Meet M J Trantham: Share Her Journey of Enlightenment

It’s my pleasure to introduce you to M J Trantham, my crystal sage and good friend. I’m one of those people who had purchased a few stones because they were pretty. When I began writing about Rachel Blackstone, the Reluctant Medium, I wanted her to grow as she became more astute, albeit reluctant, with her psychic abilities. M J had been telling me about her exploration of crystals and I was fascinated. We’d talk—she’s correct, it’s nearly daily—and soon I was asking questions and including crystal power in Rachel’s paranormal adventures.

Get comfortable and enjoy this intimate one-on-one with M J Trantham. Whether you’re just beginning your journey with crystals or are already a fellow traveler, M J’s story may inspire your own.                                                                                                            

(G G Collins Copyright 2015 including photos)

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When did your interest in crystals begin?  Was there a specific turn of events that led you down this path?

Crystals in Dish. Includes Lemurian Wand
Copyright G G Collins 2015

I think I have been fascinated by rocks since I was a child.  I remember having a “rock collection” which probably consisted of rocks I found in our back yard.  When I got a little older, I watched my grandmother collect rocks from places she visited.  She brought them home and put them in her yard.  When my grandmother died I picked up as many as I could identify and now they are in my yard.

As an adult, I used to drive to Hot Springs, Arkansas every spring to the Arkansas Derby, but I always made a stop at the tourist crystal shop.  I still didn’t have a clue what I was buying but was attracted to their beauty and would take my time holding and admiring them before making my selections.  My first crystals were an Amethyst and a Rose Quartz.  I also have several very large crystal clusters in my home that I know I didn’t pay a lot of money for.  I see similar ones now for hundreds of dollars.

I think my turning point was when I had two nephews join the military.  It was during the transition from the Iraq war to the movement of troops to Afghanistan.  I was so afraid for them.  One evening during my meditation I was impressed to make them each a medicine bag for safety.  I also had a niece that was working for ICE on the Mexican border.  I purchased three medicine bags and a book on crystals.  I selected the crystals that I felt were appropriate and sent each of them a bag.  Then I decided to make a bag for each of my grandchildren and then all of my nieces and nephews and a new project was born.  By then I was so intrigued and basically hooked on crystals.  My friend, G G Collins, had written Reluctant Medium and graciously accepted my suggestion that her protagonist needed crystal energy to help her accomplish her goals.  I now crochet the medicine bags which I feel adds my energy to them and select the stones after meditation.

Explain what the “properties” of crystals are. Do they hold actual  powers?

Rose Quartz & Amethyst
Copyright G G Collins 2015

Crystals have been acknowledged for their beauty and power for thousands of years.  Most people first notice the color and brightness of crystals.  Later, maybe minutes or maybe years, we begin to learn that each crystal is special and emits different types of power.  I like to call that power, energy.  Some crystals have energy to help someone heal from a disease or a situation which is uncomfortable or causes emotional pain.  Other energies are used for abundance, prosperity, wealth, and protection from people, places, and/or things, grief, and assistance in achieving goals.  I have been able to find a crystal for almost any situation.  I believe the “power” is real, just like I believe “faith” is real.  Someone might pick up a raw crystal, one that hasn’t been polished or tumbled, and throw it down thinking it is just a rock.   Others will see the beauty and feel the energy in the palms of their hands.  Sometimes it is a slight vibration and sometimes becomes warm.

Crystals were created when the Earth was born.  Most people know about Amethyst, Quartz, and Birthstones.  However, crystals have evolved as the Earth has evolved and we now have what some call “New Age” crystals, such as Larimar, Petalite, and Phenacite.

What crystals would one choose for issues such as fear, creativity, and wealth?

There are many types of fear.  If you want to alleviate fear, use a Charoite.  Charoite is a beautiful purple stone when polished.  It is a stone of transformation.  “Charoite is the soul stone that overcomes fear.”  Smoky Quartz relieves fear, lifts depression, and brings emotional calmness.  When purchasing a Smoky Quartz, look for one that is slightly cloudy.  The darker the color the more likely it has been radiated to enhance the color.  You want the natural one.

Creativity also covers many types.  For a writer, I would recommend a Blue Topaz.  This crystal helps a writer become aware of the influence their writing and knowledge can have on others.  It promotes openness and honesty.  It helps a writer see the bigger picture and the minute details.  If a writer is experiencing “writer’s block” a Fire Agate helps dissolve the negativity that might be causing the block and replaces it with creativity once again.

Tiger’s Eye Crystals: Gold, Red, Blue.
Copyright G G Collins 2015

A Brown and Gold Tiger’s Eye helps any type of creativity by aiding that person in recognizing one’s talents and abilities, and faults that need to be overcome to achieve their desired goal.

A wonderful crystal for wealth, abundance, and prosperity is a Honey Citrine.  It comes in small round stones, large Citrine points, or larger geodes.  Honey Citrine can be placed in a medicine bag and carried with you at all times in your pocket or purse.  You can also use a medicine bag with a cord attached and wear it around your neck and over your heart.  It can also be placed in the “wealth corner” of your home which is the farthest left corner of your home looking in from the front door.  It is also used for grids when mixed with other wealth stones like, blue or green Citrine.  Honey Citrine encourages sharing what you have and yet helps you to hold on to your wealth.

What is a medicine bag and how is it used?  Describe your signature bags.

Trantham’s crocheted medicine bags. Works of art.

