Every gem show is a whirlwind and this year was no exception! Attending the show in person allows us to choose each crystal with intention and gives us an opportunity to build relationships with other small family businesses. Sharing genuine conversations and mutual respect for the care and passion of Earth's natural treasures, these connections are the heart of the show and the reason we return year after year.
The backdrop of the gem show is the beauty and wonder of the desert. Coming from a Wisconsin winter of cold and snow, the open skies and warm sunshine created the perfect setting. The surrounding land carries a powerful grounding energy and encourages a deeper spiritual connection with Mother Earth.
We kicked off the trip with a Full Moon rising (pictured above) during a hike through Sabino Canyon, and it immediately set the tone for everything that followed. There was something grounding and expansive about watching the moon come up over the desert, and that energy seemed to carry through the rest of the show. Add in the incredible Tucson sunsets each evening, and it felt like a reminder to slow down, stay present, and really soak in the experience.
One of our gem show traditions is designing and wearing crystal beaded bracelets. This year we handcrafted a Desert Light bracelet using Moonstone & Sunstone, Pyrite, Hematite, and Tibetan Quartz. The combination of these crystals encourage vitality, empowerment, and anchors in stability and support during times of transition. It is for those who are a walking a path of balance and in need of grounding energy while remaining connected to your inner light.
For each gem show we build a crystal grid as a way to carry our heart-led intentions for abundance, grounding, and connecting into the surrounding land. This year we incorporated crystals that carry the energy of 2026.
Be sure to also check out our Tucson Gem Show highlight over on Instagram for all the behind-the-scenes!
As we head back home to Wisconsin, we return with renewed inspiration, meaningful connections, and a deep sense of gratitude. The desert's grounding energy and the shared passion of our community reminds us that this is as much about relationships and intention as it is about crystal themselves. Thank you to everyone who followed along in stories and joined our Lives! We're so excited to share all our new finds with you once our pallets arrive - each piece was chosen with intention and guided by the energy of connection and inspiration!
At the heart of our sound baths are the gongs. Their deep, resonant tones create the foundation for the experience, guiding the body into relaxation and the mind into stillness. It's no surprise that our sound gong baths are a customer favorite!
Traditionally, gongs were used in rituals and ceremonies, signaling important moments, transitions, or gatherings. They continue to hold protective and transformative qualities, capable of clearing stagnant energy and restoring harmony. Today, gongs can be found in meditations, sound baths, yoga, and energy healing sessions. They are valued for their profound ability to induce deep states of relaxation and awareness.
Gongs can be crafted from a blend of metals, such as nickel, bronze, stainless steel, and titanium. The metal is heated, shaped, hammered, and tempered, to create an instrument that has its own unique personality and resonance. They can range from gentle, shimmering overtones to deep, thunderous waves.
Gongs have benefits for our body, mind, and spirit. Their vibrations bypass the thinking mind and works directly with our body's energy systems. During a sound bath, you may experience sensations of floating, emotional release, deep calm, falling asleep, or vivid imagery. Each person's experience is unique and often continues to unfold throughout the day or evening.
Using a gong in your home or sacred space can be a powerful ally in your personal practice. If you're a Reiki or energy healing practitioner, sound healing practitioner, or interested in using a gong in your personal space, you can work with gongs to help clear energy, ground, and release emotions. It's more about intention and presence than technique. Play the gong gently with the appropriate mallet, giving each tone time to fully bloom and dissolve before the next strike. Let the sound guide the session, taking note of where the vibrations support release and clear stagnant energy.
See our blog Djuro's Tips for Caring for Your Sound Vibrational Instruments for more information on the care and maintenance of your gong.
Experience the gong and a glimpse at our complimentary sound bath from our 2022 Customer Appreciation Event! This sound healing demonstration combines gongs, singing bowls, chimes, drumming, and other instruments to create a soothing, immersive environment. The vibrations support relaxation and a sense of balance across the body, mind, and spirit.
Gongs offer more than just sound. They invite deep listening, energetic balance, and return to inner stillness! Making a gong bath a regular part of your self-care routine can reduce stress, improve interpersonal relationships, and bring you closer to your soul's purpose. Check out our upcoming classes & events to reserve your space!
Recently, we sat down with Ruth McEwen here at Angelic Roots who has a background as a sound practitioner, music-thanatologist, and hospice social worker. Ruth shares her journey, her perspective on grief and loss, and how she brings balance and gratitude into her work and daily life.
Can you share a bit about your journey and what led you to create Rx Sound Journeys?
All of my life experiences and relationships have in some way planted seeds to emerge in the birthing and offering of Rx Sound Journeys. Working with sound in therapeutic ways has been one of those life responses to my questions and curiosities about who am I, what’s my meaning and purpose, and coming at a time of great loss and grief. I was drawn to music and used it personally navigating my loss and grief journey, and then was led into the field and incredible world of Music-thanatology. Music-thanatology is a unique and specific field of care for the dying - using harp at the bedside with prescriptive music to support the complex needs in the dying process.
