Love & Light Live Crystal Healing Podcast

Ever felt mysteriously attracted to a certain crystal or stone and wondered 'Why am I drawn to some crystals more than others?' It’s HIGHLY likely that the crystal you're feeling pulled to represents an energy that you need in your life right now.   There’s a wonderful quote by the Persian poet and scholar, Rumi, that says, “What you seek, is seeking you.” In my experience of working with people and crystals, I’ve observed this to be true time and time again.     When there's something in your life that feels like it's missing or something that really needs your focus and attention, then often there's a special stone that draws you in...almost calling to you, to support you in this work.  If you’re seeking to heal or balance some aspect of your life, a helpful crystal companion will often appear at just the right time - showing you the path to transformation and wholeness. These crystals often come into your life to help you create rapid shifts in your well-being.     For example, for the first many years of my crystal journey, I just didn't seem to connect with Rose Quartz at all. It's not that I disliked the stone, it just didn't really capture my attention and I thought it was a little boring. But after my grandmother passed away and I was processing a lot of grief and deeply missing her, I found myself drawn to Rose Quartz like a magnet. There was something so soothing and supportive about its energy and I connected with it in a very deep and meaningful way. I didn't understand for a few weeks why it had suddenly captured my attention, but then I realized how much I was missing my grandma - her support, compassion, love, and care - and Rose Quartz came to my aid to help comfort and soothe me during a very difficult time.       I often hear from people who have had these experiences and then later feel sad when their crystal “doesn’t feel how it used to” or they feel like they just "don’t connect with the stone the same way.” Does this sound familiar?   Well, in my experience, that’s because once the stone has done its job and the energy is no longer needed by you in the same way it was before, your connection to the stone (that feeling of being called to or drawn in by its energy) feels different.  It may even feel like the connection no longer exists at all.    But don’t worry!  This is a GOOD thing.     Feeling like this means most likely means that you’ve transformed and re-aligned the part of you that REALLY needed the supportive energy that the crystal was offering you. Now that you've created the needed shift, your crystal is either ready to do its thing all over again or to take a little rest. I realized after working with Rose Quartz over the course of a few months, that a time came when I just didn't feel as called to work with it as I had in the past. I was still very much grieving the loss of my grandma, but Rose Quartz had been such a helpful ally that it really helped me work through some of the toughest times. It became clear that I didn't need that same level of support anymore and it was ok to let go of my connection to my Rose Quartz companions. This didn't mean that my relationship with these stones was over because I knew I could always return to them if I found myself needing their support again.     So what should you do with your stones once the connection fades?   If you do still feel connected to the stone, even if it wasn’t as strong as when you were going through your big transformation, then you can hang onto it and keep it in your crystal healing toolkit. But if you want to pay it forward and share this energy with another person, you may like to consider giving the crystal as a gift and pass it along to someone else in need.   So, if you find yourself being drawn to a specific crystal - LISTEN! It's likely for a very good (and deeply meaningful) reason.

Summer Solstice, also known as Litha, is traditionally celebrated on the longest day of the year. Summer Solstice is associated with Midsummer and is celebrated as a time to revere and honor the Sun and the gifts it bestows to us here on Earth.

