Discovering the Healing of Howlite Crystal: A Stone of Serenity and Healing
Crystals have been used for centuries as tools for healing, meditation, and spiritual growth. One such mesmerizing crystal is Howlite, a stone that exudes calmness, tranquility, and a sense of inner peace. With its distinct appearance and numerous metaphysical properties, Howlite has captured the attention of crystal enthusiasts and gemstone collectors worldwide. In this blog, we will dive into the fascinating world of Howlite and explore its unique characteristics, meaning, and the ways it can enhance our lives.
The Origins and Appearance: Howlite was first discovered in Nova Scotia, Canada, by Henry How, a mineralogist, in the 19th century. It is a borate mineral that is often found in a massive form or as irregular nodules. The stone has a white or gray colour with characteristic gray or black veining, resembling the patterns of marble or lace. These distinct markings make Howlite a visually appealing crystal, adding to its allure.
Metaphysical Properties and Meaning: Howlite is renowned for its calming energy and ability to soothe an overactive mind. It is often referred to as the "stone of tranquility" and is believed to help reduce stress, anxiety, and insomnia. When held or worn, it is said to have a calming effect on the emotions, promoting a sense of serenity and relaxation. Howlite is also known to enhance patience, tolerance, and the willingness to let go of negative emotions or attachments.
Spiritual and Emotional Healing: Beyond its calming properties, Howlite offers a range of spiritual and emotional healing benefits. It is believed to aid in meditation, facilitating a deeper connection with one's inner self and spiritual guides. Howlite is thought to open and activate the crown chakra, enabling access to higher realms of consciousness and promoting spiritual awareness.
Moreover, Howlite can assist in releasing anger, resentment, and other negative emotions. It encourages emotional expression in a constructive manner, helping to heal old emotional wounds and promoting a sense of forgiveness and compassion. By wearing or placing Howlite near the heart chakra, one may experience an enhanced sense of empathy, harmony, and unconditional love.
Uses and Applications: Due to its unique qualities, Howlite can be used in various ways to harness its metaphysical properties. Here are some common applications:
Jewelry: Howlite is often crafted into beautiful jewelry pieces such as bracelets, necklaces, and pendants. Wearing Howlite jewelry allows for continuous contact with the stone and facilitates the absorption of its energy throughout the day.
Meditation and Energy Work: Holding Howlite during meditation can aid in achieving a deep state of relaxation and inner peace. Its calming energy can help clear the mind, balance emotions, and enhance spiritual experiences.
Home Decor: Placing Howlite crystals in your living space or bedroom can create a serene and harmonious atmosphere. They can be arranged on an altar, used in crystal grids, or simply displayed as decorative accents.
Chakra Healing: Howlite's connection to the crown chakra makes it a valuable tool in chakra healing practices. Placing the stone on the crown chakra during meditation or energy healing sessions can help align and balance this energy center.
Caring for Howlite: To maintain the vibrational integrity of Howlite, it is essential to care for it properly. Here are a few guidelines:
Cleansing: Howlite can be cleansed using various methods, such as placing it under running water, smudging with sage or palo santo, or charging it in moonlight or sunlight. It is important to avoid using harsh chemicals or direct sunlight, as they may fade or damage the stone.
Howlite, with its mesmerizing appearance and soothing energy, offers a pathway to tranquility, emotional healing, and spiritual growth. Whether used during meditation, worn as jewelry, or placed in your living space, Howlite's calming presence can bring a sense of peace and balance to your life. Explore the wonders of this beautiful crystal and allow its gentle energy to support your journey towards serenity and well-being.
If you are interested in ordering a custom dreamcatcher with Howlite crystal, reach out to me at info.dreamwebs@gmail.com or via social media.
Sending you Love & Light
- Kels
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]]>So you are finally ready to start your spiritual journey. The exploration of “spirituality” is daunting. Where do you start? What comes first? You may have wandered through your local Spiritual shop, wandering through a bunch of weird looking objects, crystals, bowls, herbs and bells. You may have even got up the courage to buy yourself a few things, knowing full well that you haven’t the slightest idea what to do with them.
