Award Winning Designers Appear at Holiday Trunk Show in Magical Salem, MA

Omen Psychic Parlor at 184 Essex St. in Salem, MA is hosting a unique and fabulous Holiday Trunk Show featuring Award Winning, Celebrity Jewelry Designer Joanna Joy Seetoo and Renown Fiber Artist Patrice Mack on December 2-3, 2011 from 12 noon to 7PM on both days.

This two day event will feature gorgeous handmade items including Precious and Semi-Precious Gems, Jewelry and all manners of Amulets and Talismans to protect you and aid you in manifesting your desires for the holidays and through the coming year. Ms. Seetoo's jewelry line Wishcraft by Joanna Seetoo Designs is already featured in both of Christian Day's stores on Essex St. (Hex and Omen) and she will be bringing some of her most elegant, beautiful, sparkling jewels to Salem for this event. Aside from finding Joanna's creations on Essex St., she has also designed for some of Hollywood's top names including Julia Roberts, Andie MacDowell, Robert Redford and most recently her work can be seen on actress Poppy Montgomery on the CBS crime drama Unforgettable.

You'll also find Ms. Mack's sumptuous hand-knit accessories to keep you fashionably warm and toasty and with the cold weather months ahead of us you'll want to stock up for the whole family. Patrice's designs have been featured in many trend-setting boutiques and on plenty of Hollywood's fashionistas.

While you're shopping, you can book a psychic reading and re-energize with complimentary refreshments that will be offered while supplies last. There will be plenty of show specials and maybe even a raffle or two!

Whether for yourself or for those loved ones on your gift list, you're sure to find the perfect items for Ladies and Gents to glamor and enchant!

Shop Local, Think Global.

December 2-3, Friday and Saturday only 12 noon - 7pm.
Light Refreshments will be offered.
Cash and Credit Cards accepted.

All items from both artists are made with right intention

http://www.omensalem.com/
http://www.facebook.com/JoannaSeetooJewelryDesigns
http://joannaseetoodesigns.com/
http://wishcraftjewelry.com/

New Retail Locations for Wishcraft by Joanna Seetoo Designs

I'm SO excited! Part of my Wishcraft by Joanna Seetoo Designs jewelry line is now available in Salem, MA. If you know me or have read my blog before you know I love Salem, MA and now my favorite store is carrying my work.

If you have never been to Hex, Old World Witchery or to Omen then you must pay them a visit. They're run by Salem's top impresario and retailer Christian Day and they're both on Essex St which is chock full of great shops and eateries. Tim is the manager for both locations and is such a pleasure to work with!

While you're there, make an appointment with the incomparable Lori Bruno the Hereditary Strega priestess for a psychic reading that will knock your socks off! I'm absolutely delighted and humbled that Lori wears my jewelry.

Of course if you're in the market for a psychic reading and Lori's just booked beyond what your schedule allows, you can schedule a phone reading with The Real Psychic Patrice just call or email her to schedule.

Here are just a few of my new jewelry pieces that are available in Salem, MA EXCLUSIVELY at Hex and Omen! They're carrying lots of styles Ask for Wishcraft by name :-)

Tree of Life Charm

Large Wing Pendant and Gemstone Chain

Zodiac Charm

Zodiac Charm

Cimaruta Charm

Equilateral Cross

My newest Snake Ring! Extra long with Diamonds in the Head and Ruby Eyes

Crown Ring

Moon Charm

Sapphire-Stone of Truth, Wisdom and Dedication

September's birthstone Sapphire is said to promote loyalty and love and helps you bring about the fulfillment of dreams. Its rare beauty and enduring strength made Sapphire quite popular as a talisman or amulet amongst royalty.

Sapphire belongs to the corundum family and is available in the colors of the rainbow plus black and white (clear.) The most well-known sapphires are the the blue sapphires.  A medieval historian wrote that kings wore the crystal to protect them from harm and to prevent jealousy amongst the court. It was believed that a sapphire worn to the signing or a treaty would ensure a true reconciliation and prevent further bloodshed.  Lore also tells us that a venomous snake left in a vessel with a sapphire would certainly die as the gemstone provided protection from poison.

There is an ancient Persian myth that tells of a giant blue sapphire that Mother Earth rests upon and that the sky is the reflection of this titan blue crystal. As you can see, sapphire like its twin corundum Ruby has etched a place in history, atop the crowns of kings and glorified in legend.

Magicians were known to utilize the gemstone to enhance and direct their magical powers. Alchemists long ago associated the sapphire with the element of air and India considered it to be the stone of Saturn, believing it to be the portal to the heavenly realms.

