Gemstones And Jewelry, A Two Fold Healing

March 4, 2016 / mythoughtlane / 3 Comments

The world needs healing and the quest is on for more ways of doing it. A portion of our society has become extremely intolerant, but thanks be to God, a larger section seems to be on a mission to bring peace and harmony into their lives and others’.

There is so much healing required today that we are willing to embrace any new form to achieve it. But through all that, the power of healing stones, crystals and gems has stood its ground and in fact is making a big comeback for holistic health and well-being. I think our faith in the healing power of gemstones and crystals is firmly rooted and connected to Mother Earth. I also think what weighs in their favour is that just like us Homo sapiens have evolved to our present form through biologic processes, so have the crystals and gemstones gone through the geologic processes of heating, cooling and rearrangement to attaining their final natural form.

We can add another C to the three Cs of gemstones – Cure ! But frankly when the beautiful gemstones get set in jewelry, the healing process has already begun from the moment it is worn on the body. Those admiring looks stemming from moods being lifted by the sheer colour of the gemstone and the play of light on it. That is why I call it two-fold healing.

Ancient civilisations the world over have used gemstones and crystals to heal living beings and their surrounding spaces and energies in several ways. Ground into powders or elixirs, worn on persons or carried along and used in ceremonies and rituals.

My personal take on this subject is that there is a symbiotic connection between gemstones and living beings for whom the healing powers are being harnessed. It is believed that each gemstone comprises of minute crystals that are in constant motion, thereby emitting energy fields. Left to themselves, I wonder if the energy fields would acquire any frequency. But when used to heal by being placed either on bodies or certain environments, the minute crystals could get into an activation mode and emit higher levels of energy.

I haven’t studied Colour, but certainly believe that colours influence and affect and I am sure a gemstone’s colour plays a dynamic role in its healing power. Coupled with the play of light, the combination can calm or stimulate, heal or purify.

Wearing gemstones on your person is probably the easiest and simplest way of letting their energy work on you. We see innumerable people wearing jewelry encrusted with gemstones today to create harmonious vibrations in relationships, for health, for business and for peace. The trend has been profitable to jewelers and most of them have an expert on board to guide and advice customers in choosing appropriate gemstones.

A look at how some gemstones heal and contemporary jewelry from The Sandalwood Room by Sitaram Jewels . All set in 18 carat gold, each piece is unique – no two pieces are identical.

Amethyst

Long considered a gemstone of royalty, it sure must be worthy of being the preferred gemstone ● a natural stress reliever ● provides spiritual protection ● aids inner strength and clarity of mind ● helps dispel negativity ● helps strengthen immunity and heal imbalances in the body ● attracts abundance.

Amethyst hook ear rings in 18 carat gold

Amethyst crystals can be placed somewhere central in the house to spread positive energy all over the house.

For all those March born out there, here is your birth stone, the Aquamarine.

Aquamarine

Deriving its name from the latin aqua marinus (water of the sea), it get its pale blue colour from the sparkling ocean ● clears the mind ● balances emotions ● instills courage ● dispels fear ● believed to have protective powers ● promotes self-expression ● promotes harmony in relationships ● aids better communication

Amethyst and Aquamarine neck chain in 18 carat gold

I have heard about many a traveller carrying along an aquamarine in some form for protection during travel.

Moonstone

Believed to be the stone of destiny, it helps ● harmonise the mind ● aids fertility in women ● aids protection specially during pregnancy and childbirth ● fosters love ● promotes hormone production ● improves metabolism ● relieves stress and calms the nerves ● instills hope, intuition and sensitivity ● attracts abundance.

Amethyst and Moonstone hook ear rings in 18 carat gold

Citrine

Known as the happy stone or stone of happiness, it fosters ● joyful moods ● cleanses negativity ● fosters creativity ● aids clarity of mind ● energises body ● strengthens solar plexus ● enhances focus and will power ● brings hope and stability ● aids spiritual growth ● aids sensuality and sexuality ● promotes good health.

Citrine and Amethyst hook ear rings in 18 carat gold

It is also called the success stone or merchant’s stone. When placed in cash boxes or carried along for business deals, it is known to bring success and prosperity. One stone that does not absorb any negativity, hence needs no cleansing ever.

