Archives for March 2021

Beyond-Fabulous Birthstones

I was wondering on what I should write about today. So many ideas! However, soon my thoughts turned to the month of April. As I utilized the search engine Google to discover interesting facts about April, birthstones popped up in the search. Perfect subject! To begin with, I began wondering how birthstones came into being. Apparently, Titus Flavius Josephus, a Romano-Jewish scholar, connected each stone that was wore on the breastplate of Aaron, high priest of the Israelites to the 12 signs of the zodiac. The idea went mainstream by 1870, when Tiffany & Co. published a pamphlet outlining each month’s birthstone. In 1912, the American National Jewelers’ Association compiled a new birthstone list. A few amendments later, including the addition of Tanzanite in 2002, and Spinel in 2016, and we have the list we use today.

Wearing your birthstone is said to enhance the mystical and healing powers of the gem itself. Discover what makes your birthstone a powerful statement of your finest qualities by scrolling below:

January: Garnet

The name “garnet” originates from the medieval Latin granatus, meaning “pomegranate,” in reference to the similarity of the red color. However, garnet comes in a large range of colors. According to Indian astrology, garnet helps eliminate negative feelings, instill greater self-confidence, mental clarity and peace of mind. In ancient and medieval times, garnets were also thought to be remedies for inflammatory diseases and to soothe the angry heart. On the Mohs hardness scale it rates a 6.5 to 7.5 out of 10.

February: Amethyst

The name “amethyst” derives from the Greek amethystos, which means “a remedy against drunkenness,” a benefit long ascribed to the purple birthstone. Amethyst was also believed to keep the wearer clear headed and quick witted in business affairs. Renaissance Europeans thought it calmed lovers overrun by passion. Amethyst lore also includes that it would convey strength and wit to those who wore it. On the Mohs Hardness scale it rates a 7 out of 10.

March: Bloodstone and Aquamarine

Bloodstone’s alternate name heliotrope comes from the ancient Greek word that means “to turn the sun.” In ancient times, these March birthstones were believed to turn the sun red if they were placed in water. Several metaphysical properties have been attributed to this March birthstone. They include increasing strength, giving invisibility, and preserving health and youth. On the Mohs Hardness scale it rates a 6.5 to 7 out of 10.

Aquamarine’s name comes from the Latin for seawater, and ancient mariners claimed the gem would calm waves and keep sailors safe at sea. This March birthstone is thought to bring happiness in marriage. The aquamarine is also given as a present for the 19th wedding anniversary. On the Mohs hardness scale it rates a 7.5 to 8 out of 10.

April: Diamond

In India, diamonds were gathered from the country’s rivers and streams. Traded as early as the fourth century BCE, diamonds were coveted by royalty and the wealthy. The first diamond engagement ring on record was given by Archduke Maximillian of Austria to his betrothed, Mary of Burgundy, in 1477. The April birthstone was even believed to have healing powers. Over the centuries, the diamond birthstone was thought to be an antidote to poison and provide protection against the plague. Some claim that it is a boon for longevity, strength, beauty and happiness. On the Mohs hardness scale it rates a 10 out of 10.

May: Emerald

From Egyptian pharaohs to Inca emperors, emerald has enchanted royalty. The word “emerald” comes from smaragdos, ancient Greek for a green gem. Emeralds thought to provide psychic powers. Some believed it made one an eloquent speaker and exposed lovers who made false promises. On the Mohs Hardness scale it rates a 7.5 to 8 out of 10.

June: Peral, Alexandrite, Moonstone

Pearls grow inside the tissue of a living saltwater/freshwater mollusk (either an oyster or a mussel). Natural pearls form when the mollusk secretes a substance called nacre around an irritant such as a piece of sand or a parasite that has invaded its shell. Pearls have long been associated with purity, humility and innocence. n the ancient Sanskrit text the Atharvaveda, pearls were said to bestow long life and prosperity. On the Mohs Hardness scale it rates a 2.5 to 4.5 out of 10.

Alexandrite is the rare variety of the mineral chrysoberyl that changes color in different lighting. The gem was named after the young Alexander II (1818–1881), heir apparent to the Russian throne. Alexandrite is a good stone for meditation if someone has difficult to concentration. It will also help make you calm and help you concentrate. On the Mohs Hardness scale it rates a 8.5 out of 10.

