Do Crystals Really Make a Difference? • Crystal Healing Techniques

Do Crystals Really Make a Difference? • Crystal Healing Techniques

When we first came to live in Cincinnati, we used to work both from home and at a studio about 25 minutes away. In the studio, I had a few crystals on a glass étagère. At home, I had many crystals displayed on the windowsill, as well as on shelves in the room.

Red Garnet: Pushes Out Negativity

Garnet is definitely one of my favorite stones, since I was a little girl and my piano teacher showed us her ring with garnets. This was no ordinary teacher, this teacher, Margaret Baird, was the wife of TV inventor, John Logie Baird – believe it or not!!! That made her famous to me, but so did her garnets, because she had found the raw stones herself one day, when playing outside.

While we associate Rubies with the color red, Rubies actually have a pink cast, whereas Garnets are a very deep, rich red color. I tend to use Red Uvite as my red root chakra stone, but Red Uvite is both rare and expensive, so I asked Red Uvite what a good alternate stone is and it said: “Garnet, of course!” as if I was being a particularly dumb student. And it’s true, I was being a bit dumb because once I was told, I have to admit it was blatantly obvious.

But that’s not all. Red Uvite is appealing to me, because Uvite has the capacity to “pull out” negativity. Garnet on the other hand “pushes out” negativity. And as I’m talking to Garnet, it is saying: “But Vivien, not only that — Uvite comes in red, green and black … and so does Garnet. Garnet also comes in red, green and black.” Wow, what one only learns when one bothers to tune in! And now that I’ve brought this into conscious clarity, Garnet is asking me to specify that today I am talking to Red Garnet — as Green Garnet definitely deserves a conversation of its own.

As I already said, Red Garnet is a fantastic Root Chakra stone. One year, I bought a bunch of Garnets, and had Red Garnet slices made. These are very convenient to use in several ways — as a Chakra stone, definitely, and also, we hold these Garnet slices on the soles of the feet. This is a straightforward technique, easy to do, that delivers an excellent effect — namely, this opens the flow between the chakras. One of the most important dynamics in a healing session is to get the chakras to harmonize and work cooperatively. If the flow from chakra to chakra is blocked, then energy cannot flow correctly through the energy system — so the Garnet’s capacity to invite, and catalyze, this flow is very significant. I have recently been inspired to place these Garnet slices on top of the hands, during the healing session, where the stones can achieve a similar result, even whilst the practitioner is attending to other techniques and procedures.

 

Read More : https://crystalhealingtechniques.com/35756-2/

Guest Post: How to Bring Out Your Best Self with Crystals for Your Rising Sign

 

How to Bring Out Your Best Self with Crystals for Your Rising Sign

Using crystals for your rising sign can help you understand and embrace the strengths of your ascendant and improve the way you present yourself to the world.

Most of us know our birthstones well, and we might even be familiar with our sun sign, but you should also get to know your rising sign.

Also called the “ascendant,” your rising sign lies in the first house of your birth chart, the “house of the self.” As such, this sign gives you insights into your identity and how you present yourself to others — in other words, the first impression you make.

Understanding your rising sign can help you harness your strengths and put your best foot forward.

Here, we’ll break down the best crystals for each rising sign and how you can harness their power!

How Do You Know Your Rising Sign?

Your rising or ascendant sign is the constellation on the horizon at your birth. Unlike a sun sign, the constellation aligned with the sun for roughly a month, rising signs change every two hours.

To figure out your rising sign, you’ll need to know the time and location of your birth. So text your parents or check your birth certificate to find yours.

Once you have all the information, you can quickly find your ascendant with an online calculator like those on Cafe Astrology or AstrogSofa.

Once you’ve found your rising sign, you’re ready to learn about what it means for you and the best crystals to bring out your particular strengths.

Best Crystals for Each Rising Sign

Now that you know your rising sign, let’s talk about what it means and which crystals are best suited to you.

Aries

Having an Aries rising means you’re probably action-oriented, straightforward, and decisive. Those with this placement are often great leaders, though they have high standards for both themselves and others. However, Aries risings tend to be less aggressive than Aries suns — though similarly witty and sometimes impatient.

You can benefit from using crystals that bring emotional balance, encourage compassionate communication, and promote harmony, like:

• Amazonite
• Rhodonite
• Bloodstone

Taurus

Taurus risings exude warmth and inclusivity, coming off as easygoing and considerate. With a Venus ruler, this placement emits luxurious yet comforting energies. However, a Taurus ascendant may not open up to others for a while — there’s a lot of nervous energy brimming under the lush exterior.

You can benefit from Taurus rising crystals that bring out your confidence (especially creatively) and ease anxieties, such as:

• Carnelian
• Opal
• Citrine

Gemini

Someone with a Gemini rising is a sociable, fun-loving conversationalist. You’re probably the one planning parties and talking to strangers to learn about their lifestyle. However, you may also come off as impulsive or gossip-hungry.

