Libra

Libra, The Scale, is the seventh symbol of the Zodiac. Anyone born between 24 September and 23 October is born under this sign. Libra is Latin for weighing scales. It is a cardinal sign, and is ruled by the planet Venus. Its symbol is , representing the scales. Libra is one of the four air signs.

Lapis is one of the traditional stones for Libra. Lapis is believed to have cleansing properties, and can help to clear and focus the mind. Lapis has been in use since ancient times, and was once more highly prized than gold. It is used to make ultramarine paint.

Another stone traditionally assigned to Gemini is chrysolite, more commonly known as peridot. Peridot is believed to be a very spiritual stone, full of lightness and beauty.

Key words for people born under the sign of Libra are: Good sense of beauty and proportion, tactful, seek balance and harmony. Librans sometimes have trouble getting off the fence. Libra rules the kidneys, skin, lumbar region and buttocks.

Librans share their sign with such notables as Oscar Wilde, Mahatma Ghandi, and Alfred Nobel. You can shop for a Libra pendant in my Celestials Collection in The Silver Forge Shop.

Virgo

Virgo, The Virgin, is the sixth symbol of the Zodiac. Anyone born between 23 August and 23 September is born under this sign. Virgo, the latin word for virgin, is a mutable sign, and is ruled by the planet Mercury. Its symbol is , representing a sheaf of barley. Virgo is one of the four earth signs.

Carnelian is the traditional stone for Virgo. Carnelian is believed to give energy, guard against poverty, and promote good moods.

Another stone traditionally assigned to Virgo is Jade. It is thought to protect the wearer from coming to harm.

Key words for people born under the sign of Virgo are said to be: Precise, differentiatial, doers of what is necessary, utilitarian. Virgoans take a critical point of view. Virgo rules the digestive system, intestines, spleen and nervous system.

Virgoans share their sign with such notables as Roald Dahl, Stephen King and Jane Addams. You can shop for a Virgo pendant in my Celestials Collection in The Silver Forge Shop.

Tool of the Month – Engraving Ball

The engraving ball (also known as the engraving vise) is a steel ball with a slot cut out of it, and a vise clamp across it. It is seated in a cup (in this case, a leather donut, lubricated with graphite) which enables it to be rotated 360 degrees around, and around 180 degrees side to side.

Used most often for engraving (obviously!) the ball gives you a full range of movement so that as you are cutting, you can spin the piece around for ease of access.

Although I have a set of gravers, and understand the principle of engraving (and of faceted stone setting which also requires gravers), I don’t practise those disciplines. Instead, I use my engraving ball for another of its purposes – setting cabochon gemstones.

The same principle applies, in that you can rotate the piece so that you can approach the setting from all angles.I love my engraving ball, and use it all the time – I’d be lost without it!

Inspiration ~ Christopher Trotter

Growth – Christopher Trotter – 2006

This fantastical sculpture amazed me every time I visited my son’s school at Indooropilly. There’s just something about the industrial and functional meeting with the organic and surreal that really appeals to me! On his last day, I finally took the time to take a photo and to read the plaque mounted beside it – I’m so glad I was able to identify Christopher Trotter as the sculptor behind this sublime creation.

Alderley Fossil – Christopher Trotter 2007

I had a feeling that this glorious fossil sculpture (much admired on every journey I make past a park not far from where I live) was also Christopher’s work. I finally found this picture on his website, and was pleased that my eye for style had not deceived me!

Bottle Tree – Christopher Trotter – 2004

Christopher’s sources of inspiration include Australian sculptor, Robert Klippel; Swiss surrealist, H.R. Giger; and even Dr Seuss. His website, full of fabulous creations, states “It is the artists who pursue an individual vision regardless of the fashions of the time that history remembers, and Trotter is such an artist.” A sentiment that speaks to my heart! Thanks, Christopher Trotter, for making the world a more marvellous place. Keep animating steel!

Leo

Leo, The Lion, is the fifth symbol of the Zodiac. Anyone born between 23 July and 22 August is born under this sign. Leo, the latin word for Lion, is a fixed sign, and is ruled by the Sun. Its symbol is , representing the lion’s head and mane. Leo is one of the four fire signs.

Tourmaline is one of the birthstones for Leo. It is believed to be good for lessening falls, both physical and emotional.

Another stone traditionally assigned to Leos is Onyx. Onyx is believed to assist with repelling negative energy.

