Hibiscus Moon

Yep, I Made the Leap!!

2011-11-07T16:08:00.000-05:00

I couldn't take it any longer. All the hiccups & issues here. I made the switch over to Wordpress. In fact, I moved my whole site over there! AND I LOVE IT!!

Please come check me out there Blogger Buddies:
http://www.hibiscusmooncrystals.com

Crystal Grids Book Launch!!!

2011-09-06T19:57:00.001-04:00

OK, it’s officially Crystal Grids Book Launch Week complete with a Bombastic Give Away and all! Firstly, yes, you’ve guessed it…MY BOOK LAUNCHED today and is available on Amazon. I know you’re thinking “Oh good, she can finally stop yammering about the book, the book.” BUT, let me continue.;) Paperback is $12.95 and Kindle Edition is only $2.99! I am over the moon!!! And while we’re talking about “the moon”, it was EXTREMELY important to me that this book be released along with a waxing moon. Nothing else would do. So all the writer’s block, researching, frustration and hair pulling was worth it because I am soooooo freakin’ EXCITED right now! Woooohooo! Literally buzzing with energy and its so wonderful.

Oh, and here is my Official Book Launch Video:

If you can’t see a video, click here to watch it on YouTube.
If you purchase the book by midnight today (9/6), I have some snazzy free bonuses ready to be emailed to you including a 10 minute audio book on the Basics of Crystal Healing by incredible and amazing Certified Crystal Healer, Ashley Leavy and a Crystal Grids Template Package which includes simple step-by-step crystal layout instructions, lists of stones used, photos displaying how layouts should look and stone layout templates for 8 separate crystal grids. Check out the details here.

Now, the AMAZING Give Away for helping me to get the word out about my book. There’s a ton of great stuff in this giveaway including: a Prosperity & Abundance Crystal Grid, a Blue Tiger's Eye Crystal Wishing Bottle, a free On Demand video download of my very popular Basics of Crystal Healing class, a free tarot reading and 2 crystal Car Bling Pieces. Please click here for all the details & photos! In order to participate, please share, tweet, re-tweet, post, blog (worth 3 entries), do a YouTube video (worth 5 entries!) linking to my book and let me know about it on my Facebook Page. The more you share, the more chances you have to win. I will be keeping track of all entries in a numbered database and then using a random number generator to choose the winner. So exciting. I absolutely adore doing giveaways!!!

So if you’re on the fence about getting the book for yourself, you can read my free preview here. And if you want to know more about Crystal Grids and my book take a look here.

If do choose you buy it (and you like it, of course), I would be so verrrrrrry grateful to you if you gave me a review on Amazon, Goodreads, YouTube or on any site! Also Tweeting or Facebooking that you’re reading it is also so so great. And feel free to recommend it to others any time you like. :P

If you choose not to purchase at this time, you can still help me spread the word by participating in the BOMBASTIC Giveaway and/or share or tweet this blog post or sharing or tweeting my Book Launch Video. But if you ARE going to do any of those things…you might as well join in on the Giveaway, right?

Find out more about Crystal Grids: How and Why They Work here.

Thank you all for letting me gush & promote! Crystal Blessings and Happy Crystal Gridding!!! (Now it’s time for me to go make a crystal grid to make this book launch a huge success. Oprah, here I come!)

Crystal Healing to Help with the Grieving Process

2011-08-29T20:04:00.001-04:00

Sadly, as of late, there have been some people in my life who have had to endure the grieving process of losing a loved one. Its something we all have to go through at one time or another but its certainly not something we look forward to and something we can use a bit of support with. We need to remember that grief is a very normal process that we must go through after the loss of a loved one to allow ourselves to process and work through. If we don't allow ourselves to mourn and grieve properly it may manifest itself in other ways and come up unpleasantly later.

I know there is never an easy rememdy for situations such as this, but I turn to the only thing I know, and that is crystal healing.

As for crystals and stones to help us work through the process, apache tear, champagne tourmaline and smokey quartz are 3 wonderful stones to make the grieving process more bearable, easing the grief of bereavment as we go through it. I recently made up a mojo bag for a friend who lost someone very special that contained apache tears, smokey quartz, marjoram herb along with essential oils of marjoram and chamomile. If using this for yourself, you may want to do some meditations with these stones and sleep with a similar mojo bag or simply carry it with you.

There is no way to avoid the pain of loss, like I asid, it is a natural part of the grieving process. But crystals can truly help us through, emotionally supporting us and allowing us to process and work through the grief. You may want to read the very sad legend of the Apache Tears here.

What is up Blogger?!

2011-08-20T13:34:00.001-04:00

I can post & see my dashboard, but I cannot comment on any one else's post. I keep getting a message now telling me that I do not have access to post on these accounts using this account. WTH? Blogger, you really need to get it together.

A Little Peek

2011-08-17T21:00:00.000-04:00

So Progress Report. I've finally ordered my proof copy. Will be sitting down and looking for any errors (again...I don't think that ever ends) and then submitting for the final book launch! Finally! I am so scared!!! I'll need to settle on a final release date. For that I consulted my moon phase calnendar. Any day up to Sep. 12 is a good date since the moon will be in a waxing phase. I'm confidant I can make that window! Since I don't know the exact release date you can sign up to my mailing list because I will surely send out a message as soon as its available.

BUT What will happen then? We shall soon find out. I am also scared because Dr. William Tiller and Dr. Bethe Hagens have both agreed to review it (whom are both quoted in the book). Eeeeeee. That, of course, doesn't mean they'll like it. Their reviews could be scathing. We shall find that out too.

Here's the Table of Contents:

Part 1: The “What” of Crystal Grids

Introduction
What is a Crystal Grid?
Crop Grids
Energy Field of a Grid

Part 2: The “Why” of Crystal Grids

Sacred Geometry
Mother Earth’s Grid
Distance Healing

Part 3: The “How” of Crystal Grids

Intention Setting
Grid Formations
Grid Components
How to Choose Crystals for Your Grid
Activating and Maintaining Your Grid
Charging Objects in a Grid
Step by Step
Practical Grid Recipes
Resources and References

I also have a book website with lots of extras to go along with it at CrystalGridsBook.com including a preview of the 1st section! Woot!

Book News & Trailer!

2011-08-15T16:47:00.000-04:00

Comment from my book editor whose opinion I am depending on: "The book is funny, engaging and informative. I very much enjoyed reading your manuscript, and learned a lot!" Let's hope readers feel the same!

Here's the cover (if you haven't already seen it on Facebook):

...as well as the Book Trailor:

Crystal Grids: How and Why They Work will be released in paperback and e-book editions in September 2011! Wooohooo!

Wayne Gretsky, Crystals and Astrology

2011-08-08T18:56:00.001-04:00

Well, the Universe certainly arranged things quite nicely to help me with my slef publishing of my book, Crystal Grids. I've been using Catherine Ryan Howard's book Self Printed as my bible with the whole process. Just as I was expressing my fears about formatting the book with my editor Sarah, she suggested I contact Catherine to see if she knew anyone who could do it for me. Ms. Howard, the best selling author and self pub. guru? No way. But lately, I've been muttering Wayne Gretzky's famous quote to myself: "You'll always miss 100% of the shots you don't take." So I took the shot!

Well, turns out Catherine (yes, I'm on a 1st name basis now with the self pub guru) had been thinking about providing formatting as a service. From her blog: "Something funny happened to me last week, a sort of message from the Universe about what I should be doing with my time. Well, it was more like an elbow to the gut. Let’s just say I’m embarking on a bit of a new business (ad)venture, one that ties in quite nicely with Self-Printed if I do say so myself. Check back on Friday for details. For now, I shall leave you with a clue: migraine." I suspect that migraine was caused by me, but I digress.

OK, change gears, different topic. Many people ask me if there are certain crystals for certain birth months. or if crystals are aligned with certain astrological signs according to their natural properties. Now, I don't jive much with the Gregorian calandar and its respective birthstones. Not at all really. Its a calandar invented by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582 so it has no Mother Earth cyclic basis and that's where I lose interest.

I do, however follow and agree with some of Edgar Cayce's teachings and he has listed specific crystals aligned with the Zodiac signs. I feel every stone has its own properties and if that set of properties meshes well with a particular astrological sign, well, that's how they get paired up together! Some people are very in tune with astrology so, I can understand why that's a crystal concern for many.

So here's Edgar Cayce's suggestions:
Aquarius, garnet
Pisces, amethyst
Aries, bloodstone
Taurus, sapphire
Gemini, agate
Cancer, emerald
Leo, onyx
Virgo, carnelian
Libra, cat’s eye
Scorpio, aquamarine
Sagittarius, topaz
Capricorn, ruby

Do you think your respective crystal would benefit you?

My Book Cover: Your Opinion Please

2011-08-02T19:56:00.000-04:00

OK, so I have 2 basic book cover designs mocked up here. I really like the blue cover better. You have to click on them and see the larger version to fully appreciate the 3D effecton the font, etc. You all have been so wonderful in helping me so far and giving me some very valuable opinions. I am truly very grateful for your help in this process...would you please tell me which cover you like better? Any other comments are much appreciated, and as always, please be totally honest! Mwwwaaaahhhh! Crystal Blessings.

Mercury Retrograde

2011-08-01T11:22:00.000-04:00

So its the retrograde again. This time I'm looking at it as a time to renew, revamp and redo! And I truly am doing all those things. I'm getting reviews for my book so I can print them inside, I'm revamping my website and business model and I NEED to re-do something with my emotions for the last few days. This is so unlike me but I feel very unsettled. I'm not sure why, but I feel a bit scared with all I have going on, a bit uncertain perhaps. Some say its shifting Source energies. I tend to think its that. Whatever it is, I need to give it the boot! *why doesn't blogger have spell-chekcer?!*

Thank you so much for all your feedback on my last post. I really took it all into considertation and am adjusting it. OK, so here's my About the Author blurb (different from Back Cover Blurb):

About the Author
Hibiscus Moon has learned to channel her inner-geek then merge it with her serious obsession with crystals and stones, bringing her unique perspective to the world of crystal healing. As a National Board Certified Professional Science teacher, Hibiscus Moon delivers the science behind the metaphysical aspects of working with crystals. As a Certified Crystal Master and Registered Metaphysician, Hibiscus Moon speaks, teaches and writes about crystals and is the founder and director of The Hibiscus Moon Crystal Academy and has a YouTube channel dedicated to crystal healing. She resides in Florida with her husband and kitty, Topaz, aka “Topaz Panina Meow Meow”.

