The Bach Flower Remedies were discovered by Dr. Edward Bach (born in 1886) after the First World War.  He could see how traumatised people were by what had happened; how they had been affected to a very deep emotional level, and he therefore wished to find something to help them that was gentle yet profound and had no side effects.   He perceived that the root cause of any disease state began first in the emotional and mental patterns of his patients and sought out something that would therefore address this original imbalance.

Over a period of eight years he discovered the 38 Bach Flower Remedies that could help to re-balance back our emotional and mental states.

The flower remedies work by flooding the energy field with the positive expression of the negative states that people found themselves in such as depression, inability to carry on, of being fearful of what was going to happen next. 

At a deeper level, if you understand how we collectively co-create our reality, its vitally important to work on how we feel and think.  We are all affecting the outcome of what is yet to manifest, influenced by whether we are stuck in a state of fear and helplessness, or are feeling strong, uplifted, and hopeful for the future.

At the moment, with humanity again going through a period where it has become deeply traumatised, the remedies are once more invaluable in bringing us back into healthy balance.  All of the 38 remedies could help in different ways right now, but I've singled out just 10 below that I feel may be particularly helpful.  Please note that when you take a remedy a temporary state may occur where we feel we are getting worse, such as being tearful, or becoming angry.  This is called a 'healing crisis' which can occur as things are being released and actually means the remedy is working well.  Difficult feelings should quickly pass, and you should feel an improvement soon.

To take the remedies, you can either put a few drops of your chosen essence(s) - a max of four for effectiveness- every morning into a glass of water and sip through the day, or purchase an empty dropper bottle, and fill this with approx 85% filtered water, and 15% alcohol to preserve it (French Brandy is good for this).  You could then mix up to four remedies into it (2 drops from each essence).  You would then take four drops four times a day for up two weeks after which throw the remaining contents away.   If you don't wish to intake alcohol, you could also simply hold the chosen remedies for about ten minutes four times a day instead (and/or sleep with them on your bedside table).

There are different makes of Bach Flower Remedy.  The brand I've felt personally works the best energetically is 'Healing Herbs'. 

Rock Rose
This is one of the Bach remedies to help with fear, for when someone feels intensely scared, and in utter fright - such as can be brought about by reading all the press or watching TV at the moment.  It's the feeling of being a 'deer caught in the headlights'.  Its when you feel in total panic or terror, so that you feel paralysed about what to do next.  By taking the remedy this allows this state to transform, and we can find the inner courage to carry on and face what is going on.

Cherry Plum
Another Fear remedy.  This is similar to Rose Rose, but a bit stronger, and is needed when we are in a state where we feel we are almost out of control and are afraid we could do something dreadful.  Due to current conditions, many of us may feel we are almost stretched to 'breaking point' and so this remedy could really help.  It can be for those on the verge of a nervous breakdown, who suffer from post traumatic stress disorder, or who have violent or murderous impulses, or for someone who feels suicidal.  I recently realised I had slipped into a Cherry Plum state and so took this remedy and was amazed how quickly I became myself again!  It allows someone to feel calm and sane again.

Mimulus
This is for when we are afraid of something very specific, and we know what it is, e.g. fear of flying, fear of spiders etc.  Obviously right now, if someone has a fear of catching Covid or being ill with it, or is fearful of having their freedoms taken away, then this remedy can really help.   ​Brings a sense of bravery.

Red Chestnut
This remedy is for when we overly  worry and become fearful about what may happen to those around us and those we love.  It goes without saying how much this remedy can therefore help us at the moment!   The remedy allows us to trust again in life, and know that everything is fine.

I've already mentioned in a previous blog post that a great crystal to work with at the moment is Copper (Copper is a metal, an element and a crystal).   This is because of its amazing properties that can help kill the virus (its currently infused into some masks for this purpose).  However, many other crystals can help during this difficult time, depending on what is going on for someone and how they are feeling.

Two other crystals that can really help are Turquoise and Chrysocolla, both of these incidentally also contain copper in their chemical make-up.   Both crystals are strengthening, potent and supportive energetically of the whole system.  Turquoise is a bit higher in vibration than Chrysocolla.   If someone is not feeling too fragile then these crystals can help a great deal in the current climate (if fragile maybe something like Amber may be better, see further on).

