Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Your Guide to Working with AMETHYST

Hey everyone, love and light! For my first blog post about crystals, it seems appropriate to talk about AMETHYST. This is always going to be the crystal that initially attracts those just beginning their work with minerals. Why? Well, it's probably a combination of several factors - first of all, with it's signature purple hue (the result of iron and aluminum impurities, and also some irradiation), amethyst is very pleasing to the eye. This is also an extremely common crystal, so its availability makes it appealing to those unfamiliar with some of the rarer crystal beauties. Additionally, the energy emitted by this stone is light and approachable, but also powerful and easily felt. So, with all this in mind, it is important to talk about this popular member of the quartz family, and why it not only captures the attention of those tentatively interested in the mineral kingdom, but easily remains a favorite of the New Age community.

Our love affair with amethyst started with the Ancients. Historically, it was believed to promote sobriety, so was a favorite of the Ancient Romans, who sipped from cups made of this beautiful stone in hopes of preventing drunkenness. Still today, amethyst is regarded as one of the very best crystals for those working to combat ADDICTIONS, particularly ALCHOLISM (though it makes a great addition to mojo bags for quitting smoking, drug addictions, etc.) This is also one of the stones that adorned the biblical breastplate of the high priest.

One of the most important crystals to leave in the bedroom, Amethyst should be left under the pillow to serve several functions. First of all, this is the best stone for combatting insomnia and bringing restful sleep. In addition, Amethyst prevents nightmares, making it a must - have in the bedrooms of children plagued by mental monsters. It brings sweet and INTUITIVE dreams that can offer you guidance in the everyday world. A gentle opener of the third eye chakra, this is a wonderful stone for slowly (but nevertheless, effectively) developing your intuition and latent psychic abilities. For those who practice tarot or other forms of divination, amethyst is wonderful to have on you during sessions to boost your natural intuition and psychic awareness. The best thing about this crystal is that its gentle and comforting - it won't blow open your third eye, like atacamite or apophyllite, for instance - and is "safe" for anyone to use. Additionally, this is a GREAT companion for meditation, helping you to detach yourself from the world of the mundane and enter a meditative state (which is no easy task.)

Amethyst makes a very powerful healer of pain, both physically and emotionally. It is a wonderful crystal to use to heal grief and sorrow (and should be paired with an apache tear for maximum potency). Physically, amethyst is one of the best stone for treating headaches, especially those which are rooted in stress or lack of sleep, and can be placed over any sight of physical pain to transmute it. In addition to working on the emotional body to alleviate grief and sorrow, amethyst also clears anger, anxiety, and fear.

Amethyst also has a highly PROTECTIVE function, blocking any negative energy sent your way (intentionally or not.) It is worth mentioning that like fluorite, amethyst needs to be cleansed regularly due to its ability to absorb a large amount of negativity energy quickly (I know there is some debate regarding the necessity of cleansing crystals, but even just running the amethyst under water for a few minutes will do the trick - it's so easy, so why not just do it?) Amethyst also makes an ideal crystal for cleansing a room, surrounding it with a shield of protection that is easily felt. It especially makes a wonderful addition to a room in which someone is trying to heal from an illness, clearing out any negative energy and setting up the perfect space in which to obtain optimum health (a large geode or cluster placed in a room and cleansed regularly will keep the vibes light and fresh, and neutralize anything negative that may waft in.)

Physically, amethyst supports the endocrine system, and is also said to cleanse the organs of elimination. It is used to heal the intestines and digestive tract, and when made into an elixir, is wonderful on the skin. It is also said to treat hearing disorders. It is one of the most effective crystal for clearing the pain of a HEADACHE.

As far as cleansing your amethyst, these little babes LOVE the moon! On the night of a full moon, leave them out to soak up some of that lunar energy - they will love it (and you!) Whatever you do, keep your amethyst OUT OF THE SUN. Not only do they not really appreciate it (they vibe much better with the moon) but the beautiful purple pigment will fade if exposed to too much sunlight. Stick to moonlight with amethyst!

Honestly, there is even still MORE I could have said about this lovely member of the quartz family. If you have any questions about working with this stone (or, of course, anything else crystal related) please feel free to comment below. Now, go start your crystal collection (if you have not already) and pick up one of these violet beauties.

Love & light!

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