O'siyo Oginalii. Tsilugi!
( Hello Friends. Welcome!)

~The Earth is our Mother, Care for her; honor all your relations.
Open your heart and soul the the Great Spirit.
All life is sacred; treat all beings with respect.
Take from the earth what is needed and nothing more.
Do what needs to be done for the good in others.
Give constant thanks to the Great Spirit for each new day.
Speak the truth, but only of the good in others.
Follow the rhythms of nature; rise and retire with the sun.
Enjoy life's journey, but leave no tracks.~

~The Native American Creed~

Saturday, February 27, 2010

The Healing Power of the 7 Chakra Stones - The Chakra Line


~Chakras are the seven power points of life force in the human body that circulates energy. The meaning of the word Chakra is 'Wheel of Light' in sanskrit language.
These power points are vertically aligned in the center of the body, close to the spine.
A proper balance in the Chakras are essential for our good health and well being.
If there is any blockage or imbalance in the Chakras it can result in diseases and ill health.~



This necklace and bracelet are crafted with solid sterling silver and 7 different gemstones.


The Crown Chakra (7th Chakra) is located above the head and is associated with the pineal gland, brain and central nervous system.
I chose amethyst to represent the color violet for this Chakra.

The Third Eyes Chakra (6th Chakra) is located between the eyes and is associated with the pituitart gland, eyes, nose, ears and skeletal system.
I chose lapis to represent the color indigo for this Chakra.

The Throat Chakra (5th Chakra) is located at the throat and is associated with the thyroid gland, lungs and respiratory system.
I chose aquamarine to represent the color blue for this Chakra.

The Heart Chakra (4th Chakra) is located near the center of the breastbone or sternum and is associated with the heart, thymus gland, lungs and circulatory system.
I chose aventurene to represent the color green for this Chakra.

The Solar Plexus Chakra (3rd Chakra) is located midway between the rib cage and the navel and is associated with the liver, pancreas, gall bladder, spleen, digestive system and nervous system.
I chose citrine to represent the color yellow for this Chakra.

The Sacral Hara Chakra (2nd Chakra) is located at the genitals and is associated with reproductive organs and stomach.
I chose red hair quartz to represent the color orange for this Chakra.

The Root Chakra (1st Chakra) is lacated at the base of the spine and groin and is associated with the adrenals, kidneys, muscles and blood.
I chose garnet to represent the color red for this Chakra.



These pieces are avaiable in my Etsy shop at:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ManyMoonsJewelry

Many blessings to you all,
~Cassandra

Monday, February 22, 2010

Aventurine



















~Both pieces have been sold. Please contact me for a custom order! ~


This is one of my newest pieces and one of my favorites because of the beautiful dark green aventurine and it's simplicity.
It's crafted out of solid sterling silver, which I've really come to really enjoy working with!
I think the "look" between my copper and my new silver trees is completely different.

Aventurine is excellent for attracting abundance, wealth and opportunity. Aventurine is known as the stone of chance or luck.
Since it is connected to the heart Chakra this is also another stone perfect for easing stress, anxiety,emotional pains, fear and imbalance.
It does this by dissolving the blocks that may be preset in this area.

While I was making this pendant I decide to make a matching necklace to go with it...


It took quite a while due to all the small, detailed work but I think it turned out very pretty! The heart, of course, represents this stones connected Chakra.


You can see both of these pieces, along with more pictures and details in my Etsy shop here:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ManyMoonsJewelry


Blessings to you all,
~Cassandra

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Spring Citrine


This is a new little twist on my tree design :)

Spring IS coming (I promise), even though it doesn't feel like it yet.

This piece was inspired by the wonderful sunshine and the butterflies!

The butterfly itself is a symbol of transformation.

Butterflies fearlessly leave the safety of their cocoons to meet a new world in a new form, trusting it's untried wings to allow it to fly.
It is a powerful symbol for anyone who's contemplating or in the midst of a major change.
It is about bringing color and joy to out lives, learning to dance with joy as we make those changes in out lives, transforming us and out lives.

This pendant is also packed with a beautiful citrine stone.

Very much like the butterfly, citrine brings happiness, joy and optimism into your life. One of only two minerals on the planet which do not hold or accumulate negative energy, but dispels and transforms it.
It is connected with the energy of the sun and was used in the middle ages (as it is now) to heal people who's moods and energy become depressed during the long winter months.

Citrine is spring!



You can view this item, along with more pictures and details here:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41132797

Many blessings to you!
~Cassandra
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ManyMoonsJewelry

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Banner Exchange!!

