AMETHYST
My youngest Snickerdoodle presented me with this beautiful amethyst last week, spurring me to write about one of my favorite gemstones.
Amethyst is a sparkling violet quartz much coveted for jewelry and auric therapy. The color varies from lavender to vivid purple. The stone’s name originates from the ancient Greek word for drunkenness, and wearing or holding it was considered a plausible antidote for that malady. Since then it has been considered a sobriety stone. The goddess Rhea was said to have gifted a regal amethyst to the god of wine, Dionysus, to prevent unwanted inebriation. In medieval times European soldiers often wore amethyst amulets to remain level headed and focused in battle.
The Doctrine of Signatures is a line of thought originating at the time of the brilliant physician Galen, born in Pergamon, Turkey, and whose ideas and work became known throughout the Greek and Roman world. The doctrine states that nature speaks to us through form and that the color and appearance of a food, herb, or other natural object maintains correspondence with the human body. Per the doctrine, the purple hue would make amethyst beneficial for blood purification and detoxification, as well as for reducing fever and inflammation.
Amethyst is the gemstone most associated with the crown chakra, the vital energy center located above the human head. The Women’s Book of Healing by Diane Stein says amethyst is used to help with anxiety, insomnia, and a tendency toward fearfulness. I think of the latter as free-floating anxiety, the type of dis-ease you can’t quite put a finger on, and there doesn’t appear to be a reason for it, but it is reality for the person experiencing it. Amethyst is also beneficial in alleviating inattention or a lack of concentration, overeating, and stress. The author and Reiki Master goes on to say that amethyst is calming and can give comfort in terms of grounding and stability. When the golden solar plexus is over engaged and out of whack, amethyst can aid in balancing the chakras for more positive emotional, mental, and physical vitality.
Have you chosen amethyst or other gemstones for healing or transformational purposes? What types and colors of stones are you most attracted to?
Cheers & Happy Reading!
Flossie Benton Rogers, Conjuring the Magic in Romance
Oh, my favorite gemstone, too!
I had a ring with genuine amethyst brought to me by a dear relative. Years later, the stone got loose and I took out the ring and placed in a drawer in my house with the intention to take it to a jeweler to fix it. Things precipitated in the family and I couldn’t do it at that time. A couple months later I realized it disappeared altogether. The woman we hired to take care of my mother-in-law stole it – and not only that and never returned.. (It was after my mother-in-law’s death).
I regretted it so much as it had double value for me. I am glad to read here about its qualities and can add that they are true.
Carmen, that’s terrible about your amethyst ring being stolen. I’m glad you at least have the memory of your mother-in-law giving you something so special. Amethyst is such a lovely stone.
I love too many of them. It is a beautiful stone
Hahaha, I’m with you, Cathy– there are so many beautiful gemstones!
I love this gemstone. It is probably my favorite, although not my birthstone, and I have several amethyst rings!
I remember you like amethyst. Oh, me too, and my sister loved it.