Saturday, July 29, 2017

Conglomerate and Rocky Mountain Jade

Found both of these rocks in a Montana creek.

Conglomerate

Rocky Mountain Jade (real name unknown)

Tuesday, February 14, 2017

SHUNGITE WATER - WHO KNEW

Last entry, Shungite New Development, I was excited because I thought perhaps I had found a way to get shungite energy into water without making direct contact. Shungite water is supposed to be good for detoxification.

I had observed that a lot of bubbles had formed in the glass of water placed beside the shungite. I thought those bubbles might be evidence of some kind of energy transfer. Back to the drawing board on that one.

A friend of mine tried the experiment and reported no bubbles in her glass. That didn't sound encouraging. I put water in different places, in different kinds of glasses and even did one with tap water. They all developed bubbles. So much for my theory. I did a little research on water bubbles and found out that temperature and atmospheric pressure will cause those bubbles. Well, darn. I guess I jumped the gun.

This does not prove there was no energy transfer. It does mean I don't see anyway I can  quantify it, if there is. It's not like my using shungite to help me sleep. That is easy to measure. And, the fact remains, I have now gone over 30 days without a single sleepless night.

I remain cautious about drinking water put in direct contact with shungite. I don't like the idea I have no knowledge of its provenance. My bad reaction could have been side effects of rapid detoxification or just as easily some type of poisoning. There are many ways to detoxify. I'm going to leave this one to others until I get more information. I'll probably continue to leave a glass beside the shungite, you never know what might be going on. Even if nothing is going on it will cause me to drink an additional glass of water each day and I think there's nothing wrong with that.

©Walker Barnard

Sunday, February 12, 2017

SUNGITE WATER - NEW DEVELOPMENT

In yesterdays' entry Shungite Water - Something's Going On I discovered what looks like an energy transfer, through glass. As mentioned in that entry I am not at all inclined to drink water in direct contact with stones I have no idea the provenance. Especially,  not after my bad reaction to it. Shungite Water - I Wouldn't Drink It

I was so impressed with the bubble action I figured maybe I should have two glasses percolating at the same time. I could drink one whilst another was brewing.

I have my experiment set up on the kitchen island so I pass by often. It seemed to me that the new glass, on the right wasn't making bubbles nearly as quickly as the one on the left had done. I couldn't really be certain it wasn't my imagination.

I'm a little leery of chug a lugging the water after my earlier experience so I took sips of it throughout the day leaving the glass beside the shungite. Before retiring I refilled that glass and set it back down beside the shungite.

This morning I was surprised to see that the glass on the left side of the shungite jar had many more bubbles than the one on the right which had been next to the shungite at least 10 hours longer. The glasses are identical.

Shungite Experiment
The only thing I know for sure is that the water on the left has had what appears to be a bigger reaction to the shungite. But, not as big a reaction as it did yesterday. Why, I have no idea but I'm going to try further experiments to see if I can figure out what, if anything, it means.

A Single Glass Placed on the Let Side.


©Walker Barnard

Saturday, February 11, 2017

SHUNGITE WATER - SOMETHING'S GOING ON

I want to start this entry by saying to anyone who stumbles upon it, I am no expert in this field. In point of fact I only got interested in stones and crystals quite recently. This is simply a diary. I make no claims one way or another. I am simply recording my observations, experiences and my reactions to those experiences, nothing more. If a reader has something they think is useful information I hope they would share it in a comment. I would really like to know.

Without further preamble: In my last journal entry "Shungite Water I wouldn't Drink it" I wrote about my experience with filtered shungite water. I had a pretty scary reaction to it and swore off the stuff.

But, I couldn't stopped thinking about how shungite has been my cure for sleepless nights. I have now gone 29 nights without need for Alteril. (See Shungit Rock with a Purpose?)

I can't get my sleep success out of my head and I feel like I don't want to throw the baby out with the bathwater with respect to shungite filtered water. Anything that helps keep one ahead in the de-tox game is valuable to me. I'm still a long way off wanting to try shungite water where the shungite chips are in direct contact with the water but I had another idea.

I have read in numerous places about putting stones in a glass bowl and then placing a glass of water next to it to get the stones' energy to pass into the water. I've not tried that so I thought why not try it with the shungite?  Last night I got a small jar and filled it with my shungite chips. Then I placed a glass of distilled water next to it. I left them overnight. I used a small jar because I wanted the chips to be concentrated and not spread out in the bottom of a bowl.

Shungite Chips Next to Distilled Water
It's quite clear something's been going on whilst I blissfully slept. Distilled water might get a few bubbles if left in a glass overnight but not anything like this. I mean there has been a whole lot of action going on here.

I've got no qualms about drinking this water. And, so I shall.

