A lesson I learned: Don't screw around with picasso jasper.

[BlueIris]

I may have shared my feelings about healing stones on this forum before, I don't recall. Basically, I feel stones can be powerful agents of change, just as most metaphysical tools can be. But, I'm skeptical that some have the properties claimed by their sellers, and I think that if you don't have a "connection" with a stone, it's not necessarily going to help you with anything.

A couple of days ago, I bought some picasso jasper, which was being sold by a woman in my town whom I like a lot (speaking of connections--I didn't "click" with her at first, but now that we have--aw). Anyway, the picasso jasper was labled as something that could help unlock repressed memories and open "closed" memory outlets in the soul. The little warning sticker on the jar read: Use sparingly. But did I listen? Okay, in my defense, I am a Taurus. We have to work harder than other kinds of folks to access the "closed" parts of ourselves. What did I do, despite the warning? Carry around the jasper for a whole day yesterday. Next to my heart. I was trying to make "progress" on this journey I've been on.

Fellow posters, I had something of a vision last night--not of repressed memories or anything "closed" within myself, just something I had absolutely no idea was there. And now that I've had this vision--I've been totally freaked out all night and not in a way that makes me feel exactly wonderful. It's given me information that has potentially totally altered the one path in my life I thought was certain.

I just--I could have waited a week or so to have this vision. I might have been in a better position to process and share the new info at that point. Why, why, do I not listen to the mediums? Sigh. So, word to the wise--picasso jasper is not a toy. Use sparingly and at your own risk.

[Shine]

1. I named my son Jasper and wore it all during my pregnancy

My understanding is that jasper is a stabilizing stone...it helps the body set the stage to receive changes that will come. Prepares the way for long term change. Acts as a supplement to the body's own energies.

BTW, the name "Jasper" means "master of the treasure".

For what it's worth...

Shine

[BlueIris]

2. Hmmmm. Thanks, Shine. Makes me think of something else I did...

I also played with a piece of India moss agate this week. Talk about a freaky, change-inducing stone. Interesting, usually cataclysmic change happens when I play with India moss agate. Maybe that's what did it. Perhaps it's good that I have the jasper, then, to stabilize after this revelation. Which continues to freak me out a lot.

[Dora]

3. Interesting post. I don't know anything about stones and crystals.

Is there a book or website you could recommend?

[Sanity Claws]

4. I second the request

[BlueIris]

5. I really can't recommend any sites.

I have found that getting information about various stones off the web is a highly problematic endeavor. A lot of the sites out there are badly constructed and contain, in my humble opinion, questionable information. What I say: check out your public library and get the opinions of any sellers of stones--or users of stones---you're interested in. That's what I do. A lot of my use of stones has been trial-and-error in terms of effect (as this thread demonstrates).

[Delphinus]

6. As BlueIris said,

the library is a good place if you're justing getting started. Check out books by Melody (she's written three) and Katrina Raphael (also three). There are lots more - Scott Cunningham, Barbara Walker, Dolphyn - just to name a few. Any of your metaphysical bookstores, or places like Border, Barnes & Noble, etc., will have books you can look over.

Remember that these are just primers. I've worked with stones, using them for one purpose and find that they work on a totally different thing, as well as what their stated purpose is.

[Sanity Claws]

9. I find that stones are not that predictable

I purchased several different tumbled stones and found that my reaction is not exactly what some of the generally acceptable sources say it should be. For me, I have found that carnelian and red tiger eye to be very soothing, while other supposedly powerful stones, like rose quartz, citrine, or quartz, to have no real affect on me.
Maybe the books are not reliable. Maybe the stones' effects depend on where you are in your journey.

[Pathwalker]

10. This has not been my experience at all.

Is it possible that it may not be the result of the stone itself, but something else? Have you charged your stones, or "intentioned" them, as the books instructed? Is it possible those stones lost their charge somehow, and now don't work as well? I guess what I'm asking is - WHY do you think the stones didn't work?
Also, some of the books I have read state that matching stones to your personal (Astrological) elements is important; some stones will work better if your personal element is the same as that which the stone represents. For instance, nothing soothes me as much as handling Aquamarine(a stone that represents the ocean), which may work with me because I am a double water sign person. Do you think this might be a factor?

