Have you ever wondered why the energy of the crystals from the Tucson Gem and Mineral show is so amazing? Tucson sits along a ley line in the center of several mountain ranges amplified by the four cardinal elements in the land making it a powerful energetic vortex. This energy is increased by the vibration of the crystals at the gem show each year.
This interconnectedness raises the vibration of the crystals! We even built our own crystal grid before the first day of the gem show to amplify the energy, tune into the energy of the land, connect all of the crystals, and to set our intentions for our trip. We then cleanse and Reiki all of the minerals we bring home.
Tucson was a whirlwind of a trip, but we wouldn’t change a thing! Navigating the shows, prepping crystals, hosting live sales, and packing takes a lot of effort and long hours, but our AR Team (Laurie, Djuro, Lauren, Christine) worked so hard and had fun doing it. We are so grateful to have the opportunity to connect with vendors from all over the globe and hand select minerals from the largest gem show in the world (and share it with all of you!). There’s truly nothing like it!
Typical Day at the Gem Show
We're so grateful for all of you that followed us in Stories or joined our Live sales. We loved connecting with the crystals, of course, but also with all of the people from around the world, many small family businesses like us, who are just as passionate about crystals as we are. We can't wait for you to see our new crystal beauties so stay tuned! You can also see more behind-the-scenes of our 2024 trip on Instagram (open in mobile).
The beauty of the crystals, desert, and connection truly filled our hearts with so much love. Until next year, Tucson!
February's official birthstone is Amethyst. It's a well-known crystal and often times one that people include in their collection, especially as they're just beginning their crystal journey. Its rich purple hue makes it a natural stress reliever and can be used in spaces or situations when you need to bring in a calm or protective energy. Amethyst offers clarity, balance, and harmony, and its peaceful, blissful energy makes a great addition to your bedside table or under your pillow for a good night sleep.
Amethyst vibrates with the energy of the Violet Ray and can be an integral part of your practice if you're seeking spiritual growth. It vibrates at a high frequency and can assist in accessing a higher consciousness and higher realms. It surrounds you in a shield of Light and is important for Lightworkers and energy healing practitioners to incorporate in their practices. Wearing Amethyst as jewelry or carrying pocket stones can bring this protective energy close into your energy field and foster feelings of peace and safety. Because Amethyst is so protective and shielding, it's necessary to keep it cleansed and charged. Routinely smudging with sage, under the Full Moon, or using sound vibrations from a singing bowl or drum can keep your Amethyst positive and bright with energy.
For those seeking to develop their intuition, it opens up your Crown and Third Eye Chakras. If the Third Eye Chakra is blocked you may experience difficultly with decision making, negative thought processes, or nervousness. Opening up or unblocking your Third Eye Chakra can help you clearly navigate challenges, receive inspiration, and promote an optimistic perspective. Amethyst can be used for 3rd Eye Chakra healing.
Check out our large collection of Amethyst crystals, carvings, and jewelry to see what resonates with you!
Reiki is the cornerstone of Angelic Roots. It is in alignment with our beliefs that the connection of body, mind and spirit contributes to the overall well-being of a person. Several of our Angelic Roots employees are trained in Reiki and it is used on a daily basis here in our shop, working with crystals, used in our apothecary and infused it into our space. Many customers who visit our shop comment on the special energy they feel the minute they step into our space. And yes, the crystals are in fact part of that but it's also the care, attention and Reiki we infuse into them!
What is Reiki?
Reiki is an ancient Japanese energy modality, when translated means "universal life force energy". The word Reiki is composed of two Japanese symbols: Rei and Ki. "Rei" is defined as the Higher Intelligence or Universal Energy that guides the creation and functioning of the Universe. "Ki" is defined as life force energy. This energy also known as Chi travels through our physical bodies as well as our energetic fields. When the flow of energy is disrupted or blocked, it can lead to the development of physical, mental or emotional issues. Using the laying of hands or light touch, Reiki can restore your Chi, unblock chakras and remove energetic cords and disturbances. Reiki practitioners train with a Reiki Master Teacher through a series of attunements, education and practice.
