Operation Underground Railroad

Balance July's heat with a moment of peace in the shady respite of a tree.  Trees radiate a vibration that can lower stress, improve mental cognition and increase a sense of rootedness.  Peter James, assistant professor in Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health’s Department of Environmental Health, said that trees’ effects on us “translate into long-term changes in the incidence of depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, and chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease and cancer.”  Celtic traditions also recognize trees as great healers, believing each has its own spirit and specific healing properties.  According to the Celtic Tree Zodiac, July 8th through August 4th is ruled by Holly.  Mars, the planet of action rules Holly, providing a boost of power that renews and replenishes life force energy!  Protective, energizing and empowering, Holly guides one through the dark half of the year, encouraging them to achieve balance, accomplish a goal, and feel confident taking next steps regarding one's life's purpose. In folklore, Holly leaves and berries can be added to a sachet to amplify masculine power, and also guard against envy and misuse of power.  This time of the Celtic cycle focuses on celebrating your progress while paving the way for future growth.

Branch out with us into the community by sharing a non-profit organization you would like to help grow!  Bringing awareness to a cause creates an opportunity to broaden the scope of reach and amplify a positive healing vibration.  This July the Crystal Council is proud to support Operation Underground Railroad, saving, supporting and giving a voice to children in need.  Since 2013, O.U.R. has been leading the fight against child sex trafficking and sexual exploitation all over the world.  Operation Underground Railroad is comprised of a team of former government operatives that can work in any jurisdiction and in conjunction with law enforcement to rescue children directly. Founder Tim Ballard developed O.U.R. after a career as a Former Special Operative of Homeland Security, where he worked as a Special Agent.  Ballard worked in the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force to infiltrate and aid in the dismantling of child trafficking rings and organizations.  During his deployment, Ballard successfully dismantled dozens of trafficking organizations, rescuing children from both slavery and exploitation.  It was while working for the government as an undercover operative that Ballard saw how much more could be done to aid in the security and well being of children across the globe, inspiring the creation of the O.U.R.  

Abroad, in the O.U.R.'s International Operations division, the team directly responds to international government requests to develop intelligence and assist in rescuing children.  A sustainable, concise process models direct intervention to bring freedom and healing to victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation.  In the U.S., Operation Underground Railroad fights to protect children here, and works with local law enforcement agencies.  Aftercare is also provided to survivors to connect with them where they are at, and help them to feel thoroughly supported.  We love Ballard's belief that there is no rescue without aftercare, and the O.U.R.'s collaboration with in-country aftercare organizations.  Resources such as the O.U.R.'s Worldwide Survivor Advisory Board is a powerful way for those healing to connect; currently, the board includes survivors of human trafficking and exploitation from Nepal, Colombia, Uganda and the United States.  Curricula and publications, as well as the creation of new aftercare initiatives, are provided on the board to provide continual support to individuals.

Team up with Operation Underground Railroad by becoming an abolitionist, donating now, joining the Conductor Club and creating awareness while conducting change in the community, repping the cause with O.U.R. merch, supporting an upcoming event, or sharing the facts by educating another!

Connect:

Twitter:  @OURrescue

Instagram:  @ourrescue

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/OURrescue/

Youtube:  youtube.com/ourrescue

LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/company/operation-underground-railroad

Visit ourrescue.org for more information.

Text UPDATES to 75004 for exclusive operations updates.

This month we are featuring Banded Agate, also known as Botswana Agate!  Create a stable, grounded aura, and root deeply into your personal power with this stone.  Banded Agate creates a ripple effect of healing, bringing balance from within.  Alleviate tension, clear energy accumulated from others, and encourage the release of cording by meditating with Banded Agate.  This stone activates and balances the crown chakra, providing a clear channel for information to be received from the divine, or higher self.  Clear out layers of pent up emotions, aid in the release of toxins, and replenish with present-time awareness as you work with this stone.  Botswana Agate amplifies creativity, nourishes the emotional body, and is beneficial for sexual wellness.