Other crystals that can also help with feeling stressed, as well as being gently grounding are Orbicular (Ocean) Jasper, which can remind one of being by the sea, Moss Agate (when darker green it can ground and also remind one of being in nature) and also Polychrome (Desert) Jasper, where each stone looks like it has been beautifully painted.   These are found on the island of Madagascar, just like  Ocean Jasper.  Carnelian is also a lovely grounding stone, that can help strengthen the energy field, as well as help with more everyday creativity, so it will help if you are having trouble 'getting on with things' at the moment due to what is going on. 

It can feel very stressful at the moment as well, and there are some crystals that can help with stress specifically.   These aren't grounding on their own, but you could couple them with any of the grounders above and carry them round with you or mediate with them holding both crystals at the same time (or hold the higher vibrational one and put the grounder by your feet).   Blue Lace Agate is the classic de-stressing crystal of the mineral kingdom, and can bring a deep feeling of peace.   Moonstone is a beautiful crystal with a gentle flowing energy that can also help release tension and calm things down.   Sodalite is an excellent crystal to help with mental stress - so if you find your mind is going round in circles and won't shut down because of worries and fears it is definitely worth working with this crystal!

An 'all rounder' that can also help at the moment is Amber, which is technically not a crystal at all, but is the fossilised resin of ancient submerged coniferous trees.  Amber can always help if everything else is too much, so if anyone if feeling incredibly fragile, or just needs a great deal of soothing, then Amber can really help 'take the edge off' and make everything okay.  It is also gently grounding.   Amber has been used traditionally to help babies who are teething, which can give you an insight into how gentle it is, but also how effective.   Its perfect for the very young, very old, or anyone who is feeling incredibly fragile (which many of us can be with the current situation!) possibly because its not actually a crystal at all and so is much softer and gentler.

One other thing to say, is that its probably wise to work more on your protection at the moment and to strengthen your energy field regularly, as there is so much fear and worry out there collectively, which if you are sensitive and too open you can easily pick up on and think its your own!   Some symptoms of not having a strong energy field, as well as feeling very fearful, can be feeling irritated or drained, having nightmares and bad dreams, being easily influenced by others, having a lot of negative thoughts, or feeling threatened.  Incidentally, if we are going through a lot of change, we also need extra protection, and humanity at the moment is collectively going through a great deal of change, so it makes sense that we all need extra protection right now.

Some things you can do strengthen your energy field without crystal are actually common sense - so eating a balanced and healthy diet, making sure you get plenty of rest, and having physical exercise and breathing freely outdoors.   Being grounded helps with protection.  You can also visualise your energy field as an egg shape around you (that also goes under the earth at your feet) and surround this in a protective colour such as turquoise, a deep midnight blue, or violet.   For extra protection you could imagine coating the outside in something reflective like silver or gold.

Some of the protective crystals that can help strengthen are Tigers Eye (which is grounding and protective on a physical level so can help for example if you are feeling bullied by anyone!), Hawks Eye (Blue Tigers Eye) which can protect on a subtle level, so if you are having nightmares or feel 'too open'.   The aforementioned Sodalite also has some protective qualities, and is also one of the constituents in Lapis Lazuli.   Lapis is powerfully protective and is a stone of deep wisdom and is much more profound, so only use if you are more used to energy work and going within.   Turquoise, also as mentioned before, is also protective and strengthening, and can help if you feel 'under the weather' and can also help with communication.     Hematite is both deeply grounding and protective (with its silvery sheen) but it has a 'tougher' energy than most crystals so only use if you feel more robust.   Amethyst is a wonderful all round protective crystal and is deeply spiritual, so it raises your vibration and in doing so protects you from that which would seek to harm you.   Its also excellent to use if you need a good night sleep and are having nightmares.   ​

​One final crystal I think its worth mentioning at the moment is that many people are getting depressed and down with lockdown and the current situation (again no good for our immune systems!).   What could be better therefore than carrying a piece of joy in your pocket to help uplift your spirit.   There is no better crystal for this I feel than Citrine, and this will also help bring abundance into your life if you are worrying about lack or not having enough.

As with all crystals, the best way to decide what may help you the most, is use your intuition, and see what jumps out at you, so if reading this article one or more of the crystals have just 'jumped' out at you, thats your intuition telling you what you may need at the moment!   Please remember to keep your crystals clean whilst using them, and tune each one for your highest good and for healing.  

One of the reasons I've always been drawn to Astrology is that it can help make sense of something, where there seems to exist no sense at all.  Obviously what is happening at the moment, with the coronavirus playing out on the global stage, can seem like one of those times.   

