Cybele’s November Stone Musings

Greetings, friends and Stone-lovers!

I have the great good fortune to be working with the stone Kyanite of late
(the blue variety) and to be thinking about the quality & function of Faith. In the class I am teaching we are working with Kyanite as an autumn stone, associated with the associated element of water. It is a 6th chakra/third eye stone, high vibration in its upper chakra activation. It forms in a sort of rod- like flat shape, and is a slate-ish blue with a little white in the vertical striations. When raw (not tumbled) it feels slightly flakey and greasy. In its Medicine it is a connector, specifically a builder of bridges, inner and outer. It can facilitate the linking of parts of the psyche or parts of the body & can be an aide in negotiations. It has a refining & elevating function when I work with it. Although it opens the Brow chakra, I dont find it ungrounding. Perhaps that is partially because it is a metamorphic stone, formed under great pressure and heat, forces so great it cannot become liquid – things get squeezed out and in and all the fibers of the stone arrange themselves in the most efficient way to bear the pressure. (Metamorphic stones as a group give strength, efficiency, endurance and stamina.)
Kyanite can be cooling and reduce inflammation when used to heal the physical body. It will unblock things on the energetic level so one’s energy can bridge the snarl or breach and move more freely. It is a wise stone, but you need to go to meet it in order to partake of its wisdom. It has boundaries – but boundaries also make a surface for contact. It deserves our respect – as do all the Stone People, but I am thinking here of how to “go to meet” the Spirit or Being of Kyanite. I find it an autumn stone in the sense of the autumn of life, when wisdom has ripened and accumulated and crystallized in a person.
Concurrently I have been thinking a lot about Faith, having been sorely tested/separated from my Faith in the last few years. Partly this has been through having a great deal of fear come up, which I understand astrologically but whatever, I still have to live through it and work with it. Much of the time it blocked my access to my tools and to Spirit or Source, as well.(Just when I need them most!) Now that I am more even and neutral in my mind and heart, I can think about Faith and how it is the antidote or other choice to fear. I have been working with cultivating a sense of Faith that is so basic that it doesnt have much “in” in it – as it “Faith in…” it is more of a foundational reality strata. Kyanite is helping me to make a bridge to what I am discovering and co-creating. Slowly I am getting flashes of Deities I have Faith in, as well. Questions about the nature of trust and belief swirl around in this process, getting simmered in the cauldron of Mystery to re-emerge transformed, I suspect. Time will tell. Kyanite is also helping me in this exploration by giving me images, visions that I can hold as I nurture my budding/repairing Faith before it gets to the language level. These are potent and useful. Faith feels to me like a root, heart and crown chakra function or power. Below, middle and above – a balanced trinity partaking in the power of three.
I would be interested to hear o your musings on/experiences of Faith, and any adventures you have with Kyanite. if you work with him/her.

Summer Greetings!

I have been musing on and enjoying a summery stone, Red Jasper for the last few days. It is a yummy red-brown color and quite opaque. It is an earthy stone, bringing to mind the sun-warmed earth of Chama Canyon in New Mexico.

Red Jasper’s Medicine favors and blesses same-sex unions, and as new York state has just started marrying gay couples, it is a stone to lay that foundation and support those rituals. I am especially joyful to share this stone with you now. It emanates warm, grounding friendly,  joyful &  kind energy. It nestles well in the hand.”Red Jasper stimulates the circulation and energy flow. It imbues courage. It helps us pursue and achieve goals with determination.” (Michael Geinger)