And here's the first cover draft. I wasn't too keen on the color spectrum for this since it doesn't really have anything to do with the subject matter of Crystal Grids:

Comments on any of this are welcome and appreciated. OK, my real name is coming off of there b/c of my job as a science teacher. 14 year olds can be nosey and mean. I have a pretty big online footprint that I don't need them following. There are other reasons as well. So, the author name will be Hibiscus Moon. I am thinking of starting to use an alias name for all of it though. Or should I just leave it as Hibiscus Moon? This indeciveness is very strange and alien for me too. Busting out the crystals to help me along!

Can I Get Your Opinion?

2011-07-27T14:45:00.000-04:00

Thank you all for your support!!! The former-mentioned rejection letter has not swayed me in the least. That was just a shot in the dark while persuing the Self Published route. And I'm still moving right along.

So! Can I ask for yoru assistnace please? For the Back Cover Blurb. Does this work?

"Have you heard of crystal grids but wondered what they are, how they work and how you work with them? Me too! That’s why I wrote this book.  This is not an airy-fairy sort of crystal healing book. Using science as our platform, you’ll explore the “how’s” and “why’s”. Through my love of “science-y” subject matter, I help explain what a crystal grid is, the sacred geometry foundation of them, their energy fields, the connection to Mother Earth’s own grid, how you can use them with distance healing work, how to set your intention, how to choose a grid formation, the components of a crystal grid, how to select which crystals to use in your grid, how to activate and maintain your grid, how to charge other objects within a grid and even some practical grid “recipes” for various purposes! This practical guide will help you to infuse crystal grids into your everyday life in a powerful way. Being practical, you’ll find this guidebook outlined with clear, basic instructions on specific crystal grids and their use."

Honest feedback is much appreciated. :)

The Rejection Letter

2011-07-26T11:16:00.000-04:00

Well, I told you, you'd be 2nd to know. The letter came in while I was on vacation. After initially telling me they were considering my book, here's the let down (why even tell me they were considering it?). I now move on with the rest of my evil plan! ;):

I've Gone & Written a Book

2011-07-25T09:00:00.006-04:00

So, I’ve decided to write a book. I’ve been writing articles and curricula for a while and have been urged by many to do this, but shied away b/c of the discipline I knew it would take…and the fact that I know that abbreviations like “b/c” are frowned upon in the all mighty book-writing world. :P (So are emoticons!!!)

So what’s this book about? Well, of course, I’m sure you’ve guessed by now that it will be about crystals. But if I wrote a book about all my crystal theories, it would literally be a brick. Plus I am always changing my theories based on new information brought to light or experimentation so I figured attacking my theories in smaller chunks was a better idea. So the book I have written is about Crystal Grids. *aahhhhhhh, angels singing*

You may notice from my blog that my writing style is a tad quirky when compared to the traditional crystal authors out there. Well, I haven’t changed that one bit. My book is no different. I was advised to change the quirky conversational tone but I can’t. This is me and this is how I roll, this is how I teach, this is how I do. If you like my communication style and you like working with crystals then you may like my book.

I took a two prong approach to this whole book writing thing. I simultaneously have submitted it to just two publishing houses: Hey House and Llewellyn. At the same time, I chose to embark on the Self Publishing route. Whichever gets me to the finish line first, wins! I was very selective with the two publishing houses I chose to submit to for a reason. I like their subject matter and style and I don’t want to go batty in the process. I’ve already heard back from Hey House; they won’t take submissions directly from an author, only from Literary Agents. No desire to hire a Lit Agent so that’s the end of Hey House. I’m still waiting to hear back from Llewellyn and you’ll all be the second to know when I do. (Hubby’s 1st). In the meantime, I’m having the book professionally edited and cover design done by a professional graphic artist. I think I’m more excited about the cover than anything else! Of course, I’ll post that here too as soon as I get it. :D

Crystal Blessings!

What Is Up Blogger?!

2011-07-14T14:05:00.000-04:00

Can anyone reading this help a sister out? I have been having issues with this site and there is no one to report to. I go to the Help Forums and its just more complaining and a lot of time wasting. I cannot see my blogroll on my Dashboard of others who I follow. I do see it but I only see one blogger with all their posts...only. I can manually switch from blogger to blogger but I am used to seeing all the latest from all of those I follow in order according to time posted.

Next issue is me not being able to comment on my own posts. Keeps asking me to sign back in...repeatedly.

Any tips? Advice? Switch to Wordpress? Noooooo.

Love Crystals

2011-07-10T11:17:00.002-04:00

I did a poll on my Facebook Page the other day asking “What kind of a crystal grid would you need most right now?” “Love & Compassion” was the winning answer with “Abundance & Prosperity” running a close send. After doing that poll, I had to ask, "what kind of love?". After all, we know there are so many types of love; I really should’ve been more specific. Some were looking for more love and compassion for others, some wanted self love, some wanted romantic love, etc.

Just to keep it general, to infuse love of all kinds into your life, I recommend lots of rose quartz. Use it in meditations, to project energy into a room, in a crystal grid, wear it or stuff it in your bra (sorry guys). I have a large piece on one of our night stands at all times along with a HUGE piece in my sacred space. If I feel that things might be tense at home I will imagine a FUN-tabulous humongous rose quartz pyramid over my house as I drive up to it from blocks away. It truly works wonders! I also like to do a rose quartz heart meditation regularly. Here’s a vid I did on that a while ago:

Rhodonite is another good one for general matters of the heart and calming too! It’s also good for anxiety, compassion and generosity. It has many of the same qualities as rose quartz (with some extra grounding thrown in) only a bit more expensive since it’s not as easy to come by. OK, hearts & love to all!

P.S. I love your comments & hope that Blogger has fixed the commenting back problems this week.

Pendulums, Pendulums

2011-07-04T13:24:00.006-04:00

Happy 4th of July!

I often get questions about pendulums, selecting one, how to use them, specific crystals used for what, etc. I’ve been getting several again, as of late so I thought I’d write a bit about them here.

There are 2 main ways to work with pendulums:
1. Energy healing/balancing/clearing
2. Dowsing, aka divining

For either type of activity, I suggest you choose the pendulum that you feel drawn to intuitively. I often talk about the pendulum I used for over ten years which was nothing more than a dog tag chain and a washer…ugly but worked GREAT! So do some experimenting and find what works best for you. Some people like to have a pendulum with all the chakra stones on it for chakra balancing and some like to use a crystal that enhances intuition if they’re using it for dowsing, like amethyst. It’s totally up to you. There is no right or wrong.

Some people have asked me why some pendulums come with such a variation in chain length. As far as I know there is no specific purpose for the chain lengths, however if you will be working on a table, say with oracle cards and a pendulum, you may look for a shorter chain so it’s more comfortable. Then again, you can always wrap up the chain a little bit to make it shorter.

I teach an online class, Sensing Energy Using Crystals and Pendulums, in which we conduct several active exercises to view and sense energy and how to use pendulums to work with that energy along with an introduction to pendulums, learning how to use them in healing work while bringing you clarity and enlightenment, how to choose a pendulum as well as how to ask your questions, what type of information to seek plus much more. One invaluable resource that I lead my students to is available to everyone online for free. It’s called “Letter to Robin” and it’s essentially a comprehensive mini-course on how to use a pendulum...better than any book you could buy on the subject.

A while back I did this post on how to use a pendulum to find lost objects and I also linked to my YouTube video on the subject of pendulums. Hope all this helps others in getting what they need out of their pendulums. I would love to hear how all of you use your pendulums!!

**Edit: I want to comment back to your comments but Blogger is very wonky since I've been back. See my post below. I can't. They really need to fix this glitch.

To Cleanse or Not Cleanse, That is the Question...

2011-06-27T10:23:00.006-04:00

Working with crystals I hear this topic quite frequently and even did a recent poll about it on my Facebook page and found some very interesting things out about what people think about this topic.

First off, if it works of you, keep on keeping on! I often hear that some believe there are a small group of crystals that need not EVER be cleansed. I hear this often of selenite, some kyanites but mostly, I hear this of citrine.

I feel that there are no crystals or stones that do not require any cleansing. At some point their frequencies will need to be readjusted, especially if they have been used for intense healing, just like any other crystal. Why would these specific crystals be any different? Citrine is quartz with some iron and heating. So is amethyst. What makes citrine so special that is would never need to be cleansed? Certain authors have written that some crystals never need to be cleansed, but to my knowledge this did not come from the ancient teachings. The crystals are just like a guitar that’s been played, after a while it needs to be re-tuned. There is nothing molecularly different about selenite or others that would not allow their energies to entrain with others at some point in time requiring their frequencies be slightly readjusted.

Some say the cleansing for these particular crystals can be skipped because they have the power to transmute negative energy. OK, that's all well and good. BUT, its Black Tourmaline does quite a good job at transmuting energies (the best in my opinion) yet no one says it doesn’t ever need to be cleansed. So it’s one of those things that makes you go “Hmmmm.” This prompted me to do a vid on the topic. I love debates and looking at other points of view so if you have any thoughts on it, please comment below. :)

Congrats to the Winner!

2011-06-26T12:59:00.006-04:00

Congratualtions to..... Dawn Ray on FB (you may send her a Congrats if you know her)!!! Sorry for pointing you all here, but its easier to put in all the details, links, etc.

I put all those who shared into a numbered Excel file and then used a random number generator to choose the winner. Winner gets 1 Clear Crystal Healing Quartz wand,
1 Pre-selected Dog or Cat Crystal Charm from AuraDog, 1 book; Crystal Healing for Animals & $20 gift certificate for any of my online Crystal Healing classes!

I'll have a Blogger Only contest soon! Thank you so much to all of you who shared and particiapted. If you'd like to stay in the loop on contest news etc. you can sign up to my newsletter here.

What are Double Terminated Quartz for?

