Harnessing the Energy of the Planet Parade

We love keeping an eye on the sky at Blackberry Mountain. Our elevation and position in the Great Smoky Mountains provide a front row seat to incredible star gazing on clear nights. The stars and the planets we can see can serve as a lovely reminder to be present, to appreciate the natural world around us and to ground in the peace of nature. We can also use celestial bodies as inspiration during wellness practices, tapping into and exploring the unique energies of each of them.

You’ve likely seen headlines or social media posts about the “planet parade” happening in January 2025. While planetary alignment isn’t all that rare, six planets aligning is quite special. There is a point at which Earth’s moon will also be in alignment with the planets, creating a staggering lineup of seven celestial bodies!

Each planet, as well as our sun and moon, is associated with a particular area of our experience or emotions. Wellness Supervisor Caitlin West is sharing a brief glimpse into the characteristics that each represents. In addition, many different crystals and stones are associated with each planet. Caitlin and Meghan Henley, Assistant Director of Wellness, have included some of their favorites.

As you focus on the sky this month, think about the energy you want to harness. Let the planets help you hone in on what you want to manifest or find support in, and explore how different stones you have in your collection may align with the energy of the planets and serve as a reminder of what you’re channeling from the sky!

Mars: Carnelian, Jupiter: Amethyst, Uranus: Clear Quartz, Neptune: Lapis Lazuli, Venus: Rose Quartz, Saturn: Sodalite

Sun
Areas of focus: Joy, freedom, creativity
Relevant stones: Citrine, Ruby

Moon
Areas of focus: Intuition, emotions, imagination
Relevant stones: Selenite, Pearl

Mercury
Areas of focus: Communication and socialization
Relevant stones: Green Aventurine, Emerald

Venus
Areas of focus: Love, relationships
Relevant stones: Rose Quartz, Diamond

Earth
Areas of focus: Our own humanity, gaining perspective
Relevant stone: Kambaba Jasper

Mars
Areas of focus: Drive, determination, action
Relevant stones: Carnelian, Red Coral

Jupiter
Areas of focus: Abundance, luck, expansion
Relevant stones: Moldavite, White Topaz, Yellow Sapphire, Amethyst

Saturn
Areas of focus: Structure, authority
Relevant stones: Obsidian, Onyx, Blue Sapphire, Sodalite

Uranus
Areas of focus: Technology, originality, change, individuality
Relevant stone: Clear Quartz

Neptune
Areas of focus: Spirituality, intuition, dreams
Relevant stones: Turquoise, Jade, Lapis Lazuli

Pluto
Areas of focus: Rebirth, renewal, change, transformation
Relevant stone: Smoky Quartz