My professional studies and work as a Music-thanatologist expanded my mind, heart, and soul, deepening the power of presence in my hospice social work and bringing the healing resonance of Harp music to those nearing end of life and their loved ones. My desire to continue learning, and for my own personal growth and well-being, then led me to study other sound modalities and practices beyond Music-thanatology. I began utilizing some of these for my self-care and found great support in those practices and in experiencing individual sound sessions and group sound bath sessions. As friends and family members became aware of my work, they asked me to share and work with them and encouraged me to offer sessions.
Walk us through a typical individual or group session, including a bit about each instrument you utilize and how someone would best prepare.
Prior to your arrival, a welcoming and sacred space is created with sound vibrations used for clearing and opening of the space. Dress comfortably (you will remain fully clothed with the exception of shoes). The degree of your comfort supports the depth of your receptivity and experience in the sound journey. You are invited to be reclined, in a relaxed state and position through the session. Blankets, bolsters, and eye masks are available to support your comfort. If you are not comfortable in this position, alternative positioning will be found for you. Some thought about your desires or intentions for the session is helpful before you come. It may be simple “me time” or a specific life issue. In an individual session, a brief conversation about this and how to best support you is held. In both individual or group sessions, a small notebook is provided for you to write your intention in if you like - there is some power in putting your intention into words and in writing it down. The notebook is yours to take with you.
With your intention in mind, you light a beeswax candle which is provided. The candle burns with your intention through your session. Beeswax clears negative ions and offers purity as the flame holds and carries your intention. At the end of your session when you blow out your candle you acknowledge that your intention lives within you. The candle is yours to take home where you can reignite it when you want to reconnect in a conscious way with your intention and/or sound journey experience.
Intentional and prescriptive use of varied sound vibrations of Tingshas, Tuning Forks, Steel-Tongue Drum, Ocean Drum, and Harp will be offered with some brief periods of silence and stillness all supporting a deepened state of relaxation and natural innate healing processes. Each of the instruments have roots in ancient healing and meditation practices, each with its own resonance and frequencies.
A session begins with the sounding of Tingshas, ancient instruments, that provide a clear focused ringing sound and then gentle dissipating vibration. The clear ring draws energies to a focus as two chimes create one balanced focused sound and negative or superficial energies dissipate as the vibration slowly diminishes and dissipates - opening and balancing energies.
Throughout the session different instruments will be played, sounding at various times each deepening your state of relaxation as levels of the stress hormone cortisol reduce and health supporting nitric oxide levels increase.
Tuning forks are used to tune and calm your nervous system and bring your biochemistry and organ systems into balance through the sounding of varied musical intervals and overtones.
The steel-tongue drum produces low vibrations of pure sustained tones that penetrate the body to deepen relaxation and healing. The varied notes/tones can be sounded in different patterns to support the chakras.
The ocean drum creates and mimics the soothing sounds of waves or gentle rainfall, or the movement of the amniotic fluid of the womb, fostering calm, safety, and deepening relaxation. The drum is also sometimes used with stronger movement producing greater vibrancy and sound for clearing and cleansing stagnant or blocked energies.
The harp considered the most ancient of stringed instruments, offers the greatest capacity of melody, harmony and rhythm through wide range of tones, frequencies, resonances to balance and calm the complexity of body, mind and soul through its gentle vibrational tonal beauty.
All of the instruments and their unique gentle vibrations aid relaxation of your central nervous system and support a shift from the most common “fight or flight” stress state to a more relaxed “rest and digest” state - the state of healing and restoration. Your brain waves may also gradually ease into the theta brain wave state, supporting increased creativity, intuition, spiritual awareness, learning, and reduced anxiety. Some of the physical benefits of a sound session may include lowered blood pressure and heart rate, eased and deepened breathing, increase in circulation, lowered cortisol (stress hormone), and increase in nitric oxide (important for many of our health functions).
Vibrations follow intentions and may affect your energies in varied ways like cleansing, clearing, grounding, calming, freeing, energizing, moving, motivating, creating, or integrating. Vibrations are received in many ways beyond conscious auditory hearing. Your skin is much like the skin of a drum, and the hairs on your body are like little antennas - all receiving the vibrations.
Additionally, a deep inner hearing can occur beyond conscious hearing and listening when you are in a deepened relaxed state. As you relax and experience the vibrations, space is created in your physical, mental, emotional states so your innate inner wisdom can respond, knowing what is needed and what to release. This may be experienced at conscious and subconscious levels in mind, body, and/or spirit during the journey. More conscious awareness can continue to occur. For some, dream work or journaling are helpful tools in the days following. Use of your intention notebook may be helpful following your session.
Can you share a meaningful moment of growth or transformation you've witnessed in a session?
Where deep relaxation may be a “nice experience”, it can also be transformative in dealing with anxiety and depression. My client shared that in the immersive experience and safety of the sound journey they felt an opening and sense of freeing - moving out of what had become habitual reaction or expectation to their life circumstances and now beginning to see and experience that there are other ways and possibilities.
