Crystal Methods...

By Taylor Lieberstein

After being isolated for months during the COVID-19 crisis has many people searching for different ways to cope and heal. For some, especially those who are keen to connect on an earthly level, utilizing crystals is one way to stay centered and calm during particularly rocky times. While many modern approaches to medicine are lifesaving and good, the more holistic and natural methods of caring for your physical, mental, and spiritual health should not be ignored. Holistic medicine and practices can really help bring out the best your body and mind have to offer.

Opened in 2015, Valhalla's Gate, is Clarksville’s first and only holistic health and metaphysics store. This gem of a store specializes in items and services designed for people looking to naturally enhance their overall well-being. The shop features local artisan products such as handmade candles, air plants and handmade crystal jewelry, essential oils, fresh herbs, tea blends, lotions, healing stones and more. They also carry health care alternatives such as natural remedies for anxiety, skin irritations and insomnia. Valhalla’s Gate also offers a variety of services, including tarot reading, monthly open discussions and special events.

Owner of Valhalla’s Gate, Tammy Flecha, began practicing holistic healing long before it became mainstream. Metaphysical and natural healing have seen a spike in popularity in recent years making it the perfect time to share her knowledge and passion for holistic healing. Flecha said between Austin Peay State University and Fort Campbell Clarksville’s Pagan community is rapidly increasing. An alternative health store was something the community desperately needed. She opened her store in 2015 to accommodate that community. “I raised all my children using natural products over pharmaceuticals whenever I could,” said Flecha “When treating any issue, anything that comes from the earth is always better alternative”.

If you are new to using crystals, a great way to harness their healing power is by using healing stones for manifesting your intentions and what you want to create in your life. When it comes to crystal basics, these otherworldly rocks connect us to the Earth because they are tangible, physical forms that have powerful vibrations. With every thought and intention, these crystals pick up on your unique vibrational energy and amplify the positive vibes that you are cultivating. The seemingly complex process of how crystals work can be easily explained in three sentences. Anything that you focus on or put your energy into expands. Energy follows intentions and thought. Crystals amplify intentions. Valhalla’s Gate carries a large variety of healing crystals- Amethyst, Tourmaline and Clear quartz are three of the most popular and for good reason.

Amethyst is good for mood swings, anger, and anxiety. Amethyst is known for being a stone of spiritual protection and purification, many who attend anonymous/sobriety programs find it helpful to work with it to curb overindulgence and give up bad habits. Placing Amethyst in your home, car, or on your person can give you the feeling you are surrounded in a protective bubble of light. Black Tourmaline is a protective stone which repels and blocks negative energies and psychic attack. Black Tourmaline also aids in the removal of negative energies within a person or a space. Clear Quartz is known as the "master healer" and amplifies energy and thought, as well as the effect of other crystals.

Valhalla’s Gate carries roughly 30 local artisans’ products in the store. Such as Rune in the Moon’s popular handcrafted candles and soaps. The spell-ready candles are made with 100% biodegradable soy wax that burn clean, are GMO and pesticide free. Each candle is blessed with intention using organic herbal blends, natural fragrance oils, and reiki infused crystals. Scents vary from Alchemy and Awaken to Indigo Eye and Lilith. Cia Bailey operates a local plant business, Fiscus and Fig. Bailey propagates and pots all the plant life for Valhalla’s Gate. Typically, she has a variety of low maintenance plants such as snake plants, pothos, philodendron, cacti, and succulents for sale. Plants have many benefits such as air purification and healing abilities. Being among plants helps lower blood pressure and improve focus and mood and they are beautiful to look at. Fiscus and Fig sources their air plants, baskets, pots, and other supplies from small businesses across the United States.

Tillandsia Streptophylla Air Plant

Stephanie, the Tarot reader at Valhalla’s Gate, is available by appointment and walk-in sessions. She specializes in Tarot, Shadow Work and Spiritual Awakening, and practices several forms of divination including Tarot Cards, Oracle Cards and Pendulum Readings. She combines her intuitive abilities along with life coaching to help clients along their spiritual journey, provide guidance and a safe space to vent while enjoying a warm cup of herbal tea. She is certified in Reiki Healing and incorporates the healing energy of crystals into her work.

Additionally, the store hosts a meeting the first Thursday of each month and it is open to anyone in the community. They pick a topic to discuss and welcome anyone's feedback on that subject. Everyone's holistic practice is different which makes it exciting to hear the range in perspectives. This is a great opportunity for those new to Paganism or just interested in hearing more about it to come and talk to likeminded people. Hopefully, classes and special events will be able to start back later this month. In the past they hosted candle making and stained-glass classes. They are looking to hold some exciting new events such as a tarot class and a possible collaboration class with a local juice bar. Additionally, they offer Aura Photography a couple times a year. The specialty type of photography is the latest spiritual trend gaining popularity among the holistic community.

Valhalla’s Gate is located at 209 Dover Road. They are open Tuesday through Saturday. Visit their website at http://www.valhallasgatetn. com/ or like them on Facebook to find out about special events, pop-ups sales and deals on their crystal of the month.