We’ve spent the month of May re-stocking our etsy shop with both customer favorites and new unique specimens! Stop by and see what’s new!
Brazilian Green Tourmaline
Faceted Lavender Fluorite
Malachite Druzy Specimen
Amethyst Stalactite
Want to win all of the crystals shown in the photo above? Well, it’s your lucky day because we’re having a GIVEAWAY!! Win an Instant collection of 30 rough and tumbled crystals valued at over $85.00.
What you’ll get: All of the crystals shown in the accompanying photos. One each of the following crystals: tumbled Jasper, rough Blue Kyanite, tumbled Grey Moonstone, rough Desert Rose Selenite, tumbled Abalone Shell piece, tumbled Jade, tumbled Labradorite, rough Citrine point, tumbled Rose Quartz, tumbled Amazonite, tumbled Picasso Stone, tumbled Carnelian, tumbled Hematite, rough Fluorite Octahedron, rough Tibetan Quartz double terminated point, rough Pyrite specimen, rough Amethyst cluster, rough Water Clear Quartz point, tumbled Apatite, tumbled White Howlite, tumbled Sunstone, rough Chalcedony Druzy specimen, tumbled Mangano Calcite, rough Apophylite Point, rough Aragonite Cluster specimen, tumbled Emerald, tumbled Girasol, polished Agate Geode Slice, rough Cranberry Amethyst Druzy specimen and hand knapped Black Obsidian Arrowhead. Crystals are approximately .75” – 2.25”.
Deadline: Ends Thursday February 27, 2014 at 10pm EST.
Here’s what you need to do to enter (use all or just one of the entry methods below, it’s up to you!):
1. Facebook: Like and comment on the giveaway photo. Click here to enter on Facebook.
2. Blog: Like this post and answer the following question in the comments section below. Question: Of all of the crystals included in this giveaway which is your favorite and why? (1 entry)
2. Instagram: Follow @instantkarmashop and repost giveaway photo from our feed with @instantkarmashop #instantkarmarocks (you can repost the photo once a day for a maximum of 10 entries).
✭ Terms and conditions: No purchase, payment or contribution necessary to enter or win. Open to residents of the U.S.A, Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia, ages 18 or older (void where prohibited by law). Each entrant can enter a maximum of 12 times (10 times on Instagram, 1 time on Facebook and 1 time on our blog instantkarmashop.com). Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received. Ends Thursday February 27, 2014 10pm EST. The winner’s name will be chosen at random out of a hat and will be announced on facebook, instagram and instantkarmashop.com on Friday February 28, 2014. If the winner fails to claim their prize by March 10,2014 prize is forfeited and another winner will be selected. Winners outside of the U.S are responsible for any and all duties and custom charges that may be incurred.
Questions? No problem! We’re happy to answer any questions you may have, just email us at instantkarmastore@gmail.com
I was always a bit odd in comparison to the average child I went to school with. While other kids were joining the girl scouts and playing sports I was tucked away with my mom studying the magic and wonder of the metaphysical world. I collected crystals and stones at such an early age that I don’t remember a time when I didn’t. I had tarot cards, pendulums, and runes all before the age of 13. I studied herbology, aromatherapy, magic, palmistry, and mythology. Everything she learned, she eventually taught to me and it was and always will be a special bond that we share with one another. Those memories of her teaching me are some of my most treasured and it was those very special times when I realized that not only is she my mother, she is my greatest teacher and friend. Although she is a very gifted Tarot card reader, she has always had an affinity towards runes and Nordic mythology. In elementary school I was the only child that had luck trolls named after actual Norse dwarves (Nordi, Sudri, Austri, and Vestri), and by the time I was about 13, I was reading and writing in the Runic alphabet as a way to secretly code personal journals and notes.
Then in the grass, the golden figures,
The far-framed ones, will be found again,
Which they owned in golden days.
(Prophecy of the Seeress Poetic Edda)
What Are Runes?
Runes are a system of pictographs that were used by the Norse before the Latin alphabet. Unlike the Latin alphabet, they were symbols of magic and power representing the forces and objects of nature, and were not necessarily used for writing. It was believed that by calling upon the appropriate rune one could thereby make contact with the force in nature that the symbol represented. The word “rune” not only means letter but also mystery, secret or whisper. Since ancient times runes have been used for divination, and magic, more than for writing. There were runes to influence weather, to aid the crops, and to heal the sick. They were carved on many everyday, but important items including weapons, drinking horns, spears, the prows of ships, and the timbers of houses. Most people had their own combination of runes, usually for luck and protection. Each rune has an esoteric meaning as well as an everyday meaning and phonetic value.
