All Your Tarot Questions Answered // Guest Post by Brit Charmichael
Is something holding you back from giving tarot card readings? Do you have some unanswered questions that you’re just not sure about and don’t know who to go to get real answers from?There’s something about tarot that seems a little more intimidating than oracle cards. It feels like you really need to “know” the cards in order to move forward, and you might be afraid that you’ll do something wrong in a reading. I know, because I had the same feelings about jumping into tarot!This week, I’m rolling out our first guest blog post with tarot goddess Brit Charmichael. She’s going to be answering all of your tarot questions so you feel confident about doing readings for yourself and others. Enjoy!
Is something holding you back from giving tarot card readings? Do you have some unanswered questions that you’re just not sure about and don’t know who to go to get real answers from?
There’s something about tarot that seems a little more intimidating than oracle cards. It feels like you really need to “know” the cards in order to move forward, and you might be afraid that you’ll do something wrong in a reading. I know, because I had the same feelings about jumping into tarot!
This week, I’m rolling out our first guest blog post with tarot goddess Brit Charmichael. She’s going to be answering all of your tarot questions so you feel confident about doing readings for yourself and others. Enjoy!
Psychics. Tarot. Crystals. Intuition. Spirit Guides.
Four years ago, it was all new to me, but my curiosity kept pulling me in the woo woo direction.
Fast forward, I haven’t skipped a personal daily tarot reading yet and now I’m communicating with past loved ones (including my biological father). We can dive into that another time.
Because tarot is such a taboo topic, I thought diving deep into the questions I get asked ALLLL the time would help to debunk some of the funk we hold around the tool of tarot.
I always like to point out tarot is just another tool of divination helping us connect to the unseen world of energy and vibration. The cards reflect back to us the matching vibration of what we’re feeling so we can see more objectively and clearly into our inner world. The cards help us to look deeper within and uncover our Truth. No matter what religious background you come from, this tool will help you to make that deeper, Divine connection you crave with yourself.
Let’s dive into the most frequent questions I get asked about the tool of tarot…
How can a person be objective to the reading if they are not “trained” to be objective?
Just like learning any skill, you must practice. Sleeping with the cards under your pillow to receive intuitive guidance will help you to receive clear messages from the cards. This allows your subconscious to show you symbols that represent the energy behind each card. Journaling the meanings of each card and sticking to the traditional meaning will also help you to stay objective until you build confidence in trusting your intuition of what each card represents for you.
How do you learn to interpret the cards besides the booklet that it comes with?
I always get cracked up when I say “Sleep with your cards” because it sounds like you’re in an intimate relationship, but it’s SOO true! Sleep with one card under your pillow each night to allow your subconscious mind to create symbols and meanings for the cards. Your tarot cards are like personal love notes from your soul and will help to guide you along your spiritual path of awakening. You MUST begin to trust your soul’s intuitive guidance that comes through when reading the card. Let’s say you pulled the Magician card - instead of reaching for the booklet to find the answers, look over the card. Visualize it in your imagination. Allow the words, feelings, and visions you have about this card to arise from within. Trust your first feeling. Over time you will develop confidence in being able to trust your inner knowing.
When doing a tarot reading - do you do it alone or with someone?
You can read for yourself or another person. You can also read for an entire group of people. The most important thing when reading is to set the intention of who is receiving the message before beginning.
How do you do a reading for yourself?
When doing a reading for yourself, you want to make sure you’re in a safe, sacred place where you feel comfortable opening up your heart space to receive guidance. There are MANY different spreads you can choose from depending on what guidance you’re seeking. My favorite personal reading is simply pulling one card while asking your guides/Higher Self “What is my Divine daily message today?”
How do you do a reading for someone else?
When doing a reading for someone else, you want to make sure you two are both in agreement on what question is being asked from the reader. The reader will then set an intention to receive guidance through the cards and their own intuition to be delivered on behalf of the reader.
What tarot deck do you recommend for beginners?
I get asked this almost every day. I recommend something you will USE! Find a deck that makes your heart flutter. Let your soul/intuition guide you to the deck that suits your spirit. Anything from Doreen Virtue is highly recommended. Her decks are filled with positive and uplifting messages and she has something for everyone.
Where do I start?