2011-06-24T20:33:00.000-04:00

I've been hearing this question a lot lately. Basiclly, dt quartz are complete perfection!!! They've reached a terminated point to perfection on each end free from the rock matrix.

I most often use these to direct energy in 2 directions at once. This is perfect for clearing a blockage of energy between 2 chakras:

If hold one in each hand and you will notice it will actually help your meditation practice. You can use one on the third eye or the crown of your head to connect you with your higher self and to source energy during a meditation. Powerful stuffs!

Blogger Return Frustration

2011-06-24T10:56:00.000-04:00

TY you all who commented! I left cobwebs over here & didn't think any of my old buds would be around!

There is one little hiccup. Blogger keeps signing me out. I cannot comment on my own posts to respond to others. And have to sign back in each time to see my own blog. What am I doing wrong?

Suppose I'll get the hang of it again.

OK, must go work on writing for my book for 1 hour now. Yes, I must schedule these things. ;)

Here She Comes Again

2011-06-22T23:51:00.002-04:00

Just a bit over a year later...I think I'll start bloggin' again. I've got the itch. :)

Sea Turtle Finds Lost Camera

2010-06-18T11:50:00.000-04:00

I get the BIGGEST kick out of this!! Read the notes below the video on YouTube!

What's Really Happening In Grand Isle Louisiana - You Won't Believe This!!!

2010-06-16T21:46:00.000-04:00

This will break your heart. I don't like to be negative but we need to be AWARE. Please share this and boycott BP. I have to go out of my way to do so, but there must be consequences for these actions. This is no time to be lazy.

Welcome To The Matrix

2010-06-11T20:04:00.000-04:00

Solar Eclipse, Summer Solstice & Much More!

2010-05-31T10:35:00.008-04:00

Here's a blog I've recently fallen in love with and this link points to a particular post that does a great job explaining the power of a Solar Eclipse and how it acts as a sort of "micro-year" condensed in a very short period of time. Just a great post with a wealth of info.!

Here's my YT vid on how I made my Mermaid Oil for Summer Solstice last year:

So many celestial and powerful events are coming up! So first is the Summer Sosltice on June 21st at 7:28am EDT for the Northern Hemi, then a Partial Lunar Eclipse on June 26. Here's NASA's info and loacations for that event. I will be eagerly watching. :) This will all be followed by the grand finale of the Total Solar Eclipse on July 11!

_{(Photo courtesy of NASA)}

Very powerful stuff and soemthing that I don't feel comfortable messing around with myself but I do and will have my pyrite and citrine around me from the Summer Solstice on through to the Solar Eclispe. to attune my energies to these events. Here's my YT vid that explains more if you haven't seen it:

And lastly, you can catch Mercury in early June just before sunrise low in the Eastern sky. Its never far from the Sun so its hard to catch a view of this little planet. Then there's gorgeous Venus. Have you been catching it bright in the evening Western sky? It will be setting 3 hours after the Sun so its easy to view and should be the brightest object.

Crystal Blessings!

My Mermaid Obsession Begins

2010-05-22T12:28:00.003-04:00

I found this mer-story online. I love it! It had no author (author unkown). The story of the crystal mermaid: This unusual species of mermaid is mainly found in underwater caverns, though they have sometimes been spotted swimming in the Jewel river. They are a giant species, averaging 120 feet in length. Their name comes from the fragments of pure crystal and gems that seem to be embedded in various part of their body, both fish and human halfs. The amount of this natural decoration varies greatly from one mermaid to another. Some are almost void of it, while some are literally covered by crystal. Crystal mermaids are mainly known -and feared- for their voice. It's sweet, though not entrancing like other mermaids, but they possess very powerful lungs that can blast a very high frequency sonic shock wave when they "sing".

This story sounds very familiar and remeniscent of the Three Sirens that were written about mostly in Greek Mythology; Pisinoe, Aglaope and Thelxiepi, all daughters of the river god, Achelous who lived on a rocky island in the middle of the sea, possibly near Italy. They sang melodies so beautiful that sailors passing by couldn't resist getting closer to them.

Rainbow Crystals: What They Are and How to Use Them

2010-05-09T14:39:00.000-04:00

Prayer for the Gulf

2010-05-07T18:05:00.002-04:00

Someone sent this to me. I read it, meditated on it and will light a candle. Please pass it on if you are so inclined:

"With love and gratitude, I ask the Earth Spirits to hold back the oil that is threatening our shores and the animals that live there. Turn the winds and the waves to keep the oil away from the shoreline. Protect all life in the waters and on the shores and keep the Earth from further harm."

(Image belongs to NASA)

When It Rains, It Pours...

2010-05-02T13:49:00.003-04:00

Whew, been a while since I've posted. There's been a wonderful whirlwind of activity b/c I'd come back from my self-imposed hiatus with my Etsy Shop and I was very busy packing, shipping, buying more, special orders, consulting, etc. All that makes me very happy, mind you. Having a blast.

This Friday I came home from work to find my hub making one of his notorious Sagittarius biz deals on the lawn for a huge landscape redesign! Accck! I had a plan and I don't like to do things like that. But, alas, we are complete opposites. Then after this deal is almost complete, he consults me...on the spot. I left it in his hands b/c I was just too overwhelmed to deal and the whole thing has me very worried right now and feeling uneasy. I know better than to give things this kind of energy but I'm having a harder time than usual this time due to another couple major distractions.

Due to this, I totally forgot I had scheduled a wonderful One Ascension Technique with my friend Melanie. Thank Goodness she reminded me and we were able to proceed (almost an hour late). I certainly needed it.

IT seems this weekend has decided to teach me a lesson and I think its due to the One Ascension Technique. I have had a couple more very stressful situations arise (more about that possibly in another post) since Friday and I am dealing. Its certainly not the worst, but much more stress than I'm used to lately. I think the Universe is FORCING me to make some changes that will benefit me in the long run.

*Sending Healing Energy to the Gulf of Mexico*

Crystal Help for a New Job

2010-04-11T00:58:00.004-04:00

I had someone contact me for help in finding a new job a bit ago on YouTube. They were looking for a stone to help focus energy to get a job. Here was my responce to them.:

"For something specifically to give you luck with your job search, I really recommend....drumroll please....citrine! I would couple that with turquoise and tiger's eye. OR use something like a Success empowerment kit that you would keep on you at all times after you have charged it with your intentions, of course. You could have a tumbled stone of each in a little pouch. Sleep with it under your pillow and carry it in your pocket or purse. Good luck to you!"

Twilight Sky Candy!

2010-04-03T18:41:00.002-04:00

All over the world, have a looksee towards the West just at sunset. The two bright objects will be Venus and Mercury. They'll be having a close conjunction tonight and tomorrow (April 3rd and 4th)! Try not to miss it.

Earth Hour

2010-03-25T18:44:00.001-04:00

Are you participating in Earth Hour this Saturday? I wouldn't miss it for the World! (Pun intended).

Venus & Mercury Sky Candy

2010-03-21T19:07:00.005-04:00

Photo courtesy of NASA

Bewtween Mar. 28 and Apr. 12 you can look forward to an attractive conjunction between Venus and Mercury in the west-northwest sky just after sunset. April 3 will be their closest conjunction. Should be gorgeous!

Stones aligned with Venus: Aventurine, Jade, Lapis Lazuli, Rose Quartz, Sodalite, Turquoise

Stone aligned with Mercury: Topaz, Tiger's Eye, Smokey Quartz, Citrine, Amber

Vernal Equinox Sky Show

2010-03-19T18:24:00.003-04:00

Tomorrow is the Vernal Equinox for the Northern Hemi and Autumnal for the Southern Hemi. 12 equal hours of day and night everywhere on the planet. And in perfect synchrony we will also get to see the conjunction of the crescent Moon and the Pleiades star cluster, a relatively young group of stars. Start watching immediately after twilight and don't miss it because this conjunction won't happen again until 2023. Happy Viewing and Blessed Equinox!

Ceremony Update

2010-03-07T12:26:00.004-05:00

Happy Sunday! I was so taken aback at the number of people participating in our Self Love Crystal Grid Ceremony. As the comments came pouring in from both here and my YouTube channel it became quickly evident to me that we all needed a self love infusion. I was so happy that so many of you were willing to give of your energy and participate in this event. The ceremony on Friday night was magnificent. The grid was in place and activated and began at precisely 9:00pm EST. The energy was very powerful! I suspect this was due to the support I received, not only from the Universal Energy Source vibrating through the lovely crystals, but from many of you that were meditating, visualizing and focusing along with me. It is still sending out its powerful self love frequency even now. I will leave it set up for the next few days to continue to radiate its glorious energy to us all. This will now be an annual event. We can now look forward to the following year with much love for ourselves knowing we are filled with light, love and peace, treating ourselves with kindness and respect. As promised, I shared some aspects of the ceremony in a video here on my YouTube channel. Many Crystal Blessings to you all.

Self Love Crystal Grid Ceremony Reminder

2010-03-04T20:53:00.001-05:00

Crystal Bath Time

2010-02-24T21:20:00.001-05:00

I have had such an amazing response both here and on my YouTube channel for this special ceremony. Apparently, many of us need some self love right now. I am very excited to bring this to us all. The crystals being used for this grid are in their sea salt crystal cleanse (link to my video on how to do this) right now:

See that amethyst in the foreground with the orange inclusions on it? I chose it b/c the inclusion looks just like a heart. Do you see it?

After their 7 day cleanse, I will place them in one of my many sacred boxes, no one will touch or look at them until the day of the ceremony: March 5. Blessings and much love to all!

Self Love Crystal Grid Ceremony

2010-02-19T23:41:00.001-05:00

"To fall in love with yourself is the first secret to happiness." --Robert Morely

“Love is the great miracle cure. Loving ourselves works miracles in our lives.” ~ Louise L. Hay

Valentines day is over. Now its time to focus on self. One of the essentials to being happy and confidant is self love. Everything else comes from the ability to truly love ourselves, have compassion for ourselves and be kind to ourselves. Would you like to let go of negativity, self doubt, low self esteem and insecurities? No one can love you completely if you don't love yourself first. Are you simply stressed out right now and need some TLC? I know I do. Think about how there are some people whom everyone gravitates to. We say they have charisma. I often tell people when I feel their "good energy". I can feel it even via a written blog or a YouTub video. Don't doubt. The good energy frequencies are there. You can only project them if you have sufficient self-love. You can manifest healing and create self-love through the power of crystals and their energy vibrations. I would like to begin an annual tradition and hope that all of you will join me in this Self Love Crystal Grid Ceremony to recharge and infuse self love energy vibrations to us all!

