Navajo Ghost Bead Jewelry made from Juniper Berries
Are they Juniper or Cedar Berries? Juniper berries have long been a Navajo medicine for treating such things as diabetes. Juniper berries (seeds) are also used to make ghost bead necklaces. Juniper is a broad category of trees, some of which have common names that include “cedar”, such as “red cedar” that is widely used to make boxes and line drawers. This can be confusing because a true cedar tree comes from a different family of trees. So you will see ghost beads referred to being made from cedar seeds, juniper seeds or juniper/cedar seeds. If you want to be technically correct, they should be called juniper seeds or berries.
How are they collected? Ghost Beads are dried juniper berries. They are collected after ants have found the berries on the ground, nibbled off one end eaten the inside of the berry. The berry is then hollow and dry. Sometimes the berries are lightly smoke to further preserve them. A hole is made in the other end by the artisan and the dried berries are strung in accordance with the harmony of nature. Ghost bead necklaces are made by Navajo (Dine) artisans and other tribes; they embody your interconnection with the earth, trees, animals and humans. Wear it to bring about peace, harmony and safety. It wards off negative energy, bringing about protection from evil spirits, ghosts and nightmares. Give them as gifts or buy for yourself! If you're not wearing them, you can hang them in your bedroom, office or on the mirror of your vehicle to bring you peace and harmony.
Early Navajo beliefs surrounding ghost beads Ghost beads held a strong belief in the spirit world and practiced many rituals to ward off negative energy. In addition to wearing juniper berry necklaces, Navajos smeared juniper ashes on their skin prior to venturing out in the dark. The beads also kept the spirits happy when Navajos entered ruins. They believed if an individual shook out their beds sheets at night, they would attract ghosts or evil spirits. Sprinkling juniper ashes around the bed was thought to provide extra protection.
How are they collected? Ghost Beads are dried juniper berries. They are collected after ants have found the berries on the ground, nibbled off one end eaten the inside of the berry. The berry is then hollow and dry. Sometimes the berries are lightly smoke to further preserve them. A hole is made in the other end by the artisan and the dried berries are strung in accordance with the harmony of nature. Ghost bead necklaces are made by Navajo (Dine) artisans and other tribes; they embody your interconnection with the earth, trees, animals and humans. Wear it to bring about peace, harmony and safety. It wards off negative energy, bringing about protection from evil spirits, ghosts and nightmares. Give them as gifts or buy for yourself! If you're not wearing them, you can hang them in your bedroom, office or on the mirror of your vehicle to bring you peace and harmony.
Early Navajo beliefs surrounding ghost beads Ghost beads held a strong belief in the spirit world and practiced many rituals to ward off negative energy. In addition to wearing juniper berry necklaces, Navajos smeared juniper ashes on their skin prior to venturing out in the dark. The beads also kept the spirits happy when Navajos entered ruins. They believed if an individual shook out their beds sheets at night, they would attract ghosts or evil spirits. Sprinkling juniper ashes around the bed was thought to provide extra protection.
Yellow Serpentine, also known as "New Jade" from Peru has a waxy luster and is a yellowish color. The name "Serpentine" was given to this stone since many types of Serpentine resemble the color and texture of the serpent's scales.
Serpentine helps to clear out and release the clouded/dense areas of all chakras so that healing can occur.
Serpentine will help with healing on all levels (mental, emotional, and physical) and what makes it so special is that it forms a unique connection to promote healing in the way that is best for each individual.
Serpentine can be used to attract/manifest what you want into your life: abundance on all levels, prosperity, love, healing, etc, by aligning your intentions with the Heart Chakra and Source energy. Ultimately, this is what can help those intentions manifest.
Serpentine is a great stone when working with the rise of Kundalini energies (Kundalini is a Sanskrit word meaning either "coiled up" or "coiling like a snake".) Serpentine helps to create an opening so that the Kundalini may travel and lessons the discomfort, which is sometimes associated with movement.
Serpentine also enhances the meditative state and retrieval of ancient wisdom.
Physically, Serpentine can be used to boost the immune system when feeling sluggish or recovering from a cold/flu.
Serpentine helps to clear out and release the clouded/dense areas of all chakras so that healing can occur.
Serpentine will help with healing on all levels (mental, emotional, and physical) and what makes it so special is that it forms a unique connection to promote healing in the way that is best for each individual.
Serpentine can be used to attract/manifest what you want into your life: abundance on all levels, prosperity, love, healing, etc, by aligning your intentions with the Heart Chakra and Source energy. Ultimately, this is what can help those intentions manifest.
Serpentine is a great stone when working with the rise of Kundalini energies (Kundalini is a Sanskrit word meaning either "coiled up" or "coiling like a snake".) Serpentine helps to create an opening so that the Kundalini may travel and lessons the discomfort, which is sometimes associated with movement.
Serpentine also enhances the meditative state and retrieval of ancient wisdom.
Physically, Serpentine can be used to boost the immune system when feeling sluggish or recovering from a cold/flu.