The Heart Of Artemis

 

One of my guides is the Greek Goddess Artemis. This year I learned a meditation technique to connect with your guides. "Imagine yourself in a clearing, an open space in the center, ringed by a forest of trees. In the trees, imagine a figure standing in the forest on the edge of the clearing, then watch as the figure emerges into the clearing."

I did this meditation and the figure that emerged was Artemis. A female that looked in her mid twenties, dressed in clothing that resembled a Roman soldier, but more lightweight. Her hair was short, framing her face, although she is often depicted in Greek statues as having long curly hair, piled on top of her head and held back with a headband. But she is a Huntress, and that's what she looked like. 
Her arms were toned and her hands looked strong, as though she worked with them often. 

I approached her and she smiled and asked, "Can I Heal You?"

I nodded. Then, in her hand, there was a black stone, a little rougher than a river rock. She held it in her left hand. She placed her right hand on my arm, slightly holding me in place. Then, with her left hand, she slowly pushed the stone into the right side of my chest, just to the right of my sternum.
 
When my mother died, I felt a deep pain there. I later referred to it as my 'spiritual heart' because it was in the exact opposite position of where I feel my physical heart.
 
I asked her, is that Black Tourmaline? and she nodded.
I had been working with stones earlier that year and chose to work with Shungite.
People suggested Black Tourmaline, but I didn't feel drawn to it. I guess I was waiting.

After the meditation, I looked up Black Tourmaline to see if it was associated with Artemis and the internet said, not traditionally, but that lately devotees of Artemis are embracing it because of its properties of grounding, protection and connection with the Moon.

I felt as though she had 'gifted' me Black Tourmaline, inserting its properties into my body and my energy, for protection, for grounding and for accessing the Moon's energy. 

I didn't go into that meditation looking for a stone, but so much lately has been about returning to working with jewelry, to work with jewelry to provide the energies of the stones to those who need them, especially now.

After the meditation, I thought it only appropriate to create a bracelet using Black Tourmaline.
I also often use Hematite for spacers, instead of metal, because they hold up longer and provide more grounding energy. But, to honor the experience, I included a heart charm, made of Sterling Silver.
The silver is also associated with Artemis and the Moon.

This year I am making 13 bracelets for this first edition of the Heart Of Artemis.