Gemstones, minerals, and crystals have been recognized for their influence on our lives since the dawn of time. The ancient shamans and healers knew that these magnificent offerings of Earth provided both spiritual and physical aid in everyday life.

Today much is written about the qualities and uses of gemstones and crystals. Use these sources, as well as this, as a guide in your quest for powerful gemstones and crystals.

When actually choosing a stone, keep in mind that Earth often will gift you with the stone you are to have. If you are out in Nature, always be alert for that particular stone or crystal that is to be yours. If you are drawn to a particular stone, receive it with gratitude. If you are shopping and have a choice of specimens open your mind: the proper one will make itself known to you as you handle different pieces.

Following is a short list of some of the most powerful gemstones.

Please note that different healing traditions may use the same stone for different uses, and you will likely find additional references that will be different than the information listed below.

• Amethyst – Brings spirituality and contentment, stability, strength, peace, healing, inspiration, and enhances psychic and creative abilities.
• Bloodstone – Courage and wisdom. Strengthens the heart and bone marrow, healing power.
• Diamond – Enhances personal clarity. Gem of innocence, success, relationships, faith. Wards off dark, evil thinking.
• Emerald – Brings luck in love, peace and tranquility. Said to provide safety in child bearing.
• Garnet – Gem of protection, strength, and healing. Provides passions and desires, aids in sexuality. Good for the heart and blood.
• Lapis Lazuli – Aids in releasing anxiety. Strengthens the immune system. Expands spiritual awareness: powerful psychic aid.
• Turquoise – Thought to regenerate tissues, as well as restoration of original DNA patterns. Often used for healing cataracts and other eye problems. Brings peace and calm.

More gems and minerals will be described in follow-up articles. The use of crystals is also a powerful tool in healing and in self-help and self-protection, and will be discussed in additional writings as well.

The New Moon that occurred March 15th, 2010 (actually the February New Moon)

At the time of the New Moon there were four planets in the Pisces constellation: The Sun, the Moon, Venus and Mercury. The last two planets are to the east. Venus is furthest from the Moon.

Waxing Crescent, 17% full @ 9:15 PM EST, 03/19/10

Many expectations may be contemplated during this New Moon Phase, however not all will come to fruition.

Yellow hues in gems and crystals are powerful during this season: Sapphire, Topaz, Citrine, Garnet and Beryl show their strengths while Agate, Black Onyx, Black Spinel and Rainbow Obsidian are also powerful for those who prefer the black hued gems.

The recent earthquakes in Haiti and Chile have resulted in tragedy. Early warnings of earthquakes have been the focus of much research in the past few decades. Perhaps a closer look at animal behavior can shed insight into earthquake prediction.

The first recorded reference to animals predicting earthquakes is found in ancient Greece, attributed to writings from 373 B.C. Supposedly weasels, rats, snakes and even centipedes abandoned their normal environments and moved to areas of safety several days before a strong and destructive earthquake. Reports of similar activity have been recorded throughout history. Anecdotal in nature, these reports seem to indicate that many species adapt abnormal behavior prior to earthquake occurrences. Mammals, fish, birds and even insects have allegedly been observed showing strange behavior weeks ahead of a quake, with activity intensifying closer to the time of the event.

Can animals sense activity within the earth that we humans cannot? Most definitely the answer is yes. Remember that an earthquake has different waves that move through the earth. The first wave that is generated is called a “P” wave. These are small waves that travel from the epicenter and arrive seconds before the larger “S” wave. It is fact that animals have much keener senses than humans, and most animals can sense these “P” waves when we cannot. However, if animals react to the sensation of “P” waves, keep in mind that this prediction will only give a few seconds of warning. The real question, yet to be proven, is whether or not animals can sense movements or changes in seismic fault zones long before man’s equipment and sensors can detect such evidence.

