Sandra Kynes is an explorer of Celtic history, myth and magic, and a member of the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids. Her work with crystals led her to devise the system of Gemstone Feng Shui. She created and teaches the workshop Understanding the Language of the Goddess which is based on the work of Marija Gimbutas. She is an artist who works mainly in pastels and photography, and has exhibited at artist guild shows as well as a local gallery. Her writings have been featured in Llewellyns Magical Almanacs, Spell-a-Day and Witches Calendars under the name Sedwyn.
Before buying crystals and gemstones, it's a good idea to plan how you are
going to use them. Over time, you may want to build up a collection with sets
of stones for different purposes because the particular energies that are
intended for one use may not be relevant in another use. Write up a
"shopping list" for your stone collecting before heading out the
door. If you are like me, you'll find that it is easy to get sidetracked like
a kid in a candy stone when confronted with an array of beautiful crystals
and gemstones.
People have been attracted to gemstones since prehistoric times. While beauty
plays a part in their appeal, it is their energy that has a powerful impact
on us. If you like to wear crystals or place gemstones around your house, you
are aware of their power. The practice of gemstone feng shui combines the
wisdom of gemstones and crystals with the ancient art of feng shui to invite
positive change into your life.
At its core, feng shui is a method to balance the dynamic, ever-changes
forces of the natural world. Gemstones are perfect for feng shui work because
they are formed through the powerful dynamic processes of nature. As a
result, gemstones personify the energy of the elemental cycles that are
utilized in feng shui.
The ancient Chinese divided the universe into five elements: water, fire,
wood, metal and earth. These elements embody the archetypal energies that
shape all things and processes. Because of the manner in which certain
gemstones are created, they invoke specific elemental energy. For example,
peridot or obsidian invoke fire because both are born from volcanic action.
In the case of peridot, it could also come from a fiery meteor. For the
element metal, malachite or azurite can be used because they contain more
than 50% of the metal copper.
In traditional feng shui, balancing elemental energy is accomplished by
positioning an element or an object that represents it in a particular
location. In gemstone feng shui, gemstones and crystals are used in place of
other objects. The feng shui tool used to apply gemstone energy to your
environment is the Lo Shu grid, also called the Magic Square, which looks
like a tic-tac-toe grid.
The Magic Square divides space into nine sectors/directions that form a
matrix of attributes and associations:
North - Career and personal journey; Element, water; Gemstone, opal or pearl;
Northeast -Wisdom and self-cultivation; Element; earth; Gemstone, andalusite
or tourmaline;
East - Family and community; Element, wood; Gemstone, jet or amber;
Southeast - Prosperity and self/net-worth; Element, wood; Gemstone, jet or
amber;
South - Success and reputation; Element, fire; Gemstone, peridot or obsidian;
Southwest - Relationships and partnership; Element, earth; Gemstone,
andalusite or tourmaline;
West - Creativity and children; Element, metal; Gemstone, malachite or
azurite;
Northwest - Achievement and benefactors; Element, metal; Gemstone, malachite
or azurite;
Center - Harmony and spirit; Element, earth; Gemstone, andalusite or
tourmaline.
To use the Magic Square, create a drawing of the floor plan of your home or
just one room where you want to perform feng shui. With a magnetic compass
determine the direction of north and orient your floor plan in the correct
direction. Next, draw a Magic Square (tic-tac-toe grid) over your floor plan
with the middle row of squares oriented north and south, and with the center
square in the center of your floor plan. This will show you in what area of a
room (or your house) to invoke particular elemental energy. Simply place one
of your gemstones in the corresponding sector.
The Magic Square also shows the basic proportions of elemental energy needed
for balance. For example the earth element, which is vital for overall
well-being (both physical and spiritual) occupies three of the nine
sectors/directions. After all, it is the earth's cycles that we follow, and
we are most healthy and strong when we are "grounded".
There are many sources for crystals and gemstones. New Age bookshops
frequently carry them, as well as museum gift shops and earth science stores.
Rock and fossil shops are great sources and you can count on them to
correctly identify the less popular types of stones. Ask and look for notices
of upcoming mineral shows or swaps, which are excellent venues for finding a
stunning range of crystals and gemstones, as well as learning more about
them.
Once you have found a place to buy your crystals and gemstones, and have
located one that is on your shopping list, take a few moments to hold it in
the palm of your hand. Close your fingers over it or hold it between both
palms to get a sense of its energy. Think of how you are planning to use it.
If you are going to use it to represent the element water, think of water. If
the stone still feels good as you think of an element, then it's the right
stone. Don't expect a thunderbolt or choir of angels to let you know you've
chosen the right one. Clues tend to be subtle. Or you just might
"know" it's the right stone for you.
Also listen to yourself if something doesn't "feel" right. You may
not be able to pinpoint what it is about a particular stone, but if this
happens it's just not the right one with which you should do energy work.
Don't take it personally, just listen to your heart-of-hearts.
Stones that you trade or receive from friends can be very special. Ones that
you find yourself are gifts directly to you from Mother Earth. If you are not
sure about the identification of a stone you find, take it to a rock shop and
ask for advice. Don't be shy, most rock hounds are happy to share their
knowledge. Whatever way a stone comes into your life be sure to clean and
prepare it for energy work. Even one that comes from your best friend should
be prepared in order for it to react more richly and fully with your own
energy.
Your own energy is the most important ingredient in gemstone feng shui. Open
yourself to the wisdom of gemstones and they will help you transform the
energy around you. Go with the flow and enjoy their magic.
RECOMMENDED TITLES BY THIS AND OTHER AUTHORS:
YEAR OF RITUAL:
Ready-made rituals for a year of sabbats and esbats, for solitaries or covens.
CUNNINGHAM'S ENCYCLOPEDIA OF CRYSTAL, GEM & METAL MAGIC:
A best-seller which focuses on the spiritual and magical properties of stones, crystals, gems and metals.
HEALING WITH GEMSTONES AND CRYSTALS:
complete guide to healing the body, mind and spirit with the aid of gemstones and crystals.
ILLUSTRATED ELEMENTS OF CRYSTAL HEALING:
This comprehensive guide shows how crystals can be used to bring well-being to all areas of life.
LOVE IS IN THE EARTH:
Melody, a scientist with Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts degrees in mathematics, presents an updated reference book describing the metaphysical properties of the mineral kingdom.
WISDOM OF THE GEMSTONE GUARDIANS:
The author's conversations with stones and their lessons on healing.
These title and others can be found at Isis Books & Gifts! With over
500 Wicca and Witchcraft book titles in stock, your sure to find one right
for you!
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