How to set a focus before doing a meditaton.

Warming Up

Carnelian is a microcrystalline quartz whose reddish-orange color is said to be due to trace iron. Looking at carnelian energetically we see its iron acts to ground the quartz energy. This in turn allows the quartz to work better with the blood forces in the body. In this case the color association of the red carnelian with blood isn't accidental.

Since iron is used biologically for transference of oxygen in the blood, connecting with carnelian builds up the properties of iron in the energetic body. The trace iron in carnelian in conjunction with the energetic quartz can work to bring more blood flow to areas it comes in contact with.

Just as increased blood flow is necessary to keep the body warm in cold weather, when seen energetically carnelian also increases the flow of warmth where it comes into contact with the body. Energetically we see carnelian working like a gentle flame similar to a small candle.

A peaceful and gentle meditation we like is to start by holding carnelian pieces in each hand while sitting up comfortably in a reasonably quiet place. Next we visualize a small gentle flame slightly below our belly button. The flame is very small and offers only very gentle warmth. As we concentrate on the energetic flame, we slowly feel its warmth moving up our energy body to the solar plexus and then onto the heart. Gradually we feel the energetic heart slowly melting in the soft feeling of warmth consistently rising upwards.

Practicing in this way for 15 to 20 minutes, we soften ourselves up to become more fluid and aware of our energy body, which also makes this a great starting meditation for further explorations.