Its Amber for August
By · Comments- Greetings
- Gratitude
- August Planetary Highlights
- Awesome Amber
- Smythe and Cross Fine Jewelry - just opened in Los Altos, Ca
Dear Friends and Family,
Summer continues to be fun filled!
I feel so fortunate to have spent some hot July days with my family in the lovely Sierras. We spent our time horseback riding, frolicking in the Mill pond, playing games and exploring gorgeous mountain lakes. Sardine, Gold, Salmon and Packer lakes to name just a few offered us something distinctly different, including fishing, boating, camping, hiking, swimming and my favorite, tadpole observing. Who knew tadpoles could be almost as large as an egg!
Twenty-month old, Granddaughter Sam (pictured here) was a complete joy and proved to be an action packed and tireless guest!
Peridot has been the traditional stone of August, but this month we will be taking a look at the beauty of Amber.
By now you may have heard about the Grand Cross astrologers world wide have been anticipating happening this month….scroll down for more!
Gratitude
Just want to take a moment here to express my gratitude to all of you who called, emailed, texted and accessed me through FaceBook over the past few weeks!
Times have been confusing and frustrating for so many and I am happy to offer insight using Astrology and the nature of the GemStones!
Thank you again for your continued support of AstroGoddess!
Now, on to this months news……
August’s Planetary Highlights
In past newsletters I have written that a rare event is about to take place. Pluto, Uranus, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, Venus, Mercury, and the Sun will square off in a pattern that is called a Grand Cross. Because all the planets will be in cardinal signs of Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn, this creates what is called a cardinal cross and will create tensions in order to bring about necessary changes in our lives!
For a genuine grand cross to take place, you need four squares and two oppositions. This cardinal cross will have ten squares and seven oppositions. In the history of modern Astrology, this has never happened before! Typically, a true cross needs all the planets to be within eight degrees of each other, these cardinal planets will all be within one and five degrees, creating an even tighter cross pattern than is necessary. Migrating planets are now ready to click into place on August 6 and 7. Astrologers are calling this the “Cardinal Climax”.
Cardinal signs bring new ideas, feeling and spirit to our awareness. Many people will be charged with emotion to make things right and others will not. How we handle this energy is a choice we will all make in our own way!
Astrologer, Mark Borax refers to us at this time as “Spiritual Outlaws” and urges us to answer these three questions:
Who are you really?
Are you the one waiting with infinite patience for the world to change? Are you the one who vowed to stay true to your love in the time before time? Are you sick to death at pretending to be something you’re not? Who are you?
What are you here to do?
Are you here to ignite the light within you as a beacon to throw off the darkness? Are you here to claim a path of creative transformation through the end time of a false civilization? Are you here to rise above meager intellects who say it can’t be done? What are you here for?
How much longer are you going to wait?
Have you run out of excuses to not be yourself or are you gonna try a few more? Are you going to let the smug lies of false experts and leaders run your life? What about the children? What further incentive do you need to soar through the rigors of incarnation as a free being.
The New Moon in Leo, August 9th, the first of three Super New Moons coming our way, gets in on the act and encourages us to answer Mark’s questions. Moon in Leo is like a “Call to Adventure”, pushing us out of the familiar and into the unknown.
Not to be left out, Mercury turns retrograde August 20 into its home sign of Virgo. Virgo wants everything done thoroughly, detailed and precisely…be sure to dot all i’s and cross all t’s during this transit. Remember during Mercury retrograde, this is not the time to sign any contracts or make any major purchases….wait until September 12 when Mercury goes direct.
The Full Moon in Pisces, August 24th , reflects all of these challenges!
With all this going on you will want to move forward and may find that it feels difficult. My suggestion here is to be aware of these opposing squares, enjoy the delays, appreciate being in the moment and know that the coming days of September will be glorious in comparison!
Awesome Amber
In Astrology, Amber is used to represent the Sun sign Leo, birthdates July 23 – August 22. Amber is not a crystal at all but fossilized tree resin (not sap), which has been appreciated for its color and natural beauty since Neolithic times. It has strong connections with the Earth and is a grounding stone for higher energies.
