Love & Light Live Crystal Healing Podcast Ashley Leavy

 

Modern Summer Solstice celebrations stem from the contemporary Wheel of the Year, where Litha is associated with Midsummer and is celebrated as a time to revere and honor the Sun and the gifts it bestows to us here on Earth. One way that I like to connect with the seasons and cycles of the earth is by tuning into The Wheel of the Year. This is a relatively new practice for me, but I'm finding the journey into exploring this way of being in flow with the seasons to be an enjoyable one. Read on to discover how you can connect more deeply with the earth's natural cycles in your spiritual practice this Summer Solstice!

 



 



The Wheel of the Year can help you tune into natural cycles and helps you internalize these outward changes in nature as reflections of the growth and evolution you experience in your own life. Living in harmony with the seasons and the ebb and flow of nature helps you to lead a more soulful life and to cultivate a deeper understanding of yourself on a soul level. The Wheel of the Year helps you recognize who you are and your role in the world around you.



 



 







So what is the Wheel of the Year?

Separated into 8 main holidays, the Wheel of the Year represents seasonal cycles that focus on the 4 Solar Holidays of the year (also known as the quarter days). This stems from the Anglo-Saxon cultural observations of the solstices and equinoxes, with the addition of the 4 Gaelic, agrarian, seasonal celebrations (the mid-points between the solar holidays known as the lunar cross-quarter days or fire festivals).



Although some of the holidays observed in the Wheel of the Year are quite old, The Wheel of the Year as a whole is fairly modern (being developed in the late 1950s). Though I don't personally follow the tradition that created the contemporary Wheel of the Year, I find it a helpful way to think about the passage of time and what's happening at each time of year.



 



An Introduction to Summer Solstice:

The Summer Solstice, also called Litha, here in the Northern Hemisphere, is the second of the quarter days (the solar festivals), which marks the second of the summer holidays (the mid-point between Beltane and Lughnasadh/Lammas). The Summer Solstice is traditionally celebrated on the longest day of the year, determined by when the Earth's pole is at maximum tilt toward the sun (this date may range from June 20th-22nd each year in the Northern Hemisphere, and between December 20th-23rd in the Southern Hemisphere). From this point forward, the days will begin to grow shorter until we reach the time of equal day and night at the Autumn Equinox (Mabon), followed by the shortest day of the year at the Winter Solstice (Yule).



Modern Summer Solstice celebrations stem from the contemporary Wheel of the Year, where Litha is associated with Midsummer and is celebrated as a time to revere and honor the Sun and the gifts it bestows to us here on Earth. As this day is the longest of the year, it also has the shortest night, and in some modern spiritual paths, represents the death of the Sun King. To honor the Sun King, bonfires are often lit at sunset and a vigil is kept until dawn, to ensure his return.



 





Summer Solstice Crystals:



Sunstone

* Citrine

Ethiopian Opal

* Pyrite (especially Pyrite Sun formations)

Golden Calcite

Cancer season is here! This astrological season, it's important to focus on your home and family life. It’s easy to take your family members or close relations for granted, but making others feel appreciated can go a long way to strengthening your relationships with them, especially during this time. As we dive into Cancer season (June 22 - July 23), the focus shifts to doing some of your favorite family activities or catch up on your list of things that need to be done around the house. Discover more about this special time, and some of the best crystals for Cancer season to use in your healing practice...



When considering which tasks to focus on this season, consider doing more than just your regular house chores by giving your home some extra TLC. Repair broken things, replace anything that has been worn out, or even take time to add a coat of paint to freshen things up! Putting some positive energy into your home moves you into alignment with Cancer Season and the positive energy you create will stick around for many seasons to come.





Working with the following Cancer-aligned stones aligns you with the current celestial energies and is an excellent way to enhance the positive aspects of this astrological phase while balancing its challenges.











Cancer Season Correspondences:



Dates: June 22 - July 23

Symbol: The Crab

Ruling Planet: Moon

Modality: Cardinal (Outgoing – related to imagination, resourcefulness, and talent)

Element: Water (Click Here to learn more about working with Elemental Crystals)

The Body: Stomach/Belly, Navel, Chest/Breasts, Ribs, Torso

Keywords: Emotions, Family, Imagination, Peace, Tenacity

Cancer Season Gifts: Creativity, Domestic Life, Empathy, Enterprising, the Home, Intuition, Inventiveness, Love, Loyalty, Protection

Cancer Season Challenges: Defensiveness, Distrust, Excessive Emotions, Insecurity, Moodiness, Negativity, Over-Sensitivity, Reactivity, Shyness



 





 





Best Crystals for Cancer Season:

During Cancer season, select crystals that amplify domesticity,  nurturing, and vulnerability. It’s important to note that Zodiac crystals are a little different than birthstones (more on that here). You can work with the following crystals to enhance or balance the energies of Cancer season. Whether enhancing positivity or addressing challenges by balancing out the more difficult energetic aspects of Cancer, these stones are the best companions for the celestial journey ahead.