Moonstone has been linked with both the Roman and Greek lunar deities. Hindu mythology claims that it is made of solidified moonbeams. Moonstone is often associated with love, passion and fertility; it is believed to bring great luck. On the Mohs Hardness scale it rates a 6 to 6.5 out of 10.

July: Ruby

Ruby is the July birthstone and the name is derived from the Latin word ruber, meaning “red”, which is the color of love and passion. Burmese warriors believed it made them invincible in battle. Medieval Europeans maintained that rubies bestowed health, wisdom, wealth and success in love. On the Mohs Hardness scale it rates a 9 out of 10.

August: Peridot, Spinel and Sardonyx

The word “peridot” comes from the Arabic faridat, meaning gem. This August birthstone was valued in many ancient and medieval cultures. For centuries, the peridot birthstone has been used as a protective talisman, shielding the owner from evil spirits and “terrors of the night.” On the Mohs Hardness scale it rates a 6.5 to 7 out of 10.

The name “spinel” comes from the Latin word spina, which means thorn, in reference to the shape of spinel crystals. This second August birthstone comes in a wealth of colors: intense red, vibrant pink, orange, purple, violet, blue and bluish green. Red spinel, along with other red gems, was thought to be a remedy for all types of blood loss and inflammatory diseases. The red gems were believed to ease anger and promote harmony. On the Mohs Hardness scale it rates a 7.5 to 8 out of 10.

Sardonyx is a combination of two types of chalcedony (cryptocrystalline quartz): sard and onyx. Roman soldiers wore sardonyx rings with the image of Mars carved on them for protection in battle. This August birthstone is associated with courage, happiness and clear communication, bringing stability to marriage and partnerships. On the Mohs Hardness scale it rates a 7 out of 10.

September: Sapphire

“Sapphire” comes from the Greek word sappheiros and blue sapphire is one of the most popular colored stones. Sapphires have associated with royalty and romance. The September birthstone was reputed to have healing powers as well. The elite of ancient Greece and Rome believed that blue sapphires protected their owners from harm and envy. On the Mohs Hardness scale it rates a 9 out of 10.

October: Opal and Tourmaline

Opal is believed to have originated in India (the source of the first opals brought to the Western world), where in Sanskrit it was called upala, a “precious stone.” In ancient Rome, this became opalus. Ancient Greeks thought opals bestowed the gift of prophesy and protection from disease. Europeans long maintained opal to be a symbol of purity, hope and truth. On the Mohs Hardness scale it rates a 5.5 to 6 out of 10.

Tourmaline comes from the Sinhalese word toramalli, which means “stone with mixed colors.” Different colors of tourmaline have their own healing properties. Black tourmaline protects the wearer and give a sense of self-confidence. Pink tourmaline embodies love, compassion and gentleness. Green tourmaline promotes courage, strength and stamina. On the Mohs Hardness scale it rates a 7 to 7.5 out of 10.

November: Topaz and Citrine

Some believe the word “topaz” comes from the Sanskrit word tapas, which means “fire.” Others trace it back to the Greek topazos. The ancient Greeks believed that topaz gave them strength. Europeans thought it could thwart magic spells and dispel anger. In India, when the topaz worn above the heart assures long life, beauty and intelligence. On the Mohs Hardness scale it rates a 8 out of 10.

Citrine could derive from the French word for “lemon” (citron). During the Victorian era, citrine was particularly popular in colorful Scottish jewelry. The citrine combats negative and unwanted energies, paving the way for success into every aspect of life. On the Mohs Hardness scale it rates a 7 out of 10.

December: Turquoise, Tanzanite and Zircon

Turquoise is a semi-translucent to opaque gem that ranges from blue to green and pharaohs and other rulers of ancient Egypt adorned themselves with it. The gem also possesses many beneficial powers, such as breaking into several pieces at the approach of disaster. Hindu mystics maintained that seeing a turquoise after beholding the new moon ensured fantastic wealth. In Tibet, it is believed to grant health, good fortune and protection from evil. On the Mohs Hardness scale it rates a 5 or 6 out of 10.

Tanzanite is found in the Merelani Hills of northern Tanzania. It was discovered in 1962. Tanzanite stimulates the throat chakra, third-eye chakra, and crown chakra. It activates our psychic abilities and vibratory rate, facilitating communication with the higher spiritual dimensions. Tanzanite is a stone of transformation that can help dissolve old patterns of disease and karma. On the Mohs Hardness scale it rates a 6.5 out of 10.

