October Gem Wise 2018 Purchase

Find your Japan class tools for October here!

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Find your Rome class tools for September here!

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Gem Wise Class – October 11, 5:00 PM PDT

Bonus Crafting Class: Ancestor Picture Frame

Magic of Japan


Amaterasu is the Sun goddess and the most important deity of the Shinto religion and ruler of Takama no Hara (the High Celestial Plain), the domain of the
kami, or spirits. She is the daughter of Izanami and Izanagi, the creators of Japan and its gods. When Izanagi escaped from his visit to the underworld, he performed a cleansing ritual in the river Woto and it was then, from his left eye, that Amaterasu was born.

Worship of Amaterasu has survived for thousands of years in Japan as part of the Shinto faith. Amaterasu is credited with inventing the cultivation of rice and wheat, the use of silkworms, and weaving with a loom. The meaning of her whole name, Amaterasu-ōmikami, is “the great august kami (god) who shines in the heaven”. She is embodied as the Sun, who rules the Universe. The royal family of Japan is believed to directly descend from this vibrant, life-giving Goddess. She represents fertility and causes the plants to grow that give life to not only humans but to the gods as well. As the guardian of the Japanese people, she is still represented by the emblem of the rising sun on the Japanese flag.

Legend has it that Amaterasu, who was responsible for maintaining balance on Earth, gave to her descendant Ninigi: the mirror, Yata no Kagami; the jewel, Yasakani no Magatama; and the sword, Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi. Collectively, the three became the Imperial Regalia of Japan, the primary virtues, and the three symbols of Shintoism.

  • Discussion Question: Which civilizations can you think of that incorporate the symbolism of the left eye in their teachings?

These stones each resonate with the essence and attributes of Amaterasu:

Natural Hessonite Garnet for Amaterasu

Planet: Mars
Zodiac: Aries
Element: Earth, Fire
Quality: Masculine
Chakra: Root, Heart

A rare form of garnet, hessonite is only sourced in Canada and India, where it is well known as a premier stone for attracting wealth and protection. At times, hessonite has been referred to as the cinnamon stone due to its warm color. Garnet is a traveler’s stone. In fact, many discoverers and adventurers were known to wear garnet on their bodies for protection. These gemstones were thought of as powerful talismans, capable of illuminating the night and repelling evil spirits. If there is a dream or goal which you can clearly envision, hessonite garnet helps bring that vision into the physical world. Its frequency kicks up confidence levels, as well as the motivation to walk your path of highest achievement and abundance. Hessonite is an extraordinary wealth stone – of financial success, yes. But also all other kinds of wealth: spiritual, creative, artistic, emotional, physical wellness, and so forth.

  • Discussion Question: What is your favorite stone of protection?

Rhyolite for The Mirror
Yata no Kagami (wisdom)

Planet: Earth
Zodiac: Sagittarius  
Element: Earth
Quality: Masculine
Chakra: Crown, Third Eye, Heart

Mirrors have always had profound religious significance, given their ability to reflect all things – primarily truth. The sacred mirror that reflected Amaterasu was made by Goddess Ishikore-dome, with eight sides – representing the Shinto number of perfection. Mirrors are considered a way to connect with Amaterasu and reflect the soul.  

Rhyolite is deeply connected to the Earth, introducing you to the lessons and great wisdom of nature. This grounding gemstone brings you into harmony with the natural world, aligning you to its balance as it resonates with the Heart Chakra. It helps you understand, recognize, and activate your deepest potential; all of the possibility that sits inside. It is an excellent stone for those who seek actualization and self-realization. Rhyolite is known for its powers of protection, regeneration, and inner sight. It pushes you forward and makes you ready to make things happen, filling you with the desire to see your goals and projects through to completion. Clarity, introspection, and wisdom are the gifts of this stone.

  • Discussion Question: What do you see when you look in the mirror?

Nephrite Jade for The Jewel
Yasakani no Magatama (benevolence)

Planet: Neptune, Venus
Zodiac: Aquarius, Aries, Gemini, Libra, Pisces, Taurus, Virgo
Element: Earth, Water
Quality: Feminine
Chakra: Third Eye, Crown, Heart

When Amaterasu was born, she was endowed with the sacred necklace of her mother Izanagi. The necklace symbolizes her benevolence and her connection to beauty and adornment.

