Crystals & Stones – Fire Moon Alchemy Blog

Venus Retrograde 2025

On March 1, 2025, Venus the planet of love, beauty, and finances, begins her retrograde journey, first moving through fiery Aries before slipping back into dreamy Pisces on March 27. This entire transit, lasting until April 12, urges us to slow down and reassess our relationships, personal values, and financial habits.

With Venus retrograding through two vastly different energies, this retrograde transit can feel unpredictable at times, requiring us to navigate both passion and introspection. In Aries, Venus retrograde leans toward impulsivity, tempting us to act on fleeting desires in love and money. But as she shifts into Pisces, the energy softens, inviting us to reflect on the deeper meaning of our relationships, reconcile karmic patterns, and establish new connections that align with who we are now, and support who we want to become.

Love & Relationships

Planets in retrograde often stir up the past, and Venus retrograde is no exception. Old lovers, unresolved emotions, and lingering questions/challenges in relationships are a few scenarios that may come up. While these situations may not be the most pleasant, they do offer the opportunity for closure or a fresh start. Venus retrograde in Aries takes no prisoners, she encourages us to confront issues head-on, clear the air, and make space for healthier dynamics moving forward.

As Venus moves back into Pisces, we’re called to examine our relationships through a spiritual lens, diving deep to reflect on karmic lessons and emotional truths. If someone from the past reappears, ask yourself: is this a test, lesson, or a second chance? And would re-involvement with this person align with who I am now, and more importantly, support who I want to become? New connections formed during this period may feel intense and “too good to be true”. Venus loves new love, but retrograde in Pisces, she can have her head in the clouds. Have fun, but it would be wise to wait until Venus goes direct before making any major commitments.

Finances & Beauty

Financially, Venus retrograde calls for discernment. It’s not the best time for major investments or luxury splurges (unless you’ve already mapped out a solid plan), as our perception of value can be skewed during this time. My advice? Tuck those extra funds away for now and use the next six weeks or so, to renegotiate financial agreements or collect on debts owed to you. Unexpected expenses may pop up, and if they do, you’ll be grateful you skipped that pricey impulse buy!

The same advice applies to beauty—drastic aesthetic changes might not turn out as expected, or you may find yourself regretting them once Venus moves direct. It’s best to wait a few weeks and really think about it. After all, your outward appearance is how you present yourself to the world. Make sure it truly aligns with who you are.

Three of Wands and Ten of Cups Tarot Cards

Tarot Cards for Venus Retrograde: 3 of Wands & 10 of Cups

For this Venus retrograde, the Three of Wands and Ten of Cups offer us guidance that feels both practical and reassuring as we navigate the ups and downs of love, relationships, and finances.

The Three of Wands reminds us to slow down and not rush into decisions. It speaks of taking a step back, looking at the bigger picture, and trusting the right opportunities will come, when we are ready for them. In the context of Venus retrograde, this means resisting the urge to jump heart-first into new relationships or making impactful choices without thinking it through.

The Ten of Cups offers a hopeful message, suggesting that while we may be revisiting old emotional patterns or confronting unresolved issues in relationships, this transit offers an opportunity to clear the air, find closure, and create space for authentic connections that nurture our well-being and growth—whether it’s with a partner, family, or even ourselves. Venus retrograde may present some challenges, but with patience, reflection, and a bit of inner work, these cards reassure us that something good is waiting for us just on the other side

For crystal lovers:

The following ten crystals are wonderful companions during Venus retrograde, supporting you in making thoughtful decisions, healing past wounds, and inviting more balanced energy into your relationships, personal values and finances:

1. Rose Quartz: Known as the stone of unconditional love, Rose Quartz can help heal past emotional wounds and open your heart to self-love and compassion. It’s perfect for restoring harmony in relationships.

2. Amethyst: This calming crystal is excellent for promoting clarity and balance. It can help you gain insight during this introspective period and keep your mind grounded.

3. Black Tourmaline: A powerful protector, Black Tourmaline can help shield you from negative energy while encouraging emotional resilience during challenging times.

4. Citrine: For financial clarity and abundance, Citrine helps with decision-making and reaffirms your worth. It can help you feel more confident in your value, whether in love or money.

5. Labradorite: A stone of transformation and intuition, Labradorite enhances your inner wisdom and helps you trust your instincts as you reflect and reassess relationships and personal goals.

6. Selenite: Known for its cleansing properties, Selenite clears out emotional blockages and negative energy, helping you move forward with clarity and peace.

7. Carnelian: For boosting confidence and creativity, Carnelian is great when you need a gentle nudge to take action, without rushing into things impulsively.

8. Moonstone: Perfect for emotional healing and intuition, Moonstone encourages deep emotional understanding and can help you release past patterns or relationships that no longer serve you.

9. Aquamarine: A stone of calm, Aquamarine supports emotional healing and promotes clear, honest communication in relationships, helping you navigate any tricky conversations.

10. Green Aventurine: For heart healing and attracting positive energy, Green Aventurine can help you open your heart to new opportunities while encouraging personal growth and emotional renewal

Christine Mann (Fire Moon Alchemy) is a gifted intuitive and certified Reiki practitioner that specializes in tarot, astrology & numerology. She is available for private readings and public & private events. She can be contacted through her website: www.firemoonalchemy.com

Leo full moon 2/5/23. Solar plexus activation. Tarot card: Six of Wands

The Six of Wands from the Rider Waite Smith tarot deck

First, let’s talk a little bit about the symbolism of this transit. The numerology is interesting. It occurs on the 5th day of the month. As well when one adds up the entire date 2+5+2+0+2+3 = 14. It also breaks down to the number 5. The sign of Leo rules the 5th house on the zodiac wheel. The fifth house relates to joy, children, self-expression, confidence, drama, romance and overall good times. It’s planetary ruler is the sun. Its archetype is the majestic lion.

All I’m going to say here is, get ready! The lion does NOT sleep tonight!

This energetic Leo full moon is activating our solar plexus chakra big time to give us an extra boost to reframe areas of our life that are overdue for a reboot. The corresponding tarot card is the six of wands. In this card, we see someone in the spotlight. This person is a winner and is ready to take on the next challenge. It can denote achieving a goal, overcoming obstacles, as well as future success. There is also an element of respect in this card. As full moons often shed light on shadow areas in our life, you may find that this transit highlights situations and people that may not be or no longer be suitable for your highest good.

Are you respected and “seen” at work, in your relationships, friendships, etc.? Do you surround yourself with people and places that support your well-being? Do your friends and family cheer for you when you win? Or not so much? Where in your life do you feel confident, happy, sexy. And in what areas of your life do you feel overlooked, disrespected, closed-off or in general is not moving in the direction that you want it to?

After the full moon, it will enter its waning phase. Banishing, clearing, cleansing, de-clutter are some keywords for the waning moon. Often, we yearn for change, but our lives are so busy and cluttered, that we don’t have room for anything else to come in. I would also recommend an aura clearing bath, as well as energetically cleansing one’s personal space to “clear out” stagnant energies that may be lingering. If you would like advice on how to do this that is personalized for your situation, contact me.

When it comes to Leo, it’s all about heart. It has been recently scientifically proven that the heart has it’s own “consciousness”. Pay attention to what your heart and body is telling you. Stress and painful emotions often manifest as sensations in the chest area. The heart doesn’t lie. Be kind but honest with yourself. What needs to go or what do you need to limit your exposure to, in order for you to be happier and healthier? The Leo Moon is not complicated. It really is as simple as that.

Leo, as I mentioned above, also corresponds to children. And a Leo moon further amplifies this energy. Spending time with young ones has a way of bringing out our silly side. We laugh and play alongside them. Honestly, is there anything more joyful than a child’s smile? Spend time with kids if you can or nurture your own inner child by engaging in a youthful activity or watching funny, cute videos online. If you are trying to conceive, this week leading up to the full moon may prove favorable for you.

Crystal suggestions: Amber, citrine, malachite, carnelian, clear quartz, green jade, moonstone, tigers eye, sunstone

Have a great week!

Tarot Forecast for 8/15-8/21/22. The only way to go from here is up! Karmic shift, justice, crystal information.

Eight of Swords (reversed), Wheel of Fortune, Justice (Light Seers Tarot)

So, we are in the aftermath of the recent powerful Super Full Moon in Aquarius, and now the moon is just beginning its waning (reducing) phase traveling primarily through the signs of Taurus and Gemini this week.

At the beginning of the week, we have the eight of swords reversed. Let’s be honest. We’ve all been here. Sometimes life gets rough and it gets the better of us. We can feel stuck, depressed, trapped. But look closely at this card. I love the artist’s interpretation of the reversed eight of swords in the Light Seers Tarot. We are witnessing the moment wherein she realizes who she is. The bonds are broken, the blindfold is off, and she is just about to rise up off her knees. A shift in perspective makes all the difference. If this is you, I’m cheering you on! The only way to go from here is up!

Mid-week, we have the Wheel of Fortune upright. Your mental shift earlier in the week pays off! This has freed up space for the Universe to bring in some good things. Stay open as the energies are influx. Literally, when the Wheel of Fortune is upright, anything could happen! You may get a new job, raise or promotion, begin a new project, experience a renewed sense of faith, health or confidence, receive good news, have a download of creative ideas, or perhaps a legal matter is finally concluded. Look at the images in the first two cards. This is a big shift. Our lady goes from being on her knees, to a perfectly balanced yoga “tree pose” at the top of the Wheel of Fortune! What just happened? Your future just took a turn for the better.

At the end of the week, as the moon travels through the quick moving air sign of Gemini, we have another major arcana card, Justice. You might sign a contract, wrap up a negotiation, speak your truth, give notice at work, sell or buy a home, or perhaps karmic or court justice (or both as the case may be) is served. Two, out of the three cards here are major arcana. This can denote important life themes or that universal/cosmic energies are exerting their influence.

