Route 66 is a 3 strand necklace celebrating the 100th birthday of famous and well loved Route 66! I used Aqua Apatite flat ovals, Green-blue round Turquoise and Turquoise nuggets. It's finished with Delica Glass spacer beads and a fancy Gold filled slide and lock 3 strand clasp.

This necklace is also a celebration of December's birthstone, Turquoise. Its said that those who wear Turquoise bring the "Wisdom of the Ancient Ones" to them! Turquoise is also considered a stone that improves communications. As per crystalvaults.com, "For centuries Turquoise has been recognized as possessing the power to protect riders from injury due to falls. First used as amulets by Turkish soldiers, on their persons and attached to their bridles and trappings, it later came to be used for protection against falls of any kind. [Kunz, 109] Turquoise is also reputed to be influenced by the physical condition of the person who wears it. It is thought to grow pale when its owner is sick or sad, lose all color when the person dies, and gradually recover its color when transferred to a new healthy owner, its color deepening each day. [Fernie, 268]

Historically, Turquoise is credited with the property of securing friendly regard, verifying the traditional saying that “he, or she, who owns a Turquoise will never want for a friend.” [Fernie, 37] In the Orient, a Turquoise ring was worn as a protector against all things evil. The proverb states: “Given by a loving hand it brings with it happiness and good fortune.” However, the ring emitted protective energy only if the stone was given by a friend. It was believed to restore clear vision to the mind when the thinking became muddled and thus ensured good fortune. [Mella, 111]

Turquoise has always been valued as an ornamental gem, often considered a symbol of male power. Anselmus de Boot, court physician of Emperor Rudolph II, wrote in 1609 that Turquoise was so highly regarded by men that no man considered his hand to be well adorned unless he wore a fine Turquoise. [Kunz, 111] Today, we know Turquoise empowers men and women equally, and worn or carried, it is a talisman of luck, success, ambition and creativity. [Eason, 239]

In the workplace, Turquoise promotes leadership, assists relocation or regular travel associated with career, and helps avoid unwise investments. It helps overcome writer’s block, and is a stone of clear communication when giving information; an especially good amulet for those who work in the law, or for local or central government. [Eason, 41, 239] Turquoise is especially recommended for accountants and computer operators for mental relaxation, for those who work in radio or television to release anxiety, and for laborers to protect from bodily harm. [Mella, 129-132]

As a crystal for travel, Turquoise protects you and your possessions against theft, loss or attack, helps prevent accidents, especially falls, and even guards your pet. [Eason, 41-42] Attached to a collar, bridle, or cage, Turquoise prevents animals from straying or being stolen, and makes horses sure-footed and obedient to their riders. [Eason, 239]"

According to energymuse.com, "Give in to the inspirational qualities of the Apatite crystal stone and encourage a peaceful respite from the confusion that comes from adulting in the modern world. The Apatite crystal stone helps to reawaken a sense of clarity that lights the path to self-expression. It gives us the guidance we need to maintain the delicate balancing act between following our dreams and the daily responsibilities of adulthood. Made from a common group of minerals containing a calcium phosphate base, Apatite reminds us that truly knowing oneself is the key to opening up the doors of the universe, a place where anything is possible.

Speaking of possibilities…Here’s the game changer in harnessing the full potential of Apatite. Create a daily meditation ritual with a specific intention or goal in mind. Apatite is particularly useful because it works to magnify and strengthen your intention, giving you the clarity of mind necessary for deepening your focus and spiritual awareness.

Begin your journey with Apatite by first creating a sacred space that’s conducive to healing. That means putting away the Febreeze and Yankee Candles and returning to nature with a sage smudge stick or Palo Santo wood. The Native Americans have used these natural energy purifiers in their cleansing rituals for thousands of years as a way to stay connected to nature and its life-giving elements. Start by smudging your Apatite stone to cleanse it of negative energy that can accumulate over time. Healing crystals act like a sponge, soaking up bad vibes, so it’s important to cleanse them often. Fully envelope your crystal with sage smoke and then give it a specific intention, putting it to work for you whenever you call on it.

Setting an intention is an excellent way to access the Apatite stone benefits because it aligns the mind with a specific goal. Start your therapeutic session by sitting quietly with the stone and letting go of any negative thoughts or grudges that rise to the surface. Meditation practice also provides an opportunity to take stock of your current mind-body-spirit status because it encourages peaceful contemplation. Breathe in healing energy and exhale the negativity. It’s that simple, especially with the vibrant energy of Apatite reinvigorating your appetite for life."

I didn't know that about smudging Apatite! FYI, I do grow organic Sage and other herbs and I made Blessing Bundles that work like Sage Smudge sticks but my bundles also have other herbs and flowers included, like Lavender, Thyme, Oregano and Marigolds!

If you purchase Route 66, I'll send along one of my Blessing Bundles as a gift!!