Cancer season is here! This astrological season, it's important to focus on your home and family life. It’s easy to take your family members or close relations for granted, but making others feel appreciated can go a long way to strengthening your relationships with them, especially during this time. As we dive into Cancer season (June 22 - July 23), the focus shifts to doing some of your favorite family activities or catch up on your list of things that need to be done around the house. Discover more about this special time, and some of the best crystals for Cancer season to use in your healing practice... When considering which tasks to focus on this season, consider doing more than just your regular house chores by giving your home some extra TLC. Repair broken things, replace anything that has been worn out, or even take time to add a coat of paint to freshen things up! Putting some positive energy into your home moves you into alignment with Cancer Season and the positive energy you create will stick around for many seasons to come. Working with the following Cancer-aligned stones aligns you with the current celestial energies and is an excellent way to enhance the positive aspects of this astrological phase while balancing its challenges. Cancer Season Correspondences: Dates: June 22 - July 23 Symbol: The Crab Ruling Planet: Moon Modality: Cardinal (Outgoing – related to imagination, resourcefulness, and talent) Element: Water (Click Here to learn more about working with Elemental Crystals) The Body: Stomach/Belly, Navel, Chest/Breasts, Ribs, Torso Keywords: Emotions, Family, Imagination, Peace, Tenacity Cancer Season Gifts: Creativity, Domestic Life, Empathy, Enterprising, the Home, Intuition, Inventiveness, Love, Loyalty, Protection Cancer Season Challenges: Defensiveness, Distrust, Excessive Emotions, Insecurity, Moodiness, Negativity, Over-Sensitivity, Reactivity, Shyness     Best Crystals for Cancer Season: During Cancer season, select crystals that amplify domesticity,  nurturing, and vulnerability. It’s important to note that Zodiac crystals are a little different than birthstones (more on that here). You can work with the following crystals to enhance or balance the energies of Cancer season. Whether enhancing positivity or addressing challenges by balancing out the more difficult energetic aspects of Cancer, these stones are the best companions for the celestial journey ahead.   Amazonite Amethyst Angelite Aquamarine Green Aventurine Buddstone Golden Calcite White Calcite Carnelian Chrome Diopside Garnierite Hiddenite (Green Spodumene) Red Jasper Larimar Moldavite Rainbow Moonstone White Moonstone Morganite White Pearl Rose Quartz Rhodonite Ruby Selenite Serpentine Sunstone Blue Tourmaline Unakite Top 3 Crystals for Cancer Season: Angelite: This stone supports you as you call upon your angels and guides to ask for protection of your home and family this season. Angelite can help you tap into your intuition and emotions simultaneously, allowing you to gather information from your feelings to inform your intuitive insight. This also allows you to pick up on how others are feeling so you can better support them, creating more balance and harmony in the home. Larimar: This stone is the blue variety of Pectolite and is very aligned with the watery energy of the Moon (Cancer's Ruling Planet) and with Cancer Season as a whole. Work with Larimar to let go of anything that is no longer supportive in your home, both emotionally and physically. Your inner energy is a reflection of your outer environment, so Larimar can be a great companion for you as you declutter, reorganize, and improve your space. Rainbow Moonstone: A favorite of many crystal workers, Rainbow Moonstone can be worked with during Cancer Season to enhance your intuitive insight and hone you...

Gemini season is here! This astrological season, it's important to focus on learning and new experiences. This is fueled by curiosity and the desire for greater understanding. Often, the knowledge gained during this season provides valuable lessons that will soon be needed in life. As we dive into Gemini season (May 21 - June 21), the focus shifts to being flexible and adapting to new situations. Discover more about this special time, and some of the best crystals for Gemini season to use in your healing practice...     Satisfying your curiosity often requires you to have new experiences or meet new people. This may be difficult for some (especially introverts), but the energy of Gemini’s ruling planet, Mercury, can give you the encouragement you need to try something new. You’ll likely be glad for the experience and look back at what you’ve accomplished with pride and joy.     Working with the following Gemini-aligned stones aligns you with the current celestial energies and is an excellent way to enhance the positive aspects of this astrological phase while balancing its challenges.   Gemini Season Correspondences:   Dates: May 21 - June 21 Symbol: The Twins Ruling Planet: Mercury Modality: Mutable (Open to Change – related to adaptation, intuition, and acceptance) Element: Air (Click Here to learn more about working with Elemental Crystals) The Body: Chest, Lungs, Arms, Hands, and Fingers Keywords: Adaptability, Communication, Cooperation, Curiosity, Joy, Kindness, Wisdom Gemini Season Gifts: Discovery, Empathy, Inquiry, Intelligence, Knowledge, Understanding Gemini Season Challenges: Apathy, Ignorance, Impulsiveness, Indifference, Overwhelm, Refusal to Change     Best Crystals for Gemini Season: During Gemini season, select crystals that amplify curiosity, empathy, and communication. It’s important to note that Zodiac crystals are a little different than birthstones (more on that here). You can work with the following crystals to enhance or balance the energies of Gemini season. Whether enhancing positivity or addressing challenges by balancing out the more difficult energetic aspects of Gemini, these stones are the best companions for the celestial journey ahead.   