Here's my banner code -


<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ManyMoonsJewelry"><img src="http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/2930/5302955b5958cdcm3.jpg" border="0" width="750" height="180" alt="BannerFans.com" /></a>


Comment with yours and I'll post it to my blog :)

Dedication to My Family - Prayer Request

I've been posting to this blog for a few weeks now and know that it goes in all kinds of different directions.
Most of the oh so lovely blogs that I've seen have been related to one subject and one subject only...
but not mine, which should give you an idea of my personality.
Now that I've realized that I can do anything that I please with this tool I'd like to do a dedication to my family.
I'm 31 years old and live in the mountain of North Georgia.

I have 3 boys:
Gabriel who is 15 and well over 6 feet tall

He is very, very much like me. He is my angel.

I have Gideon who is 8, sometimes going on 50.


He is the "old soul" of the family.

Then theres Jullian...he's 5

He is the free spirit of the family and has no fear.

I live with my partner Danny, who is a very strange mix of ex military, punk rock, rockabilly and hooligan (a Triumph reference).


As for me, well I am the "Hippie" and "black sheep" of the family and I dont mind being it one bit now.


I love what I do and I love my family.


My mother, who's always been the greatest friend that I've ever had...even when I didn't like it...

She gives me the gifts of the love of nature and knowing the value of faith (in whatever), unconditional love and goodness of heart.

My father, who has loved me (in his own way) no matter what.

He give me the gifts of "the struggle" and making it through it all. He gives me my toughness and stubbornness of head that has gotten me through the hardest paths in my life.

And last, but not least...my best friend and spirit sister, Lacie, who is everything that I am not but everything that I am, all at the same time.

She give me the gifts of *true* friendship and connection.
Lacie is currently struggling with cervical cancer and I request any prayers and blessings that you may be able to give her.

In remembrance of KyLeighbug.


For all that have actually read this far....
Value your family for they are the greatest gifts you've ever been given.

Many blessings to you all,
~Cassandra




Friday, February 19, 2010

Chain Maille - Yes or No??





Sooo...I've started doing chain Maille. This particular series of links in called the Queens Chain.
Not something you'd really expect from me or really even expect to see in my Etsy shop, but something I actually really enjoy doing!
I've been arguing with myself whether of not I should add my maille work to my listings.....

Anyone have an opinion? Do people even *like* maille?
I personally think it's very pretty :))

Many Blessings,
~Cassandra

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Grandmother Birthstone Tree in Sterling Silver - Custom Order


This was a custom order that I finished tonight. Each stone represents a grandchild which I think is a perfect gift for ANY grandmother.
The tree mainly consists of Peridot but the bithstones are Garnet for januray, Emerald for May, Ruby Czech Glass bead (in place of ruby) for July, Pink Tourmailine for October, Citrine for October and Turquoise for December....all wrapped up in tarnish resistant sterling silver :)

Monday, February 15, 2010

The Four Seasons Tree



This is my newest piece and I think it turned out quite well.
Each stone represents a season as well as having their own healing qualities.

Winter is a pretty Moonstone. I've covered this stone extensively in a previous post but moonstone carries lunar energy and help us of a sensitive nature to balance emotional upsets and is said, when worn as a amulet or pendant to bring good emotions to the wearer. It also eases stress and anxiousness.

Spring is a beautiful mix of Aguamarine and Blue lace agate which is actually a powder soft lavender color. I chose these colors to represent this season because they remind me of those wonderful spring flowers!
Aquamarine improves one’s overall sense of well-being. Some suggest that aquamarine is used to treat people for whom procrastination is an affliction. It is believed that one who wears aquamarine has a better ability to think clearly and make quick decisions. It also increases one’s access to courage.

I chose a lovely Aventurine to represent summer with all of it's green and alive splendor.
Aventurine has the ability to ground an individual emotionally, allowing for thought that is free of fear, troubled emotions, indecisiveness, and anxiety. This clarity of mind and self confidence that result from wearing this powerful stone energize, inspire, motivate and enhances your ability to relate to others on an emotional level.

For Autumn I chose a stunning, genuine Baltic Amber.
Amber is a powerful healer. At a physical level, it fills the body with vitality and has the power to draw disease out of the body. By absorbing pain and negative energy, the gemstone allows the body to rebalance and heal itself. It alleviates stress.
Baltic amber is warm to touch. This gem possesses electrostatic properties, and continues to be utilized for healing purposes. The unusually great power this gem is embedded in its ability to produce negative ions that affects man by easing pain, activating the healing process, and providing protection from harmful radiation.


