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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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