Gemstones, Chakras, and a Blog Carnival... OH MY!

It's that time again... Blog Carnival time!

Cindy of Devine Designs Jewelry was the lovely EtsyBlogger who chose this week's Blog Carnival topic for us all and orchestrated this carni.  Cindy gave us the following three choices to blog about:

1. April birthstone: diamond- write about it's history, gem info, whether or not you like them, or if this is your birthstone!   
2. April Fool's Day: Do you participate? Tell us about a joke you played on someone, or if one has been played on you. What do you think about this "day"?   
3. What is your favorite gemstone and why?

This time I have chosen to go with #3 and do a feature on my favorite gemstones (a couple of them ).  I am taking liberties here and also adding some Alice's Owl spin to the mix.  (What carnival wouldn't be complete without the occasional spin?)  Now... to get to business!

The Owl On Chakras:

In case you all haven't heard, owls have the reputation of being wise creatures who read a lot of books, and pass down a lot of lore and important lessons.  This seems like the perfect opportunity for me to do just that. This is the story of some very special gemstones...

One of the things I love most about gemstones are their properties.  One of the things I love most about nature (where gemstones come from) is its ability to innately heal.  Together- gemstones are like little magical healing beans we can carry around with us.  (No- not the kind that is going to grow a very large beanstalk!... this is not that kind of story...) 

I think for today's lesson I'll discuss Chakras.  Chakra healing is a type of energy healing that traditionally came from eastern traditions.  According to this idea, there are the seven power points of life force in the body.  In Sanskrit, the word Chakra means "wheel of light".  Chakra medicine and traditions originated from Hindu culture and Indian medicine... hence the Sanskrit.  Chakras are the points in the body that circulate energy, life force, or what is called prana.  Chakras are considered to be a point, or nexus, of biophysical energy within the human body.   Our chakras, we all have them, are vertically aligned in the center of our body close to the spine. (See picture below.)

                                          
Properly aligned, clear, and healthy chakras are associated with good physical, emotional, and spiritual health.  If the chakras are not balanced (unaligned or blocked) this can result in unbalanced physical, emotional, and spiritual health and dis-ease.  Gemstones are one of many tools that can help us to align and clear chakras.  Below I have outlined each Chakra, what it is known for, a few gemstones associated with it, and my favorite gemstone for working with it.  All together that makes seven favorite gemstones for today's blog carnival :-).  Can you find them all? 
            

THE SEVEN CHAKRAS AND THEIR GEMSTONES:

CROWN CHAKRA - SEVENTH CHAKRA

The seventh chakra is located above the head. This chakra links the individual with the universal. The crown chakra is the body's primary co-ordination center. It ensures a connection to universal sources of energy and with the world as a whole. A balanced crown chakra allows for expanded awareness on an emotional level.

Amethyst Slab

The color associated with the crown chakra is violet. Violet is the ray of spiritual mastery. It is a blend of red (matter) and blue (spirit) and is often associated with transformation. Often when working with the gemstones:

• Darker tones are associated with sorrow
• Deep purple symbolizes high spiritual attainment
• Pale Lilac means cosmic consciousness and love for humanity
• Bluish purple stands for transcendant idealism

All varieties of violet gemstones are used with the crown chakra.

*My favorite of the violet gemstones that are used to work with the crown chakra is Amethyst.*

Amethyst Crystal Cluster

THIRD EYE CHAKRA - SIXTH CHAKRA

The third eye chakra is located between the eyes. This chakra is associated with intelligence and psychic power.  The third eye chakra is associated with the pituitary gland, eyes, nose, ears and skeletal system.  Also known as the brow chakra, it is directly related to your senses of sight and hearing. It is related to direct perception. It is the seat of understanding that affects how we see the world we live in and how we make sense of what is being perceived. Balancing this chakra can help remove confusion or indecision and increase the ability to see clearly and make important distinctions.

Raw Cut Sapphire

The color associated with the third eye chakra is indigo. Indigo is the symbol of spiritual attainment, self-mastery and wisdom. It aids in the opening of the third eye (inner and outer vision) and opens the doors to the subconscious, so that negative elements can be eliminated and higher elements can be attained.

All the indigo gemstones (indigo, sapphire, azurite) are used with the third eye chakra.

*My favorite of the gemstones that are used to work with the third eye chakra is sapphire.*

Sapphire

THROAT CHAKRA - FIFTH CHAKRA

The fifth chakra is located at the throat, and is associated with creativity, self-expression and the search for truth. The Throat chakra is associated with thyroid gland, upper lungs and respiratory system. It allows us to communicate our thoughts and feelings. It is directly connected to the ability to express inner creativity. Both teaching and learning are affected by the balance of the throat chakra.