Stones for New Years Resolutions

STONES FOR  NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS 2011

WE ARE BESET BY NEW YEARS DEPENDING ON OUR SPIRITUAL PATH OR UPBRINGING.  BESIDES OBSERVING OUR BIRTHDAYS AS A PERSONAL NEW YEAR, WE MAY HOLD SAMHAIN(HALLOWEEN) AS THE PAGAN NEW YEAR OR RELY ON THE CHANGING OF THE NUMBER OF THE YEAR WHICH IS COMING RIGHT UP ON JANUARY FIRST. IN MY TRADITION WE MAKE PLEDGES FOR THE COMING YEAR ON BRIDGID (FEB 2ND) BUT I AM NOT EXEMPT FROM THE OCCASIONAL NEW YEARS RESOLUTION IF IT FEELS ORGANIC. LOOKING INWARD THEN FORWARD IS A WINTERY TASK.I WANT TO SHARE SOME LORE AND PERSONAL KNOWLEDGE ABOUT A FEW STONES FOR NEW YEARS EVE AND FOR THE MAKING OF RESOLUTIONS. THE STONES THAT SPOKE TO ME THIS TIME AROUND WERE AMETHYST AND AMETHYST SPIRIT QUARTZ, CHIASTOLITE (A FORM OF ANDALUSITE) AND RUTILATED QUARTZ.
AMETHYST IS A WELL-KNOWN LOVELY PURPLE VARIETY OF QUARTZ, MUCH USED AND BELOVED BY METAPHYSICIANS OF EVERY STRIPE.ONE OF ITS MEDICINES OR POWERS IS THAT OF PROMOTING SOBRIETY. I KNOW I SOUND LIKE NO FUN TO SOME OF YOU, BUT ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE DRIVING OR SEEKING INWARD FOR CLEAR GUIDANCE ON YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION, SOBRIETY IS A PREREQUISITE FOR SAFETY AND ALIGNMENT. I KNOW A LOT OF YOU STAY HOME AND OFF THE ROADS ON THE 31ST, TOO.  AMETHYST OPENS THE CROWN CHAKRA TO THE SPIRIT REALMS, MAKING ACCESS TO GUIDANCE EASIER. THE PURPLE COLOR IS CLEANSING AND EMPTYING – EMPTYING OF EGO IN ITS GETTING-IN-THE-WAY, CONTROLLING ASPECT. IF EGO CONCERNS ARE SMOOTHED AWAY FOR A BIT AND FOCUS IS APPLIED, TRUTH CAN ENTER YOUR HEART.THIS STONE IS A GOOD COMPANION ON NEW YEAR’S EVE AND NEW YEAR’S DAY.
RUTILATED QUARTZ IS A BEAUTIFUL STONE – CLEAR QUARTZ WITH GOLDEN, COPPERY OR SILVERY STRANDS INSIDE IT.SMOKEY QUARTZ CAN ALSO BE RUTILATED. (IF YOU FIND BLACK RODS OR STRANDS IN YOUR QUARTZ, DONT MISTAKE THEM FOR RUTILE, THEY ARE BLACK TOURMALINE & THIS STONE IS CALLED TOURMELATED QUARTZ) ANYHOW, THE STRANDS OF RUTILE IN RUTILATED QUARTZ ARE CALLED THE “HAIR OF VENUS,” A BOW TO THE BEAUTY OF THE STONE. THIS IS A VERY HIGH ENERGY STONE. CLEAR QUARTZ IS AN AMPLIFIER AND THE RUTILE INCREASES THIS POWER, ACTING LIKE ELECTRICAL WIRES OR NERVES THAT CARRY AND INCREASE THE ENERGY OF THE STONE – AND THE ENERGY YOU PUT INTO THE STONE – SIGNIFICANTLY. I WORK WITH RUTILATED QUARTZ AS A PATHFINDER, JOURNEYING INTO THE STONE TO FIND THE STRAND OF MY PATH AND ALIGN WITH IT. THIS  STONE CAN BE HELPFUL IN MAKING A DECISION IF YOU ARE REALLY GROUNDED AND HAVE A PIECE OF RUTILATED QUARTZ THAT IS NOT SUPER PACKED WITH STRANDS. THE DENSITY OF THE STRANDS OF RUTILE CAN VARY FROM JUST A FEW TO BEING SO DENSELY PACKED THAT THE STONE LOOKS LIKE IT IS JAMMED FULL OF CRISS-CROSSED,TANGLED HAY.YOU CAN IMBUE A PARTICULAR PIECE WITH AN INTENTION OR RESOLUTION BY VISUALIZING IT CLEARLY AND PROJECTING IT INTO THE STONE WITH WORDS AND YOUR BREATH. ASK THE STONE TO HOLD AND AMPLIFY THIS INTENT FOR YOU, TO HELP YOU KEEP YOUR RESOLUTION. IF YOU HAVE AN ATTITUDE THAT RESOLUTIONS ARE BOGUS OR NEVER GET KEPT BUT YOU MAKE THEM ANYWAY, THIS WILL BE AMPLIFIED AS WELL, SO ITS BEST NOT TO BOTHER WITH THIS PROCESS TILL YOU HAVE CLEANSED AND CLEARED SOME OF THAT ATTITUDE AND OLD FEELINGS OF FRUSTRATION &/OR DISAPPOINTMENT OUT OF YOUR PSYCHIC SPACE. (SEE AMETHYST AND THE COLOR PURPLE, ABOVE)IF YOU CARRY, WEAR, FONDLE, DREAM WITH, BATHE WITH AND GAZE AT YOUR ‘PROGRAMMED’ PIECE OF RUTILATED QUARTZ THROUGHOUT 2011 IT WILL HELP YOU WALK THE TALK OF YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION.