Sapphires can help work with you to achieve your material dreams and desires as well as sustain your wealth once it is acquired. This gem will also be of assistance in keeping a balanced perspective, allowing you to better organize your thoughts, ensuring continued success as your material situation evolves. It will also promote fair play and loyalty amongst partners and employees as well as bring about correct conclusions to potentially unjust situations.

This is a short excerpt from my upcoming book. For more about me and my work, please visit: http://www.facebook.com/JoannaSeetooJewelryDesigns

Cushion Cut, Checkerboard Blue Sapphire

Originally Princess Diana's, then given to Kate Middleton upon her engagement to Prince William

The Hawthorne Hotel ~ Salem, Massachusetts' Finest Accommodations

So my blog is about Jewelry, Gems and Metaphysics but occasionally I like to veer off and discuss topics that I feel are related in some way, shape or form or because I think they're absolutely worth noting.

So today's post is about the Hawthorne Hotel. Now I've stayed in a number of establishments from really high end large hotels, boutique hotels, B&B's, motels and lots in between and I will admit that I usually don't develop strong loyalties but I have to say the Hawthorne Hotel is the exception and really has won my heart.

Now my best friend and I try to go to Salem several times a year and we've been visiting this lovely town for quite some time so we've wound up staying at a lot of different places in town and in the vicinity over the years. For the last few years since I first felt I was adult enough to stay at a venerable institution such as the Hawthorne, I've felt like it was the only place to stay in Salem.

The location is perfect. Right at the base of Essex St. on Washington Square a mere stepping stone from museums and shopping and psychics and mediums- oh my! The hotel itself is of course an historic site and has that wonderful old world charm that dovetails pristinely with the town itself.
Want a really nice dining experience - try their restaurant Nathaniel's. Or have a great meal deal at the hotel's tavern. Either way after a long day of sightseeing and shopping its great to just shuffle downstairs and get pampered with a nice meal and a smile.

The rooms are graciously appointed with wonderful amenities like free wireless internet, flat screen TV's and very comfortable beds. The hotel also has a very convenient parking lot which is amazingly handy during high tourist seasons. I also understand they're doing a lot of renovations so I can't wait to experience the next level of comfort and luxury that you get at the Hawthorne. There have also been accounts of paranormal activity for all you ghost hunters out there!

Now mind you, all you Bewitched TV Fans you'll find some great memorabilia in the hotel lobby from when the cast stayed at the Hawthorne Hotel while filming the Salem episodes.

I have to give major props to the Hawthorne Hotel's GM Juli Lederhaus as she is the driving force behind this wonderful property.  She's knowledgeable, charming and lovely with a true passion for excellence on all fronts.

Now the Hawthorne only has 93 rooms and they also have a quaint B&B that's just on the other side of the parking lot with another 4(?) rooms so you should always try to book as far in advance as possible. I'm loathe to even mention this as I realize it might make it harder for me to get my next booking there but I feel that good things should be shared and this place is indeed a very good thing.

Anyhow, treat yourself to a visit to Salem, MA (a.k.a Witch City) and stay at the Hawthorne Hotel if you can get a room. Let me know how you liked it, I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

The Hawthorne Hotel
18 Washington Sq. W
Salem, MA 01970
978-744-4080 

For more about me, my jewelry and my upcoming book, please visit my Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/JoannaSeetooJewelryDesigns

These photos were shot during the fall.  

Beautiful autumn foliage. 

The Bewitched Statue.

I think the Hawthorne Hotel was having a Giant Pumpkin contest! This was outside the hotel.

Essex St. at twilight.

Shot of the Hawthorne Hotel.

Peridot - Not Just August's Birthstone

Peridot is a lively, bright green transparent gem that brings to mind the vivid green of fresh spring grass. Known as the gemstone for August, Peridot guards against illusions, enchantments and nightmares. If anger is a problem, try using this gem as it is known to calm even raging fury. Peridot is also useful in calming nervousness and for banishing negative emotions.

It is a stone of compassion and has a friendly energy that is excellent for healing. Peridot assists in rebirth and renewal of all kinds. Peridot can also help in bringing abundance and prosperity. It enhances the healing and harmony of relationships of all kinds but particularly marriage. Peridot can lessen stress and jealousy in relationships, help slow aging and heal ulcers and digestive problems.  It can also assist in finding what is lost and strengthening ESP abilities.

Peridot has been said to make a shield of protection around the body of the wearer. Good for general healing, promoting sleep and attracting money.