©Walker Barnard

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

SUNGITE WATER - I WOULDN'T DRINK IT

Shungite was kind of my introduction to the world of stones and crystals. I wrote in an earlier post "Shungite - A Rock with a Purpose?". In it I explained my introduction to the stone and crystal world and that I was going to be trying Shungite for sleep. Of course, I can't say if it's the Shungite or not but I can tell you true, after 26 days I am still sleeping like a baby. Normally, I would have taken at least three Alteril sleep aids during that period of time.  To say I am pleased would be an understatement.

So, when an acquaintance told me she was drinking Shungite filtered water I was in. It is recommended that you use Shungite Elite chips for water filtering. I ordered up my Shungite chips and bot a glass jug in which to let them stew. When the chips arrived I carefully washed them in distilled water and set them stewing.




Shungite Elite in Jug for Filtering
After a day or so I started drinking a glass (8 oz.) per day. Two days after I started I had a really restless night and woke up with all kinds of aches and pains I'd not felt before. I thought "Wow, that's weird".  Two days later, last night, when I went to do my yoga exercises I got very dizzy and the room just began to spin. I immediately thought of the Shugite water.



When I experience anything unusual I always look to what's new in my life. Well, Shungite water sprung immediately to mind. Now it could just be co-incidence. But, like the better detectives, I don't believe in coincidences. I had an uneasy feeling about those slivers from the beginning thinking one had no idea where they'd been and who they'd been handled by. And I was going to put their fermented water in my body? What was I thinking?

I am not suggesting anything. Just reporting my experience and my reaction to it. It may well be that I was experiencing side effects from detoxification. I obviously can't say. But, since I felt healthy as a horse before I started with I think I'll stick with what I've got.  I will continue to place my pyramid on my forehead at night and wear my Shungite pendant. But no more Shungite water for me. I put total trust in my instincts and my instincts say stay away. I think they were trying to tell me from the get go but I wasn't listening.

Here is articla I found "Shungite Not For Sissies" which I think is the best I've read on the subject of Shungite. Read also the comments.

©Walker Barnard

Tuesday, February 7, 2017

LAPIS LAZULI -THYROID

Lapis Lazuli is a beautiful stone. Humans have been wearing it as jewelry for thousands of years. Once again I was drawn to a stone because of its beautiful dark blue color. It also has flecks and veins of gold. Not surprisingly, it is associated with the Throat Chakra.

Lapis Lazuli is found in India and Pakistan. It is a common stone. Common or not you can spend quite a sum on top quality Lapis Lazuli jewelry.


Lapis Lazuli
Drawn to it for it's beauty I am now interested in Lapis Lazuli because of its supposed beneficial effects on the thyroid. I have suspected for sometime that I have low thyroid. I am no fan of pharmaceuticals and particularly don't want to start thyroid medication. Once on it you can't ever go back. If you run out and for some reason can't get more you're up the creek without a paddle. The thyroid is a major hormonal regulator but it retires for good with prolonged use of thyroid medication. I had it on the run before with dietary and excise regimens but got lazy and now some of the symptoms have returned. I am once again back on my regimen but this time I am going to add Lapis Lazuli to the mix. Leave no stone unturned.

Physical Issues: 

Aches and Pains, Bones, Detoxification, Eyes, Immune System, Insomnia,

Emotional Issues:

Anxiety, Calming, Depression

Spiritual Issues:

Appreciation, Intuition, Meditation, Truth

QUICK REFERENCE

Chakras:  

Throat (Blue)
Third-Eye (Purple)
Crown (Violet)

©Walker Barnard



Saturday, February 4, 2017

ANGELITE

I'm not sure if blue or green is my favorite color but I surely do love blue. When I chose my Angelite  stone I was primarily drawn to the color but there was also a sense of serenity about them. Angelite is also known as Anhydrite, not nearly as nice as Angelite. Angelite is found in Peru.

Angelite seems to have more to do with the non-physical world. As one might guess from the name it is thought to be a conduit to communicating with your guardian angels.

Angelite
I never thought much about my guardian angels until last summer when my only sister died in a freak accident. So, many things have happened since then to bring my attention and awareness to my angels, I am completely convinced of their existence.  I consult with them regularly now. I only regret it has taken me so long to wake up to their presence.

Physical Issues:

Osteoporosis, Sleep, Throat, Water Retention 

Emotional Issues:

Acceptance, Compassion, Fear, Peace, Truth

Spiritual Issues:

Angelic Realm, Angel Communication, Archangels, Perception, Visualization, Totem-Animals

QUICK REFERENCE

Chakras: 

Throat - (Blue)
Crown- (Violet)
Third-Eye (Purple)

©Walker Barnard

Thursday, February 2, 2017

CARE & FEEDING OF PET ROCKS

When I came up with the title for this blog post it was tongue in cheek. I was hearkening back to the 70's when an imaginative fellow by the name of Gary Dahl invented the Pet Rock. It was all the rage and made the man a millionaire. Now come to find out the Pet Rock is alive and well. Nordstrom's sold out of their version this past Christmas and the little rascal was fetching $85.00.

