ANIMAL INSTINCT Necklace (Rhyolite, Safari Jasper, Labradorite, Wooden Agate, Mother of Pearl)

This delicate, earth-toned necklace features a lovely pendant of Rhyolite set in Sterling Silver. ANIMAL INSTINCT includes beads of Safari Jasper, gleaming Wooden Agate and natural Mother of Pearl, with chips of iridescent Labradorite. It closes with a simple silver hook clasp.

17 1/2" long, excluding the 1 1/2" pendant.

MY PROCESS ...

In creating a 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.


ABOUT THE STONES:

RHYOLITE: Healing, Balance, Insight, Self Esteem

Associated with the Heart Chakra, Rhyolite is thought to help people deal with past-life issues, by helping one to see the relationship between karma and what is happening now, making these issues much easier to accept and work though. Rhyolite will assist one in the laying down of burdens which no longer serve a purpose in ones life. It may help with healing old and deep emotional wounds. A balancing stone, Rhyolite is recommended for help with issues of self-esteem and emotional strength. It aids in finding your expression in the wake of problems and anxieties, and can stimulate insight into solutions and alternatives. Rhyolite is the perfect piece to carry when facing confrontation. It helps to eliminate procrastination and distractions. It is often used as an aid to activate contact with loved ones who have ascended to other planes, and is an excellent tool to use when communicating with animals. Physically, Rhyolite helps to boost the immune system and cleanse the kidneys and liver.


SAFARI 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.


WOODEN 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.


MOTHER OF PEARL: Nurturing; calming

Mother of Pearl is a soothing, nurturing substance that can lessen stress and its resulting maladies (hypertension, headaches and exhaustion). Like pearl, it is strongly aligned with the feminine, and symbolizes modesty and purity. Mother of Pearl has been used in jewelry throughout the ages, and even as currency for exchange in many parts of the world where metals have been scarce or non-existent.


LABRADORITE: Magic; protection; self-knowledge

Labradorite is a stone of magic, and it awakens in those who wear or carry it an awareness of one’s innate magical powers. It offers one the chance to embark on a journey of self-discovery, and helps one move toward self-mastery rather than control of others. Labradorite brings clarity and helps purge negative thought patterns. It lends insight and vision and allows one to communicate these gifts in a beneficial way. This stone facilitates transformation on all levels and allows for easy changes to take place, making it especially good for those who fear change. Labradorite brings out the best qualities in its wearer, and is a powerful stone in building self-esteem. It enhances faith and self-reliance, and may help one to realize one's destiny. Physically, it is a healing stone that can strengthen the immune system, and has been used in the treatment of disorders of the brain. It can improve digestion and metabolism and encourage restful sleep.