At Dream Webs my goal is to provide you with everything you need to start your spiritual journey. The shop is filled with wonderful tools, jewelry and artwork to help you sleep well and live better along with the guidance and information you need to actually USE the items you fall in love with. If you are trying to figure out where to start on your spiritual journey, may I suggest you follow along as we learn about our Chakras; the foundation of understanding our energy. We are starting with the Root Chakra and will dive even deeper than the easy-to-follow guide found in the Muladhara Root Chakra - Spiritual Box, to cover everything you need to know about opening your Root Chakra.
The first written evidence of Chakras appears in the book of Vedas, an ancient Indian (from India, not America Indigenous) Text that dates back over 6000 years. Knowingly or not, most practices of spirituality, from meditation to reiki to healing crystals, work with the energy of your Chakras. That’s why it is important for anyone embarking on a spiritual journey to have a basic understanding of Chakras.
Chakras are centres of energy sometimes described as wheels or discs. They are specific places in and outside of our bodies where Nadis (energetic nerve endings) meet. Though we have hundreds of Chakras in our body, we have seven main Chakras that govern our physical and mental health, behaviours and mindset. When balanced and spinning our main Chakras help move our Kundalini (life force) energy through our bodies. The spinning momentum of our Chakras pulls energy up from the Earth and down from the universe to create this intertwining energy flow. When our Kundalini energy flows freely we are said to be spiritually aligned. One unbalanced or blocked chakra will prevent the movement of this ‘snake-like’ Kundalini energy through your body.
Each Chakra is complex and governs a vast array of your body’s functions, your thoughts, feelings and even how you interact in society. Each Chakra builds upon the previous Chakra below it, and only once all are unlocked can you begin to understand the higher aspects of your spirituality. The Heart Chakra, the centre of your main Chakra chain, is particularly difficult to open. The Heart Chakra is the bridge between the lower Chakras that govern our physical bodies and the higher Chakras that govern our spiritual Self. (Our upper Chakras still govern parts of our physical bodies but they are more centred around spiritual functions.)
Chakra healing, also referred to as opening or balancing is the practice of connecting with and clearing away blockages from your Chakras allowing them to spin freely. There are several ways of connecting to and healing your Chakras, many of which I will cover below.
The Root Chakra is located at the base of your spine. When you are sitting it can be found where your bottom touches the earth. In Sanskrit (the ancient language in which yoga & its sister-science Ayurveda were first recorded) the Root Chakra is called Muladhara, which breaks down into two words: Mula meaning “root” and Adhara, meaning “base.” The Muladhara Chakra is a glowing disc of bright red energy and it is responsible for your sense of safety and security. Your Root Chakra is governed by your basic needs such as food, water, shelter, and safety, and it governs the health of your lower body including lower back, legs and feet.
If you have a Root Chakra imbalance you may feel overwhelmed, worried or stressed which may manifest as anxiety, nightmares or insomnia. Muladhara imbalances may manifest physically as digestion or elimination problems, or aches and pains in the lower back, leg, or feet. Eating disorders, gut health issues and diseases such as IBS & Crohn’s may indicate a Root Chakra imbalance. You may feel fear, lack a sense of belonging, or you may not feel secure in your life or relationship. If one of your basic physical needs isn’t being met, that is most likely the cause of your Muladhara blockage. Maybe you're between homes, in between jobs, or some other dire circumstance that you are currently working to rectify. Once these basic needs are met, your blockage may dissipate. Most of the time, finding the cause of your blockage and remedying it is not this simple. If your Muladhara blockage is caused by how you feel internally, you will have to work through practices to ‘manually’ bring balance to this Chakra.
When your Root Chakra is balanced you feel grounded, safe and in control of your life. Your digestion is smooth and consistent, and your lower body is free from aches and pains. All of your basic needs are being met. You have food, water, and a safe home. You don’t feel rushed or panicked in your day-to-day life and overall you feel a strong sense of Self.