Reiki Shares and Community Reiki are an important part of the Reiki experience for new practitioners. It's an opportunity to deepen their practice with other practitioners, receive support and ask questions. Reiki is not limited to human beings! It can be safely used on pets, food, water, plants, crystals and other physical items.
What Should I Expect in a Reiki Session?
Reiki is a fully clothed, comfortable experience. You'll likely lay on a massage table but Reiki can be done on a mat on the floor or in a chair. Light touch and different hand positions are used in the session to unblock, shift and move energy. Your practitioner may incorporate healing frequencies/tunes, sound vibrational instruments, crystals and aromatherapy into their sessions. Each person will have a different experience because the practitioner tunes into their intuition to guide them in the process. You can expect to feel relaxed, sleepy, have lucid dreams, feel "tingles" or become emotional or tearful at times. Reiki is not only aligning Chi and Chakras but it is also releasing energy that is no longer serving you. It's important to refrain from alcohol or drugs prior to your session. Your practitioner may give you some recommendations for after your session such as drinking plenty of clean, pure water, eating fresh fruits and vegetables, or working with a specific crystal or essential oil.
How can I experience Reiki?
We have several Reiki practitioners here at Angelic Roots with varying schedules to meet your needs. We also offer Community Reiki each month where you can experience Reiki in one-on-one sessions with practicing students of Laurie Rodic, our Reiki Master and Instructor. You will be treated alongside others in a discrete and a peaceful communal setting under the guidance of Laurie. Community Reiki is perfect for those who are curious about Reiki or looking for affordable options.
How do I become a Reiki practitioner?
If you feel called to Reiki, want to deepen your spiritual journey or have the desire to share healing energy with others, you may want to consider becoming a Reiki practitioner. Laurie Rodic, Master Reiki Teacher, recommends a consultation with her to discuss your desire to learn this life changing modality. Reiki certification is best experienced through a series of in person attunements and training when it is right for you. Classes are typically offered several times throughout the year.
Reiki is a beautiful experience for the practitioner, student, and client, and can open up the pathways on your spiritual journey!
The Full Moon is a time of heightened energy and intensity, and a powerful time to work with the moon cycle to let go of what no longer serves you. The Moon shapes how we track and understand time, it rises every day bringing in the night, it controls the tides, it affects our energetic fields, and it reminds us to go with the flow. Its strong, powerful, feminine energy brings in wisdom, illusion, intuition, and spiritual connection. When you attune yourself to the Moon's vibration, you activate your inner power and enlightenment!
When a Full Moon arrives it will illuminate thoughts, patterns, habits, relationships, and clutter that you are ready to let go and allow you to see things more clearly in the light. This is a time of endings, release, and renewal. Tune into and harness this magical energy with a Full Moon Releasing Ceremony!
Within three days of the Full Moon, allow yourself to release and let go of what no longer serves you with a Full Moon Releasing Ceremony. Her energy will guide your body, mind, and spirit back into alignment, purifying your thoughts and emotions.
Tools:
Prepare a sacred space to perform the ceremony. You should have a view of the full moon so its light can shine on you. If you’re called to, you might lay out some crystals. You may choose to incorporate Moonstone into your ritual, and you will feel a deeper, magical connection with the moon!
Smudge your space by burning sage or palo santo. Close your eyes and imagine a bright, healing light washing over you, cleansing away any darkness or negative energy.
With your eyes closed, go within your heart space, and set your intentions. You can place your hands over your heart and ask your higher self, “What is no longer serving me? What do I need to release?”
Open your eyes, pick up your journal, and at the top of the page write: ‘’I release…” Start writing without thought, just allow your mind to write freely from all of your bodies—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Keep asking yourself, “What do I need to be free from?” When you’re finished, date and sign the page.
Close your eyes again, connect to your heart space, and repeat ‘’I now let all of this go as it no longer serves me, and it is so.”
Open your eyes and set a flame to the paper. Watch it burn and see the smoke rise to the universe, taking your intentions away with it.
Light a candle to represent the light of your intentions and the spirit of your truth. Finally, complete the ritual with a meditation.
Pendulums are divination tools used in spiritual healing that can be used to answer questions or help detect an energy blockage in the body. A pendulum is any object which has a string or chain attached to it and swings back and forth or in a circular motion.
