How to balance your heart chakra this Valentine's Day

Whether you are looking for love, or need to up your self care, a balanced heart chakra is what you need this February. 

As you may know, I became interested in crystals when training as a reiki master. 

The basics of reiki, is to balance the chakras, which are wheels of energy positioned along the body, when they are all in balance the body, mind and spirit can heal itself. If a chakra becomes out of balance, there can be physical or emotional symptoms. 

My jumper in the picture is helpfully showing where your heart chakra is located. 

Before I share with you how you can balance your heart chakra, I should share how you can tell if your heart chakra needs balancing. 

If you're reading this, you probably instinctively know your heart chakra could do with some love. But in case you are in doubt, here's some of the issues associated with the heart chakra. 

Signs of blocked or imbalanced heart chakra

Physical issues - heart problems, breathing issues, poor circulation, low or high blood pressure

Emotional issues - jealousy, antisocial, withdrawn, intolerant, lonely, difficulty trusting others

So, how do you know when your heart chakra is balanced?

You will be able to feel love and give it to others, have compassion, and feel like you belong.  

How to balance your heart chakra

The good news is, you don't need to be a reiki master to balance your heart chakra. Here are just a few simple ways, you can do it. 

1. Healing sounds. Search for Hz heart chakra balance on youtube or spotify, and you will find play lists of sounds which will balance your heart chakra. I listen to these as I fall asleep, and alternate with sounds for the other chakras as well.

2. Colour. The heart chakra is associated with the colour green. Wearing green, or going out in nature where there are green trees and grassy fields, can balance your heart chakra. 

3. Yoga. When your heart chakra is blocked, your posture will be protective, with round shoulders. Any heart opening postures will balance the heart chakra. 

4. And of course, crystals! As a general rule, crystals which are green or pink balance the heart chakra. My go to crystal for the heart chakra is rose quartz (heart stone in the middle of the picture). I love the gentle nurturing energy of rose quartz. It promotes compassion and love, and can ease all the physical issues associated with the heart chakra. If you like pink crystals, another that balances the heart chakra is rhodonite (pictured top left). If green crystals are more your thing you could try green aventurine (pictured top right), unakite (pictured as a pendant), or green jasper (dark green heart pictured) to name a few. 

Which way will you choose to show your heart chakra some love this Valentine's day?

After a chest cold last month, I have been working lots on balancing my heart chakra, but I think I'll still be wearing some heart chakra crystals this week. I'll share on social media which ones I pick. 

I'd love to hear if you try any of the above, and how you get on. 

Sam 

Harnessing Your Crystals: 3 Tips for Maximum Benefits

Sometimes crystals need a little helping hand, to be more efficient in helping you with your physical or emotional wellbeing. So I've written a few tips to help them to help you... 

1. Cleanse the crystals regularly

This is definitely a case of do what I say, not what I do, as I forget to do this! 

The majority of crystals take on negative energy along their travels - a lot like us mere humans! 

There are many ways to cleanse crystals. And some like clear quartz are self cleansing. My favourite way is to burn sage, as I have crystals dotted about the house, EVERYWHERE! 

Another good way, is to put them on a windowsill on the night of a full moon, but I have too many for this now! And often forget on the night. 

The sun is another great way to cleanse crystals, which I have done a few times, on a lovely summer's day. 

I try to remember to cleanse crystals when I buy new ones. They can pick up negative energies on the journey to you, so it's good to clear those energies before you use them. 

I'll write another blog on the different ways to cleanse crystals, soon. With some step by step instructions, so you can see which is the best to suit you and the number of crystals you have. 

2. Set an intention 

If you are wearing crystal jewellery, or carrying a tumblestone with you for a specific reason, the best way to improve the effectiveness, is to set an intention. 

Each crystal has a number of different properties, and you may want to focus on just one property to help you at that time. I just hold the jewellery or stone for a few seconds, and focus on what I need help with. It makes such a difference to the results.

3. Use your intuition

In these times of information overload, taking a few seconds to listen to your intuition can be easily overlooked. I always take my crystal bracelets off at night, then take a second to see which ones I am drawn to in the morning, for that day.

If you need any other tips on looking after your crystals, or how to use them, drop me a message. 

Sam x

www.folksy.com/shops/holisticcrystalcreations

holisticcrystalcreations@gmail.com

How to make your money go further this Christmas

It's pretty tough out there at the moment for small businesses. Sales seem to be down for most people, and I've seen a few who have had to close, or take on part time or full time jobs as well as running their business. I am so grateful to have my full time job, so I can keep making jewellery and helping people, through quiet times like this. 

It seems obvious that shoppers are struggling too. So, I thought I would share some tips on how people can make their hard earned cash go a little further this Christmas, and still support small businesses. 

Offer days

Fiver Friday and Tenner Tuesday 

If you are looking for stocking fillers, or secret Santa gifts, these two days are a good way to find a bargain, or know exactly how much something is before purchasing. Simply use the hashtags #fiverfriday and #tennertuesday on Instagram, and you'll get a list of any posts which have used those hashtags too. 

I have seconds bracelets at £5 each which are available all year round. These are made from extra beads I didn't put back after making a bracelet, or aren't quite the right size or shape I need for another make. 

I'm planning on sharing more Tenner Tuesday offers as well in the lead up to Christmas. 

Gift wrapping 

A lot of small businesses will gift wrap purchases at Christmas. I gift wrap all of my products at no extra cost, hopefully saving you an extra job at this busy time of year. 

