Energy Muse founders, Heather Askinosie and Timmi Jandro, talk the transformative power of healing crystals and forthcoming book “Crystal Muse, Everyday Rituals to Tune into the Real You.”

Empowerment, inspiration, and hope — there are few things more important than surrounding yourself with positive feelings such as these. Energy Muse, the internationally known purveyor of handmade crystal healing jewelry understands how important it is to make good energy a priority. Whether you’re attempting to recover from a problem, ward off negativity, or balance, protect, and enhance your energy, Energy Muse offers a solution for all of that and more. I recently caught up with Askinosie and Jandro to uncover why they’re so passionate about their business and what makes the time-honored art of healing crystals such a crucial element to actualizing one’s true potential.

Feng Shui Paved the Way

The Energy Muse story began roughly three decades ago when Askinosie was selling luxury real estate in Southern California and a client asked her to locate a home for him with “good feng shui.” This intriguing request set Askinosie down the path to immersing herself in the world of healing crystals. After happening upon a crystal store she said, “I began to live a double life, selling real estate by day and spending the nights with the crystals in this store. The more time I spent with them, the more I knew I could no longer go back to my life as a real estate agent.”

It was then that she took a huge leap of faith by using all of the money she had saved selling properties to travel the world. Throughout her journey, Askinosie said she was able to “study with indigenous healers, shamans, and medicine people who all bestowed their wisdom to me by word of mouth.” Being a self-professed skeptic, once back home, she wanted to test her knowledge and see the results of the healing crystals for herself. Askinosie handmade ten necklaces using her knowledge and doled them out to ten of her friends, one of whom was Jandro, a dear friend she calls her business partner today.

The “Prosperity” necklaces were a success. Friend after friend returned with some sort of good news — from a job offer to a business connection, prosperity really did abound, and it didn’t overlook Askinosie or Jandro.

Jandro’s background in the garment industry, where she says she “had the experience of learning all facets of a business,” turned out to be the the yin to Askinosie’s yang. After such positive feedback about the necklaces, Jandro said, “I worked on getting a small production team together, and we literally started selling product out of the trunks of our cars in Manhattan Beach.” And from there, the rest is history. According to Jandro, “Word spread to Hollywood A-listers about this prosperity-bringing necklace. We were ushered into Hollywood parties to sell our ‘energy beads.’ It’s like we were doing energy deals with the most influential people and successful people and giving them a competitive edge.”

Healing Energy for Everyone

Healing crystals and their benefits are not just privy to Hollywood’s elite. Energy Muse caters to people of all ages, professions, genders, and knowledge levels, skeptics and non-skeptics alike. Askinosie says, “Sometimes, it’s hard to get your head around the world of energy, and the things we cannot see. Crystals encompass the invisible world of energy and give you something tangible to feel and hold in your hands.”

According to Collective Evolution, quantum physics theorizes “what we perceive as our physical material world, is really not physical or material at all, in fact, it is far from it.” Throughout history, numerous scientists have argued that you and I are not solid at all, but are actually comprised of one hundred percent energy, further substantiating the positives of utilizing healing crystals.

When asked for recommendations for some of the more common issues afflicting people today, like anxiety, stress, and lack of inspiration or motivation, Askinosie recommended shungite for anxiety, selenite for stress, and angel phantom quartz for motivation and inspiration, while Jandro swears by blue lace agate for calming nerves and wears it every day. Askinosie also wants to remind everyone that crystals are not just a passing fad. Although the practice has caught on more recently in the mainstream, she likes to think of it as a “global movement that is starting to gain momentum as people become re-attuned to connecting with the energy of the Earth.”

Where to Begin

If you’re new to healing crystals like me, then getting started might seem intimidating. Fortunately, Energy Muse has excellent recommendations on the site. You can shop by chakra, intention, or gemstone, and may also pre-order the pair’s book, “Crystal Muse, Everyday Rituals to Tune into the Real You,” due out in October. Jandro assured me that even newcomers will be able to navigate it with confidence and says, “We’ve done the work for you, giving you the formulas that have worked best for us. There’s a chapter for love, wealth, meditation, pregnancy, spirituality and much, much more. The rituals are structured like recipes, with crystals as the main ingredient.”

While the book may offer practical rituals that can be done in eleven minutes or less, Askinosie reminds us that there’s no quick fix.

“Everything takes time and consistency. Keep it simple and don’t give your power away. The magic is not the crystal, it’s you,” she says. “It’s not doing the work, you are. It’s simply an ally on your journey. A tool to help you get where you want to go. If you think that just purchasing a rock is going to change your life, you’ll be disappointed. The only person that’s going to change your life is you. The crystal is the tool to ignite that change.”

images courtesy of Energy Muse

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You’ve read “The Secret” and “A New Earth.” Taken up meditation. Created a vision board. Thought and projected on your desires for a good long time now. Still nothing? There may be one key element missing in most information you read regarding the Law of Attraction.