Amber occurs in a range of different colors. As well as the usual yellow-orange-brown that is associated with the color “amber”, amber itself can range from a whitish color through a pale lemon yellow, to brown and almost black. Other more uncommon colors include red amber, green amber, and even blue amber, which is rare and highly sought after.
Much of the most highly-prized amber is transparent, in contrast to the very common cloudy amber and opaque amber. Good quality Amber is used for the manufacture of ornamental objects and jewelry.
Amber ornaments have been found in Mycenaean tombs and elsewhere across Europe.
In healing, Amber is said to draw disease from the body and promotes tissue revitalization. Cleanses the chakras, absorbs negative energies and transmutes them into positive forces that help the body to heal itself.
Wear or carry Amber when you need to alleviate stress or rebalance the body.
Turkish fable has it that mouthpieces made from Amber prevents infection when pipes are shared. To this day it is used in the manufacture of smoking and glassblowing mouthpieces.
Amber is readily available, (which means affordable) and found in Britain, Poland, Italy, Romania, Russia, Germany, Myanmar and Dominica.
Caring for Amber
Amber is 2 – 2 ½ on the Mohs scale, indicating it to be a delicate and gentle stone. Use the following guidelines to care for your Amber:
- Avoid exposing your amber to direct sunlight.
- Always apply your perfume and hairspray before wearing the jewelry.
- Avoid cooking or cleaning your house with household cleansers while wearing an amber product.
- Store your amber in a separate jewelry case to protect it from getting in touch with other materials, this helps to prevent scratching
- Avoid ultrasonic or steam cleaners.
- Clean your amber jewelry with a mild solution of soapy and slightly warm water and use a flannel cloth.
- Polish Amber with olive oil and a soft cloth.
Smythe and Cross Fine Jewelry
Khatchig Jingirian and Pamela Purcell Smith have combined their creative energies and many years in the jewelry industry into the opening of a new store!
Knowing how hard they have both worked for the Womens Jewelry Association, I know they will put that same energy into their customers needs and desires.
Click here to read all about it!
Juicy July!
By · Comments- Greetings
- July’s Planetary Highlights
- Sarah Jessica Parkers Diamond Necklace
- San Francisco Fine Mineral Show in San Rafael
- Sierra Hot Springs
Dear Friends and Family,
Summer is here bringing us a mixed bag of goodies. Some good, some challenging. How was the June 26, lunar eclipse for you? I have heard mixed reviews but everyone seems to have felt “something”…..read on for information regarding the July 11 solar eclipse.
Regardless, it will be a bumpy ride during the next couple of months, so enjoy summers abundance when it shows up. And it does show up in so many ways…your veggie garden, water fun with the kids, a stolen hour or two reading that favorite book under a shady tree, early morning walks and yoga outside!
I have yet to see the newest “Sex and The City” movie, but I love Sarah Jessica Parkers diamond necklace…scroll on down for more about it!
Also, if you love gems or minerals and live in the Bay Area be sure to check out the first ever Fine Mineral Show in San Rafael, brought to San Rafael by the Westward folks that produce this same show in Tucson and Houston. More information below!
July’s Planetary Highlights
Big Astrology news is still developing this month including the final pass of Saturn in Virgo into the sign of Libra, July 21. Saturn tends to shake the very foundation of our comfort level and encourages us to make much needed changes! What changes do you need to make in your life? And why are you waiting?
Sunsigns in Virgo, Pisces, Sagittarius and Gemini as well as those of you with major planets in those signs can rejoice that you survived Saturns touchdown to your planet/planets the last couple of years! Saturn will be moving on giving Libra, Aries, Capricorn and Cancer some challenges until October 2012. The degrees of your planets determines when and for how long Saturn will be stirring things up!
