Crystal of the Month: June

What is it about Summer that sends us into a frenzy? Could it be the time out school and time for vacation? Is it dreaming of laying by the pool with umbrella drinks and water fights with the kids? Something about Summer (and the smell of sunscreen) invokes happy thoughts and feelings. According to an article on Healthline.com,

"Exposure to sunlight is thought to increase the brain's release of a hormone called serotonin. Serotonin is associated with boosting mood and helping a person feel calm and focused."

This makes senses as to why we tend to feel happier once the Summer solstice occurs. Upon looking for a suitable crystal for this month, I looked up stones that are good for the Summer solstice and I decided that Carnelians were a perfect fit!

Image from Energymuse.com

Carnelian is usually sought after for it's ability to help with creativity, passion, and courage (used by the Romans for courage). This is a great stone to vibe with if you are stuck in a creative rut or starting a new project! It will help to motivate you for success and make positive life choices. In providing you with courage, the Carnelian encourages self-trust and overcoming negative conditions by aiding in clarifying perceptions. It sharpens concentration and dispels mental lethargy.

Some physical ailments the Carnelian helps with are stimulation in sexuality and fertility, back and muscle pains (rheumatism & arthritis), depression, kidney function, healing of the bones, and vitamin/mineral absorption for good bloody supply to organs and tissues.

Image from Energymuse.com

Finding Carnelians

Carnelians are typically sold in a tumbled stone or some fashion of jewelry like beads and cabachons. They aren't as easy to find as the previuos stones we have covered but most gem stores will cary them. They do also come in a raw form but I haven't seen very many for sale in stores. They are great in heart shapes and memory/worry stones. The tumbled stones are great sizes for carrying them around with you.

Energymuse.com offers great options for Carnelians HERE Appearance: Carnelians come in several hues and tones of fiery orange mixed with a milky white color or a red/brown coloring. It has a more opaque appearance rather than a translucent look. Typically seen or sold as a tumbled stone.

Associations: -Chakras: The Base Chakra and the Sacral Chakra -Birthstone: July -Zodiac: Taurus, Cancer, Leo, and Virgo -Planet: Mars -Element: Fire -Vibration: Number 5 & 6

Properties: - Emotional warmth and Harmony - Socialbility & Courage (self esteem) - Creativity & Happiness - Memory - Relieves stress - Rebirth/Reincarnation/Past life recall

*This stone was used by the Egyptians who placed them on mummies to help them in the after-life.

Care Carnelians can be very porous so limit the amount of time in water. Heat and light may alter the color of the stone. They may be cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Do not steam clean and do not boil your Carnelian. Protect carnelian from sharp blows, extreme temperature changes and harsh chemicals.

Bracelets I made with Carnelian Beads

I personally like to use my Carnelians in the form of bracelets. I like 2 make 2 so I can wear them on one wrist or both when I need more balance. Instead of practicing traditional meditation with them, I wear them while doing creative projects which for me is a form of meditation and restoration!

Artwork I did with Bailey (she swears she is the purple hair girl) using Jane Davenport stencils!

What creative and courageous endeavors will the sun and Carnelian inspire you to focus on? What creative projects have you been putting off due to fear of possible failure? Please remember, if you never try, then you are already failing. So as I always say, acknowledge the fear and do it anyway!

Please practice safe sunning! With Love, Micole Elise