Mystical Beads - Amber

My mother's favorite pin 

Natural Amber set in gold.

     As a little child, I teethed on Yantar (Amber) beads strung amateurishly by my mother on a leather rope.  I would later reach up to catch the amber necklace she wore about her neck.  It was nugget after nugget strung very tightly  about her neck and I worried that she might choke, they were that snug.

     My female relatives wore the same type necklace as well.  When I was about 5 years old, a lady came to visit us and as she had the Amber necklace prominently displayed on her throat, I was sure she too was related.

     Yantar, as she called it,  was always something my mother would search for, when we went shopping, or if she happened upon a piece of jewelry someone else wore.  She would admire it and often ask if the wearer was willing to part with her specific treasure.  

     I knew the way to mom's heart very well and would always pick up a piece or two if I happened to find them as I traveled through life.  What I didn't understand then was why she admired Amber as much as she did.

     Although Amber is technically not a gemstone, it is non the less coveted and can be very pricey.  True Amber is fossilized tree resin that takes millions of years to produce.  The most famous resin is found in the Baltic States (Russia) and is known for it's clarity.  As resin begins sticky and soft, historically insects were sometimes caught in it's glue and therefore immortalized within it's shield over time.  The rarity of this situation makes these particular stones even more precious.

     One day, I discovered the English name for Yantar, Amber!  Now I am discovering the reason she was enthralled with this particular stone.

     Amber has been touted throughout history as a calming stone, the clarity and warmth of the bead brings out inner sharpness and protects one from negativity.

     Medically speaking, the stone has always been considered a medication for internal reversal of goiter, glandular and/or other internal organs.  It is an excellent natural antibiotic.

Lovely Amber necklace
on ETSY at
 www.labeadworks.etsy.com 

     Mom grew up in Russia, being born almost 90 years ago.  In her childhood, goiter was a terrible disease that struck many innocent people.  The antidote was Amber.  Folklore believed that by wearing the stones tightly about the neck, one could avoid this terrible disability.  (We eat iodized salt in this country to avoid goiter problems). 

Bet ya didn't know that!

Child's teething beads at ETSY 
www.amberjewelryshop.etsy.com

     Teething a child on Amber was a tradition for two reasons, the natural medicinal properties of Amber could only enhance the healthy growth of any child that began life so lucky to have a mom that understood them and the warmth of the stones and their softness was exactly right for a teething child's uncomfortable situation allowing them much less pain. 
     Amber might not have been in your thoughts before, hopefully I have given you something new to think about...

     

Mystical Powers of Stones - Tiger Eye

Round tiger eye stones 

at BeadFrenZ at ETSY

Tiger eye, primitive, mysterious, and chatoyant, yet often forgotten, is one of the most ancient stones for healing is believed to have tremendous powers.


Roman soldiers wore tiger eye because they believed it was an "all seeing" eye, giving them an extra edge in battle and in courage.

Wearing the Tiger's Eye stone helps clear your mind of any annoying thoughts or stress. Keeping this stone close to you at all times helps keep yourself safe from any harm that may come your way. 


(Also it's power has the ability to attract wealth, good luck, keep evil at bay , while protecting one's family and friends )

Tiger eye stone from 

RedtailedHawk at ETSY

Pendant courtesy of 

JealousyJewels at ETSY

Tiger eye encourages a passion for life and enhances your willpower and drives your will for success. It promotes not only clarity of intention, but boosts self esteem, and gives courage, determination, and strength. 

 It is often called upon in the healing process for several diseases including rheumatic heart disease, psoriasis, and asthma. 


Amongst my many amulets, there always resides a tiger eye, at the bottom of my purse.

Mystical Powers of Stones - Black Tourmaline (Schorl)

Man/woman has attached himself/herself to the mystical healing powers of stones almost from their very beginning.  As a lover of these wonderful little baubles, it was pretty obvious that getting to know gemology would also lead to a knowledge of their inner capabilities as well.  


I have an extensive collection of stones that are brought out and worn on any given day depending on my needs or lack of  i.e.; 
Courage, Love, Health, Promise, Knowledge, Understanding and or Acceptance.

Black Tourmaline necklace
handmade by Celia at
Glitz Glitter Creations on ETSY

In many cases, they are just temporarily strung rows of beads, some in combination with others, to help in the goal of making me feel more whole.  I have gorgeous jewelry, designed and executed by my very talented daughter, that may adorn my ears, neck and/or fingers but the ultimate result is to dress my body with the healing powers it so desperately needs for the moment.


My office is also adorned with other precious stones to give strength and enlightenment to my environment as I work.  Each day, as I package my gifts of delight, while touching the stones for delivery, I often am able to feel the powers they possess.  

Black Tourmaline Ring handmade
by elseetee at
My Little Eye available on ETSY

Every natural mineral on our planet was put here for a purpose.  Early man/woman, knew that.  They took from nature and adorned themselves with her gifts, drawing close the powers within the stones.  Let me share a few secrets with you now:


I rely on black tourmaline (schorl) most heavily for the attributes it carries with it.


It is a purifying stone that deflects and transforms negative energy, which can convert and remove that negativity from an individual or an environment as well.  It is one of the most powerful shields of protection, nature made.  It is often used as an aura cleanser (have one at my desk at all times), and can help one attain higher levels of awareness. Emotionally, black tourmaline is excellent for dispelling fears, obsessions, and neuroses, while bringing emotional stability.  (Ever had an anxiety attack?)  Black Tourmaline eases the environment and opens the body and mind to a more accepting state.   

7 oz black tourmaline rock
available at
YinYangStore on ETSY

Googling schorl can give you lots of other properties and insights into this amazing stone but one thing is for sure, it works for me and it works every day I rely on it.