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We all get worn down now and again and, when that happens, we often feel blue or, at least in the doldrums a bit. If you have not other crystal, make sure to have rose uartz qon hand as it infuses you with self-love and brightens “the vibe” anywhere it is. I view self-love is a superpower and the real foundation of all true personal power. Widely known as the stone of unconditional love, the soft pink hunk of love known as rose quartz is said to attract and inspire love in all forms. It’s especially good for promoting self-love and emotional harmony.

It can be a teeny tiny pebble of pink or a big ol rock but you should have it near you, especially when you are feeling low. I say have some around at all time but, then again, I have crystals in every room. Keeping a piece of Rose Quartz out where we can see it, on your desk at work,   on your bedside table or next to the bathtub, can act as a powerful visual reminder to take a little bit of time for yourself.

We are approaching a new season. What can you do to greet the change with good energy? A marvelous way to take full advantage of the power of your crystals is to wear them in jewelry. Even better, you can make the jewelry you own magical by charging it—imbuing it with intention and purpose and power. Also, you can craft your own magical jewelry, which is perhaps the most powerful option of all because you hold your desires in mind as you put your enchantments together step by step and gem by gem.

A talisman is an object that has been imbued with power. It can also provide protection and has magical properties. A talisman can be any article or symbol that you believe has mystical qualities. As we know, many gems and crystals have special innate powers. With a talisman, the special powers can be naturally present or instilled during a ritual. People often confuse amulets with talismans, but they differ in this significant way: Amulets positively protect the wearer from harm, evil, and negativity. Talismans actively transform the wearer to have certain powers. For example, the supernatural sword Excalibur, imbued with supremacy by the Lady of the Lake, gave King Arthur magical powers.

Grimoires offer instruction on making talismans. The reasons for using talismans are many—for love, for wealth, for luck with gambling, for the gift of a silver tongue, for a good memory, for the prevention of death. Whatever you can think of, there is probably a talisman for that exact purpose!

The great psychic and healer Edgar Cayce used this blue beauty for achieving remarkable meditative states during which he had astoundingly accurate visions and prophetic dreams. Indeed, azurite helps achieve a high state of mental clarity and powers of concentration. If you can’t find the answer to a problem in the here and now, try looking for solutions on the astral plane. Write the problem down on paper and place it under a small azurite overnight on a windowsill so it collects moonlight.

If you were to come into my home, you would see a lot of gorgeous geodes, crystals, fossils and a few plain old rocks I found on my walks and loved the look of them. Recently, I asked my boyfriend “Is it normal that all I want to buy are rocks and crystals?” He assured me I was fine and he likes the beauty of nature. Stones placed in considered spots around your home can help bring about the change you wish to see in your home.  Using what I call “crystal feng shui,” you can place a stone or a geode in the appropriate position of your home to facilitate specific results. For example, rose quarts will promote healing and release any negative energy that is clinging. I have many chunks of amethyst which brings me a sense of peace, Clusters of chrysolite or citrine will set in motion both prosperity, calm and creativity.

Virgo, First Half: August 22-September 5: Black opal is the soul stone for early Virgos. Virgos are perhaps the most discriminating of signs and would relish the fact that until recently, black opals came from only a few acres in Australia. The ancient Romans, seeing the rainbow colors of opals, believed them to be the bridge between heaven and Earth, but they especially desired the few poor-quality black opals (now believed to have been faked) held by the barbarians in Hungary. The finest grade of black opal was discovered on the island of Java, in Indonesia. For Virgos, only the best and only the real black opals will do. Members of the sign of service and help to others, Virgos gain strength and intensity and augment their own purity with black opals. This stone has been called the gem of hope, and, as such, offers a high level of consciousness for Virgos.

 The power talisman for first-half Virgos is labradorite, the lovely iridescent stone that originated in Labrador. Like Gemini, Virgos are ruled by Mercury, and the quicksilver, peacock-hued labradorite is good for providing the mental swiftness Virgos need to accomplish all of their goals in life. This type of feldspar can reflect every color of the spectrum and help Virgos from becoming too task oriented—too focused on one thing. No one can work harder than Virgos, and labradorite can prevent exhaustion from overwork and can also ensure that early Virgos activate a variety of talents.

If you suffer from stress-induced symptoms, try these calming crystals: Lapis lazuli has been used to treat headaches for millennia. My dear friend Abby suffers from migraines and cluster headaches. I gave Abby some earrings with lovely blue lapis settings to help her with this chronic condition, and she has reported great success. These headaches can have many causes and triggers; my beloved amber essence oil was one until we figured that out! The main causes are stress, anxiety, and various food triggers. Oddly enough, amber in crystal form alleviated Abby’s heinous headaches, seemingly absorbing the negative energy. Amethyst and turquoise are also good for this. Several stones are good for stomach illness; citrine and moonstone create calm. There is certainly no shortage of stress out there in the world so do yourself a favor and pick up these soothing stones to have at the ready. These crystals are a vital part of your sacred self-care.