MY PROCESS ...
In creating any necklace, I first select a focal piece, and then choose the various stones to complete it through an instinctive (and fun!) process. After lighting some incense and putting on some music that suits my mood that day (new age, world music, nature sounds, classical or soft jazz), I hold the pendant or focal stone in my hand as I look over ALL of the hundreds of types of stone beads in my collection, and choose several (way more than what will eventually be included - usually 20 or more types) that look and feel "right." Next, I narrow things down by repeating the process among the beads I first selected, and place handfuls of about a dozen different types in the old African Mancala game board I use as my beading palette. I then choose complementary glass seed beads (often used as spacers) and a clasp, and begin beading - entirely by instinct. Often, I will get to a certain point and begin over again, until the necklace that is meant to be reveals itself. Sometimes, I find that a stone I hadn't originally chosen is screaming to be included, and I always honor that. Not all of the stones in the final palette are used, and usually the piece turns out entirely differently than what I had originally envisioned. It is a process that feeds my soui. I am inspired by the colors and textures of the materials I work with, and by my spirit guides (all animals! - see my profile), as well as by the constant presence when I'm beading of my two beloved rescued dogs (O'Keeffe and Teddy) and a giant rescued Maine Coon cat named Sassafras, who rules the roost. All three love to be a part of the process.
In creating AUTUMN BREEZE, I was burning Sweetgrass incense and listening to a wonderful Cd entitled "Celtic Seasons of Enchantment." Inspirational!
ABOUT THE STONES ...
AGATE: Balance, truth, healing
Agate is a grounding stone that helps bring about emotional, physical and intellectual balance. Psychologically, it gently facilitates acceptance of one’s self and builds self-confidence. Intellectually, agate enhances mental function by improving concentration, perception and analytical abilities, and encourages speaking one’s own truth. Emotionally, agate can help one to overcome bitterness and negativity. It heals inner anger, fostering love and the courage to start again. It is useful for any kind of inner trauma, and aids spiritual growth. Agate has been used in treating disorders of the digestive system, eyes and uterus. It is cleansing to the lymphatic system and the pancreas, strengthens blood vessels and heals skin disorders.
JASPER: Healing; Nurturing; Protection
Jasper is strongly connected with the energies of the earth, and helps its wearer find stability and balance. It boosts the immune system and assists in extracting pollutants and toxins from the body. It is said to provide protection against negativity and to align the chakras. Jasper is often used to soothe the stomach and nerves and as a general body tonic. It works slowly and is most effective when used over a long period of time. With patience, anyone using Jasper will feel a continuity of spirit and body that can vastly improve both work and play.
CARNELIAN: Courage, vitality, sexuality, confidence, action
Carnelian is a stimulating stone that can improve motivation and help us achieve greater success in career or personal matters. It helps us feel secure enough to tackle greater challenges and allows the wearer to take control of his or her life and choose the direction that is most advantageous. Armenians in the 17th century believed that if Carnelian was powdered and taken in a potion, it would ban all dark forebodings and excite joyous emotions. It is known to have electromagnetic properties to help ground the wearer, feeding energy directly through the skin and instilling a feeling of well-being and inflowing power. It is thought to influence and regulate the intake of food, assimilation and circulation. It helps keep the digestive system filtered and may have antidote qualities with regard to infection and blood poisoning. Carnelian can help you feel comfortable with your sensual nature. It assists in communication, helping timid speakers become both eloquent and bold.
RHODOCHROSITE: Love; compassion; calming; personal growth
Rhodochrosite represents selfless love and compassion. Those dealing with loss will find a deep love within this stone. Comforting and positive, Rhodochrosite helps to bring repressed emotions to the surface to be acknowledged, addressed, and released, allowing for much personal growth to take place. Rhodochrosite aids in self-forgiveness and self-love. It is also good for attracting love and relieving emotional stress. It can help those stuck in any phase of the grief process by clearing out negative vibrations from the middle charkas, and it allows one to see the purpose behind negative experiences. Physically, Rhodochrosite heals the heart, adjusts imbalances in the circulatory and nervous systems, relieves migraines, and clears up infections. Keep Rhodochrosite in the bedroom to help with sexual issues.
LEPIDOLITE: Calming; uplifting; energy-clearing; success
Lepidolite is a gentle stone that helps bring about feelings of calmness in a sea of storms. It is a stone that insists on being used for the highest "good". It is extremely useful for reducing stress and depression - halting obsessive thoughts. Lepidolite is considered a stone of transition and it helps you to release the old and embrace the new - often achieving this on your own with no outside help. It also stimulates intellect and analytic qualities and helps to speed up decision making. It focuses on what is important and filters out distractions.
Every piece of Lepidolite is believed to have its very own keeper - or guardian spirit. It is believed that this stone chooses you - instead of you actually choosing it. This keeper of the stone will guide you in your sleep (if you wish it) to other lands inside of your dream world.
Lepidolite helps to clear out all the redundant messages and voices from our past that hold us back from happiness or success. It attracts friends and acquaintances to you who are supportive and bring opportunities to move forward in life. Lepidolite also clears electromagnetic pollution and is an excellent stone to wear while using your computer.
EMERALD: Love; compassion; healing; abundance; wisdom
Emerald is reputed to protect the wearer against infidelity and deceit, insure loyalty and improve memory. An inspirational and relaxing stone, emerald brings wisdom and motivates one to give love and wisdom to others. It improves psychic abilities, raises consciousness and enhances the immune system. Emerald strengthens the heart center and is an excellent general healer. It is used to treat depression and insomnia and to eliminate negativity. It is said to encourage peaceful dreams. Emerald has been used in the treatment of disorders of the spine, lungs, heart, and muscular system, and may help soothe the eyes.
SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL PEARLS: Purifying; balance
Swarovski Austrian Crystal is full lead crystal, considered to be among the finest in the world. It is made by combining quartz, sand, soda, potash and lead oxide, and heating it to 1500 degrees Celsius. It carries many of the same qualities as Quartz Crystal, amplifying the qualities of other stones it is worn with, and attuning them even more to your particular energy. Quartz acts as a purifier, creating harmony and helping to balance all stimuli, positive and negative.
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