Over the years I have tried many different practices for balancing Chakras. My favourite Chakra balancing practices involve meditation, Bija toning, yoga, crystal healing and aromatherapy. Each Chakra requires a different Bija Tone, meditation practice, asana, crystal and scent.
Root Chakra Meditation
When meditating on your Root Chakra there are two things to keep in mind: location & colour. Find a comfortable seated position and close your eyes. Take a few deep cleansing breaths then allow your breath to settle into its natural rhythm. Bring your awareness to the location of your Root Chakra, where your seat connects with the earth. Feel the Earth below you, solid and strong; supporting you with ease. While focusing your attention to this area, begin to envision the color red. You may choose to see with your mind’s eye, a ball of red glowing light circling this area, growing brighter as you continue to concentrate your awareness. Once you have established connection with this red ball of light and can see it clearly in your mind, you may choose to add in a mantra to help you maintain focus. A mantra is a set phrase that you repeat to yourself in your mind as you meditate. It is used as an anchor to keep you focused and it helps to prevent the mind from straying away to other random thoughts. Your mantra does not have to match the rhythm of your breath, instead allow it to flow naturally through your mind. The Root Chakra mantra is “I Am.” This mantra relates to everything that governs and is governed by the Root Chakra.
Root Chakra Bija Toning
Bija toning is the process of bringing energy to the Chakras using vocal vibrations. I have found Bija Toning to be one of the most effective & efficient means of balancing your Chakras. You may be familiar with the Crown Charka Bija tone of ‘OOOOOMMMMM.’ You may have seen movies and tv shows where someone is chanting ‘Om' while meditating, though you probably didn’t know why.
The Bija tone for the Root Chakra is ‘LAM’
‘LAAAAAAMMMMMMM’
To Bija tone your Root Chakra, sit up nice and tall. Take one cleansing breath and let it out. Inhale for the count of four, filling your lungs to max, pause for one moment holding your breath, then on the exhale chant aloud the Bija tone ‘LAM.’ Chant loudly and with intention. Repeat the four-count inhale, hold, then chant again. Repeat as many times as you like. As you chant, focus on feeling the vibrations in the area of your Root Chakra.
Root Chakra Yoga Poses (Asanas)
To help bring balance to your Root Chakra try incorporating these two yoga poses into your day. You do not have to complete a full yoga practice if that is not part of your daily ritual. Simply perform 30 seconds to a minute of each pose when you wake up in the morning, before going to bed at night, or in the kitchen while you’re waiting for the kettle to boil.
Root Chakra Crystals
Crystals relating to the Root Chakra are often shades of red or black and they all have different healing properties that correlate to the Chakra like grounding, protection, and security.
Red Jasper - Red Jasper crystal relates to our Root Charka. It is a crystal of endurance, empowerment and purpose. Its grounding energy will help you feel safe, secure and strong.
Hematite - Hematite crystal is heavy and grounding. It empowers you to find your inner courage, strength and purpose while providing physical protection.
Mahogany Obsidian - Mahogany Obsidian activates our lower 3 Chakras and stimulates growth, sexuality, strength, creativity, passion, and protection.
Lavastone - Lavastone is a grounding stone. It is calming and earthy. Use it to hold your favourite essential oil.
Along with natural sandalwood, I used these stones to create the Muladhara Healing Bracelet available to you in the Muladhara Root Chakra - Spiritual Box.
Root Chakra Aromatherapy
Scents that relate to Muladhara Chakra are grounding, heavy and earthy. These include the fragrances of Sandalwood, Patchouli, Lavender, Black Pepper and Vetiver. These fragrances work to balance the Chakra by stimulating smell receptors which in turn send signals to the limbic system which controls our emotions. In the form of essential oils, these plant medicines can be used topically and absorbed through the skin. (Please do your research if you plan to use your own essential oils).
