Art and Spirit: The Bardic Arts as Self Development and Spiritual Practice

Dana's avatarThe Druid's Garden

“The way to see what looks good and understand the reasons it looks good, and to be at one with this goodness as the work proceeds, is to cultivate an inner quietness, a peace of mind so that goodness can shine through.”

–Robert Pirsig, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry into Values.

In the last two months, through various angles, we have explored ways of taking up the path of the bard, one of the three paths of the druid tradition. Topics have included the cultivation and flow of awen, cultural challenges surrounding taking up the path of the bard, and tips for how to cultivate the bardic arts. In my last post, we also explored some of what industralization had us lose in terms of the bardic arts–both to those who create them and those who use them and how we might…

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The Sacral Stone: Tangerine Quartz

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Crooked Bear Creek Organic Herbs's avatarGood Witches Homestead

Tangerine Quartz is a natural orange quartz that, as with all quartzes, has the properties of quartz, plus its own properties. The orange color is caused by hematite and the present of water where it initially formed.

Properties: vitality, strength, fiery, warm, comforting, encouraging

The ‘Sacral Stone’, perfectly created for the benefit of the Sacral energy center, to bring a “medicine” in however way it is needed, onwards forming a connection with the Crown energy center to gain knowledge in correcting and using the Sacral center to the best of its ability.

The orange color on these Natural Tangerine Quartz Points from Brazil comes from the presence of Hematite and water in the cavity where they grew. Slowly, over time, the water combined with Hematite to create rust that permanently bonded to the surface of the crystals. The combination creates a wonderfully unique natural quartz crystal.

This color resonates with…

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Back To School Buddies ~ HealingCrystals.com

Gemstone jicaraYikes! It’s almost ‘that time of year’ again – back to school. But never fear – the superhero crystals are here to help both parents and kids get back in the swing of it. Each new school year can bring with it new routines, new challenges, and new things to learn and enjoy. Crystals and their energy can be helpful allies for this transitional time of year.

Kids can take their crystals to school with them in the form of tumbled stones kept in a pouch in their backpacks or perhaps or as a pendant, so the crystals can do their work without becoming a distraction or an issue while at school.  Crystal key chains can be a functional way to take the energy to school. They can be clipped to backpacks or pencil cases. Older students with lockers might hang the key chains in their locker to be a touchstone between classes.

Here are some school challenges and crystals that can help:

Separation Anxiety:  Rose Quartz can be soothing for separation anxiety (this applies to both Mom and little one!) and helping keep that “I’m loved” feeling throughout the day.

DisorganizationFluorite can assist with clearing out clutter and finding routines that encourage organization. Fluorite is also a wonderful aid for concentration during class.

Shyness:  Blue Lace AgateLapis Lazuli and Amazonite can be helpful for finding their voice and sharing their thoughts in and out of class.

Making Friends:  Green Aventurine has a loving, calming, nurturing, yet happy energy that allows us to appreciate ourselves and others (who wouldn’t want a friend like that?).

Grounding/Protection:  Hematite (for teens, not younger children) and Red Jasper (all ages) can help ground and center children and adults, making them less vulnerable to energy attacks and bullies.

Autism:  SugiliteChrysocolla, and Lapis Lazuli  have been found helpful for those with autism.  Black Tourmaline can also help ground and protect children with autism who may be overly energy-sensitive in a crowded school setting.

ADD/ADHD:  Many people have found Moonstone helpful for students (and adults!) who struggle with this.  Selenite and Sodalite may also offer a calming presence.

Energy-Sensitive Children:  For those who are overwhelmed by all the constantly fluctuating energies of the school environment, Black Tourmaline, Black Obsidian, and Garnet can help ground and protect them, allowing them to concentrate more comfortably on their schoolwork.

Here are some crystal suggestions for those going off to college, perhaps for the first time:

Charoite helps to relieve the loneliness and homesick feelings.

Rose Quartz can remind the student of the unconditional love at home and a piece next to the bed can create a calming, loving atmosphere in their dorm room.

Black Tourmaline, for releasing negative feelings, paired with Lepidolite for its calming, relaxing energy, will remind you that everything will be alright and relieve stress and anxiety.

Selenite under the pillow can help provide a more restful night’s sleep.

Iolite encourages you to take responsibility for yourself, helping you to become less dependent on your parents.

Green Fluorite and Malachite can for help being more focused and observant in class and for processing and comprehending challenging subjects. Definitely a must-have stone for any grad student too.

Emerald promotes new friendships and healthy relationships. Wearing a piece of this crystal as a pendant is a great way to keep it with you.

Fluorite and Moss Agate are useful for strengthening the immune system and fighting off bacteria and viruses that can get you sick.

-References: “Back to School with Crystals” By Debbie Elaine, and “Pack Your Crystals When You Head Off to College!” By Stephanie Arnold 

5 Crystals To Reduce Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR)

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Crooked Bear Creek Organic Herbs's avatarGood Witches Homestead

We all love our smartphones and laptops, the always-on access to the internet. But could there be a problem hiding in plain sight?

