Nina Ganci
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Crystal Shapes and Their Meaning
Crystals are they just colourful décor or jewellery cut into various shapes, or is there a deeper meaning or purpose? Do shapes of crystals affect their energy? Crystal shapes can help amplify your experience. If you looking for focus then a point is ideal. Feeling lost and need some TLC …. then look no further than a heart shaped crystal. Tumbled Stones Consider tumbled stones as stepping stones into the wonderful world of crystals. The small, smooth crystals tend to be inexpensive and easy to find. But don’t be fooled by their size—these travel-friendly stones are indeed powerful. You can easily carry them in your pocket or purse, or even tuck them inside your bra to help you connect with the energy all day long. Having one so close, maybe even touching you directly, can act as a reminder of your intention. Spheres / Balls The crystal sphere reminds you that you are a part of the greater whole connected to all the energies in your surroundings. You can imagine that you are holding the world in the palm of your hand. Spheres provide us with an overall feeling of stability, harmony and unity since their energy is very balancing. Think of the circle of life bringing its life force energy. The Zen vibe these magical crystal balls give off also makes them great meditation buddies. Adding one to your crystal collection that fits nicely in each hand during meditation for harmony and connection. They also double as a mini massage ball to relax any tense muscles. Eggs Similar to a sphere, crystal eggs emit their energy from all sides but with a focal point at the top. The egg resembles fertility and life and is excellent for personal transformation, starting fresh, beginning new projects, or brainstorming ideas. Eggs support new beginnings and transformations. Program your crystal egg to help you begin a new journey - whether it be moving, starting a new job, starting a personal transformation, breaking a habit, or making new ones. Set an intention for what you want the egg to support you in. Hearts Hearts can range in many sizes and styles. They connect with the energy of the heart chakra and emit their energy in a very loving and gentle manner while giving us a sense of peace and harmony. Meditate with a heart-shaped crystal to activate your heart chakra. Focus your energy and attention on your heart and imagine filling your heart with pure loving light. Imagine the light fills your heart and weaves in and out clearing any old wounds, traumas while bringing healing and peace into the heart and body. Pyramids Crystal pyramids are powerful for manifesting your desires. Their strong base acts as an anchor for your intention. The apex of the pyramid sends the intention out into the universe. Pyramids connect energy from the crown chakra to the root chakra, allowing us to feel in tune with higher dimensional thinking/our higher selves while still staying grounded to Earth. Place a pyramid on each chakra point, or by meditating and visualizing each chakra while holding the pyramid in your hand. Holding a pyramid allows life force energy to come into the tip of the pyramid and then ground within and stabilize you. You could also try to meditate while focusing on the tip of the pyramid to strengthen manifestations. Points As its name suggests, a crystal point keeps you sharp and on point. It's your best friend whenever you need to stay focused on something. Use these powerful points for manifestation purposes. Write down a mantra, affirmation, or desire on a piece of paper. Fold the paper and place the crystal point on top, pointing up. This acts like a pyramid, directing all the energy from the intention on the paper upward into the cosmos and radiating out into the surrounding environment. Tower The energy of a tower is directed upward and out. Wherever they are placed they emit a very focused and directional energy that affects the area around it as well as any other crystals that are nearby. Crystal towers are excellent to use in the center of a grid to focus its intention and energy. Meditating holding a tower will allow any blocked or stagnant energy to flow again and help you to reset and feel more energized. Place one on your desk for sharp and direct energy to help you stay focused Clusters A cluster of crystal points in their natural form and oh-so pretty to look at thanks to their sparkle and mystical vibes. A cluster is great for bringing unity to a space. Place a cluster crystal on your family dining table, living room table, or other communal spaces in the home. It's also great to place in conference rooms in an office or places where people come together. It helps create a space of open dialogue and community. Meditate in front of a cluster to raise vibrations and achieve higher states of consciousness. Some clusters work perfectly as jewellery holders. This a beautiful way to display your jewellery, whilst they cleanse and charge your crystals. |
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Rough vs. Tumbled Crystals: What’s the Difference?