Great Gemini rising crystals can encourage stability, self-control, and mindfulness, like:

• Obsidian
• Black Tourmaline
• Pyrite

Cancer

Cancer risings may seem initially reserved, but this is because they’re taking in all the emotional information around them. If you’re a Cancer ascendant, you’re likely family-oriented and intuitive, often anticipating your loved one’s needs. However, you may struggle with self-doubt or forget to care for your own needs.

You can benefit from Cancer rising crystals that boost confidence and encourage self-care, such as:

• Labradorite
• Onyx
• Amethyst

Leo

Meeting a Leo rising may feel like meeting the sun personified — with a regal yet charismatic presence, these folks are the enthusiastic life of the party. If you’re a Leo ascendant, you may seem intimidating to some, and it’s important to wield your “king of the zodiac” status with benevolence.

The best Leo rising crystals can help you keep your confidence and optimism high while encouraging compassion:

• Citrine
• Bumblebee Jasper
• Rose Quartz

Virgo

Ruled by Mercury, the planet of intellect and communication, Virgo risings are known for being purposeful, observant, and growth-oriented. You’re analytical and detail-oriented, quickly identifying present (or potential) problems and how to solve them.

However, you’re often prone to perfectionism, which hinders progress and hurts your confidence.

Opt for Virgo rising crystals that encourage self-acceptance and personal growth:

• Green Aventurine
• Snowflake Obsidian
• Amber

Libra

Those with a Libra rising are charming, relationship-oriented, and sophisticated. You’re often at the center of the party or your friend group, likely being the go-to negotiator for resolving conflicts.

The best Libra rising crystals bring you the balance you crave along with helping you embrace your divine goddess energy:

• Moonstone
• Ametrine
• Selenite

Scorpio

Scorpios are often misunderstood, and Scorpio risings are just as mysterious, if not moreso. You’re likely poised and quietly observant. Though you don’t open up to many people — until they’ve earned it — others instinctively confide their deepest fears or confessions to you. Though you value deep connections, you may succumb to pessimism and avoid letting anyone into your world.

Opt for Scorpio rising crystals that encourage optimism and communication:

• Rhodochrosite
• Lapis Lazuli
• Blue Lace Agate

Sagittarius

Sagittarius risings are adventurous free spirits who love philosophical conversations, traveling, and sharing their opinions. Your sunny disposition is contagious, and you can always find humor in a situation.

However, you may come off as flighty, uncommitted, or even reckless. You can benefit from Sagittarius rising crystals that promote grounding and self-reflection, like:

• Black Tourmaline
• Obsidian
• Hematite

Capricorn

Capricorn risings appear ambitious, dedicated, and serious. You highly value security and stability, so you’ll work hard to achieve them. Compared to Capricorn suns, however, Capricorn risings may suffer from imposter syndrome and self-doubt.

We recommend using Capricorn rising crystals that replace self-doubt with self-confidence:

• Tiger’s Eye
• Morganite
• Garnet

Aquarius

Aquarius risings come across as unconventional, independent, and open-minded. You’re often inquisitive and enjoy embracing your “weird” side along with gravitating towards the outcasts of a group.

The main pitfalls for Aquarius risings are being unpredictable and valuing independence over the stability of committed relationships.

Helpful Aquarius rising crystals can encourage stability, understanding, and vulnerability:

• Aquamarine
• Calcite
• Charoite

Pisces

Pisces risings come across as soft and gentle, from their style to their speaking. You’re sensitive and compassionate toward everyone, often humble to a fault. Your dreamy disposition means you may get lost in your thoughts, and your tendency to see the best in others means you may be taken advantage of.

We recommend using Pisces rising crystals that empower you and help you stay in the present:

• Smoky Quartz
• Sunstone
• Alexandrite

Now that you know your rising sign crystals, it’s time to start using them!

How to Use Rising Sign Crystals

You can think of using rising sign crystals as sort of branding yourself — what do you want people to feel when they meet you? What strengths do you want front-and-center? Conversely, what pitfalls do you want to start improving?

Here are some ideas for using your rising sign crystals:

Set Intentions With Your Crystals

Just like any transformative journey, knowing what you want to achieve with your rising sign crystals is important. The best way to start is by setting your intention with your crystal.

Your intention might be a simple goal like “I will release negativity and find the positive.” Or maybe a mantra like, “I open myself to positivity.” Regardless, knowing what you want to achieve with your crystals is crucial.

Plus, this method can be combined with the other methods — in fact, we recommend it!

Wear Crystal Jewelry

Merging style with spirituality, you can wear your rising sign crystal! Whether it’s a ring, necklace, earrings, or otherwise, wearing your crystals keeps their energies close while reminding you what intentions you set for your journey.

Wearing your crystals in a noticeable place will also allow others to feel the vibrations of the strengths you want to exude.

Practice Crystal Meditation

Meditation is the practice of focusing and thinking deeply as a form of contemplation, relaxation, or enlightenment.