Of course I created a Muladhara Balancing Blend for you as well. It incorporates Patchouli, Sandalwood and Lavender. You can wear this Balancing Blend on the insides of your wrists or neck, then on occasion throughout the day you will catch the lightest waft of the deep, calming, earthy scent and it will help to calm and ground your energy. Aromatherapy is both a science and an art; I hope you enjoy this Dream Webs signature Balancing Blend along with the handmade Muladhara bath bomb by Bare Baths which has a surprise in it!
I hope this helped clear up any questions you may have had about your Root Chakra. I’ll be back soon with a blog on our next Chakra - Svadisthana which just launched in the shop this month!
Sending love & light,
Kelsie
]]>Did you know that Malas have 108 beads on them? 108 beads to represent the 108 Nadis, energy channels, that cross your Heart Chakra. Nadis carry your Prana, your ‘Life Force’ throughout your body.
The three foundations of yoga are all designed to move Prana around your body. They are:
Asanam - yoga poses
Pranayam - breathing exercises &
Pratyahara - control of the senses (meditation)
How to use your Mala for breathing exercises & meditation.
For Pranayam - Breathing Exercise:
For Pratyahara - meditation:
Let me know how it goes!
Sending Love & Light
- Kelsie
]]>Tonight my Full Moon Ritual will look like:
Wednesday, May 26th marks a big day on the lunar calendar. We are celebrating a Full Moon, Blood Moon, Flower Moon and Total Lunar Eclipse. Anyone one with the tiniest sense of attunement can feel those vibes coming a mile away.
What is a Moon Ritual?
A moon ritual is any sort of ceremony with a set intention, conducted in the light, or absence of the moon. Depending on your purpose and the timing of your ritual with the corresponding moon phase, the spiritual, emotional and symbolic meaning of the ritual can vary. Typically New Moons are used to manifest new things into your life. Full Moon rituals typically centre around helping us release ‘the old’; unwanted emotions, habits, behaviours, even relationships that are no longer serving us.
Like any ceremony or ritual, it is important to enter with a clear mind, an open heart and a positive intention, even if the ritual is focused on cleansing and letting go.
Your moon ritual can be whatever you like; simple or complex, lighthearted or serious. You can preform a moon ritual by simply sitting in the light of the moon, closing your eyes and thinking about what you would like your life to look like. Or maybe, like me, you enjoy the beauty and symbology behind burning away old feelings, physically - with a match, filling up my mason jars to absorb the beautiful lunar light, charging my crystals on the window sill and finding deep stillness in the glow of the moon.
The hardest part about these rituals is not the practice themselves, it's the motivation to do it. Setting aside five minutes of our time to be alone, focus inward and reflect with ourselves is something most of us find extremely challenging to do. We live in a world of Netflix, perceived constraints, and busy work lives so the urge to change your routine and try something new is not common. And it's not our fault. We are over stimulated as a society and the idea of even spending two minutes in our own heads, hearing our own thoughts… well it honestly can make you feel nauseous. But just like yoga is made to help you improve your flexibility, meditation, and mindful silence are meant to help you slow down and quiet your thoughts (you don’t have to be good at it yet). If you’ve ever said to yourself, “Oh, I can’t meditate; my mind is too busy.” you need to do it more than ever. And if you are one of these busy-minded folks, practices like these Moon Rituals, where you are solely focused on the task at hand, can act as a form of active meditation and help you slowly transition into more structured forms of meditation.
It’s all about connecting the mind, body and spirit. Choose your version of a Moon Ritual and give it a try tonight!
Tonight my Full Moon Ritual will look like:
If I can answer any questions for you, send me a message.
Until next time guys!
Love & Light,
Kelsie
]]>"I do want to set one fact straight with you right away; spiritually cleansing, with or without the use of herbs is not an act of cultural appropriation, and has been practiced by almost every culture and religion around the globe. As an indigenous Canadian, I have been taught by my elders that it is our responsibility to share our medicine and healings. The medicine and teachings belong to no one and should be shared with everyone."
- Kelsie Young
Owner, Indigenous Artist & Spirit Talker
Dream Webs - Dreamcatchers & House Blessing
Cleanliness is next to godliness, am-I-right?
