all day, they don't manage their own motors and pipes when they get home. 

You might think that being surrounded by great crystals all day, and knowing as much as we do about the benefits of meditation and balancing the chakras, that we would make crystal healing & meditation a bigger part of our everyday lives......oops.  One thing leads to another and before we know it, we're just as caffeinated as the next person, gulping down junk food and completely losing touch with our own energy.  Case in point, the weird sinus/flu bug we've been passing back and forth to each other for the past week and a half.

So here's what I'm doing to help change that, at least for myself.  I've downloaded some awesome chakra & kundalini activation music that I can listen to quietly when I'm on the computer, which is the bulk of my day.  The music has no lyrics and I don't find it distracting, which represents an amazing feat in itself.  The tracts each last 70 minutes, so I use one to line out a block of time; once a tract ends, I take a break from whatever I'm doing, which has to be better for me than the hours-long chunks of time I normally spend in front of the machine. 

The cool thing is how much I can feel them positively influencing my chakras from the moment the music begins to play.  As soon as the music starts I feel very alert, and very aware of how energy is flowing through my body.  So far I've listened mainly to the chakra tract.  While both tracts are similar to each other, I definitely feel a difference in my body & energy when I listen to the chakra one, versus the kundalini one.  The chakra tract gives me a feeling very much like what I experienced during my Usui Reiki activation, while the kundalini tract replicates the feeling I experienced during my Karuna Reiki activation. 

If you'd like to check this out for yourself, just click here.  You can download a free sample of each tract to see what they're like.  I know I was really surprised that even those short samples made a difference for me.