In order to particiapte, simply comment below. If you would like to include your real first name, you may do so, although it is not necessary. Your screen name here is infused with your energy and already well connected to you.

I will handwrite your screen names on pieces of parchment paper and place all the names of the participants of our ceremony under the center rose quartz puffy heart in a little power-packed stack. All that energy and so much LOVE! I will then sage my working area to clear any negativity and then go into Alpha state. Rose quartz and amethsyt are the crystals of choice for promoting self love energy vibrations. I will activate the crystal grid using a rose quartz wand and infuse our Self Love intentions into the crystal grid much like I did in my Crystal Grid YouTube Video. All of our energies will be manifesting healing and a new improved level of self-love. There is no cost to you as this is a group ceremony.

So, The 2010 Self Love Crystal Grid Ceremony will be on Friday, March 5th at 9:00pm EST. The ceremony is a very spiritual and very powerful event. You may want to also perform a Self Love Meditation at the same time as our ceremony to make it all the more powerful. I will take pictures and do a YouTube video before and after the ceremony. I hope many of my lovely friends here on Blogger and on YouTube will choose to participate. Love you all for we are all one.

A Pagan Valentine

2010-02-14T11:56:00.001-05:00

I hope everyone had/has a very lovely Valentine's Day!! I did. We celebrated last night. I spent the day in a dream catcher craftshop hosted by a local native american teacher. Then came home and prepared for the evening festivities:
Thanks to Pagan Soccer Mom for the idea on the love wine spell!!

I was very dissappointed that the gift I purchased for hub this year from Shari's Berries did not arrive in time! Due to the bad weather in PA they were unable to ship in time. I have no time this year to make a handmade gift or dinner like I usually do so I was relying on them. Of course, I don't blame them for the weather, however, they gave me no provisions for what happened. They said they will just deliver the berries on Tuesday at full normal price. Well, uhhh, that's a little late. Soooooo not impressed. Maybe when the berries get here, we'll think differently.

I had this set up for hubby when he got home with the Chinese take out dinner:

L-O-V-E.

Close Encounter with Mars

2010-01-26T18:26:00.000-05:00

No, this is not that Mars hoax again. Just a reminder that Earth and Mars will be having their close encounter tomorrow, Jan. 27th. Mars will be a mere 99 million kilometers away and will look bigger through a telescope than at any time between 2008 and 2014! So try to take a look and bask in the red Mars glory. Will anyone be doing any special Mars-influenced spells or rituals for the event?

Crystal Vibrations

2010-01-23T19:41:00.001-05:00

Here was a very interesting question I recently received as a Private Message. Thought I would share the conversation here:

Q: "How would vibrational frequencies resonate pain away? While browsing...I did noticed that they actually state the vibration number of crystals, such as Black Amethyst's vibration number is 7. I'm just not sure what that means."

My reply: "In a nutshell...everything is made of energy and different forms of matter and rays of light vibrate at different vibrational frequencies. Crystals vibrate at different frequencies depending on their matter and their color (light). The next step is to learn what stones resonate at the correct frequency for what you are trying to achieve. Thankfully, much experimentation has already been done for thousands of years before us by the ancients with the art of 'laying on of stones' and they've already figured out what stones help with what needs.

This is why technology uses clear quartz crystals, b/c they operate at a very precise vibrational frequency (from Wikipedia): 'Quartz crystals have piezoelectric properties; they develop an electric potential upon the application of mechanical stress. An early use of this property of quartz crystals was in phonograph pickups. One of the most common piezoelectric uses of quartz today is as a crystal oscillator. The quartz clock is a familiar device using the mineral. The resonant frequency of a quartz crystal oscillator is changed by mechanically loading it, and this principle is used for very accurate measurements of very small mass changes in the quartz crystal microbalance and in thin-film thickness monitors.'

The vibrational numbers are a measurement of the resonance of a vibrating crystal (piezoelectric) with a very precise wave frequency. Its expressed in megahertz. Sorry to get very scienctific, but did I tell you I'm a science teacher? ;)"

Celestial Sky Candy Tonight

2010-01-17T12:22:00.002-05:00

At sunset tonight, go outside and look southwest. Jupiter and the 6% waxing crescent Moon are having an gorgeous close encounter! This a great time to do rituals related to new endeavors or projects. If you have a very clear sky (which I may not tonight) this will look especially magickal.

Mars is now coming into a nice view since its coming close to opposition (menaing its close to being exactly opposite from the Sun. That will happen on Jan. 29). It can be seen in the early evening in the Eastern sky...red object. On Jan. 27th Mars will be at its clostest distance to Earth during this event. Mars energy is strength and the energy of your personal will so I would think this is good night to do any rituals related to such. Stones that have their energy aligned with Mars are Agate, Bloodstone, Carnelian, Diamond, Flint, Garnet, Hematite, Red Jasper, Lava, Onyx, Fire Opal, Rhodochrosite, Rhodonite and Ruby.

In case you missed the opportunity to celebrate and revel in the energy of the last Blue Moon on New Year's Eve...there'll be another...according to some...on Jan. 30. Since the last one was visible in the wee hours of Jan 1st, this will technically be the 2nd Full Moon in a calendar month, so if you follow that logic then this is an upcoming Blue Moon. :)

Clearing Away Negative Energy

2010-01-12T19:07:00.000-05:00

TV's and computer screens give off positive ions, which make us feel drained and low on energy (through the induction of negative ions on us). I'm in front of the comuter way too much so I try to combat this as much as possible. If, you too, spend a lot of time in front of your computer, try placing a chunky fluorite crystal point between you and the screen and then be sure to cleanse it regularly (about once a month). This will absorb the excess positive ions, thereby releasing negative ions. After a lightning storm, most of us feel invigorated and refreshed due to all the negative ions in the cleansed air. Storms generate trillions of these cleansing negative ions which ease tension, refresh us and leave us full of energy. You can also get this feeling on a beach from the crashing of waves or in a deeply wooded forest. Another few reasons to clear away negative ions from your computer screens...its been shown that negatively ionized atmospheres increase work capacity, sharpen mental functioning and reduce error rates. That would be great for any office work space!

In addition to fluorite, you can also use amethyst and black obsidian to protect you from these negative vibes.

Does anyone else have experience with this? Please share. :)

Not Just Any New Year's Eve

2009-12-31T13:49:00.000-05:00

I know I keep talking about this, but this is just too damn exciting! My 13th wedding anniversary, New Year's Eve ushering in "twenty ten", a Blue Moon and a partial lunar eclipse all in one night. Woohoo! Yes, tonight's Blue Moon is so, so special b/c it will dip into Earth's shadow for a partial lunar eclipse in some countries. Even though I won't be seeing it here in the US the energy is still awesome for all of us! The Partial Lunar Eclipse in conjunction with the Full Moon and Blue Moon will make for a rare and powerful moment for spell casting and/or cleansing. I will, of course, be cleansing my personal crystals and stones letting them be cleared and soak up this powerful energy. Perhaps I can convice hubby to take all the crystals to the beach tonight to get the extra boost from the negative ions present there. Oh my, what a cleasne that will be! If I throw beer and/or champagne into the deal, he'll say "yes". :) Mischevious thinking while typing here.
Check out this awesome animation of the partial eclipse here. Some Native Americans refer to this Full Moon as the Snow Moon.

This was a Full Moon crystal cleanse of a few select personal crystals of mine from a year ago:

I am thinking of reopening my Etsy Shop on Jan. 4th. That will give me almost a full month of reconnecting with my customers. Unfortunately, I think I will have to temp. close again from February through perhaps April while I take some necessary coursework. Working full time, takeing 5 courses and running my crystal shop all at the same time will be totally impossible. So, I will have to take that little hiatus. Please sign up for my newsletter (at right) for updates on this.

OK, Happy New Year & Blessed Blue Snow Moon Partial Eclipse!
"And we'll take a cup o' kindness yet,
for auld lang syne."

Blue Moon

2009-12-29T22:16:00.000-05:00

For the 1st time in 20 years there will be a Blue Moon on New Year's Eve, which also happens to be my wedding anniversary. :)

There are several definitions of a Blue Moon, but today's most common one is the 2nd full moon in a calendar month and since that doesn't happen too often, it tends to refer to something that happens rarely. So Happy New Year and Enjoy!

Crystal Balls

2009-12-27T23:00:00.002-05:00

I know you may automatically think of a gypsy-type psychic with her crystal ball in a dark room. However, not everyone who uses a crystal ball is a gypsy or psychic. Some just like to appreciate its beauty as a display piece in the home or garden. Some prefer them to just diffuse their energy into a space. Others, however, do like to use them for divination.

Not too long ago, a very good customer of mine asked if the manmade lead crystal balls were any less effective for divination than a natural clear quartz crystal ball. As far as the leaded crystal balls go, they aren't "bad", just not nearly as powerful as a pure quartz crystal ball created by the Earth. However, a pure quartz crystal ball is usually quite expensive, but well worth the price if put to good use and used properly. They're priceless and very powerful objects, unmatched by a leaded crystal ball.

A Little Gift for Me

2009-12-27T21:28:00.000-05:00

This is Topaz. She moved in right after I lost Krypto. I mean right after. I've had her almost 2 months now. She's a love. :)

Low Energy/ Low Motivation

2009-12-23T14:00:00.000-05:00

OK, I need to get off of the 'puter and get motivated to take a shower and get on with my day. I took my carnelian pendant off and my energy is back down again. Not sure what is going on. So I'll be carrying a large carnelian stone with me today and hope that infuses me with energy to stay! Then again, I read somewhere that this may be part of my birthday cycle. That I will stay unmotivated until after my birthday when my energy will be at its peak again. I hope this is the case. I usually don't feel this lazy!