Key words for people born under the sign of Leo are: Glamour, generosity, organizer, the center of attention. Leos like to take the lion’s share of things. Leo rules the heart, chest, spine, spinal column and upper back.

Leos share their sign with such notables as Coco Chanel, JK Rowling and Amelia Earheart.

You can shop for a Leo pendant in my Celestials Collection in The Silver Forge Shop.

Cancer

Cancer, The Crab, is the fourth symbol of the Zodiac. Anyone born between 22 June and 22 July is born under this sign. Cancer the Crab comes from part of a tale of the twelve labours of Hercules – his battle with the Hydra. It is a cardinal sign, and is ruled by the Moon. Its symbol is , representing the crab’s claws. Cancer is one of the four water signs.

Moonstone is one of the traditional stones for Cancer. Moonstone is believed to bring good fortune, assist in foretelling the future, enhance intuition, promote inspiration, bring success in love as well as business matters, and offes protection on land and at sea.

Another stone traditionally assigned to Cancer is Emerald. Emeralds are said to protect lovers from unfaithfulness, and improve one’s memory and intelligence.

Key words for people born under the sign of Cancer are said to be: Emotional type, stubborn, seeks safety and closeness. Cancers are very much family people. Cancer rules the chest, breasts, stomach and alimentary canal.

Cancerians share their sign with such notables as the Dalai Lama, Emmeline Pankhurst and Marc Chagall. You can shop for a Cancer pendant in my Celestials Collection in The Silver Forge Shop.

Gemini

Gemini, The Twins, is the third symbol of the Zodiac. Anyone born between 22 May and 21 June is born under this sign. Gemini refers to the twin brothers Castor and Pollux in Greek mythology. It is a mutable sign, and is ruled by the planet Mecury. Its symbol is , representing the companions. Gemini is one of the four air signs.

Agate is the traditional stone for Gemini. Agate is believed to help you to discern truth, improve memory and concentration, increase stamina, prevent insomnia and ensure pleasant dreams, enhance personal courage, protect you against danger, and provide a calming influence.

Another stone traditionally assigned to Gemini is Citrine. It is thought to bring sucess to businesses, and be good for self esteem.

Key words for people born under the sign of Gemini are said to be: Philosopher, witty, communicative, mobile, takes pleasure in learning. Geminis are always on the go. Gemini rules the arms, lungs, shoulders, hands, nervous system and brain.

Geminis share their sign with such notables as Ralph Waldo Emerson, Anne Frank, and Johnny Depp. You can shop for a Gemini pendant in my Celestials Collection in The Silver Forge Shop.

Taurus

Taurus, The Bull, is the second symbol of the Zodiac. Anyone born between 21 April and 21 May is born under this sign. Taurus, the latin word for Bull, is a fixed sign, and is ruled by the planet Venus. Its symbol is , representing the bull’s face and horns. Taurus is one of the four earth signs.

Sapphire is the traditional stone for Taurus. Sapphire is believed to enhance intuitive abilities.

Another stone traditionally assigned to Taurus is Aventurine. It is thought to bring luck and opportunity.

Other stones for Taurus include Amber, Coral, Emerald, Rose Quartz, Turquoise and Azurite.

Key words for people born under the sign of Taurus are said to be: sensual, pleasure-seeker, steadfast, strives for security. Taureans see red when continually provoked. Taurus rules the throat, neck, thyroid gland and vocal tract.

Taureans share their sign with such notables as William Shakespeare, Audrey Hepburn and Salvadore Dali. You can shop for a Taurus pendant in my Celestials Collection in The Silver Forge Shop.

Aries

Aries, The Ram, is the first symbol of the Zodiac. Anyone born between 21 March and 20 April is born under this sign. Aries, the latin word for Ram, is a cardinal sign, and is ruled by the planet Mars. Its symbol is , representing the ram’s face and horns. Aries is one of the four fire signs.

Bloodstone, also known as heliotrope, is one of the birthstones for Aries. It is believed to be a grounding force.

The other stone traditionally assigned to Arians is the diamond. Diamonds are thought to enhance your ability to cut through clutter and see facts clearly.

April – Diamond

Key words for people born under the sign of Aries are said to be: willpower, impulsive, initiative, courage, energy, activity. An Arian often rushes headlong into things. Aries rules the head, brain and eyes.

Arians share their sign with such notables as Vincent Van Gogh, Bette Davis and Harry Houdini.

You can shop for an Aries pendant in my Celestials Collection in The Silver Forge Shop.

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jewellery handcrafted by ruthie gray