Sometimes inspiration is subliminal and it's not until I step back and look at my creations that I realize I've been pulled by a certain theme or subject. I believe that all inspiration hits us when we need to reflect on something specific and personal to us. This month I have been inspired, quite to my happy surprise, by the Aurora Borealis.
The Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, is a natural phenomenon that occurs when particles of plasma escape from sunspot regions on the Sun's surface and hurl towards Earth. This Solar Wind carry these charged particles which collide with molecules in our atmosphere elevating their energies. When the energy relaxes back to their normal state, they give off light. This light is what we experience as the Aurora Borealis.
I had been intending on recreating the Shades of Labradorite Mala for some time now and I found the time to do so a couple of weeks ago. I just added it back to the shop because for some reason, I needed it to sit with me for a bit. Looking back on it's description it certainly was inspired by the Northern Lights: Lore of the Inuit peoples claim Labradorite fell from the frozen fire of the Aurora Borealis, an ordinary stone that transforms to the extraordinary, shimmering in a mystical light that separates the waking world from unseen realms. It is, in every sense, a Stone of Magic, a crystal of shamans, diviners, healers, and all who travel and embrace the universe seeking knowledge and guidance. For self-discovery, it is excellent for awakening one's own awareness of inner spirit, intuition and psychic abilities. Meditating with Labradorite allows one to recognize humanity as "being of light," transcending limitations of the past and thoughts of the future, and embracing the infinite possibilities of the moment. It allows one to "be" and rest assured the light is always there, surrounding and pure.
This past update, I knew I wanted to create a mala that contained Amber as the highlight stone. In my mind's eye, I had seen it as more fully golden toned and monochromatic. However, instead, I was pulled to make a mala nearly completely full of Citrine. So when it came time for the Amber mala, I placed the beads on my board and immediately knew I wanted to pair it with this amazing light grey Labradorite. I sometimes surprise myself with the combinations I choose, but I often work off intuition and this is where my heart was pulled. Placing them together was magical and with the addition of my favorite Agate, The Sunset Visions Mala was born. There's no denying the light that is being emitted by this mala in both the Amber and Labradorite. I put it on after completing it and I was awestruck. So much so, that this is one I have considered keeping in my collection! It is indeed magic. I did list it, because I feel like malas are made for specific people and I know there is a person out there needing this piece. I can't wait until I can send her home.
On writing the description for this mala, I came across another legend associated with the Aurora regarding Labradorite. Discovered in Labrador, the legend states that when the world was young the Northern Lights were imprisoned in the rocks along the Labrador coastline. One day a mighty warrior was walking along and heard a mysterious sound coming from the rocks, as if someone were calling for help. He struck a rock with his spear as hard as he could and split it in two, allowing the beautiful colored lights inside it to rush upward into the sky. He freed as many of the lights as he could, but could not break every one of the stones. The stones that he was unable to break were destined to forever entrap the “lights” within, which we see today in the shifting color sheen of labradorite.
Finally, I was contacted for a custom mala for a reconstruction piece. She wanted a mala that represented the Aurora Borealis! Using the Peacock Ore and Hematite from her previous mala I added stones that represented the colors of the Aurora that was part of her own memory of seeing the Lights. This mala really came to life on my board and is stunning in person. I am constantly in awe of the possibilities in creating these malas as memory, art and spiritual tools. I am grateful for the customers that trust me to make their visions come to life. In some ways I can life vicariously through their experiences. It has been a dream of mine to see the Aurora Borealis. I have not yet had the chance and I truly hope that one day, I will be granted that wish.
Reflecting on these recent creations, I revisited my word that I have chosen to represent this year - Light. I believe the Aurora pieces were summoning me to celebrate my chosen work and bring it to the forefront of my attention. When I started making malas, I did so to find a bit of peace and serenity. It became a mode of expression that I was missing in my life. After having children, I put aside some of my other artistic pursuits in order to balance my new role as a mother to two small children and as a career woman. In a way, I felt that space of my creative soul filled again when I took up making malas. For there has not been a day since making my first one that I haven't been working on the next one in one form or another. What snuck up on me was the additional gift of Love and Light that was entering my life via the people that I have come into contact with and that have touched my life by this craft. I have grown so much as a person, spiritually, emotionally and energetically since I began this journey. I have been gifted with connections that I never would have had before and I've had an awakening as to where much of my life's passions and interests were leading me to. This year, I will continue to cultivate my Light Work and embrace the beauty of it and celebrate each and every soul that touches mine.