Sky Show Tonight & Winter Solstice

2009-12-20T17:56:00.001-05:00

Don't miss the beauty tonight at sunset. Jupiter and the Waxing Crescent Moon will be side-by-side in the southwestern sky! Jupiter is at about the 10 o'clock position to the Moon. Here's a map.

All day, I've been wishing everyone a Merry Winter Solstice thinking it was today. *slaps forehead* It's tomorrow. I'm happy about that actually. :) This weekend was a wash for me. I just laid around, got very little done. Nothing in the way of housework or my to-do list. I just read, PJ'ed, watched movies and slept a lot. I really needed some decompression time I suppose. I am going to wear my carnelian pendant for a few days to re-energize myself. *note to self*. I have lots to get done (and want to do) just for fun while I am off from work so time to kick into high-gear!

GEMINID METEOR SHOWER

2009-12-14T20:09:00.002-05:00

Did you catch it? I forgot to post about it. Shoot! Last night the Earth passed through a stream of debris from a now extinct comet: Phaethon. This comet is the reason for the annual Geminid meteor shower. Looking towards the constellation of Gemini, you should have been able to catch a glimpse of 100 or so meteors per hour. The shower actually peaked last night and this morning. Oh well, hope you caught it.

I Really Shoud Be Writing Holiday Cards

2009-12-02T21:30:00.003-05:00

...but I had to post this. A customer of mine sent me this message regarding her pendulum:

"by septlady profile shop contact

Hello, I know this is probably unusual,but I ordered a amethyst pendulem from you awhile back and thought you might like to know that I have had the most wonderful results with it!

To begin, my Uncle lives on a sailboat in the carribean. He is very good at keeping in contact with my mother by email. About two months ago she quit getting emails from him. She was on the verge of contacting the Coast Guard to do a welfare check on him. I had a map of the area he was supposed to be in and I used my pendulem to locate him. By my reading he was in or near San Blas. I contacted my Mom and told her what I thought. Two days later she forwarded me an email that my Uncle had sent her, and sure enough in this email he said that for the last 3 days he had been anchored in San Blas!

"After you left a spent a few days in Portobelo filling fuel, water, and making one more grocery run. I bought some lettuce and tomatoes and am still having salad for lunch every day or so. Then I wandered back toward the San Blas, spending a couple of days in Linton. For the last few days I have been hanging out in the East Lemons and eating on Mr G's island. Last night we had a lobster dinner for 5 dollars. There were about 20 people there, including the crew and owner of a 120 foot megayacht."

Just wanted to thank you for your wonderful product and I will surely be ordering from you in the future!!

Blessed Be,

Septlady
2 December 2009 1:28am EDT

by hibiscusmoon profile shop

Hi SeptLady!

Thank you so much for senidng me this story. Its amazing. I am so happy to hear this. This is also a testimonial to your skills and gift, as I'm sure you already know. I just did a blog about using a pendulum in this very same way. Would you mind if I posted this on my blog? Not to worry if you do mind. I completely understand.

(((HUGS))) to you and many blessings,
Hibiscus
2 December 2009 7:38pm EDT

Hello again!

I would not mind at all if you posted my message. As for my "talents" I credit most of the results to your product. This was only the second time in 8 years of learning my path that I actually tried any type on divination.

Thanks again.
Blessed Be

Septlady
2 December 2009 9:25pm EDT

How cool is that?!

Pendulums

2009-11-26T09:22:00.000-05:00

I was recently asked how one can go about using a pendulum to find a lost object b/c she had lost a stone.

Here was my reply:
"Hi There,

Yes, to find lost objects simply walk around your house and ask the pendulum if you are close or not, hot or cold, just like the game. :)

As far as losing your stones and crystals, that happens with crystals. When their work with us is done, sometimes they up and leave and end up with whoever needs them next. That's the nature of crystals. I've had them do it to me. That's something you just have to accept so if you don't find them with your pendulum, know that the crystals felt they were needed elsewhere and were satisfied that you did get what you needed from them.

Crystal Blessings,
Hibiscus Moon"

My video on how to use a pendulum:

Crystals for Traveling & Journeys

2009-11-21T16:46:00.003-05:00

I'm often asked about which crystals will protect you while traveling. Now, traveling an be a trip to the grocery store or flying across the Pacific. I like to keep a pouch of protective crystals selected for his specific purpose in my and my DH's cars. When we fly, we bring these pouches along with us too. They include:

Feverfew leaves: a protection herb especially known for protecting travelers.
Amethyst: good for overall protection and mental balance, but especially known for protecting travelers.
Smokey Quartz: good for survival instincts and offers protection by dissipating negativity.
Black Obsidian: good for protection and intuition.

You may find these in my Etsy shop.

Do you do anything special for traveling?

So She Does Hold Water

2009-11-13T18:46:00.004-05:00

First of all, THANK YOU to all the outpouring of concern and sympathy for the passing of Krypto. I am truly blessed to have such a caring community here. With all the postive and loving energy that was sent my way, I was sent...ahhem...a cat. She pushed the door open as soon as we returned home from the vet w/o our beloved Krypto. Who sent her? Hmmmm? I'm not normally a cat person so we'll see where this goes. She has an appointment with our vet tomorrow.

So the big Space-Geek News today is that it has been confirmed that the Moon does indeed hold water. This is HUGE. "Multiple lines of evidence show water was present in both the high angle vapor plume and the ejecta curtain created by the LCROSS Centaur impact," says NASA's principal investigator Colaprete. "The concentration and distribution of water and other substances requires further analysis, but it is safe to say Cabeus holds water." Cabeus is a known crater of the Moon's. How cool is that?

My Krypto Has Passed

2009-11-08T10:50:00.010-05:00

I know the energy that goes into caring for ailing animals all too well. You may remember that back in May I lost my Mylo. Well, I just lost the physical embodiment of my last dog, Krypto, on Saturday. My heart is very heavy and raw right now, but healing. I know he has moved on before me into the spirit realm and he is waiting there with my other 2 dogs' spirits. He is pain free and very happy now. I know this but it still hurts.

Here is video of Krypto just a week and a half ago. He had an "up" day and everything was "coming up hibiscuses".

Krypto was a strong-willed, independent black lab/pit bull mix. We adopted him when he was 2. He lived to be 14 years old. He was a mischievous, naughty teenager and then a lovely laid-back adult that dealt with two silly dalmatians and modeled how to behave and how to just chill out. He was infinitely patient and directed the activities in everything that they did without being bossy or mean. He was never mean to anyone, EVER, except when he needed to protect my meek dalmatian, Floyd. He always greeted me with a kiss and then went off to do his thing. He loved to roll on his back in the sun with a huge laughing grin or a tennis ball in his mouth. Sweet, patient, strong and independent. Krypto, I'll see you on the Rainbow Bridge when I cross over. I love you.

Monday Night Planet Show

2009-10-25T19:05:00.002-04:00

Keep your eye on the stars (look to the South) when the Sun sets Monday night. Jupiter & the Moon are having another gorgeous meet-up. Try not to miss it~!

I'm having a blast getting into the spirit of Halloween tonight. I have The Shining on the TV, retro Halloween Radio station on courtesy of Pandora and my Pumpkin Spice Yankee candle burning while I pack up my shipments tonight. All I need now is to dip into my Halloween candy. 3 fun size bars won't hurt the stash too bad, right? Oooo, The Monster Mash just came on!

Tattoo Removal

2009-10-24T17:21:00.006-04:00

So I went for my 4th tattoo laser removal treatment. No, I'm not removing the whole thing. Long story located here.

Here's a pic I took before my 4th treatment today:

This was the before I started the process last January for comparison:

Its a very long, slow process. Waiting 12 weeks or more between treatment. Painful too. Uggggggh. That's all I have to say. I have so many new pics to take for my Etsy shop of amazing new crystals and pendants but I'm all taped up and icing the tattoo so it won't be happening this weekend.

We're going to an amazing local haunted house tonight and then to Smokey Bones to cash in a Free appetizer coupon I got. Yum! I also really want a red wine or Sangria with fresh oranges if they have it. If not, I MAKE MY OWN!

Aurora Alert!

2009-10-18T11:40:00.006-04:00

Early yesterday morn' an area on the Sun's southern hemisphere erupted, hurling solar wind in our direction. Not to worry, this happens all the time and that's what our EM field protects us from. If you live in the high latitudes of our planet (alas, I don't), you should be able to view some amazing auroras on Oct. 19th or 20th when the CME (Coronal Mass Ejection) arrives. :) If you get to see them please report back! I would love to one day see an aurora.

I Now Have Citrine

2009-10-15T19:25:00.000-04:00

To visit my Etsy shop click here. :)

Want to Carve?

2009-10-14T19:58:00.001-04:00

Happy Halloween! Carve the Pumpkingreat free widgetsWidgetboxMore info

Mini Vacation

2009-10-08T22:21:00.001-04:00

Headin' over to the Gulf for some decompression time. See you all next week. *waving*

Science Geek Post

2009-10-07T11:46:00.002-04:00

Sorry for geeking out on you here, but you know I can't help it. This is exciting geek news!!! NASA's LCROSS spacecraft and its booster rocket will hit the Moon on Friday morning, Oct. 9th, at about 4:30 a.m. PDT! This amazing double-impact will be broadcast live on NASA TV. I hear you will be able to view this best from the Northern Hemi. in the US west of the Mississippi with a backyard telescope. (B*tches! That leaves me & my telescope out.) NASA is searching for frozen water with this event and this is the first time "we've" been back to the moon (in a sense) since 1972~!

Here's a wonderful animated preview of the impact.

Harvest Moon

2009-10-02T19:53:00.004-04:00

Tomorrow night's full Moon, ah---the Harvest Moon, which is always the full moon closest to the northern autumnal equinox (Sept. 22). Back in the day, the farmers used to depend on the light of this Moon to gather up the last of the ripening crops, way late into the night. So enjoy your Full Moon. I will be doing a Full Moon cleanse with all of my crystals and stones.

How Do You Treat Your Crystals?