Programming a Pendulum
There are many ways to use a pendulum, the most common is communicating with your spirit through your guides or higher self by asking questions. The pendulum acts as a receiver and transmitter, from your higher consciousness, guardian angels, and spirit team.
Your pendulum will need to be programmed the first time you work with it. Start by keeping your pendulum close for a few days so that it can soak up your energy. Next, relax, clear your mind, and connect with your pendulum by holding it close to your heart.
Programming your pendulum establishes cues for “yes,” “no,” and “maybe.” Using the hand that feels most comfortable, hold the pendulum between your thumb and index finger with your elbow slightly bent. Next, decide and demonstrate which cues represent “yes,” “no,” and “maybe,” for example, side-to-side, front-to-back, clockwise, or counterclockwise. Once your pendulum is programmed, verify the cues by asking it questions you already know the answer to. If the answers are not accurate, your pendulum will need to be reprogrammed.
Answer Questions with a Pendulum
When working with your pendulum, tune into your intuition and allow the natural vibrations of your body to move through your hand to the pendulum so it can show you the answer by amplifying the subtle vibrations from your subconscious, causing the pendulum to swing. Ask a question that can be answered with a “yes” or “no” response and observe the cue. Once you’re ready to move on, clear your pendulum by placing it in your opposite palm.
You can also use a pendulum mat to practice communicating with your pendulum. When you bond with your pendulum and a mat, used together they can help you connect more powerfully and clearly with your unconscious self. Keep your pendulum in a safe place when it’s not being used.
Detect Energy Blockages with a Pendulum
Pendulums pick up on subtle vibrations and move in the direction of energy around us through the process of dowsing. When you hold a pendulum a few inches over the Chakras, or energy centers in the body, it will begin moving when it detects the flow of energy during a body scan. Use your pendulum as an extension of your hand for Reiki, Chakra balancing, and aura cleansing and observe how the pendulum is swinging to help you determine the energy work to be done.
In numerology, each number has a unique vibration and meaning, and these vibrations can influence the year's energy. 2024 is the year of 8! We get this number by adding up the numbers for the year: 2 + 0 + 2 + 4=8. This powerful number can manifest into a year of abundance, expansion, balance, success, financial prosperity, growth and development. Because the energy of the number 8 is strong and intense, it can sometimes be challenging to manage. For example, financial success and material abundance can sometimes lead to greed and selfishness, creating problems in relationships. If we don't have the proper tools to balance our work and personal lives, this can lead to burnout and exhaustion. Respecting the flow of abundance to you and staying in alignment with your core values, will keep you from falling into these traps.
The Angelic Number 8 also represent Karma - the Universal Spiritual Law of Cause and Effect. This will be a year in which we reap the fruits of what we have sown. So if you put forth effort, hard work, integrity and honesty, you will reap success and abundance in 2024. Angel Number 8 reminds you to be grateful for the blessings in your life and encourages you to step into your power and use your unique skills and talents for the higher good.
Everyone also has access to their own unique personal year number. This can be calculated by formula:
1. Start with your birthdate.
For example: October 6 or 10/6
2. Reduce the day and month to two single digits by adding them together.
1 + 0 = 1 0 + 6 = 6
3. Now add the remaining single digit numbers to the current universal year number.
1 + 6 + 8 = 15
Take 15 and simplify it to a single digit number.
1 + 5 = 6
4. Your personal year number is 6.
Year 1: New beginnings, independence, rebirth
Year 2: Focused on balance and partnership, patience, harmony and cooperation
Year 3: Fast paced year focused on communication and creativity as well as socializing and celebration
Year 4: Hard work focused on building foundations and a year of breakthroughs and challenges
Year 5: Lots of changes and new experiences that test your relationship to freedom
Year 6: Centered on healing, relationships, love, family and home life
Year 7: Inward focus/introspection, knowledge gathering on your spiritual journey
Year 8: Developing your personal power, achievements and financial success
Year 9: A year of endings and reflections, looking back to the past nine years and looking forward to your future
It's helpful to keep a year long journal focused on your personal year and the vibration of the number 8. You'll be surprised at the synchronicities and the magic that unfolded by the end of the year!
Garnet is the official birthstone of January and associated with the astrological sign of Aquarius. It brings passion into your being. Not just love, but passion for life, creativity and spirituality. It fosters self-confidence and gives you inspiration, whether you're working on an important project or starting a new job or school. Those with birthdays in January aren't the only ones who can benefit from the beauty of Garnet. It works with your Root Chakra to stoke your inner fire and ground you to Earth's energy.
Working with Garnet to improve any relationship, whether it's love, family or business, can remove blind spots and negativity so you are able to see your own personal truth and worth. If you're trying to manifest your heart's desire, incorporate Garnet in a crystal grid. The red ray of life force energy helps to bring your desires into your reality so you can manifest your hopes and dreams. Tune into Garnet's energy, your heart space, and your higher consciousness to bring in what you want to create!
Check out our amazing collection of Garnet crystals and jewelry if you are celebrating a January birthday or if you feel called to work with its beauty and magic.
We're so excited to launch our new Soul Collective Blog full of all things crystals, metaphysical, wellness and tips for spiritual growth! We're Laurie & Djuro Rodic, owners of Angelic Roots in Oak Creek, Wisconsin located in the Market Place Shopping Village. We started our business at metaphysical shows and markets in 2016 and opened our first brick and mortar storefront in 2019. We opened a second location in the Village in 2021 with an expanded line of sound instruments such as Tibetan and crystal singing bowls, gongs, drums and much more. Our vision is to share our passion for crystals, Reiki and the benefits of vibrational instruments through our individual sessions and gong baths. We've long recognized a positive impact on the body, mind and spirit by incorporating crystals, Reiki and sound instruments in our daily lives.
One of our favorite things is connecting with our growing community! We hope by sharing and inspiring you, we can continue to raise the vibration and spread love and light throughout!
You may have met us in person at our shop or an event. Or have been with us during our Instagram Live sales. We often get asked questions about our journey and advice about navigating life within the context of spirituality and living our authentic selves and we'd love to share a little bit more about ourselves.
Tell us a little about your spiritual journey. Was there a specific moment or epiphany that changed your life course?
Laurie: I spent almost 20 years working in healthcare and felt so unhappy and out of balance with what I was doing and the demands and pressures of my job and role. Having two young children and feeling lost and stuck in a career that wasn’t fulfilling for me was difficult. A friend asked me to go to an event with her and that day changed the trajectory of my life - that one class! They were sharing intuitive messages in a circle and talking about spirit guides and angels. I had never really heard any of this information and I just couldn’t stop learning about it. I started researching and doing meditations and exploring and it truly led me to where I am today. I have so much gratitude for that day and my friend who asked me to that event. There have definitely been a lot of ups and downs along the way and it hasn’t been easy but I can say that I have found a profound deep peace and so much joy. I am so grateful for this journey and I know that I am right where I am meant to be.
Djuro: I have several moments in time that I reflect upon when I think about this question. I would have to say it was definitely an accumulation of moments and experiences but two that stand out for me are these.
While at a metaphysical show I got to hear and learn about gongs for the very first time. It was only a one hour class that didn’t really focus on this instrument, but as I walked away from this event I realized I was changed forever. I found myself fully immersed into learning whatever I could about gongs and ultimately all vibrational instruments. My other moment that I think of often was my first guided meditation. It was so impactful, and I felt so wonderful afterwards that I knew this was something that needed to be a constant in my life.
What is your favorite crystal to work with?
Laurie: Quartz - all the things Quartz! If I had to choose one specific type of Quartz it would be Lemurian Quartz.
Djuro: Labradorite - I really love the kaleidoscope of colors which remind me of all the natural beauty that is around us everyday. I also connect to how the flash and colors change as you move Labradorite around. It reminds me that our perspective on things can change too if we look at it from different viewpoints.
What is one self care practice you can’t live without?
Laurie: Reiki/meditation and salt baths.
Djuro: Playing gongs and singing bowls/instruments in general. I try to do this every single day.
Where do you see Angelic Roots in five or ten years?