Actually, I am referring to the stones in my collection. They are like friends to me, with or without any healing capabilities. I name each one and call it by name. Each stone is so unique and beautiful I can't resist the urge to name it, especially the ones I carry around in my pocket. Sounds silly but there you go.

But, if one is hoping to get any potential benefit from their stones' energy there are some things to consider. First off I think you should carefully wash each stone or crystal acquired ASAP. No telling who's grubby hands have been on it or what kind of energy they transferred to the stone. It could be nasty negative stuff.

Also, one never knows how long a stone has been kept away from energizing sunlight. Stones and crystals do run out of energy and need regular re-charging. I think you should let any new rock you bring into your space sit in the sun for several hours after gently washing in warm soapy water.

Some even suggest one find out where and how stones were mined to determined if they were carefully removed from the earth. For me that's a bit over the top. I don't doubt a stone can pick up negative energy from improper handling.  But, I'm not about to do the amount of research required to determine how the stone was handle at the mine.

My solution for this potential problem is simple. Treat my stones with love and respect. Use my love energy to dispel any negative treatment my rock might have encountered on it's way to me. In all the reading I have done so far on the subject it's all about what stones and crystals can do for us. I think the flow should be both ways. I will will send my love energy to my stones and crystals every time I handle them. Give my gratitude for their presence in my life.

The mere beautiful presence of stone and crystals in my space is enough to bring tranquility and happiness into my life. Those feelings I believe have a major positive effect on my emotional health and that my emotional health has a huge impact on my physical health. Regardless of what you believe I do not see how you can go wrong bringing stone and crystal energy into your world. Just make sure you pay attention to the care and feeding of your new friends.

Forget about Nordstrom's. For $85 my local rock shops will sell me any number of beautiful stones and crystals as opposed to just one in a leather pouch.

©Walker Barnard

Wednesday, February 1, 2017

FANCY JASPER

Fancy Jasper is a type of quartz. Jasper is a Greek derived word that means "spotted stone". The stone I chose certainly bears the spotted aspect out. Fancy Jasper is also known as the "Stone of Tranquility". I looked through the Google images and didn't find any that looked quite like mine. I also saw images of stones that were not Fancy Jasper at all. Just a reminder, Google doesn't know whether images are misidentified or not. They just read the key word and trust it's correct.

Even though there wasn't a photo of a stone just like mine I am comfortable it is in fact a Fancy Jasper. In the identification info I've read it says that Fancy Jasper has green in it, mine does not. Perhaps the lack of green means a lack of quality. I don't know. I find this friend beautiful and intriguing. Fancy Jasper is fairly common and found in Africa and Brazil.

Fancy Jasper

Physical Issues:   

Blood-Circulation, Detox, Stomach, Insomnia

Emotional Issues:  

Calming, Concentration, Focus

Spiritual Issues:  

Grounding, Problem solving

QUICK REFERENCE


Chakras:

Primary Chakras - Root (Red)
Effects all chakras

©Walker Barnard

Friday, January 27, 2017

SELENITE & AMETHYST CRSITAL A DYNAMIC DUO

On my Birthday Rock Hunt I chose a Selenite sphere to sit on my Amethyst Crystal. I did not know the first thing about either crystal when I chose them. I thought they made a very pretty arrangement. I just liked the way they looked together.

Selenite Sphere on Amethyst Crystal

Once again my natural intuition seemed to be on the job. It turns out that Selenite and Amethyst Crystals make excellent companions beyond just looking good. Selenite is said to be a charging crystal. Most stones need to be set in the sun to get a new charge not so Selenite. It is so pure it never needs cleansing and it can chase negative energy out of you and other crystals as well.

I have become aware of the necessity of cleansing and charging ones stones. Crystals have energy but that energy drains over time and with use, which makes abundant sense to me. A good way to re-charge crystals and stones is to set them in the sun. This re-charging has been a concern to me as there is almost no sun where I live in winter. What little sun there is packs the punch of a powder puff. Even so, I've been dutifully placing my Amethyst Crystal on the windowsill every time the sun comes out. Turns out I needn't have bothered as the Selenite is constantly re-charging it.

Selenite Ball
In the above photo the Selenite looks like the moon and is in fact associated with that celestial body and is thought to be able to help one connect with their spirit guides.

Another thing about Selenite and Amethyst Crystals is that the combination is said to be a powerful sleep inducer and cure for insomnia.  Now I'm in a quandary. I keep my Selenite and Amethyst on my nightstand. I have to wonder is it the Shungite that has been making me sleep like a log the past couple of weeks or is it the Selenite and Amethyst? Does it matter? Not to me. I would experiment but I am so enjoying my sleep I don't want to mess with it.