Uranus and Jupiter are still conjunct until September 9 so here is information worth repeating from the June newsletter:
Uranus conjunct Jupiter in Aries brings exciting opportunities, crises and sudden changes. Where is Aries in your chart and what huge surprises are coming your way?
A brief description of the 12 houses:
1st House – Creative, innovative and independent.
2nd House – Money and values
3rd House – Communication
4th House – Home
5th House – Romance, creativity, children
6th House – Work
7th House – Relationships
8th House – Other peoples money
9th House – Travel
10th House – Career
11th House – Friends and family
12th House – Solitary creativity, health and healing
July 11 brings a Total Solar Eclipse with the New Moon in Cancer. A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon stands between the Sun and the Earth, cutting off the light of the Sun. A solar eclipse is always a new moon and in astrology tends to mark new beginnings.
Cancer represents Gaia, the Great Mother Earth, which births, supports and protects life. This eclipse is a reminder that this world and all that live on it are sacred. Emotions may run high on and around July 11. The Sabian symbol for this solar eclipse is “Venetian gondoliers giving a serenade; happiness as on overtone of social integration and conformity to custom”, encouraging us to trust the currents of life and to know we will be supported in our own chosen joyous path!
Contact me here for a copy of your chart.
Sarah Jessica Parker’s Necklace
The Sex and the City star has been spotted wearing a Diamond heart pendant by New York’s Stephen Russell to various press events and premieres for the film.
The antique diamond necklace features one pear-shaped yellow diamond of approximately 2.53 carats, nestled in a heart set with 12.50 carats of diamonds. The pendant is suspended from a diamond necklace, circa 1860.
Diamond history began in India, during the fourth century. In 1730, diamonds were discovered in Brazil, and shipped to India to be sold as Indian in origin, only to be worn by the aristocracy. In the following century, diamonds were discovered in South Africa and thus began the era of diamonds worn by the masses. Today, there are major diamond fields in Australia, Russia and Canada.
Diamond romance is said to have begun with the Archduke Maximilian of Austria (1459-1519), he was the first noble to give a diamond engagement ring to his lover, Mary of Burgundy.
Diamonds are found in many colors including clear white, white, black, and pale shades of pink, yellow, red, orange, green, blue and brown.
In Astrology, diamonds represent Aries, Leo and Taurus. The Diamond is known as “the king of crystals” and symbolizes the “sun” of the solar system. Said to enhance the love of husband and wife, seen as a sign of commitment and fidelity. Traditionally, the power of the diamond worked only when the diamond was freely given. This rare stone can instill the aspect of trust to relationships and can help one to manifest abundance is all areas of ones life. Wear diamonds close to the body for healing of allergies, chronic conditions and as a metabolic balancing agent.
Care and cleaning – Diamond is the hardest material on Earth, but not the toughest. It scratches only when rubbed against another diamond and will break if hit hard enough, especially up against a metal shopping cart! Best cleaning is done with a steamer or ultrasonic but a toothbrush and a bit of jewelry cleaner will do just fine.
Fine Mineral Show in San Rafael
Nestled in the small community of San Rafael in Marin County, this inaugural California Fine Mineral Show, July 9 - 11 is sure to be a hit. Located at the Embassy Suites in San Rafael, just 45 minutes away from both Oakland Airport and San Francisco International, they have a world-class roster of mineral dealers signed up for this show.
Click here for details!
Sierra Hot Springs!
If you are traveling and in need of a massage or just need some R&R check out Sierra Hot Springs in Northern California.
Sierra Hot Springs is a non-profit retreat and
workshop center located at the cusp of an
enchanted forest and a beautiful alpine valley.
Here, it is impossible to resist the overwhelming
sense of tranquility. The natural spring water is as smooth as silk, and the pools are a true experience. For almost 150 years, this land has hosted popular hot springs resorts.Within the last several years, two of the springs have been beautifully redeveloped
For centuries, Native Americans have regarded this land as a sacred healing place.
As wonderful and relaxing as its sister springs, Harbin Hot Springs, Sierra Hot Springs is worth a visit!
Sizzling Summer!