Turquoise

Known as the Master Healer, it is said to be the bridge between heaven, sky and earth. Known also as a purification stone, it ● dispels negativity ● balances moods and instills inner calm ● stimulates romantic love ● heals the body of many afflictions ● helps prevent panic attacks ● promotes self realisation.

Turquoise and Ruby hook ear rings in 18 carat gold

Sapphire

It is known as the wisdom stone ● releases stress and depression ● clears spiritual confusion ● aligns physical, mental and spiritual planes and restores balance in the body ● stimulates concentration ● helps bring in joy and peace of mind ● attracts prosperity ● helps treat blood disorders ● regulates glands

Multicoloured Sapphire adjustable ring in 18 carat gold

Ruby

It is considered the most magnificent of all gems. Allegorically described as the queen of stones and stone of the kings, rubies have at times surpassed diamonds in their value by virtue of its power. Many a power struggle has ensued over fiery red rubies amongst our ancients. It ● helps overcome exhaustion and lethargy ● stimulates blood circulation and infuses energy ● heightens sensuality ● aids mystical communion ● sharpens the mind and improves concentration ● fosters courage during controversies.

Ruby hook ear rings in 18 carat gold

Tourmaline

A stone known for typically detoxifying our bodies, we must all have one piece of jewelry with tourmalines in it since detoxification is the need of the hour. It ● relieves stress ● increases mental alertness ● improves blood circulation ● strengthens the immune system.

Tourmaline hook ear rings in 18 carat gold

And now for a collection of assorted gemstone jewelry at The Sandalwood Room, crafted by Sitaram Jewels.

The Sandalwood Room prides itself on being the only one of its kind in Singapore with most of the products handmade and sourced from all over the world giving it a global feel. It is a boutique for those who love the finer things of life.

If you like any of the jewelry above , walk in to shop and if you wish to place an order email them and The Sandalwood Room will be happy to organise it for you.
Price on request. Email them at the ID below.
Payments are routed through PayPal.
All products subject to availability.
Give them a Facebook like here.

New Address:

The Sandalwood Room, 78 Tras Street, Singapore 079017

Phone : +65 6221 2654 / +65 9786 5896

Email: thesandalwoodroom@gmail.com

Website: http://www.thesandalwoodroom.com

Facebook : Visit The Sandalwood Room

Of Candles, Lamps And Copper Enhancing ‘Praying’

December 31, 2015January 23, 2016 / mythoughtlane / 1 Comment

As a child I used to wonder every time a lamp was being lit before the commencement of any worship or ritual. But I never asked why. People around me made it appear like lighting the lamp was akin to pleasing God.

Have you tried praying or worshipping sans a lit lamp or a candle? I have and it feels kind of bare and disconnected. I have prayed from the seat of a car, in an elevator, in bed and from the washroom even, but it feels different and certainly more satisfying, when I light a lamp in the room of worship and pray. Of course it goes without saying that one can connect to God from wherever and whenever, but ambience does help!

And then one day as I sat watching my mother light oil lamps at worship time, the surge of positivity and energy that emanated from the warm glow of the lamp illuminated my mind too! The lit lamp had become a tool in helping me calm down, drawing me into a state of serenity and allowing my mind to connect and pray to the Higher Power. A little later in life, I figured out the energy of fire, and lamps and candles have since then become a part of my life.

A small prayer said while lighting a candle that struck me as being truly meaningful.

Hurricane lamp copper base the sandalwood room

Copper based Hurricane Lamp

O Blessed Lord, accept this burning candle as a sign of my faith and love for you.

Like this candle, I am ready to be used in your service, without asking why and to what purpose.

Even as this candle, I wish to stand in your presence to be consumed in the light and warmth of
your love.

Please hear my prayer and, if it be your will, grant my petition.
Above all, make me loyal and faithful to you in all circumstances of my life.
Amen.

flower and candle floaters copper The Sandalwood Room

Copper ‘flower and candle floaters’ in different sizes

Just like we can never have enough clothes, shoes and handbags, so are most of us perennially shopping for lamps and candles. You can buy some from The Sandalwood Room like the ones in the pictures. The flower-and-the-candle-floaters caught my fancy; you may like them too. Flowers, candles and copper make it perfect holistically. If flowers and candles invoke a feeling of well-being, copper only adds to it with its healing and protective properties, being associated as the body metal. Its reddish-orangish-brownish hue only enhancing it further.