Rough Crystals vs. Tumble Stones? Which one is better? Do they have different healing powers? - My shortest answer is, no, not really, but let's dive in a little deeper.
The rough or raw crystal comes directly from the earth oozing in energy. Goes through a cleaning processes and has rough edges or points.
Polished or tumbled crystals go one step further, after the cleaning process is often hand polished or tumbled or cut and polished. A longer process.
So does this effect the energy of the crystal? Is there a difference in their energy?
Rough Crystals vs. Tumble Stones? Which one is better? Do they have different healing powers? - My shortest answer is, no, not really, but let's dive in a little deeper.
The rough or raw crystal comes directly from the earth oozing in energy. Goes through a cleaning processes and has rough edges or points.
Polished or tumbled crystals go one step further, after the cleaning process is often hand polished or tumbled or cut and polished. A longer process.
So does this effect the energy of the crystal? Is there a difference in their energy?
Before we decide, we will look at the different shapes of polished crystals
An egg for birthing ideas and projects, a sphere/ball for balance and peace, a pyramid for manifesting desires, a point for focus and direction, a geode/drusy/cluster to enhance energy room, a worry stone for relaxation and anxiety, a heart for meditating and love. The list goes on, more about that in my next article.
The question to ask is, what do you want to use the crystal for? Use it for healing? Decorate your home? Carry it with you? Energize your desk? Wear it?
We will look at the amethyst for boosting your intuition. If you feel you have a block around receiving messages from your intuition, then maybe you would want to work with a rough amethyst crystal for a big energetic push. Whereas if you were feeling apprehensive or nervous about what your intuition might tell you, then a tumbled amethyst is more suitable. If you want to enhance your already developed intuition further, then maybe a shaped amethyst is more appropriate. You might be attracted to a pyramid or sphere or wand.
An egg for birthing ideas and projects, a sphere/ball for balance and peace, a pyramid for manifesting desires, a point for focus and direction, a geode/drusy/cluster to enhance energy room, a worry stone for relaxation and anxiety, a heart for meditating and love. The list goes on, more about that in my next article.
The question to ask is, what do you want to use the crystal for? Use it for healing? Decorate your home? Carry it with you? Energize your desk? Wear it?
We will look at the amethyst for boosting your intuition. If you feel you have a block around receiving messages from your intuition, then maybe you would want to work with a rough amethyst crystal for a big energetic push. Whereas if you were feeling apprehensive or nervous about what your intuition might tell you, then a tumbled amethyst is more suitable. If you want to enhance your already developed intuition further, then maybe a shaped amethyst is more appropriate. You might be attracted to a pyramid or sphere or wand.
Tumbled stones or polished stones have a really subtle, gentle energy that radiates outward in all directions. Sometimes this is just what’s needed. Tumbled stones are great to work with for those who are sensitive to energy and intense emotions.
So what’s the difference between both rough and polished?
All crystals possess energy and one mineral is not going to suddenly go dormant or stop working because it was altered by man.
For example, if you have a piece of carnelian, it does not matter whether the stone is rough, tumbled, shaped or cut and polished. Each stone type possesses the same energy, i.e., carnelian energy is carnelian energy. However, many feel rough stones have more pure, authentic energy than stones that have been cut and polished or tumbled.
So what’s the difference between both rough and polished?
All crystals possess energy and one mineral is not going to suddenly go dormant or stop working because it was altered by man.
For example, if you have a piece of carnelian, it does not matter whether the stone is rough, tumbled, shaped or cut and polished. Each stone type possesses the same energy, i.e., carnelian energy is carnelian energy. However, many feel rough stones have more pure, authentic energy than stones that have been cut and polished or tumbled.
It really just depends on your sensitivity to the subtle energies of minerals and your personal preference for texture when working with them. You can use either type of stone for the same purposes. Use that intuition you are meant to use especially when it comes to crystals.
