ORE FEATURES
A Monthly publication of Ozark Rock Exchange
VOL 7: Issue #10, August 2, 2006
 |
||||
|
|
Main: >> Start Page >> ORE Features Archives >> 2005 >> Favorite Gemstones | |
|
| ORE'S Featured Gemstone: Favorites by ORE FEATURES Readers Apatite from Laura I have many favorites and I guess my favorite crystal fluctuates rather frequently but the one that comes to mind right now is apatite. This stone is very powerful for me because, despite the fact that I had never heard of it before, I was told when doing journey work that I needed one. Journey completed and written down I set about trying to find out if there was actually a stone by that name. At first I had some difficulty finding it because I was spelling it incorrectly (spelled it appetite cause in the journey I only "heard" the name, didn't see it written down! :) ) but still it didn't take too long to find it. Although I've been studying Shamanic work for 4 years now, at the time of this journey I was fairly new to it and I was quite stunned that I could get info. on something I didn't even know existed. It was a very meaningful experience! Chrysoprase from Rhonda My favorite crystal is my Chrysoprase...I discovered it in 1988..I had had a major surgery and it was not only slow recuperating but I also had to re-learn how to do things because my spine could not move the way it once did. A member of our coven ( at that time) and a very close friend of mine gave me my crystal as a gift.I lived in Oregon at the time. She taught me how to use it in meditation. I would get lost in the lovely soft greens and began a healing journey. I truly believe that I would not have come as far as I did without the help of my Chrysoprase. And once again it is helping me for I have had a second spinal fusion and titanium rod in place for this surgery...Once again I have to re-learn how to do certain things within my new restrictions and yet knowing I will accomplish more then thought possible...simply because of a wonderful,soft green crystal and it's willingness to help me overcome any obstacles. Onyx from Tanya of the West Wind My favorite is onyx. Why? Because for some reason, unknown to myself, I am drawn to onyx. Maybe it was because my first love had the stone in his school ring and of course he gave it to me to wear. Onyx was not something you had in your school ring - you were suppose tohave a school stone - he didn't. He was different, and the stone was different and caught much attention. I loved wearing his ring and to this day onyx is something different and beautiful that makes me feel special. Amethyst and Citrine from Les H. My Top Crystal would have to be Amythyst. Closely followed by Citrine . Now If I have my facts right, Citrine can be found together with Amethyst . I seem to remember a friend giving me part of a big piece of Amythyst She Had Procured. This Piece Had many Amethyst Crystals all joined. Now @ one end of the Piece of Amalgamated Crystals , the crystals had turned a beautiful golden/ambery/yellow. My friend told me it was Citrine. ( Please feel free to correct me if you think it was something else.) Right @ the end of the Piece, the colour was clear, indicating these crystals were just plain Quartz. Living up In the North West of Australia, I also loved scrounging around the Iron ore laden Chichester Ranges. Where if you were lucky one may find a Quartz Gode. It was terribly Exciting wondering what nature Had Hidden in these little Treasure Chests. So Naturally they run very close Favourites to Amethyst & Citrine. Lepidolite from Roxene My favorite stone is Lepidolite.... "Nature's Own Valium".... Besides liking the beautiful color, the soothing, calming effects of it on children and adults is an amazing process to behold! For years I worked with Youth at Risk.... adolescents, many of whom had attempted suicide. As family and youth counselors trying to assist them in developing the tools to handle their unique lives, one year we literally entered a lepidolite room on our wish list! This came about because I would take pieces of the mica laced stone into work and ask both counselors and kids to tell me what they felt after spending time holding it or often, I suggested that they put it on the chest and lie in a prone position. It was always amazing to watch the change in moods... alway, ALWAYS for the better! My favorite story involves a 14 yr old girl that came to stay at our emergency placement shelter, who was just transitioning out of the Mental Health Unit of the hospital. She had attempted suicide but came to us with much anger about her life predicament. It was late evening and she was in the middle of a huge temper tantrum that was keeping all the other teens in the shelter awake and showed no signs of subsiding. I took my absolute favorite piece of lepidolite and put it inside her pillowcase on the bottom side of the pillow. I got her to lie down and take deep breaths. She was sound asleep in less than 5 minutes(after raging for over