Moss Agate Angelite Blue Apatite Clear Apophyllite Green Apophyllite Azurite Celestite Chrysocolla Citrine Green Fluorite Rainbow Fluorite Hematite Howlite Red Jasper Blue Kyanite Lapis Lazuli Lepidolite Black Biotite Mica Muscovite Mica Peach Moonstone Rainbow Moonstone White Moonstone Ethiopian Opal Pumice Blue Sapphire Selenite Sodalite Golden Tiger's Eye Turquoise   Top 3 Crystals for Gemini Season: Blue Apatite: This crystal encourages you to take time to explore the world, either by traveling or by learning new things to expand your knowledge. Blue Apatite nudges you to step outside of your comfort zone. Further, it reminds you to stay present so you don’t miss out on life by dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.     Howlite: This stone challenges your beliefs about your role in the world. Howlite encourages you to be flexible and when paired with Blue Apatite it can help you keep an open mind during new adventures and experiences. Selenite: This crystal is excellent for energetic shielding and protection. Connecting with the energy of Selenite can help you feel more confident during new experiences. Additionally, Selenite helps you better understand and integrate the life lessons being shared with you during Gemini season.   Best Crystals for Gemini’s Ruling Planet (Mercury): Each sign of the Zodiac is represented, or ruled, by a planet. This Ruling Planet is the planet that is held to have a particular influence over its corresponding sign of the zodiac, house, aspect of life, etc.

Fossils can be found in nearly every part of the earth, though for some reason, they’re often overlooked by crystal healers who are perhaps lacking the knowledge of all the fossil stone benefits they're missing out on! Perhaps it’s because they often lack the bright colors and glittering, gemmy appearance of many crystals…or perhaps it’s because many crystal workers are unsure of how to work with them. Whatever the reason, it’s time to change that, because incorporating fossils into your crystal work can be deeply rewarding and fulfilling. Though the types of fossils vary, they do share a set of energetic qualities whether they're plant or animal fossils, no matter the mineral type. Individual fossil types have added properties, but all fossils share the following qualities: Common Healing Properties of Fossils:   Enhances your connection with nature and its flora and fauna Promotes journey work Facilitates access to your past life memories Enhances communication with your guides Promotes energetic protection Connects you to your ancestors (familial, spiritual, land spirits, etc.) Facilitates grounding Connects you with the energy of the Earth element     If you’re interested in developing a relationship with fossils, here are a few of my favorites to explore… Top 5 Fossils for Crystal Healing:   #1 - Ammonite Fossils for Crystal Healing Of all the fossils I’ve worked with, Ammonites may be my favorite. They’re a type of cephalopod and their spiral formation evokes a mystical quality that humans have been attracted to for thousands of years. Ammonite fossils are particularly beautiful, and the best are found in Madagascar, England, and Peru. There are various legends and folklore surrounding Ammonite fossils. For example, in England, people referred to Ammonites as “snake stones.” The story behind this is that St. Hilda of Whitby (614-680) prayed for dangerous snakes to be turned to coiled stones, in order to clear the land for a convent (other versions of the lore say St. Hilda turned the snakes to stone to protect the nuns at Whitby Abbey). People believed these “snake stones” to be holy, or at least lucky, and wore them as charms, often with a snake head carved at the end. One genus of ammonites is still known as Hildoceras in the saint’s honor. Properties of Ammonite Fossils: Promotes acceptance Facilitates spiritual journey work and inner work Enhances your connection with Goddess energy Facilitates past life recall Enhances your present moment awareness Facilitates animal communication Assists with receiving guidance from your ancestors Promotes grounding Enhances your connection to Earth energy and nature Aids in recalling your dreams or uncovering past life memories Assists in developing a regular meditation practice Learn more about Ammonite Fossils here.   #2 - Belemnite Fossils for Crystal Healing Also known as Thunderstones, Belemnite Fossils are records of a type of squid-like Cephalopod that inhabited the earth from the Triassic period until the Cretaceous period. The “cone” is the most common fossilized portion of the creature, and they’re often found in a sort of bullet- or horn-shaped fossil. Properties of Belemnite Fossils: Aids in decision-making Encourages you to take action Promotes mental clarity Assists with enhancing focus Enhances your connection to your inner voice Facilitates the process of receiving intuitive guidance #3 - Echinoid Fossils for Crystal Healing Echinoids are fossilized Sea Urchins that go by many colloquial names depending on their specific shape. According to Kenneth McNamara, some of the names used to describe them include Thunderstones, Shepherd’s Crowns, Sheep’s Hearts, Bishop’s Knees, Fairy Heads, Fairy Loaves, Chedworth Buns, and Snake’s Eggs. My favorite name for them is “Fairy Loaf” because they really do look like tiny little loaves...