Runes In Myth
Norse mythology tells the story of Odin the Norse god of the Aesir, who hung himself from the Yggdrasil (The Tree of Life), impaled by his own spear, for nine days and nights in order to gain the knowledge of runes from the Well of Urd with the Norns. When the runes appeared below him, he reached down and took them up, and the runic knowledge gave him power. He later passed on this knowledge to the Vanir goddess Freya. She, in turn, taught him the magic of seidr. Heimdall, the god who guarded the Rainbow Brige, taught the runes to mankind.
Runes As Oracle
Rune castings are not fortune telling in the sense that one actually sees the future; they are an oracle from which one seeks advice. The future is not fixed, it changes with everything we do. Runes give a means of analyzing a path and a likely outcome. If you do not like the prediction, it is possible to change the path and therefore the outcome. Rune casting works best if you detail your current circumstances and then ask a specific question. Although Rune readings are sometimes obscure, and not very detailed, they will hint towards answers. This is when the rune caster’s intuition comes into play.
Making Your Own Runes
Runes can be made from a variety of different materials, which may include bone, stone, wood, clay, and metal. Traditionally they were made of wood, as according to Nordic myth the first humans were made of “wood, ash and elm”. The Elder Futhark system of Runes, which is the oldest form, is made up of 24 characters. Very often a 25th “blank rune” will be included with sets. In Runic divination, there is no historical support for the inclusion of the “blank rune”. It was invented in the 1980’s and should not be used in a rune casting. If you have a set of runes that includes the blank rune, do not use it in casting, but save it to use as a backup. Should you lose one of your 24 Runes you will be able to create a matched piece using the blank one.
DIY Eldar Futhark Stone Runes
When choosing the materials for your runes, use your intuition to guide you in selecting the best material that is right for your personalized set. When using stones, the possibilities are endless. You can choose a stone because you like its appearance. Or using a crystal dictionary, you can find something that has specific properties that appeal to you and your current situation. As with most work involving crystals, trust your intuition and you will never be disappointed. Very often even when a crystal is chosen based on appearance, it will end up being the right one for you. For my set, I chose Moss Agate for the beauty of the stone and the connection it has to the earth. Does size matter? Not really. Again, find something that is right for you. I used very small stones because that is what I had available, but you can make them any size you would like. Just make sure that they are large enough to paint and to read. Why paint stone Runes rather than carving them? Carving stone Runes requires both experience and skill, and while it is not impossible for a beginner, I’ve found that painting them works just as well and is far less expensive and less time consuming option. Using paint also prevents the mess of stone dust and the danger that may come from carving certain toxic stones.
The method used here to paint the stones is also the same method that is used for curing paint for use on ceramic mugs and glass. By baking the stones after they are painted and dry you are curing and hardening the paint making a much more permanent mark and therefore does not require sealant. Please keep in mind that if you decide to use other another type of paint marker or stone it will be necessary to do a test Rune first to ensure that the baking doesn’t cause discoloration of any kind. When testing this method, I tried several different paints and stones and the combination I have used here provided the best results. If you try a different combination and it works for you, please let us know in the comments section below, we would love to hear about your results!
Materials:
25 Tumbled Moss Agate Stones approximately .5”-.75″ long (or a different stone of your choice)
1 Deco Color Liquid Silver Opaque Paint Marker
Newspaper for covering your work space
A small baking sheet lined with foil
Rubbing alcohol and a paper towel or cotton balls
Rune Chart (See below or Click Here for a printable pdf version!)
Step 1
Prepare your stones by washing them with gentle soap and water. Once they have completely dried give them a swipe with some rubbing alcohol using a paper towel or cotton ball to remove any residue or oil. Once the alcohol has dried completely you can begin painting your stones using the chart below [ download a pdf version here ]. If you are not familiar with the characters it may be a good idea to practice on a piece of paper until you feel confident with your work. Allow your runes to dry untouched for 24-48 hours. They will dry to the touch within a short time but you want them to dry completely and the extra time will ensure this.