an hour)! When she arose the next morning, the other youth residents and I were having breakfast and she immediately accused me[with much profanity] of slipping her some kind of drug. The other kids started laughing and told her I hadn't. It was the magical purple rock! Because it came from them and not an adult, she actually listened to their various descriptions of what the "cool purple rock"[Lepidolite]could do! Lodestone from Abbie M. I just wanted to thank you for sharing all your experiences especially here recently. I know you have many things to work on so I will make this short. My sister's husband is getting relocated (he is in the military) and they had to go house hunting clear across the US. They had 5 days to find a new place and sign all the paperwork.. After having read your story about utilizing the lodestone to assist you in your search I immedately called my sister up (she was on day 3 of house hunting) and told her she should round up a lodestone and passed on your story to her! She had no idea where to find one...but the next day at an unexpected stop she found one. (I wanted to purchase one from you and mail it to her, but she only had 2 days left and was staying at a hotel.) Then the day after finding and purchasing one they found a house! :) I thought you would appreciate knowing that your story helped my sister out. So my sister and I both send you many many thanks! Aragonite from Jennifer I thought I'd choose the one I purchased today from the Marshfield powwow... Argonite. I recognized the stone as one I'd seen in books, but hadn't ever seen in person and wasn't sure of the name. Just like how things worked out 'just right' for you & your partner ((and just in the nick of time!!), I seem to always 'find' stones and other 'magickal' items - or should I say they find me - when it is most needed or appropriate. Upon returning home and reading up on the stone, I found it very befitting that it's the 1 thing I chose to buy. (Last of the big spenders here - it was a dollar! lol). I've had some health problems since last Dec., including migraines and a current, painful/swollen as-of-yet-determined abdominal problem... coupled with the stresses of 3 deaths in the family last year ((one being my best friend)), I have certainly had my days and weeks of feeling disconnected from the Divine & my spirituality... All 'issues' that, in one way or another, Argonite is good for assisting with. =o) That said, I want to thank you for sharing your house hunting experience with everyone - you always have such a great way with your words - expressive, sincere and heart-felt! I could 'see' the house and definately believe you and yours will be 'at home'. ALL the BEST to you both and congrats all around!! --+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+-- SUBSCRIBER'S SPECIAL: FREE small Rose Quartz! Receive a FREE Rose Quartz with any purchase from Ozark Rock Exchange. You can shop on line at https://www.ozarkrockexchange.com/cart You can also place your order by email at stephanie@ozarkrockexchange.com or send your telephone number for a phone appointment. Discount will be taken at the time of purchase. You must be a subscriber as of August 2, 2006 to be eligible for the Subscriber's Special; the Subscriber Special is not valid with other offers (unless otherwise stated). Only one special per subscriber, please. The Subscriber's Special will expire September 5, 2006. Remember you never pay extra for shipping at Ozark Rock Exchange! --+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+-- SKY NOTES Second Quarter Moon, Wednesday August 2 4:46 am -+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+-- The Cedarbrook Fox Helps The Humans Soaring Voice turns his immediate attention from the earnest pledge made by the young Fox to the chaos growing quietly admist the group gathered in the meadow. "Order!" his authoratative Hawk voice ran through the small crowd. An instant silence quickly follows. "Quiet please! Let's bring this meeting back to order". The Cedarbrook Fox is embarrassed by his obviously rude and disruptive interuption of the council's meeting. He begins an apology to Buddha Cat and Soaring Voice, when the Hawk interrupts the Fox. "Thank you young Fox, your assistance is greatly needed and we are grateful to have you join us". The Hawk's voice is warm and comforting, like a father speaks to his son. There is no time for the Cedarbrook Fox to respond. Soaring Voice's attention is back on the gathering and assignments are being given to the various clans and packs. Every Bit and Persistent Patience will attend the next meeting of the two-leggeds. In one night and two more days, the group of Humans that wish to stop the building of the funeral home's crematorium are having their own council. Crows are assigned to provide air cover for the two mice, so that they may travel safely around town. Buddha Cat will act as ambassador, helping to bridge gaps between clans and species. The council