 



Amazonite

Amethyst

Angelite

Aquamarine

Green Aventurine

Buddstone

Golden Calcite

White Calcite

Carnelian

Chrome Diopside

Garnierite

Hiddenite (Green Spodumene)

Red Jasper

Larimar

Moldavite

Rainbow Moonstone

White Moonstone

Morganite

White Pearl

Rose Quartz

Rhodonite

Ruby

Selenite

 

Gemini season is here! This astrological season, it's important to focus on learning and new experiences. This is fueled by curiosity and the desire for greater understanding. Often, the knowledge gained during this season provides valuable lessons that will soon be needed in life. As we dive into Gemini season (May 21 - June 21), the focus shifts to being flexible and adapting to new situations. Discover more about this special time, and some of the best crystals for Gemini season to use in your healing practice...

 



 

Satisfying your curiosity often requires you to have new experiences or meet new people. This may be difficult for some (especially introverts), but the energy of Gemini’s ruling planet, Mercury, can give you the encouragement you need to try something new. You’ll likely be glad for the experience and look back at what you’ve accomplished with pride and joy.

 







 



Working with the following Gemini-aligned stones aligns you with the current celestial energies and is an excellent way to enhance the positive aspects of this astrological phase while balancing its challenges.



 













Gemini Season Correspondences:

 



Dates: May 21 - June 21

Symbol: The Twins

Ruling Planet: Mercury

Modality: Mutable (Open to Change – related to adaptation, intuition, and acceptance)

Element: Air (Click Here to learn more about working with Elemental Crystals)

The Body: Chest, Lungs, Arms, Hands, and Fingers

Keywords: Adaptability, Communication, Cooperation, Curiosity, Joy, Kindness, Wisdom

Gemini Season Gifts: Discovery, Empathy, Inquiry, Intelligence, Knowledge, Understanding

Gemini Season Challenges: Apathy, Ignorance, Impulsiveness, Indifference, Overwhelm, Refusal to Change



 





 







Best Crystals for Gemini Season:

During Gemini season, select crystals that amplify curiosity, empathy, and communication. It’s important to note that Zodiac crystals are a little different than birthstones (more on that here). You can work with the following crystals to enhance or balance the energies of Gemini season. Whether enhancing positivity or addressing challenges by balancing out the more difficult energetic aspects of Gemini, these stones are the best companions for the celestial journey ahead.









 



Moss Agate

Angelite

Blue Apatite

Clear Apophyllite

Green Apophyllite

Azurite

Celestite

Chrysocolla

Citrine

Green Fluorite

Rainbow Fluorite

Hematite

Howlite

Red Jasper

Blue Kyanite

Lapis Lazuli

Lepidolite

Black Biotite Mica

Muscovite Mica

Peach Moonstone

Rainbow Moonstone

White Moonstone

Fossils can be found in nearly every part of the earth, though for some reason, they’re often overlooked by crystal healers who are perhaps lacking the knowledge of all the fossil stone benefits they're missing out on! Perhaps it’s because they often lack the bright colors and glittering, gemmy appearance of many crystals…or perhaps it’s because many crystal workers are unsure of how to work with them. Whatever the reason, it’s time to change that, because incorporating fossils into your crystal work can be deeply rewarding and fulfilling.





Though the types of fossils vary, they do share a set of energetic qualities whether they're plant or animal fossils, no matter the mineral type. Individual fossil types have added properties, but all fossils share the following qualities:





Common Healing Properties of Fossils:

 



Enhances your connection with nature and its flora and fauna

Promotes journey work

Facilitates access to your past life memories

Enhances communication with your guides

Promotes energetic protection

Connects you to your ancestors (familial, spiritual, land spirits, etc.)

Facilitates grounding

Connects you with the energy of the Earth element



 







 



If you’re interested in developing a relationship with fossils, here are a few of my favorites to explore…

Top 5 Fossils for Crystal Healing:

 





#1 - Ammonite Fossils for Crystal Healing

Of all the fossils I’ve worked with, Ammonites may be my favorite. They’re a type of cephalopod and their spiral formation evokes a mystical quality that humans have been attracted to for thousands of years. Ammonite fossils are particularly beautiful, and the best are found in Madagascar, England, and Peru. There are various legends and folklore surrounding Ammonite fossils. For example, in England, people referred to Ammonites as “snake stones.”



The story behind this is that St. Hilda of Whitby (614-680) prayed for dangerous snakes to be turned to coiled stones, in order to clear the land for a convent (other versions of the lore say St. Hilda turned the snakes to stone to protect the nuns at Whitby Abbey). People believed these “snake stones” to be holy, or at least lucky, and wore them as charms, often with a snake head carved at the end. One genus of ammonites is still known as Hildoceras in the saint’s honor.