You can buy your deck at a local crystal shop, bookstore, or even order on Amazon. When you receive your deck, unwrap the deck and light some herbal smoke or incense to clear away the energy. This helps you to claim the deck as your own. After cleansing the deck, you can begin to sleep with one card a night under your pillow to begin creating a connection with your intuition.
What is your favorite deck?
My current favorite decks are the Archangel Power Tarot and the Butterflies for Life Changes from Doreen Virtue.
How do I shuffle?
Some cards are much larger than other decks, so you can shuffle in whatever way feels right for you. You can slice the deck, spread the cards faced down across the floor and choose, or the traditional Vegas-style shuffle. Any will work. Just mix ‘em up!
How do you care for your decks?
Just like crystals, you want to cleanse and protect their energy. Cleansing the cards as soon as you receive them is important to clear away any other energy that has been left with the cards. Occasional cleansing is good if you feel like your connection to the cards is weak. I also recommend NOT letting others touch your cards as they will leave their energy behind. Check out this blog post to learn more about how to look after your tarot cards.
Should you use the reverse meanings of cards?
If you’re feeling completely blocked and the card comes out upside down, my advice is to trust your gut if you feel the reverse meaning has a message for you. Sometimes I pull a card that’s upside down and the reverse meaning doesn’t apply, then I just go with the actual meaning of the card. I’m not a big fan of looking up the reverse meanings and I always have my cards oriented in the upright position so I typically don’t draw cards that are reversed.
What to do if you get a scary or "bad" reading for yourself or someone else?
Accept it. The cards are reflecting your energy so if something “bad” comes up - see how it applies to your life. Don’t hide from the truth and don’t over analyze the card. I find that sometimes we project our own illusions and fears onto the meaning of the cards which can create confusion when reading for yourself or someone else. I honestly don’t believe there are any “bad” cards in tarot. The “death” card gets such a bad wrap, but the meanings aren’t always literal. It could represent a metaphorical death such as the end of a cycle, job, relationship, or chapter in your life’s story, but not an actual death.
Where did tarot originate from?
Sometime around the 14th century, the tarot likely originated with Mamluk game cards brought to Western Europe from Turkey. By the 1500s, the Italian aristocracy was enjoying a game known as “tarocchi appropriati,” in which players were dealt random cards and used thematic associations with these cards to write poetic verses about one another—somewhat like the popular childhood game “MASH.”
Even the earliest known tarot decks weren’t designed with mysticism in mind; they were actually meant for playing a game similar to modern-day bridge. Wealthy families in Italy commissioned expensive, artist-made decks known as “carte da trionfi” or “cards of triumph.” These cards were marked with suits of cups, swords, coins, and polo sticks (eventually changed to staves or wands), and courts consisting of a king and two male underlings. Tarot cards later incorporated queens, trumps (the wild cards unique to tarot), and the Fool to this system, for a complete deck that usually totaled 78 cards. Today, the suit cards are commonly called the Minor Arcana, while trump cards are known as the Major Arcana.
Is there evidence to support the spiritual practice?
After spending time with your cards, your analytical brain won’t need PROOF that these cards can be used in your spiritual practice, because you will intuitively KNOW the messages coming through are always aligned with your best in mind. The cards are traced by some occult writers to ancient Egypt or the Kabbalah but there is no documented evidence of such origins or of the usage of tarot for divination before the 18th century.
What is the main purpose/intention behind using tarot?
Tarot acts as a tool that helps reflect your current energy and provides intuitive guidance for the clarity you’re seeking. You can use the tool to connect to your Higher Self/spirit guides.
How do you know what kind of energy you bring if you are doing the reading? Does negative energy affect your reading?
I wouldn't recommend a reading when your emotions are running wild. You want to come from a place of peacefulness when conducting your reading. Wait until the initial emotional surge passes before doing a reading on that particular subject.
How do you keep positive energy around your cards?
Do not let others handle your tarot/oracle cards because they can leave traces of their energy on the cards. Try burning herbs and letting the smoke clear away the energy of the cards if you feel they’ve picked up some funk.
Do you start by asking your guides to show you the cards?
I always say a little prayer before I begin asking my Higher Self to come forward to share the divine guidance I most need in that moment.
What happens if I draw the same card multiple times in a row?