Laurie: I see us still having our anchor location here in Oak Creek or somewhere within Milwaukee County. We would love to have a larger location so we can all be under one roof! I love the people here in the Midwest and would like to have our anchor location always be here growing, expanding, thriving and changing with the needs of our community. I can also see us having some kind of location where we can come together in community in the Rocky Mountains. I am from Idaho and feel deeply connected to the mountains and would love to share that connection and love with our community. My dream would be to have a satellite shop and retreat center in the mountains near water - a lake or even a small stream.
Djuro: I see us connecting with a greater community and larger audience. I love interacting with people and serving the community. I would love for us to be able to expand both here at home in Southeastern Wisconsin and in another location as well.
What advice would you give someone who is just starting on their spiritual journey.
Laurie: Find a community that feels good and be a part of it. Learn some tools and use them…always, especially when you don’t want to or when you are struggling. Meditation, connecting to your intuition, being mindful of your thoughts/reactions, tuning into your body, releasing and setting intentions are some of my favorite tools. Something I also can’t live without are mineral baths and salt baths - sea salt, himalayan salt, magnesium flakes, essential oils and nice hot water! I wish we had hot springs here in Wisconsin - it would make the winters much more enjoyable.
Djuro: One of the biggest steps is committing to starting that spiritual journey. Establishing that, you want to start your practice with things that make you feel better. Finding a community or resource to give yourself multiple experiences and staying with it as your favorites develop. The more you stick with a practice the easier it becomes. Go out and try different events as often as possible, this will get you well on your way to a spiritual journey. I love to tell people about the Insight Timer app, something that is free, full of amazing meditations and teachers.
Reiki is the cornerstone of Angelic Roots. How would you describe Reiki to someone who is new to it.
Laurie: I just love Reiki! I think there is something so magical about it and my Reiki practice has truly been life changing. It is a light touch therapy that helps to bring balance to the mind, body, spirit. I believe that Reiki is a wonderful tool to help shift, release and transmute emotions that have built up within the body. It is something that I feel everyone should experience at least once for themselves. It is different for each person and each session will be a bit different because we are always shifting and changing.
Djuro: It’s everything that Laurie describes. I see amazing things happen here at Angelic Roots every week from Reiki. It could be someone walking into our shop for the first time and saying “something feels really different here." (This happens often.) Or someone leaving one of our Community Reiki events saying they feel so much better. I have to share a quick story about when we completed construction at Angelic Roots and moved in. The mail carrier of 30 years walked in and said something has really changed here, something he couldn’t describe. A feeling both inside the shop and outside too, that’s the effects of Reiki.
The gong baths are your most popular event! What’s your favorite sound instrument or way to use sound instruments?
Laurie: Definitely the drum! It is so incredibly powerful and profound. The sound just moves through the body and helps to shift and move energy through us.
Djuro: I really lean into the Gong, its dynamic range of deep tones and high crescendos are always changing and evolving….just like us.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and what would you do.
Laurie: The Himalayan Mountains; definitely to the Samadhi Quartz mines high up in the Himalayas to see how the crystals form and how they are hand mined. I would love to mine this Quartz myself someday!
Djuro: Tibet. I would like to deepen my understanding of the culture and people. Walk the streets and open air markets and visit temples.
What is your favorite oracle card deck?
Laurie: Keepers of the Light by Kyle Gray. I love the artwork and messages and Kyle has a sweet uplifting energy.
Djuro: Messages From Your Animal Spirit Guides by Dr. Steven Farmer. I use this deck often and always see how it connects with everyone. Animals are always crossing our paths or making themselves be seen, and exploring the messages behind this is something I am passionate about.
What brings you the most joy as practitioners and owners of Angelic Roots?
Laurie: Connecting and sharing with our community. I love when clients & customers come into the shop or reach out to share their stories of healing and growth along their path and how our shop or community has helped them in some way. Sometimes they tell stories about how they connected to a crystal or experienced a positive change after a class or event.
Djuro: I find so much joy in many different ways. From the deep bond with our Angelic Roots staff that support our mission to the community that supports us. Positive experiences happen every day here at Angelic Roots; that brings me so much joy.