requests the Deer to make special appearances in the meadow for hikers and travelers along the trail's narrow path. Murmurs of approval come from the crowd. Everyone knows how fond the two-leggeds are of urban Deer. When discussions end on the final idea and the last task is assigned, Grandfather Sun's returning light has turned the black night a dark gray. Five figures are all that remain in the threatened meadow. The Cedarbrook Fox feels awkward, he's not been given a job, nor even acknowledged since his exchange with Soaring Voice. Perhaps the Hawk was just being nice, maybe it is better for the Fox to just leave. This council had important work to do. The Cedarbrook Fox turns East to head back over to the three small lakes. There is a cool drainpipe where he can sleep off his embarrassment and awaken with a healthy appetite. "Street Kit"! The Hawk's voice stops the Fox. He wonders how the senior raptor knows his street name. He does not remember sharing it with Buddha Cat, nor the cat ever using it. Soaring Voice lifts himself easily into the air and back down beside the Cedarbrook Fox. "I'm sorry to keep you waiting young man. Is there somewhere you need to be"? Slightly stunned by the sincerity of the Hawk's question, the Fox is barely able to reply "No". "Good"! There was genuine delight in the raptor's response. "I have your assignment. We need you to be our Scout or Seeker if you will. You will watch the meadow for unusual activity from the Two-legged's. You will be responsible for relaying information between the different clans and packs. This is a key assignment and requires your presence at every meeting of the James River Urban Council. Are you ready to accept your assignment". "Yes! Yes, I do accept". The Cedarbrook Fox replies confidently. "Thank you". Soaring Voice turns to Buddha Cat, who had to walk to catch back up with the Fox and Hawk. "Give our young Fox the name of the scouts from each of the participating clans. Two nights from this one, we will meet again. The Mice will report on the two-legged's council and Street Kit will have intelligence to share from his reconassiance.". Taking flight on his last words, the Hawk leaves the last two council members to their final exchange. Meanwhile, on the paved road beside the meadow, a few early risers happen to see the strangest site as they drive past. Two shapes in the dull morning light that appear to be a cat and a fox sitting together. The Cedarbrook Fox is anxious with anticipation for tonight's meeting of the council. He is keen on hearing from the Mice about the two-legged's own council meeting to save the meadow. Plus he has learned some very interesting information, especially after getting Buddha Cat to read a new sign for him the night before. Earlier in the day, he met with the smallest residents of the meadow and has a plan he wishes to discuss with Soaring Hawk and Buddha Cat. It is still almost an hour before the small council meeting will begin, so the Fox paces about the meadow waiting. Not worrying about being unseen, even though there are still machines about on the paved roads. Finally the traffic is all but gone and Street Kit hears Soaring Voice overhead. The Hawk arrives just a few minutes ahead of Buddha Cat. Every Bit and Persistent Patience, along with their air support are the last to arrive. Soaring Voice is much less formal than he was at the larger meeting. There is no calling to order, the five merely exchange greetings and the Hawk asks the Mice for their report. Overhead the Crows listen with disguised interest. Every Bit begins the report: "The Humans met last night at the Episcopal Church to discuss plans to save the meadow. The government has given them 30 days to purchase the land or it will allow the funeral home to build their building here". "The two-legged that has paperwork to claim this land is selling it to the funeral home for two hundred fifty thousand dollars. Several of the members from the human council to save the meadow were concerned about finding this many dollars. Some said saving the meadow would be impossible". Persistent Patience finishes, "However, there was a second council at the meeting called the Ozark Wild Ways. They are offering the Two-Legged Council To Save The Meadow half of the dollars they need, if they can bring find the other half". "When they finished their meetings, the Two-Leggeds in attendance had pledged $70,000 from their own dollars. Others divided into temporary clans to think of more ways to acquire dollars. There is another meeting in 13 more risings of the Sun. They hope to have all their money then, so there is time to pay the two-legged with the paperwork claim". "Thank you very much Persistent Patience and Every Bit. Excellent report". In spite of the assurance Soaring Voice wants to put in his words, he has a serious concern. Buddha Cat expresses the very thought that chips at his confidence. "Yes, this information lets us know how the two-leggeds are trying to save the