2009-09-27T23:39:00.008-04:00

Just a quick thought about crystals...for those of you that love them like me. How do you treat them? Set them on display and never give them another thought? Carry them around with you and change them out depending on what you need? Use them for healing? Reiki? Meditating? Locked away where no one can touch? There are no rights or wrongs here. There are just so many ways to use them and I thought I would just put it out there and see how everyone likes to use theirs? Or do you not use them at all?

When you work with crystals you may find that some become your friends, like my large rose quartz chunk. I feel a genuine love from this crystal and I love it. Yes, I'm a Kook, but who cares (its funner that way)! Now some friends will stay with you forever and some may leave you because you have just grown apart. With crystals, they sense when you no longer need them and they tend to find a way to move on to help others. I had a clear quartz crystal point do this to me recently. I don't know how it picked up and left, but it did. Do you have any crystals jumping out to hang out with you today? Pay some attention to them. There might be one over there that you've been ignoring. You may catch a flicker of light off of it or feel its energy as you move your hand over it. Choose it. Hang out with it and see what happens. :)

Homemade Hot Oil Hair Treatment

2009-09-27T23:39:00.004-04:00

Here are the ingredients that I use:

Boy, does this stuff work! My hair was feeling very dry from a bout with birth control pills about 6 months or so back ('nuther story). So it was way overdue for this treatment. Whenever I can, I like to make my own products. Mix the ingredients together to your liking. 10 drops or so of the essential oil and then I heat this up in a plastic container (anything...even an empty soda bottle) in some hot water. Rub it into your hair pre-shampoo, just not on the roots. I leave it in for 3-10 minutes then shampoo my roots (I never shampoo my hair shaft). Rinse everything out. Condition as normal. My hair is so soft!!! Worked like a charm. :)

Pee Pee Cube

2009-09-14T20:12:00.004-04:00

If you love space and astronomy like this big space geek, then you'll get a kick out of this as I did. A huge frozen Pee Pee Cube:

C'mon, you know you can't resist!

Gratuitous Plug

2009-09-04T19:15:00.005-04:00

Mars Hoax

2009-08-27T21:48:00.003-04:00

Don't fall for it! Today is the day for the annual Mars Hoax email to make its rounds. That Mars will be its closest ever...yada, yada, yada. It's pure bull! This started because about 5 years ago it did happen and it was AMAZING...but it still wasn't as big as that hoax email purports it to be. Anyway, if you want to read more, click here. :)

Vote for Pluto and Pumpkins

2009-08-23T10:30:00.003-04:00

I keep reading on other blogs that fall is in the air...not here in S. FL. 90 degree days and hot as ever. Don't get me wrong...I love it here, but I wanted to get in the mood a little for the 2nd harvest, Autumn Equinox a little early so I added the pumpkin theme to my blog here. :) Hope you don't mind.

About Pluto, I think this is so cute: The Pluto Petition. Now agree that Pluto is not a plant, but this is just too fun. I like to read the other petition responses too, like this one:

from Shana M. Buck, home school teacher:

"Our family (two parents, 8 kids) vote for Pluto to keep its planet status -- for now! But here's a thought: Why did astronomers vote on this now, instead of after New Horizons reaches Pluto? Isn't it kind of -unscientific- to make bold declarations as to whether Pluto is or is not a planet, knowing that a plethora of new scientific data about Pluto and Charon will most likely be on the way back in just 8+ years? I'm glad to see that scientists are just as prone to dumb decision making as the average person."

Did You Catch the Sky Show This Morning?

2009-08-17T21:59:00.004-04:00

I woke up so early today, not my normal thing, nor my most favorite. I walked outside with my dog, Krypto at about 6:15 am. It was twilight on Aug. 17th. I looked to the East and I saw Venus and the waning crescent Moon beautifully close together, so bright. Did you see them? They say that the International Space Station (ISS) made an appearance, too, but I missed that. I've yet to catch the ISS.

Your Opinion Would be Greatly Appreciated :)

2009-08-15T15:18:00.001-04:00

I need your help in deciding what to stock up my Etsy store with next. I go crazy when I go to my crystal/stone connection. I start running around everywhere saying "oooo, I like this" "oh this is calling to me" " oooo,sparkly" like a chicken w/ my head cut off. LOL. Don't get me wrong. Its tons of fun. I love it! That's why I deal with rocks, crustals and stones. I am a born rock hound, through and through. As a science department chair I have a special lab that I get to select and purchase from so I know I was meant to do this.

So , I need some focus and direction here. If you were going to buy 2 stones, crystals or related items what woudl they be and why? Not to worry...this is not a hint or promise to purchase anything! I just need your honest openion and feedback to help me make my next purchase for my shop.

Would you like larger clusters? What kind? Hwo about spheres? These are black amethyst, BTW.

Those seem real popular right now. How about a stone pendent? What type of stone or crystal? More points? Fluorite seems very popular right now too? Selenite? Hmmmmmmm? What?

Thank you so much for your input. It is greatly appreciated. If interested in viewing my Etsy store, you can click through on the Etsy banner ad on the right. :)

Curing Allergies with Local Honey

2009-08-14T21:00:00.003-04:00

Can it be done? I am embarking on a little experiment. Take a look at my video if you're interested. Do you have any experience with using local honey for this purpose? Let me know what you think.

Perseids Tonight?

2009-08-12T16:48:00.002-04:00

OK, peeps. I saw nothing last night. I searched at all hours. Then again it was hazy, I have mega city lights to combat and the moon was very bright. How about you? Did you see them?

We have another chance tonight. When it gets dark, go outside and look for meteors. Apparently, Earth is still inside the debris stream of Comet Swift-Tuttle so the Perseid meteor shower is still active! NASA claims that the show could be better tonight, Aug. 12th, than it was last night. For my sake, I hope so. You can start searching immediately after sunset. Good luck!

Heal and Cleanse your Heart Chakra

2009-08-10T21:20:00.003-04:00

Here's a video I did on how to do a Heart Chakra Meditation using stones and crystals.

I sell the chakra kits to do these meditations, should you be interested, here: http://www.hibiscusmoon.etsy.com

Perseid Meteor Shower Update

2009-08-10T16:07:00.004-04:00

You'll want to look for some preliminary "Earthgrazers" tomorrow night, Aug. 11th, between about 9:00 and 11:00 pm local time!

The Earthgrazers won't be numerous so try to catch them. If you see one, you won't soon forget it!

_{Photo credit: Credit: S. Kohle & B. Koch from http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2009/10aug_horseflies.htm?list758067.}

Meteor Shower Alert!

2009-08-07T18:51:00.004-04:00

Do you know about the Perseid Meteor Shower? It comes 'round every year. This year's Perseid meteor shower should be even better than usual! This is due to a filament of comet dust that has drifted across Earth's path. When we (Earth) pass through it, sometime between 4 - 5 am EST on August 12th, the Perseid meteor rate could surge to twice its normal value. Its estimated to be at 200 meteors per hour on peak nights, Aug. 11th and 12th! Take a look at this map looking to the NorthEast to get your bearings for where to look:

Map credit: http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2009/31jul_perseids2009.htm

BTW, have you been admiring Jupiter hanging out in the vicinity of the Full Moon as she rises lately? I wish my telescop had the right lenses to look at it! Those lenses have been on my want list to DH for far too long. ;)

In Business :)

2009-08-05T23:14:00.005-04:00

I told you I had something brewing away for a while. My Etsy shop for selling stones and crystals is up and running. Yay! Wooooohooooo! I am very excited to start this venture on the Corn Moon. :)

Hibiscus Moon's Etsy Shop

Creativity

2009-08-02T21:43:00.005-04:00

This post is "prompted" by Pagan Blog Prompts. How does your creativity level relate to your spiritual path? Have you gotten more in touch with your creative side because of your journey (perhaps out of necessity for ritual items)?

The level of my creativity has been completly amped up since becoming more involved in my spiritual beliefes and especially since celebrating sabbats. I've always been creative and go through phases of doing a bunch and then doing nothing. I feel that I have been steadily more creative than usual since being more involved with my spirituality.

In addition, my creativity has lit a fire under me to start selling healing stones and crystals online. Many of you know I have a huge love and knowledge base to pull from when it comes to rocks, crystals, stones so its a venture I'm going to try out. I've been researching that and building up my stock of stones. Creative wheels have been turning.

Here's a batch of some new tumbled stones I got taking their 7 Day Cleanse.

Passion Flower

2009-07-26T11:03:00.004-04:00

Look at this passion flower we found growing on a vine near our house yesterday. Just look at it:

Are those gorgeous or what? They look they're from outer space. I picked a few and took them home. This is a passion flower from the vine that grows passion fruit. There are more varieties here. I think that is the most intersting flower I've ever seen. :)

She's Here

2009-07-24T17:41:00.005-04:00

I received my mermaid card that I won from Maygreen Fairies today. I posted about the contest a little while back. Bridgett and I won. Yay for us!

It can be really cool being part of the blog-o-sphere; where we get to participate in cool little things like this and, from time to time, find whimsical things in our email or mailbox or be exposed to creators of magical items. Makes being on the Internet really fun!

I LOVE this Book!

2009-07-19T20:53:00.004-04:00

I posted this as a response to one of HedgeWitchMagic's videos on YouTube, but, as always, I thought that I should also post this here in my blog since I really love this book!

As a science teacher, whenever I see, hear or read about Paganism or metaphysical subjects being backed up by scientific evidence and knowledge, my geek-brain shouts for joy! That's why I like author, Laurie Cabot, so much. Although, she's not what I'd call an academic-style writer. I just happen to know enough about the science that she discusses to know what she is saying checks out, but lay people might not know that. Although I'm not always looking for empirical evidence when it comes to my Pagan beliefs, a good scientific reference is always much appreciated.

I would like to recommend a great academic-style book called Paganism: An Introduction to Earth-Centered Religions by Joyce and River Higginbotham. They cite their sources and have an extensive bibliography in addition to mentioning a lot of science that backs up much of their writing. The book is also required reading for several university religious studies classes. OK, beyond the boring stuff, if you would like a book explaning the many branches of Paganism, here's your book. It also explains what role magick plays in Paganism and, of course, how science plays its role in it all. Its a book that really makes you think. Amazon has much better reviews than any I could give so take a look if you're interested:

Last Quarter Moon Last Night

2009-07-15T20:35:00.006-04:00

Just to be a pest, I kept asking my DH last night "Where's the moon? Have you seen the moon?" He responded throughout the pestering with "No, no." "Leave me alone about the moon." "What is your fascination with the moon tonight?" Teeheeeheeee.