[Sanity Claws]

11. I've cleansed them and charged them

I've cleaned them at various times in various ways. I submerged them in salt. I put them in an epsom salts bath with me. I let them soak in soapy water.
I've charged them by placing them in sunlight a couple of times and once under a full moon.
As for "intentioning," I don't know anything about that.
Feel free to comment on my methods of cleaning and charging my crystals, as well as telling how to place an intention on the crystal.
My wild guess as to why the red tigers eye and carnelian seem to affect me while the others don't --- these two stones are both supposed to work on the second chakra. Perhaps I need to unblock energy there before I can feel the effects of the other stones.

[Pathwalker]

12. Here is a link that provides info on programming

your stones/crystals.
http://www.mooncavecrystals.com/store/agora.cgi?cartlink=info/Programming_Crystals.htm&cart_id=813946.18495*HW7mX6813946.18495


Since it is a long article, I won't post any of it, as it would only be partial, and confusing. This site also provides two other important articles from the owner; one on the dangers some stones have( one being tiger eye), and one on cleansing, which detail what methods you should avoid with certain stones. Her article on cleansing is also interesting, and says smudging is also a way to cleanse them.
I guess the only thing different from simply cleansing them is that while you're cleaning them, or placing them under a full moon, is that you "intention/program" them by placing your own energies, intentions in the stone - telling the stone what it's use will be. That kind of thing.


Here's another link with a small piece on programming.
http://www.neatstuff.net/avalon/Getting-Started.html

"Welcome to your journey of crystal healing. You found this page because you have been awakend to the possibilities that crystals will help you to move forward in your life in a positive light. It is very easy to start working with crystals and gemstones, the main thing you should keep in mind is that 'intention' is everything! With pure intention and a positive attitude you can not only heal the inner child and issues that are preventing you from being all that you can, but will also work on physical ailments as well. The first place to start is to take a close look at the crystal images I offer here at Avalon Crystals. If any of them jump out at you, it is a good sign that you need this particular crystal energy at this point in your journey. Once you decide on a crystal, you will have to do a couple things in order to use them. The first thing we must do is to cleanse the crystal of any remaining energies that it may possess. Simply take a sage or sweet grass bundle, light it and pass the stone through the smoke, I like to say something like: "May this crystal be cleansed of any energy that I do not need at this time". The next thing we need to do is to program it for our healing work. To do this, hold the crystal in your left hand, your receiving hand, and ask that this crystal be programmed for healing or whatever else you need it to do. For example: " I program this crystal to heal my inner child, to help me become the person I am meant to be". Another example is: "I program this crystal to bring me the self love that I have never had". Once your stone is cleansed and programmed it is ready to work for you. There are many ways to use crystals for healing. An easy way to start is to keep it with you in a pocket or purse throughout your day. The constant electrical vibration of the stone will be with you, encouraging personal growth and healing. At the end of the day it is a good idea to place the stone by your bed on your nightstand, this way it will work through the night as well. Of course there are many advanced crystal healing techniques, but this will get you started on your way."

I am very interested in the subject of using stones for one's spiritual journey, as I have just recently begun using them, and have found them to be very helpful and useful, so I really appreciate learning what works and doesn't work for others. Thanks for taking the time to discuss this with me. :hi:

[Sanity Claws]

13. Thanks for the links

I'll look over them this weekend.
I've also smudged the crystals with sage and incense. I forgot to mention that.
I've read a lot on cleaning and charging the crystals but never heard about setting an intention for them. Since I have so many different ones, setting intentions for each of them will certainly keep me busy.
:hi:

[Pathwalker]

7. Here are a few sites which offer the meanings, uses

of stones and crystals. Look at them and decide for yourself. FWIW, Heaven and Earth Jewelry will send you a free, large, color catalog of their products that gives the meanings of each stone. Their current catalog has the brand new "The Book of Stones: Who They are and What They Teach" by Robert Simmons and Naisha Ashian, a new very comprehensive book. For my own work I am currently using "Crystal Therapy: How to Heal and Emnpower Your Life with Crystal Energy" by Doreen Virtue, Ph.D., and Judith Lukumski. It is a much smaller book, but perfect for daily use.



http://crystalcaravan.com/gemstone_healing_properties.htm

http://www.heavenandearthjewelry.com/articles/

http://www.gemstonegifts.com/resources/healing1.htm

http://members.tripod.com/~RavenSilverwing/bos/stones.html


Disclaimer: This post is not a recommendation of any of these sites, or their products, these are just sites I thought might be helpful in providing INFORMATION for those seeking information on the meanings, and uses of stones and crystals. Enjoy!

[Dora]

8. Thanks for the links and the titles! n/t