A medicine bag is simply a bag of some type to hold your crystals.  Some crystal users recommend storing your crystals in a silk or velvet bag.  Many people prefer leather bags.  When I decided to make medicine bags for my friends and family, I decided on a very soft yarn and began to experiment with different shapes, sizes, and colors.  Depending on how many crystals I want to include decides the size.  Most are 3 x 3 or 4 x 4. I like to decorate them with ribbon, buttons, pins, and charms.  The type of bag and decoration depends on who the bag is made for.  I use several bags.  I have one under my pillow to ward off night terrors and recently added a crystal that assists with dream recall.  I have a bag I meditate with that is for good health, self-control, and will power to eat, drink, exercise, and be healthy.  I have a friend who is very interested in angels.  I made her a bag with stones to attract angel communication.  A family member travels a lot in an RV.  I made them a bag for safe travel.  Medicine bags can be for any type of issue that is going on in someone’s life.  I tell people if they feel uncomfortable wearing the bag, to place it on the night stand beside their bed.

In the Rachel Blackstone Paranormal Mystery Series, you’ve been an enormous help in broadening Rachel’s psychic horizons.  How do you approach this challenge; introducing a reluctant medium – and her creator – to the world of crystals. 

I don’t think it was ever a challenge because I was so excited to be included in G G’s writing process.  I can say what I do for Rachel Blackstone is constantly evolving.  My study of crystals is always a learning experience as I continue to use crystals in everyday life.  I was so excited when Reluctant Medium first came out I read it in one day and was absolutely hooked on Rachel.  I had to go back and reread it to really see what was happening.  During the second read, I began to think about how crystals and psychics have so much in common using crystals for guidance, safety, protection, and direction.  I honestly don’t remember exactly how we got from “there to here”, but G G asked if she could use my personality to create another psychic that dealt in legal marijuana in Colorado and crystals.  I was so flattered and excited I had to say yes!  G G and I discuss Rachel and ideas almost everyday, so I think I understand where Rachel might be going.

Honey Citrine Point & Blue Topaz
Copyright G G Collins 2015

No matter who I am working for to create a medicine bag, I want to know what the issue is and what outcome they would like to have.  I have shelves of books covering Metaphysical subjects and I use them as a reference for all of my projects.  If the person says they are depressed, I look for crystals to help depression.  If they are afraid, I look for crystals that dispel fear and restore a positive outlook.  I also look for things that specifically address health issues, cancer, chemotherapy, renal failure, heart failure, broken bones.  If I can’t find something specifically to “cure” a broken bone, I look for other reasons for the broken bone, maybe osteoporosis or some type of calcium deficiency or maybe just a really bad fall.  One suggestion leads to another and I continue to learn as I go along and finally decide on the correct crystal for the situation.

I didn’t mean to get into Rachel’s head, however, I found myself talking about her as if she was a real friend of mine.  I think I just do for Rachel what I would do for any friend that asks for my help.

You’re in the process of bringing what began as a personal interest to the next level:  a business.  What will you be offering in the way of medicine bag combinations?

I love to crochet and knit.  I like the feel of the yarn and watching something very pretty result.  It is also a great time to meditate or work out a problem.  When I decided to crochet medicine bags, I did so because I thought mine were prettier and less expensive to make than the ones available at the crystal shops and metaphysical fairs.

Transition Crystals for the Dying: Scolecite, Lilac Kunzite, Lapis Lazuli & Pink Tourmaline.

I am going to take a few months to get my material together and see how I would do at the local Farmer’s Market.  We have a very nice one all summer in the city where I live.  After much thought, I am going to make medicine bags for several different issues.  I will most likely begin with bags for healing, love, protection, recovering from an illness or grief, anxiety and depression.  I also like wealth, abundance, forgiveness, angel communication, and raising spiritual awareness.  I’m open to more suggestions.  Several years ago, I found a blessing for a dying person to assist in a pain free and fearless transition.  I have used it several times and have had good results.  By results, I mean, less sadness, more acceptance of the loss of a loved one, and for one I actually got a return message of a safe and happy arrival on the other side and in living color.  It has totally changed my opinion of death, past lives, and what I might find in my next life.

Some bags will be empty and buyers can choose their own crystals.  Others will hold the crystals that assist the person requesting help.  The type of bag and whether or not they hold crystals will determine the cost.

I’ve already developed a flyer to assist someone buying crystals on how to take care of them, how to cleanse them and program them for their own purpose.

What would you recommend to people just beginning their journey into crystals and their uses?

This photo shows the difference between raw, tumbled and egg-shaped crystals.

Visit crystal shops, metaphysical fairs, and gift shops to explore what is available.  Pay attention to what you are attracted to.  Before investing a lot of money, check other shops for a price range.  I often find crystals that are $7 in one shop and the same crystal is $2 in another.  Crystals can also be purchased on Internet sites, but I prefer the “in person” method.  If you go in person, you can hold the crystal in your hand to see if you get a response.  A response is not always necessary, especially if the crystal has been handled by lots of people.  It may need to be cleansed and near you for several days to begin to recognize your energy.  I received a crystal as a gift.  I cleansed it and wore it for several days so it would recognize my energy and work just for me.  I do the same when I give crystals as gifts and finish with a dedication to the recipient.  I then ask the recipient to meditate and claim the energy for themselves.

There are lots of books out there that tell all you need to know to begin using crystals.  For a beginner, I would suggest buying a couple of books.  Most crystals have several different energies and address multiple issues.  I usually research the issue for suggestions regarding which is the best crystal to buy.  Then I research the crystal to see all that it can do.  Lots of crystal shops also have classes to share information and I find “crystal people” excited to talk to anyone about their crystal beliefs.

To begin your crystal journey, Trantham recommends these books: