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!
We're so excited to launch our new Soul Collective Blog full of all things crystals, metaphysical, wellness and tips for spiritual growth! We're Laurie & Djuro Rodic, owners of Angelic Roots in Oak Creek, Wisconsin located in the Market Place Shopping Village. We started our business at metaphysical shows and markets in 2016 and opened our first brick and mortar storefront in 2019. We opened a second location in the Village in 2021 with an expanded line of sound instruments such as Tibetan and crystal singing bowls, gongs, drums and much more. Our vision is to share our passion for crystals, Reiki and the benefits of vibrational instruments through our individual sessions and gong baths. We've long recognized a positive impact on the body, mind and spirit by incorporating crystals, Reiki and sound instruments in our daily lives.
One of our favorite things is connecting with our growing community! We hope by sharing and inspiring you, we can continue to raise the vibration and spread love and light throughout!
You may have met us in person at our shop or an event. Or have been with us during our Instagram Live sales. We often get asked questions about our journey and advice about navigating life within the context of spirituality and living our authentic selves and we'd love to share a little bit more about ourselves.
Tell us a little about your spiritual journey. Was there a specific moment or epiphany that changed your life course?
Laurie: I spent almost 20 years working in healthcare and felt so unhappy and out of balance with what I was doing and the demands and pressures of my job and role. Having two young children and feeling lost and stuck in a career that wasn’t fulfilling for me was difficult. A friend asked me to go to an event with her and that day changed the trajectory of my life - that one class! They were sharing intuitive messages in a circle and talking about spirit guides and angels. I had never really heard any of this information and I just couldn’t stop learning about it. I started researching and doing meditations and exploring and it truly led me to where I am today. I have so much gratitude for that day and my friend who asked me to that event. There have definitely been a lot of ups and downs along the way and it hasn’t been easy but I can say that I have found a profound deep peace and so much joy. I am so grateful for this journey and I know that I am right where I am meant to be.
Djuro: I have several moments in time that I reflect upon when I think about this question. I would have to say it was definitely an accumulation of moments and experiences but two that stand out for me are these.
While at a metaphysical show I got to hear and learn about gongs for the very first time. It was only a one hour class that didn’t really focus on this instrument, but as I walked away from this event I realized I was changed forever. I found myself fully immersed into learning whatever I could about gongs and ultimately all vibrational instruments. My other moment that I think of often was my first guided meditation. It was so impactful, and I felt so wonderful afterwards that I knew this was something that needed to be a constant in my life.
What is your favorite crystal to work with?
Laurie: Quartz - all the things Quartz! If I had to choose one specific type of Quartz it would be Lemurian Quartz.
Djuro: Labradorite - I really love the kaleidoscope of colors which remind me of all the natural beauty that is around us everyday. I also connect to how the flash and colors change as you move Labradorite around. It reminds me that our perspective on things can change too if we look at it from different viewpoints.
What is one self care practice you can’t live without?
Laurie: Reiki/meditation and salt baths.
Djuro: Playing gongs and singing bowls/instruments in general. I try to do this every single day.
Where do you see Angelic Roots in five or ten years?
Laurie: I see us still having our anchor location here in Oak Creek or somewhere within Milwaukee County. We would love to have a larger location so we can all be under one roof! I love the people here in the Midwest and would like to have our anchor location always be here growing, expanding, thriving and changing with the needs of our community. I can also see us having some kind of location where we can come together in community in the Rocky Mountains. I am from Idaho and feel deeply connected to the mountains and would love to share that connection and love with our community. My dream would be to have a satellite shop and retreat center in the mountains near water - a lake or even a small stream.
Djuro: I see us connecting with a greater community and larger audience. I love interacting with people and serving the community. I would love for us to be able to expand both here at home in Southeastern Wisconsin and in another location as well.
What advice would you give someone who is just starting on their spiritual journey.
Laurie: Find a community that feels good and be a part of it. Learn some tools and use them…always, especially when you don’t want to or when you are struggling. Meditation, connecting to your intuition, being mindful of your thoughts/reactions, tuning into your body, releasing and setting intentions are some of my favorite tools. Something I also can’t live without are mineral baths and salt baths - sea salt, himalayan salt, magnesium flakes, essential oils and nice hot water! I wish we had hot springs here in Wisconsin - it would make the winters much more enjoyable.
Djuro: One of the biggest steps is committing to starting that spiritual journey. Establishing that, you want to start your practice with things that make you feel better. Finding a community or resource to give yourself multiple experiences and staying with it as your favorites develop. The more you stick with a practice the easier it becomes. Go out and try different events as often as possible, this will get you well on your way to a spiritual journey. I love to tell people about the Insight Timer app, something that is free, full of amazing meditations and teachers.
Reiki is the cornerstone of Angelic Roots. How would you describe Reiki to someone who is new to it.
Laurie: I just love Reiki! I think there is something so magical about it and my Reiki practice has truly been life changing. It is a light touch therapy that helps to bring balance to the mind, body, spirit. I believe that Reiki is a wonderful tool to help shift, release and transmute emotions that have built up within the body. It is something that I feel everyone should experience at least once for themselves. It is different for each person and each session will be a bit different because we are always shifting and changing.
Djuro: It’s everything that Laurie describes. I see amazing things happen here at Angelic Roots every week from Reiki. It could be someone walking into our shop for the first time and saying “something feels really different here." (This happens often.) Or someone leaving one of our Community Reiki events saying they feel so much better. I have to share a quick story about when we completed construction at Angelic Roots and moved in. The mail carrier of 30 years walked in and said something has really changed here, something he couldn’t describe. A feeling both inside the shop and outside too, that’s the effects of Reiki.
The gong baths are your most popular event! What’s your favorite sound instrument or way to use sound instruments?
Laurie: Definitely the drum! It is so incredibly powerful and profound. The sound just moves through the body and helps to shift and move energy through us.
Djuro: I really lean into the Gong, its dynamic range of deep tones and high crescendos are always changing and evolving….just like us.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and what would you do.
Laurie: The Himalayan Mountains; definitely to the Samadhi Quartz mines high up in the Himalayas to see how the crystals form and how they are hand mined. I would love to mine this Quartz myself someday!
Djuro: Tibet. I would like to deepen my understanding of the culture and people. Walk the streets and open air markets and visit temples.
What is your favorite oracle card deck?
Laurie: Keepers of the Light by Kyle Gray. I love the artwork and messages and Kyle has a sweet uplifting energy.
Djuro: Messages From Your Animal Spirit Guides by Dr. Steven Farmer. I use this deck often and always see how it connects with everyone. Animals are always crossing our paths or making themselves be seen, and exploring the messages behind this is something I am passionate about.
What brings you the most joy as practitioners and owners of Angelic Roots?
Laurie: Connecting and sharing with our community. I love when clients & customers come into the shop or reach out to share their stories of healing and growth along their path and how our shop or community has helped them in some way. Sometimes they tell stories about how they connected to a crystal or experienced a positive change after a class or event.
Djuro: I find so much joy in many different ways. From the deep bond with our Angelic Roots staff that support our mission to the community that supports us. Positive experiences happen every day here at Angelic Roots; that brings me so much joy.