meadow. But, how can four-legged's help get dollars"? The Cedarbrook Fox is turning the new information around in his head, while he waits his turn to speak. Out of the corner of his eye, he notices one of the Crows assigned to providing support for the Mice take off and leave. "Street Kit, what have you to report"? The Hawk decides to side-step the dollars issue for a moment. Best to have all your facts out for discussion before building your strategy. The Fox rushes through the beginning of his report, it mostly covers statements of support and a few concerns from the various four-leggeds and feathered clans. Finally Cedarbrook Fox gets to what he believes is the important information he discovered the night before. "Last night, I asked Buddha Cat to come with me to read a new sign". The Fox starts to slow down, he does not want to miscommunicate now. "The new sign says Survey Crew. After asking many questions I was able to learn that a Survey Crew measures where two-leggeds put things. Things like paved pathways and buildings. This crew is schedule to measure our meadow this coming day". For a brief second Street Kit worries that maybe he is being too presumptous, then begins to describe his idea. "If the survey crew finds that the meadow is too difficult to measure or make a building on, then, maybe the funeral home will not want to pay for the paperwork claim. With your permission, I have asked a pack of Ground Squirrels and Ground Hogs to assist me with sabatoging the survey crews' measurments". "Wonderful work"! Soaring Voice exclaims. "Please tell us how your plan will work". Street Kit (aka Cedarbrook Fox to the humans) describes the details of the plan he hatched with the gang of burrowers earlier that night. The small council nods in agreement as they hear the idea. Caught up in their discussion of possibilities from this effort, not even the young Fox notices the Crow returning holding a sparkling object in his beak. "Bright Night, it is very rude to interrupt" Soaring Voice begins to scold the Crow. Then notices his mouth is full, "what is that in your mouth"? The Crow simply drops the object in the middle of the five gathered for council. Then replies "It is one of many". Persistent Patience picks it up and declares that it is a ring. Snatching the ring from his companion's tiny paws, Every Bit proclaims in correction "this is a Diamond ring! worth many dollars!". Every member in the group thinks the same thought at the same time, except for Bright Night, who had already thought it. There may be a way for four-leggeds and feathered relations to find their own dollars to save the meadow. Quickly Soaring Voice put Bright Night in charge of assembling an emergency meeting. "Invite the Racoons, Oppossums and as many of the Crow flock that can attend". He turns to the mice, "bring us dollar pictures, we need everyone to know what a dollar looks like". The Hawk faces the Fox. "I want you there too. Report on how your plan went with the Survey Crew". Then to everyone, "see you here again after the human hour of midnight". After the small council group disperses, the Cedarbrook Fox finds a nicely hidden spot and curls up to sleep through the remains of the night. He needs to meet his crew of sabateurs early in the morning. Initially the Fox swats at the pest playing with his paw unconsciously from a deep healing sleep. As the Ground Squirrel persists in tugging his toes, Street Kit eventually breaks through his sleep. Just in time to remind himself to not snap and eat the tiny relation responsible. "Get your lazy red tail moving"! The Cedarbrook Fox laughs at the picture of the little Ground Squirrel scolding a potential predator. "Calm down you little bushy tailed snack". The Fox feigns irritation. "Where is Dirt Master and Creek Caver"? "At their posts! Like you should be"! "It's barely sunrise Tunnel Wind. Why so tense"? The little Squirrel responds to the Fox by pointing to a truck trying to make its way off of the paved pathway into the meadow. Fortunately, the driver and passengers are distracted by their efforts to try and drive off the path. None of them see the Fox and Ground Squirrel separate and head for their pre-assigned stations. Everyone waits patiently for the truck to drive on into the meadow. The four-leggeds watching do not realize that the two-leggeds in the truck are already having troubles. The Survey Crew chief makes a note about the depth of the meadow from the height of the paved pathway. He then instructs the crew to make an additional measurement. Once the Survey Crew parks their truck and get out to take their measurements, the Fox and his gang go to work unseen. Both crews work diligently through the day. One above ground, one below. With their task complete, the Survey Crew packs their gear and walk towards their truck. Suddenly the ground gives way and one of the two-leggeds twists his ankle as his foot falls in. Two other members from the Survey Crew drop their equipment to aid