The movements of the planets around the Zodiac, forever forming new and unique combinations is really about the vast cycles of evolutionary growth that affect us all, and these can be interpreted either on a personal level, or at the level of the collective, where what is happening in the heavens, is reflecting what is going on upon the Earth (as above, so below).   

At the moment, unsurprisingly, there are quite a few outer planets causing seismic ripples, which is why, astrologically speaking, events have been rather unusual and dramatic.

There has been a lot of attention given to the current Pluto/Saturn conjunction (where basically they appear to meet together in the sky).   Pluto is about power issues and transformation, often through devastation, death and rebirth, whilst Saturn is about limitations, lessons, and restrictions. Together they have manifested in creating extreme, enforced (Pluto) restrictions on borders (Saturn) between countries, and great pressure (Pluto) being put on established systems and order (Saturn).   This has all been happening in Capricorn, (also ruled by Saturn), and so areas more affected can be old organisations, or long established institutions such as business corporations, the church, governments, and the royal family.   Any of these that are no longer working, could either be totally erased from view or transformed dramatically by the end of this period.   Because of the way the planets appear to 'dance' back and forwards across the sky, the effects of this combination will continue until the end of the year.  They are easing off the tension at the moment, but there will be an increase in pressure again from the beginning of June until the end of September as they once again move closer to each other.   From the beginning of October things will then finally begin to ease off for good as Saturn slowly moves fully into Aquarius and finally out of Pluto's reach.   By January 2021 whatever this combination of Pluto and Saturn in Capricorn was here to teach us, the lesson will be over.  Whether humanity has learnt what it needed remains to be seen!  

Interestingly, this is probably all happening because we are now moving into a different cosmic age, that of Aquarius, so the old outdated systems need to go.   Uranus is the ruler of Aquarius and something else less written about to do with current events, but equally important, is the recent movement of Uranus into Taurus.  

Uranus first briefly entered Taurus in 2018, then reentered it again in 2019 when it began to really make itself at home and settle in.   It will remain in Taurus until 2025.   Prior to this happening I read quite a few articles with astrologers scratching their heads wondering how this would play out.   Uranus is a planet of sudden change, it turns everything upside down, and it has a revolutionary energy.  It can seem like a bolt from the blue and it will dramatically step in from nowhere and  suddenly tear something down that isn't working, whether we like it or not.   It is not a cosy 'personal' planet but a totally impersonal force working for the greater (r)evolutionary end.  

Taurus meanwhile, does not like change, likes things to remain the same, and it is the most fixed sign of all the Zodiac.   Taurus is associated with the natural world and is the earthiest of all the earth signs.   It's ruled by Venus, so is about all the things we value, our possessions, the arts, ourselves and of course the Earth itself.  

Many tried to predict what could possibly happen when these two very opposite forces would meet.   I remember reading that there would be a shift to valuing nature in a different way.   Possibly something dramatic and unexpected (Uranus) might happen to make us value it more.   Some astrologers thought some soft of ecological disaster could occur and that people would begin living more closely to the natural world again, there would be more growing of our own produce, making our own foods, more time taking life at a slower pace (Taurus).

Of course, what no one could predict was the Uranian mechanism by which this would come to pass.   It would have seemed ludicrous to suggest a year ago that something was going to happen that would bring all modern civilisation to a full stop;  travel severely restricted, no planes flying through our skies, far fewer cars on our roads, 'curfews' throughout the world, no socialising, forced to spend more time at home.   Certain possessions becoming so valuable (flour, canned food and the notorious toilet rolls) whilst others suddenly seeming  meaningless.   Yet the impossible has happened.  Nature needed a breather, she needed to rest, she needed the pollution to stop, she needed to be reevaluated, and Uranus was taking no prisoners.  If humanity wasn't going to press that pause button as it was hurtling towards wanton destruction of the planet, with nations worried more about the immediate effects on economics than enforcing pollutant restrictions, then the pause button was going to be pressed for it.   The unthinkable happened in the blink of an eye.  ​

It's terrible all the lives that have been lost, yet what has really helped me in the last few months has been noticing how quiet and blue the skies are now.  How the air has felt purer and clearer.   People have been nicer to each other.  I've spoken to more of my neighbours across the social distancing driveways and pavements, in the last few months than in the previous ten years.  Being lucky enough not to live in a city, we've been taking secluded walks nearly every day in nature and I've been watching the full cycle of the bluebells, which has been such a joy.   In previous years if I remembered to go out in Spring once to catch them in flower I was lucky, but this year the profusion of these beautiful healing flowers has seemed endless.  I've gardened more.  On longer walks I've learnt about natural herbs, seen ants creating their hills (I was shown how they create them with the longest slope in the direction facing the sun -  did you know that? - I certainly didn't!), and I've seen deer, foxes, squirrels. and even, very occasionally,  other rare humans.