By · CommentsSizzling Summer!
In this issue:
- Greetings
- June Planetary Highlights
- Lusting for Labradorite
- Crystal Shopping
Dear Friends and Family,
The Sun is shining as I write this in the Sierras. Snow has diminished but still plentiful in the shade, with no new sightings in the forecast. Sunshine feels fabulous, folks are out and about reveling in this terrific weather!
I am spending time in a little place called Graeagle, a lovely mountain town, 40 miles out of Truckee, featuring local artists and unusual gifts. The setting is a meadow with picturesque forest views all around. With the snow melting all rivers and streams are full and rushing, trails are ready for biking and hiking. Definitely worth a trip if you are coming this way!
Summer is on its way and with it all sorts of plans are unfolding……. graduation parties, visiting family, family visiting, trips planned, time at the shore, baby showers, wedding showers…and thats just whats happening down here on Earth!
Up above the planets are happily dancing with surprises as well as battling out conflicts…..read on for the sizziling days of Summer!
June Planetary Highlights
What were you doing last week (May 29th) when unpredictable, full of surprises Uranus charged into fiery Aries? Did you feel the shift?
This is HUGE news!! Uranus takes about 84 years to complete a cycle around the Sun (hence 84 years to go through the 12 signs of the zodiac). With an average stay of 7 years in each sign, this isn’t your everyday occurrence. The last time Uranus, the planet of surprise, revolution and individuality moved through Aries was April 1927 through March 1935.
When this transition took place, it placed Uranus in a challenging aspect to Pluto, planet of transformation. This Uranus-Pluto aspect also took place during the years 1927 through 1935.
During this time the U.S. was faced with prohibition and the world witnessed the stock market crash of 1929 that ushered in a decade of economic depression. Several countries successfully fought for their independence. Political regimes and leaders offering new solutions and hope, rose to power including Hitler in Germany and Gandhi in India. Pluto, the planet was first sighted in 1930 and Martin Luther King was born.
The planetary picture is similar today…only this time with Uranus square Pluto, Uranus has the upper hand. This aspect suggests an awakening of new understandings and a significant shift in our collective consciousness.
June 7 – More news involving Uranus ……Jupiter, planet of good fortune is joining Uranus in a dance of big surprises until September 9. Uranus conjunct Jupiter in Aries brings exciting opportunities, crises and sudden changes. Where is Aries in your chart and what huge surprises are coming your way? See below for a brief description of the 12 houses.
1st House – Creative, innovative and independent.
2nd House – Money and values
3rd House – Communication
4th House – Home
5th House – Romance, creativity, children
6th House – Work
7th House – Relationships
8th House – Other peoples money
9th House – Travel
10th House – Career
11th House – Friends and family
12th House – Solitary creativity, health and healing
June 12 – New Moon in Gemini – Gemini is all about having fun and being forever on the move, but with Saturn putting up a block wall we will be forced to slow down and take a look around. The Sabian symbol for the New Moon at 22° - “Dancing couples in a harvest festival, the wholesome enjoyment of organic processes and emotional drives.”
The New Moon encourages us to take the time to celebrate the joys of living in unity and harmony with each other and this home we call Earth.
June 21 – Sun enters Cancer – Moon enters Scorpio…two water signs make for an emotional day!
June 21 – Summer Solstice – Go out and celebrate the years longest day!
June 26 – Full Moon Lunar Eclipse
Now this is when things start to heat up!
This Full Moon lunar eclipse is one of the major astrological alignments of 2010, anticipated and written about by astrologers world wide!
This Full Moon forms a Grand Cross, also referred to as a grand square with Pluto, Uranus, Saturn, Jupiter and Mercury. All within 5° of the four cardinal signs ….Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn. A grand square usually is at least four squares and two oppositions. This grand cross involves twelve squares and six oppositions, increasing challenges but also makes for unique opportunities!
