Meditation for the Seven Chakras

Chakra meditation is a type of meditation that is said to help align and balance the chakras, or energy centers, in your body. There are seven main chakras in the body, each with its own color and corresponding to different aspects of our lives. The crown chakra, for example, is associated with our connection to the divine, while the root chakra is associated with our basic survival instincts.

There is more than one way to meditate on the chakras. We are featuring a simple method that anyone can do:

1. It is important to find a comfortable position for chakra meditation. You may sit in a chair with your feet flat on the ground, or you may sit cross-legged on a cushion or blanket.

2. Once you are seated, begin to focus on your breath. Breathe deeply and slowly, letting your belly expand as you inhale and contract as you exhale.

3. As you focus on your breath, begin to visualize each of the seven chakras, starting with the root chakra at the base of the spine and moving up to the crown chakra at the top of the head.

4. For each chakra, visualize a sphere of light that is either brightly lit or dimmed. If there are any areas that are dark or blocked, imagine the light shining through and clearing away any blockages.

5. As you move through each chakra, take note of any emotions or sensations that arise. If you find any areas that are particularly blocked or unbalanced, spend extra time focusing on those areas.

6. When you reach the crown chakra, spend a few minutes visualizing white light pouring down from above and filling your entire being with light and love.

7. When you are finished, take a few deep breaths and allow yourself to simply be in the moment, feeling peaceful and calm.

8. Chakra meditation can be done daily or as often as needed. It is a great tool to use when you are feeling stressed, anxious, or out of balance in any way.

9. Remember that there is no “right” way to do chakra meditation – simply allow yourself to relax and go with the flow.

Trust that the process will work for you in exactly the way that you need it to. Good luck on your meditation session.

Astrology and Gemstones

There is a strong connection between astrology and gemstones. For centuries, these two disciplines have been used together to help people understand themselves and the world around them.

Astrology is the study of the movements and relative positions of celestial bodies in order to interpret their influence on human affairs and terrestrial events. Gemstones, on the other hand, are minerals or crystals that have been used since ancient times for their beauty, power, and healing properties.

The connection between astrology and gemstones is based on the belief that the planets and stars influence our lives. Each planet is associated with a particular gemstone, which is said to amplify the energy of that planet. For example, the planet Mars is associated with the red gemstone carnelian, which is believed to increase courage and strength.

Gemstones are also thought to be helpful in balancing the energies of the different planets in our birth charts. If a planet is in an unfavorable position, wearing its associated gemstone can help to mitigate some of the negative effects.

There are a wide variety of gemstones to choose from, and it can be helpful to consult with an astrologer or gemologist to find the right stone for you. With their combined knowledge of the heavens and the earth, they can help you select the stones that will best support your journey through life.

Whether you’re looking for guidance, protection, or self-awareness, harnessing the power of astrology and gemstones can be a valuable tool on your path to wellness.

The Mala Tree Crystal Shop studied this connection for years which led them to release the Zodiac Powerstones Bracelets. Each bracelet is made with different gemstones that “empower” the qualities of the zodiac/sun sign. Wearing your Zodiac Powerstone bracelet is like having a personal cheerleader on your wrist, reminding you of your best qualities and cheering you on to reach your full potential. The Mala Tree also releases a monthly horoscope that breaks down what is happening in the heavens and how it affects each zodiac sign.

So if you’re ever feeling lost, or just want to feel more connected to the universe, consider reaching for your Zodiac Powerstones Bracelet the next time you need a little boost.

When you receive your bracelet, take a few moments to meditate on your intention for wearing it. Holding the bracelet in your left hand, visualize the energy of the gemstones infusing you with strength, courage, or whatever quality you most need at this time. As you wear your bracelet throughout the day, allow it to serve as a reminder of your intention, and of the limitless possibilities that await you.

11 Tools for Chakra Meditation Session

Chakra meditation is a form of mindfulness meditation that is focused on the seven chakras or energy centers in the body. Chakra meditation can be used to help balance and harmonize the energy in each chakra center, which can lead to improved health and well-being.

Chakra meditation is a wonderful way to connect with your inner self and explore your spiritual side. It can be helpful for relieving stress and anxiety, improving sleep quality, and reducing pain levels. If you’re interested in giving chakra meditation a try, The Mala Tree Crystal Shop recommends using the tools listed above to get started.