Many blessings to you all!
~Cassandra

Sunday, February 14, 2010

The Web of Life and the Four Sacred Directions and Seasons


This piece was inspired by the four sacred directions of the Cherokee people and the belief that everything and everyone is connected by a delicate but perfect web. This belief spans across almost all nations and tribes.
It for me, being Native myself, is a very important concept that I remind myself of often.
You, my reader, are my sister (or brother)...we've just never met.
Every living thing...the four leggeds, the winged ones, the tiny little creatures and bugs that we never notice, the sea creatures and the trees and plants are also our relations and should be respected as I would respect you.

The four directions are each in themselves very important and bring their energy into our lives.

The color for North is Blue (in this case Lapis) which represents sadness and defeat. It also represents gola (winter) and is a season of survival and waiting.

The color for East is Red (in this case red Jasper) which represents victory and power. It also represents gogeyi (spring) and is the re-awakening after a long sleep, victory over winter and the power of new life.

The color for South is White (in this case natural howlite) and represents peace, happiness and serenity. It also represents gogiayeli (summer) and is a time of plenty.

The color for West is Black(in this case black stone) which represents problems and death. It also represents uligohvsdi (autumn or fall) and is the final harvest; the end of Life's Cycle.

This piece is currently listed for sale here: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=38732987


Many Blessings to you all,
~Cassandra
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ManyMoonsJewelry

Saturday, February 13, 2010

The Misconception...

I wrote and posted this on a community that I'm a part part of a while back, inspired by the couple in the restaurant where we ate.

To the old couple inside the restaurant, sitting next to the window with us right outside:

Keep glaring...if you happen to get a flat tire or need help a ways down the road, we'll still stop and help.

Read the stickers we've got on the bike and think you know what they mean...odds are, your wrong.

Shake your head when the engine's to loud and assume were disrespectful...you don't know that we'd stop traffic (and have many times) for a animal to cross the road.

Take a good look at our boots, worn out jackets and my helmet with the naked chick on the side...you'd never believe we wave at little kids in passing cars. You'd never imagine I could be your granddaughter.

.

And the little secret...the more you glare, the more you slide closer to the wall or go out of your way to walk farther around us, the funnier it is. We're some of the kindest people you'll never know.


JUST A BIKER

But, You Didn't See Me

I saw you, hug your purse closer to you in the grocery store line.
But, you didn't see me, put an extra $10.00 in the collection plate last Sunday.

I saw you, pull your child closer when we passed each other on the sidewalk..
But, you didn't see me, playing Santa at the local mall.

I saw you, change your mind about going into the restaurant.
But, you didn't see me, attending a meeting to raise more money for the hurricane relief.

I saw you, roll up your window and shake your head when I drove by.
But, you didn't see me, riding behind you when you flicked your cigarette butt out the car window.

I saw you, frown at me when I smiled at your children.
But, you didn't see me, when I took time off from work to run toys to the homeless.

I saw you, stare at my long hair.
But, you didn't see me, and my friends cut ten inches off for Locks of Love.

I saw you, roll your eyes at our leather coats and gloves.
But, you didn't see me, and my brothers donate our old coats and gloves to those that had none.

I saw you, look in fright at my tattoos.
But, you didn't see me, cry as my children where born and have their name written over and in my heart.

I saw you, change lanes while rushing off to go somewhere.
But, you didn't see me, going home to be with my family.

I saw you, complain about how loud and noisy our bikes can be.
But, you didn't see me, when you were changing the CD and drifted into my lane.

I saw you, yelling at your kids in the car.
But, you didn't see me, pat my child's hands, knowing he was safe behind me.

I saw you, reading the newspaper or map as you drove down the road.
But, you didn't see me, squeeze my wife's leg when she told me to take the next turn.

I saw you, race down the road in the rain.
But, you didn't see me, get soaked to the skin so my son could have the car to go on his date.

I saw you, run the yellow light just to save a few minutes of time.
But, you didn't see me, trying to turn right.

I saw you, cut me off because you needed to be in the lane I was in.
But, you didn't see me, leave the road.

I saw you, waiting impatiently for my friends to pass.
But, you didn't see me. I wasn't there.

I saw you, go home to your family.
But, you didn't see me. Because, I died that day you cut me off.

I was just a biker,
A person with friends and a family.

~Author Unknown~


Weary Days

The days lately have been weary. Snow, sleet, rain and no sunshine. Everything that I love about nature seems to be a skeleton of itself.
Soooo...on that note, I think we all might need a few pretty pictures to remind us that Mother Earth *will* awaken soon.
These were taken looking off the side of the Cherohala Skyway in Tennessee...one of the most beautiful gifts of nature and my favorite ride of all time.