Some days I wish I had an amethyst bath in my garden, but that small crystal I always carry in my bra, can hold just as much power. The true power found in crystals comes from yourself, and how you decide to use them.
Rough vs. Tumbled Crystals: What’s the Difference?
Whether you choose a rough or tumbled crystal, it’s going to bring you the protective energy that divinely calls to you. So let the crystals do their thing!
Some days I wish I had an amethyst bath in my garden, but that small crystal I always carry in my bra, can hold just as much power. The true power found in crystals comes from yourself, and how you decide to use them.
Rough vs. Tumbled Crystals: What’s the Difference?
Whether you choose a rough or tumbled crystal, it’s going to bring you the protective energy that divinely calls to you. So let the crystals do their thing!
Banana Bread and Pineapple Beer
27 March 2020 our lives changed forever. We all willingly accepted 21 days of hard lockdown – only reason we might get a virus that might affect 0.01% of population who might die. Like sheep to the slaughter, we laughingly and happily accepted our fate.
The first 21 days there was a feel of festivity and joviality as we willingly locked ourselves behind closed doors. Everything was closed, I mean everything that Government considered luxury.
It started off with no sale of selected foods, alcohol, tobacco, prepared foods, toys, hobbies, clothing and shoes. Yes, we were told what we could and could not wear, eat, drink and play. Taking dogs for walks or over active children to park or beach was forbidden. Locked up in house was the order and we obeyed.
We were happy to do this for 21 days…. then government extended it by a further 2 weeks. A small rumble was heard.
Government extended it for another month and then another and another. That is where we find ourselves today.
Horror of horrors, its well over 385 days and things are not better – or are they?
What have we learnt?
Firstly, most of us learnt how to make banana bread – the internet was alive with recipes, tips and photos of results. Some had to learn to cook, clean home and entertain their own children.
Waters around our planet became crystal clear, curious animals came in their droves to explore, the air was clear of pollution. All this happened within 10 short days and not decades as was once thought. Mother Nature bounced back as we sat in awe.
27 March 2020 our lives changed forever. We all willingly accepted 21 days of hard lockdown – only reason we might get a virus that might affect 0.01% of population who might die. Like sheep to the slaughter, we laughingly and happily accepted our fate.
The first 21 days there was a feel of festivity and joviality as we willingly locked ourselves behind closed doors. Everything was closed, I mean everything that Government considered luxury.
It started off with no sale of selected foods, alcohol, tobacco, prepared foods, toys, hobbies, clothing and shoes. Yes, we were told what we could and could not wear, eat, drink and play. Taking dogs for walks or over active children to park or beach was forbidden. Locked up in house was the order and we obeyed.
We were happy to do this for 21 days…. then government extended it by a further 2 weeks. A small rumble was heard.
Government extended it for another month and then another and another. That is where we find ourselves today.
Horror of horrors, its well over 385 days and things are not better – or are they?
What have we learnt?
Firstly, most of us learnt how to make banana bread – the internet was alive with recipes, tips and photos of results. Some had to learn to cook, clean home and entertain their own children.
Waters around our planet became crystal clear, curious animals came in their droves to explore, the air was clear of pollution. All this happened within 10 short days and not decades as was once thought. Mother Nature bounced back as we sat in awe.
Neighbours shared banana bread recipes and tips, collaborated with pineapple beer and fermented juice and we shared black market sources or visiting Drug Lords for tobacco and booze.
A new tradition that touched my heart was the funeral vigilance that is fast becoming the norm. People gathering outside the house with a lit candle to pay homage and respect.
South Africans are unique in bouncing back from adversity. Unemployment is at the highest level ever, with number climbing every month. Small businesses, home businesses are mushrooming everywhere. Build up our economy one brick at a time by supporting small businesses. Remember, when you support a small business an actual person does a happy dance!