The Worship Tray

A friend at the store put together a copper tray and added these little copper boxes with floral patterns on the top and called it the ‘Worship Tray’. She said she would insert round candles into the boxes and give the ensemble out as a gift. Nice idea, I thought.

The Meditation Bowl

The Sandalwood Room calls this a meditation bowl. Sit in a quiet place, float a few flowers and candles, add a few drops of essential oils and let the soothing ambience lead you into a meditative mood.

In Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev’s own words, “You don’t need to believe in any God. It need not even be dark, the lamp need not be a visual aid, but do you notice it makes some kind of a difference? This is because the moment you light a lamp, not the flame itself but around the flame a certain etheric sphere will naturally happen.

Where there is an etheric sphere, communication will be better. Did you ever sit around a campfire in your life? If you did, you would have seen that stories told around the campfire always have the maximum impact on people. Have you noticed this? The storytellers of yore understood this – stories told around the campfire are always the most effective stories. Receptivity will be at its best.

Fire in itself is a source of enery and life. It also creates a field of energy around itself, and above all it creates the necessary atmosphere. So when you light a lamp before you start your day, it is because you want to bring the same quality into yourself. It is symbolism; it’s a way of invoking your own inner nature”.

Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, the founder of Isha Foundation, is a yogi and profound mystic of our times, a visionary humanitarian and a prominent spiritual leader.

And on the other side of the spectrum, we have candle light dinners ; lamps and candles decorating dinner tables at restaurants and party spaces, the mood at once turning romantic. I have also not failed to notice, just as you would have too, that we all look prettier, handsomer in the soft glow of the yellow light!!

So then what better way than prayers to bid good-bye to 2015 and ring in 2016? And what better way than to light a lamp or a candle to begin that conversation with the Higher Power? These could be some thoughtful gifts for the New Year.

Copper Boxes Fauna

The Sandalwood Room, Hurricane lamp with carton

The Hurricane Lamp

If you loved these products, walk in and if you wish to place an order, The Sandalwood Room will be happy to courier it to you.
Price on request. Email them at the ID below.
Payments are routed through PayPal.
All products subject to availability.

Nearly everything in The Sandalwood Room is exclusive and hand crafted. In fact, it’s the only one of it’s kind in Singapore.

The Sandalwood Room wishes you a very Happy New Year. We are so glad to be a part of spreading cheer to your near and dear ones.

New Address:

The Sandalwood Room, 78 Tras Street, Singapore 079017

Landline : +65 6221 2654 / +65 9786 5896

Email: thesandalwoodroom@gmail.com ,

Website: http://www.thesandalwoodroom.com

Facebook : Visit The Sandalwood Room

Fresh Collage – Dollops from Here and There

March 21, 2015September 21, 2015 / mythoughtlane / 4 Comments

In response to The Daily Post’s weekly photo challenge: “Fresh.”

The word Fresh is mnemonic ! Tired after a tough day of work , this word fresh conjured up thoughts of water , flowers and dawn when I opened my desktop and settled down in the blogging world with a cup of coffee. And true to my thoughts and even to the beverage on my table , I found these pictures clicked sometime in the past. Though working on another post , couldnt resist posting this one. Fresh !

Fresh bonsai Adenium bloom in my garden

Early morning rays streaming through a door and lighting up the feet of the deity at a temple. This is an archaelogical wonder ! Fresh fragrances of the flowers and incense , fresh water for the rituals of the morning , fresh minds , freshness greets every worshipper as you step into the precincts of the temple.

Early morning rays , fresh to the mind

As coincidence would have it , today is festival time in some parts of India. ‘Ugadi‘ the festival is called and it signifies the onset of spring/summer and the beginning of the new year , the lunar calendar way .This platter below which is readied for the festival is freshness incarnate , what with the the freshly cracked coconut , the sliced raw mango , a cube of jaggery , freshly plucked neem flowers , freshly ground spicepowder and salt , oh wait , salt is the odd-man-out here !!!!!! So , we grate and mix all of the above and eat tiny portions of the mixture. Symbolic ! The sweetness of the coconut and jaggery , the sourness of the raw mango and tamarind , the wee-bit-bitterness of the neem flowers , the salt and the spice signifying the highs and lows of life. As kids we we tried in vain to escape eating this , but our elders almost always manged to feed us with it. We would grimace and gulp it down , without as much as chewing it. And now , I feed it to my son , history repeating !