This is another short excerpt from my upcoming book, for more about me and my jewelry please like me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JoannaSeetooJewelryDesigns Thanks for reading my blog!

One of my rings...

From the Smithsonian - Photo by Chip Clark

This Is Your Life...

I came across this image recently and just think that some things ought to be shared. It's not that we don't know the important things in life but how often do we get sidetracked by all the soul draining, mundane details of our lives? You might have already seen this, but like a classic movie it still satisfies.

So to stay focused on what really matters and have a great weekend!

From what I understand Erno Hannink is the author.

The Wonderful Properties of Agate

Here's another short excerpt from my upcoming book. For more information about my designs, work, me, please visit and like my Facebook page. http://www.facebook.com/JoannaSeetooJewelryDesigns  Thanks very much and enjoy!

Agates have become very popular in recent years. The trend towards organic shapes and nature inspired design perfectly utilizes agate in all its many shapes, colors and patterns.

The slices and mini geodes cracked open to show their sparkling drusy centers is lovely and fascinating, Knowing that each one of those small, glittering specks could grow into a large crystal is a marvel unto itself.

As far as the metaphysical properties of Agate, this is a stone that everyone should have for protection; its especially good for protecting children. This group of stones are a variety of chalcedony. The Agate is one of the oldest stones in recorded history.

Agates attract strength and are used in protection from bad dreams. They can also protect from stress and energy drains. Agates have been used in jewelry since Biblical Babylonian times. Agates were used to ward off storms, they were prized gems in antiquity and the varieties that showed banded colors were placed at the head of a sleeper to give rich and varied dreams.

The Agate cannot change emotions but it can help to change our level of acceptance of the emotion. Such as when you are very sad, the agate will let you know that this feeling will pass and help you get on to another and better day. This is why this gem is considered so powerful as it gives us the strength to carry on. Many people carry an agate with them when they have to make important decisions.

Agates increase strength, courage, promotes longevity and restores bodily energy. They can also help remove envious thoughts and spite while easing stressful situations. Banded agates are especially good for use while meditating.

This gem is beautiful and as far as gems go relatively inexpensive. There's also quite a range of colors and patterns to choose from. For all the wonderful properties it holds, Agate is the perfect gem to add to your collection.

Metaphysical Properties of Silver

I looked at the moon last night and realized it was full. The big, beautiful orb in the sky was glowing; shining bright silvery white and it reminded me of the legend of the werewolf and of silver bullets.

The correlation between the moon and the precious metal Silver goes way back, perhaps even before the association with the goddess Diana (Goddess of the Hunt) or Artemis (The Huntress with the Silver Bow.) Images of this goddess were made from silver.

With Silver trading at almost $40/oz I thought I'd give you some other reasons to wear this beautiful, reflective white metal. Here are the metaphysical properties of silver.

Silver is connected to the Moon and may be worn to attract love. Silver can also be used for protection and to enhance intuitive of psychic ability as well as regulating emotional and intuitive energy. It is a mirror to the souls and stimulates the ability to see oneself outside the body.

Silver is a good conductor between gemstones and the body; its very useful for energizing other stones especially during full and new moons and can help you gain patience and perseverance. Silver is a high level conductor, an open river that carries all things in both ways. A magically neutral metal, Silver can absorb many things yet does not store them which makes it a very good metal for magical charms that need to flow and work on a continuous basis without needing to be cleaned in between.

This post is another excerpt from my upcoming book. For more information, please visit my Facebook page :http://www.facebook.com/JoannaSeetooJewelryDesigns Thanks!

Metaphysical Properties of Clear Quartz

This is an excerpt from my upcoming book. You can check out more about my jewelry, book, presentations and more on my Facebook page:http://www.facebook.com/JoannaSeetooJewelryDesigns

Clear Quartz also known as Rock Crystal is said to bring the energy of the stars into the soul. Natural quartz crystal both harmonizes and aligns human energies, thoughts, consciousness and emotions with the energies of the universe and  makes these greater energies available to humanity. It is recognized as a stone of power.

Thought by various Ancients to be water that magically solidified, Quartz Crystal has been used by shamans for thousands of years. Some say that Quartz was used to magically produce rain in parts of the Pacific including Australia and New Guinea. Also said to have been used in the Eleusinian mysteries to produce sacred fire by concentrating the heat of the sun to ignite wood chips.

Ceremonial Wands belonging to Native American Indians have been found in Southern California. Cherokee Shamans respected the power of this gem and kept the stones wrapped in buckskin when not in use. It is said to have cooling powers and is a romantic stone.