their co-worker. Helping him to his feet, the Chief notices one of the markers they just set out seems to be gone. He instructs his Crew to gather the dropped equipment and return to their truck. The Chief walks away to reset the missing marker. Except when he arrives at the spot, the survey marker is not missing, but sunk in the ground. Like the foot of his crew member. The entire area around the marker appears to be falling in. The Survey Crew Chief starts writing many notes on his papers. Street Kit (the Cedarbrook Fox) and Tunnel Wind are tapping paws in celebration. They are confident that the Chief is not writing happy notes about their meadow. After the Chief re-walks the entire meadow, making many many notes he joins the rest of the Crew at their truck. With their equipment back on board and notes all written, the Survey Crew Chief drives the truck out of the meadow. Actually he drives about ten feet before the ground gives way and their truck stops moving. While the Crew waits for a bigger truck to come rescue them, the Chief stops writing notes. Now he is using a small talking box to tell the funeral home that their building to going to cost way too many dollars to make. He talks so loud that he does not hear the celebrating going on under his feet. It took until after dark for the bigger truck to rescue the Survey Crew's truck. Still, the meadow was empty of two-leggeds in plenty of time for the James River Urban Council's emergency meeting on Dollars. Soaring Voice formally calls the meeting to order. There are several more attendees tonight than had been at last night's council meeting. Street Kit gives his report on the Survey Crew mission first. Cheers and laughs come from all and the young Fox is almost giddy with the joy of belonging. The senior Hawk then instructs Bright Night to report on their ideas for the Dollar Mission. The Crow knows it will not be easy to convince his feathered friends to give up their glittery stashes. He speaks eloquently about how important this meadow is to everyone. He uses the two-legged's own efforts to save it as illustration of the need to work as one. "Loosing our meadow is a loss to all within Life's powerful web. Every strand is precious and each effort to protect and preserve it is truly the work of heroes and legend". Bright Night ends his speech by opening his wings to let several pieces of jewelry and coins drop out. Bright Night made arrangements before the meeting with some of his closest friends to make similar donations. He hopes their actions will add drama and inspire recruits for their Dollar Mission. It works. Every Bit is called on next to show everyone what dollars and coins that add up to dollars look like. Racoons, Oppossums and Beavers can all pick up money that is sometimes found on the ground. Others are encouraged to pick up what they see as best they can. Special runners are assigned for those who are completely unable to handle dollars or coins. Buddha Cat reports on how they will get the dollars to the two-leggeds so they can purchase the meadow's paperwork. There will be three drop off points guarded by the Crows. Buddha Cat will collect the dollars together and with the help of the Fox, deliver them to Buddha Cat's House Human. Soaring Voice calls the next meeting for 13 Sunrises from tonight. The night following the two-legged's next meeting. Days pass in slow painful minutes. The Cedarbrook Fox tries to stay busy, relaying updates and delivering collections to Buddha Cat's House Human. Not knowing the outcome of all their efforts nags like an itch at the Fox's peace of mind. During the hardest minutes he wishes that he had followed his first instinct to leave. Leaving is impossible now. Two days before the next meeting of the James River Urban Council, Persistent Patience brings Soaring Voice some encouraging news. Two-leggeds from the funeral home are angry about the Survey Crew's report. According to the Mouse, they had a meeting with the owner of the meadow's paperwork and are threatening to cancel their contract to purchase his papers. "That land is not safe to build on"! mimicks Persistent Patience then she rolls over giggling. No longer able to conceal his nervousness, the Cedarbrook Fox arrives more than an hour early for the meeting of the James River Urban Council. There was no sleeping all day, but his restless heart keeps fatigue at bay. Luckily Buddha Cat arrives early and shares his information with the young Fox while they wait. The four-legged's collections add up to six thousand four hundred and fifty dollars. After his House Human put in his own collections, there is a total of seven thousand dollars. Apparently Street Kit and Buddha Cat are not the only ones anxious to hear news from the two-leggeds council. The meadow is full thirty minutes before the Council is set to begin. Straight up at Midnight, Soaring Voice calls the meeting to order. The Hawk quickly recounts the Survey Crew Mission for the many council members