Taurus season is here! This astrological season, it's important to focus on self-love and self-care. This can be something quick and simple that you do regularly as part of your daily routine this month, or it can be a deep dive into ways to heal and nourish yourself. As we dive into Taurus season (April 20 - May 20), the focus shifts to taking stock of your security and finances. Is your current financial situation supporting you? If not, what changes can you make to improve it? If so, how can you continue on this path? Discover more about this special time, and some of the best crystals for Taurus season to use in your healing practice... When you feel secure, it allows your body, mind, and spirit to relax and feel supported. So if you don’t have a stable foundation in place, make this part of your self-care practice by taking steps toward changing this situation. Working with your crystals to call in this energetic support will be incredibly helpful in making any necessary shifts. Working with the following Taurus-aligned stones aligns you with the current celestial energies and is an excellent way to enhance the positive aspects of this astrological phase while balancing its challenges. Taurus Season Correspondences:   Dates: April 20 - May 20 Symbol: The Bull Ruling Planet: Venus Modality: Fixed (Resistant to Change – related to determination, focus, and individuality) Element: Earth (Click Here to learn more about working with Elemental Crystals) The Body: Throat and Neck Keywords: Devotion, Intellect, Love, Persistence, Reliability, Responsibility Taurus Season Gifts: Calm, Cozy, Dependable, Loyal, Relaxed, Tranquil Taurus Season Challenges: Cheap, Jealous, Materialistic, Miserly, Possessive, Shallow, Stubborn Best Crystals for Taurus Season: During Taurus season, select crystals that amplify love, reliability, and security. It’s important to note that Zodiac crystals are a little different than birthstones (more on that here). You can work with the following crystals to enhance or balance the energies of Taurus season. Whether enhancing positivity or addressing challenges by balancing out the more difficult energetic aspects of Taurus, these stones are the best companions for the celestial journey ahead. Moss Agate Tree Agate Amber Green Aventurine Bronzite Carnelian Chrysocolla Emerald Fuchsite Red Rhodolite Garnet Rainforest Jasper Red Jasper Greek Kyanite Malachite Obsidianite Pink Opal Peridot Petrified Wood Rose Quartz Rhodochrosite Rhodonite Angel Wing Selenite Serpentine Pink Tourmaline Top 3 Crystals for Taurus Season: Obsidianite: This stone is the perfect crystal companion for the nurturing energy of Taurus season. It supports those who are healing a broken heart or who are working through their grief, but it can also be useful for those who grieving lost parts of themselves. If you have been neglecting yourself, or if you frequently address the needs of others at the expense of yourself, Obsidianite can help you reclaim your self-care practice. Pink Opal: This common Opal (meaning it's a potch Opal that lacks any sparkle or fire) is useful for instilling compassion and empathy. If you don’t feel deserving of love or struggle with prioritizing self-care, reach for a Pink Opal. This stone helps take action rooted in compassion (for others and yourself). Rose Quartz: Rose Quartz is connected to Taurus' ruling planet, Venus, and it exudes love. This stone helps remind you to nurture yourself. Taurus season is a great time to get in the habit of adding a few extra minutes to your morning routine for something to nurture yourself. So, even when you feel rushed or like other things feel more important, make an effort to make yourself a cup of herbal tea, spend some creative time painting or writing, or make some time for a stroll outside or to do some gardening to n...