Step 2
Once your stones have cured for a day or two place them painted side up on a small baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Place them in a cool oven on a rack placed in the center and set the temperature to 220° Fahrenheit. Once the oven has reached 220° Fahrenheit, continue to bake the stones for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, turn the oven off and allow the stones to cool inside the oven. When the stones are completely cool, they are ready to be used!
Consulting The Oracle: Basic Rune Readings
One Rune Reading: This type of reading is best for a specific question. Focus on your question and pull a rune. The rune may indicate a simple yes or no answer, or it may be more conditional.
The Three Rune Reading: This type of reading is useful if you would like to get some insight on a specific situation. Select one rune and place it face up, then select a second and place it next to the first, the final rune once selected should be placed next to the second. The first rune represents past events, the middle one is the current situation and the third will represent the end result if the situation remains unchanged.
Scattered Rune Reading: Focus on a question or situation, take all of the runes in your hands and scatter them. You can read them all in relation to each other or focus on small groups that may have landed together.
Nine Rune Reading: Pull nine runes and hold them in your hands, focusing in your question. Then scatter the runes. Read face up runes first, as they will relate to your current situation and the circumstances which led to you there.
Rune Chart (To download a printable pdf version with even more information click here!)
Fran’s Recommended Books for Beginners (listed alphabetically by author)
Power and Principles of the Runes by Freya Aswynn
The Prose Edda: Norse Mythology by Snorri Sturluson
Futhark: A Handbook of Rune Magic by Edred Thorsson
Runecaster’s Handbook: The Well of Wyrd by Edred Thorsson
Runelore: The Magic, History, and Hidden Codes of the Runes by Edred Thorsson
Norse Mythology: The Ultimate Online Resource for Norse Mythology and Religion
By who in this month are born,
No gem save Garnets should be worn:
They will ensure your constancy,
True friendship and fidelity*
January’s birthstone, Garnet gets its name from the Latin granum or granitus, which means grain or “like seeds” due to its resemblance to Pomegranate seeds. It was referred to as the “glowing” gem due to its intense color and the belief that it glowed with its own light. It has been used since ancient times (centuries before Christ) for both its vibrational properties and beauty. One of the earliest known, and most likely the most famous, was a Garnet called “The “Wise One” which was set in the crown of the German emperor Otto (912-973). Warriors and knights used garnets to decorate shields, and weapons which they believed would protect them and give them the strength and courage needed to endure battle. In India, Garnet is seen as a holy stone that “enlightens the soul and gives wisdom”. It has its place in Vedic texts as part of the story of the death of Vala.
Throughout the centuries Garnet has held a very important place as jewelry, personal talismans, in the home, and was said to relieve countless ailments and emotional issues. Due to its red color it was said to be good for healing the blood and the heart. It was also a popular antidote for poisons as well as a treatment for inflammatory disease, over-indulgence, driving away the plague and evil spirits, and bringing sleep to the sleepless. Worn on the body as jewelry or as a talisman, it was said to attract riches, wisdom, honor and glory. It assured a long life, large family, and great happiness.
Garnet is a very powerful stone used for love, grounding, healing, protection, meditation, self-confidence, and strength. It increases sexual energy, psychic ability, and extracts negative energy from the Chakras. Also called the stone of commitment, Garnet brings devotion, rekindles feelings, renews and strengthens love, and is often exchanged between parting friends to symbolize affection and magically ensure they meet again. Known as the “stone of health” Garnet has been used to treat skin conditions, inflammatory disease, insomnia, and disorders of the spine, heart, lungs and blood. (Chakras: Heart, Root).
Color: Ranging in color from deep burgundy red to rust. Newer varieties may be green, orange, yellow, and black.
Country of Origin: Bohemia, Madagascar, India, Canada, South Africa, Australia, and United States of America.
MOHS Hardness: 6-7.5
Crystals, gems and stones… some are dull, others sparkle, they come in all different shapes, qualities, colors, and sizes. But the one thing that you cannot deny is that we are drawn to them like moths to a flame. We adorn ourselves and surroundings with them every chance we get. They connect us with the earth and ancient times, a piece of history that we could not access in any other way, a little bit of magic in our often mundane lives.
Although the year is new and full of endless possibilities for positivity, it will no doubt bring some challenges as well, as every year does. So to help you get thing started on the right foot we have carefully selected a few crystals that will help to ensure a smooth transition from 2013 to 2014. Wear them as jewelry, surround your home with them, use them in meditation, or carry them on your person in your pocket or purse. As always, when dealing with crystals use your intuition and choose the one(s) that you feel you need the most. For further information and uses, please see check out our Crystal Dictionary. Wishing you all a safe, healthy, happy, and prosperous 2014!
