Touch the Earth - Listen to the Rocks - They Remember
Apsley Acers “Serenity Stones”
Written by Sharon
This Stone Story is a personal sharing - it is also Spring Stone Story - a smidgeon from the inner self of our magickal Apsley Acers' forest. Throughout our beautiful forest we have a network of trails on which we easily wander its vastness; these allow us a continuous enjoyment through all her seasonal changes.
The oldest of these trails [our cabin was built in 1875 so many feet have walked on it before ours] takes off to the south by the old barn.
Each Spring after most of the snow has finally melted, the first warmish sunny day, entices us down this trail. Breathing the fresh mild air of early Spring our eyes look everywhere, high up against the blue sky we enjoy the glow of tiny red flowers on the Maples. Lower down all sorts of shrubs have swollen leaf buds ready to burst and already the Honeysuckle bushes have put forth their pale yellow twin bells. Even the birds are back noisily mating building nests. The intoxicating smell of fresh damp earth mingled with a light sweetness, ah yes, Spring fills the air.
On the top of one small ridge along this trail, I stop each spring to search for the special quartz rocks which "grow" after the winter heaves them up as the deep frost leaves.
I remember the first time a glint caught my eye ten springs ago. Unable to resist this bright “hello” I bent over and picked up a small sharp edged stone. Imagine my surprise as a wonderful piece of Smoky Quartz [photo one] revealed itself glistening in the sunlight. After looking carefully about I spotted several more pieces, PLUS a smaller piece of Quartz which was not at all smoky, but quite orange [photo two] from its dance with iron earlier in its growth. We surmised that this ridge is formed by a rock outcrop - through which runs a vein of smoky quartz with smaller vein lets of orange quartz - both quite fractured as all the pieces I have gleaned over the years are all very clean, sharp and edgy.
To my delight within some of these stones, there is a rainbow trapped inside. Similar colours as a bit of oil would show in a puddle of water. I took to carrying a couple of the stones (one smoky; the other orange) in a pouch with me on a regular basis. They seemed to bring about a soft cloak of happy serenity. A strange description yet imagine a strong warm inner calm but with a smile of joy on one’s face and that just about describes it to a “T”. Eventually, I even made myself a necklace as I enjoyed the results so much. An euphoric calm descends each time I wear it. Each year I wire wrap a couple more from my hoarded small stash to make into necklaces to sell. The first one looked like the photo I am sharing but each subsequent one has been unique to itself.
I do not know how long these gifts from Apsley Acer’s Soul will continue to arrive each spring. I display the necklaces quietly in a corner of my studio. It blows my mind how quickly they attract attention to themselves and are sold before I even have a chance to tell their story to anyone. People seem to intuitively know that this funny raw rock necklace is calling them.
When I delved into their individual characters a wee bit more a light bulb appeared! After reading the following you also will understand why the joyous calm arrives with the wearing of these stones and why they wished to be called Apsley Acer’s “ Serenity Stones ”.
The rainbow inclusions found in a number of the orange stones depends on the vacuum space between the walls of the fracture inside the crystal. The rainbow across the fracture is caused by the thickness of the gap between the fracture walls. It certainly looks magical. Upon reading I find that these beauties bring rainbows into one’s life and are a special gift from the spirit-keeper within the stone.
Quartz is a good conductor of heat. Ancient peoples were well aware of this property. Thus quartz always feels cool when touched or held, even in the heat of the day.
The color of Smoky Quartz is variable from brown to black and sometimes smoky gray. The cause of the color of Smoky Quartz is in question but it is thought to be related to the amount of exposure to radiation that the stone has undergone. Local granitic rocks have a small, but persistent amount of radioactivity.
Smoky Quartz invites unknown, unexpected adventures into your life. It is protective and grounding as it dissolves negative energies and emotional blockages. Clarity of thought, improved intuition and stimulation to a higher connection in meditative states are also offered. It will not astound you with its speed - its action is gentle and prolonged, as it balances your yin and yang energy enhancing stability. It also promotes a personal pride and joy for living. Smoky quartz is also good for self empowerment.
The NAVEL CHAKRA'S color is orange. My orange stones could and should be called Orange Citrine. The color comes from an iron impurity. They present an ancient and calming gentle energy. It is one of two stones in the planet which does not hold negative energy. It balances yin and yang energies. Plus, because Citrine is a form of quartz, it is also worn to facilitate psychic awareness and strengthen will, and enhances your body's healing energy while diminishing your self-destructive tendencies with a result of raised self-esteem. Lightheartedness, cheerfulness, plus hope follow shortly as your will strengthens and you adjust and adapt to encouraged fresh beginnings. With warmth and energy this tiny orange quartz cleanses muddy areas in your aura. This stone is good for psychic and physical digestion and assimilation. It promotes creativity, stimulates communication, and helps to tap into your power giving energy to magick. Teaches unlimited prosperity - the secret of circular energy to use, to enjoy, and to release so more and better things may come back to you. Wear this stone at night to help prevent nightmares and to have a good night's sleep.
When Smoky and Orange Quartz are together - an alliance of forces merges the energy of the two minerals to produce a dynamic healing duo. The two provide a distinct and bright energy combination. As they arrive together in the same area - I figure the combination was meant to be.
Now just when you think it couldn’t get any better - along comes Limonite a variety of Iron Oxide which forms a thin skin on some of the orange stones. It helps you to reach towards the infinite powers of the mind. Also, provides an invisible shield for your brain, stopping negative thoughts, impaired clarity and psychic attack. It also enhances your character assisting in aiding life-stability and comfort. There is now no question as to why my physical and emotional state borders on the edge of pure bliss when I wear this stone combination.
So, the next time you’re off for a wander and a strange stone says hello remember this sharing; take time to pick it up and get to know it, who knows what wonderful gifts it wishes to share with you.
Apsley Acers Studio
Sharon (birz) - Collects, cuts and polishes stones from around the world in her log cabin studio in the quasi - wilds of Ontario Canada to make signed wearable art. Her multipurpose pieces are at home decorating bodies, altars and walls. She listens to the inner voices of the stones; and they often guide her hands; thus bringing about the culmination of their journey so they can become positive subtle helpers to their newly chosen owner’s lives.
Every gemstone has its own unique properties, character and influences. Some stones excel as healers; others aid concentration; some are a personal cloak of armor protecting us from negative forces; others are good for business and the list goes on. Often a specific stone will speak to you and pick you to be its keeper. Stop; take time to listen to the subtle vibrations Gaia’s jewels send out to you.
"Touch the Earth - Listen to the Rocks - They Remember "
Words written here are not to replace your own judgment or your doctor’s advice. They may however be utilized to explore your own life and your connection with the Earth in greater depth. - Thank you – Sharon