1. Loose, comfortable clothing: You’ll want to wear clothing that won’t restrict your movement or cause you any discomfort. loose-fitting, natural fibers are always a good choice.

2. A comfortable place to sit or lie down: You’ll want to be in a comfortable position for your chakra meditation session. This could be sitting in a chair with your feet on the ground, or lying down on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Make sure you’re not too comfortable, though, as you don’t want to fall asleep.

3. Crystals / Chakra Stones: Chakra stones are a powerful tool that can be used to balance the chakras. There are a variety of different stones that correspond to each chakra, so you can choose the ones that resonate with you the most.

4. Incense: Incense is a great way to set the mood for a chakra meditation session. There is a variety of different chakra incense available, so you can choose one that suits your needs.

5. Candles: Candles are another great way to set the mood for a chakra meditation session. Like incense, there are a variety of different chakra candles available, so you can choose one that resonates with you the most.

6. Music: Music can be a powerful tool for balancing the chakras. There are a variety of different chakra music CDs available, so you can choose one that resonates with you the most.

7. An eye pillow or washcloth (optional): If you find it helpful, you can place an eye pillow or washcloth over your eyes to block out any distractions.

8. A blanket or shawl (optional): If you tend to get cold easily, you may want to have a blanket or shawl handy to keep yourself warm during the meditation.

9. Essential Oils: Essential oils can be used during chakra meditation to help balance the energy in each chakra center. There are a variety of different essential oils that correspond to each chakra, so you can choose the ones that resonate with you the most

10. A timer (optional): If you’d like, you can set a timer for your meditation session so that you don’t have to worry about keeping track of time. This can help you to relax and focus more fully on the meditation.

11. A journal and pen: It can be helpful to have a journal and pen nearby so that you can jot down any thoughts, feelings, or insights that come up during your meditation.

If you’re looking to explore your spiritual side, chakra meditation may be a good option for you. This form of mindfulness meditation is focused on the seven energy centers in the body, also known as chakras. Chakra meditation can help to balance and harmonize the energy in each chakra center, which can lead to improved health and well-being.

Feng Shui For Beginners

If you’ve ever walked into a room and felt like something was off, you were probably picking up the energy of the space. According to Feng Shui, our surroundings have a direct impact on our lives. This ancient Chinese practice is based on the belief that we can create harmony in our lives by aligning our homes and workplaces with the laws of nature. 

Feng Shui is the ancient Chinese art of placement. It is the belief that by arranging our surroundings in harmony with the laws of nature, we can create a more balanced and harmonious life. Feng Shui is not just about furniture placement. It is a holistic approach to creating harmony in our lives by working with the energy around us.

Feng Shui practitioners believe that our environment has an impact on our health, wealth, and relationships. By making simple changes in our homes and workplaces, we can improve our lives in many ways.

So how does Feng Shui work? Feng Shui practitioners believe that our environment is full of invisible energy, or Chi (pronounced “chee”). This Chi flows through our surroundings and affects everything in our lives, from our health and wealth to our relationships. By making simple changes in our environment, we can encourage the Chi to flow more smoothly and improve our lives in many ways. 

Benefits of Feng Shui 

Feng Shui can help you in many areas of your life, including your health, career, and relationships. Some people also find that it helps them feel more relaxed and centered. 

Feng Shui is not a quick fix, but it can be a powerful tool for creating positive change in your life. With regular practice, Feng Shui can help you create more harmony, balance, and joy in your life.

The Five Elements of Feng Shui

Feng Shui is based on the five elements of wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. Each element has its own qualities, symbols, and meanings. In order to create balance in your life, it is important to have a healthy mix of all five elements. 

Wood – The wood element represents growth and abundance. The color green is associated with wood, and common symbols are trees, plants, and flowers. 

Fire – The fire element represents passion and creativity. The color red is associated with fire, and common symbols are candles, light bulbs, and the sun. 

Earth – The earth element represents stability and nurturing. The color yellow is associated with the earth, and common symbols are rocks, crystals, and the earth itself. 

Metal – The metal element represents precision and clarity. The color white is associated with metal, and common symbols are coins, jewelry, and metal objects. 

Water – The water element represents flow and emotions. The color blue is associated with water, and common symbols are rivers, lakes, and oceans. 

Each of us has a ruling birth element. Find yours in this TABLE.