Physical Issues:

Calcium Absorption, Insomnia, Flexibility, Memory, Back, Mental Clarity

Emotional Issues:

Negativity, Insecurity

Spiritual Issues:

Protection From Negativity, Truth, Harmony, Intuition, Contact Spirit Guides

Quick Reference

Chakras:

Crown (Lavendar)
Third-Eye (Purple)
Etheric

©Walker Barnard


Thursday, January 26, 2017

STONES AND CRYSTAL QUICK REFERENCE.

This post will be a work in progress and updated on a regular basis as I go through the discovery progress for each of my stones and crystals. I want to create  a reverse index where I list conditions that might be addressed by proximity to a particular stone or crystal. I am not endeavoring to list every condition but rather those I have an interest in. A catalog I can go to anytime and choose stones I want to have in my space according to how I am feeling either physically or mentally.

PHYSICAL ISSUES

Aches & Pains -- Lapi Lazuli
ADD -- Rainbow Fluorite
Arthritis -- Malachite, Rainbow Fluorite
Back -- Malachite, Selenite
Bones -- Malachite, Rainbow Fluorite, Ruby Fuchsite, Selenite, Lapis Lazuli
Blood Pressure -- Ruby Fuchsite
Carpel-Tunnel -- Ruby Fuchsite
Concentration -- Rainbow Fluorite
Constipation -- Ruby Fuchsite
Dental Problems -- Rainbow Fluorite
Detoxification -- Malachite, Shungite, Fancy Jasper, Lapis Lazuli
EMF Protection -- Shungite
Focus -- Rainbow Fluorite
Headaches -- Malachite
Immune System -- Amethyst, Malachite, Ruby Fuchsite, Shungite, Lapis Lazuli 
Insomnia  -- Amethyst, Shungite, Lapis Lazuli
Memory -- Amethyst, Selenite
Metabolism -- Amethyst
Nutrient Absorption -- Rainbow Fluorite, Selenite
Psoriasis -- Amethyst
Skin Problems -- Malachite
Tinnitus -- Amethyst
Wrinkles -- Amethyst



NON-PHYSICAL ISSUES

Abundance -- Malachite, Ruby Fuchsite
Anger -- Amethyst
Anxiety -- Amethyst, Lapis Lazuli
Awareness -- Amethyst
Balance -- Amethyst, Malachite, Ruby Fluorite
Calming -- Ruby Fuchsite, Fancy Jasper, Lapis Lazuli
Coping -- Amethyst
Creativity -- Malachite
Depression -- Lapis Lazuli
Enhanced Will power -- Malachite 
Fear -- Amethyst
Focus -- Amethyst, Fancy Jasper,
Grounding -- Rainbow Fluorite, Fancy Jasper
Happiness -- Ruby Fuchsite,
Harmony -- Amethyst, Selenite
Healed Heart -- Malachite
Inner-Child -- Amethyst
Intuition -- Amethyst, Rainbow Fluorite, Selenite, Lapis Lazuli
Manifestation -- Rainbow Fluorite
Motivation -- Amethyst
Problem Solving -- Fancy Jasper
Protection From Negative Energy -- Malachite, Rainbow Fluorite, Shungite
Self-Confidence - Ruby Fuchsite
Self-Esteem -- Ruby Fuchsite
Truth -- Shungite, Selenite, Lapis Lazuli
Wisdom -- Amethyst

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

AMETHYST

Back to the many stone and crystal specimens I got on my Birthday Rock Hunt. I'm starting to think of that episode more like an Easter Egg Hunt. I wonder if I can get my friend to do it again for Easter? Just kidding my friend.

Today I am studying up on Amethyst. Amethyst is a quartz crystal and the first crystal I have looked into.  Crystals are thought to be quite a powerful in terms of energy content and output. I'm getting the impression that crystals, in general, are thought to be more energetic than other stone species.

A little off topic but I have read that nearly all known vortexes are located in or near quartz crystal fields. Not sure anyone has ever proven the existence of vortexes but they are supposed to be all about energy. Another interesting factotum; the original crystal radios had a component called a "crystal detector" which was made from a crystal called Galena. I'm no scientist, but this suggest to me that crystal certainly can have energy absorption and conductive power. OK, you naysayers, there is scientific proof of this, just Google crystal radios.

Amethyst is a common crystal found nearly all over the planet, Africa, South America, Europe, Canada, Russia and the US.

Amethyst Crystal

The above crystal is mine. The Amethyst is of a fairly pale color. It sits in the geode shell in which it was found. It's a fairly large chunk and was quite reasonably priced. Below is a photo of an Amethyst Crystal that looks good enough to eat. It looks like a piece of Huckleberry pie. If you've never had Huckleberry pie you simply have not lived. Lucky me, Montana is Huckleberry heaven. Unless you live in Montana don't look for it in your local health food store. This wonder of natural cannot be commercially grown. Trust me, many have tried. On my travel blog I coined the phrase Montana Caviar. The important thing to note is that the darker the color the finer the Amethyst.