Meditating with crystals helps you understand their benefits and connect to their healing energies, enhancing this time of focused self-exploration.

Find a quiet, comfortable place to relax. Hold your crystal or have it near you. Breathe deeply, close your eyes, and focus on your intention. Visualize your crystal absorbing your intention and sending healing vibrations toward you.

Try Crystal Surgery

Crystal surgery involves harnessing crystals to operate on your energy field and energy body.

You can use your rising sign crystals during Crystal Surgery by applying Vivien Schapera’s 3rd-manual insights on removing “what doesn’t belong” and adding “what’s missing” — in this case, addressing the pitfalls of your rising sign and enhancing the positive traits you want to put forward.

Practice these methods as often as needed, and you’ll be feeling connected to the healing powers of your rising sign crystal in no time.

Blue Lace Agate: Stone of Self-Expression

 

Blue Lace Agate

Blue Lace Agate

Stone of Self-Expression

Learn to Listen

The Secret to Success

Welcome back to The Schapera Show, where Viv and Neil explore this big adventure called Life. This is the part of the show when Vivien speaks to crystals, and today, I am in conversation with Blue Lace Agate.
Listen to the Schapera Show here

I first encountered crystals when I was 10 years old, and Blue Lace Agate is one of those stones that I grew up with. I knew that Blue Lace Agate came from South Africa, but I didn’t realize it only comes from Southern Africa — actually Namibia — except for a very few small deposits in other localities like Brazil and the USA.

Blue Lace Agate is a chalcedony, and chalcedony has a host of healing properties. But what is remarkable about Blue Lace Agate is the color — the shade — of blue, and the nature of the banded pattern. I was lucky enough to acquire a Blue Lace Agate egg many years back, that taught me all about the significance of this pattern.

The information came forward when I asked my guides: “What is the best stone for the throat chakra?” And my guides responded with another question: “For developing the throat chakra or for supporting the throat chakra?” It turned out that the best stone for supporting the throat chakra is Sapphire, and the best stone for developing the throat chakra is Blue Lace Agate. Of course, this is a big generalization, because for any particular individual, the individual need can be different with regard to what’s “best.”

Blue Lace Agate revealed to me that as a chakra develops, its structure changes. We have a fairly simplistic understanding that a chakra is a vortex of energy, and that a chakra spins in a spiral. However, in the same way that the brain and nervous system develop neural pathways as we learn, and that brain tissue changes in structure and function as it develops, the etheric tissue of a chakra also develops pathways, and the etheric tissue also changes it structure and function as it develops. And the thing about the throat chakra is that the etheric tissue of the throat chakra develops into a pattern that resembles a lace collar, and takes on a specific hue that is exactly the blue shade of high quality Blue Lace Agate — sky blue with a hint of indigo-purple, forerunner to the third eye and crown shades — a blue color known as “periwinkle.” In other words, Blue Lace Agate exactly depicts the underlying potential design of the throat chakra, both in structure and color. This is what makes it so perfect for developing the throat chakra — it can inform the chakra and even offer a template for development.

Blue Lace Agate is asking me to tell you this now: “Self-expression” is one of the most poorly understood dynamics in the west. Westerners think of self-expression as the right to say whatever they want … but that isn’t self-expression, that is gross self-indulgence. Self-expression is when you develop the voice of your soul in this specific incarnation, in order to make your contribution to humanity and the world.

It is no coincidence that the throat chakra includes the voice. It is no coincidence that voice is a word that means so much more than just the capacity to vocalize; and it is also no coincidence that the throat chakra includes the ears and the faculty of hearing. As a society, we are big on “freedom of speech” and very short on listening, indicating severe imbalances in our throat chakra functions.

Many years ago, after much frustration, I decided to do a little research on “effective communication.” After three years of observation, I came to a conclusion: communication requires two dynamics — a sender and a receiver. No matter how careful the sender is, no matter how skilled, no matter how brilliant, if the receiver is faulty the communication cannot be effective.

Blue Lace Agate taught me that to develop the throat chakra, we should begin by addressing the most common make-or-break dynamic — that is, very specifically, creating a competent receiver — and that means, bluntly stated — learning how to listen!

When I was studying Psychology, back in 1975, I came across an absolutely wonderful book that made an extraordinary impact on my life and career: How to Talk so Kids Will Listen, and Listen so Kids will Talk by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish. Without bragging, I can say that I have been unusually successful in my career, and with great humility I would like to share that this book, together with the help from Blue Lace Agate, are the secret to my success. Written half a century ago, it is still a bestseller, available on Amazon and probably one of the most helpful books you can ever read — because even though it says “kids” in the title — this is about how to communicate successfully with other people, no matter the age, culture or religion. And this successful communication begins with “listening.”

Thank you for joining us here on The Schapera Show! Please join us on the second Friday of the month, or listen on demand, whenever it suits you.