Pay attention! The Universe is sending a CLEAR message by showing you again.
I hope by uncovering some of the untold truths about tarot that you’re able to let go of any hangups you have and make a deep and lasting connection with your spirit and guides.
Join my Facebook page here for a free weekly reading. If you’re looking to dive in deeper and would like a private 1:1 reading where we can uncover limiting blocks, discover your soul purpose, connect with past loved ones and spirit guides or even dig into past lives - you can book with me by heading over to brittneycarmichael.com/tarot.
6 Unexpected Gemstones You’ll Want in Your Jewelry Collection
Have more crystals than friends? Me too. Take a deep breath, you’re in the right place, no judgment here. I’m always on the hunt for new meaningful gems and crystals to add to my jewelry collection and today I’ve six powerful and lesser-known stones to share with you. Maybe all of these crystals will be new for you, or chances are you’ve spotted one somewhere but weren’t entirely sure of how to use it. So make some room on your crystal shelf (and your fingers), I'm here to introduce you to six new stones that will steal your heart and steady your soul!
Have more crystals than friends? Me too. Take a deep breath, you’re in the right place, no judgment here. I’m always on the hunt for new meaningful gems and crystals to add to my jewelry collection and today I’ve six powerful and lesser-known stones to share with you. Maybe all of these crystals will be new for you, or chances are you’ve spotted one somewhere but weren’t entirely sure of how to use it. So make some room on your crystal shelf (and your fingers), I'm here to introduce you to six new stones that will steal your heart and steady your soul!
Rhodonite
This rosey stone ranges from pink hues to black. It was originally discovered in Russia, is now mined in many places around the world, and is the state gemstone of Massachusetts. Think of rhodonite as a peace offering for your heart chakra. She mends a broken heart and wards off ill intent. She revives a somber spirit, promotes acceptance and emotional balance. Bonus, Rhodonite is also especially helpful for healing physical wounds too!
Rhodonite Benefits & Uses
Rhodonite contains levels of manganese that make it a choice pick for healing wounds, bruises, bug bites, and other physical ailments. Rhodonite is even used to make crystal elixirs which are ingested to help treat stomach ulcers! Skip the frozen T-bone. Keep a few rhodonite crystals in your freezer and use them the next time you have a bruise!
Hackmanite
This crystal was originally discovered in Greenland, I can't tell you the exact color of this stone because it changes! Hackmanite mined from Greenland and Quebec begin in deeper hues of pink and purple. As the stones become exposed to the light they turn white! However, if your hackmanite comes from Afghanistan or Myanmar it will begin as a white stone and darken when exposed to sunlight. This color shifting is known as tenebrescence or reversible photochromism. It is one of only four tenebrescent stones, so this quality is pretty rare!
Hackmanite Benefits & Uses
Have you been a bad judge of a situation recently? If you’re like me you have a knack for casually insulting strangers who just don't get your sarcasm. Hackmanite is the “time and place” stone. Use it to elevate your intuitions by way of your third eye and crown chakra. When you’re on your A-game in any situation, your self-esteem will benefit too! Try meditating in savasana with a piece of hackmanite on your brow.
Orange or Peach Aventurine
Time for green aventurine to move over so peach aventurine can have some attention! Most aventurine is mined from India and is a relatively inexpensive stone. It’s sometimes referred to as the “whisper stone” because it has much more gentle and soothing energy than some of its orange counterparts.
Orange or Peach Aventurine Benefits & Uses
Quiet your inner critic with the “whisper stone”! It’s cheery like sunshine and warms the body and the mind. This gentle stone will slowly activate the sacral chakra to bring more creativity into your life. It can also aid in conceiving a child and promotes a happy pregnancy. Let the sunshine spill over into your being with this soothing joyful stone!
Tektite
Snag yourself a space rock! Tektites were created when meteorites impacted Earth thousands of years ago. Meteorite flung molten debris high into the atmosphere, when this debris fell back down to earth, the black tektite stones were created. You’ll find that this rock comes in pretty unique shapes.
Tektite Benefits & Uses
Break the bonds of earthly limitations with this piece of the stars. Tektite enhances psychic abilities and elevates your dream state. Sleep with a piece of this stone beneath your pillow for a galactic trip. Dark stones are also beneficial for your plants. Place a tektite in the soil with your plants to transfer the vibrations of the universe to your green friends!