All of that manifesting info and power and still not seeing the results you wished for?

Rhonda Byrne’s book, “The Secret“, was a huge catalyst to bringing the Law of Attraction mainstream. Eckhart Tolle’s “A New Earth” hasn’t hurt either. But there may be one important element that is being over looked where manifesting is concerned. We’ve been told to think about our desires as if they are already a reality, and this is what will manifest our dreams. But is thought the best and most effective way to go about this?

First let’s take a look at what the Law of Attraction really is. You’ve heard the saying “what you think about grows.” And there is no doubt this is true. Whether good or bad, what you spend mental time on has a tendency to show up in your life.

Doubt it? Maybe you should try the car trick. Think of a car you really would like to see yourself driving. Maybe it’s a Subaru. Maybe it’s an Audi. Either way, picture the car. The shape, color, how it would feel to be behind the wheel.

Now note how often you see this type of car over the course of the next week. If it seems like there are white Subura Foresters around every corner, that’s the Law of Attraction at work.

This can, of course, go the other way too. How often have you heard of an acquaintance (or acquaintance of an acquaintance) being sick. And before you know it, you have symptoms of the illness yourself. You may not truly be sick, but you sure feel that way. Our thoughts create our reality.

We can take that one step further. As in, our feelings create our reality. If you’ve read “The Secret” you know that Byrne says there must be feeling behind our thoughts in order for our desires to manifest.

The Law of Attraction works by using the energy of the universe to attract what you desire. So wouldn’t it only make sense that we use our energy, rather than just thoughts, to do this?

I recently came upon a cool site by Belinda Davidson, Modern Mystic. Davidson suggests that it is not our thoughts that manifest our dreams, but our energy. Keeping our energy system clear and healthy automatically draws our desires to us.

Our energy system is made up of the chakras. The chakras can become imbalanced, basically blocking good stuff from coming your way in the form of health, happiness, and whatever else you may want in your life.

So, by all means, let’s keep those little energy wheels turning properly. Chakra cleanse meditations are a great way to do this. Davidson offers a free chakra clearing course with meditation. Read up on more ways to balance the individual chakras.

And yes, our thoughts affect our energy flow. So it is important to try and stay positive. Think of energy maintenance as the basis of a healthy lifestyle, positive thoughts as the extra health boosters. Our thoughts may influence our energy, but having clear and balanced energy centers in the first place is the best way to start.

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

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Chakras, meridians, and energy centers may once have ranked pretty high on the woo-woo scale. But today, chakras have gone mainstream, baby. All types, from Gwyneth Paltrow to Dr. Christiane Northrup, are touting the benefits of well aligned chakras.

We all want to be well aligned, right? But what are chakras, really? Where are chakras? And how the heck do you get them aligned?

While I am certainly no chakra expert, I have read my fair share of energy balancing info. The following is a basic introduction to chakras, a starter on getting balanced, and how to learn more.

Chakras are energy centers throughout the body. Visualize seven spinning discs of energy positioned along the spine, from tailbone to crown of head. Each chakra has its own unique color and corresponds to mental, emotional, and physical states. Say you are having throat pain or trouble voicing your opinion. This would be a throat (or fifth) chakra imbalance.

How to Balance Chakras: A Beginner’s Guide

First chakra // Also called the root chakra, it is positioned at the base of the spine, is red in color, and corresponds to the first three vertebrae, bladder, and colon. The first chakra is linked to feelings of security and basic survival needs. When balanced we feel safe and one with the earth. When out of balance we feel insecure and untethered. To balance: dance, walk outside barefoot, wear red, eat red and spicy foods, do a tree pose.

Second chakra // Also called the sacral chakra, it is positioned between pubic bone and naval, is orange in color, and associated with sexual organs, reproductive organs in women, and lower abdomen. This chakra is linked to feelings of desire and creativity. When in balance we experience feelings of pleasure, well-being, creative expression, and abundance. To balance: wear orange, eat orange fruits, hip opening poses, partake in a creative activity (painting, writing…).

Third chakra // Also called the solar plexus chakra, it is positioned between naval and breastbone, is yellow in color, and related to the digestive system, liver, gall bladder, and pancreas. The third chakra is responsible for our self-esteem and will. When in balance we feel confident and powerful. To balance: Wear yellow, eat yellow fruits and vegetables, try something outside your comfort zone, get physical exercise.