There are specific gemstones that boost the personal Feng Shui element of every individual.

Coupled with the blessings of the Piyao, the most auspicious Feng Shui Wealth Symbol, this bracelet is sure to bring good fortune, prosperity and luck.

Each element is associated with a specific area of your life, such as your career or love life. When designing your home or office, you’ll want to use these elements to create harmony in each area. 

For example, if you’re hoping to advance in your career, you might add a water element to your power area. Water is known for its ability to nourish and support growth. Placing a fountain or fishbowl in this area could help you achieve your goals. 

On the other hand, if your love life needs a boost, you might focus on adding the fire element to your relationship area. Fire is known for its passion and energy. Adding a red throw pillow or painting an accent wall red could help bring some heat into your love life!

How Can Feng Shui Help Me?

Feng Shui practitioners believe that our environment has a direct impact on our health, wealth, and relationships. By making simple changes in our homes and workplaces, we can improve our lives in many ways. 

Some people use Feng Shui to attract wealth and abundance into their lives. Others use it to improve their health or find love. There are endless possibilities! Although there is no scientific proof that Feng Shui actually works, many people swear by it. And even if it’s just a placebo effect, what harm can come from living in a more harmonious environment? 

How Do I Use Feng Shui? 

Now that you know a little bit about Feng Shui principles, you may be wondering how you can use them in your own life. Here are a few tips to get you started: 

-Start by decluttering your space and getting rid of anything you don’t need or use anymore. A cluttered space creates energetic chaos which can have a negative impact on your health, wealth, and relationships. 

-Cleanse your space with sound by using a singing bowl or Tibetan bells. This will help to clear away any negative energy.  You may also use Sage, Palo Santo, and incense sticks to cleanse your space.

-If you already know your Feng Shui animal sign, start wearing The Mala Tree’s Feng Shui Victory Bracelets for the 12 Animal Signs as these contains all the basic stones that will help you to activate good Feng Shui for your sign.

-Place Gemstone Money Trees in your wealth area and in prominent places in your living room, bedroom, place of business, or office.

-You can also start doing Feng Shui on your work desk where you can put crystal generators and wands, raw stones, and tumbled stones.

-If you want to improve your relationships, add the Mandarin Ducks or any Rose Quartz stone in your bedroom. Putting raw Amethyst under the bed (partner’s side) will also make him/her loyal to you.

-Pay attention to the energy in each room of your home or office and make sure it promotes the activity that takes place there. For example, if you want to attract more wealth into your life, put a plant in your Wealth Area.

-Be mindful of the items you keep around you as they also have energies associated with them. If you have items from past relationships or negative memories from childhood around, get rid of them. These energies can hold you back from attracting positive energy into your life. 

Of course, these are just examples. There are endless possibilities when it comes to using Feng Shui to improve your life. The key is to have fun with it and see what works for you.

Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese art that helps us create harmony in our lives by working with the energy around us. Although there is no scientific proof that Feng Shui actually works, many people swear by it because it does promote relaxation and harmony. Try using some of the tips above to see if Feng Shui makes a difference in your life!

Raising Your Vibrations

Ever felt that feeling that you just can’t lift yourself out of bed and that taking a step feels like lifting a heavy rock? Is your work or school life spinning out of control? Have you ever felt that every day is gray and it feels like it would be forever? These emotions and situations are manifestations of low spiritual vibrations. Low vibrations prevent you from having the energy and motivation you need to get things done. It takes away all your potential. It can also affect others as you emanate bad vibes, dragging everyone you come across with. You have the capacity to turn this around. There are so many simple gestures and habit that you can develop to raise your vibrations. And as always, healing gemstones and crystals are there to amplify your desire to raise vibrations — only by actively working with them, that is. This article will tackle some of the simple ways you can raise your vibrations to the max.

Reconnecting with Nature

Mother nature provides. You can always go to her to find solace and renewed strength. Your vibrations will be raised by reconnecting with the planet’s vibrations. Simply walk around parks, or plan a vacation in a forest or beach. Inhale the fresh breeze and feel yourself becoming uplifted.

A Moment of Silence

Take time to meditate amidst your hectic schedule — sit still while doing and thinking about nothing. Suspend your worries and let self-reflection be your goal. The more you feel busy, the longer you need to meditate.