Grape Agate
Made up of grape-like spheres, this bubbly little gem wears its name well. It can appear in both purples and greens and was first discovered along in coastal Indonesia. Grape agate can be found in clusters and is a great alternative to amethyst for charging your smaller crystals!
Grape Agate Benefits & Uses
Here’s a short quote from Robert Simmons (leader in gemstone and mineral know-how) about grape agate:
Grape Agate is a powerful stone of spiritual purification. It emanates the Violet Ray, which unites the etheric, astral, emotional, mental and physical bodies in their intended true harmony...These stones increase one’s sensitivity to inner guidance, and they enhance one’s ability to follow it as well. The quiet power of Grape Agate can simultaneously increase one’s spiritual awareness and clear away inner obstacles to action toward the highest good.
Dumortierite or Blue Quartz
This rare, blue version of quartz is sometimes confused with sodalite and has even be disguised as faux lapis. However, dumortierite is quite different if you know what to look for. Because dumortierite is a quartz, it is semi-translucent, whereas sodalite and lapis are not. The blue hues are usually a bit softer in dumortierite than lapis and sodalite.
Dumortierite Benefits & Uses
Dumortierite is the stone of order. Working on a big project, need to organize the house, or prepare for a big change? This is your stone! This blue quartz can help you bring a sense of order in chaos, and self-discipline if you’re struggling with completing a project. Because this crystal is blue it will also work with your throat chakra and help give voice to any creative projects you may be working on.
I hope you found something new and different to add to your crystal collection! Know a fellow goddess who’d love to hear about these rare beauties too? Share away and let her know.
Basic Palmistry // Mounts & Markings
Now that you’re a pro at the major lines from last week's blog post let’s add some more to your palmistry know-how! This week I’ll be sharing some of the mounts and markings of the palms. If you missed last week’s post click here to learn about the major lines and the history of palmistry.This week I’ll go over six of the mounts, or raised areas, of your palms and what they signify. I’ll also go over some of the markings you might find on your hand or during a reading and what they mean.
Now that you’re a pro at the major lines from last week's blog post let’s add some more to your palmistry know-how! This week I’ll be sharing some of the mounts and markings of the palms. If you missed last week’s post click here to learn about the major lines and the history of palmistry.
This week I’ll go over six of the mounts, or raised areas, of your palms and what they signify. I’ll also go over some of the markings you might find on your hand or during a reading and what they mean.
The Mounts of the Palm
The mounts will give a clearer picture of a person’s interests. Mounts that are raised higher and firm to the touch indicate that it’s an area that a person has a lot of potential in or is spending a lot of energy on. The mounts can be a great indication of what career choices might work best for a person.
Mounts can be raised, overly-developed, or appear to be non-existent. I’ll go over the meanings for each variety. Starting out, it can be difficult to know how the mounts of your hands compare. Doing readings for other people will help give points of reference. It can also be helpful to view the palm from the base of the hand down at an angle.
There are a total of ten mounts on the palm, but I’ll be going over the six that are the most prominent and easiest to locate.
Mount of Jupiter
Location: Below the pointer finger
Raised: Confidence, wisdom, leadership
Overdeveloped: Pretentious
Underdeveloped: Low-self esteem
Mount of Saturn
Location: Below the middle finger
Raised: Discipline, balance, independence
Overdeveloped: Pessimistic, easily depressed
Underdeveloped: Superficial
Mount of Apollo or Sun
Location: Below the ring finger
Raised: Ambition, success, creativity
Overdeveloped: Vain
Underdeveloped: Lacks imagination
Mount of Mercury
Location: Below the pinky finger
Raised: Intuition, intelligence, activity
Overdeveloped: Greedy
Underdeveloped: Shy
Mount of Venus
Location: Base of the hand between the thumb and life line
Raised: Love, sympathy, grace
Overdeveloped: Overindulgent
Underdeveloped: Cold
Mount of Luna or Moon
Location: Base of palm, below the pinky finger
Raised: Courage, mysticism, imagination
Overdeveloped: Lives in a fantasy world (doesn’t sound too bad!)