Zircon is believe to come from the Arabic word zarkun, meaning “cinnabar” or “vermilion.” Zircon could lull one into a deep sleep and scare off evil spirits. In the Hindu religion, zircon alternates with hessonite garnet as one of the nine gems of the navaratna. On the Mohs Hardness scale it rates a 6.5 out of 10.

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Obliging Orbs

What is an Orb? Evidence of orbs are typically found in photographs and videos. There are several possibilities to why this tiny circle of light might appear. Film photography can also create an orb due to the coloring of the camera lens as well as dust specs, rain, bugs, or other spots found on the camera lens. However, if you are interested in the paranormal, orbs are thought to be ghosts or spirits coming to earth in the form of light.

The picture that accompanies this article was taken by me on top of Mount Fuji in Japan. I have a set of pictures in the same area; however, this is the only photograph with orbs. I think a couple may be dust, however, others I cannot discount. This is not the only time this has happen to me. I like to participate in Ghost Walks in different cities. Often the guides will tell you to take several photographs in the same spot in order to see if you can catch any orbs in your photos. I have encounter different color orbs on Ghost Walks, however, I don’t seem to have the photos any more to include in this article. I have even seen some tarot readings on YouTube with orbs flying around the tarot reader.

What do the different orb colors mean? According to Michelle Keldgord and her article The Different Colors of Ghost Orbs and Their Meanings, there are 8 orb colors. This includes clear, white/silver, black, red, blue, green, lavender and yellow. Each orb color has a meaning and/or vibration. For example, clear orbs, are beings that would like to communicate with us.

How do you capture an orb in a photograph or video? If you own a pet, pay close attention to its behavior when you are out and about. If you see your pet chasing something when there’s nothing to chase, this is a good time to take photos. Also, people have asked love ones who have passed over to produce orbs. If this happens multiple times then you’ll have real proof. Last but not least, as mention above, go on a ghost walk to see what you can capture via camera or video. People will sometimes take two cameras and take pictures simultaneously. This way they can obtain more angles of the orbs. If you capture a particularly clear shot of an orb, upload it into a graphics program and enlarge it as much as possible. You might well discover a face at the center of it.

*For those who receive this article in your email, please check the website for the picture.

Finding Home

Where do you feel like you are home? Have you found where you belong? If you have not, I may have a tool that can help you. The tool is Astrology. I know it may sound crazy, but I think there may be something to this. Astrocartography, otherwise known as locational astrology, projects your birth chart over a map to determine which cities around the world are best for career success, happiness, romantic relationships, and spiritual growth.

I have lived in several different areas in the United States and in the United Kingdom. So, I decide to review the locations I have lived in and put Astrocartography to the test. To my surprise, It was pretty dead on to what I experienced. One of the locations I use to live was influenced by the planet Uranus. Uranus energy lines are ideal for reviving one’s everyday existence. However, I experience a darker side of Uranus as well. All of my established structures, true and tried ways of thinking, and old associations was blown apart, without any warning.

The lines on the map are called planetary lines, which have different cardinal points associated with them. The planetary lines indicate the areas in the world that were influenced by planets at the time of your birth and impact how you relate to that specific longitude and latitude.

Astro.com has a free Astrocartography chart for you to utilize (click here for chart). The website will also describe each planet line you click on after you enter your birth data. Test it out to see how close it was to your experiences in different locations. I was so impressed on the accuracy; I am thinking my next move will be where the sun-line crosses.

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Fun Facts for St. Patrick’s Day

Tomorrow is the day, where the leprechauns dance and the green beer flows. With a four-leaf clover behind my ear, I hold my arms wide open to embrace St. Patrick’s Day. To prepare you for such a glorious day as well, I have listed fabulous facts about this day below.