Quartz is the ultimate "anything-stone" as it radiates all the color vibrations within the spectrum of light and thus can be utilized and programmed for any use which bring light and energy into our spiritual bodies. A "stone of the mind", quartz can be used to imprint with any energy or information and helps to focus the mind, aids in concentration and enhances mental ability.

Used in psychism and as a general magical power amplifier, Quartz is a common stone but a powerful one. It enhances energy and thoughts and purifies the spiritual, mental and physical. It is also a powerfully protective stone bringing the purified energy in.

Quartz Crystal has a similar vibration as humans. This is why using Crystal to mediate and keep a Quartz Crystal helps one to know oneself. It will sometimes not work for a person who is negative.

Whether the crystal is worn, carried or placed inside one's environment; the force, warmth and brilliance remain attuned to the energy of the one to whom it is connected.

July's Birthstone Ruby

In honor of July,  here's a short post on one of my favorite gemstones, Ruby.  Ruby belongs to the Corundum family (Sapphires are Corundum as well) and has some wonderful metaphysical properties. Following is an excerpt from my upcoming book. 

The Ruby is considered to be one of the most powerful gems in the universe and is associated with many astral signs.

To own a Ruby is said to have contentment and peace. Placed under a pillow the ruby may ward off bad dreams. Ruby rings should be worn on the left hand so as to receive the life force and have protection. 

Given as a gift, the Ruby is a symbol of friendship and love. A Ruby is also the symbol of vitality and royalty. 

Very effective gemstone for wealth drawing, protection, power, joy, anti-nightmare, offerings, courage, energy increase. 

Filled with love, Ruby also helps sexual love to be more passionate. Persons lacking in self-love should have and mediate on the Ruby.

It also gives the courage to reach the highest potential that a person has. Ruby is commonly used in love spells and to increase sexual energy. 

For more about me, my jewelry, book, presentations and other projects please like my Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/JoannaSeetooJewelryDesigns

Pendulum Dowsing

When I started my quest as a seeker,  I soon realized that there were quite a few ways to find answers but most of the techniques would require a significant commitment of time and energy. For the majority of people, pendulum dowsing is very accessible and easy to learn.

Pendulum Dowsing has also been called "divining" for its ability to provide information and predict the future. The term "pendulum divining" is most often used in reference to seeing precise information.

Dowsing is known as a very effective tool to answer yes and no questions but can be used in more sophisticated ways as well. The use of charts can bring a variety of additional uses and information to the practitioner.

Because I love working with gemstones, I work with a variety of gemstone pendulums that I use to answer questions that I need clarity on. I've also collected quite a few in a variety of materials too. I've been dowsing for many years and at this point I'm fairly accurate and consistent with a pendulum. The hardest part is to separate out my emotional investment in the answer from the true answer. When you're divining for yourself or someone you know its just a matter of how deeply you're emotionally invested in an outcome, not if you are. To remain neutral and impartial so that you can be accurate, you have to remove your emotional ties to the outcome.

Besides the more common "yes" and "no" answers I dowse for,  I often use charts to give me more detailed answers to questions that vary from food choices, business decision to relationship questions.
Now I often make pendulums for many metaphysical practitioners including Reiki and Hypnosis practitioners. Pendulums are a great way to access your intuition quickly plus they're fun and an excellent way to wear or carry a wonderful and attractive crystal with you at all times.

A View on Wishcraft Jewelry from the Designer

Close your eyes and make a Wish... Jewelry is about Love. An expression or symbol of Love, from, or to another,  love for yourself; jewelry marks milestones in your life and for me jewels are talismans and amulets.

Since the earliest of civilizations people have adorned themselves with decorative items or given them to others as tokens of love. Worn to grant them the attributes they desired or given to show someone else how much they cared. Jewelry is symbolic.

Jewelry can hold all the very best and most vital elements of your energy and dreams and can help you remember and focus on what you truly want to manifest in your life.

That's why babies are often given jewelry when they're born, or when brides marry, these are amulets and talismans; they're protective and symbols of love.

Gemstones and Precious Metals have inherent metaphysical properties that can and should be utilized by those who know how.

Your wishes will always be unique to you. Each of the jewels in my collection carry at least on symbol or gem and by wearing pieces that resonate for you, you can create an entire story, your personal wish list that you alone will have and that you alone can manifest.

My goal is that when people wear my jewelry, they'll feel empowered and recognize their gifts.

Embrace your authentic self and realize that you can turn your wishes and dreams into reality. Take responsibility for your life and you can manifest the life you envision.

First Post

It all started with this ring. The first Wish Ring. The first of many. http://www.facebook.com/JoannaSeetooJewelryDesigns