Amethyst Crystal
Another point about Amethyst is that it resonates well with Capricorn. It's quite interesting to me that I have instinctively been drawn to choose stones and crystals that are said to resonate well with Capricorn, my astrological sign. I also chose Malachite and Rainbow Fluorite  which are also complementary to Capricorn.  Is there a connection? I don't know but it does beg the question.

Physical Issues:

 Ears, Eczema, Immune System, Insomnia, Itching, Metabolism, Memory, Psoriasis, Wrinkles

 Emotional Issues:

Anger, Anxiety, Coping, Fear, Focus, Grief, Loss, Motivation,

Spiritual Issues:

Awareness, Balance, Coping, Dream Recall,  Harmony, Higher-Self, Inner Child, Intuition, Wisdom

QUICK REFERENCE

Chakras:

Crown: (Lavendar)
Third-Eye (Purple)
Etheric

©Walker Barnard




Tuesday, January 24, 2017

IS THERE SCIENTIFIC PROOF OF THE HEALING PROPERTIES OF STONES & CRYSTALS?

As I have been researching the various stones and crystals in my collection I have run across several articles dissing the notion of stones and crystals having healing properties. The biggest argument; there is no scientific evidence to support it. One article I read bordered on the ridiculous. The idiot that wrote it was so moronic he supplied more evidence against his position than for it. Reminding me, yet again, to always be wary of stuff you find on the internet.

Some detractors were downright rabid about how stupid it was to think rocks had any healing properties. To him the idea is just New Age hokum. I am always leery of people that cannot present their arguments in a calm and educated manner. Unfortunately, people who rant their opinions are legion. All they show me is their ignorance.

It has been noted, in studies where a placebo (fake crystals) were used in place of real a stones or crystals, the placebo was chosen often as not. The placebo had as much effect as a real rock. It was posited that in fact such studies proved the stones had no healing energy whatsoever. Link to one ridiculous article I don't like linking it because Google will interpret it as a good thing. But, I'll no doubt want to refer to it again and not in a good way.

I'm too new into my exploration of rocks and crystals to have an educated opinion on the matter. But, I do have an open mind. Therefore, if it works for no other reason than I believe it works why should I care? I do believe there is considerable scientific evidence the mind/brain is an awesomely powerful organ. I also know that beauty makes me smile and it has been scientifically proven that smiling can help with depression. Below is a little arrangement I made on my nightstand.


Rock and Crystal Display


I think it's beautiful. When I look at it it makes me smile. It provides me with moments of experiencing joy and serenity which reduces stress which supports my immune system. Sounds pretty good to me.

In an earlier post I mentioned Shungite and how some say it might help me sleep better.  I am now 10 nights into placing a Shungite pyramid on my forehead for five minutes or so after lights out. I can report during this time I have taken no sleep aides and have slept like a log. Is it because the Shungite has special energy or is it because I am open to the idea that it does? As Clark Gable famously said in Gone With The Wind "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn" which it is. For whatever reason, it's working for me.

©Walker Barnard


Monday, January 23, 2017

MALACHITE

It was only natural I was drawn to Malachite on my Birthday Rock Hunt. Malachite has always been a favorite stone. Green and blue are my favorite colors. It's a toss up as to which is tops, green or blue. I have seen some absolutely exquisite jewellery made with Malachite. Set in gold it knocks my socks off.

The best Malachite comes from Africa and Russia. Malachite has a 9 vibration which I take to mean high energy. I need to see what I can out about rock vibration. And, lucky me, Malachite energy resonates well with Capricorn energy. I'll hold tight to my Malachite!



Malachite
I couldn't resist setting it down in the snow.

Malachite



Physical Issues: 

Arthritis, Back, Bones, Lungs, Immune System Strengthening, Detoxification, Headaches, Skin

Emotional Issues:

Comfort, Emotional Balance, Hope, Confidence, Negativity Disbursement, Enhanced Willpower

Spiritual Issues:

Enlightened Leadership, Creativity, Protection From Negative Energies, A Healed Heart, Abundance

Chakras:

Heart (Green)
Throat (Blue)



©Walker Barnard

Sunday, January 22, 2017

RAINBOW FLUORITE


My Rainbow Fluorite, pictured below, is translucent and would be considered a B grade which is low on the quality totem pole. But, I like it because it is colorful and has character. More clearly defined stripes make for a higher quality stone. I'll keep that in mind when trying to upgrade the collection.

