When I first bought this set of Maligano Jasper stones, my thought was that they looked like lightning strikes hitting the mountains here in southern Arizona. I decided to make them into a “stormy skies” set for my Air Series. Shortly after I started beading the pendant, the news broke of the 215 children’s remains found at Kamloops Residential School. (If you don’t know what that is referring to, please google it). Everyone in Indigenous country went into deep mourning for these lost children, including myself. But one of the ways I calm myself is to bead, especially since I was taught to send a prayer with each bead stitched.
So, as I listened to ceremonies honoring the 215 over several days, I beaded. And with each bead added I said a prayer for those children. I made the necklace with clear, rainbow aura quartz to represent the souls of those children, shining brightly. I edged the beadwork with yellow to remind us that the sun will return.
As I look at the completed piece now, I think it is appropriate that these stones carry lightning, as lightning has struck, and the storm is coming. Indigenous people are demanding that their true history be acknowledged and that true reparations be made. So this set is now “For the 215”. I present it in their honor.
The proceeds from the set will be donated to a charitable organization that assists residential school survivors in honor and memory of the 215, the others still waiting to be found and brought home, and the survivors.
The necklace is composed of blue lace agate discs and tubes, alternating with natural dendrite Opal rondelles and rainbow aura Quartz rounds. It is finished with a sterling silver clasp. It measures approximately 24 inches long, with the beaded focal pendant measuring 2 inches by 1 1/2 inches. The large statement earrings measure approximately 2 inches by 1 1/4 inches, and hang from sterling silver ear wires. The beadwork is backed with a soft grey ultrasuede.
THE STONE MEDICINE:
Blue Lace Agate is a stone of communication, helping those who have difficulty being heard by others, or who need confidence and articulation to share their truths. It provides clarity of thought and unwavering intent in regards to what matters most.
Dendritic Opal is a crystal that has much to do with synchronization of chakras within a person's body. With energies that bring great hope for growth and strength, Dendritic Opal will give you the clarity and perspective that you need in life.
Rainbow Aura Quartz, also called Angel Aura Quartz or Opal Aura Quartz, cleanses the aura and can facilitate deeper and higher levels of meditation. Carrying or wearing Rainbow Aura will help when encountering negative or stressful situations, removing that energy and replacing it with loving, positive vibrations.