that still had not heard about the successful mission. Then, Soaring Voice gets to the real report everyone wants to hear and introduces Every Bit and Persistent Patience. Every Bit first reports on their own dollar collections. Gasps of surprise and proud smiles pass through the gathering. Then turns the floor over to Persistent Patience to report on last night's meeting of the Two-Legged Council To Save The Meadow. "According to a report by the Treasury Clan of the council, there is a total of one hundred eighteen thousand dollars they can use to purchase the paperwork for the meadow. The Council Chief says they need one hundred twenty five thousand dollars to purchase the papers". "The two-leggeds are very discouraged" continues Persistent Patience. "One council member says they have heard stories that the funeral home may not want to purchase the meadow's paperwork now, that there is a problem. But they do not seem to have the same information that we do. Tomorrow they are meeting with the two-legged that has the meadow. They need to know what we know. Perhaps the owner will need fewer dollars for his papers". The Mouse allows his last thought to linger. The humans must know there is hope. While the senior Hawk instructs the council members to break into temporary clans to discuss ideas, Buddha Cat sneaks away from the meeting. He knows of only one way to get this information to the two-leggeds before tomorrow's meeting. There is no time to waste, so he hurries home to wake his House Human. Before the morning hour of eight the next day, the talking boxes of several key members of the Two-legged Council To Save The Meadow are ringing. Time slips up to the hour for their meeting with the holder of the meadow's paperwork. Council members and the Chief from the Ozark Wild Ways arrive well prepared to discuss dollars. The owner tries to manipulate the humans with fear, but knowledge is powerful and they will not offer more than two hundred thousand dollars for the meadow's precious paper. No one notices two little mice scurry from the room as the two-leggeds finally shake hands and put signatures on new paperwork. As the two-legged's leave their meeting, news about the meadow's paperwork is spreading through the clans, packs, flocks, herds and groups of four-leggeds. This night many will be celebrating the magic of a web that weaves its power through a connection with all relations. One strand alone cannot save a meadow, but the strength of many touching together will stand against the greatest harm. Which means, there is always hope. -+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+-- SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: YOU'RE THE OWNER CONTEST! It's your chance to tell me what to do. If you were the owner of Ozark Rock Exchange, what would you change about the website? Add new items to the catalog? Make it easier to use? Share more resources? Just share what you think would make Ozark Rock Exchange better and you'll receive an entry for the chance to win: A Lapis Lazuli Square Just send your answer (one new thing you would add to the catalog) to webmaster@ozarkrockexchange.com and you'll be entered for the chance to win the Lapis Lazuli Square. Entries must be received by Midnight Tuesday September 5, 2006. Winner will be announced in the next issue of ORE FEATURES and at the website. Details on the contest are posted at -+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+-- What's Happening At Ozark Rock Exchange? NEW ARRIVALS: The young geologist I work with in the Czech Republic is having a very hard time getting me Moldavites. The eight or so that I have added to the catalog will be the last that I will be able to get for a while. Also just arrived, several new gemstone strands that inlcude: Rose Quartz, Fluorite, Hematite, Peridot and Sodalite. Plus I saved some crystals from my last Quartz dig that were not treated with acid. These 100% natural Quartz Crystals are exactly as I received them from Mother, except for a good washing in a mild dish detergent. Be the first to see these new arrivals at: CLOSING THE BEAD GALLERY: Due to the loss of my bead partner neighbor, I have had to close down the online Bead Gallery at Ozark Rock Exchange. I am currently looking into some alternatives, but felt it important to take product out of the catalog that I can no longer offer. RITUALFEST: It looks like I'll be doing my first event in Tennessee, RitualFest. It is August 12 and 13 at the AppleOak Grove in Sharon Tennessee. Here is the website for more information: www.geocities.com/ritualfest/ WHAT'S HAPPENING AT OZARK ROCK EXCHANGE? The answer is at --+--+--+-- ©Copyright 2006, Stephanie Pflumm, All Rights Reserved Worldwide. No portion of this newsletter may be reproduced without the written permission of the editor/founder, Stephanie Pflumm. Please feel free to share with a friend. |
||||
| << Top >> | ||||
 |
Copyright © 1999-2008, Ozark Rock Exchange Memphis, TN 38118 Phone: 901-496-2434 |