Rainbow Fluorite is a common stone which can be found in China, South America and Montana. The fact it can be found right here in Montana is exciting because I can go rockhounding for it without leaving home. Also, this stone is said to resonate particularly well with Capricorns. I find that a lovely co-incidence, that a stone only found in a handful of locations around the world is located in the state I chose to be my home and it resonates with my astrological sign. Fifteen years after moving here, confirmations of a choice well made are still coming.


Rainbow Fluorite

Physical Issues:

ADD, Arthritis, Bones, Focus, Concentration, Dental Problems, Nutrition Absorption,  Issues of the Lungs, Supports Brain Chemistry

Emotional Issues:

Emotional Balance, Negativity

Spiritual Issues:

Grounding, Intuition, Manifestation

Chakras:

All

©Walker Barnard



Saturday, January 21, 2017

RUBY FUCHSITE

As mentioned in an earlier post none of my stones were chosen for any other reason than I was drawn to them for their beauty and intrigue. Now, I want to learn more about them in every respect.

One of the first stones that struck a chord with me was a Ruby Fuchsite.  Ruby Fuchsite is a combination of two minerals occurring together, natural Red Ruby embedded in pale to medium green Fuchsite. Ruby Fuchsite is a common stone which can be found in India, Brazil and Pakistan. It's mineral class is silicate. Ruby Fuchsite is often misidentified as Ruby Zoisite or vice versa.





Healing Issues:    

Blood pressure, Bones, Carpel Tunnel, Immune System, Constipation, Urinary, Heart

Emotional Issues:

Calming, Happiness, Self-Confidence, Self-Esteem Tranquility, Compassion

Spiritual Issues:

Clairvoyance, Karma, Abundance, Motivation to Heal Oneself

QUICK REFERENCE

Chakras:

Heart (Green)
Root (Red)

I can vouch for a couple of the emotional effects already, calming and happiness. Looking at something I define as beautiful always makes me feel these emotions.

I am plagued with wrist pain in both wrists which is probably carpel tunnel. I'm going to keep an eye out for a Ruby Fuchsite bracelet. I'd like to put Ruby Fuchsite to the test and a bracelet seems like the right vehicle.

©Walker Barnard


Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Episode 4: THE SEVEN CHAKRAS, STONES & CRYSTALS

As mentioned in Episode 3, the subject of chakras came up whilst reading The Pocket Book of Stones.  It quickly became clear that some understanding of the seven chakras would be integral in my quest for knowledge about stones and crystals.

Until now I was only vaguely aware of the existence of chakras. I couldn't tell you much about them. With a little research I have come up with my own, simplistic understanding of what chakras are. Chakras are portals in the body from which energy constantly ebbs and flows. Free flowing chakras lead to physical and spiritual health and well being. Blocked chakras lead to the opposite.

It appears to me healthy chakras are maintained primarily through meditation. I have dabbled with meditation over the years but have had a hard time calming my mind and sitting still. It's a scientific fact that meditation has a calming and stress reducing effect. For the past year and a half I have been trying, sporadically to give it another go. Mostly, because I believe with every fiber of my being that stress is the root cause of all illness and disease.

I am learning that chakras, meditation, stones and crystals all tied together. If one wants to try and use stones and crystals for healing, either physical or emotional/spiritual issues, then you need to know your chakras. My new interest in stones and crystals is dovetailing to create a new motivation to pursue meditation. It seems specific stones & crystals can be instrumental in balancing the different chakras. If my new found interest in stones gets me back on the mat then what a gift that will be.

The 7 Major Chakras
Chakra 1 The Root Chakra  (Red)
Physical: Back, bones, colon, feet, hips, teeth
Emotional: Self-esteem, loving life, empowerment, groundedness  

Chakra 2 The Sacral Chakra (Orange)
Physical: Stomach, bladder, bowels,hips, lower back, skin
Emotional: Creativity, imagination, passion

Chakra 3 The Solar Plexis (Yellow or Golden) 
Physical: Adrenals, digestive issues, gall bladder, liver, skin, stomach, back
Emotional: Intuition, joy, laughter, self-esteem, self confidence, willpower

Chakra 4 The Heart Chakra (Green)  
Physical: reasts, blood, circulatory system, immune system lungs, heart
Emotional: Love, compassion, empathy, forgiveness, understanding

Chakra 5 The Throat Chakra (Blue)
Physical: Thyroid, gums, ears, jaw, mouth, sinuses, teeth, tongue, tonsils
Emotional: Humor, self expression, truthfulness, expression of creativity

Chakra 6 The Third eye Chakra (Purple)
Physical: Clear vision, eyes, endocrine system, nose, nervous system, lymphatic system
Emotional: Connection to higher self, dreams, ideas, intuition, spirit wisdom

Chakra 7 The Crown Chakra (Violet/purple, gold)
Physical: brain, pain center, nervous system
Emotional: Divinity, enlightenment, higher self, harmony, wisdom,Oneness with the universe

The above is not meant to be a complete listing of the physical and emotional benefits of the seven chakras. This is an abbreviated listing of  various benefits for each chakra. I made it for a quick reference for myself. It's my cheat sheet if you will. Also, the chakras are usually listed in descending order. It's easier for me to remember the other way round.