Ugadi platter , all things fresh

And here’s to the effervescence of freshly brewed South Indian filter coffee ( kaapi ). The photo I clicked a month ago at breakfast at Hotel Siddharth in the sleepy town of Mysore comes handy now. Blogging has taught me to keep my ears , eyes , nose , mouth open and my camera poised , you never know what challenge The Daily Post is going to throw every week !!!!!! We , Indians relish our beverages , tea and coffee in short glasses sometimes. You guys must try it while in India , the taste and feel is undenaibly superior.

Fresh coffee in short glasses , not cups

You must be wondering how random this is getting , but its in keeping with the Fresh challenge , right ?

Chakku , fresh after her bath

So here is this Chakku , for thats her name , fresh after her bath ; after all the fuss and the squealing and snapping and growling at the bath , she is being featured in a blog. Wish she could know that !

Hey , I actually feel fresh after writing so much about the attribute despite an exhausting day. Its all about our thoughts , right ? On that note , I must narrate this. A young girl walked up to me at the gym while I was in the midst of my workout ( ggggrrrrr ) the other day and asked me “how do you manage to look fresh even at the gym” and answered it herself saying ‘probably because you are smiling always’ ! I did acknowledge that the gym is a happy place to me , I love working out. So , yes , its always the mind that rules. My next post is going to be related to this.

Till then , Ciao !

Orange Glory , Colour of India – Photo Challenge

March 12, 2015March 13, 2015 / mythoughtlane / 5 Comments

In response to The Daily Post’s weekly photo challenge: “Orange you glad it’s photo challenge time?.”

Orange you glad it’s photo challenge time?“>

Orange , The Colour of India

Orange is sensational , orange is symbolic , orange is not just a decorative colour in India , but is woven into our fabric of religion and culture. It is the colour of the enlightened , it is the colour of the ascetics , it is also the colour of the fashion loving generation. There is no dearth of orange in our everyday living , as we are wont to term it and we dont have to go looking for the colour in India. Here are a few pictures to annotate that and by the way , I love the colour. Who doesnt ?

And here is a little boy , after a ritual , innocence personified as he stands in front of the image carved in stone of our Hindu deity Lord Hanuman in orange. For those of you interested in Hindu mythology and more about Hanuman , you can look for our epic books The Ramayana and The Mahabharata. This picture was taken in a temple in Nuggikeri on the outskirts of Dharwad.

Hindu deity Hanuman in orange

If we talk about our deities , then our lambent lamps ( diyas ) cannot be far behind. The warm orange glow of lamps lit during Diwali , the festival of lights brighten our homes in the months of September or October.

Warm orange glow of the diyas

This was sheer serendipity , just when I had planned my post in response to the Orange photo challenge , to find this spattering of orange on my way to work this morning. I have no idea what the statuettes signify , but as I said they came just in time. At the gates of VGP , an amusement resort in Chennai.

Orange for fun at VGP Chennai

Our villages and cities alike show fondness for the colour , very evident in this city-woman dressed as a village belle in an endearing shade of orange.

As I said the colour of the enlightened and the ascetics is clearly illustrated in the saffron colour robes of our Guru Sri Sai Baba.

Sai Baba in saffron orange robes

Even some of our foods are orange in colour. These are Jalebis , a yummy sweetmeat of our country.

Jalebis , dripping sugar and dipped orange

And finally , the orange of the dusk is for all of us , every land , every age ! Wish I could go back in time to my childhood to play in the mud and yet not mind the dirty feet or the sneezes from all the dust.

The Orange of the dusk

Blissful Symmetry in two forms

February 16, 2015February 16, 2015 / mythoughtlane / 8 Comments

Posing for Symmetry

Symmetry abounds in Hindu temple architecture , ranging in structures , from the tiny to the mammoth , contrasting sometimes in colours and in others , greys personified. While they are stories in stone , here are two beings of our species , who seem to have taken symmetry a tad too seriously and made it their own story probably.

The two small alcoves , the shutters of the door and the decay on both sides of the wall forming a backdrop for the raconteurs only adding to it.

Set in the precincts of a temple in the city of Jaipur ( also called the Pink City ) in North India.

Symmetry in two forms

In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “Symmetry.”