Underdeveloped: Closed off
Important Markings
Finding markings on your palm is sort of like looking through a Where’s Waldo book, and every time I look at my hand I always seem to find more! This is the last little tidbit I want to share with you about palm reading because, well, I think it’s super fun.
Just like the mounts, there are many more markings than I’ll be able to cover. I’ll share 3 markings that are easy to find and can pack loads of meaning.
The location of these markings are telling, so be sure to take note of where they fall on your hand!
Squares
Squares that cover a break in a line are a sign that you’re protected. The protection could be from a real person or a spirit guide. Squares on their own that aren’t enclosing a broken line may indicate a time of confinement, mentally or physically, brought on by yourself or someone else.
Crosses
Crosses or x’s on the palm usually indicate problems or changes. If you notice a cross that is formed by any combination of major or minor lines, take note of which lines they are as that will indicate how changes or problems may manifest in your life.
Triangles
Triangles are always a positive sign! They often indicate success in a career, enhanced psychic abilities, and an ability to understand situations quickly. If you have a triangle on a specific line it strengthens that line.
I hope you’ve found palm reading to be a fun way to pass the time with your loved ones and maybe even shed a little light on your own path! Have you learned anything surprising about yourself from reading your palm? I’d love to hear about it, let us know on Instagram if you want to share.
Basic Palmistry // The Major Lines
Palmistry, or chiromancy, seemed like the perfect topic for the month of love! So, put down your phones and laptops (after you read this of course) and snuggle up with someone you love and have a look at their palm. It’s the perfect opportunity to take time with your loved ones, hold their hands and explore their past, present, and future with the magic of palmistry.My father dabbled in palmistry when I was young. I have fond memories of him reading my sister and I’s palms and teaching us what the lines meant. I’ll never forget what he taught me and often find myself trying to steal glances at people's hands. Whether you believe in the validity of this ancient art or not, there’s something very special about it that’s worth exploring.This week I’ll walk you through a little bit about palmistry, the 3 major lines, and what they mean. Next week, we’ll dig a little deeper and look at markings and mounts on the hands.
Palmistry, or chiromancy, seemed like the perfect topic for the month of love! So, put down your phones and laptops (after you read this of course) and snuggle up with someone you love and have a look at their palm. It’s the perfect opportunity to take time with your loved ones, hold their hands and explore their past, present, and future with the magic of palmistry.
My father dabbled in palmistry when I was young. I have fond memories of him reading my sister and I’s palms and teaching us what the lines meant. I’ll never forget what he taught me and often find myself trying to steal glances at people's hands. Whether you believe in the validity of this ancient art or not, there’s something very special about it that’s worth exploring.
This week I’ll walk you through a little bit about palmistry, the 3 major lines, and what they mean. Next week, we’ll dig a little deeper and look at markings and mounts on the hands.
A Bit of History
Palmistry is rooted in thousands of years of practice that has been passed down from generation to generation. Palm reading even survived major suppression throughout the middle ages. In fact, it was outlawed by King Henry VIII, along with astrology. Very little has changed in the practice of palmistry, and many of the techniques used today are the same techniques used in its origins of India. The practice of reading palms spread from India to China, then slowly to other countries--it is linked closely to Chinese medicine and astrology.
The Science
Science is starting to catch up with palmistry and some scientists and psychologists are finding links between our hands and our lives. Science has found that the lengths of certain fingers correlate to the amount of testosterone and estrogen produced in the body, and some swirls and lines on the hands have been linked to genetic disorders. Though most scientists consider chiromancy a pseudo-science, thousands of years of staying power leads me to believe it must have some positive uses.
The Major Lines
The major lines should be the most dominant and deep lines on your hand. The three major lines are: the heart line, head line, and life line. These three lines will work together to give you a more complete picture of your past, present, and future.
The Heart Line
Your heart line, or sometimes called the love line, is the major line at the top of the hand. The heart line can help shed light on your emotional energy, physical love, the health of your heart and it connects deeply to your soul.
Keys to look for in the heart line:
A straight heart line indicates that you are more sensitive.
If your heart line curves more it indicates that you are more expressive with your emotions.
If your heart line ends under your first finger you may find that you’re easily let down.
If your heart line ends under your second finger you may find that you put your emotional needs ahead of others.