Within the session, the client’s body visibly relaxed with the muscle tension visible as they came in to the session releasing - shoulders relaxing, countenance softening, hand clenching easing with hands relaxed and open. The physical manifestation of their body opening and relaxing mirrored what they expressed feeling internally as their mind and emotions opened and softened.
Another client dealing with major life transitions and loss, expressed feeling able “to breathe” again. They reported decreased physical pain and anxiety and regaining a sense of self. The deep state experienced during the sound journey session opened awareness of the need, possibility, and commitment to care for self and the realization that while “carrying” and caring for another they lost sight of caring for self. Additionally, they expressed realization of the negative impact not only for themselves, but even for the one they were caring for.
How has sound healing transformed you personally, and how does that inner transformation influence the way you hold space for others?
As mentioned earlier, I was led to the work of Music-thanatology in the space of loss and grief following my husband’s transition from physical life. I loved my work as a hospice social worker and was not looking for any other changes in my life. My work was grounding and carrying me through my grief.
But as life would have it, I signed up for a seminar that ended in a life altering journey. I did not know what Music-thanatology was and thought I was going to hear about what types of music might bring comfort to my hospice patients and families. My life was forever altered as this seminar opened a path I hadn't been searching for, yet life had been quietly leading me toward.
The journey, a move across country and a 3-year post graduate education and formation program to become a Music-thanatologist upended my already upended life. It took the liminal and fertile tilled soil of my loss and grief and brought forward much that was already present in the depths of my life and experiences into deeper and fuller ways while it cracked my heart, mind, and soul open to so much more.
My introduction to working with sound as a modality of care and facilitation in the profound work of dying has had a profound impact on my acceptance and appreciation of self and my life experiences, and my acceptance and appreciation of the unique and cumulative experiences that each of us have. The greatest learning has been how to create and hold space and support/facilitate an individual’s processing at conscious and unconscious levels in and through the culmination of their physical life and passage. To do that, I needed first to learn how to do that for me - to create space and willingness and acceptance to grow in my own self awareness.
In order to hold space for others, I must be clear about who I am and neither project or over identify or assume I know or understand another or have answers. It is an ongoing process of living more consciously with love, curiosity, acceptance and openness. My holding space for others is in the presence, acceptance and honoring of each individual’s unique human experiences and utilizing the my knowledge, skills and experience to facilitate their journey of coming more into their balance and full expression of their deepest self.
What self-care tools or practices support you the most in your own well-being?
Just as my harp needs frequent fine-tuning, I’ve learned that my mind, body and spirit also need attention and fine-tuning for optimal beingness and vibration. I used to think “I don’t have time” and found that when I made the time, I ended up with a sense of more time because I was focused and calm and “in tune”. The reality is most of my practices literally take a few minutes each and give me so much more in return.
Here are some of my favorite self-care tools.
Additionally, integral to my well-being are spending time in nature, monthly massages, my continuing studies, and work with sound.
My experiences as a client in individual sound sessions and group sound sessions support me in my self-care and continued exploration of life and becoming more fully who I am in living out my soul path. The gifted practitioners in their presence and sound offerings open and drop me into deeper places of inner knowing and wisdom.
I have had varied experiences including much needed deep relaxation, unplugging from the busyness of life and an energy reboot, freeing up some old stuck patterns and habits, and guided shamanic journeys with new or expanded awareness of supportive beings. All of this creating and supporting a greater openness, appreciation and love for this gift and journey of life, forms the foundation and heart of my desire to help and facilitate others on their life journeys.
I have also been especially blessed this past year as life with a new teacher and expansive learning and experiences in Energy Anatomy and practices with Prune Harris.
The joy in all of this is finding that as I create space for my fine-tuning and care for me, I have greater capacity and desire to hold space and care for others.
If you would like to learn more, check out Ruth's offerings here at Angelic Roots or visit her website RxSoundJourneys.org for more information!
Whether in our Gong Baths or in our Boutique, we love sharing our love and enthusiasm for sound vibrational instruments. Each instrument carries its own unique vibration and spirit. We are often asked how to properly care for them to maintain their beauty and energetic integrity. With mindful care and regular maintenance, you can preserve not only their physical quality but also the clarity and the intention of the sounds they produce. Djuro shares his favorite tips for storing and caring for your sound instruments so they can continue to support your sound healing journey for years to come.
One of the oldest known percussion instruments, the frame drum consists of a shallow circular frame with a stretched membrane that produces a deep, resonant sound when struck.
Adaptable Frame Drums
Typically made from North African goat skin, these drums require regular maintenance to preserve their tone and longevity.
Native American–Style Drums
Traditionally made from North American animal hides such as elk, bison, moose, or deer, these drums are not as adaptable but can be adjusted with care.
Vegan Drums
Made from synthetic fibers, these drums are durable and low-maintenance.
Ocean or Rain Drums
These can be made from either synthetic fiber or natural goat skin.
An ancient instrument used in our sound baths to create powerful, resonant vibrations that help calm the mind, release tension, and restore energetic balance within the body.
Paiste or Chau Gongs
Paiste is a Bronze alloy called Nickel Silver, which contains Nickel, Copper, and Zinc. Chou is made from a bronze alloy, typically consisting of about 77% to 80% copper and 23% to 20% tin.
Grotta Sonora Gongs
Grotta Sonora is made from a special metal alloy which is a blend of nickel and stainless steel. They also make special designs in silver nickel.
Crystal and metal singing bowls produce soothing, harmonic tones that promote deep relaxation, energetic alignment, and a meditative state of mind. Proper care helps preserve their tone, resonance, and beauty for years to come.
Crystal Singing Bowls
Typically made from high-quality pure silica quartz
Tibetan Singing Bowls
Typically made from multiple metal alloys
Their gentle, melodic tones promote relaxation, balance, and a sense of inner harmony.
Zaphir Chimes are protected with a layer of varnish, and the wooden elements are coated in wax.
The flute has deep roots in Indigenous cultures, traditionally used for ceremony, storytelling, and personal expression. Its soothing, heartfelt tones foster peace, reflection, and spiritual connection.
Native Style Wood Flutes can be made from a variety of woods, including Sungu Teak, Jackfruit, Cedar, Maple, or Salam Wood.
Caring for your sound instruments is more than simple maintenance — it’s an act of respect and reciprocity. These tools are living extensions of vibration and intention, supporting healing, grounding, and transformation with every note. When you take time to cleanse, store, and handle them mindfully, you honor not only their physical beauty but also the spirit and energy they carry.
Mr. Delbert Charging Crow, a full-blooded Oglala Lakota Sioux Native American, carries on the sacred tradition of carving stone animal fetishes. Each piece is more than a carving—it’s a spiritual connection to the Animal Spirits and the wisdom of the Stone People.
Mr. Charging Crow shares how his calling first came through a dream:
One day I dreamed a wonderful dream. Great-Grandma appeared to me. She had a handkerchief tied to a rope with 15 knots. She took them off and showed they were vertebrae shaped like a buffalo, and she told me I needed to carve one. It was a spiritual animal she used for good luck. That day I carved my first buffalo out of alabaster with good intentions.
For him, fetish carvings are living connections:
The Stone People have a lot to teach us if we listen to them and show them respect. If you hold your animal fetish in your hand and think about the changes you need in your surroundings and the ailments you struggle with in your body, mind, and soul, your Animal Spirit Helpers will aid you with these issues.
These sacred objects are hand-carved from stone and are used for spiritual guidance, protection, and connection to animal spirits. Each carving represents more than just the physical form of the animal — it embodies the spirit and medicine that the animal offers.
Lakota carvers don’t simply choose an animal to create. Instead, they tap into the energy of the stone, allowing its natural shape, texture, and vibration to guide them in revealing the animal within. This intuitive process honors both the spirit of the stone and the essence of the animal it becomes. These carvings serve as protectors, teachers, and spiritual companions, connecting us to the strength, wisdom, and guidance carried by the animal spirit.
Working with stones such as Soapstone, Alabaster, Pipestone, and more, Mr. Charging Crow begins by listening to the stone itself. As he explains, the spirit of the animal reveals itself once the first layer of stone is removed using manual tools (never powered tools). During the carving process, the piece is placed in water, where Mr. Charging Crow calls upon the water spirits to bless it. While submerged, the carving is carefully smoothed and polished by hand.
Once the stone is ready, it is set in the Sun to drink in light and release the water it has held. Then, the sacred bundles are added—leather, feathers, beads, and gemstones tied to the back of the animal. Each bundle represents luck, health, and the burdens of its keeper. Inside, he places South Dakota sage, spiritual food for the fetish animal. As feathers are gathered, prayers and sacred plants are offered on behalf of the carving, honoring its spirit.
Through his work, Mr. Charging Crow honors his ancestors, his dreams, and the sacred spirits of the stones—passing forward traditions that hold deep meaning for the Lakota people and for all who are open to their teachings.
Mr. Charging Crow explains the symbolism and significance of different animal spirits.
Boss Mare (Horse)
The leader of the herd. Carries a walking stick tied with medicine bundles symbolizing leadership, prayer, and spiritual protection. A traveling fetish for physical and astral journeys, she offers guidance, courage, and safe passage.
Buffalo or Bison
The Bison is a fierce female protector and symbol of good luck. When storms approach, buffalo face them head-on—they walk through challenges rather than run from them. They are a guide for strength, independence, courage, and fearlessness in pursuing your goals. The Bison carries an arrowhead-shaped marking on its face for added protection and guidance.
Crow
Known as “Old Man Crow.” A trickster and wise communicator. Brings laughter, honesty, and integrity. With its straight beak, Crow teaches us to speak our truth and honor wisdom through our voice.
Eagle
Grandmother spirit in the sky. A guardian of higher vision, wisdom, and divine knowledge. The hooked beak represents strength, insight, and protection from above.
Fox
Spiritually significant and deeply connected to Mr. Charging Crow’s family. Brings light, joy, and uplifting energy into your life.
