What Will You Harvest?: Crystals for Lughnasadh

If you feel like fall is right around the corner, you’re not wrong! We’re still a few weeks away from the Autumnal Equinox, but the first ancient harvest festival is here: Lughnasadh!

What is Lughnasadh?

Pronounced LOO-nah-sah, Lughnasadh is the first of three ancient Celtic harvest festivals that take place in the second half of the year, followed by Mabon (the Autumnal Equinox) and Samhain (the precursor to modern Halloween). Lughnasadh takes place on August 1^st and commemorates the first wheat harvest.

Lughnasadh originated in the British Isles, where you may still find this ancient pagan festival being celebrated throughout Ireland and Scotland under the name Germanic tribes gave it: Lammas (meaning “loaf mass,” a reference to the wheat harvest).

Lughnasadh is named for the Celtic deity, Lugh, who was the god of the Sun and the harvest, as well as a patron of heroes, royalty, and artisans. While it may be named for Lugh, the actual celebrations revolving around Lughnasadh have a closer connection to two of the women in Lugh’s life: his mother, Danu, the Earth mother goddess, and his stepmother, Tailtiu (pronounced TAL-i-choo).

According to Celtic folklore, Tailtiu died of exhaustion after clearing Ireland’s fields so that the people could develop agricultural societies. The feasts, markets, and events held at Lughnasadh are therefore Tailtiu’s funeral games, organized by her stepson.

Lughnasadh is a festival dedicated to gratitude, hard work, and protection. It is a time to bring the community together. At Lughnasadh, we acknowledge all the ways that we have sacrificed for the greater good and how we can continue to protect each other. Then, we get to reap the rewards and celebrate our hard work!

How To Celebrate Lughnasadh

Bread is central to Lughnasadh, both as the actual product of the wheat harvest and as a symbol of community, fertility, and sustenance. If you have the time, making your own bread is a beautiful way to celebrate (we love this beginner-friendly King Arthur recipe), but you can also enjoy some artisanal bread from a local bakery or even make a toast with your favorite beer!

A trip to the farmer’s market or any small, locally owned grocery is also a great way to enjoy Lughnasadh. Markets are central to Lughnasadh traditions, and for good reason! A local market gives you a chance to pick up locally harvested ingredients (including bread), literally eat the fruits of your neighbor’s labor, and pay them back for their hard work.

Since Lughnasadh is all about community, you may want to take all these tasty treats and share them with your neighbors. Pass out goodie bags or host a dinner party! Because of the communal focus, Lughnasadh is also associated with marriages, particularly “Telltown marriages.” Telltown marriages allowed a couple to experiment with living together on a trial basis, and at the next Lughnasadh festival, they would decide whether or not to stay married. So if you’re thinking about moving in with your partner, maybe Lughnasadh is the time!

Crystals for Lughnasadh

Try these crystals to connect with the energy of Lughnasadh:

• Citrine for gratitude
• Carnelian for energy
• Hematite for motivation
• Jasper for nurturing
• Jet for protection
• Onyx for sacrifice
• Pyrite for abundance
• Ruby for community

This August, enjoy some bread and good company—but don’t lose sight of the future! Winter’s chill is right around the corner, and we have to be ready to help each other through the dark half of the year.

Unleash Your Inner Animal

Have you ever felt a particular affinity for a certain animal? Maybe you’re fascinated by cats, maybe your nickname is “Bunny,” or maybe your kitchen décor theme is cows.

We all have an animal inside us, and when you connect with and release your inner animal, you can discover a special part of yourself. And working with crystals is the perfect way to unleash your inner animal!

We’ve grouped animals into elemental categories to give you even more context as you connect with the spiritual symbolism of your animal and learn more about their place in the natural world.

Earth Animals

Animals that live on land have a deep connection with the planet, and they impart the Earth’s nurturing, stabilizing energy.

Water Animals

Water animals are deeply intuitive and emotionally mature. They teach you how to go with the flow and not be afraid of deep introspection.

Air Animals

Air animals crave freedom and energy. They remind you that change is good, especially if you are stuck in an unsatisfying or toxic situation. Be confident, spread your wings, and fly!

What new aspects of your personality will you unlock when you unleash your inner animal? 

Fishing for Crystals

As summer enters its final days, you may be hearing the siren song of the ocean. This powerful body of water has been a source of inspiration, relaxation, and trepidation since the beginning of time.

But why is this energy so universal? And what happens when we work with these powerful vibrations?

What is the Ocean’s Spiritual and Metaphysical Significance?

The ocean covers about 70% of the Earth’s surface and contains 97% of its water, so working with the ocean is an important part of understanding our planet and ourselves. Although the ocean is often divided into 5 separate “oceans” (the Pacific, the Atlantic, the Indian, the Arctic, and the Antarctic), it is technically one continuous, massive body of saltwater. Because the ocean is so incomparably vast, researchers have only studied a small fraction of it, with 80% of its waters yet to be explored.