Almost 12% of Americans claim Irish ancestry. More people of Irish ancestry live in the United States than in Ireland. More than 100 Saint Patrick parades are held across the United States.
St. Patrick’s Day has been observed by the Irish as a religious holiday for more than 1,000 years.
In 1798, the color green became officially associated with St. Patrick’s Day. Prior to this the color blue was associated with St. Patrick before the adoption of green as the color for the festival. The color blue was featured both in the royal court and on ancient Irish flags.
Guinness (an Irish dark beer) sales almost doubles on St Patrick’s Day as compared to the regular days when 5.5 million pints of it is sold.
The first St. Patrick’s Day celebration in the United States was held in Boston in 1737.
World’s shortest St. Patrick’s Day parade is held in Arkansas, which runs for a total of 98 feet.
St. Patrick’s Day parades began in North America in the 17^th century. However, they did not spread to Ireland until the 20^th century.
St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated in countries including United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, Singapore, and Russia.
Finding a four leaf clover on St. Patrick’s Day is considered lucky as you only have one chance in 10,000.
More than 1 million people take part in the St. Patrick’s Festival in Dublin every year.

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Mystical Moon

The Moon throughout history is steeped in mystery and legend. The moon is, in terms of distance, the closest heavenly body to earth. A Super Moon occurs when a full Moon is at its closest point to Earth. Then next Super Moon is Monday, April 27, 2021: “Super Pink Moon”. The name of the moon has nothing to do with its actual color. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the full moon is called the pink moon because it corresponds with the early spring bloom of phlox subulata. This is a wildflower is native to eastern North America. The Super Pink Moon is so close to the earth that you can identify basins and craters on the moon without needing binoculars.

Moon affects with a Magnetic Field Change

With the moon so close to earth, how does it affect people, animals and nature? The Moon affects Earth in several ways. The Moon’s gravitational pull, creates the ocean tides that rise and fall every 12.4 hours. The oceans are electrically conducting because they are made of salty water. As the tides flow in and out, they create a magnetic field associated with it,” says Robert Wickes, a space weather expert at University College London. This effect is small, but it is possible that this can trigger subtle fluctuations in the Earth’s magnetic field. In which some people might be sensitive.

A 2019 study in the Society for Neuroscience, found that when people exposed to magnetic field changes equivalent to those we experience in our local environment, they experienced strong decreases in brain alpha wave activity. So, how does this effect people? It might affect our sleep.

In another study by behavioral geneticist, Bambos Kyriacou, and his colleagues demonstrate that exposure to low-frequency electromagnetic fields can reset the timing of fruit flies’ circadian clocks. The fruit flies then experience alterations in the timing of their sleep. Studies have not been extensive on humans and their sleep patterns with magnetic field changes. Although, it may be safe to assume if other animals feel the effects that we should also be susceptible to the moon as well.

Moon Affects with Gravitational Pull

Getting back to the Moon affecting us with its gravitational pull. Humans are up to 75% water; they possess far smaller quantities of it than an ocean. So, can the water in our bodies feel the effects of the gravitational pull? Joachim Fisahn, a biophysicist, modelled the dynamics of clusters of water molecules within single plant cells and found that daily variations in gravity caused by the Moon’s orbit would be enough to cause a net loss or gain of water molecules from the cell. Apparently, the volume of water molecules, even if it is in the nano-range, will respond to any tiny gravitational change. Once again, studies on humans have not been conclusive. However, it is interesting to see even with tiny water molecules it is possible for it to respond to the moon’s gravitational pull.

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Oscar Fingal O’Flahertie Wills Wilde

Oscar Fingal O’Flahertie Wills Wilde is quite the name for quite the poet, playwright and author. Saint Patrick’s Day will be upon us soon. This got me to start thinking about of the literary greats of Ireland. I conclude that Oscar Wilde is my favorite. Some of his greatest works include The Picture of Dorian Gray and The Importance of Being Earnest. His wit and charm is irresistible.

Below are some inspirational quotes from Oscar Wilde:

“Always forgive your enemies – nothing annoys them so much.”
“There are only two tragedies in life: one is not getting what one wants, and the other is getting it.”
“No man is rich enough to buy back his past.”
“What is a cynic? A man who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing.”
“I am not young enough to know everything.”
“I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read in the train.”
“Experience is simply the name we give our mistakes.”
“Questions are never indiscreet, answers sometimes are.”
“Ordinary riches can be stolen; real riches cannot. In your soul are infinitely precious things that cannot be taken from you.”
“Who, being loved, is poor?”
“The true mystery of the world is the visible, not the invisible.”
“Some cause happiness wherever they go; others whenever they go.”
“I choose my friends for their good looks, my acquaintances for their good characters, and my enemies for their intellects. A man cannot be too careful in the choice of his enemies.”
“One can survive everything, nowadays, except death, and live down everything except a good reputation.”
“To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance.”
“It is absurd to divide people into good and bad. People are either charming or tedious.”
“Selfishness is not living as one wishes to live, it is asking others to live as one wishes to live.”
“An excellent man; he has no enemies; and none of his friends like him.”
“Laughter is not at all a bad beginning for a friendship, and it is far the best ending for one.”
“I am so clever that sometimes I don’t understand a single word of what I am saying.”