Making Crystals Your Constant Companion

Healing crystals and gemstones can aid you in your quest for balance and renewal. Hold them while meditating. You can also get yourself crystal harmonizers that specialize in aiding your meditation. Imbued with your intentions it will broadcast what you seek to the rest of the universe.

Immerse Your Space with Positive Vibrations

Healing crystals and gemstones are a sight to behold in any interior space with all their dazzling colors and interesting patterns. However, they serve beyond being mere decorations. They emanate energies that are set according to the intentions you imbue in it. Be free to choose what crystal to work with. If you want to feel joy and optimism, you can get yourself either citrine, pyrite or any type of jasper. They will fill your space with energy from the sun. Clarify your mind with amethyst or perhaps quartz. The next time you’re in a crystal shop, choose among them the one that draws a feeling within you. It will definitely be the one you need.

Setting Your Intentions

There are never shortcuts to achieving any goal. Everything is a step-by-step process. Short-term goals lead to bigger plans ahead. They will prevent you from losing your way. Focus on achieving your short-term goals. Write them down and with the help of healing gemstones and crystals, strive to make your intentions manifest in reality. Celebrate your little victories. It will empower you with the will to struggle with your bigger plans.

The Power of Positive Words

Never underestimate the power of words. Simply telling yourself that you can and you are worth it goes a long way. Use them to raise vibrations and encourage healing. Crystals and gemstones can help you a step further by carrying your intent and amplifying them. Self-affirming words help you believe you can. It provides you with empowerment and motivation. So speak to yourself kindly starting today. The simple ways to raise your vibrations that we’ve outlined in this article are easy to incorporate into your daily life. Whether you reconnect with nature, take time for silence, or make crystals and gemstones a part of your everyday routine, these techniques will help you achieve balance and spiritual growth. With the aid of healing crystals and gemstones, raising your vibrations is easier than ever before!

Chakra Meditation: An Overview

The chakras are energy centers in the body that relate to different physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of our lives. Chakra meditation can be an extremely powerful tool for healing and balancing the chakras. There are many different ways to meditate, but chakra meditation is a great way to focus on the seven main chakras in the body. The seven chakras are the root chakra, sacral chakra, solar plexus chakra, heart chakra, throat chakra, third eye chakra, and crown chakra.

When you meditate on each of these chakras, you can visualize them spinning and cleansing themselves. As you focus on each chakra, you may feel a tingling sensation or see colors associated with each one. You may also want to chant a mantra or affirmation related to each chakra. For example, when focusing on the root chakra, you could chant “I am safe and protected.”

Chakra meditation can be a very powerful tool for healing the body and the mind. It is important to find a quiet place to meditate and focus on your breath. If you are new to meditation, worry not because The Mala Tree will guide you through each step!

If you are interested in learning more about chakra meditation or other types of meditation, please check out our blog.

We hope you enjoyed this blog post! If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thanks for reading!

Chakra 101: The Seven Chakras and Their Meanings

The Sanskrit word for “chakra” translates to “disk” or “wheel”, which refers to the various energy centers in your body. The theory goes that each of these spinning energy centers in our body corresponds with certain nerve bundles and organs. Your chakras are like energy centers in your body. They work best when they are open and balanced. If your chakras become blocked, you may experience physical or emotional symptoms related to the respective chakra. The seven main chakras are located along your spine. The chakras originate at the base of your spine and continue up to the top of your head. Some people believe that there are 114 different chakras in the body.

Now that we know what chakras are, let’s take a look at each one in more detail:

The Root Chakra is located at the base of your spine. The root chakra, when balanced, grounds you and provides a sense of security. Its energy is based on survival and relates to feelings of security and safety. When this chakra is open, you feel safe and secure in yourself and the world around you. You can face life’s challenges with courage and confidence. However, when it is blocked, you may feel fear, anxiety, and insecurity. You may also experience physical symptoms such as infertility issues, prolapsed organs, and chronic lower back pain.

The Sacral Chakra is located just below your navel. It represents your ability to feel pleasure and enjoy life. Its energy is based on creativity and sexuality. When this chakra is open, you feel creative and sexually fulfilled. However, when it is blocked, you may feel creatively stuck or experience sexual dysfunction. You may also experience physical symptoms such as urinary problems or impotence. 