SPIRIT QUARTZ is distinguished by its shape, as it can be Amethyst, Citrine or Clear Quartz. It grows in regular long quartz crystal shape, but the base and part way up the stem is ringed by much smaller crystal points like a cummerbund. I am speaking about the amethyst spirit quartz here. this stone’s medicine is that of the relationship and connection of the individual and her community, bringing balance through the spiritual realms. In making a new years resolution (or forming an intention at any time) spirit quartz will bring the perspective of how your intentions and actions relate to and affect the larger community. This ripple effect carries through family, community, town, state, country, continent, hemisphere and planet in the subtle realms, underscoring our great interconnectedness. this is not a matter of you being so very powerful in a swell-headed way, but rather being within the web of life that gaia is. This is a high- vibration, energizing stone, like rutilated quartz but on a different wavelength -  bringing a more unifying crown chakra focus. finding and fine-tuning your resolution before and/or after seeking and working with rutilated quartz could be a satisfying process.
chiastolite
chiastolite is a form of andalusite, which is named for the region of spain in which it is found. it ranges in color from a pinkish tan to a warm brown that shows a golden sheen when polished. chiastolite is opaque, at least when sold in stone stores as beads or pocket pieces. i have seen pictures of it – or was it andalusite? – in a faceted translucent tan stone set in a ring.  it is distinguished by the black x or cross that forms in its center, which is part of its protective nature. the x is the gift rune. the cross symbolism may speak to you as well. equal-armed crosses in a circle represent the earth, and if you find a circular piece it may sing to you of the earth. it is a very earthy stone in any case, ancient and deep. part of its protective medicine is time magic. i am just beginning to explore this, and what i find is that the ancient wisdom and time span chiastolite holds can envelop or cloak you in a vast stream of continuity which makes you less accessible to harm. it is deeply grounding and will slow your nerves down to a tempo closer to that of the earth. consulting the wisdom of chiastolite can inform your resolution in a deep and beautiful way. it is very comforting to carry. i would carry chiastolite for protection and grounding in any circumstance.

have a focused and powerful 2011

Cybele

Gift giving/energy exchange with stones

A process I learned about in Caroline M. Caseys book Making the Gods Work For You is spending 3 days with whatever you are studying, such as a stone, and sending it energy for a set amount of time at the same time of day, then at the same time for the next three days allowing yourself to receive energy form the stone. This can be quite fascinating.

All stone- feeding practices form a balance to the use and cleansing of stones.

This time of year I am always drawn to the black stones – Onyx and Black Tourmaline and Obsidian as well as the clear and white stones such as Clear Quartz and Selenite.
The wisdom of the dark speaks in these black stones, and they are quite helpful in mitigating any seasonal depression that may come with sunlight hunger or holiday angst. The clear and white stones for clarity around what is found in the dark and the balancing alignment of white (in the case of Selenite “towers” in particular – spinal and chakra aligners.) I also wear Citrine for sunny energy and hope for the return of the sun when the getting dark at 4:OO p.m. starts to drag me down too much.

I am hoping that the intensity of December and the approaching nadir of the Winter Solstice ( with full moon eclipse, this year) is bringing you gifts of the Spirit
and that you are taking good care of yourself.

Bright Blessings in the dark
Cybele

Intuitive Body Stone Medicine & Incest Healing Workshops

 I am offering  3 Intuitive Practice through the Body  workshops in San Francisco on the Base, Heart and Crown this summer. I have integrated Stone-Medicine into  my sensate Intuitive practice  through the Body – a rich deepening . Such  pleasure to have  the help of the Stone- People!  I am also offering the Breath & Body group for Women* Survivors of Incest and Abuse ( *Trans Women are welcome) The Breath & Body groups work with feelings of overwhelm, freezing, fleeing and other lingering emotional & physical effects of trauma and victimization through body awareness processes, integrating  art (drawing & collage) as a form of play.  Artwork opens an exciting  avenue for self-expression & release, honoring sub-personalities or Younger Selves that have had no voice and feelings that have no words. Doing  incest or abuse healing work in a group offers knowing support and mirrors of where you have been and where it is possible to go in your healing process. Contact Cybele for more information/to set up an intake interview for:

 

 Breath & Body Mandala Workshop for Women Survivors of Incest and Abuse

Sat June 6th  in Berkeley  Noon – 6 p.m,           $60-$80 Sliding Scale fee

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Bimonthly Breath & Body group for Women Survivors of Incest and Abuse

        6:30-9:30 p.m.   Two Weds/month, July 1st-Sept. 30th in Santa Rosa 

$60-$80- per mo. Please call for specific dates. Half-hour intake interview and commitment to/payment for all groups required to register. Group size limited.