Squares are about making changes and oppositions are resolved when we pay attention and apply both sides. Astrologer, Stephanie Austin “Jupiter-Uranus in Aries awakens, emboldens, and spurs us to see and do things differently. Sun and Mercury in Cancer sensitize us to our real feelings and needs. Moon and Pluto in Capricorn demand that we be responsible and claim our power, while Saturn in Virgo drives us to focus on what is most necessary and feasible. To have all four points so strongly activated at the same time heralds a crucial turning point in human history.”
These planetary events will teach us, what is real and true in our lives and what is illusion.
Where is this Grand Cross playing out in your chart?? Email here me for a copy of your personal astrology chart or for a recorded astrology reading via in person, phone or Skype!
Lusting for Labradorite
Labradorite – with it flash of color and brillance is the perfect stone to represent the planet, Uranus. Truly a jewelry designers delight!
A favorite feldspar mineral in the moonstone family. Think Aurora Borealis in stone.
The American Gem Trade Association says ”Called the “bringer of light,” Labradorite has a metallic sheen and is popular in shades of gray. It also can be black with flashes of blues and yellows or milky with golden glints. The finest material, known as spectrolite, is semi-transparent blue with strong iridescence awash in a blend of colors including green and yellow when viewed from different angles.”
Labradorite owes its name to the place where it was first discovered, the northeastern region of Canada in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The gray variety of this gem primarily comes from Canada, while yellow most often comes from Russia, and spectrolite is found in Finland. Others sources include Madagascar, India, Norway, Australia, and Mexico.
Labradorite is considered a stone of transformation. Labradorite is believed to clear, balance and preserve the aura; diminish stress; enhance intuition and psychic development; aid in subconscious issues; and provide clarity. Associated with the solar plexus and brow chakras, Labradorite is believed to help with eyesight, brain functions and digestion, aid in sleep, and improve energy.
Jewelry artist Andrea Rosenfeld of Wickatunk, New Jersey designs around gems that empower the wearer. “Labradorite offers a wealth of healthy energy including the ability to protect one’s aura, attract strength and perseverance, and enhance faith and reliance in oneself,” she explains. “On the physical end, Labradorite can be used in the treatment of disorders of the brain and to reduce anxiety. I use it in my weight loss pieces as it aids in digestion and can regulate one’s metabolism.”
Katie Diamond, a New Jersey-based designer loves the life of Labradorite. “The stone is like magic to me, it has incredible depth. It reminds me of the night sky reflecting off the ocean. From a practical standpoint, the range of color in each stone makes Labradorite a great choice for neutral but interesting everyday jewelry.”
Crystal Shopping
Last month I mentioned Lawrence Stoller and lo and behold he has now opened up a online shop.
Check out his new online store for exquisite selections in crystal pendants, crystal sculptures and hand held crystals.
Also the Great San Francisco Crystal Fair is back!
THE GREAT SAN FRANCISCO CRYSTAL FAIR
Location: Fort Mason Center
99 Marina Blvd. at Buchannan, San Francisco
Dates: June 12-13, 2010
Hours: Saturday 10am – 6pm, Sunday 10am – 4pm
Admission: $6.00 (children under 12 free accompanied by adult)
If you received this newsletter via a friend please visit my website and sign up for your own free subscription. While you are visiting my website please feel free to have a look around and email me any questions you may have regarding Astrology Consultations and/or GemStones.
Try using new tools to deal with old situations!
Embrace the new awakenings in you!
Love and Light,
Susan
Love Is In The Air!
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I really just want to curl up with Venus in Gemini and focus on love…..but with Saturn, planet of Structure, in Virgo opposing Uranus, planet of Change, in Pisces… well, if you read the paper or better yet just open your internet and there it is …the latest news….you can’t help but notice that the world seems to be rebelling.