Properties of Ammonite Fossils:



Promotes acceptance

Facilitates spiritual journey work and inner work

Enhances your connection with Goddess energy

Facilitates past life recall

Enhances your present moment awareness

Facilitates animal communication

Assists with receiving guidance from your ancestors

Promotes grounding

Enhances your connection to Earth energy and nature

Aids in recalling your dreams or uncovering past life memories

Assists in developing a regular meditation practice



Learn more about Ammonite Fossils here.

 





#2 - Belemnite Fossils for Crystal Healing

Also known as Thunderstones, Belemnite Fossils are records of a type of squid-like Cephalopod that inhabited the earth from the Triassic period until the Cretaceous period. The “cone” is the most common fossilized portion of the creature,

Taurus season is here! This astrological season, it's important to focus on self-love and self-care. This can be something quick and simple that you do regularly as part of your daily routine this month, or it can be a deep dive into ways to heal and nourish yourself. As we dive into Taurus season (April 20 - May 20), the focus shifts to taking stock of your security and finances. Is your current financial situation supporting you? If not, what changes can you make to improve it? If so, how can you continue on this path? Discover more about this special time, and some of the best crystals for Taurus season to use in your healing practice...



When you feel secure, it allows your body, mind, and spirit to relax and feel supported. So if you don’t have a stable foundation in place, make this part of your self-care practice by taking steps toward changing this situation. Working with your crystals to call in this energetic support will be incredibly helpful in making any necessary shifts.





Working with the following Taurus-aligned stones aligns you with the current celestial energies and is an excellent way to enhance the positive aspects of this astrological phase while balancing its challenges.





Taurus Season Correspondences:

 



Dates: April 20 - May 20

Symbol: The Bull

Ruling Planet: Venus

Modality: Fixed (Resistant to Change – related to determination, focus, and individuality)

Element: Earth (Click Here to learn more about working with Elemental Crystals)

The Body: Throat and Neck

Keywords: Devotion, Intellect, Love, Persistence, Reliability, Responsibility

Taurus Season Gifts: Calm, Cozy, Dependable, Loyal, Relaxed, Tranquil

Taurus Season Challenges: Cheap, Jealous, Materialistic, Miserly, Possessive, Shallow, Stubborn











Best Crystals for Taurus Season:

During Taurus season, select crystals that amplify love, reliability, and security. It’s important to note that Zodiac crystals are a little different than birthstones (more on that here). You can work with the following crystals to enhance or balance the energies of Taurus season. Whether enhancing positivity or addressing challenges by balancing out the more difficult energetic aspects of Taurus, these stones are the best companions for the celestial journey ahead.







Moss Agate

Tree Agate

Amber

Green Aventurine

* Bronzite

* Carnelian

* Chrysocolla

* Emerald

Divination is the art of seeking knowledge and wisdom through one’s inner knowing or intuition through the use of divination tools like tarot or oracle cards, pendulums, etc. Scrying is a specific divinatory practice that can be practiced with a number of mediums from fire to crystal balls, to clouds, to water, and more — join me to explore the different ways you can practive divination with crystals...







Working with crystal scrying tools, objects made from crystal that commonly feature a reflective surface like a Clear Quartz sphere or a Black Obsidian mirror, is a great way to experience the art of gazing into a crystal to receive guidance & wisdom.



Scrying divination is a great way to hone your intuition. Developing your intuition helps you fill in the gaps where you don’t have all the information or data necessary to make the best possible decision. That doesn’t mean you should just follow your intuition without a second thought, but learning to trust your inner guidance, and combining that insight WITH reason and logic is far more practical than following logic alone.



Performing the art of scrying divination with crystals takes patience and practice. You might need to form a relationship with your crystal tools before you start to see any meaningful symbols or images. Here are a few of my favorite crystal scrying tools and techniques to help you get started with your scrying divination practice.



 

Crystallomancy - Scrying Divination with Crystal Balls:

Crystallomancy, is the art of gazing into a crystal ball to receive guidance and wisdom in the form of images revealed within the sphere. The energy of a sphere represents wholeness and infinite possibility and spheres emit energy in all directions.



John Dee's Divination Tools & Obsidian Scrying Mirror at the British Museum



Humans have been practicing the art of crystallomancy also known as crystal ball reading, for hundreds – if not thousands of years. One of the most famous crystallomancers was John Dee, advisor to Queen Elizabeth I. Dee practiced his art in the 16th century, but people still know him today for his wise counsel. He relied upon his crystal scrying tools for their ability to reveal hidden truths and offer profound guidance. The British Museum displays Dee's crystal ball and other divination tools, such as his Obsidian scrying mirror.





Tips for Selecting Your Crystal Ball:

When choosing a crystal ball to work with for scrying, it's important to select one that will allow you to see into the depths of the crystal. Quartz-based minerals (like Clear Quartz, Smoky Quartz, A...