Divination is the art of seeking knowledge and wisdom through one’s inner knowing or intuition through the use of divination tools like tarot or oracle cards, pendulums, etc. Scrying is a specific divinatory practice that can be practiced with a number of mediums from fire to crystal balls, to clouds, to water, and more — join me to explore the different ways you can practive divination with crystals... Working with crystal scrying tools, objects made from crystal that commonly feature a reflective surface like a Clear Quartz sphere or a Black Obsidian mirror, is a great way to experience the art of gazing into a crystal to receive guidance & wisdom. Scrying divination is a great way to hone your intuition. Developing your intuition helps you fill in the gaps where you don’t have all the information or data necessary to make the best possible decision. That doesn’t mean you should just follow your intuition without a second thought, but learning to trust your inner guidance, and combining that insight WITH reason and logic is far more practical than following logic alone. Performing the art of scrying divination with crystals takes patience and practice. You might need to form a relationship with your crystal tools before you start to see any meaningful symbols or images. Here are a few of my favorite crystal scrying tools and techniques to help you get started with your scrying divination practice.   Crystallomancy - Scrying Divination with Crystal Balls: Crystallomancy, is the art of gazing into a crystal ball to receive guidance and wisdom in the form of images revealed within the sphere. The energy of a sphere represents wholeness and infinite possibility and spheres emit energy in all directions. John Dee's Divination Tools & Obsidian Scrying Mirror at the British Museum Humans have been practicing the art of crystallomancy also known as crystal ball reading, for hundreds – if not thousands of years. One of the most famous crystallomancers was John Dee, advisor to Queen Elizabeth I. Dee practiced his art in the 16th century, but people still know him today for his wise counsel. He relied upon his crystal scrying tools for their ability to reveal hidden truths and offer profound guidance. The British Museum displays Dee's crystal ball and other divination tools, such as his Obsidian scrying mirror. Tips for Selecting Your Crystal Ball: When choosing a crystal ball to work with for scrying, it's important to select one that will allow you to see into the depths of the crystal. Quartz-based minerals (like Clear Quartz, Smoky Quartz, Amethyst, etc.) typically work best for this and are also great amplifiers of energy, but there are many suitable transparent stones available (like some Calcites, Fluorite, etc.). These transparent to translucent stones let you gaze into the crystal to explore the sphere’s inner landscape for symbols and images in the stone’s fissures, fractures, and inclusions. Opaque stones (like Jaspers), however, typically aren't recommended for scrying as they limit your gaze to the very surface of the stone. One common exception is Black Obsidian, which has such a glassy surface, it allows you to scry using the exterior surface of the stone, rather than the interior of the crystal…(Obsidian will be  covered in more detail in the next section as we dive deeper into exploring divination with crystals.) For example, there would be quite a big difference in attempting to scry with an opaque stone like Unakite compared one that is transparent like Ametrine. Ametrine’s transparence really lets you view into the crystal, see into the depths of the crystal, whereas the Unakite would really only allow you to view the surface of the stone which would make scrying much more difficult, particularly for a beginner. Be Aware of What You're Purchasing When Looking for a Crystal Ball: It’s also important to note here that there are many commercially available “crystal balls” t...

The elements represent the four creative energies of the universe and each has a set of archetypal energies associated with it. Getting familiar with these can help you better understand their energetic influence on you. Each element is also associated with certain healing stones based on their respective properties and energies. Let's dive into water element crystals, and discover how you can incorporate the power of water into your crystal practice... Water is a powerful ally, a companion, and a wise teacher. Water has had such a profound impact on my life... From summer walks around the pond near my grandparents' house during my childhood, to hiking the marshes near my home searching for skunk cabbages in college, to my deeply profound pilgrimage to Avalon where I connected with the Red & White Springs (which had a huge impact on my spiritual practice), water has been ever present in my life...even here in the Midwestern US! Water has held me during times of joy and deep grief, in moments of embodied presence and mystical experience.   The Water element connects you with emotions, intuition, cleansing, and love.      