I know we will all have experienced this differently, but to me its been like I've being able to be still and take a deep cleansing breath and I don't want to go back to the way things were.

​I didn't have a clue what Uranus in Taurus might mean a year ago before all this happened.  But now, living through all that has been going on with the benefit of astrological insights I think I do have a pretty good idea what this combo is all about:
It's a wake up call!  
It's a rallying cry for the natural world!  
It's a cease and desist cosmic order or suffer even more consquences!
We cannot continue to treat the planet and ourselves the way we have been.  We didn't stop doing this ourselves so have been forced to stop.  Perhaps Pluto and Saturn restricted all the traffic, but it was Uranus in Taurus that provided the breath of fresh air.

I believe we now need to take a good long hard look at what's going on on the planet. It's not only about reevaluating our connection to nature, but also about how we treat nature and each other. It's about rebellion (Uranus) for the sake of the Earth and our beautiful environment (Taurus).  There are so many different forms of life threatening pollutants now to all living things.   Some of these are forbidden to be even talked about or questioned.    Physical pollutants of what we put in our rivers, what we use on the soil to kill 'weeds'.  What we put in our bodies in the form of processed food.   Pollutants of planes, cars, trains.   The HS2 train link will destroy much ancient woodland yet it has been given the green light by the government - there have been and will be continue to be many protests against this (Uranus).  There have been acts of rebellion (Uranus) against 5G masts (also Uranus) polluting where we live by exposing us to waves of energy that have never been tested thoroughly for their effect upon living organisms despite science existing that gives clear warning signs.   There is the pollution of our minds by the media, governments, the internet.   The media has increasingly become a tool to deliver a certain agenda via not so subtle brainwashing.   It has shocked me how blatant recent censorship of freedom of speech, thought and action has become.   When censorship becomes extreme you know somebody doesn't want something to be uncovered.  When the term 'fake news' was coined, I remember feeling uncomfortable and wondering how long it would take until this was used to dismiss all that doesn't fit a certain agenda.  This is happening right now, all over the media.   I think the best approach to take is be reassured that whatever is being called 'fake' news is most definitely where doth reside the most profoundest of glittering jewelled wisdom, whilst what is proclaimed to be gospel true is actually the biggest load of smelly old hokum.

Perhaps what is most healing from the crisis is to realise that whilst the planet may appear very large, and what I do over here doesn't affect you much over there in some far away land, is no longer true at all.  This crisis has reached all corners of the globe, and what I choose to do here does affect you over there.   It's made me realise that we are truly all one.    The Earth is small, and very, very precious.

It would be interesting once the lockdown is lifted if people suddenly realised they no longer wished to travel by train and cars as much and would  prefer to work more from home.   It would be wonderful if people realised how much their friends and family were valued and spent so much more time with them physically than checking their latest whats app messages.   It would be life-affirming it humanity diverted itself from the path of clear destruction it was following and instead entered the Age of Aquarius realising we are indeed a group consciousness, we are all one and we are each responsible for harming or healing each other, all other life forms, and the Earth beneath our feet. 

Viva la nature revolution!!  

There is a lot of panic and fear around at the moment so I thought I would begin writing blog posts on crystals and other things that can hopefully help in the current situation.

In this post I wanted to highlight amazing Copper.   This is a chemical element and a crystal if you hadn't realised.   It is used energetically by healers to help ground the energy field, (which can help with energetic protection), and also conduct energy through it.      

Copper also has certain wonderful physical properties that can help prevent the spread of the virus.  For example, copper oxide is being used in anti-viral face masks.

Copper has been shown to have amazing anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties and it has also been proven that the coronavirus cannot live very long on copper surfaces and indeed it can destroy the virus completely .

I'm personally carrying pieces of copper with me in my pocket at the moment so that it's within my energy field, and also to hold during the day.   Another idea if you have one is to drink from a copper water bottle, which has been proven to help alkalinise water and remove harmful microbes from water, so this may also help strengthen your system in the current crisis.