Fourth chakra // Also called the heart chakra, it is positioned in the center of the chest, is green (or pink) in color, and corresponds to lung, heart, arms, hands, and circulatory system. The heart chakra is related to feelings of love, joy, and inner peace. It is the middle chakra, linking the three lower (physical) chakras with the three upper (spiritual) chakras. To balance: honor your emotions, wear green, eat green foods, spend time in nature, do something loving, practice forgiveness.

Fifth chakra // Also called the throat chakra, it is light blue in color, and related to throat, thyroid, neck, jaw, and mouth. This chakra connects us to our self-expression, communication, and personal truth. To balance: Sing, hum, chant, drink water, wear blue, speak your truth, get a neck massage, actively listen.

Sixth chakra // Also called the third eye chakra, it is positioned at the center of the brow just above the eyes, is indigo, and related to the eyes and brain. The sixth chakra is associated with intuition. When in balance we feel imaginative, clear-headed, and decisive. To balance: Wear indigo, eat dark chocolate, dark berries, and foods high in Omega-3s, use your imagination, take a walk at night.

Seventh chakra // Also called the crown chakra, it is positioned just above the head, is purple in color, and connects us to spirit. When in balance we are enlightened and experience a strong spiritual connection. There are no physical ailments associated with the seventh chakra. To balance: Meditate, lose your ego, love, prayer.

There you have the chakras in a nutshell. As you can imagine, there is much more to each of them. For an in depth look at each chakra and diagnosing any imbalance read “Wheels of Life” by Anodea Judith, Ph.D. One of my favorites for women working with chakras is by Dr. Christiane Northrup, “Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom.” And The Chopra Center holds a wealth of information on chakras and keeping them healthy.

Noticing which areas of the body are off kilter can be very helpful in identifying unbalanced energy. Not quite sure? Take a chakra test to see which of your chakras are open and which need some work.

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Always trust your gut. It knows what your head hasn’t figured out yet. ~Unknown

We are programmed, here in the West, to run to our physician whenever we aren’t feeling well. Of course, there are times this is warranted. But many times our gut is trying to tell us something.

By gut I mean our intuition. You’ve heard the term trust your gut? Listening to our bodies and inner wisdom can go a long way toward maintaining balance and good health.

What is Intuition?

So how do we tap into this inner wisdom? What if ours isn’t speaking very loudly? What if we can’t hear it at all?

You know how you just knew that your aunt was going to call, or were thinking about an acquaintance only to run into them later the same day? That’s not a coincidence, it’s your intuition. Sure, some are more open to their inner wisdom than others. But the good news is we all have to ability to get in touch with our intuition.

How to Tap Into Your Intuition

You likely won’t be surprised to learn that meditation is one very effective way to get in touch with your inner wisdom. Remember, this does not have to be a rigorous practice. There are many ways to meditate. The idea is to get quiet and listen to your inner voice.

Another way to get in touch with your body and intuition is by balancing your chakras. Intuitive, Jill Willard, offers a great chakra balancing breakdown on GOOP. Read it to find out how to open your third eye.

And finally, just do it. Stop writing it off as a coincidence or imagination. If you feel strongly about something it is likely for good reason. That stomach keep nagging you or just feeling off? Pay attention, dig into it, see if you can put your finger on what’s happening in your body or if your aches and pains are physical signs of stress.

Change Your Mind, Change Your Health

Did you know that our emotions can play out in physical ways? Louise Hay’s book “You Can Heal Your Life” has a super useful and comprehensive list of physical ailments and their emotional counterparts, along with healing mantras for each. I refer to this list regularly and it is amazing how often it is spot on. For instance, say you have lower back pain. The probable emotional cause is fear of money or lack of security. Have an earache? This represents anger and not wanting to hear what is going on around you.

Our emotions are ruled not so much by what is actually going in our lives as our perception of what’s going on. Our thoughts. This quote by my favorite Ayurvedic, Monica Bloom, tells the whole story — If you want to change your body, you must first change your mind.

Whoa! That’s deep. But what, exactly, does it mean?

Monica explains that our health is largely due to the decisions we make. What we eat, how much we exercise, our stress patterns, are all governed by our thoughts. Which, though it sometimes seems otherwise, we have control over.

Reigning in our thoughts and making good choices leads to better health. Sure, none of us are perfect and we all go overboard in one area or another. That’s where balance comes in. Have a margarita and three cupcakes on Saturday? Clean up your act on Sunday. This is life after all, and if cupcakes make you happy, then have one once in a while. Just remember, cupcakes everyday won’t make you so happy.

Go deep, get in touch with your intuition and what it is telling you, stop ignoring your own inner voice. What it has to say is important to your health, wellbeing, and happiness.

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