The Solar Plexus Chakra is located above your navel and below your sternum. It represents your ability to be confident and in control of your life. Its energy is based on personal power and will. When this chakra is open, you feel confident and empowered. You can set boundaries and stand up for yourself. However, when it is blocked, you may feel powerless or controlled by others. You may also experience physical symptoms such as digestive problems or ulcers. 

The Heart Chakra is located in the center of your chest just above your heart. It represents your ability to love and be loved unconditionally. Its energy is based on love, compassion, forgiveness, kindness, and hope. When this chakra is open, you can give and receive love freely without conditions attached. However, when it is blocked you may struggle with anger issues or resentment toward others.

The Throat Chakra is located in the center of your throat. It represents your ability to communicate authentically and truthfully. Its energy is based on communication, expression, and truthfulness. When this chakra is open, you can express yourself freely and truthfully without judgment. However, when it is blocked you may have trouble communicating your needs or feel like you are not being heard. You may also experience physical symptoms such as a sore throat or thyroid problems.

The Third Eye Chakra is located between your eyebrows in the center of your forehead. It represents your ability to see clearly and have insight. Its energy is based on intuition, imagination, and wisdom. When this chakra is open, you can trust your intuition and make decisions from a place of inner knowing. However, when it is blocked you may struggle with doubt or indecision. You may also experience physical symptoms such as headaches or migraines.

The Crown Chakra is located at the top of your head. It represents your ability to be spiritually connected and in alignment with your highest truth. Its energy is based on spirituality, connection, and enlightenment. When this chakra is open, you feel a sense of connection to something greater than yourself. You can live life from a place of purpose and meaning. However, when it is blocked you may feel disconnected from your spiritual truth or purpose in life. You may also experience physical symptoms such as depression, anxiety, or insomnia.

The seven chakras are essential for our well-being—physical as well as emotional—and when they are balanced we feel happy and healthy overall.

Guide to Programming Crystals the Easy Way

Healing gemstones and crystals emanate vibrations that can be attuned to your energy. Syncing with it can unlock its potential to serve your desires and goals. To do so, you have to program your crystal. What it simply means is that you have to imbue it with your intentions. This article will list down the steps you have to do to program them.

Cleansing the Crystals

Time and again we emphasize the necessity of crystal cleansing. It is the very first thing that you will do with your crystal at the start of your journey together. It is also the practice that will renew that relationship and keeps the crystal back to its optimal capacity. Removing the negative energy in your healing gemstones and crystals is the prerequisite before programming it. So make sure you do this before anything else. You can use singing bowls, sage, palo santo, Tibetan bells, and/or blessed incense. A guide for crystal cleansing can be read HERE.

Crystal Programming Ritual

Once you have cleansed your healing gemstones and crystals of accumulated negative energy,  you are ready to proceed with the crystal programming ritual. It is important to emphasize here that you should also be spiritually and mentally ready. Keep your desires and need clear within your mind and proceed with the following steps below.

  1. Prepare a sacred space where you will do the ritual. It should be well-ventilated and full of positive energy. Once chosen, it will be the space for all your cleansing and programming rituals.
  2. Light calming and cleansing incenses. It will help you achieve a level of tranquility to prepare you for the ritual. Immerse yourself in the smoke of lavender incense as it is an effective relaxant.
  3. Settle in a comfortable position in the room and hold the crystal with your dominant hand.
  4. Meditate. Do Pranayama while chanting a mantra. Repeat for a minimum of 8 times. While chanting, visualize with your mind’s eye your goal or desire.
  5. After one cycle, slowly transfer the crystal with your other hand. Repeat step number four.
  6. By using your dominant hand, slowly push the energy of your intent into the crystal.
  7. Repeat the chanting and shift the crystals between two hands. Do this until you feel that all the vibrations have entered the crystal.
  8. After the ritual, whisper words of gratitude to your crystal. Now it is ready to amplify your intention throughout the universe!

The intention that you imbue within your crystal can be for love, wealth, or even happiness. It can be anything positive that you want to happen but be focused on it. Just remember to use the right crystal that will resonate with your intention. Ask The Mala Tree Crystal Shop for the right crystals for your needs.

The energy within healing gemstones and crystals will eventually fade over time. Also, energies outside your intention get caught in the crystal and over time accumulate. You will notice this when the crystal is not vibrating as it used to. The twin stages of cleansing and programming will renew your crystal’s vibration.