If you are a healer or someone who meditates with your crystals, then an idea would be meditate with your copper and ask the crystal how best it can help you at the moment.

Something to be aware of is that Copper is also toxic, so please don't put pieces of Copper in water or in food!   Copper water bottles are made of high-grade copper and are food safe.   However, what you could do if you wanted to energise drinking water with copper, is put an inner glass with the copper in it into a larger glass with water in it in the sunlight.  The copper will then infuse the water with its energetic properties without actually having to be in touch the water.   Alternatively just put a piece of copper next to a glass of water in the sunlight and imagine linking the copper up to the water and ask it to infuse the water with its energetic properties.

Please keep safe out there and I wish you all much light!

About fifteen years ago I attended a course at the Findhorn Foundation in Scotland. Whilst there I read an article online by our tutor about how easy it was to get sidetracked from staying on a spiritual path by all the illusions and 'glamour' of this world.   Alongside the article was a sepia picture of a fairground.   When I clicked on it a short film began playing, from maybe a hundred years ago, of lots of people screaming and laughing amongst the lights and carnival attractions.   All the people moved jerkily in staccato fashion, slightly sped up, and they were running around like they were hypnotised; totally seduced by all the wonders and excitement around them.   I was so disturbed by it I had nightmares.   

This is how life is.   We are all dazzled by all the distortions and distractions, the big lights and irresistible glamours of this world; 'quick play with me now', 'you really need to see this', 'do this/do that', 'wow, you'll never believe what's over here', all of this keeping us so frantically occupied that we forget to do the simple and most important thing whilst we are alive; to go within and look at ourselves, to work on our shadow; to understand why we are here and then to do something about it.   And now, with the computer age everything has been magnified and multiplied, the good and the bad, the fairground is at our fingertips every second of the day.

It may seem harmless, but the thrills are all so temporary; as soon as you taste them, they are gone and this can leave you feeling very empty and wanting more.   And very soon you are too old to get on the rides, and may become bitter and resentful, and there may be a nagging feeling that you've maybe wasted your life, that you've done nothing meaningful with it because you've been too busy queuing up for the latest attractions.   You may also believe this is the first time you've decided to get on this ride only to discover actually you've been on the same ride thousands and thousands of times before, you just forget every time you incarnate back into the fairground of life.

We truly live in the matrix.   We are all lulled into a trance, a sleep so deep, that it can feel almost impossible to wake up.   Yet all of this is glamour, an illusion, a mirage with no substance at all.   And the matrix illusion is not a passive thing.   It seeks to remain in control.

On the course at Findhorn our teacher also said how important it was to set a clear intention for ourselves about our personal development but at the same time to remain alert for when we could be distracted from following this intention.   Our evening session was drawing to a close and I decided there and then that I would go straight from our workshop room to the Meditation Sanctuary where I would spend what remained of the evening in deep reflection on how to move forwards on my spiritual path.   It was maybe a one minute walk through the building to get there. This walk took me down the hall, along a corridor, and past the main communal living room.  I was confident nothing would sway me from my purpose and I would no longer be seduced by the glamours of this world.   As I made my way past the living room, a good friend rushed out and said 'Rob, you're just who we need to make up the numbers - we're playing an amazing creepy game called 'Werewolf', you'll love it, its such fun!'.   I peered through the glass and could see more friends all gathered round a table laughing, beckoning me in.   Without any hesitation I went in to join them and spent the evening playing and enjoying myself immensely (though with a nagging feeling that something wasn't quite right at the back of my mind).   It was only a couple of days later that I suddenly remembered my original intention of leaving the workshop space to go straight to meditate.   I had a cold shiver.   It had probably taken me all of thirty seconds to get distracted from my path, was this a record?   The game itself had involved working out who the secret werewolf was amongst us, before we became its victims.   In the game, we could also secretly be the werewolves ourselves.   There was definitely an element of all our 'shadows' merrily at play that evening.

So what can be done about this illusory realm we live in?   So that we are not so easily taken in as I was?   The scariest thing about all the fairground rides is that it's so hard to pull the plug so they stop spinning for a moment to give us time for a breather, to reflect on what is actually going on.   