At about 1:30am (I think) my DH wakes me up out of a dead sleep and says in a weary voice. "Remember you were bugging me about the moon all night?...There it is. In that window where I've never seen it before. That is so gorgeous." (My DH usually pays no mind to the moon or any other celestial object.) He was taken aback.

She was very low in the Eastern sky, boldly uncluttered, staring at DH through an open window facing him head on, lying on her side and lighting up his view. Neither of us have ever seen her there in that place and so centered in that window. It was just wild! :D

My View on the Afterlife

2009-07-10T19:36:00.005-04:00

Just my 2 cents here...feel free to debate, comment or disagree. I totally enjoy conversations like these even if they're online. As long as it stays civil, I do not mind disagreement in the least because my beliefs are never set in stone and although they may be right for me, they may not be right for all. My beliefs morph and change depending on new ideas and new information that may come to light. So please do comment on your thoughts! Again, this was prompted by a YouTube response that I made and another blog response that I kind of edited and merged and thought..."hey, this belongs on my blog".

As far an afterlife and what I believe in...I believe in a collective consciousness (or unconsciousness). Science is starting to actually prove that such a phenomena actually exists. This was presented to me as I learned about Quantum Physics, String Theory, the postulating of various scientists such as Werner Heisenberg,
John Stewart Bell and Richard Feynman, etc. I think that we can and do tap in and out of the collective consciousness at any time (while physically alive or after)...going forward, backward, experiencing anything, all and nothing all at the same time. I think this is what accounts for deja vu and can explain why some very gifted psychics can see certain things. What I'm not too sure about is whether we experience the "afterlife" as an individual entity or does our "soul/spirit" or energy merge with and become part of a greater entity and lose our individual perspective? I've always wondered about that.

As far as what the afterlife "looks" like, I don't think our energy will experience things in the "afterlife" with the same senses we use here in our physical life. So I don't think we will actually be "seeing" in that way, but I do think it will be all about perfect and absolute love. What do you think?

Mead Moon

2009-07-06T23:49:00.003-04:00

So, is the full moon tonight or tomorrow night? I have conflicting data on this, but according to NASA its tomorrow, so I'll go with that...although tonight's moon looks really full and gorgeous. The full moon closest to the summer solstice is known as the Mead moon, which is tomorrow night's event when we should raise a glass of mead to the Moon. Mead is not so easy to make so any other ideas out there? What are you doing for the Full Moon?

Tomorrow's full moon is also notable because its a "penumbral lunar eclipse", however, we will not be able to see it so I'm not getting too excited about that. I already posted why here.

Happy Full Moon Gazing!

Sacral Chakra Meditation Cleansing

2009-07-03T12:37:00.001-04:00

Another video I made on cleansing your sacral chakra using stones:

OK, These are Just Too Freakin' Cute!

2009-07-01T18:52:00.003-04:00

Would you like to be bottled up as a witch, mermaid or fairy? Well, Maygreen Fairies creates bottles that do just that and she's having a contest to give away 2 of these. I entered and requested I be bottled up as a mermaid. :)

Lavendar Sunsets...a bit of Science

2009-07-01T17:12:00.005-04:00

Have you been noticing lavender sunsets as of late?
You can chalk that up to the amazing eruption of the Sarychev Peak in Russia in the Kuril Islands (erupted on June 12). This info and awesome pic were posted by NASA. The International Space Station was directly above it when it erupted and they got that amazing shot! As usual, the ash and gases in the stratosphere have traveled and are now causing beautiful lavender sunsets across parts of the northern USA and Europe. Yay for those of you who can catch a glimpse. If you are lucky enough to be at a latitude that can view this (not I) pay attention to the horizon when the sun goes down, look for feathery "ripples of white" and then you should see the sky slowly change to a lovely shade of violet-lavender. Let me know if you do catch a glimpse. :)

Check this out! A first ever close up of a sunspot and it looks remarkably like a Sun Flower. How cool and neatly intertwined is that?

Balancing My Root Chakra

2009-06-29T23:40:00.002-04:00

Posted this on YouTube, forgot to cross-post here.

Just one way of many. The video I use is located here. I highly recommend it. Should I do more chakras? Let me know what you think of this meditation technique if you do it. I LOVE working with stones. Geology was one of my Masters courses and definitely my fav.

Sinus Soup

2009-06-29T20:44:00.006-04:00

I've had sinus blockage, post nasal drip and sinus headaches for about 12 years now. I have tried everything to no avail. Well...wait a minute...I did do something that I think worked, but it made me very unhappy. I want gluten-free for about a month and my sinus drainage and headaches almost disappeared, but I was depressed b/c I love to eat and to go out to eat and being gluten-free puts a serious damper on it. I've been to every kind of doctor; holistic as well as Western traditional. None of their suggestions worked to my liking.

Anyhow, I read in one of my herb books about a "sinus soup" and taking Zinc and Vit. A to regrow the cilia in my sinuses. I am taking the supplements so I'll have to wait a couple months to see if that is working. I'll let you know. I tried the suggested sinus soup, which is minestrone super-pepped up with red pepper flakes, fresh ginger, extra garlic and onion, black pepper and horseradish. I tried it and it temporally cleared me out a bit, but no lasting effects from it. I think its meant more for someone who does not have severe and chronic sinus problems and just needs temporary relief.

Some major chopping was going on in my kitchen:

So does anyone have any tried and true suggestions for severe sinus trouble? I know Serena over at Dream with the Fishes is a fellow sufferer. Can you share some of your favorite remedies, please?

Upcoming Eclipses

2009-06-25T19:51:00.006-04:00

Regarding my previous post, I think I have figured out a way to get this reading to you and I know Amy won't mind since it will allow you to see how talented she is. The only thing I could do, since its such a monster-sized file, was upload it to this service that I found. The only catch is that it will cost you 1 penny through PayPal. Sorry about that, but it won't let me set it up for "No Charge". Plus this will give me a chance to see if this works for a new venture I may try (being that the Universe has given me the "green light"). The recording is about an hour and a half long that starts with a very informative intro. regarding the eclipses. You can fast forward to the section that discusses how all 3 eclipses will affect your sun sign and your rising sign, so you'll want to know what those are. She begins with Aries and goes in order on the zodiac from there. You hear me discussing with Amy at the end our ability to see the eclipses from my vantage point here in Florida and her explantation of that.

Hope it works! If you download it please come back and let me know what you think.

I did some investigating on the ability to see these eclipses and found that the lunar eclipses are relatively weak ones. They won't be visible to the human eye anywhere and I believe this is due to where the moon will be at the time of the eclipses. The solar eclipse is a total one and that's exciting and will be viewable from various spots in Asia. Click here to see precisely where. Doing spell work during eclipses is tricky and the energy can be described as "wild" so really do your homework with that and be careful.

Astrology...Not Really My Thing...But

2009-06-25T00:17:00.009-04:00

As I said in a previous post, one of my goals was to attend some sort of metaphysical or pagan event once a month. Tonight I attended this one entitled ECLIPSES of July and AUGUST 2009:
AS ABOVE, SO BELOW. This was something different for me because I don't usually follow astrology. I consider myself an expert with astronomy, big difference. I LOVE stones too and know a lot about them both scientifically and metaphysically speaking, but this class was outside my box. Something drew me to it though.

Anyhow, there are 3 eclipses around the bend this summer; 2 lunar and one solar. You may be able to see them depending on where you are located on the planet. Check here to see if you will be within the umbra or penumbras. This very accomplished astrologer who conducted the event tonight explained that the month of June is the first time this year that we are not in some sort of planet retrograde pattern influence. So June is the first time in 2009 that you have a "green light" to go ahead and begin new projects, ventures, careers, etc. So many have been sensing change (I don't sense these things...wish I did) and mentioning it so I thought I would throw this insight out there since it really helps to explain this shift that many of you are feeling.

She did a section for every astrological sign and she specifically followed the Tropical Zodiac (for those in the know). Mine and my DH's signs seemed spot on. Her name was Amy Vilkers and this is her website if you would like to contact her. She's amazingly accurate. I was giddy when I left, took great notes and she emailed all of us a recording of the event. I would give you all a listen but I cannot figure out how to upload it to Blogger. I cannot email it b/c the file size is 65MB. If anyone knows of a good way to give you access to download it I would be happy to do so.

Off the Pill and Feeling Fine

2009-06-22T17:50:00.008-04:00

You may (or may not) remember this post regarding my quest for alternatives to "the pill" for my fibroids (sorry if there are any men cringing out there). I wanted to let you know that I found a combination that seems to have regulated me, greatly reduced the cramps and lightened my flow. :)

This daily mix is what has worked for me so far:
Evening primrose oil
Stress B Complex
vitamin E tocopheral
Fish Oil
Flax seed 1-2 Tbsp/day

This was a recommendation from Dr. Weil's website which has a handy little Vitamin Advisor. Granted, I didn't buy all the vity's through his site since his do tend to be on the pricey side. I did get Dr. Weil's Evening Primrose Oil formula through another discount vitamin outlet and the rest I got there as well, just various brand names but all high quality, pharmaceutical grade. The quality of the vitamins makes a big difference. OK, just wanted to update you on that in case it may help someone else.

BTW, we're having record high heat here in Florida: 96 with high humidity and no rain for over a week...very unlike a Florida summer. We usually have a daily afternoon shower that cools us off and makes it more comfortable. The AC is kickin' today.

Annoying update on the book....nobody who claims to have it on their site, actually has it...except for Amazon with the hefty price tag. Except I know that Cynthia was able to snatch one up from one of the sites I recommended when I thought I had mine already on its way. Good for you, Cynthia! As for the figurine, despite all you bad, bad, bad influencers *wink* I stayed strong, bit the bullet and did not buy her.

I Got It!