A general sense of cleanliness in your home is important. Daily chores, weekly tasks and those seasonal deep cleans all hold a vital place in maintaining a healthy living space. But when was the last time you cleansed your home’s energy?
Energy cleanliness is just as important as physical cleanliness. For centuries spiritual cleansing has been part of almost every religion and spiritual belief system. And for the very same reason keeping your floors clean; keeping the energy in your space fresh and positive should become part of our everyday routines. By why hasn’t it?
Many factors come into play here, fear of the unknown, fear of somehow offending or “doing it wrong”, fears of appropriation, the list is endless and all valid. I do want to set one fact straight with you right away; spiritually cleansing, with or without the use of herbs is not an act of cultural appropriation, and has been practiced by almost every culture and religion around the globe. As an indigenous Canadian, I have been taught by my elders that it is our responsibility to share our medicine and healings. The medicine and teachings belong to no one and should be shared with everyone.
So! With that said, I am here to guide you through the practice of spiritually cleaning yourself and home space, with the use of my preferred cleansing herb, white sage. You may choose to use palo santo, bay leaf, cedar or other medicinal herbs of your choosing but keep in mind each plant has a different energy and thus will affect your space and aura differently. You may also choose to cleanse your energy without the use of healing herbs or incense, though the use of a burning herb is recommended for beginners. A general rule of thumb I follow is while palo santo is great for cleaning the home, sage (of any variety) can tackle cleaning both the aura and the home. Cedar will attract positive energy into the house versus the pushing away of negative energy done by sage or palo santo. The details of herb energies will follow in another story.
Depending on the form of your herbs (bound in a wand versus loose leaf or powdered) you may need to source yourself a burning bowl or shell to carry your smouldering medicines in.
You must start all ceremonies of energy with good thought and positive intentions. Think of the things you want to manifest, not the things you want to let go of. Take a moment to breathe before you begin. Once you feel calm and grounded you may begin your cleansing ritual. Light your cleansing herbs,( if you are not burning any herbs or incense, you may choose to rub your palms together to bring warmth and energy to your hands.)
Once you have a consistent pillar of smoke, it is wise to give an offering of smoke to each direction. Start facing the East; the direction of the rising sun, of spring and new beginnings. Waft smoke in this direction. Next turn South, the direction of the midday sun, summer and of youth; offering smoke in this direction. Next turn to face the West, direction of the setting sun, of autumn and adulthood, giving thanks and offering in this direction. Finally turn north, the direction of the night, winter, and of old age. Give an offering a smoke in this direction. Next offer some smoke down to the Earth and up to the skies. Now, you may begin spiritually cleansing yourself.
Direct the cleansing smoke over your heart and head, working your way down to your feet. Give thanks - this can be said aloud or thought silently to yourself. Once cleansed, you may cleanse others of their negative or unserving energies as you did for yourself, then you can move on to cleanse your space.
Think of the smoke (or your hands) like a broom, sweeping out the old, stale energy. You will want to work in the same directions (generally) as you did your opening offering, beginning in the easternmost section of your living space. Move room to room east to north. A good practice is to “seal” off the windows and doors in room by encircling each portal in a ring of smoke (trace around each frame with your cleansing smoke). Once you have completed your entire space it’s time to usher the last remnants of smoke out a main door. And you're done!
You can choose to cleanse yourself and your space as frequently as you would like. Many choose to cleanse once each season, perhaps on the solstice or equinox for that added zap of cosmic energy. You can cleanse on the full or new moons, once a month or just when it feels right. Energy cleansing is useful for moving into a new home or office space, or to “cleanup” after an uncomfortable situation.
Have faith in yourself. You have all you need inside you to complete your first successful energy cleanse. If you need some supplies to get you started, check out my Smudging - Spiritual Box and my Energy Cleansing - Spiritual Box
- Kelsie Young
Owner, Indigenous Artist & Spirit Talker
Dream Webs - Dreamcatchers & House Blessing