There have always been Electromagnetic Fields around us, invisible to the human eye. The Earth has a magnetic field, always pointing north. Electric fields are produced when going from high to low voltage, such as when a lightning bolt strikes the ground.

Over the last 100 years, we have surrounded ourselves with new sources – anything which has an electric current flowing produces an EMR. As time goes on, we fill our lives with more electronic gadgets, closer to our bodies. These all radiate energy, so the question is how much do they affect our health and well-being?

Humans beings are bioelectrical systems so exposure to artificial EMR’s can interfere with our biological processes. A known effect is heating – this is why our gadgets have an…

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Inner Child Healing helps prepare for real Soul Retrieval Work

How To Use Crystals With Children

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Crooked Bear Creek Organic Herbs's avatarGood Witches Homestead

Your child’s surrounding is vital to their healthy development and we must strive to make them as stimulating as possible. It is a common mistake to cram your child’s bedroom with bright toys and noisy activities. Everyone needs a chance to relax, and children, especially, need plenty of rest. You must strive to provide a perfect balance between Yin and yang–calm and creative.

Your child will sleep better in a place that is relaxing, calming and feels like their own little haven. Sleeping in a bedroom that makes them feel content, safe and secure also makes a huge difference in the sort of dreams your child will experience. If you have a choice of rooms for children, try to choose a bedroom with a view that faces the sunrise. This allows them to benefit from the invigorating morning chi.

We have chosen several crystals that are ideal for placing in…

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Crystals and Children

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Crooked Bear Creek Organic Herbs's avatarGood Witches Homestead

Crystals have been part of my life for many years now, but when I first started working with them I did not really have a clue as to how the energy really worked.  Over time I have come to realize that every crystal has a very different energy and even if it is the same kind of crystals the energy is always special to the person working with it.  Children love crystals and are fascinated by them as they can feel the vibrations, tumbled stones are good for them to start out with as they have no sharp points,  it is no secret that they are drawn to the perfect crystal for them.

I have used crystals on my grandchildren in an experimental capacity and have always been amazed at the results.

When my granddaughter was born I had the opportunity to have a firsthand experience of the power of…

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Get The Best Out Of A Black Moon

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Crooked Bear Creek Organic Herbs's avatarGood Witches Homestead

The next black moon cycle begins on 23rd July 2017 with the actual black moon occurring on 21st / 22nd August 2017, which is also a solar eclipse. 

Most people have heard of a blue moon but black moons tend to get less attention, despite their equal significance. Just as a blue moon is the second full moon in a solar month, a black moon is the second new moon in a solar month. This means that during the sun’s passage through one zodiac sign the moon is new twice, with the second of those moons designated a black moon. Because a new moon occurs when the moon is in the same zodiac degree as the sun, both of these new moons occur in the same sign as each other. Black moons occur roughly every two and a half to three years and are always preceded a month earlier by…

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THE IMMORTAL BEAUTY STONE: ZOISITE

Crooked Bear Creek Organic Herbs's avatarGood Witches Homestead

Zoisite is normally green. The pink-colored variety of zoisite is called thulite, differing from the green variety in its high manganese content. There is also a blue variety, tanzanite, and a ruby zoisite with ruby inclusions.

Colors: clear, green, pink, blue to violet

Uses: Zoisite is excellent for insight and helpful for discerning the truth. Used in divination, channeling, divine communication, astral projection, and psycho-navigation. Enhances psychic abilities and expands perception.

GREEN ZOISITE

Green Zoisite

Green Zoisite is considered in mystical lore to be a stone that brings and enhances trust in the universe and trust in the ultimate goodness of life. This brings trust in general as well as releases fears, which can bring a depth of happiness to one’s life.

Zoisite is most effective on the heart chakra because it harmonizes the heart and circulation of the blood with its gentle vibrations. It also works well on the root chakra.

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ECHOES OF THE ANCESTORS: ABALONE SHELL

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Crooked Bear Creek Organic Herbs's avatarGood Witches Homestead

Abalone strengthens the structure of the body and the functions of the heart chakra. Increased emotional expression and a strengthening of the immune system can also be expected. As well abalone encourages individuality and expansion.

Energy: sensitive, family-oriented

Uses: Abalone is especially useful for handling and calming emotional situations. Having abalone nearby when working through an emotional situation with someone is said to be soothing, and promotes cooperation. Mystical lore suggests that abalone is helpful for arthritis and other joint disorders, muscle problems, the heart, and digestion.

Star Sign: Cancer
Planet: Moon
Element: Water
Chakra: Throat

feather-carved-from-abalone-shell

TIPS FOR ABALONE SHELL

Wear abalone shell to let your femininity shine

Place abalone shell in your bathroom to help you relax

Hold abalone shell in a quiet place to help you release emotions

Put abalone shell in your work place to help relieve tension

Carry abalone shell to allow you to see the…

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