2009-06-12T10:41:00.005-04:00

~~Thanks to all your wonderful advice, I searched and I found the book here for $18.33 including shipping! Its on its way. Yay. :)~~

This site has it too. Just contact them about the shipping. There seems to be a little glitch that makes it look higher than it is.

Edit: I stroke what I wrote in the 1st paragraph up there b/c I just got this email from them even though I checked the status beforehand: "Thank you for your order and interest in our website. Unfortunately, the book "Midsummer" is no longer available to us. Thus, we regret that we have cancelled your order and deleted your personal information so it will remain secure. We are terribly sorry we cannot provide it for you." I trust that I can still get it from the second site. The owner emailed me twice today regarding the shipping glitch so I am assuming he checked first and made sure the book was indeed in stock. I know some of you were interested as well so I'll keep you posted.

Summer Solstice...Obsessing

2009-06-11T11:42:00.013-04:00

When it comes to the Sabbats, I get totally immersed in them. I also have really fallen in love with most of the Sabbat books that you can find corresponding to the Sabbats. I say "most" because the one widely available for Winter Solstice: Yule: A Celebration of Light and Warmth, is really disappointing...as I have noted on my review that I wrote for Amazon.

Anyhow, here's my obsession. I really want the one for Summer Solstice, titled Midsummer: Magical Celebrations of the Summer Solstice. Its received excellent reviews....but...although I've been eye-balling it for a while, apparently its out of print and the used price was always hovering around $40. I cannot pay that for a book. Can I? Well, I checked on it again...the obsession creeping up on me and since the solstice is looming near the price has crept up to $60.00. Case in point:

I checked Barnes and Noble hoping for a better price...they have 1 copy available at $190.00! Oh my. I need to just stop thinking about this book. Perhaps if/when it gets back down to $40 I will need to just jump on it. However, I see a good book writing opportunity here for someone who knows the sabbat well and likes to write and research. Hmmmmm?

Lisa (Hi Lisa: *waving*) asked for the zucchini bread recipe, which I made yesterday b/c I had an over-ripe zucchini that I needed to use. Here it is and its relatively healthy, makes 1 loaf:

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 large egg
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup sucanat (you can use regular sugar instead or brown sugar...to your liking)
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cups chopped zucchini w/ skin on
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

DIRECTIONS
Grease (with butter, mayo or Crisco) and flour a 8 x 4 inch pan. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Sift flour, salt, baking powder, soda, and cinnamon together in a bowl. Beat egg, oil, vanilla, and sucanat or sugar together in a large bowl. Add sifted ingredients to the creamed mixture and beat well. Stir in zucchini and nuts until well combined. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on rack for 20 minutes. Remove bread from pan, and completely cool. Enjoy!

Answers to Pagan Prompt

2009-06-10T15:42:00.005-04:00

Mrs. B has the new Pagan Prompt up. You may find it here.

I pretty much answered most of these questions in a recent post of mine: My Path. But I thought it would be a fun, quick little post to give short but sweet answers to these great questions.

What brought you to the pagan path? My countless spiritual and scientific questions.
Do you feel that you were always on it, even before you knew what it was? Yes, definitely so.
Were you raised as a pagan? No, not at all.
Did you know any pagans growing up? Not officially, although my Sicilian grandmother and great aunt (they were sisters) exposed me to many Strega traditions.
At what age did you finally consider yourself to be a pagan? I was Pagan/Spiritual from my late teens but didn't know what it was officially called. I learned that what I believed was formally called "Paganism" in my late thirties. I also go by "Spiritual".
What religion were you raised? Roman Catholic

I have so mush science and spirituality swimming in my head right now since I am re-reading a book; Paganism. As I read it, reminders pop up of other things I've read in other books that happen to reinforce each other so I end up cross referencing, highlighting, dog-earing the pages them and I feel like I have a whole new book in me to write, but, alas...I HATE to write long drawn out things (a nasty side effect of earning my Masters and my National Board Teaching Certification). So I don't know what I'll do with that info.

Now I'm off to eat my fresh-baked zucchini bread and then go work out. :)

Dyad Moon & Morning Meteors

2009-06-06T12:46:00.006-04:00

How was your Dyad Moon last night? I enjoyed it for a few minutes while just communing silently with her. I didn't cleanse my crystals this time since they had just had a 7 day cleanse. The Dyad Moon is supposed to be when all meet their opposites in perfect balance and in perfect harmony...you know...opposites attract, its a time to find balance. I'll be paying more attention to that the next few days.

And now I must get geeky. Early June brings with it some early morning meteors: The Arietid Meteor Shower. Its unusual because these are daytime meteors; you'll find them pretty close to the Sun. Best time to take a look is just before dawn. If you're up and around you might see them skimming the top of Earth's atmosphere. They should be long, colorful, and very, very pretty. This is cool...you can listen to live radar echoes from the Arietids here: http://spaceweatherradio.com . Click here to find out where to look...sky map.

I'm out of school/work for the summer, back to cold-process soap making, readying for the Summer Solstice and beefing up my work out.

Crystal Cleansing

2009-05-27T20:49:00.008-04:00

I have cleansed my crystals before using running water or bathing them in the light of a Full Moon, but I felt that they have never been properly cleansed until I started using this method recommended by The American Indian: Secrets of Crystal Healing. This book is amazing. It teaches how the Apache and Cherokee tribes care for and use their crystals, all backed up by scientific research...you know how I am about that! Many people don't realize the science behind the power available from crystals (more about that in another post) so this book teaches how crystals can be used incorrectly and can even be dangerous when not used in the proper manner. For instance, placing crystals on chakra centers is particularly dangerous when several are used at the same time.

OK, back on track here. So this is how I went about with cleansing. This is where I keep my crystals when not being used for one purpose or another (which I still need to get a red cotton cloth for...book explains why):
Box Open:

What I needed to do the 7 day crystal cleanse:

Note to DH to not mess with the bowl!

Sunday, Sunday

2009-05-24T23:35:00.007-04:00

Last Monday I attended a Crystal Meditation at a local New Age store. It was my first crystal meditation in a group and it was amazing. It was just what I needed after the hard weekend I had just had. I was in the perfect place at the perfect time. I really needed my chakras balanced. I did a chakra meditation on my own a couple times using one of these (can't remember which one it was), but the one I did Monday was so good b/c I'm not very good at meditating on my own, although I keep trying. I plan on attending one group event a month from one of 2 local new age shops. This feels very spiritually fulfilling to me right now.

I took 3 naps today. I feel like taking another one now....wait a minute, that would just mean going to sleep for the night. LOL. I think I really needed the sleep today. It was raining hard on and off too so it was perfect. I got some of housework done some how in between as well: scrubbed the soap layers off the glass shower doors in 2 bathrooms, folded several loads of laundry, went grocery shopping and cooked up a pork chop dinner.

Oh, in between my naps, I watched "The Day the Earth Stood Still", the recent remake of the 1951 film, not that I ever saw the original.
It was OK. The premise of the movie has Keannu Reeves playing an alien sent to save the Earth...from the humans that are destroying it. Keannu is so good at playing roles where no emotion is necessary. ;) However, his character said a line that resonated with the scientist in me: "Nothing ever truly dies. The universe wastes nothing. Everything is simply, transformed." I tell this to my students all the time quoting the "Law of Conservation of Energy". I love it when science meshes neatly with the spiritual like that. That seems to be happening more and more often now.

I also squeezed in watching a show about the Crystal Skulls today. Amazing artifacts, those are.
Hmmm, I spent $41.53 food shopping for the week and saved $51.54 using my coupons. Weeeee. That $41 included a 20 lb. bag of premium dog food too! I get so excited about my grocery shopping trips and the money I save.

Light at the End of the Grieving Tunnel

2009-05-22T19:23:00.007-04:00

OK. Feeling better now. I am at peace with the fact that Mylo is free of his suffering, he lived a wonderful long physical life (15 years) and he is very loved.

I rescued him at about 5 years old and we had 10 fun years with him. He and my other rescue, Krypto, got along famously and were partners in crime. He was breathtaking to look at; an oversized, glowing white dalmatian. I've never seen one this striking. Sure, he showed up with his share of behavioral problems, but through hard work, persistance, love and dedication, we worked through them and came out the other side better people and a better dog for it.

This pic was taken towards the end of his life. We had much respect and love for each other. He is the sweetest and most respectful soul.

My sweet Meelo-Mylo.

Rustic Sphinx & My Mylo

2009-05-14T20:55:00.005-04:00

Thanks to Sun Tiger providing me with a link for identifying butterflies and moths, I am almost certain that the moth in my last post is a Rustic Sphinx moth. Thanks Sun Tiger.

On a sad note, I made an appointment today to put my Mylo down on Saturday. We have tried everything and left no stone unturned with him. I was fine until I hung up the phone and looked at him looking at me with an inquisitive look on his face. Sobbing. Good thing DH was right there.

Moth & Space Shuttle Launch

2009-05-13T21:16:00.002-04:00

Are there any moth enthusiasts out there who can identify this beautiful specimen? I am too lazy to go research it myself. IT was found in South Florida
Look at how big that sucker is! He was heavy too. He was on DH's motor cycle after he came home from a ride. (He wasn't moving.....the moth) DH thinks he hit the cycle mid-ride, injured himself and just hung on for dear life. I gently moved him over near the garage door to hopefully recover himself. He was moving a little bit. After a couple of hours, he was gone. I hope he fully recovered. Just gorgeous.

On Monday at precisely 2:01pm I took some students outside to enjoy the Space Shuttle Atlantis launch. Although we are about a 4 hours' car ride south of Kennedy Space Center, we can usually cacth the sight of the shuttle leaving our atmosphere and the last blast from the booster rockets. Its jaw-dropping and awe-inspiring even from our distance. It brought a tear to my eye...always does. DH & I have been as close as a civilian is allowed to a launch and that was the most exciting thing EVER! I cannot even imagine being inside the shuttle as an astronaut. I know I am a total science nerd, but it saddens me to see the apathy towards our space program from most people and the media. People are into this stuff if you get them excited about it! My students are totally hooked now and keep asking for updates..."what are the astronauts doing now?" "where are they?" and these are 13-14 year olds who don't care much about much. Thanks to NASA's awesome updates, I can show them! Wooooohooooooo!