The personal touch

A lot of small businesses can personalise products for a really thoughtful and unique gift. Obviously, this may take a little longer than usual orders, so you may have to plan ahead a bit to ensure gifts arrive in time for the big day. Check if orders can be sent direct to the recipient if you are ordering later. 

I offer a bespoke bracelet made using crystals which I intuitively select for the person the gift is for. The crystals can help with emotional or physical issues.

Markets and fairs

And if you don't like ordering online. There are SO many Christmas markets and fairs. From small craft fairs in village halls to garden centres, to larger venues and outdoor markets in city and town centres. 

Many will have special offers on, which are only for that day, so it's another great way to get a bargain. 

As an added bonus, there is usually a stall with tasty homemade snacks, so you can treat yourself as well as others! 

Happy shopping!

Sam x

Living in the now, this autumn

Look at me writing another blog so soon!

I had an email this morning where the author mentioned having their Christmas decorations up, and they'd been receiving emails about 2025 planners. 

 

And while I get that as a small business owner, I should plan ahead, or even at all! It made me think of shopearly2024, I've been focusing on Christmas. But it's still 18 days until Halloween, and the leaves have only just started to fall.

I think I need to live in the moment more, instead of trying to drag the future into the present, before I miss my favourite season.

But I'm also enjoying showcasing 3 products a day for shopearly2024. 

So I found a compromise. I'll showcase my weekly 3 items on stories for those that love to be ahead of the game. While my main posts will be all about autumn, and what I'm doing right now, for those that like to live in the moment and embrace this time of year.

To celebrate the now, and the beautiful changing seasons - the inspiring view while I write this on my phone…

Are you Team Live in the Moment, or Team Live for the Future?

Sam x

All about autumn crystals

Hi,

I took two days off at at the start of last week, and instead of getting out and about, I've been stuck inside waiting for the rain to stop! And I was so looking forward to October being here, too.  

I snuggled up with a blanket on the sofa, and started writing you guys a blog instead. October is looking like it will be a busy month for me! 

I'm taking part in Folksy's Shop Early 2024. You can get a head start on your Christmas shopping and support small businesses at the same time! And with all amazingly talented people taking part as well, I think I might have to start my Christmas shopping early for a change.

To have a browse on what's on offer, head to folksy.com and search Shopearly2024

Next week, I'm including my bespoke healing crystal bracelet, silver heart design necklace and stress relief necklace and bracelet set at the moment, and plan to change things around to let other products get in the limelight! 

And I can't let my favourite month go by without celebrating the crystals which remind me of the colours of autumn. 

Carnelian

Carnelian increases self esteem and courage, and can help overcome procrastination. It can help bring abundance into your life. Physically it helps with circulation, lower back issues and arthritis. It can also help with overall health and wellness. Carnelian is a fabulous crystal with many healing properties. It not only gives you a physical energy boost, but also increases motivation and confidence. It's known as the singer's stone, so if you have always wanted to join a band or choir, this is the crystal to help you do it!

Tiger eye

As well as increasing energy levels, tiger eye and boosts self esteem and confidence. It is a stone of good luck and abundance, and has such beautiful banding with golds and browns, it's a must for jewellery making.

Mookaite 

This crystal has all my favourite colours of autumn, burgundy, browns, and oranges. Mookaite also reduces procrastination, allowing self reflection to find the cause of avoidance. Also boosting motivation so you can work on solving the issue.

Orange aventurine

You need this crystal if you need a positive outlook. It encourages pleasant encounters with people in your daily life, which I feel we need more of in society at the moment! Orange aventurine increases confidence, and can help to release feelings of being stuck. 

To see my full range of jewellery with autumn crystals, click on the link below. 

https://folksy.com/shops/HolisticCrystalCreations/collections/334425-autumn

Sam x

Top tips #2 A crystal for abundance

Anyone need a little more abundance in their life? 

There's a crystal for that! Well a few actually. 

One simple way I like to draw more money in my life, is to add a carnelian tumblestone to my purse, where it works to multiply the money already there. 

Carnelian isn't the only crystal which can help with abundance. Here are a few others which also attract abundance. 

Green Aventurine

Green - the colour of money. Green aventurine creates abundance weatlh, and also luck. So if you feel you are down on your luck, this crystal is for you!

Malachite

Another green crystal, malachite helps you to acknowledge the things which are holding you back from attracting money, wealth and abundance. It also works well with green aventurine. 

Tiger Eye

If you've become too focused on only one way to improve your finances, tiger eye, can help you to broaden your horizons and find new opportunities. 

Citrine

The stone for those wanting to manifest wealth and abundance. It also reduces the negative self talk, that can hold you back. 

Good luck in your pursuits! 

Sam x

Top Tips #1 Crystals for Meditation

I've started to do Top Tips Tuesday on my social media accounts. I use crystals a lot around the house as well, as making jewellery, so wanted to share some of my knowledge so they can help you too.

I'll share each weekly tip to this blog, so you can look back easier than on social media. 

I've been trying to add meditation to my daily routine, something I have tried a number of times before! 

There are so many crystals which can help with meditation. But I have picked just three to talk about today. 

1. I'm my own biggest critic, so I will be using rose quartz, as it promotes self love.

2. Smoky quartz, is a really good crystal for grounding, which can help draw excess energy from higher up in the body. 

3. Amethyst calms the mind, so can help with focus during meditation. 

I'd love to hear if you try this, and notice a difference in your meditation practice. 

Sam x