By Isabella @TheWandCarver
Instagram: @thewandcarver
The name Amethyst is derived from the Greek word ametusthos, meaning “not intoxicated,” and is explained by an ancient legend. The wine God Bacchus, angry over an insult and determined to avenge himself decreed the first person he should meet would be devoured by his tigers. The unfortunate mortal happened to be a beautiful maiden called Amethyst on her way to worship at the shrine of Diana. As the ferocious beasts sprang, she sought the protection of the Goddess and was saved by being turned into a clear, white crystal. Bacchus, regretting his cruelty, poured the juice of his grapes over the stone as an offering, giving the gem its lovely purple hue.
Since then, Amethyst has been connected to the Divine in many ways. One way we use today is as the jewel connecting our Crown Chakra to the Divine realm. To the Hebrews, it was Ahlamah, the ninth stone in the breastplate of the High Priest, engraved with the tribe of Dan, as well as the twelfth foundation stone for the New Jerusalem. To the Egyptians, it was Hemag, listed in the Book of the Dead to be carved into heart-shaped amulets for burial. Amethyst has always been a popular choice in rosaries and prayer beads, credited with creating an atmosphere of pious calm. Maybe just because Amethyst is so close to the Divine!
We still use Amethyst in meditation, and other ways to calm ourselves; to reach out to our Divine Parents/Gods/Goddesses, to purify auras. We use it in healing, and preventative medicine. Amethyst is a go-to crystal for so many things, you really must include it in your crystals collections if you have not already.
Magickal:
Amethyst has been believed for ages to prevent evil thoughts and increase intelligence. Travellers wear it for protection from all kinds of treachery on the open road, sea, or air. In the olden days, Amethyst was considered to be a powerful psychic stone of protection against witchcraft and black magic. Nowadays witches use it to also protect but not necessarily against witches but definitely against evil, psychic attack, and any kind of harm that could befall them. Amethyst not only protects against psychic attack, paranormal harm or ill-wishing, but then it returns the energy back to the Universe after being transformed into positive, loving energy. To increase this power and attract good luck, draw an image of the sun and the crescent moon over an Amethyst in lavender incense smoke. We also use the Amethyst to expand the higher mind and help to provide with psychic development. It is an excellent crystal have near when dowsing, casting runes, and/or tarot readings. Amethyst helps in the assimilation of ideas, putting thought into action, and brings projects to fruition. It is a talisman of focus and success. Darker shades of Amethyst are best for those working with creative arts. Because of this, it is often called the Artist’s Stone, the Composer’s Stone, the Inventor’s, Poet’s and Painter’s Stones.
Amethyst is the stone of St Valentine and of faithful lovers because St. Valentine was thought to have worn an Amethyst ring engraved with the image of Cupid. It is also referred to as the “couple’s stone” and gives meaning to relationships that over time, transcends the carnal union and gives way to deeper connection and a more soulful communion. Wear as an engagement or eternity ring for fidelity, or as a locket to call back lost love.
Healing:
Called the “All-healer,” Amethyst is one of the most effective crystals for healing people, plants and animals. Natural unpolished Amethysts or geodes are particularly helpful placed where plants will not grow, or animals refuse to sit. It also counteracts negative earth energies beneath buildings or anywhere that feels hostile. It is useful in spells to help let go of addictions. Amethyst is connected to the Temperance card in the tarot, representing balance. It is a stone dedicated to curbing overindulgence and unhealthy habits, and is an excellent aid to quitting smoking, drinking and drug use, as well as unhealthy physical passion. It also provides the strength needed to obtain freedom from addictive personalities, one’s own or another’s
Worn or placed over a patient, it helps to cleanse, purify and heal the mind, body and spirit. It helps to balance emotions and prevents nightmares and irrational fears. Referred to as “nature’s tranquiliser,” Amethyst calms and soothes, assisting the transmission of neural signals through the brain. It relieves obsessive compulsive disorder and hyperactivity in children and animals. Place under the pillow or mattress or rub the centre of the forehead in and anti-clockwise motion to cure insomnia and stimulate pleasant dreams. It is especially effective for children’s recurring nightmares and fears of the dark and may help alleviate homesickness.
Correspondences:
Planetary: Jupiter
Zodiac: Aquarius and Pisces
Element: Air
Gender: Feminine
Powers: Celibacy, piety, sobriety, luck, marital fidelity, protection from baneful spells, prevention of home-sickness
Chakras: Third Eye, Crown and Etheric Chakras
Deity: Buddha, Dionysus, Bacchus, Diana, Artemis
Many thanks for reading and warmest blessings to all whom this way wander x
Sources:
Judy Hall, The Crystal Bible, Cincinnati, OH: Walking Stick Press, 2003
Judy Hall, The Crystal Bible 2, Cincinnati, OH: Walking Stick Press, 2009
Cassandra Eason, The New Crystal Bible, London: Carlton Books Ltd., 2010
Robert Simmons & Naisha Ahsian, The Book of Stones Berkley, CA: North Atlantic Books, 2007
Witchipedia.com
Experience
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