Hawk
A messenger and healer, often connected to Chief Black Hawk. Protects your path and reveals where to release negativity. The curved beak symbolizes healing and direction.
Mama Bear
Symbol of hibernation, inner strength, and deep healing. A nurturing energy that supports your needs and helps you recover, grow, and transform.
Miss Turning Bear
A powerful ally during life transitions. Helps turn your life around with protection, guidance, and healing energy. A dream manifestor and guardian of change.
Owl
Keeper of wisdom, mystery, and vision in the dark. Owl energy helps you see beyond the darkness, trust your intuition, and navigate through life’s shadows with clarity and truth. A guide for deep inner knowing.
Rabbit
The gentle energy of the rabbit represents fertility, abundance, and hope.
Ram / Big Horn Sheep
Bringer of balance and inner peace. Appears in dreams to restore equilibrium. Symbol of strength, grounded action, and the ability to confront challenges with grace and confidence.
Red Elk
Inspired by a family name, the Red Elk carries love medicine—offering energies of love, self-love, and emotional healing. Embodies strong masculine protection, with antlers said to hold “thumbs and fingers,” symbolizing a personal connection to Spirit.
Snake
A powerful symbol of transformation, renewal, and rebirth. Snake energy teaches you to shed old layers, embrace healing, and step into new cycles of growth. A guardian of life force.
Squirrel
A messenger of preparation and foresight. Teaches us to store energy, knowledge, and resources for future growth. A guide for planning, gathering, and intentional living.
Turtle
Honored as a symbol of grounding, patience, and long life. Turtle energy connects you to Mother Earth, reminding you to move with intention, carry wisdom forward, and trust in divine timing. A steady and protective guide for your journey.
Wolf
The alpha female who is loyal, resilient, and wise. Teaches survival, intuition, and strength. Wolves mate for life, and in the pack, females lead with knowledge and heart.
Mr. Charging Crow offers this prayer when working with a fetish carving. Holding the carving in your hands, take a few deep breaths, quiet your thoughts and open your heart space.
Oh, Great Spirit, the Creator of all Life, Grandmother Earth and Grandfathers of the Four Sacred Winds, give our bodies the strength and the understanding to overcome these negative surroundings. Animal Spirit Guide, take us on a spiritual journey to discover a more positive outlook on life. We pray that we learn how to be honest with ourselves and to walk on the right path leading toward our spiritual healing. Give us more space so that we can bless all life and learn how to respect and forgive our enemies. Make our hearts mindful of all life so that we too can have life. We say this in the name of our Ancestral Spiritual Guides. Mitakuye Oyasin (We are all related).
When you are done with your prayers and intentions, place the fetish next to your bed, making sure it faces you as you sleep. Continue this for the first four nights of an important time of personal reflection, questions, or change. Pay close attention to your dreams or meditations for any messages or thoughts that arise. Even if you're unable to recall your dreams, tune into how you feel or emotions that arise when you first awake.
If you'd like to learn more about fetish carvings or even create your very own, join us for our upcoming Lakota Stone Animal Carving Fetish Workshop with Mr. Charging Crow. This is a one-of-a-kind, unique experience!
Every year, our Denver Gem Show trip is filled with magic—and this year was no exception. The Denver Gem & Mineral Show is one of the largest gatherings of crystal and mineral vendors in the world, and for us, it’s so much more than just sourcing inventory for the shop. It’s a time to discover rare treasures, reconnect with vendors and friends, deepen our relationship with the Earth through the beauty she shares with us, and share the excitement with all of you!
One of our favorite traditions is building a crystal grid at the show. It’s our way of setting intentions, sending healing energy to Mother Earth, and infusing love and light into all of the beautiful crystals we bring home. This practice keeps us grounded in gratitude and reminds us why we do what we do—sharing the Earth’s treasures with all of you.
Another tradition is making team bracelets to wear during the show. For us, they’re a symbol of unity—a way to feel connected and supported while we’re out sourcing treasures for you. These bracelets help keep our energy grounded and aligned as we work together. And this year, for the first time ever, we offered them to you too! It was so special to see our community excited to share in this tradition and connect with the energy alongside us.
The gem show is also about connection. We made new relationships and deepened existing ones with vendors from around the world. A highlight this year was spending time with our Peruvian vendor, who introduced us to the Inca Trilogy—the condor, puma, and serpent. Each carries its own sacred energy, and we can't wait to share the beautiful new wands, carvings, and teachings that came with this connection.
And of course, the crystals! We’ve added incredible new finds to the shop: Blue Halite from Iran, Coquimbite from Chile, Dianite from Russia, Druzy Chrome Chalcedony from Turkey, Mali Garnets from West Africa, Peridot with Chrome Diopside from Arizona, Powellite and Prasiolite from Brazil, Staurolite and Uvarovite from Russia—and so much more. With three pallets of treasures on their way home, we can’t wait for you to experience them with us.