We now love, listen, care, respect and help one another without question. The best life lesson is learned during hard times and when we make mistakes.
We value our family and friends, appreciate nature and animals, and be content to live alone in the new path in life.
There is good in every evil
A new tradition that touched my heart was the funeral vigilance that is fast becoming the norm. People gathering outside the house with a lit candle to pay homage and respect.
South Africans are unique in bouncing back from adversity. Unemployment is at the highest level ever, with number climbing every month. Small businesses, home businesses are mushrooming everywhere. Build up our economy one brick at a time by supporting small businesses. Remember, when you support a small business an actual person does a happy dance!
We now love, listen, care, respect and help one another without question. The best life lesson is learned during hard times and when we make mistakes.
We value our family and friends, appreciate nature and animals, and be content to live alone in the new path in life.
There is good in every evil
Leonardo Ganci (Dad) as a young man
The Immigrant with the Tatty Brown Suitcase
(Extracts from a self-published book)
Italy (1930 – 1940)
Haile Selassie is crowned Emperor / "King of Kings of Ethiopia" at Addis Ababa's Cathedral of St. George in a lavish ceremony attended by royals and dignitaries from all over the world.
Flashed the news headlines on 26 November 1930, on the very same day the hero of our story, Leonardo Ganci, was born. November month is winter in Europe; our Leonardo started his life in Italy, on the island, Sicily, in a little village, Castellammare del Golfo.
Locally, the Ganci family celebrated the birth of the second son, Leonardo Ganci, the hero of this story. In the early hours of the morning, Leonardo Ganci (lovingly called Nanà by family and friends) breathed for the first time. This little baby boy, held the future of this humble family came into life.
Autumn was drawing to a close as winter started making itself felt. Looks like it will be a cold winter thinks Antonino, as he unpacked his cart, alongside the olive oil and wine that he had accumulated during the months. He rubbed the coins in his pocket as he hears the screams of his beloved wife, Antonina, upstairs as she gives birth to their second child. As was the custom, the mid-wives assisted to give birth at home.
In the early hours of the morning on 26 November 1930, Leonardo Ganci was born. As Leonardo grew older, so this little family grew in numbers. Five girls were born. Caterina, Soccorsa, Angelica, Antonina and Angela.
Antonina, Leonardo’s mother, was also a happy woman. She was proud of her growing large family, and felt quite rich financially, as they owned an average size house and a small holding (campagna) with all sorts of fruits producing enough for their family and friends in Castellamare del Golfo. She was often referred to as “la ricca” The Rich One. As they always had enough food. Her heart was as big as her generosity; she always helped the less fortunate, even though they envied her.
(Extracts from a self-published book)
Italy (1930 – 1940)
Haile Selassie is crowned Emperor / "King of Kings of Ethiopia" at Addis Ababa's Cathedral of St. George in a lavish ceremony attended by royals and dignitaries from all over the world.
Flashed the news headlines on 26 November 1930, on the very same day the hero of our story, Leonardo Ganci, was born. November month is winter in Europe; our Leonardo started his life in Italy, on the island, Sicily, in a little village, Castellammare del Golfo.
Locally, the Ganci family celebrated the birth of the second son, Leonardo Ganci, the hero of this story. In the early hours of the morning, Leonardo Ganci (lovingly called Nanà by family and friends) breathed for the first time. This little baby boy, held the future of this humble family came into life.
Autumn was drawing to a close as winter started making itself felt. Looks like it will be a cold winter thinks Antonino, as he unpacked his cart, alongside the olive oil and wine that he had accumulated during the months. He rubbed the coins in his pocket as he hears the screams of his beloved wife, Antonina, upstairs as she gives birth to their second child. As was the custom, the mid-wives assisted to give birth at home.
In the early hours of the morning on 26 November 1930, Leonardo Ganci was born. As Leonardo grew older, so this little family grew in numbers. Five girls were born. Caterina, Soccorsa, Angelica, Antonina and Angela.