I've found the most effective way to pull the plug or to find that 'off switch', is meditation.   By going within, you begin to really feel, and know, what is truly real, so you are then able to discern bit by bit truth from illusion on this planet.  This sadly doesn't happen overnight, and it can take a long time before the benefits of meditating build up.   Luckily, the mineral kingdom can really help with this process.

A few days ago I was dropping someone off at the airport in the very early hours of the morning.   On the way back, on the M25, it was so boring that to pass the time, I thought of some of my favourite bands.   I began to think of one band in particular, from the 1980s, and in my head went through their songs. I settled on one song, not their most well known, and in my head began to replay the whole thing.   I thought to myself, wouldn't it be great to hear that song again.   At the same moment I decided to turn on the radio, and half jokingly thought to myself, okay, I want to hear it right now!  You can probably guess what happened.   The very same song was playing on the radio.  I listened, and, whilst some would call it 'coincidence', (I would love to know the astronomical odds of that song being played on the radio right then of all the songs every written!) for me it was a huge reminder, once again, that we are all creating our reality every day.  

Around twenty years ago - before the internet made everything 'googleable', I picked up a postcard of what looked to me like a monastery high up in the mountains, sitting impossibly on top of a tiny bit of rock, that was called 'Meteora'.   I stuck the picture up where I could see it in my home, and imagined what went on in such a sacred place, so remote, and what it would be like to meditate there.   I wished one day I could visit, but had absolutely no idea where it was or how to get there.  At some point I lost the postcard and forgot all about it.   

​A few years ago, feeling fed up, I decided to suddenly go on holiday somewhere sunny.  I was trying to find a reasonable cheap break and discovered the best option was Halkidiki in Greece.    When we arrived, the place was warm, and the food was good and the staff were lovely, but there wasn't much to do.  One day I happened to notice you could go on trips, and I scanned the photos of where to visit, and there to my total astonishment, was the picture of the remote place on a rock with the name 'Meteora' under it.   I couldn't believe that this was the place I had wanted to visit all those years ago, that I had forgotten about!   So a few days later I found myself on a coach trip through Greece to visit this dramatic place.   When I arrived, whilst the place itself was stunning and breathtaking, once I went inside I realised energetically it was not for me, and it was nothing like I had imagined in my head.   However, it was still amazing to be able to visit, and for me this was another huge lesson in manifestation. 

Whatever we put our energy into we create.   And the more we think about it, and focus on it, the more we are creating it, it doesn't matter if its good or bad, or whether when we have it we realise we never wanted it in the first place.   If we put energy into something, even if we did it in the distant past, even in a 'previous' lifetime, at some point, it will manifest.  In fact everything we are and have is just the culmination of everything we have previously put our energy into (karma in other words!). 

'Reality' is not what we are taught to think it is, and is merely being co-created by ourselves in every second.   Nor does tIme exist as we conventionally perceive it, otherwise it would be impossible to think one thing, and then to be able to create it in the next.   Of course quantum physics has been saying this for quite a while, that things only exist when we put our attention on them.   Interestingly, this is also what some races have believed on the planet, such as the Hopi Indians, who have a very different notion of time to us.   For them things have either been 'manifested' or still lie in an unmanifested state.

I remember years ago hearing that 'shamans' had the power to change the reality around them, and as a small example of this, they could focus on a cloud and will it to separate and it would.   I remember trying this with little success staring at the sky and thinking it must be impossible!  Now what I realise is, such things can be done, it is just that I was seeing everything the wrong way round. If you believe our world and existence is physical and 'nuts and bolts' then no one can part clouds, and no one can influence what song will next be played on the radio.  But if you realise that we are just living in a sea of energy; a sea of possibilities, then we can do anything.   In dreams we can do anything.   What we consider 'reality' is actually no more than a very convincing dream.   That is why the shaman can part clouds.   The only reason the telegraph pole at the corner of the road is there tomorrow is because enough people believe it will be.   Who knows, maybe if enough people forget it's even there, it might just disappear and we would forget it ever existed in the first place.  Perhaps we could try that with a few people in power in the world!    Incidentally, if you haven't yet heard of the 'Mandela effect' its worth researching.

