The Raven’s Gift

This journey began for me the day I entered this life. It was easy to grow away from gifts I was born with because society finds all that is intangible to be scary or wrong. It took 45 years for the Universe to know when it could push the envelope and reveal a path so beautiful and sacred I am hesitant to share it with others. Gradually and slowly I open further and allow others to understand who I really am– Who I am becoming.

When I embarked on the path of Reiki I was so positive and certain, yet so scared and impatient… I questioned everything, second guessed everything, but still moved forward as I knew nothing else to do at the time that would stop the swirling and spinning I felt in my life. After I completed levels I and II, I questioned even more… constantly wondering if I should trust my intuition… wondering if my mind were playing tricks on me… doubting the magic I was experiencing. The sacred commitment between levels II and III in Reiki are vast. It is the difference between Novice and Master, apprentice and journeyman—was I ready and WILLING to move into not merely the circle of “Master” but embrace it FULLY in all aspects of my life? As I asked the Universe (because I was not capable of communicating with my Reiki guides as I questioned their existence) for a CLEAR SIGN as to whether or not I was to pursue my Master Level III in Reiki and if indeed, I was experiencing magic in my life; I came to a 3-way stop sign while driving.

Before I could take my turn at the stop sign, three Ravens (not crows, actual Ravens) landed on the hood of my car. One flew away to a nearby tree, then a second flew away and joined the first, and the third Raven stayed on my hood. He pecked the windshield forcefully three times and then dropped a strand of something he was carrying in his mouth onto the hood of my car. The third Raven then flew away. I got out of the car, picked up the strand, and got back in my car. As I looked up there were at least 15 cars backed up… no one moved, no one beeped, and it was as if everything had frozen. I pulled through the stop sign and pulled over into a parking lot to examine what the Raven had dropped.

In my hand was a fully knotted strand of polished Labrodorite (one of my favorite stones, which I have purchased for the last 3 years for jewelry making). I could not move… I was rooted to the spot… this was more than a sign, it was a cosmic slap telling me to “SNAP OUT OF IT” and move the heck forward already!

Labradorite (also called Spectrolite) is considered by mystics to be a stone of transformation and magic. It is said to clear, balance and protect the aura. It is purported to help provide clarity and insight into your destiny, as well as attract success. It is used in metaphysics for dream recall, and finding ways to use dreams in daily life. Mystically, energies of stress and anxiety are said to be reduced by this stone. Labradorite is said to increase intuition, psychic development, esoteric wisdom, help with subconscious issues, and provide mental illumination. Wearing or carrying Labradorite allows one’s innate magical powers to surface. It enhances the mental and intuitive abilities of clairvoyance, telepathy, prophecy and coincidence control, and assists in communication with higher guides and spirits in accessing Akashic records, psychic readings and past-life recall. It provides an ease in moving between the worlds, and permits a safe and grounded return to the present. [Simmons, 225]

Labradorite tempers the negative side of our personality, the traits and actions that rob our energy and may produce depression or shame. It assists in reducing anti-social, reckless or impulsive behavior in children, teenagers and adults who are easily led into trouble by others, and may aid in detoxifying the effects of tobacco, alcohol, and to a lesser degree, hard drugs. [Megemont, 109][Eason, 163]

Labradorite helps develop the hands’ sensitivity, making it useful for physiotherapists and all who use the power of touch to heal. [Megemont, 109]

Here was not only my answer, but a small piece of the divine with which to create something to bring me closer to my practice daily. From the beads I made three necklaces, and three sets of earrings. The necklace and earrings are comprised of this strand of Labradorite given to me by the Raven. Each bead is infused with Reiki energy and a different wish for the wearer in each of the beads. Each link in the earrings is closed with a triple wrap. One segment of the necklace is off center with three flat faceted Labradorite beads which I received in the mail one year ago, yet never knew who had sent them. I tried tracing the package but it never linked back to a vendor or store. This is a reminder that nothing is symmetrical, don’t look for patterns, and don’t rely on old habits. Break new ground and don’t worry if your life doesn’t “match”… it matches you perfectly. I wear these beads on a daily basis if even for only short periods. One set has been passed to a very important and energetically connected soul, while the third set remains to be passed. Find your beauty—find your joy—and remember to seek your wisdom without questioning the gifts you receive. Just breathe deeply and KNOW.

Namaste my friends!

References:

Robert Simmons & Naisha Ahsian, The Book of Stones (Berkley, CA: North Atlantic Books, 2007).
Florence Megemont, The Metaphysical Book of Gems and Crystals (Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press, 2008).
Cassandra Eason, The New Crystal Bible (London: Carlton Books Ltd., 2010).