A heart line that ends in between your first finger and second finger indicates a balance between these two energies.
A clear and deep heart line indicates that you will have a stable emotional life.
The Head Line
Moving down, your next major line is your head line. The head line relates to your intellect and how you use your mind. The length and depth of your head line does not directly correlate to your intelligence and has more to do with the way you think.Keys to look for in the head line:
In general, the longer and deeper the head line is the more intricate your thinking process will be.
If your head line is relatively straight it indicates that you are very down-to-earth and logical.
If your head line curves it indicates that you are more imaginative and more likely to trust your intuition.
A fork at the end of your head line is referred to as a “writer’s fork”. This means that you may be more inventive and lean towards speaking or writing.
The Life Line
The life line usually starts on the thumb side of the hand under the head line. Your life line will tell you more about how much energy and stamina you’ll have, and about encounters you may experience in life. The life line is not a representation of how long or short your life will be.
Keys to look for in your life line:
Long deep lines reflect that you’ll experience an abundance of vitality in your life.
If your life line reaches farther into the middle of your hand this indicates that you’ll have more energy throughout your life, whereas a life line that hugs closer to the thumb indicates lower energy.
If your life line starts closer to your first finger it reveals that you’re a go-getter.
If your life line starts closer to your thumb you’re more likely to take life as it is handed to you.
If this line starts in the middle of these two points it means that you’ve got a great balance of both of these aspects.
Doing a Palm Reading
It’s standard for the dominant hand to be used for a reading. The non-dominant hand does have meaning, but the dominant hand has the most relevant information and is the best place to start.
See something on your hand or a loved one that you don’t like? Many palmists believe that the lines on your hand can change over time! To change your lines you’ll need to focus intently on the changes you’d like to see in your life. Most importantly, always highlight positive points you find in your readings!
Now that you know the basics of palm reading, you’re ready to start practicing this ancient art on yourself and your loved ones. Next week, I’ll walk you through the mounts and markings of the hands. Can’t wait and want to dig in more? Check out my other post all about mounts and markings on the palms here.
Attracting Love With Crystal Grids
Are you in the throes of heartache? Is finding your soul mate on your daily to-do list? Or do you struggle with negative self-talk? There are crystals for each of these predicaments and crystal grids are the perfect way to amplify the healing energy of crystals. By linking all of the crystal’s energies you will send out an ultra-charged message to the cosmos that transcends earthly lingo.
Are you in the throes of heartache? Is finding your soul mate on your daily to-do list? Or do you struggle with negative self-talk? There are crystals for each of these predicaments and crystal grids are the perfect way to amplify the healing energy of crystals. By linking all of the crystal’s energies you will send out an ultra-charged message to the cosmos that transcends earthly lingo.
While you may not be a fan of ushering in Hallmark holidays, you will want to know about these extraordinary crystal grids spreads for aligning your heart’s desires!
This ritualistic pattern making will soothe your nerves and sort out the many faces of love. You get to be specific with crystal grids, and the universe loves it when you’re specific.
Because love is complex, I'm sharing three different grids with you to address a variety of love related needs: attracting love, healing love, and self-love.
Getting Started
For each love desire, I’ve included a suggested prayer that can be used while setting up your grid, a centerpiece, and accompanying crystals. The images of my grids are suggestions, yours can be arranged in any way you like with as many or as few of the suggested crystals. Have a favorite crystal that’s calling your name? Feel free to include it too!
Attracting love
You don't want just any kind of love. You want to invite a healthy, long-lasting passion into your life! Go get 'em, girl!
The Prayer: I attract love effortlessly and am open to a loving relationship. I do not have to work hard to find love. I trust that the universe will bring me the love I deserve.
The Centerpiece: The conch shell is a choice centerpiece for this grid. It has long been used in ceremonial summoning spells. Summon love-filled hearts with the conch! Plus, some conch shells have been known to sound over a 2-mile radius. So if we’re taking this in a literal sense...your lover may be closer than you think!
The Crystals:
Howlite: Encourages desirable personality traits. Use this calming stone to quiet an overcritical mind.
Rose Quartz & Peridot: This pair will help you in being open to new experiences.
Kunzite: This stone will create a loving relationship through communication and feelings of joy.
