I Ching, The Book of Changes

The I Ching, usually translated as Book of Changes, is an ancient Chinese divination text and among the oldest of the Chinese classics. With more than two and a half millennia’s worth of commentary and interpretation, the I Ching is an influential text read throughout the world, providing inspiration to the worlds of religion, philosophy, literature, and art. It is composed of 64 hexagrams that offer insight into issues, directions in life, problems, ways of life, decisions, and other concerns of those that consult it. It is one of the most powerful oracles known.

The Almanac of Gaia is an application of the I Ching to identify the dominant energy of a particular time in a year. The I Ching is consulted on the Summer Solstice each year in a ceremony that products the prevailing energies through the I Ching hexagrams for each week. It is a great asset and one of its benefits is that it helps us know which crystals will be the most effective.

We are going to explore each of the I Ching cards on Thursdays. You can use these articles to consult the I Ching yourself (instructions are easily found on the internet). And you can use it to more fully benefit from the Almanac of Gaia.

Hexagram 1: Take Action

When this hexagram is “thrown” or derived from changes from a card in a reading, it indicates the solution to an issue or the answer to a question, or the prevailing energy of the Universe is focused on making something happen, not being passive.

This hexagram centers around resolute action, dynamic creativity, and insistent motion. When this hexagram appears, it is time to do just as this hexagram says, “Take action!” Now is the time to efficiently come up with a plan, align yourself with the best result, and steady the course towards completion. Set priorities based on your immediate goals and focus on the path ahead without deviation. It is time to move… with measured purpose, but towards a goal with resolute strength. Do not dither, and do not try to work alone. Engage others to make your actions more effective. If you are unsure, pick a direction now and take the first step. This is time to “go” not think too much or ponder options. Pick one.

The card is tied to several of the Crystal Reference Guides. Here are three: Crystals for Creativity, Crystals for Bravery, Crystals for Curing Laziness.

So let’s take a look at each of these and see what crystals should be used when we find this hexagram appears in a reading or dominating a week’s energy in 2021 (hint: think Red and Scarlet crystals and stones).

By the way, this card will influence the week of January 18th to 24th in 2021 according to the Almanac of Gaia.

Crystals for Creativity

Creativity is a trait that some feel they are born with while others wish they had. Deep down we all have artistic abilities within us, we may not know they are there or they may be pushed down by fears and insecurities of our ability. However, you too can bring that creativity out and make it flourish. Or you may already be a creative person and you are suffering from writer’s block or a block in your creative channel. Did you know that crystals can act as your muse and call to action?

The muse of the crystal world is none other than gorgeous Amethyst. Amethyst is the red-violet ray that connects both time and color. It connects beginnings to ends, joins life to new life, and makes the great circle of life complete once again. It is an excellent crystal to use in meditation, or to carry when the I Ching says “take action.”
You can learn more about Amethyst in our Encylopedia.
You can learn more about Crystals for Creativity in the Crystal Reference Guide.
You can read blogs on using crystals for creativity in the Crystal Inner Circle.
You can shop for Amethyst and find some bargains in our shop.

Crystals for Bravery

Sometimes to face the things we do not want to deal with. We can be fearful of standing up for ourselves, asking our boss for the raise we deserve or getting the courage to ask that special someone out. In certain times in our lives, we could use a little more bravery to aid us in acquiring the things we deserve and desire. Bravery is defined as not only a behavior we can exhibit but a piece of our character. By adding the use of crystals in your life, bravery doesn’t have to be just one act, you can make it a part of who you are.

Bravery can be brought to your life by the energy of the pure red ray and the exuberance and joy of the orange found in scarlet colored crystals. Scarlet is the color of strength and vitality, both physical and spiritual. Scarlet crystals can bring you fire energy which is the energy of strength and dedication. Use the red hues of crystals to bring the sun’s power and the fire element’s energy to your life and home. Charge up a space with these crystals. Spring into action with their energy.

The gorgeous scarlet rays in Ruby can help usher bravery into your behavior and character. Ruby is to be carried or worn to provide a focus for Universal Life Force to enter your spirit. It will aid you in finding new paths in life and giving you the energy you need to walk those paths. Scarlet Ruby crystals are primarily used for their Seeker power. They should be carried on your person or worn to help you focus the Universal Life Force on specific efforts to find new paths in life. The scarlet crystals like Ruby are crystals of action. Use them when for bravery when the I Ching calls you to action.
You can learn more about Ruby in our Encyclopedia.
You can learn more about Crystals for Bravery in the Crystal Reference Guide.
You can read blogs on using crystals for bravery in the Crystal Inner Circle.
You can shop for Ruby and find some bargains in our shop.

Crystals for Curing Laziness

When someone calls you lazy you may automatically get offended. Some of us may just accept that, while a little harsh, it is the truth. It’s hard sometimes to not be lazy in a world that moves so fast otherwise. It may even seem like a treat, slow down, and take things easy for a while. Don’t get us wrong, it is a treat. However, sometimes our getaway can last a little too long. We may start to find we aren’t working as hard as we used to, we have lost some of our energy, or we just don’t feel like doing anything. At this point, you have fallen into the lazy trap. It is so easy to get stuck there and so comfortable, that it may be a task to pull yourself out. Do not despair though! Healing crystals can help you conjure up the energy and motivation to cure yourself of laziness for good!

Scarlet is the color of strength and vitality, both physical and spiritual. Use scarlet-colored crystals in efforts to overcome fear and improve self-reliance. They are the crystals of victory, success, and skill. When your challenge is physical, and you need to focus and multiply your physical strength and stamina, use a crystal with the scarlet ray of influence.

We have spoken of Ruby, and here is another scarlet crystal to use when the I Ching calls you to action – Red Jasper. Historically, Red Jasper was known as a stone of vibrancy and endurance, a talisman of warriors, and a promoter of justice, protection, and life. It staunched the blood of wounds, stirred the pulse, and increased fertility. According to Viking and Germanic legend, the hilt of the magical sword of Siegfried, the dragon-slayer, was inlaid with Red Jasper to bring him courage.
You can learn more about Red Jasper in our Encylopedia.
You can learn more about Crystals for Laziness in the Crystal Reference Guide.
You can read blogs on using Red Jasper in the Crystal Inner Circle.
You can shop for Red Jasper and find some bargains in our shop.
The I Ching is a powerful oracle. When you consult it, as we suggest you learn to do, it will point you in the direction you seek. And as you do, the Almanac of Gaia and these articles will show you how to use crystals to smooth your journey as the I Ching indicates.