If you want your intentions to manifest reality, healing gemstones and crystals will be there for you. However, on their own, they will not function. You have to work with it to achieve your goals. Your commitment to your goal is reflected by the commitment you provide to your crystal. Giving time to cleanse and reprogram your crystal is part of this commitment. This care regimen not only makes them work efficiently but also makes them work longer down the road. So take care of your crystals and let them take care of the rest!

The 8 Limbs of Yoga

The 8 Limbs of Yoga are a set of guidelines that help you live a good life. They teach you how to stay healthy, both physically and mentally. The 8 Limbs of Yoga come from the Yoga Sutras, which is a book that was written by the sage Patanjali.

1. Yama: The Five “Restraints”

The first limb of yoga is yama, which can be translated as the five “restraints.” These restraints are designed to help us live more harmoniously with both ourselves and those around us. The yamas are:

  • a) Ahimsa: Nonviolence or non-harming. This yama asks us to be mindful of the ways in which our actions affect others, and to try to always act with compassion.
  • b) Satya: Truthfulness. This yama calls on us to speak our truth, and to live our lives in alignment with our values.
  • c) Asteya: Non-stealing. This yama asks us to be mindful of how we use the resources of the earth, and to take only what we need.
  • d) Brahmacharya: moderation or restraint. This yama calls on us to be mindful of our use of energy, and to use it in a way that is in alignment with our highest purpose.
  • e) Aparigraha: Non-possessiveness or non-greed. This yama asks us to let go of attachment to material possessions, and to live in a way that is simple and humble.

What It Teaches Us: This first limb deals with your ethical standards and sense of integrity.

2. Niyama: The Five “Observances”

The second limb of yoga is niyama, which can be translated as the five “observances.” These observances are designed to help us live more harmoniously with ourselves. The niyamas are:

  • a) Saucha: Purity or cleanliness. This niyama asks us to keep our bodies and minds pure, and to live in a way that is in alignment with our highest values.
  • b) Santosha: Contentment. This niyama asks us to find contentment in what we have, and to be grateful for the blessings in our lives.
  • c) Tapas: Austerity or self-discipline. This niyama asks us to be disciplined in our practice, and to use our yoga practice as a tool for self-transformation.
  • d) Svadhyaya: Self-knowledge or introspection. This niyama asks us to turn inward and to get to know ourselves on a deeper level.
  • e) Ishvara Pranidhana: Full Surrender to the Divine or Letting go. This niyama asks us to surrender our egos, and to let go of the need to control.

What It Teaches Us: The second limb is all about taking care of yourself both physically and mentally.

3. Asana: The Physical Practice

The third limb of yoga is asana, which can be translated as the physical practice. Asana is the practice of holding the body in a variety of static postures, and is designed to increase strength, flexibility, and stability.

What It Teaches Us: This third limb is all about your physical posture. It includes things like proper alignment and breathing.

4. Pranayama: The Breath Practice

The fourth limb of yoga is pranayama, which can be translated as breath practice. Pranayama is the practice of controlling the breath and is designed to increase our lung capacity and to calm the mind.

What It Teaches Us: The fourth limb is about controlling your breath. This helps you to control your thoughts and emotions.

5. Pratyahara: Withdrawal of the Senses

The fifth limb of yoga is pratyahara, which can be translated as the withdrawal of the senses. Pratyahara is the practice of turning our attention inward and is designed to help us focus the mind and to find inner peace.

What It Teaches Us: The fifth limb is about turning your senses inward. This helps you to focus on your own thoughts and feelings, rather than getting distracted by the things around you.

6. Dharana: Concentration

The sixth limb of yoga is dharana, which can be translated as concentration. Dharana is the practice of single-pointed focus and is designed to help us still the mind and develop our concentration.

What It Teaches Us: The sixth limb is about concentration. This helps you to focus your mind on one thing at a time.

7. Dhyana: Meditation

The seventh limb of yoga is dhyana, which can be translated as meditation. Dhyana is the practice of deep contemplation and is designed to help us connect with our innermost selves.

What It Teaches Us: The seventh limb is about meditation. This is when you let go of all thoughts and just focus on the present moment.