In last months newsletter, I mentioned staying at the Yoga Farm for Karma Yoga week with my daughter Melissa. The Yoga Farm is an organic, working farm with twenty-something residents, situated on 80 acres of green…. green meadows, green rolling hills and a lovely green garden! Guests stay for any period of time, from an overnight to many months, and apparently some never leave. Those staying spend one hour a day doing Karma Yoga…this can be anything from dusting to pulling weeds. Since Melissa and I were there for Karma Week, our Karma time was four hours a day. The trade off was Karma duties for half off of the standard guest price. We weeded the garden..pulled out the old plants to make way for the new, cleaned the kitchen after the morning meal and prepared foods for the evening meal (the highlight was working with a cook who had just returned from Haiti…he had been cooking for volunteers in very cramped conditions and shared a few of his experiences), dusted the meditation hall and everything in it, dusted the yoga barn, and Melissa ironed bags of cloths, most longer and wider than herself, used for decorating the Ashram. Throw in the additional cleaning of windows, mopping floors, moving wood, unclogging sinks, and you have a good idea of how we spent four Karma hours each day.
The Beauty of Nature Inspires the Heart
April Showers Bring May Flowers!
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April promises to be a restful and rejuvenating month…well, that is until the end of the month when the drama begins…read on!
April 7 – Transiting Saturn has been in harmony filled Libra, but now retrogrades back into Virgo until July 21. Saturn is the task master and in Virgo the focus is on health care.
In Astrology, Rutilated Quartz is beneficial to the signs of Gemini and Taurus. By checking out your Astrology chart we can see where Gemini and Taurus fall in your chart and how wearing this GemStone would benefit you the most.
The end of April I will be joining my daughter, Melissa, for Karma week at the Astrology For The Real World
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March 20, 2010…Vernal Equinox, first day of Spring, the San Francisco Astrological Society, held their annual conference at the First Unitarian Universalist Church on Franklin Street. The conference, Astrology For The Real World, was well attended and well presented. Lecture topics included health, real esate, the stock market, north nodes, and relationships. The speakers came from as far as Australia and as near as the city-by-the-bay. Here are just a few of the highlights:
1.) Health and Astrology
* A family’s health pattern can be revealed by researching particular houses in the birth chart.
* Look to Pluto placement when cancer has been diagnosed.
2.) Real Estate and Astrology
*The unemployment rate in the U.S. is more like 22%…yikes!
* If you have been saving and are ready to buy a house, May 2010 is the time.
Stay away from short sales, no problem, there are plenty of foreclosures, 1 in 5 are underwater.
* Want to buy outside of California? buy land and rent back to farmers.
* Rent the documentary “Why Do We Fight?” for insight.
3.) The Stock Market and Astrology
* Use the S&P for numbers…like the big boys, the Dow is for tourists.
* Jupiter is the key player in judging the stock market.
* Fall 2010 will bring another major adjustment for the stock market, think bonds.
* Wherever transiting Venus is, is where the market is hot.
4.) Your Child and the North Nodes
* The North Nodes give insight into raising your child. For example if your child has the North Node in Libra, he/she is here to learn balance, harmony and love. This child needs to be surrounded by a loving and centered home environment.
5.) What is Astrology?
* According to Wikipedia, the word “astrology” comes from the Latin term astrologia (“astronomy”),[13] which in turn derives from the Greek noun astron (“constellation” or “star”) and – -logia (“the study of”).
* Not a belief system but a language of symbols.
* J.P. Morgan said “Millionaires don’t use astrology, billionaires do!”
6.) Conscious Relationships and Astrology
* Placement of your partners Sun in your birth chart shows what is important in the relationship.
* Possibly what you feel your partner is missing and unable to make you feel complete in the relationship is what you, yourself are missing?
There is much insight to be gained from an in-depth reading of a persons birth chart.
Please contact me for any questions regarding your birth chart.
Love and Light,
Susan
Mystic Mountains
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Spending time in the snowy Sierras was absolutely lovely. Quality time with friends…. as they say….priceless. I have to admit I have never been much of a snow girl but I know now that traveling to and fro in the snow is so much easier and fun when you have experience and the proper gear. As you can see in the photo the snowflakes were huge! Folks were commenting that this is the last big storm…these mountain dwellers are so ready for spring…me too. The end of winter is quickly approaching as well as the end of a zodiac cycle as we move from Pisces into Aries, March 20.
