I picked up a few goodies a couple of weeks ago at a local gem and mineral society show. I remembered to bring my reading glasses - the prescription pair, not the drug store ones - which is always a good thing. Fewer regrets. My budget was very limited, but there were a few things I felt compelled to pounce on and worry about paying for later: some little drilled quartz crystal points (I use 'em all the time); some very pretty faceted turquoise that I haven't used yet; some yellow opal rondelles that I just love ( I had used up the last of my stash and had despaired of finding more); some gorgeous blue kyanite; faceted amethyst beads; and (be still my heart) some raw black garnet crystals (dodecahedrons, in fact). I could swear they called me from across the room. One second I was looking at some leather cord and the next I was in front of this tall young dreadlocked hippie guy with these amazing beads in my hand. That's the black garnet on the top Turns out, black garnet, also known as Andradite or Melanite is a pretty intense stone. This is what I read on the Internet: "Metaphysical Properties: Black Andradite Garnet is a powerful grounding stone, which can also be used to ... evoke the mysteries of the Earth. It can help one attune to elemental forces and engage their aid. " http://www.crystalvaults.com/crystal-encyclopedia/andradite Grounding is one of the first practices you learn when doing magical and shamanic work. Putting your roots down deep deep into Mother Earth; looking for balance and tapping into that primordial energy. Some people really need help to stay grounded, so the black garnet, if nothing else, is a reminder. That's a black garnet all the way on the left... A Prayer for the North, Earth Amulet Necklace This piece is really all about Earth energy. Stone, bone, clay, copper. Very grounding. And here's another necklace using some beautiful hand-dyed silk sari fabric I just got from Flea's Fibers on Etsy - www.etsy.com/shop/FleasFibers I'm in love with the colors in this piece - they remind me of that beautiful color that old newspapers become. I've avoided taking a shower and getting dressed long enough. It's overcast here on the South Shore of Long Island - perfect for getting more photos taken. I've gotten a little too grounded to this computer chair.