Lapis Lazuli

The color associated with the throat chakra is blue. Blue is the symbol of inspiration, devotion, infinity and religious goals. It produces calm and peace. The throat chakra is the focusing point of the spoken word, and the expression of feelings via communication.

All the blue gemstones - sapphire, lapis lazuli, blue topaz, aquamarine, turquoise, chrysocolla and sodalite - are used with the throat chakra.

*My favorite of the gemstones that are used to work with the throat chakra is lapis lazuli.*

Lapis Lazuli Sphere

HEART CHAKRA - FOURTH CHAKRA

Located near the center of the breastbone or sternum, the fourth chakra.  The heart chakra represents higher consciousness and love. The heart chakra is associated with the heart, thymus gland, lower lung and circulatory system.  It acts as the balance point for all the chakras. It governs our relationships and how we interact with other people. A balanced heart chakra is expressed in acceptance of self and others, personal values and ethics, following one's unique direction in life.

Watermelon Tourmaline

The color associated with the heart chakra is green. Green symbolizes harmony, creativity, health, abundance and nature. It is the combining of yellow (soul) and blue (spirit). Green, nature's color, offers new energy and revitalizes tired nerves.

All the green gemstones - emerald, green tourmaline, malachite, jade, chrysoprase, dipotase, peridot, aventurine, moss agate, green jasper - are used with the heart chakra.

Although green is the primary color used with the heart chakra, it can also be effective to use pink gemstones (such as rose quartz or rhodonite) if more softness, affection and love seem to be needed in working with the heart chakra. 

*My favorite heart chakra gemstone is watermelon tourmaline.*

Watermelon Tourmaline

SOLAR PLEXUS CHAKRA - THIRD CHAKRA

Located midway between the rib cage and the navel, this is the sense of identity. The solar plexus chakra is associated with the pancreas, liver, gall bladder, spleen, digestive system and nervous system.  The solar plexus chakra is associated with the fire element because fire provides warmth and comfort, but also can cause fear and terror. This chakra spans a wide emotional area.

Moonstone

The color associated with the solar plexus chakra is yellow. Yellow is the symbol of the mind, intellect, high intelligence and wisdom. It is a positive magnetic vibration that acts as an equalizer for irritable conditions of the nervous system. The solar plexus is the organizing brain of the nervous system and as such, is an important power center that should be kept in a perfect equilibrium.

All the yellow gemstones - topaz, citrine, yellow zircon, amber - are used with the solar plexus chakra.

*My favorite solar plexus chakra gemstone is  moonstone.*  (While not always yellow, it is a solar plexus gemstone.)

Moonstone

SACRAL HARA CHAKRA - SECOND CHAKRA

Located at the genitals, this chakra monitors sexuality and reproduction. Sacral hara chakra is associated with reproductive organs, stomach and the colon. 

Tangerine Quartz

The sacral hara chakra is associated with the color orange. Orange symbolizes energy. It is said to be a combination of red (for personality) and yellow (for wisdom). Orange integrates these to help us overcome anger and develop self control.

All the orange gemstones - carnelian, orange jasper, tangerine quartz, fire opal - are used with the sacral hara chakra.

*My favorite gemstone associated with the sacral hara chakra is tangerine quartz.*

Tangerine Quartz

ROOT CHAKRA - FIRST CHAKRA

Located at the base of the spine and groin area, this is the animal or base nature. It is also associated with taste and smell. The Root chakra is associated with adrenals, kidneys, muscles and arterial blood.

Mahogany Obsidian

The root chakra links us to the physical world, solidity and support - especially to the physical body. The root chakra is the foundation of energy.  The base or root chakra manifests strongly in the motivation to ensure personal survival by way of food, rest, and sexual expression. Spiritually, the base chakra has to do with protection of individual integrity. It is an energy center that provides a solid ground from which to establish our equilibrium in order to ascend to higher awareness.

The color associated with the root chakra is Red. Red here symbolizes life, vitality, strength and the physical nature of humankind. In nature, red represents heat, fire and anger. Rose-red is the color of universal harmony.

All the red gemstones - ruby, garnet, red jasper, bloodstone, rose quartz, coral - are used with the root chakra.

*My favorite gemstone associated with the root chakra is mahogany obsidian.*

Mahogany Obsidian Carved Owl

Hopefully you've learned a little something about gemstones and about each of the seven chakras in addition to chakra healing in this week's Blog Carnival.  I hope you enjoyed the tale of the gemstones, and discovering my favorites.  (Oh look, I kept my promise... you didn't even have to climb a beanstalk along the way!)

*A reminder as to how the Blog Carnivals work:  If something I mention intrigues you, sparks an interest, tickles you, or you just like it... leave me a comment!  We live for our comments :-).  Also be sure to check out the other Blog Carnival entries :-).  It's a whole lot of fun!