This year, we also went live from Denver with five amazing Instagram Live Sales! It was such a joy to share the excitement of these new finds with you in real time, and we had so much fun exploring the gem show together. Connecting with you that way was definitely one of the highlights of our trip! Be sure to also check out our Denver Gem Show highlight over on Instagram for all the behind-the-scenes!
Outside the show, we also made time for recharging in nature. A stop at Iron Mountain Hot Springs was truly healing—we even brought a few crystals along to cleanse and charge in the water and mountain energy. The hot springs feature pools inspired by thermal waters around the world, and the experience was so revitalizing after spending many hours walking and shopping the gem show.
As always, we return from Denver with full hearts, truly inspired, and with so many new treasures to share. Thank you for being part of our community and joining in the excitement with us—stay tuned for all of our new finds!
Recently, we sat down with Kelly Johnson, a Reiki Master Teacher here at Angelic Roots with a background as a Registered Nurse and Educator. Kelly shares her journey, her unique perspective on blending science with intuition, and how she brings balance and compassion into her work.
I would say the empathy I feel for others naturally led me to a career in healthcare. For 20 years I served as a Registered Nurse in the ICU, where I had the honor of caring for patients and their families during some of life’s most vulnerable moments. Over time, my passion evolved into teaching, and I now work as a Nurse Educator, guiding and supporting the next generation of nurses as they step into the world of patient care.
My introduction to Reiki came many years ago while working at the hospital. A colleague of mine invited coworkers to experience a complimentary Reiki session she was offering. That first encounter piqued my interest, and I would go on to receive a few more sessions over the years, each one making a small impression on my awareness and understanding of energy healing.
A few years ago, I received a Quantum Healing session here at Angelic Roots. During the session, there was an inquiry into whether Reiki might be a path I was meant to explore. Looking back, that was another hint from the universe, though I wasn’t quite ready to act on it yet.
About a year later, the call to Reiki arrived with a strong sense of knowing. The certainty in my heart was unmistakable—now was the time. As I moved through each level of Reiki training, I came to realize that Reiki is a natural extension of the work I’ve always been drawn to—holding space for healing, compassion, and connection. Like nursing, Reiki is a heart-centered calling that allows me to walk alongside others on their healing journey.
Being a nurse has definitely shaped the kind of Reiki practitioner I am today. Nursing taught me how to really listen—not just to what someone says, but also to what’s not being said. That kind of quiet presence naturally carries over into Reiki, where holding space with compassion and without judgment is such a big part of the work.
My background as a RN allows me the benefit of understanding how the body works, how illness and stress show up physically, and how that might be reflected energetically in my Reiki clients. Nursing also taught me to pick up on the subtle shifts and really trust my instincts, and I rely on that intuition all the time in my Reiki sessions.
Both nursing and Reiki have taught me how to sit with people during tough or vulnerable moments—whether they’re in physical pain, feeling emotionally overwhelmed, or just going through something they can’t quite put into words. I know that simply being present, listening and offering a safe space and support is often what is needed most.
Balancing my allopathic training with the intuitive nature of Reiki has been a really meaningful part of my journey. At first, it felt like they came from two very different worlds—one focused on science, structure, and evidence, and the other rooted in energy, intuition, and trust. But over time, I’ve come to see how beautifully they complement each other.
My nursing background helps me stay grounded and confident, especially when it comes to understanding the body and what someone might be going through physically. Reiki, on the other hand, invites me to slow down, listen more deeply, and hold space in a gentle, intuitive way. Blending science and intuition has opened the door for me to support my client’s healing on a deeper level—physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Honoring the whole person’s unique journey is important to me.
I’ve learned so much about myself on this journey, especially when it comes to personal transformation and spiritual growth. One of the most profound shifts has been feeling a deeper sense of oneness—with humanity and with the world around me. Reiki opened the door to a whole new understanding of the subtle energies that connect all living things.
My Reiki journey has led me to work closely with the Earth and the elements, which has become a truly meaningful part of my practice. My energetic connection to nature has definitely grown stronger. When I go for a walk or a hike, I can feel the energy of the land—I hear the wisdom of the trees. I’ve come to understand that all living things carry experiences, and sometimes the land and plants need healing too, just like we do. This relationship with nature has shown me that healing isn’t just for humans—it’s for the Earth as well. Offering Reiki to the web of life that we’re all connected to has been an unexpected and joyful part of my practice and my everyday life.
One experience that will always stay with me is a client who came to me during one of the most difficult chapters of her life. She was grieving the loss of her husband while at the same time, was also navigating her own cancer journey. Despite the weight of what she was facing, she somehow approached her healing with remarkable courage and unbelievably strong intention. She committed to caring for herself in every way she could—including beginning Reiki sessions with me.
Her energetic healing unfolded gradually—subtle, but steady. Session by session, I witnessed gentle shifts in her energy. Reiki was helping her to release what she no longer needed– a multitude of emotions. I held space while she simply received, rested, and began to reconnect with herself.
As her energy started to rebalance, I could sense her resilience strengthening—like something within her was coming back online. Over time, something beautiful began to emerge: she started to find her voice again—emotionally, spiritually, and physically.
