What's Your Sign?

While the winter chill is still quite apparent here in Wisconsin, Spring is technically only a few weeks away!  I've noticed the Cardinals back at the feeders, our family pets are getting more cagey (and crazy!), and I'm getting geared up to start planning our vegetable garden.  And in the workshop, the design ideas have been abundant as I've started coming out of my winter slumber! ;)

One question I often get from my customers is, "What gemstones correspond with my sign?"  Because I'm the curious type (and then I began to wonder what my own gemstones would be!), this has sparked my interest in astrology.  Not your cheesy, vague horoscope variety or the "You're stuck as a Virgo, learn to live with it" kind, but astrology that focuses on understanding our journey as humans with choices to overcome challenges, with aspects of ALL signs in our personalities; astrology that helps us grow and evolve.  After a little research, I found that evolutionary astrology embodies what's interesting to me, and it seems much more helpful than some of the dooming advice I've read!

I love how evolutionary astrologer Kristin Fontana says it,

"The focal point in Evolutionary Astrology therefore is the position of Pluto, the soul. It is vitally important to understand where the soul has been, for just as with a book, you do not read the last chapter first. Evolutionary Astrology will assist in explaining certain tendencies and attractions. If something is not working in your life, it may continue to express itself as a repeating theme until the lesson is learned and the pattern is finally broken. Often times we simply re-create what’s familiar, not necessarily because it’s good for us. Evolutionary Astrology unveils the ‘why’ in these patterns and offers insights and guidance into a soul’s evolutionary path, enabling one to self empower and create a reality reflecting a Soul’s deepest desires and intention for this life."

Over the last several months, I've dipped my toes in several evolutionary astrologers' websites.  One that particularly caught my eye was Shakti Carola Navran, who is a retired jeweler (trained by master jewelers in Germany back in the 70s) and published author.  Her love of gemstones and their healing properties spurred the creation of her Gemstones for the Soul Profile, a lengthy report identifying your 14 most powerful gemstones based on your astrological birth chart.  Fascinating!!  Shakti was gracious enough to let me feature this report via my website.  Take a look at it if you get a chance!  There is tons of info on the product page, plus a video, audio interview and a link to her book.

Sooo...in typical Virgo style... ;) ...I've been doing a little reading and research on the whole evolutionary astrology thing.  Shakti gave me many good recommendations on books, and the one I chose to start with is Steven Forrest's The Inner Sky: How to Make Wiser Choices for a More Fulfilling Life.  It's been a fun read as a primer on evolutionary astrology, the 12 signs, 10 planets, 4 elements and how to read birth charts!

The cool part about evolutionary astrology is that, in a way, you are EVERY sign.  When you were born, the planets were at various places amidst the zodiac and also in the 12 houses (ruled by the 12 signs), which are stages and subjects in our every day lives where our identity is created through action.  Each of the planets and their own influences affect how you produce action in each of the houses. (Confused yet?! Hehe.) 

Something I learned in Forrest's book is how the signs are connected to the seasons, and the seasons are connected to the 4 elements (Fire, Earth, Wind/Air, Water).  I put this together with knowledge I already have about the 7 Chakras (energy centers on the body) and a new line of jewelry was born--Elementals (not too fancy of a name, I know ;) ).  So far I have designed 4 bangle bracelets corresponding to the 4 elements.  There will be more to come!

Here's the fun info on the bangle designs--where do you fit in?

earth

Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn

Winter Solstice

Grounding, Protection

Root (1st) Chakra

Moss Agate, Picasso Jasper, Smoky Quartz, Black Tourmaline

Fire

Aries, Leo, Sagittarius

Spring Equinox

Momentum, Creativity

Sacral & Solar Plexus Chakras (2&3)

Honey Calcite, Bronzite, Citrine, Rhodochrosite,Tiger's Eye,Carnelian

water

Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces

Summer Solstice

Emotions, Communication

Heart & Throat Chakras (4&5)

Aquamarine, Blue Lace Agate, Morganite, Rose Quartz

Wind/Air

Gemini, Libra, Aquarius

Autumnal Equinox

Mental Abilities, Intuition

Third Eye & Crown Chakras (6&7)

Charoite, Dumortierite, Blue Apatite, Amethyst, Clear Quartz

So what does all this have to do with my jewelry?  Well, I love how the elements coincide with the chakras (chakras, gemmies, and color therapy are my passion!).  I love how the gemstones boost the qualities in each of the signs--which also means if you need to toughen up your Aries (even though you're a Libra), you can wear the Fire bangle. If you need to strengthen your Taurus traits (even though you're a Leo), you can wear the Earth bangle.  If you know nothing about astrology, you can choose by chakra, the gemstone attributes at the bottom of each product page, or simply pick what is beautiful to you.  It's a cool system, and a fun way to work the healing power of gemstones into every single day!

Be watching for more designs to come in the Elementals line :)

Thanks for stopping in!

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