Nephrite jade is an incredibly powerful stone for manifesting success in multiple forms. It is a stone of strength, endurance, and business success. It helps you stay strong during life’s storms to maintain a balanced perspective. Nephrite jade dispels negative energy while encouraging self-reflection, balance, and clarity of vision for manifesting and claiming abundance for continued success. Nephrite jade is often used in dream work as it helps with lucid dreaming. It is a stone of health and abundance, as it is a powerful Heart Chakra opener. Nephrite jade has also been used as a talisman for good fortune, allowing it to flow naturally and effortlessly into every circumstance of life. Nephrite jade is also known as the “stone of fidelity”, as it balances the Yin and Yang energies and helps with dysfunctional relationships. This stone promotes confidence and instills a sense of calm and well-being.

  • Discussion Question: What is your good fortune talisman?

Outback Smoky Quartz for The (Solar) Sword
Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi (valor)

Planet:  Earth
Zodiac: Capricorn, Libra, Sagittarius
Element: Earth, Fire
Quality: Feminine
Chakra: Crown, Root, Sacral, Solar Plexus

Amaterasu is also considered the Guardian of the Japanese people. The Kusanagi is the legendary sword of Japan and the symbol of Amaterasu’s ability to lead her people into war when necessary.

The legend goes that smoky quartz was once clear, but after absorbing all the negative energies in the world, it turned brown. Outback smoky quartz balances Yin-Yang energy and gently and slowly removes emotional blockages and clears worries. This stone enhances intuition in matters of responsibility, promotes personal pride and joy in living, and generates a barrier of protective energy. Smoky quartz penetrates and dissolves energy fields that have been generated from anger, negative thoughts, or resentment and raises positive vibrations during meditation. Outback smoky quartz will center you in your sacred space and provide emotional calm.

  • Discussion Question: Which is your favorite type of smoky quartz?

Moldavite for The Kite

Planet: Uranus
Zodiac: Scorpio
Element: Air
Quality: Feminine
Chakra: Third Eye, Throat, Crown, Heart

Kites are an emblem of Amaterasu, and those who follow her attach their wishes and prayers and send them to the heavens. Kites symbolize sunshine and laughter, so even if your kite dives, you would have sent positive intentions into the Universe.

Moldavite triggers a strong physical reaction in almost anyone who touches it. These crystals deepen psychic abilities, open the Third Eye, and facilitate access to the Akashic records. Moldavite is one of the extra-magical Synergy 12 stones, which help you work toward opening your heart and mind to all beings. It is known as a “stone to serve the inhabitants of this planet” and encourages cooperation between Earth and other planets. Moldavite can connect us with a greater sense of belonging and cosmic homecoming, through expansion of vision that incorporates greater understanding and realization. Many experts believe it is here for nothing less than the awakening of humanity through spiritual breakthrough.

  • Discussion Question: Which is your favorite Synergy 12 stone?

Acrylic Grid

To channel Amaterasu and the magic of these stones, this acrylic grid was designed with images of the many symbols of Amaterasu. May it connect you deeply with the essence and attributes of Amaterasu.

Place your natural hessonite garnet at the center of the grid, on the image of Amaterasu. Natural hessonite garnet is used in meditation to attract wealth and protection. When Amaterasu energy is combined with that of hessonite garnet, you are supported in bringing your greatest visions to life.

Place your rhyolite on the symbol for the mirror, at the upper left corner. The mirror is the symbol of wisdom. Mirrors have always held great spiritual significance in any religion as they reveal your naked truth. Rhyolite was chosen for this symbol because it helps you realize and activate your greatest potential.

Place your moldavite on the symbol for the kite, at the upper right corner. Moldavite is a portal to other realms and will bring forth powerful wisdom from dimensions outside of our own. This gem will lead you to uncover sacred knowledge that remains hidden from most and grant you access to the Akashic records. Send those wishes up on the tails of your kite!

Place your nephrite jade on the symbol of the necklace, at the lower left corner. Legend has it that Amaterasu’s sacred necklace, given to her by her mother Izanagi, was made of jade. The necklace is a symbol of benevolence. Nephrite jade promotes prosperity, wisdom, and clarity.

Place your Outback smoky quartz on the symbol of the sword, at the lower right corner. The sword is the symbol of valor, and that is why I chose Outback smoky quartz for this corner – because it can attune you to a deep sense of pride, protection, and transmutation.

  • Discussion Question: Which of Amaterasu’s symbols resonates with you most?