This could be a big week for some of you. There is an opportunity for a peaceful resolution or a positive change. Something is granted, rewarded or released. Balance is restored.

The crystals I chose for this reading are kyanite and labradorite.

Kyanite is a potent stone that clears away negativity. Similar to selenite, it has the ability to cleanse and clear other crystals that are in close proximity to it. Its “broom” shape can be used in a symbolic “sweeping” motion to clear away negative or foggy energy from our auric field, other crystals, altar or space.

Labradorite is primarily used as a meditation and/or “psychic stone”, although it has many other properties as well. It aids us in connecting with higher realms of consciousnesses and the Akashic records. It promotes peace within our mind, body and emotions, allowing for restful sleep. Its protective nature helps to banish fears within our subconscious aiding us in releasing blocks so that we can access the full potential of our magick within. It inspires faith in oneself and trust in the divine process.

The dove feather symbolizes peace and restored faith. Have a great week everyone! ❤️

Today’s message from the Seven of Cups

Seven of Cups

Planetary association: Venus in Scorpio (Opportunities and excess)

Crystals: I chose rose quartz and peacock ore for this message

You have an opportunity to shine as you have many gifts and abilities and are now in a position to utilize them to great advantage. A project you undertake now has the potential to be very successful. If you remain modest, and do not let success go to your head, help will be available to enable you to achieve your goals. Pay attention to detail. Be realistic in your expectations of yourself and other people. Live according to your highest values, stay away from gossip and drama, and fortune will smile upon you. Be willing to support as well as lead.

I-Ching w/Tarot divination

Selenite – Cleansing & Calming

You can feel selenite’s calming effects when you hold it.

I adore selenite! For people that are new to crystals, selenite is one of those must haves in any collection. This fabulous mineral is easy to come by. It is available online and I’ve seen it in stores such as Ross and Marshalls. It comes in a variety of shapes such as sticks, wands, candle holders, tumbled stones, spheres, pyramids you name it! Known for it’s soothing and calming energies, this mineral is a wonderful addition to any space.

Selenite is known as a clear vibrational mineral. It acts as a cleanser in the environment, almost like a filter. It’s high vibration properties can be used to clear negative energies from jewelry and other crystals when these objects are placed on it. It also has a soothing effect when it is held, and when it is placed in a living space. I particularly love my large selenite lamp!

For those who work with crystal energies, selenite can be used in combination with other crystals such as amethyst and clear quartz, to aid in the connection to the higher dimensional realms of the angels and ascended masters. Energy channelers often wear selenite pendants in combination with other stones, while they are working to aid in transmuting the energy and to keep the “lines” open.

Selenite can also be used on the outside of crystal grid patterns as a boundary to anchor the space and to keep the intention inside the grid clear. The selenite sticks are excellent for use in this way. I like to use four sticks (one for each direction). I will publish future posts including pictures on crystal grids. Sticks or pyramids can also be used to “grid” ones home as well!

Place selenite alongside lighted candles, or use selenite candleholders in a room or sacred space. You will instantly feel more relaxed! Selenite will dissolve in water over time, so be careful with it if you have it near you while you are taking a bath.

Some people think of selenite as a protective stone. But in my opinion, it acts more like a filter and/or cleanser. It transmutes the surrounding energies, but it does not necessary “block” them. I prefer to use selenite in this way. To “cleanse” a space to enhance the effectiveness of the other crystals that I am working with. When I work with selenite, I get the impression of calmness, clarity, and cleansing. Like taking a deep breath of cool air and exhaling ahhhhhh!

When choosing white selenite, look for clean, bright white pieces without a lot of other mineral inclusions (an exception to this is if you are purchasing a cluster – there are usually other minerals in those). But for the sticks, tumbled stones, spheres, etc. pure white is best.

Selenite also comes in a beautiful orange color. I have large crystal heart made of orange selenite as well as a candleholder. It is gorgeous in the evening, lit up with the candle burning inside. The energetic properties of orange selenite function the same as the white and is widely available.

Houston Gem & Mineral Show!

I went to the Houston Gem & Mineral show in Humble this past weekend. It was amazing! This was my first show – I have always either purchased crystals in retail stores or online. There were so many vendors with a huge variety of crystals (and fossils too)! It was wonderful to speak to the vendors and find out first hand the information about their gems. For example, the country of origin, the mines they came from, and the process that was used to extract them. There were some stunning (and expensive) rare specimens as well. What an experience to see these beauties up close!

I went a little “crystal crazy” I must admit (laugh). There were so many beautiful gems and larger specimens as well that would be expensive and risky to ship. I would recommend any crystal lover make the time to attend a show. You will be hooked! There is another event coming up in Conroe. I will post the information shortly. Here is the link to the HGMS show for more information.