In 2020, I was asked to edit a blog to be published as an eBook, with a section about “mini-mountains” (certain crystals or stones with intrinsic properties from which we may benefit).
This resonated with me. Knowing everything is made up of atoms, vibrating at different frequencies, we may also realize that crystals or stones have unique frequencies — which we may work with to our advantage, if we choose.
Intrigued, I purchased some of each of the fourteen stones and made a bracelet for my husband, an infinity version for the blog’s author, and another for one of my nieces. As we all dealt with being in the midst of a global pandemic, creativity became a welcome, highly focused meditation, or flow state, for me.
I also made a short necklace for myself and found the weight of the stones (just below the suprasternal notch, near the thymus and throat chakra) comforting. Curious, I found an article affirming my discovery: that women in particular find comfort by a slight amount of pressure upon this area.
Wanting to share, I contacted a friend who suffers from severe anxiety, especially during the pandemic, and offered to make her a necklace. She helped research and select stones with a sense of personal history, for comfort, and anti-anxiety.
Years ago I attended a mala-making workshop at a yoga studio led by Sarita Shrestha. After making a mala for myself, I made several others for family and friends — chanting along with Deva Premal as I knotted each bead.
The beading silk in my original mala of Tourmaline was stretched out, the tassel tired. I decided to rework the mala, abandoning the 108 prayer bead concept to make it a little shorter and more wearable, and trading in the fourteen “mini-mountains” for some of the original Tourmaline.
I learned a different beading technique traditionally used for stringing pearls. And while not easy — working with several yards of silk thread draped all over my studio — the result is tighter and more pleasing to me than overhand mala knotting.
As I prepared to rework my mala, I recalled a reiki session I was given during which I envisioned my horse, a tree, and myself in the form of a hawk — being able to shapeshift and travel anywhere with a thought. I decided to incorporate these elements into my new necklace. My mala transformed into a personalized dreamscape (which I now use with core shamanic journeying).
My out-of-state niece had heart surgery. I made a bracelet to help heal and protect her heart with rose quartz, ruby zoisite, amethyst and emerald. Of course, jewelry is no substitute for science and modern medicine. Yet, how can you go wrong with a gift that says, “I love you and I envision a positive outcome”? And if the recipient believes in the possibility that the stones have metaphysical properties, that belief can be transformative.
Our farrier and ex-marine described a campfire as being a comforting presence, what he would build first if he needed to survive in the wilderness. I made him a campfire amulet of amber, fire agate, carnelian, petrified wood, black tourmaline and copper.
My daughter asked me to create a couple of pieces for women she cares about. I came up with a few questions: what is their totem animal, symbols or environments that bring them comfort, birthstones or astrological signs, and if there is anything going on in their lives for which they would like support.
These are intimate questions. Not everyone is comfortable answering them. Not everyone knows the answers. Together, my daughter and I created a safe space to receive enough information and insights for me to proceed.
I posted photos of my work on Facebook and received encouraging responses. Then a neighbor asked if I would make a bracelet for her husband. She wanted to pay me for it. I had to think about that. I had been simply making gifts. Self-doubt crept in. Is what I am creating worth being paid for? Would it diminish the work, or my pleasure in doing it? A friend of mine suggested that the Universe likes an exchange, in whatever form that takes. I was uncomfortable. What if they didn’t like what I made? Or, even worse, what if the flow that had overtaken me disappeared?
Now this process feels like a calling: something I am called to do which can empower and comfort the wearer. As I continue this work, my empathy and intuition are amplified. On occasion components are revealed to me in my dreams. Once when I researched a stone I wanted to use for someone, the next day a friend gifted me a few strands. These visions and synchronicities reaffirm my path.
My husband along with a dear friend and mentor expressed their beliefs that these pieces have the ability to change people’s lives … empowering and raising their vibrations to benefit the greater good. A few recipients have been kind enough to share their testimonials with me after receiving their amulets … which is what I now choose to call them.
am·u·let
an ornament or small piece of jewelry thought to give protection against evil, danger, or disease.
To view more examples of amulets, and how they have evolved with experience and insights, visit the Gallery page.
It’s not a simple thing to go out on a limb — yet it is exciting and rewarding. I hope you find inspiration to pursue a calling of your own.
~Cath’rine
~Cath’rine