At the deepest level what this means is that collectively we can also create a better reality than the one we find ourselves in; which currently seems to be doom and gloom and impending global armageddon of one sort or another.   Rather than 'believing' what newspapers and media tells us, and getting stuck in hopeless lower vibrations, thereby perpetually re-creating a disturbing and worrying world around us, instead we can choose differently and literally think and believe positive and we will then all create it - and it doesn't take that many humans of clear intention to do this. The secret with manifestation is to keep it in the present tense, in the positive and to feel like you already have it and are already there:

This world is filled with more and more beauty.
This world is filled with kindness  and compassion.
The most magical things are happening every day.
Miracles are happening everywhere that are raising the vibration on the planet for the highest good.
Humanity is filled with truth and light.

It is lovely to wake up and find enough of us have changed our thoughts and we have indeed manifested miracles over night upon this planet.   

Photos by kind permission of Milan Lysak

Goldstone

Goldstone is artificially created and is a type of glass, usually reddish-brown in colour that has glittery golden ‘stars’ within it (which are usually crystals of copper). It does come in other colours such as blue and green and with other elements inside too to create the sparkly effect.  Don't confuse it with Sunstone, which is a natural crystal.

Hematite/Hematine

Hematite is not naturally 'magnetic' (though it does give off a very small charge) yet you may find for sale pieces that display powerful magnetic properties.   However, this is not actually hematite at all, but instead is a synthetic and artificially created product, which should be labelled as 'Hematine' rather than as Hematite.  Natural Hematite is a heavy duty grounding crystal as well as being protective (due to its silvery reflective surface).

Opalite

This should not be confused with ‘opals’ which are natural minerals.   Opalite (also called ‘sea opal’) is a luminescent man-made glass.   There is also something called ‘natural opalite’ which is indeed a genuine opal, but green in appearance, so easy to distinguish.   

Red Tigers Eye

Gold Tigers Eye and Blue Tigers Eye (also called ‘Hawks Eye’) are both natural and are members of the Quartz family.  When Gold Tigers Eye is heated in the earth it becomes Red Tigers Eye.  However, natural Red Tigers Eye is very rare and most on the market is therefore heated artificially.   Gold Tigers Eye is good for protection on the physical level (great for someone to carry with them if being bullied) whilst Blue Tigers Eye is protective on the subtle levels (psychic attack or if you feel too ‘open’ energetically).

Smokey Quartz

This is often irradiated to make it darker.  If it is too dark brown/ black looking and uniform in colour throughout it has probably been treated in this way.  Natural smokey is usually lighter, with graduations of colour within.   Smokey Quartz is a powerful stone that can help to clear negativity and help us address our fears.

Topaz

Much tumbled Topaz is natural and comes in golden, clear and icy very slightly blue colours.  With a pink hue it is called Imperial Topaz - but this is very rare.   For jewellery, If a piece has too deep or striking a colour (too blue for example), then it will have been irradiated.  The energy of Topaz is very potent.  It has a fast and powerful cleansing energy - I always think of it as like using ‘crystal-bleach’ energetically, so it’s not for the fragile!

We have seven main chakras.   Chakras are not part of our physical anatomy, but are part of our subtle anatomy; they exist on a finer vibrational level than that of our physical body, and they can be tuned into and perceived by someone who is intuitive.  

Our chakra system works by taking in energy (in the form of experiences) from our environment, processing it, and then giving it out again. The chakras represent our lessons, with each chakra vibrating within its own frequency or spectrum of potential learning.  For example, we process information through our base chakra to learn about issues relating to survival and being on the planet, how supported we are in life, our stability and our roots.  If someone is in the process of moving, or are currently without a home, or their fundamental needs are not being met in some way, then you would find their base chakra was affected in some way.   The heart chakra is how we learn about compassion, forgiveness, being more kind, loving and about how we are connected to others.  If someone is going through a break-up, is trying to heal a rift with someone, or is attempting to move from a more self-centred perspective to a more open-hearted one then the heart chakra would also be energetically affected in some way.

When we work with crystals on someones chakra system (or within their energy field) we are not magically 'fixing' them or absolving them of responsibility in learning their lessons. Instead what we are doing is helping them to move through these lessons a bit quicker and with more grace.   By putting a crystal on the base chakra this can help someone feel more supported and stable, or with a crystal on the heart chakra, this may help them release an old emotional energetic block (they may shed a few tears) that has prevented them being more loving with themselves and others. 