Many reports through the centuries have been noted about animal behavior changes warning of impending seismic catastrophes. There has to be some credence to these reports, anecdotal or not. Almost all animals can ‘predict’ upcoming weather via their behavior. Our observations of animal behavior may someday be sharp enough to catch the warning signs that animals provide when Earth moves.

Below are some ideas about contacting, and being contacted by, spirits and/or ghosts gleaned from personal experience and discussions with other investigators.

Earthbound entities (ghosts) and spirits (entities that are able to move between different realms) are able to make contact with us. However, the chance for the success of such encounters can be enhanced if certain conditions are met.

• Sources of electricity should be powered down. TV’s, stereos, etc. emit electromagnetic fields that many feel will interfere with the entities ability to interact with us.
• A location with subdued lighting (e.g. candles) seems to work best, as well as little or no noise pollution.
• After dark, night contact appears to produce the best results. Few daytime direct contact events are recorded, but when they occur they are most remarkable.
• When a group of investigators is involved, it is best to have one person only as the person designated as the “contact” person. It can’t be easy for spirits or ghosts to make contact, and if three or four people are talking to the entity at the same time, your results will be disappointing. If someone in the group turns out to be more ‘attuned’ to the entity than the one designated, switch roles.
• Be polite. Always thank the entity for making its presence known. Consider yourself honored if you make contact.

And some gentle words of warning:

• Try to eliminate skeptics from your group. They just distract.
• Have an experienced investigator in your group, if you are new to this activity.
• Be aware that there are entities that would at the least cause mischief, and at the most be evil in nature. If you have a foreboding or bad feeling, do not be bashful about being polite and firm in telling the entity to return to its point of origin. This is where the experienced investigator can be a valuable asset to your investigation.

This is a fun exercise: Compare the predictions of several of the most well known psychic’s predictions for 2010. Then book mark or keep a copy, and this time next year go back and compare the accuracy (or inaccuracy) of the predictions.

Some of the psychics, astrologers, and mentalists and their predictions listed are The Amazing Kreskin, Susan T. Miller, Terry and Linda Jamison, Sidney Friedman, and Sylvia Brown. Some predictions are contradictions: Who will be correct?

Click Here for 2010 Predictions

New Year’s 2010 recorded not only a “Blue Moon” but also UFO’s reported over Cardiff, South Wales, UK. This story, (click here) will bring you the details. In addition, look for the link to the video of the UK sighting and a video of a southern California sighting the same night.

Any connection between the Blue Moon and these sightings? Many will utter a resounding Yes!

The presence of electromagnetic fields or electromagnetic fluctuations that are not from a natural source have long been considered evidence of ghosts or spirits. Thus, many paranormal investigators have an EMF meter in their kit of ghost hunting tools.

An EMF meter is a sensitive, scientific instrument that picks up and reads the fluctuation, or changes, in electromagnetic fields. When you are performing an investigation, it is vital to take preliminary EMF readings at various location throughout the area you are investigating. This activity will establish a baseline, if you will, of areas where ‘normal’ or ‘natural’ readings are noted with your meter. Most ‘normal’ readings will be in the range of 9.0 – 30.0 on your EMF meter. To get an idea of how your EMF meter performs, try it out in areas of your home where you expect to see readings. A computer monitor, television, or other electronic device works well. Start with the EMF meter close to the device: note the reading. As you move further away, you will notice the reading dropping. Note that a natural or normal reading will always be in the same place, and not be “moving around”. The device is the “source” of the reading. A natural source will always appear in the same place, and will not vanish.

Now, anything that registers in the 2.0 to the 7.0 ranges and cannot be traced to a “source” can be attributed to spirit activity. The challenge is to find an area where “un-natural” or “super-natural” readings are found. But wait: Isn’t that the purpose of your investigation?

EMF meters are available from many places, and also come in a variety of styles and prices. Prices range from below $50 to as high as several hundred dollars, depending upon the sensitivity and other functions included. The meter listed below is an excellent value.

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