Smokey Quartz Pendulum
Smokey Quartz: increases creativity, happiness and helps achieve emotional balance. It can be used to clear the body of negative energy similar to smudging.
Large Crystal Cubic Pyrite Specimen
Pyrite: used for luck and drawing wealth.
Raw Citrine Pendant
Citrine: increases self-confidence and achievement of personal goals.
Chalcedony Druzy Specimen
Chalcedony: opens the mind to new ideas.
Tumbled Sunstone
Sunstone: used for success, protection, intellect, confidence, joy, and optimism (can be good for SAD).
New in our shop this week – beautiful Quartz clusters and water clear points. Perfect for wire wrapping and terrariums, these crystals come from a small family mine in Arkansas. Quartz is used for protection, meditation, healing, psychism, harmony, and power. It absorbs, purifies, and amplifies energy to the physical, emotional, and mental bodies, and can transfer the energy to your inner self. It may be used for achieving desires, hold it while concentrating on desires or studying. Clear quartz is believed to have a multitude of healing properties.
Blue Green Fluorite Octahedron Pendants
Use coupon code JUNEROCKS2013 for 10% off your order of $40.00 or more (expires 6/12/13).
New listings of beautiful rough Aquamarines just waiting to be crafted into gorgeous jewelry! Aquamarine is a pale blue-green colored stone that is used for psychism, communication, tranquility, courage, and purification. It quiets the mind, calms the nerves, clarifies perception and reduces stress. It helps banish phobias and fears. It is said to align muscles and vertebrae of the neck, relieve the pain of toothaches and cure illness of the stomach, throat and jaw. Chakras: Throat and Heart. To shop Aquamarines click here!
We just got in a new shipment of mini specimens perfect for jewelry making, wire wrapping, and collecting! Stop by and check them out!
Click here to view our latest etsy treasury: Reflections of a Mood
Throughout a lifetime of collecting and working with crystals we have often been asked what they do and how to use them. What do they do? Well, legend and lure is filled with many uses for stones – medical, physical, and spiritual. Our modern knowledge of crystals is based both on science and on experience as well as lure and (dare I say it) superstition. When asked what they do, I usually say – very tongue in cheek, wearing a big smile “Well they’re magic rocks!”. And this answer is both true and false. Those of you that have worked with crystals will probably agree with us. There is something so incredibly wonderful and magical about using beautiful gifts from the earth to help to balance and enrich our lives and those of our loved ones.
So how does one use them? Unfortunately there isn’t really a correct definitive answer. Part of why we are so drawn to them other than their physical appearance is that every person is different and reacts to stones in their own way. It is not unheard of for an individual to be attuned to some stones, and not to others. Some people are attuned to all of them, and of course there are those who don’t feel anything at all. With us, an amazing thing happened to us when we were around so many stones all the time in the store – we stopped feeling the energy from them. Since we closed the store and are no longer subjected to very large amounts of crystals on a daily basis, we have once again become extremely sensitive to their energies again. It is incredible, like the first time all over again.
So although we cannot give a definite answer to “So how do you use them?”, we can offer guidelines to get you started, or to further your work with the incredible, beautiful and vibrant gifts that Mother Nature has provided for us.
Some people keep them around their house in different locations for different purposes. Some keep them on their body, in a bag, in the car, or at work. The possibilities are endless. (I even have customers that walk around with pounds of them in their purse!) The way we use stones also depends on the intent. For example, personally, I would carry the diet/ weight loss blend on my body (a pocket, or purse), because for me, it would be a continuous reminder of my weight loss goals. The other way I might use them, (because I don’t like carrying pounds of rocks in my pockets) is to pick a stone for the day, and bring that one along with me (purse, pocket etc.). Just remember that if you are taking a stone along with you, make sure that it isn’t overly fragile – though stones have been known to break (very often because we no longer need them) fragile stones such as natural rough/raw Kyanite should be avoided as pocket stones, because they may splinter and crumble. Meditation is also an excellent way to work with your stones. Possibly, holding them, and visualizing your goals before bedtime, or upon waking up, or any time of day you feel you need them.
As you use stones more and more, you will find that if you try to forget about the “rules”, your instinct will take over, and you will wind up using the right stones, in the right ways for yourself.
Instant Karma 