Carnelian: The action stone. Carnelian stimulates the sacral chakra and inspires confidence.
As you activate your grid let divine love pour over you. Visualize the light of the divine flowing through you, and into your crystal creation!
Healing Love
This is a tough one. You may want to bury a broken heart. But if you're ever going to remove the pain, healing old wounds is part of the course. I know that these soothing vibes will radiate peace in you!
The Prayer: Instead of loss, I turn to love. I will surround myself with people who love me and adore me. I trust the universe and believe that all things happen for a reason and in divine timing.
The Centerpiece: Lilac Lepidolite tower. Gain a star-based perspective on your life from the height of this tower! If you have any destructive patterns in your life it will shed light on them like a lighthouse! Enjoy feelings of relief and serenity with this lithium laced lepidolite.
The Crystals:
Amazonite: Lies in a relationship are the absolute worst! Summon truth with this stone
Malachite: Heals traumatic memories
Snowflake Obsidian: Helps to bring emotions to the surface so you can work through them
Mangano Calcite: Forgiveness
Amethyst: Helps bring peace and comfort to an overly busy or agitated mind
As you activate your grid, touch the tower with one hand and your heart with the other. Allow the serene energy to pulse through you.
Self Love
Self-love is your foundation for all other kinds of love. Cultivate self-love and the possibilities will be endless. With all of my self-care tips, I know you already have a head start on this one!
The Prayer: I am worthy of love. The universe wants me to pursue things that bring me love and happiness. I love and accept my imperfections. My spirit is unique and perfect just as it is.
The Centerpiece: The bloodstone heart reminds us in the toughest times, that we are capable! This centerpiece will pulse confidence through your veins! It also brings clarity to decision making skills. Here’s to not making the same mistake twice!
The Crystals:
Tree Agate: Encourages abundance and fullness.
Hematite: Hematite is your sledgehammer for roadblocks. Knock 'em down and be wonderfully, unapologetically you!
Rhodonite: Has anyone ever told you that you aren't good enough? Maybe this has stuck with you as negative self chatter. Allow rhodonite to clear away these unkind words for a fresh start.
Dumortierite (blue quartz): Self-reliance and ability to stand up for yourself.
As you activate your grid, remind yourself “I deserve respect, happiness, and love.”
Keep your grid up for as long as you feel you need it. Learn more about activating your grid in this previous blog post. Whatever kind of love you are seeking I know you’ll find it and setting the right intention is the perfect place to start!
5 Tips to open your heart chakra and how to know when it's blocked
How are you feeling about giving and accepting love right now? Are you feeling open, receptive and giving--or maybe a little blocked? Whether you’ve got a lot or a little blocking you from giving and accepting love in your life, I’ve got tips to help you enliven your heart chakra, from herbal tinctures to heart chakra inspired altars!The heart chakra, or in sanskrit anahata, is the chakra (energy center) located at the center of your sternum. The heart chakra is responsible for your ability to give and receive love. If you’ve had any heartache in your past (and let’s be honest, who hasn’t?) you may have some lingering blocks that could be making it hard for you to give and receive the love you deserve.
How are you feeling about giving and accepting love right now? Are you feeling open, receptive and giving--or maybe a little blocked? Whether you’ve got a lot or a little blocking you from giving and accepting love in your life, I’ve got tips to help you enliven your heart chakra, from herbal tinctures to heart chakra inspired altars!
The heart chakra, or in sanskrit anahata, is the chakra (energy center) located at the center of your sternum. The heart chakra is responsible for your ability to give and receive love. If you’ve had any heartache in your past (and let’s be honest, who hasn’t?) you may have some lingering blocks that could be making it hard for you to give and receive the love you deserve.
Is your heart chakra blocked?
Here’s a quick checklist to see if you’ve got any areas in your heart chakra that could use some extra love:
Is your self-talk critical and negative?
Do you have trouble making friends?
Are you lonely?
Do you have a lack of trust in your relationships?
Do you have social anxiety?
Do you have a hard time accepting and/or giving?
Whether you resonate with all of these or just 1 or 2 of these, I’ve got something for you. Read on to learn 5 versatile tips to clear up blocks in your heart chakra.
You can also read this blog post where I explain 3 ways to understanding the health of chakras.