Keywords: Fluidity, Adaptation, Emotions, Intuition, Love, Memory, Wisdom, Reflection, Healing, Release Color & Symbol: Blue Crescent Moon or Blue Inverse Triangle Season & Direction: Autumn, West Parts of the Body: Belly, Adrenals, Intestines Zodiac Signs: Cancer, Scorpio, & Pisces Tarot Suit: Cups / Chalices (representing the emotions, intuition, love, and a mirror of your heart) Planets: Moon, Venus   Crystals for the Water Element:        Blue Lace Agate – a cooling, water element stone Botswana Agate – reminds you to go with the flow Lake Superior Agate – connects you with the energy of the water element (the life-giving source); aids you in healing the Earth’s bodies of water River Agate – helps you tap into your inner power - like a river carving through rock Amazonite – lets compassion flow like water from your heart Amethyst – connects you with the intuitive aspects of the water element Vera Cruz Amethyst – reminds you of the life-giving energy of water Aquamarine – a stone of the sea and its creatures     Brown Aragonite – helps to release the fear of water Azurite – promotes mental clarity during intuitive work Aqua Calcite – facilitates a calm mind, like a pool of still water Red Coral Calcite – connects you with the energy of the water element White Calcite – offers you space for reflection Cavansite – connects you with the energy of the sea Blue Chalcedony – reminds you to shift and change according to your present circumstances (like water filling different shaped containers) Charoite – enhances water healing practices (including H.A.D.O.)     Chrysocolla – instills respect for the Earth’s bodies of water White Coral – encourages communal tending of waterways and water sources Creedite – connects you to the energy of the water element to wash away feelings and thoughts that need to be released Dumortierite – connects you to the energy of the water element so that you are better able to “go with the flow” Blue Fluorite – connects you to the energy of the water element for cleansing, emotional healing, etc. Fossilized Echinoid (Sea Urchin) – enhances your connection to the water element Iolite – used to navigate the sea, this stone helps you find direction when you feel swept away by the current of life Gary Green Jasper (Petrified Bog Wood) – it took ages for this stone to form so it encapsulates the idea that good things take time and reminds you that you must have patience     Blue Kyanite – a powerful energetic cleanser Lapis Lazuli – helps you recognize the powerful microcosm-macrocosm relationship of the water within your body and your cells in relation to all the water here on earth

Aries season is here! This astrological season, you may feel a bit preoccupied with what others think about you. Even if you're typically grounded in more practical matters, your self-image may feel quite important to you this month. As we dive into Aries season (March 21 - April 19), the focus shifts to developing your sense of courage and inner strength. Discover more about this special time, and some of the best crystals for Aries season to use in your healing practice... Perhaps you want to put your best foot forward or make a good impression, but be aware of any unchecked self-confidence struggles or self-worth issues that are surfacing. The right crystals can help you shift your focus to courage, bravery and inner strength to address these self-worth issues head on. Working with your crystals to call in this energetic support will be incredibly helpful in making any necessary shifts. Working with the following Aries-aligned stones aligns you with the current celestial energies and is an excellent way to enhance the positive aspects of this astrological phase while balancing its challenges. Aries Season Correspondences:   Dates: March 21 - April 19 Symbol: The Ram Ruling Planet: Mars Modality: Cardinal (Outgoing - related to imagination, resourcefulness, and talent) Element: Fire (Click Here to learn more about working with Elemental Crystals) The Body: Head (Neck, Face, Crown) Keywords: Adventure, Courage, Determination Aries Season Gifts: Bravery, Enthusiasm, Flexibility, Honesty, Leadership, New Beginnings, Outgoing, Strength, Willpower Aries Season Challenges: Arrogance, Fiery Emotions, Impulsiveness, Jealousy, Rashness Best Crystals for Aries Season: During Aries season, select crystals that amplify courage, personal power, and confidence. It’s important to note that Zodiac crystals are a little different than birthstones (more on that here). You can work with the following crystals to enhance or balance the energies of Aries season. Whether enhancing positivity or addressing challenges by balancing out the more difficult energetic aspects of Aries, these stones are the best companions for the celestial journey ahead.     