The ocean is closely tied with mystery, chaos, and power. It can help and heal you, but if you are caught on the ocean during a storm, it can be a fatal even. For better or worse, you simply cannot fight the ocean’s sheer power. If you struggle with a need to be in control, the ocean will invite you to surrender and release.

However, the ocean has a gentler side as well. It is a nurturing ecosystem that created some of the world’s first sentient life forms and still plays host to over 226,000 known species. The ocean is a seemingly endless depth into which we gaze to discover more about ourselves, and its strong water energy helps calm the emotions and pave the way for enlightenment. Because it is limitless, the ocean also reminds us that our lives are full of infinite possibility—and that can fill us with courage and excitement!

Crystals You Can Find in the Ocean

The ocean’s creative energy doesn’t just extend to fish; it actually creates multiple crystals, and working with these crystals is one of the easiest ways to learn the ocean’s lessons.

Agate

Agate forms in silica-rich water, and if you’re walking along the beach, you may be lucky enough to find an Agate washed up on the shore. This crystal helps you release control and accept both yourself and the world around you.

Aragonite

Aragonite forms when calcium is released into an ocean environment, it is typically found in a lot of different ocean creatures, including mollusks, coral skeletons, stalactites, and ammonite fossils. This crystal combines Earth and Water energy to impart profound wisdom.

Calcite

Calcite is another calcium-based crystal that forms in saltwater, fusing with shells, coral, algae, and sand at the bottom of the ocean. Calcite resonates strongly with the ocean’s ability to regulate the emotional body.

Indigo Gabbro

Indigo Gabbro is a mineral that makes up part of the ocean floor, and it illuminates the ocean’s mysteries. Indigo Gabbro shines a light on everything in your life, helping you discover your innermost self and step into your power.

Crystals That Resonate with the Ocean

You don’t need a crystal that formed in the ocean to connect with its energy; there are also a lot of stones that can imbue you with the ocean’s vibrations:

• Amazonite to connect with your power
• Aquamarine to find courage
• Chrysocolla to unlock wisdom
• Moonstone to regulate your emotional body
• Ocean Jasper to surrender and develop patience
• Opal to accept and explore mystery

Whether you are swimming in the surf, walking around the sand, or simply lounging on the beach, what can you discover by connecting with the ocean this summer?

Crystal Formations Continued

Crystals come in all shapes and sizes, but there are some really special formations that hold unique metaphysical and spiritual energies. Today, we’re continuing our exploration of different naturally occurring crystal formations with four extraordinary shapes: tantric twin, spirit guardian, rainbow, and phantom.

Tantric Twin

A tantric twin is a crystal that has two termination points but one base. You may also hear it referred to as a “soulmate crystal” or “twin flame crystal,” and it is most common in Quartz varieties. These crystals are all about relationships. They can attract twin flames and soulmates (of both the romantic and platonic variety), as well as helping you maintain those strong emotional bonds. Tantric twin crystals supercharge your empathy and remind you that we are all one with the universe—helping you unlock infinite compassion, harmony, and balance.

Spirit Guardian

A spirit guardian crystal is a very rare crystal formation that has two equally sized, double terminated points which are growing side-by-side. Spirit guardians are mentor crystals, reminding you that the universe is always here to protect and nurture you. They are perfect for connecting with your spirit guides, guardian angels, and deities. Spirit guardian crystals also function as psychic shields to protect your aura and psychic self.

Rainbow

Rainbow crystals are special stones that reflect a rainbow when the light hits them; they are most commonly found in Moonstone, Opal, Fluorite, Obsidian, Labradorite, and Quartz varieties. Rainbow crystals represent hope, happiness, and infinite positivity. Many crystal healers recommend rainbow crystals for people struggling with depression or other emotional turbulence, and they also offer protection during periods of strife. A rainbow crystal reminds you that you have survived every single bad day of your life. Like a rainbow stretching across the sky, rainbow crystals are a bridge between the earthly and spiritual realms.

Phantom

Phantom crystals form when one crystal grows over another, creating a “ghostly” inclusion. Phantom crystals are especially powerful for mediumship, death acceptance, past life work, and overcoming grief. These stones help you work through dark and complicated feelings, especially loss, fear, and addiction. Once you reach a healthier mindset, phantom crystals reveal new opportunities for growth and creativity. 

By the Numbers: Crystals and Numerology

Have you ever made a wish at 11:11? Or do you just keep seeing the number 4? The link between numbers and spirituality has been studied by cultures all over the globe for centuries, and today we’re exploring modern numerology, what it means for you, and how you can connect with certain numbers through crystals.

What is Numerology?

