Courageous Carnelian

Today was a big day for me. I had my third and final interview for a marketing job with a prestigious company. I would be meeting the head of the company and explain why I would be the perfect fit for the role. Besides the standard meet-and-greet, I had to prepare a twenty-minute presentation to showcase my knowledge of the industry.

True to my worker bee ethic, I began researching and preparing for this meeting nearly a week in advance. Despite numerous hours of work and preparation, I felt as though I needed a little confidence boost to get me through. Browsing through my crystal collection, I was instantly drawn to my beautiful tumbled piece of carnelian. The stone’s appearance is joyful and energetic. Its orange hue along with specks of red and black throughout this gives off a playful impression. I placed my crystal companion in my work bag and headed out with a bit more confidence and enthusiasm in my step.

(The orange color is a bit faded since my crystal primarily “lives” on my fireplace mantel near a window. Sunlight can cause fading in certain stones. It turns out that Ireland does get sun from time to time!)

Metaphysical properties of carnelian:

As part of the quartz family of stones, carnelian is used primarily to promote motivation, clarification, action, and courage. Its alias is the “Singer Stone” as it aids in clear communication and helps timid speakers become both eloquent and bold. This came in especially handy today as I experienced quite the technical conundrum in my interview. My PowerPoint would not load, no matter how we attempted to upload it. While technical difficulties would be a nightmare in most interview scenarios, I easily recited my presentation by memory and gave a thorough, well-executed presentation. Those in attendance were quite pleased with my performance and I help elated when it was finished. After receiving high reviews and many “well done’s” from the marketing team, I left my interview with a sense of certainty and encouragement.

Shortly thereafter, while commuting from my interview, I received a phone call from my headhunter. In an enthusiastic tone, she explained that after speaking with the head of marketing that they were very pleased with my presentation, despite the lack of Powerpoint. While nothing compares to earnest hard work and preparation, I must say having the little carnelian with me may have amped up my presenting skills. I should find out in the following days whether or not I got the job. Fingers crossed!!

 

Do you have a go-to crystal when you have a big presentation or an important event to attend? How do you spiritually prepare yourself for big moments?

 

 

My beloved Angel Aura Quartz

I don’t like to play favorites… Each of my crystals in my collection (I have over 60 at the moment!) is special to me. Despite my horrible memory (I couldn’t tell you what I did last Wednesday, for example), I can recall the origin of all my stones. Lately, I have been drawn to one particular stone, my angel aura quartz (aka Rainbow Aura, Opal Aura, Pearl Aura).

Appearance-wise, it is a gorgeous crystal. Smooth and tumbled, the gem gleams a dazzling muted rainbow. As light shines through, the auric qualities exude a peaceful, celestial serenity. If I could only picture what floating in Heaven would look like, I feel as though it would be similar to being inside an aura quartz.

Despite its heavenly beauty, this stone is pretty easy to find at metaphysical stores and is usually listed at a decent price. I purchased my tumbled piece for a cool $6 from a large metaphysical shop in Austin, Texas called Nature’s Treasures. When I first laid eyes on it, I was mesmerized. Its smooth surface is cool to the touch. The rainbow colors dance in the light as if trapped in a bead of water.

Personally, I only select crystals that I am drawn to in the moment and only read the metaphysical properties after purchase. I find that gems come into our lives when their particular powers are needed most in our lives. The properties of the aura quartz are as follows:

  • It is a stone of high spiritual energy, protecting the auric field of its owner
  • Facilitates higher and deeper levels of meditative connection
  • Raises energy levels when feeling stressed or depleted
  • Opens communication with Angels and Spirit Guides
  • Brings peace and tranquility

Appearances aside, I do feel a sense of ease and calmness while holding this stone. If I’m having anxious thoughts and trouble falling asleep, I will place my aura quartz on my heart chakra and feel immediately comforted. As I am working to become more in-tune with my Angels and “spiritual team”, this gem is a tool which will help strengthen this connection. As it is compact enough to carry; I keep it the left pocket of my jeans or in my handbag. When I hold my aura quartz for a few moments, I am reminded that there are higher angelic forces surrounding me and guiding me.

Do you have a favorite crystal at the moment? Which stone are you gravitated towards?