8. Samadhi: Enlightenment or Union with the Divine

The eighth and final limb of yoga is samadhi, which can be translated as union with the Divine. Samadhi is the practice of self-transcendence, and is designed to help us experience the highest state of consciousness.

What It Teaches Us: The eighth and final limb is about enlightenment. This is when you reach a state of complete peace and understanding.

The 8 Limbs of Yoga are a journey toward self-awareness and enlightenment. They ask us to take a look at ourselves from a variety of different angles and to work on improving our physical and mental well-being. The ultimate goal is to reach a state of union with the Divine, but even if we don’t achieve that lofty goal, we can still learn a lot about ourselves along the way. What have you learned about yourself through your yoga practice? Let us know in the comments below!

Cleansing Gemstones: Renewing Your Crystal’s Energy

Before the beginning of your journey with a crystal, it has been passed on to many hands before finding itself in a crystal shop. Healing gemstones and crystals absorb energies and intentions. Hence, it has to be cleansed before starting to work on it.

During the course of your relationship with the stone, it will nonetheless capture outside energy and accumulate as time goes by. Its capacity to serve as an intention amplifier diminishes as a result. No longer will it vibrate as much as it used to.

As with basically every tool, your healing gemstones and crystals need to be recharged to keep them functioning well. Likewise, a new crystal needs to be reprogrammed before use. Crystal cleansing reactivates and rejuvenates them. Regular cleansing reflects one’s commitment to the power of the crystal. Do this and it will serve you well. Here are some recommended methods of cleansing your crystals.

1.       Sunlight or moonlight bathing.

            A return to nature from where your crystal came from is highly beneficial. It is also one of the most accessible ways of crystal cleansing. Let it bask in sunlight or moonlight for at least four hours. Moonlight is much more recommended for darker crystals as sunlight might make its color fade.

2.       A blanketing of earth.

            Earth is the mother of all crystals. Let your crystals be provided with sustenance by blanketing them with earth for at least a day. Even the soil in your potted plant would work.

3.       The music of singing bowls.

            Sound vibration can break down accumulated energy within crystals. The sound produced by Tibetan Bells and singing bowls is also beneficial in cleaning the surrounding environment too. It is a faster method compared to the previous two. Simply place the crystal in the bowl and make it sing. The Mala Tree provides this service for free.

An actual crystal cleansing and programming session at The Mala Tree Crystal Shop/

4.       A bed of brown rice.

            Place your crystal on a bowl of dry and uncooked brown rice. You can leave it there for four hours or overnight. DO NOT eat the rice you’ve used. Otherwise, you’ll end up taking in all the unwanted energy that is removed from the crystal.

5.       Within an amethyst crystal cave.

            Being a crystal attuned to intentions of clarity, amethysts can also be used for crystal cleansing. Lay your crystal within an Amethyst cluster, geode, or crystal cave and leave it for 1-2 days. This crystal is good for removing negativities that accumulated in the crystal. We have Amethyst clusters, caves, and geodes at The Mala Tree.

6.       Black obsidian mist.

            The black obsidian concentrate is also another fast way of cleansing your crystal. One can make this mist concentrate by submerging the obsidian stone in water. Place it where the sun can reach it and leave it there for four hours. You can use this anytime your crystal needs cleansing. It works too as a cleanser to keep bad vibes away in a room. These mist sprays are also available in your friendly crystal shop.

7.       The scent of incense.

            Treat your crystals with aromatherapy by bathing them with the smoke of burning incense. White sage, palo santo, or frankincense can be used to cleanse your healing gemstones and crystals and bring them back to their optimal capacity. This is the best option for cleansing larger and harder-to-handle crystals.

8.       The power of cleansing crystals.

            Selenite and quartz crystals are well-known for their ability to cleanse, purify and charge other crystals. The energy that emanates from them is always clear and they never need recharging. Quartz and selenite crystal holders or stands are available in crystal shops. It is a convenient and functional way of storing your crystal when not in use. It is also a beautiful display rack! You can place your healing gemstones and crystals on top of them before you go to bed. They’ll be ready by the time you wake up.

No matter how you choose to cleanse your crystals, it is a beautiful way of showing your commitment and reverence to the power of these stones. Not only do they help us in our healing journey, but they also need to be regularly cleansed and cared for so that they can continue serving us well. We hope you will try some or all of the methods we’ve shared here and enjoy watching your crystals come back to life, glowing with their natural energy.