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Garlic: Not just for stopping Vampires

Garlic is quite extraordinary. Not only does it keep mythical beings away but it has some pretty insane health benefits too. People have used it over the centuries for a variety of ailments. Today, garlic is used in food and taken as an herbal supplement. It is commonly used for several conditions linked to the blood system and the heart.

Medical News Today has an extensive article in regards to the benefits of garlic. Below are 5 studies performed on garlic and their benefits:

During the 7 year study period, people who ate raw garlic at least twice a week had a 44 percent lower risk of developing lung cancer. This is according to a study conducted at the Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention in China.
The compounds found in garlic, Organo-sulfur, is effective in destroying the cells in glioblastomas, a type of deadly brain tumor. Scientists at the Medical University of South Carolina reported in the journal Cancer that the three pure organo-sulfur compounds from garlic: DAS, DADS, and DATS, demonstrate benefits in eradicating brain cancer cells, but DATS proved to be the most effective.
A compound in garlic, Diallyl sulfide, is 100 times more effective than two popular antibiotics in fighting the Campylobacter bacterium. This is according to a study published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy.
Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine found that a component of garlic oil helps protect the heart during cardiac surgery and after a heart attack. They also believe that the component of garlic oil, diallyl trisulfide, could be used as a treatment for heart failure. In another study, scientists found that garlic oil may help protect diabetes patients from cardiomyopathy. This study was published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.
Researchers at Ankara University investigated the effects of garlic extract supplementation on patients with high blood cholesterol. The garlic extract supplements reduced high cholesterol levels, and also blood pressure in the patients with hypertension. The scientists noted more work needs to be carried out on the study. Their study was published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry.

Hopefully, this has inspired you to research the benefits of garlic more, since the benefits are quite extensive. If you decide to take garlic as a supplement make sure to seek the advice of your doctor. Also, never forget the greatest benefit of all, it helps keep Vampires away.

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B-24 Bomber Camp

Must admit, I am a little bit of a World War 2 (WWII) junkie. I enjoy reading and exploring the life and times of the people during this period. What I find particularly interesting is the aviation during this time. The movie Memphis Belle really got me fascinated in the B-17 and B-24. My brother recently sent me a link on a B-24 Bomber Camp and I was hooked. Personally, I will need to save up for the camp, but this is pretty awesome.

Bomber Camp™ is an opportunity to experience a taste of what it would be like to be in a B-17/B-24 crew. They state that you will feel like you just step back in time and be fully engaged as part of a WWII bombing crew. The adventure includes firing the guns in mid-flight as well as dropping dummy bombs on select targets. You can also operate the turret that was under the B-17/B-24 and shoot live ammunition. For an additional fee they will train you to fly the B-17/B-24. For 2021, it looks like they just have the B-24 but they are looking to add a B-17 to the mix.

The Camp Includes:

• Personalized dog tags

• Bomber Camp™ tee shirt

• Use of military coveralls, cap and canteen

• GI lunch (mess tent)

• Refreshments and snacks (officers’ club)

This year’s Bomber Camp™ offers a one-day program. You will attend classes in the morning, then have a GI lunch in the mess tent, fly your bombing mission in the afternoon, and relax in the officers’ club after mission debrief. However, to fully understand how cool this opportunity is you have to watch the YouTube video: WW2 Ball Turret with Twin .50 Cals at the Big Sandy Shoot – YouTube

The dates for the camps are listed below:

Bomber Camp™: June 2nd and 3rd, 2021, 7:30am – 6:10pm PDT

Torpedo Camp™: June 4th, 2021, 10:00am – 1:00pm/3:00pm – 6:00pm PDT

Bomber Camp™’s Website: Click Here for more info

Photo courtesy of Bomber Camp™