Each of the chakras is a different colour; red for the base chakra, orange for the sacral, yellow for the solar plexus, and so on up to violet for the crown chakra.   What these colours are representing are the overall vibration of each chakra.   The base chakra is red overall because it is vibrating at a slower rate than the crown chakra which is violet and vibrating at a much faster frequency.   Each of our chakras therefore has its own distinct vibration.  This means that, if our chakras need some help, they can be nourished or be helped back into balance, by a crystal of a corresponding healing vibration.   For example, if a chakra needs energising then a crystal such as Clear Quartz or Citrine (both have energising properties) could help.  If its needs clearing then perhaps a piece of Snowy Quartz (a clearing energy) is appropriate.

​There is a lot of misunderstanding over the idea of crystals and their protective qualities in books and articles online.   If a crystal is described as 'protective' what does this actually mean? Protective from what?   A bullying boss?  Electromagnetic radiation from your mobile phone?   Someone attacking you psychically?  

The word 'protection' obviously encompasses a wide variety of meanings, which is possibly why many articles and books get mixed up over this and use it to mean one kind of protection whereas actually it means another. 

A classic example of this is Black Tourmaline ('Schorl'),   I have covered this in a separate blog piece, but in summary Tourmaline does not protect the human energy field.  On the contrary, it attracts negativity to itself, so if you wear it you are also attracting negativity (arguments, bad feelings etc.) to yourself.   It is a very dense crystal, as is clear by its colour (a very dense black) and how opaque it is (no light can travel through it).   Like all black crystals, and like the colour black itself it therefore absorbs all the wavelengths of light.  In the same way it can absorb/protect you from the unpleasant energies of your mobile phone and home wireless.   Just place a small piece with either and kindly ask it if it will take in the negative electromagnetic smog so you don't have to.   In this sense, yes it is protective! 

Another black crystal that is also mistakenly called protective is Obsidian.  Again, the properties of this crystal are misunderstood.   This crystal is deeply powerful and if working with it, it can show us our fears, and our own 'shadow'.   It will not protect us by blocking out negativity.  Instead, it will throw our own fears and issues at us, so that we can work through them and clear them.   It can bring deep hidden issues to the light.   If we have totally worked on ourselves and have no more fears or 'shadow' left, then yes, it is deeply protective, similar to being a 'black belt' in karate, we are then master over ourselves, and nothing can then touch us.  However, for the rest of us mortals, who are still working on issues, it's a crystal to be treated with great respect!

So which crystals are 'protective'?  

Amethyst is highly protective, because of its violet colour, which vibrates the fastest of the visible colour spectrum.   It is a deeply spiritual stone.   To me, its like having Angels nearby looking over you.    As well as being protective it can also clear the energy field of negativity ('the violet flame').   It is also an excellent stone to have under your pillow to give you a peaceful sleep, and can help with nightmares.

Carnelian is a crystal that traditionally is supposed to have protective qualities.   To me, this is a little misunderstood.  I feel it has protective qualities because it helps to ground and therefore strengthen the energy field as well as having a warming and stimulating energy that helps one with creativity.   However, it is not a higher vibration stone and so will not protect in the same way as, for example, Amethyst.   

As always, with all the crystals mentioned, please don't take my word for it, but find your own truth.   See how you feel when you carry round a certain protective crystal, and whether you feel stronger energetically by having it with you.  You could try a few and see which one you prefer.   Our energy field also changes all the time, so you may find you are attracted to work with different protective crystals at different times. ​

Long ago I realised that whenever I do a talk or presentation on how to work with the mineral kingdom, it's vital to also have crystals available to look at, sense, or purchase.   My job is then made so much easier!   I may do the human 'talking', but its the energy of the crystals which speaks for itself during the presentation without my having to do anything at all.   The crystals want to be seen, to be admired, sensed, and to be worked with.   Indeed, a certain piece may have already set its sights on a specific member of the audience whom the crystal is well aware is going to take it home as they both have a job to do together.  

However, I don't display all crystals at a talk or fairs.   Certain crystals can be very potent and 'serious' so I keep these for training purposes only; for those who are on a conscious path of development and can handle the energy.

I recently ran a retreat at a spiritual centre at which I also gave a talk to the wider community. During the talk I had a table of crystals for attendees to look at, sense, and buy from, should they wish. Normally the table is right by me, so I have some awareness of what's happening energetically, in case something feels too much for someone.   Because of the layout of this room though, the table was on the far wall.   I felt this community were more spiritually and energetically aware so I thought at the time this was okay. 

Before the talk began a crowd eagerly gathered round the table of crystals, and again, once the talk was over, a big crowd surged around the table.   They clearly loved their crystals, which was wonderful to see.