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Intuitive Practice Through the Body: Head, Heart and Belly

All 3 Workshops are Saturday from Noon- 5p.m. in S.F. 

  $50-$85- Sliding scale tuition for each workshop.

Some partial scholarships available. Loaner stones provided & available for purchase. Pre – registration is required for stone-count.

   5/30   Intuitive Practice through the Body: The Base

Working with grounding as a road to:

+ safety & security

+ embodiment &  conscious boundaries

+  interconnectedness & prosperity

This class works with the base of the body & energy-body (feet, legs, tail, pelvis, belly and low back)  through guided intuitive stone-choosing & explorations to awaken, strengthen and heal these qualities with the stones.

**Class is $45- if payment received by 5/ 23**

   6/27    Intuitive Practice through the Body: The Heart

Working with Love as a road to:

+ opening to feeling & self-forgiveness

+ acceptance & compassion

+ giving & receiving

 This class works with the chest, heart, upper back and arms through guided intuitive stone-choosing & explorations to awaken, strengthen and heal these qualities with the stones. .*** $45- if payment received by 6/ 19***

  8/22    Intuitive Practice through the Body: The Head

Working with Connection to Spirit as a road to:

+ Oneness, Bliss &  Spiritual Guidance

+ Spiritual Practice & Service

+ Deep Listening & Right Speech

 This class works with the throat, brow and crown through guided intuitive stone*-choosing & explorations to awaken, strengthen and heal these qualities with the stones. ** $45- if payment received by 8/14**

   Contact Cybele (707) 525-4992 or garnet8@sonic.net

                               BLESSED BE

 

7 Gates: Introduction

  Streamlined New Format for 7 Gates! We will work primarily  with one of the two stones at each Chakra. The workshop day now starts later, running between lunch and diner. The shorter day allows more focus  and lowers the cost of  tuition.

Time: Noon to 6:00 p.m.              Tuition : $70-$100 sliding scale per workshop

The 7 Gates  journey gives the seeker an opportunity to work in the sacred circle and create ritual,  draw, write, share, move, chant, deepen body-awareness and learn the craft of laying-on of stones. 

 7 Gates  is divided into two distinct roads: 

The Spirit  of the Fountain  

and The Spirit of the Waterfall. 

These roads travel through the physical body and the subtle energy body, as the Chakras unite them. The Spirit of the Fountain is the path of liberation. The journey begins at the base of the spine in the root Chakra and follows the stream of life energy upwards. The second Chakra is explored in the second session, and so on. Each session includes two new stones.  Gemstones are children of the Earth; sources of beauty, power and healing. Each pair of stones act as guides to our gifts and mirrors of our challenges at a particular level of being. As we visit each stone through both inner and outer senses, we honor and commune with the Spirit of that stone.   Color meditations take us into each Chakra, illuminating its powers, physical structures and the areas of life it governs. (Throat Chakra is Turquoise Blue, the Thyroid Gland and Communication.) Completing the Fountain cycle from red root to violet crown is like a total housecleaning – all floors of the house of our body cleaner, more orderly & beautified. Cybele’s second 7 Gates Journey is the Spirit of the Waterfall, the path of manifestation, which allows us to use the knowledge we have gained to help manifest the changes we seek in our lives. What matters in the dense-ing down into Matter? Each cycle meets one weekend day a month for eight months. Students asked to commit to only one 8-month cycle at a time. Please visit Cybele’s Schedule for information about the next 7 Gates Chakra and Gemstone Journey. Workshops have a sliding scale fee. Upon completion of both the Fountain and Waterfall cycles, participants are invited to become Stone Keepers. This is a year of ritual devotion to one gemstone focusing on the spiritual path, healing and the development of intuition.The Stone Keepers have been working and evolving together since the spring of 2004. They meet with Cybele one weekend and one Saturday during their year of priest/essing their stone. Each participant is entrusted with individual tasks that honors their stone and promotes their growth. The Stone Keeper’s work feeds and nourishes the body of work that is 7 Gates. At the year-mark meeting, Keepers release their stone and choose to enter another cycle of Stone Keeping or to step out of the group to follow other pursuits. For additional information on other workshops please see Cybele’s website.