Numerology is a system that explores the spiritual and metaphysical meaning behind certain digits. Modern numerology combines influences from Ancient Babylon, Jewish mysticism, and the teachings of the ancient Greek philosopher, Pythagoras. Pythagoras posited that every number has an energetic vibration—similar to every human being, animal, and, yes, crystal—and that numbers reflected the interconnectivity of the universe.

That means that recurring numbers are divine messages, a way for your spirit guides to communicate with you.

Each digit from 1-9 has a unique meaning, and when you get a number with 2 digits of the same base number, you have a master number, such as 11. If a number has 3 digits, it becomes an angel number. Master numbers amplify the energy of their original digit, and angel numbers are specifically associated with guardian angels.

How to Calculate Your Life Path Number

You may already know that your birthday is related to your zodiac sign, but your birthday is also the key to revealing your life path number. Your life path number illuminates your purpose, and it is also a great place to start your numerology journey.

To calculate your life number, follow these simple steps:

• 1.Add together your birth month and birth date with the digits of your birth year.
• 2.Keep adding the digits together until you arrive at a single digit.

For example, if your birthday was November 11, 2011, we would add:

11 + 11 + 2 + 0 + 11 = 35

3 + 5 = 8

That means that for a birthday on 11/11/11, the life path number is 8! This individual will likely value success and money, and they will accel in positions of power.

Number Symbolism and Numerology Crystals

Once you have your birth number (or have identified a recurring number in your life), you can meditate with a crystal to help yourself explore the lessons that that number has to teach you.

Number 1

1 is the beginning of the numerical cycle, and it is a take-charge number. 1 represents action and independence. It resonates strongly with leaders and innovators; however, 1 can also warn against selfishness and isolation.

Number 1 numerology crystals include:

• Angelite
• Azurite
• Black Obsidian
• Clear Quartz
• Cinnabar
• Garnet
• Turquoise

Number 2

2 represents balance. It calls you to acknowledge dualities and find harmony, both within your life and within groups of people, through profound empathy and compassion. Because 2 is such a sensitive number, it can also signal struggles with conflict and a need for external validation.

Number 2 numerology crystals include:

• Black Tourmaline
• Epidote
• Fluorite
• Howlite
• Kunzite
• Moonstone

Number 3

3 is all about creativity and communication. 3 encourages artistic expression as a means to bring people together and uplift each other. It is a very optimistic and joyful number, but number 3 people should avoid letting their emotions rule them.

Number 3 numerology crystals include:

• Chrysoprase
• Green Aventurine
• Iolite
• Labradorite
• Ruby Fuchsite
• Spirit quartz

Number 4

4 resonates very strongly with the Earth’s energy, and it carries all of the planet’s stabilizing and nurturing qualities. This number calls you to access the most practical, reliable, and hardworking elements of yourself. 4 also celebrates tradition, but it reminds you to avoid stubbornness.

Number 4 numerology crystals include:

• Black Moonstone
• Hematite
• Jade
• Stromatolite
• Tiger Iron

Number 5

5 embodies adventure, freedom, and transformation. It is all about trying new things and taking risks—even revolutionizing your entire life. 5 carries a playful energy, but it can also indicate impatience and fear of commitment.

Number 5 numerology crystals include:

• Amazonite
• Aquamarine
• Carnelian
• Chrysocolla
• Ruby

Number 6

6 is a nurturing number. Like a dear friend, beloved family member, or trusted mentor, 6 supports you through whatever life throws your way. It combines empathy with gentle yet straightforward problem-solving, but it can also a sign to avoid being too controlling.

Number 6 numerology crystals include:

• Amethyst
• Apache Tear Obsidian
• Bloodstone
• Jasper
• Onyx
• Pink Opal

Number 7

7 is a questioning, analytical number. It resonates strongly with philosophers, intellectuals, and anyone with a curious streak, but it also has a tendency toward perfectionism and skepticism.

Number 7 numerology crystals include:

• Agate
• Charoite
• Lapis Lazuli
• Lepidolite
• Shiva Lingam
• Smokey Quartz

Number 8

8 symbolizes prosperity. It carries an attractive energy that draws wealth and success to you, and it also promotes ambition and goal-setting. However, 8 also warns you not to become so wrapped up in work, money, and achievement that you lose sight of your emotional and spiritual sides.

Number 8 numerology crystals include:

• Bumblebee Jasper
• Citrine
• Jade
• Orange Calcite
• Pyrite
• Septarian

Number 9

As the end of the numerical cycle, 9 represents wisdom and enlightenment. It’s a number of completion, encouraging you to reflect, forgive, and release.

Number 9 numerology crystals include:

• Apophyllite
• Danburite
• Diopside
• Morganite
• Rhodochrosite
• Rose Quartz
• Selenite
• Snowflake Obsidian

What is your life path number? Is there a number you’ve been seeing around? Lean into it! Discovering your numerological path is the first step to unlocking your full potential!