Antonina, Leonardo’s mother, was also a happy woman. She was proud of her growing large family, and felt quite rich financially, as they owned an average size house and a small holding (campagna) with all sorts of fruits producing enough for their family and friends in Castellamare del Golfo. She was often referred to as “la ricca” The Rich One. As they always had enough food. Her heart was as big as her generosity; she always helped the less fortunate, even though they envied her.
Castellamare Del Golfo, the village where my parent were born. Photo taken in the 1930's
Antonina’s strong personality and character including her ability to work hard and save is what Leonardo inherited from his mother.
Filippo (his older brother) and Leonardo were very close and spend many happy hours together. They shared everything, and often had competitions as to who could bring home more food, clothing or money. They worked hard alongside their father. This taught them to become good at bartering. As to be expected with young boys two years apart, rivalry between the two brothers was high, and Mom would shout and Dad would scold.
The seven children all slept in the loft – one large room, with a makeshift curtain giving the parents some privacy. Downstairs, in the stable, the horse would sleep, alongside the carts and various equipment.
Space was limited, the two boys would share a straw bed, as was the custom of the time. There was not much space for them to have two separate beds, they would take the back of their hands to ‘cut’ and mark the centre of the bed, ensuring that each had their own space. Naturally this created commotion at night, as one would kick or place an arm over to the other side. Rivalry would occur much to the distress of their parents and sisters.
The Second World War loomed ahead. There was talk of war, prison and being tortured for not obeying the law. One of the various rumours was that if you did not comply, you could be an exchange prisoner and the Nazis produced soap from your body and your children and wife tortured in unspeakable ways. They lived for many years with these rumours and harsh environment.
The British had undertaken bombing raids over Sicily since late 1942 but on 10 July 1943 British-Canadian-American invasion of Sicily began. Medical attention and hygiene was non-existent. The little water there was came from nearby rivers. Luckily July is summer in Sicily, making it easy to sleep under the stars. Conditions were hard and difficult. The blinding dust from the army vehicles was a scene often witnessed towards the end of July 1943.
The village had lived in terror for so long, they now saw these soldiers as heroes. The soldiers had come to rescue them and remove the Nazi threat they had believed for so long. The soldiers were warmly embraced by the Sicilian population.
As money was very scares, barter was the custom to purchase much required goods. The most common exchange was bully beef for eggs, although it was not unknown for a fair amount of black marketing to take place with lira (Italian currency) changing hands for cigarettes or clothes.
Filippo (his older brother) and Leonardo were very close and spend many happy hours together. They shared everything, and often had competitions as to who could bring home more food, clothing or money. They worked hard alongside their father. This taught them to become good at bartering. As to be expected with young boys two years apart, rivalry between the two brothers was high, and Mom would shout and Dad would scold.
The seven children all slept in the loft – one large room, with a makeshift curtain giving the parents some privacy. Downstairs, in the stable, the horse would sleep, alongside the carts and various equipment.
Space was limited, the two boys would share a straw bed, as was the custom of the time. There was not much space for them to have two separate beds, they would take the back of their hands to ‘cut’ and mark the centre of the bed, ensuring that each had their own space. Naturally this created commotion at night, as one would kick or place an arm over to the other side. Rivalry would occur much to the distress of their parents and sisters.
The Second World War loomed ahead. There was talk of war, prison and being tortured for not obeying the law. One of the various rumours was that if you did not comply, you could be an exchange prisoner and the Nazis produced soap from your body and your children and wife tortured in unspeakable ways. They lived for many years with these rumours and harsh environment.
The British had undertaken bombing raids over Sicily since late 1942 but on 10 July 1943 British-Canadian-American invasion of Sicily began. Medical attention and hygiene was non-existent. The little water there was came from nearby rivers. Luckily July is summer in Sicily, making it easy to sleep under the stars. Conditions were hard and difficult. The blinding dust from the army vehicles was a scene often witnessed towards the end of July 1943.