Pisces is a water sign….flowing water at the end of a frozen winter…..symbolized by two fish swimming in different directions. Pisces, ruled by Neptune..the Sea God…. urges us to swim into the deep and embrace the mystic experience. This is the time to go inward, spend time alone, learn to meditate, try yoga or deepen your practice. With just a couple of weeks of winter left…dive deeper!
Sitting around the dinner table in the mountains, the conversation took off onto one of my favorite subjects…GemStones. So, this fellow mentions that there is a quartz crystal mine not far from there, you can get there on a Ranger…sort of like an ATV….and he has actually seen some beautiful pieces of pink quartz crystal! I fired off so many questions…..really?…how do you get there?….can you go into the mine?..and the most important of all….can you take me? He answered…yes…when the snow melts!
Rose or Pink Crystal Quartz is found in South Africa, United States, Brazil, Japan, India and Madagascar. Stone of unconditional love…said to help bring love into one’s life, this can be self-love as well. A healing stone that helps to restore trust in relationships. Opens a broken heart to become receptive once again. Place rose quartz in the relationship corner of your home to bring love into your life and when worn as jewelry, wear over your heart.
The snow is starting to melt, so check back to see what surprises we find at the mine!
Love and Light,
Susan
Check back often to see whats new in Astrology and GemStones!
Mars Over Anacortes
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Anacortes, Washington….a lovely Gem at the tip top of Washington state. An island really, as my sister reminds me, surrounded by water, connected to the mainland by a well traveled bridge. The only other way in is by ferry or boat. A journey across the Puget Sound that brings travelers from all parts of the world. It’s beautiful here, a hundred shades of green, dense forests and views of the sea everywhere you turn. What surprises me are the sunsets. Day after day as the sun goes down, the sky lights up like a fiery ball of light. Glowing like hot lava, until the last bit of color seeps into the night. This fiery, intense red reminds me of the planet, Mars. February is the month to view Mars in our evening sky.
In Astrology, Mars rules the sign of Aries. Represented by the powerful, direct warrior of the zodiac, this Mars influence gives Aries a strong sexual and passionate side. If you are an Aries or know an Aries, you have seen this passion in action. Passion colors everything they do and follows them in every direction they turn. Red reflects the passion of Aries and its ruler, Mars.
Spinel is a wonderful GemStone to represent Mars. Spinel is found in many colors including black, blue, green, orange, brown, violet and of course, red. Below you will see an example of vibrant Spinel patially buried in Calcite. Red is said to stimulate physical vitality and strength. Necessary for the zodiac warrior!
Please email me for information about your Personal GemStones.
Next stop…California Sierras….check back for whats new in Astrology and GemStones!
Love and Light,
Susan
Road Trip!
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What is it about a “Road trip” that speaks to my soul? “Freedom of the road”, “White line fever”, “The road that never ends”, and so it goes….I love traveling! Any mode of transportation will do…Plane, Trains and Autobmobiles…yes, that was a movie, one of my favorites too.
Just pack a bag and go!
Last week my road buddy, Jeanne, and I went on a road trip to Arizona. Having traveled together for about 15 years…maybe more?…I knew with all of her Aries energy (4 planets in Aries) and all of my Sagittarius fire (4 planets in Sag) we were in for an enjoyable and fun experience! Together we have a combination of 13 planets in Fire and 6 planets in Air, making for lots of lively and animated conversation. An important combination when driving together over a period of 5 days for 20 something hours!
Our destination was Quartzside, Arizona, 20 miles southeast from the California town of Blythe. Knowing nothing about what to expect, even with the Internet… information was limited. Let this be a lesson, if the information is limited then there is probably nothing more to know. The Internet lead us to believe that this Gemshow is in the middle of nowhere with nothing else. Guess what? that is about right…one hotel…maybe two..the second one was somewhat questionable and three restaurants. But, hey, there is free 14 day parking in the middle of the desert. All you need is an RV. No hook ups, no water, no problem, bring your own!