One helpful observation I have made is that the color associated with each chakra is also the color of stone one would be wanting to use in relation to that chakra. For example if I were looking to work on my Heart Chakra I might want to use a green stone like Malachite in my space. If I have a blue stone, like Angelite, I will instantly know it is most likely associated with the Throat Chakra.

I have no doubt that a person could make a life long study of the chakras. But the purpose of this diary is an exploration of stones and crystals. It is quite possible that I will want to delve into chakras more deeply as my knowledge expands.

In the next posts I will be cataloging the stones that I already possess. In this way I can learn to recognize a stone by name. Also, leading me to learn the properties and characteristics of each. Never losing sight of the fact that no matter what else, these stones are beautiful. Without knowing anything else my stones benefit me with their beauty which brings me joy.

©Walker Barnard

Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Episode 3: MY "POCKET BOOK OF STONES"

A funny thing happens. I'm thinking since I've become interested in Shungite I should get my pal some Shungite for Christmas. But, then I think naw she probably knows all about it, I'll wait and find out. So what does my pal give me for Christmas? A Shungite pyramid! We have a good laugh.

Now my birthday rolls around on the 12th of January and my friend wants to do for me what I had done for her, turn me loose in a rock shop with a budget. Well, I was like a kid in a candy store. I was literally looking for rock candy.

I gamboled up and down the isles choosing stones purely for their sense of style and design. I blew half my budget on a Amethyst geode and a Selenite ball. All I knew was it looked like a VERY pretty combination to me.

 My Amethyst Geode with Selenite Ball

I used up the rest of my budget on smaller stones I thought had interesting designs or were somehow especially intriguing. I had not a clue what healing power any of them supposedly had. But, the Shungite had tipped me off to the idea that stones had more going for them than just pretty faces.

Whilst we were checking out my friend picked up a book that indexed stones and crystals describing the objects as well as their healing qualities. The book was the size of the family bible. I was not interested in picking up that much baggage.

I continued to roam around whilst the proprietor rang up my choioces. In my wanderings I came across a little book, approx 4.5 x 5.5, by Robert Simmons entitled "The Pocket Book of Stones". Thumbing through it I just knew I wanted to learn more about my stones. I bought the book and I'm pretty sure it will prove to be a pivotal choice. In fact, I think this book will help me open spiritual doors I had no idea even existed.

Pocket Book of Stones is filled with glossy photos and treasure troves of information. Each stone has a synopsis of it's qualities.  For example Amethyst is described thus:

Keywords: Protection, purification, Divine connection, release of addictions
Chakras: Third eye (6th) Crown (7th) Etheric (8th - 14th)
Element: Wind
Physical: Overcoming addictions, tinnitus, nerve disorders, aids in oxygenation of blood
Emotional: Helps clear negative or addictive emotional patterns.
Spiritual: Facilitates conscious connection with Spirit Guides, Angels and Source

Following the synopsis is a more in depth description of the stone and it's unique characteristics.  I'll never again visit a rock shop without "Pocket Book of Stones".

My choice of the Amethyst crystal turned out to be rather interesting. I initially bot some Shungite because I thought it might help with my tinnitus. A purely speculative idea on my part.  But, as it turns out, my "Pocket Book of Stones" suggests Amethyst is good for tinnitus. Proving once again the universe will lead you if you will just allow yourself to follow.

Another interesting thing about the Pocket Book of Stones synopsis it that it lists chakras effected by the stones. I don't know that much about chakras but I was under the impression there were only seven. The synopsis for Amethyst suggests fourteen? Clearly I need to brush up on my chakras which I plan to do in the next episode.

©Walker Barnard








Monday, January 16, 2017

Episode 2: SHUNGITE - A ROCK WITH A PURPOSE?

The early part of last December I was watching a video in which the subject of Shungite arose. The video wasn't about rocks and crystals the subject just came up in relationship to EMPs. EMP stands for electromagnetic pulse. And a big shot of this stuff from the sun or somewhere out in space could knock out all our power grids and electronics.

What the interviewee in this video was saying is that we get exposed to small doses of electromagnetic pulses all day long from our computers, televisions and microwaves. I was aware of the effect of an EMP on like autos and the electrical grid but I didn't know about my personal space.

A little research revealed that it's not EMPs which are associated with appliances but EMFs. EMF stands for electromagnetic field and it is to this field we expose ourselves everyday. Studies have shown that exposure to EMF's, which emit low dose radiation,  can impact your immune system and lead to cancer and other health issues in some people.

