Mineral Therapy // Amethyst

Contributor: Ashley Neese
Photographer: Ashley Neese

Amethyst is one of my favorite varieties of quartz. This beautiful stone has been used throughout history for protection, to open spiritual centers in the crown chakara, promote restful sleep and focus energy.

Historically amethyst has many uses  from everything to warding off drunkenness and bringing about a clear mind. The word amethyst comes from the Greek phrase, ‘without drunkeness’. Catholic Bishops wore amethyst rings to prevent getting drunk on mystical thinking. Kissing this ring was thought to keep people grounded in spiritual thought.

Ancient Egyptians valued the power of this cooling quartz and used it for self protection against nightmares and fearful thoughts. Amethyst was also carried by travelers to promote safety and

Amethyst1.jpg

 

WHAT IS AMETHYST?

Amethyst is considered a semi precious stone and correlates to February on the birthstone chart. Amethyst is in the quartz family and gets its color from radiation, impurities and and presence of trace elements. The color of amethyst can range from light to deep purple and the most beautiful pieces come from eastern Brazil and Sri Lanka and the most expensive amethyst is from Siberia. Amethysts can be giant, the GIA in New York has one that is 164 pounds.

It is a variety of Quartz found in many locations around the world, and forms as transparent, terminated crystals of all sizes in geodes, clusters and as long single terminations. It is also found in vitreous masses and polished into wonderful specimens and personal talismans. The presence of manganese in clear Quartz produces Amethyst, while additional amounts of iron vary the purple coloration. Amethyst ranges in hue from pale red-violet to deep violet, and may be transparent or opaque. It is sometimes layered with white Quartz as Chevron Amethyst, found in combination with Cacoxenite, mixed with Citrine as Ametrine, or in rare cases, “rutilated” with Goethite.

Up until the 18th century amethyst was as pricey as rubies. Once it was discovered in such large quantities in Brazil the price dropped and it has remained a very inexpensive gemstone. These days amethysts can be found in a variety of jewelry and at new age shops all over.

 

HEALING BENEFITS

The first time I used amethyst for a headache I was amazed at the relief it brought. I placed a small piece on my forehead and rested for about fifteen minutes until the pain lessened significantly. Amethyst is known for helping with insomnia, dreaming, breathing issues, heart trouble, addiction, cravings and deepening spiritual development.

These days amethyst is still widely used to calm the mind and help one reach higher states of consciousness. It is an excellent choice for purifying electromagnetic energy, strengthening intuition and creates a protective layer around your aura which is very beneficial if you do any kind of work with others.

Amethyst activates the 6th chakra (third eye), the 7th chakra (crown) and the Etheric chakra (soul chakra). It is often used for those wishing to develop their psychic capabilities and advance metaphysical studies. Amethyst has the ability to focus energy and is often worn by healers during sessions with clients.

 

HOW TO USE

There are many ways to effectively work with amethyst. Try a few of the suggestions below to see what supports you right now. Above all, trust yourself when working with minerals. There is no right or wrong way to incorporate them into your life.

 

Place amethyst on your forehead to….

  • Relieve headaches and insomnia

  • To awaken your third eye, intuition center

  • Calm and focus your mind

  • Sooth the nervous system

 

Wear amethyst to….

  • Heal your heart and lungs

  • Protect your energy

  • Support romantic relationships and open to deeper levels of union with your partner

 

Meditate with amethyst for…

  • Increasing positive thoughts

  • Comfort yourself during a loss

 

Carry a small piece in your pocket for…

  • Help overcoming addictions and fears

  • Support staying clear and centered during the day

  • Assistance in work situations where you need to stand your ground

  • Reducing tendency to overspend or gamble

 

Place amethyst on your desk to….

  • Cleanse electromagnetic waves

  • Keep the energy clear and positive

  • Remind you that the answers are within

  • Amplify creative projects

 

Place amethyst under your pillow to…..

  • Support restful sleep

  • Reduce nightmares (great for children too)

  • Encourage pleasant dreams

 




Saffron & SageSaffron & Sagewellness, holistic, minerals, crystal, energy healing, balance, healing, amethystComment