1. Heart Chakra Altar
Make your sacred space a haven for your heart chakra by adorning your altar with colors, crystals, and symbols that will help balance and restore you to love.
Color: Green and pink. Feast your eyes on the color of your heart chakra by adorning your altar with candles, cloths, or statues with green and pink.
Crystals: Rose quartz, aventurine, emerald, green and pink tourmaline, chrysoprase, moss agate, and malachite. Aside from their green and pink hues all of these stones have energy that lends themselves to healing your heart chakra. Choose any combination of them to place on your altar.
Symbols: Anahata symbol, hearts, and the Wunjo Rune symbol all represent love. These symbols on your altar will act as a visual reminder of your intention to be open to giving and accepting love.
2. Ask the Cards
Grab your favorite tarot or oracle card deck and ask them how you can open and balance your heart chakra. Oracle and tarot cards, like any divination tool, are a direct link to your spirit guides and higher self. Try this heart chakra three-card spread or create your own. If you don't have a card deck handy you can opt to journal about each of the questions below instead.
What areas of my life are causing blocks in my heart chakra?
How can I improve my ability to accept love?
How can I nourish my heart chakra?
3. Heart Chakra Meditation
Set aside 5 minutes (or more!) of your day for some deep breaths, connect with your heart chakra on an even deeper level with a simple meditation. Energy reset meditations are a personal favorite of mine, probably because I find them so effective. You can check out my energy reset meditation bundle here.
Try working some of the following tips into your next meditation session balance and open your heart chakra:
Scents: If you have any rose or bergamot essential oils around, these are perfect for balancing the heart chakra. Add them to your diffuser or just take a few deep breaths before you start your meditation.
Visualize: Imagine a glowing green light around your heart chakra as you meditate. Visualize that with each inhale it grows bigger and with each exhale it comes back to center. Eventually, let this growing green light consume your whole body with each inhale.
Mantras: YAM (pronounced yawm, like CD-rom) is the mantra of the heart chakra. Layer this mantra into your meditation with long yaaaaaaaaammmmm added into your exhale. If you’d like a mantra with a clearer intention feel free to repeat one of these mantras during your meditation, “I am love” or “I accept love freely.”
4. Herbal Love for your Heart Chakra
Did you know that heartache, grief, and loss can lead to physical symptoms around your heart chakra? There’s even a name for it, it’s called “broken heart syndrome.” Yeah sure, we’ve all dealt with bad break ups, but if you’ve been dealt more than your fair share of heartache and loss it could be affecting your physical health too. Our physical bodies and energetic bodies are closely connected and intertwined. Keeping your heart in its best physical shape can help keep your heart chakra bright and shining!
Need a tune-up in the heartache department? Hawthorne is your go-to herb! For a quick fix, you can grab some hawthorne and hibiscus (also great for your heart) tea. But, if you want some serious healing herbs here’s a recipe for a hawthorn tincture.
If making tinctures aren't your thing, or you don't have supplies handy to make one, bergamot, rose, and ylang-ylang are all great options for activating the heart chakra. Diffuse or wear any of these oils to help soothe and open the heart chakra.
Hawthorne Heart Tincture
Dried organic hawthorn berries
80 proof or greater vodka or brandy
Optional: dried organic hawthorn leaves and flowers
Glass jar
Fill your jar full with your herbs, then add the alcohol until all of your herbs are covered.
Don’t forget to label your concoction! Be sure to add the date you made it and what herbs are included.
Let your brew sit for 4-6 weeks, preferably in the window where it can soak up good vibes from the sun and moon.
Give your mixture a little shake up every couple of days. This is also the perfect time to infuse your tincture with some good vibes and intentions from you, so be sure to send it some happy thoughts when you shake it up!
Once the 4-6 weeks have passed, drain your mixture through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer.
Pour your tincture into a glass dropper bottle and you’re all set. Let the heart healing commence!
Enjoy 2-4 droppers full of your tincture 1-2 times a day in tea, water, or juice.
5. A Wearable Reminder of Love
Wearing symbols or crystals that associate with the heart chakra can serve as a potent reminder to give yourself and others love throughout the day.
If you're not into wearing jewelry, wearing colors associated with the heart chakra or carrying some heart chakra crystals in your pocket will have a similar effect.