Then, one day recently, she stood before several hundred coworkers and shared her journey—something she had kept private until then. It wasn’t just a speech—it was a moment of transformation. Her vulnerability, strength, and presence were undeniable. It marked a turning point: a reclaiming of self, of power, of truth. Everything she had carried, faced, and healed through had reshaped her from the inside out, and in that moment, she stood fully in who she had become.
And then, the very next day, something remarkable happened. The Lapis Lazuli bracelet she had worn throughout this entire period—a constant presence through her grief, her cancer treatments and her healing—suddenly broke as she arrived home from work, scattering beads across her garage floor. We both recognized it as a sign, a milestone: this part of her healing journey had come to a close.
It was a true honor to bring Reiki into her life and to witness her healing journey unfold. To be invited into that sacred space and work with such a remarkable person—watching her transform, one session at a time—is a memory I will always cherish.
If you’re just getting started with Reiki or meditation, my best advice is to keep it simple. Start with just a few minutes a day—whether it’s focused breathing, placing your hands over your heart, or just sitting in stillness. —and just ease into the experience. A consistent practice of a few minutes each day is more meaningful than an occasional long sitting. Work towards developing a routine.
Having support makes a big difference. Start your practice with a friend, or if you’re able, connect with a teacher to guide you and answer questions as they come up. Create a quiet space that feels good to you, maybe add some calming music or a candle, and let it be your little sanctuary. Most of all, trust yourself and be patient—these practices unfold naturally over time, and there’s really no right or wrong way to begin.
When someone’s uncertain or hesitant about Reiki, I like to highlight a few key points. I explain that Reiki is a gentle, energy-based practice that helps bring the body, mind, and spirit back into balance. You don’t have to believe in anything specific for Reiki to work. Reiki fosters relaxation of your nervous system so your body can focus on healing itself. I usually compare it to how we naturally place our hands on an area that hurts or how we feel calmer in the presence of someone with a soothing energy—it’s that same idea, Reiki is just more intentional. I always encourage people to stay curious and open, and remind them it’s okay to ask questions or take what resonates and leave the rest. You don’t have to fully understand Reiki to benefit from it; sometimes the best way to get a feel for it is simply to experience it.
One of my favorite wellness “tools” is nature. Just stepping outside, feeling the sun on my skin, walking barefoot on the earth, or listening to the wind in the trees instantly helps me feel grounded and reconnected. Most mornings when I arrive at work, I’ll park near the trees and take a moment to step onto the grass, center myself, and set my intention for the day. On the way home, I like to use sound to clear my energy—I'll often sing or tone in the car to release any lingering tension and bring myself back into balance.
Another tool I use often is a pendulum, especially when I have questions or need clarity. It’s a simple way to connect with my inner knowing and build confidence in my intuition. I find it especially helpful when my mind feels cluttered or I’m overthinking—it gives me a moment to pause, tune in, and shift into a more intuitive space. Over time, this practice has helped me trust my inner guidance more fully, whether I’m making everyday decisions or tuning into energy during a Reiki session. It’s a tool I return to often when I want to feel more aligned and connected to myself.
And then there's journaling—my go-to for just about everything. It’s a creative outlet, a gratitude practice, a space for goal setting, and a container for planning healing rituals and more! It’s become an essential part of my self-care routine. I love sitting with pen and paper in the morning and spending some time reflecting. Honestly, wellness tools don’t need to be complicated—have fun exploring what resonates with you. Even the simplest tools, used with your intention, can make a big difference in how you move through your day—helping you feel more grounded, present, and connected to yourself.
We’re so grateful to Kelly for sharing her journey, wisdom, and heart-centered insight with us. Her story is a beautiful reminder of how science and intuition can come together to create meaningful healing experiences.
If you’d like to experience Reiki for yourself, we invite you to schedule a session with one of our practitioners—or join us for an upcoming meditation or wellness class to explore even more ways to nurture balance and connection in your own life.
There’s something deeply special about connecting with the Earth—especially when you're surrounded by the crystal energy and the quiet wisdom of Mother Nature. Our recent adventure to the historic Herkimer County area in New York was nothing short of magical, as we set out to mine for the beautiful and powerful Herkimer Diamonds.
We began our trip the way we always do: by setting intentions with a crystal grid. Grounding ourselves in clarity and purpose allowed us to align with the energy of the land and stay present and protected throughout our journey.
At each mine we visited, we paused to honor the Earth, offering gratitude to Mother Earth through crystal and herb offerings, Reiki energy, and heartfelt intention. These meaningful rituals helped us stay connected—not just to the crystals we hoped to find, but to the spirit of the land and to ourselves.
Our favorite location was Diamond Mountain Mining, where we returned three times! This incredible site offers nearly 180 acres of land to explore, with active excavations happening regularly. The care and reverence they show for the land is felt the moment you step foot on the property. Their stewardship is truly inspiring, and we were so grateful to spend time in a space filled with such intention and respect for the Earth.