In the Spring




In the Fall



Many blessings to you all,
~Cassandra


Thursday, February 11, 2010

Droplets of the Moon - Cancer Sign




~Moonstone~

If you were born under the sign of Cancer (which I am) then you are connected to this stone as it carries lunar energy.
The moon is the ruling planet for Caner people and this stone carries the same properties as you most likely carry yourself which are a sensitive response and nature, empathy and rich emotion.
Our element is water, which the moon controls.


It can help to balance emotional upsets and is said, when worn in a amulet, to bring good emotions to the wearer while protecting our sensitive nature.
Moonstone has a gentle energy that helps to ease stresses and feelings of anxiousness and because of its very feminine nature it is commonly called the "Goddess Stone".
It inspires spiritual nourishment, firm compassion and helps us to understand that everything comes in its divine time as we tend to be very impatient.



This particular variety is called "rainbow" moonstone and the most commonly recognized because of it's beauty and iridescent colors that seem to move across the stone with the light.

This piece is currently for sale in my Etsy shop.


As always, Many blessings to you,
~Cassandra
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ManyMoonsJewelry

I stumbled across this on the internet years ago, quite by accident, and thought "Wow! What a wonderful way to live!"
To this day I am still trying to achieve what essentially sounds so simple...
living purely.


Many blessings to you,
~Cassandra

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

The "Broken Heart" Healing Power of Peridot


***This tree has been sold. Please contact me for a custom order!***

The color of this peridot is true newness.
It reminds me of new blades of grass and the awakening of the Mother in spring.



Perdiot is the birthstone of August but also has very important healing properties.

It fosters emotional balance, and helps us heal from past emotional wounds.
It clears the path way to the heart and heals damaged egos.
Anger , jealousy, bitterness, and irritation are poison for your soul and are usually a result from wounded hearts ( and sometimes, a wounded EGO).
It helps us move past the hurt, and understand our relationships. It adds intelligence to your romantic situations, giving you a bit of common sense in affairs of the heart, and protecting you from unnecessary heartache.
The effect of a wounded heart can last for years, even a lifetime, without presenting itself as the obvious.
A true broken heart is like a fragile piece of china broken into pieces.
You can always glue the pieces back together but there are always those tiny pieces (slivers really) that either you can never find or just never quite fit again.
Those missing pieces can present themselves in your every day life. They are present (or not present) in relationships, everyday life and even on your very own self esteem.
Pieces of *you* are missing.
Peridot can help heal those wounds, fill in those missing pieces and take away the bitterness that ensues.


This piece is currently for sale in my Etsy shop, along with more pictures and details:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=38805225


Many blessings to you,
~Cassandra
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ManyMoonsJewelry




Finding the Truth in What's Left of Nature




"Humankind has not woven the web of life.
We are but one thread within it.
Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves.
All things are bound together.
All things connect."
~Chief Seattle, 1854

The Web still exists to remind us if we take the time to notice.

These pictures were taken by me last summer in the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest in North Carolina.
It is a 3,000 acre virgin forest...one of the very few left in the U.S. Many of the trees here are well over 400 years old and tower over 100 feet high and over 20 feet in circumference.
It was a uncharted hunting ground for the Cherokee people and the energy this area produces is ancient and very sacred.
We ride a lot in good weather and just wander most of the time with no plans or intention of being anywhere.
That day we found this forest.
There is a long paved drive going into the heart of these trees, leading to the typical touristy picnic tables and camp sites. Riding in that day, having no clue where we were going, my breath was literally taken away. The feeling; ancient, wise, powerful but, truthfully, simply indescribable.

Take the time to look around you...remember that you *are* still a part of it all. There is beauty, wonder and power in everything. From a natural, untouched forest spring, a tree that's been allowed to grow taller than your eyes can see to even the tiniest little things, perhaps there only just to make you smile.

Get away from the picnic tables, camp sites and viewing decks.
Wander...after all, "Not all those who wander are lost."

Many Blessings to you,
~Cassandra


Aquamarine


Aquamarine is the birthstone for March and also just happens to be my two oldest sons stone, born within 3 days of each other although many years apart.

Aquamarine improves one’s overall sense of well-being and courage. It's color reminds me of summer and the beach.
When I was a child I spent my summers on the beach with a family member. Waking up, even before opening my eyes, and smelling the air and hearing the waves is this color to me.

It's other healing properties range from thinking clearly and making quick decisions to promoting spiritual and psychic awareness, brings about core soul repair and healing us deeply.
I think that each of us could use a little soul repair and healing as there are broken pieces and weariness in us all, from the inside out.

This piece is currently for sale in my Etsy shop. You can view it with more detail and pictures here: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40226321

Many Blessings to you,
~Cassandra
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ManyMoonsJewelry