Jeanne and I had been attending Gemshows in Tucson for 15 years. Talking with the miners in Tucson we had heard much about Quartzside…where the show really begins they said…if Tucson was the finished goods then Quartzside was the unfinished goods…rocks, boulders and geodes…straight from the mines…for years I had wanted to explore this area, meet these miners and folks who make their living mining and trading incredible stones.
Meet them we did, so many people and so many stories. Our heads were spinning with all the shapes, colors and variety of stones! Our favorite finds were the Amethyst geodes from Brazil, ranging from light to dark purple and when heat-treated a burnt orange. Focusing on the geodes we managed to fill up the car, front, center and back.
Amethyst is an powerful stone, protective and spiritual. Placed at the front door its energy guards against negativity. Calms the mind and when meditating, increases the deepening spiritual process. Opens intuition and enhances psychic gifts.I always place an Amethyst point in the circle when doing an astrological reading.
Amethyst represents the astrological signs of Pisces, Virgo, Aquarius and Capricorn. Your SunSign may not be one of these but we all have these signs represented in our astrology chart.
Where are these signs in your chart? and how can you use Amethyst to benefit your life?
Love and Light,
Susan
PS……leaving for Anacortes, Washington ….check back for whats new in Gemstones and Astrology!
Blue Moon, Blue Diamond
By · CommentsHappy New Year!
As the New Year began I found myself in a beautiful part of the world, surrounded by lovely folks, most unknown to me, explaining the term “Blue Moon”….is it blue they asked?? Looking at the photos one took the following day the Moon certainly looked blue. A wonderful sight the Full Moon is, lighting up the snow covered mountains and majestic pines. Its an old saying really, “Once in a Blue Moon”…have you heard it before?
So it goes that when there are two Full Moons in a month, such as the first one was December 1st, 2009 and the second one was December 31st, 2009 …this second Full Moon is referred to as a “Blue Moon”.
According to Wikepedia there is more to the story. A blue moon is the “extra” full moon in years that have thirteen full moons. Most years have twelve full moons which occur approximately monthly, but in addition to those twelve full lunar cycles, each solar calendar year contains an excess of roughly eleven days compared to the lunar year. The extra days accumulate, so every two or three years (7 times in the 19-year Metonic cycle), there is an extra full moon. Whew!
Working with a jewelry store client years ago, I was called on to find a Blue Diamond. This Blue Diamond was to be the focal point of a spectacular wedding ring. Natural Blue Diamonds are very rare and quite expensive, finding one in her budget was close to impossible. Would she consider another stone? so many blue stones….Sapphire, Iolite, Zircon, Aquamarine, Fluorite to name just a few. No, she insisted on a Blue Diamond. Not too large, about a half carat.
Was there a particular reason for this request, I asked. “Yes, you see I have been a widow for many years and have found myself in love with another wonderful man….and I always said that if I every fell in love again it would be “Once in a Blue Moon”!
In Astrology, the Moon represents emotions, sensitivity, and the unconscious. In the birth chart the Moon sign is second in importance only to the Sun sign. The Moon represents the feminine principle, while the Sun represents the male principal. The Moon’s placement in your birth chart reveals where you find nurturing and emotional security. In the charts of lovers, compatible Moons are one of the keys to a healthy and loving relationship.
In the present sky, the transiting Moon changes signs every 2.5 days…if you pay attention to the changing of the Moon you can feel the shift of people’s focus. As I write this the Moon is in Virgo, a time of intellectual activity…as the Moon moves into Libra tonight, relationships come into the spotlight and on it goes around the Zodiac until the Moon moves through each and every sign.
Where is the Moon in your birth chart? and how do you honor this luminary in your life?
Love and Light,
Susan
PS….Leaving tomorrow for a trip to Arizona to attend one of the worlds largest Gem shows. Check back to see what’s new in the world of Gemstones and Astrology!