Apricot Botswana Agate Fire Agate Amber Bloodstone Carnelian Citrine White Diamond Yellow Diamond Red Pyrope Garnet Heliodor (Yellow Beryl) Mookaite Jasper Red Jasper Lava Rock Mahogany Obsidian Pyrite Clear Quartz Pyrite-Included Quartz Golden Rutilated Quartz Smoky Quartz Rhodochrosite Ruby (Red Corundum) Red Spinel Vanadinite Top 3 Crystals for Aries Season: Lava Rock: Lava Rock aligns well with the energy of Aries season. It provides a great boost of self-confidence, especially when you're feeling self-conscious in unfamiliar group settings. This stone helps you feel comfortable in your own skin. Lava Rock helps you draw on your inner strength to take control of any internal thoughts that may be impacting your sense of self-worth. Red Pyrope Garnet: This crystal is known for its association with courage and bravery. If you’ve been letting your focus get preoccupied with how you stack up to others rather than focusing on your own strengths and gifts, you can reach for a Pyrope Garnet to help you ditch the unproductive comparisons. Though it's natural to compare yourself to someone you know or admire, if these thoughts become unhelpful, Red Garnet can encourage you to be brave, authentic, and just be yourself. Ruby: This red variety of Corundum is filled with fiery, passionate energy. Working with this stone can help you overcome mindset blocks that may be keeping you from recognizing your true worth. This is especially useful for those in positions of leadership or for folks in the spotlight. Ruby helps you overcome negative self-thinking so you shine your inner light with confidence and ease.   Best Crystals for Aries’ Ruling Planet (Mars):

One way that I like to connect with the seasons and cycles of the earth is by tuning into The Wheel of the Year. This is a relatively new practice for me, but I'm finding the journey into exploring this way of being in flow with the seasons to be an enjoyable one!  Read on to discover how you can connect more deeply with the earth's natural cycles in your spiritual practice as you celebrate Ostara...   The Wheel of the Year can help you tune into natural cycles (similar to the Lunar Phases - but on an annual scale rather than just monthly) and helps you internalize these outward changes in nature as reflections of the growth and evolution you experience in your own life. Living in harmony with the seasons and the ebb and flow of nature helps you to lead a more soulful life and to cultivate a deeper understanding of yourself on a soul level. The Wheel of the Year helps you recognize who you are and your role in the world around you. So what is the Wheel of the Year? Separated into 8 main holidays, the Wheel of the Year is a representation of seasonal cycles that focuses on the 4 Solar Holidays of the year (also known as the quarter days). This stems from the Anglo-Saxon cultural observations of the solstices and equinoxes, with the addition of the 4 Gaelic, agrarian, seasonal celebrations (the mid-points between the solar holidays known as the lunar cross-quarter days or fire festivals). Although some of the holidays observed in the Wheel of the Year are quite old, The Wheel of the Year as a whole is fairly modern (being developed in the late 1950s). Though I don't personally follow the tradition that created the contemporary Wheel of the Year, I do find it a helpful way to think about the passage of time and what's happening in the world at each time of year. I tend to identify more with the Gaelic Cross-Quarter Days, as they stem from my ancestral heritage, than I do with the Anglo-Saxon solstices and equinoxes, but I do find value in these quarter days because they more closely align with the seasons as I observe them where I live in Madison, Wisconsin. For example, though my ancestors in Ireland and Scotland celebrated Imbolc as the beginning of Spring, I don't quite feel things awakening until the time of Ostara, the Spring Equinox, here in the United States. For this reason, these seasonal markers are important for helping me feel connected to what's happening in nature all year long, while the cross-quarter days hold more spiritual significance for me in other ways. An Introduction to Ostara: Ostara, or the Spring Equinox here in the Northern Hemisphere, is the first of the quarter days, which marks the second of the spring holidays (the mid-point between Imbolc and Beltane). Ostara is traditionally celebrated on the day of the Vernal Equinox, determined by when the Sun is directly over the earth's equator (this date may range from March 19th through March 22nd each year depending on the Sun's position). Modern Ostara celebrations stem from the contemporary Wheel of the Year, where Ostara is associated with the Spring Equinox and is celebrated as a time of new beginnings and the re-emergence of life after the depth of winter. Set up your Ostara Altar with me! Crystals for Ostara:     Green Aventurine Pink Opal Moonstone Bloodstone Lepidolite Citrine Morganite Heliodor Rhodonite Aquamarine Rose Quartz Golden Quartz Amethyst Eclipse Jasper Yellow Jasper     Ostara Signifies the Time for: Abundance Renewal Fertility Growth Balance Joy New beginnings & change Taking action Blessings Light Celebrating the return of all things green The coming of Spring Rebirth Why celebrate Ostara? Ostara welcomes in the Spring, the return of longer days, and the renewal of the land. At this time,