Mining Herkimers isn’t easy—it’s a labor of love. These crystals formed in dolly limestone vugs—natural pockets within the rock. To find these naturally double-terminated beauties, you must break into the rock wall and search for dirt and sand-filled cavities, sometimes chiseling and hammering for hours—power tools aren’t allowed in the mines. One of the best signs that you’re close to a pocket is spotting black anthroxolite—a clue that you're on the right path to finding a crystal! Also, antlers made incredible digging and shifting tools!
As tough as the work was, it was absolutely worth it. There's nothing like the moment you reach into a pocket and feel the smooth face of a Herkimer, pulling it from the Earth for the first time after 500 million years. We unearthed the tiniest little babies all the way up to palm-sized showpieces—each one uniquely beautiful and energetically special.
The landscape itself was stunning, with rolling hills that reminded us of home in Wisconsin, yet with its own distinct energy and charm. From tuning into the energy of the Herkimer Diamonds, to offering Reiki to the land, to the pure joy of cracking open crystal-filled pockets, every moment was a gift. This trip wasn’t just about mining—it was about connection. Connection to Earth, to spirit, to intention, and to each other.
We are incredibly grateful for this experience and honored to share it with you. If you're curious about what the journey looked like, be sure to check out our Instagram and tap our Herkimer Mining highlight for more behind-the-scenes!
We had an incredible sourcing trip at the 2024 Denver Gem Show! We spent a week searching for amazing treasures and connecting with crystal lovers from all over the world. We were blessed to make some amazing connections and even took some time to enjoy the hot springs and head into the mountains for the weekend (another gem show tradition is celebrating with a concert at the end!). This Denver Gem Show was the year of the Lemurians, but we found so many unique and beautiful items that we can't wait to share them with you - stay tuned! Be sure to check out our Denver 2024 highlight on Instagram to see all of the behind the scenes!
Laurie, Lauren & Djuro heading to the beautiful Dillion Amphitheater to see Amos Lee
If you followed along with us, you'll notice one of our gem show traditions is to build a crystal grid to set our intentions, send healing to Mother Earth, and infuse love and light to all of the beautiful crystals we bring home.
We choose crystals with properties that we feel will tap into the consciousness and energy of the gem show, the land, and the community. After finding the perfect spot to place the grid, we sage the land, invite our Reiki to flow through the crystals and the land, then we take turns placing different crystals in a grid like pattern.This year we chose Gold Sheen Obsidian, Angelite, Citrine, Tourmaline, Green Flower Agate, Moss Agate, Green Aventurine, Kunzite, Apophyllite, Green Kyanite blades, and Double Terminated Himalayan Points. And in the center of a grid, a rainbow filled Lemurian point. The combination of energy was grounding, expansive, and high vibrational! Individually, we set our own intentions for the show, the surrounding land, our amazing community, trusted vendors, the incredible people we meet along the way, and all of the crystal beauties we bring home with us. We incorporate intuitively created bracelets to carry the energy of the grid as we make our way through the gem show!
Crystal grids are one of the most powerful ways to manifest your intentions! Check out our Crystal Grid blog for more information about setting up your own crystal grid!
We're so excited to be celebrating our 5 year retail anniversary! We started on this journey in 2016 searching for a meaningful way to bring our passion for Reiki, sound healing, and crystals to our community and we're so blessed to have grown, expanded, and connected with so many of you. Here are some of our favorite milestones!
Our hope is that we've touched your lives just as you've touched ours. We look forward to the future as we continue to grow, expand, and connect. We're forever grateful for our amazing community's love and support over the years - thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
Blessings,
Laurie & Djuro
Have you ever wondered why the energy of the crystals from the Tucson Gem and Mineral show is so amazing? Tucson sits along a ley line in the center of several mountain ranges amplified by the four cardinal elements in the land making it a powerful energetic vortex. This energy is increased by the vibration of the crystals at the gem show each year.
This interconnectedness raises the vibration of the crystals! We even built our own crystal grid before the first day of the gem show to amplify the energy, tune into the energy of the land, connect all of the crystals, and to set our intentions for our trip. We then cleanse and Reiki all of the minerals we bring home.
Tucson was a whirlwind of a trip, but we wouldn’t change a thing! Navigating the shows, prepping crystals, hosting live sales, and packing takes a lot of effort and long hours, but our AR Team (Laurie, Djuro, Lauren, Christine) worked so hard and had fun doing it. We are so grateful to have the opportunity to connect with vendors from all over the globe and hand select minerals from the largest gem show in the world (and share it with all of you!). There’s truly nothing like it!
Typical Day at the Gem Show
We're so grateful for all of you that followed us in Stories or joined our Live sales. We loved connecting with the crystals, of course, but also with all of the people from around the world, many small family businesses like us, who are just as passionate about crystals as we are. We can't wait for you to see our new crystal beauties so stay tuned! You can also see more behind-the-scenes of our 2024 trip on Instagram (open in mobile).
The beauty of the crystals, desert, and connection truly filled our hearts with so much love. Until next year, Tucson!