I wondered if the stone could help me with my tinnitus. I've got it pretty bad from running a chainsaw and a youth filled with hunting and shooting without ear protection. I am very sensitive to high frequencies. On a lark and not knowing a thing about any of this stuff I decided to buy some Shungite to see if it would help with the tinnitus.

I jumped on Amazon and had a Shungite pendant to wear around my neck and a small Shungite pyramid in my possession in a couple of days. So now I'm wondering what is this stuff anyway?

Shungite Pendent


Shungite comes from the Republic of Karelia in northwestern Russia and only from this region. It is estimated the deposits are in the neighborhood of 2 billion years old. Think of that. I can hold in my hand something that is two billion years old. True, we all walk around on a planet that is 4.5 billion years old but how often are we conscious of what we are doing?

As you can see Shungite isn't one of the more colorful stones. It looks more like a lump of coal. But, this stone wasn't bot as an ornament I was curious about it's potential function. I have since learned that Shungite is an ancient healing stone that is good for much more than EMFs. It has something called Fullerenes which are said to act as anti-oxidants. Who can't use that?

Shungite Pyramid


I've had the stones for about a month now and I can report I detect no difference in my tinnitus.

I also have trouble falling asleep many nights. I usually take Alteril, a natural sleep aid, when I can't sleep. The last three nights I have turned out the lights and set the pyramid in the center of my forehead whilst laying on my back. I'm an on my side sleeper so I stay on my back as long as I can take it then remove the stone and rollover on my side. I'm grateful I'm in the dark as I might look kind of funny laying there with a black pyramid on my forehead. But, here's the thing, for three nights now I have fallen asleep very quickly and stayed asleep all night long. Granted three nights a study does not make but I am going to keep a journal and will report back when I have more data.

I try keeping an open mind in general and so it is with learning about how stones might not be just pretty things we collect and use to adorn ourselves. They may hold mysteries that can be most beneficial to those who take the time to learn. I'm game and anxious to see where this exploration leads.

UPDATE:  February 14, 2017 I have now had 30 consecutive nights of complete restful sleep.


©Walker Barnard


Sunday, January 15, 2017

Episode 1: THE WHO & WHY OF THIS BLOG

My name is Walker Barnard. I am called Walker because as anyone who knows me knows, I love to walk. I love walking so much my Indian friends gave me the name Walking Woman. I named myself Walker. I love this name. After nearly seventy years I have found a name that truly suits me.

I live in a National Forest in Montana and have spent the last fifteen years walking alone in the wilderness with my dog as my only companion. It has been the best time of my life. I have observed many things that have caused me to see the world and my connection to it in a different light. I have come to find that many of the Native American beliefs regarding nature and spirituality are very much in alignment with my own. I believe in the sun and the moon and the stars. I believe in the eagle, the owl, and the bear. I believe in the spirituality of all of The Creators creatures. I believe that life itself is the Great Teacher and that we may very well need to return more than once before our lessons are learned. Yet, with all this believing, I believed rocks were simply pretty things.

A little over a year ago my best chum took me to a rock shop in Bigfork, Montana Kehoe's Agate Shop. I just went along because it was something she wanted to do. I think this must be one of the better rock shops because I was swept away by some of the truly amazing stones and crystals. They had stones from the size of your thumbnail to crystal geodes four or five feet tall.

I'm a real sucker for natural designs. In my former incarnation I specialized in photographing what I call Still Life in Nature under the moniker Kinsey Barnard. It wasn't hard for me to fall in love with some of the stones I saw in the shop. I ended up buying a rock that had designs in it that were too intriguing to pass up. It's called a Sepatarian Slab. I had absolutely no intention of starting a rock collection. I just thought the rock was beautiful and I wanted it in my space. It's been sitting on my entertainment console ever since and I have enjoyed looking at it nearly every day since.

My Rock Collecting Begins (Septarian)

Is that rock cool or what? The designs and colors are simply perfection, naturally.

This past October so got the bright idea to take my chum back to the Big Fork rock shop for her birthday and let her choose what lit her candle. She chose a gorgeous Amethyst crystal. Naturally, whilst she looked around for her present I look around for my joy. And darned if I didn't find it!and It was a beautiful Carnelian from Madagascar.

Rock #2 Carnelian from Madagascar

I don't do much studio photography so I don't have the right equipment but I think this is good enough to get the idea across how beautiful it is. The strange thing was no matter how I tried I couldn't get the jagged bright white light in the center to disappear. It looks like a reflection but it's not. The rock is smooth and I totally blacked out the room. Yet, it's not there when you look at it with the naked eye. Is it some energy that can only be picked up by the camera? Anyway, I took my new stone home and placed it on the other side of the big screen. Now I had two beauties to look at everyday.

I now had two rocks so I guess you could say I had a collection. I started thinking I could get into collecting beautiful rocks.

In the next episode I get exposed to the idea that rocks may have more going on than just beauty.

©Walker Barnard