The village had lived in terror for so long, they now saw these soldiers as heroes. The soldiers had come to rescue them and remove the Nazi threat they had believed for so long. The soldiers were warmly embraced by the Sicilian population.
As money was very scares, barter was the custom to purchase much required goods. The most common exchange was bully beef for eggs, although it was not unknown for a fair amount of black marketing to take place with lira (Italian currency) changing hands for cigarettes or clothes.
Sicily is well known for the decorative horse and cart (I discovered that my grand father did decorate his before the wars)
There was rumour of Mussolini being dead. Nobody was sure. Newspapers, radio and television were unheard of. News travelled via word of mouth. Hence rumours were wild. Everyone had a different story to tell.
The Italians and German soldiers were retreating. The Ganci Family moved to their small holding (campanga) in the country, whilst their village was being bombarded. Leonardo and his best friend, Guiseppe Ancona were sitting on the hill planning their future. They were impressed with what they saw of the new soldiers, with the abundance they seemed to be able to access. Sweets and chocolates seemed to be plentiful, though it never filled an empty stomach. Food was still very much in demand as the fields were bombed and going fishing was not an option as the army had taken over the harbour.
Leonardo and Guiseppe Ancona heard that the German army had abandon their camp and left everything behind. These two young boys, were very excited, and decided to go there and take the horses that the soldiers had left behind. This they knew would be helpful, as they could do much with horses.
They decided to take a day off their usual work, scavenging for food and walked to the army camp to take possession of the horses they felt the soldiers had left behind. They walked excitedly and full of inspiration, a whole day’s walk to the abandon army camp. They did not feel the distance. They were meant to be with their family looking for food, but felt they had hit a jackpot, and were prepared to bring home some loot from the abandoned army camp.
Their disappointment was high, when they arrived only to discover that the soldiers had taken the horses with them and that there was nothing left in the camp, no blankets, no food, no nothing. They had wasted a whole day walking and no reward.
This was a pivotal moment in Leonardo Ganci’s life; he had just learnt an important lesson. One that he was not going to forget – ever. He could not accept the fact that he had wasted a whole day with no reward, and hence he promised himself, that he would look ahead before embarking on another worthless mission. This taught him to think ahead – a lesson that helped him in years to come.
This is but a small section of chapter 1
The Italians and German soldiers were retreating. The Ganci Family moved to their small holding (campanga) in the country, whilst their village was being bombarded. Leonardo and his best friend, Guiseppe Ancona were sitting on the hill planning their future. They were impressed with what they saw of the new soldiers, with the abundance they seemed to be able to access. Sweets and chocolates seemed to be plentiful, though it never filled an empty stomach. Food was still very much in demand as the fields were bombed and going fishing was not an option as the army had taken over the harbour.
Leonardo and Guiseppe Ancona heard that the German army had abandon their camp and left everything behind. These two young boys, were very excited, and decided to go there and take the horses that the soldiers had left behind. This they knew would be helpful, as they could do much with horses.
They decided to take a day off their usual work, scavenging for food and walked to the army camp to take possession of the horses they felt the soldiers had left behind. They walked excitedly and full of inspiration, a whole day’s walk to the abandon army camp. They did not feel the distance. They were meant to be with their family looking for food, but felt they had hit a jackpot, and were prepared to bring home some loot from the abandoned army camp.
Their disappointment was high, when they arrived only to discover that the soldiers had taken the horses with them and that there was nothing left in the camp, no blankets, no food, no nothing. They had wasted a whole day walking and no reward.
This was a pivotal moment in Leonardo Ganci’s life; he had just learnt an important lesson. One that he was not going to forget – ever. He could not accept the fact that he had wasted a whole day with no reward, and hence he promised himself, that he would look ahead before embarking on another worthless mission. This taught him to think ahead – a lesson that helped him in years to come.
This is but a small section of chapter 1
