Amethyst Mythology and Uses
Gemstone Used for Jewelry, Healing and Spiritual Pursuits
Uses of this stone can be traced through time. Greek origins stated that it had the power to prevent drunkenness. 21st-century healers call it the "stone of meditation".
Amethyst is a quartz crystal composed of the 2 most abundant minerals in the earth’s crust, silica and oxygen. Although amethyst used to be considered extremely precious, its monetary value has decreased as large discoveries have been made world wide. As its universal beauty and simplicity still astound, it has remained a common choice for jewelry to this day.
History and Chemistry of Amethyst
There was a time when Amethyst was formed into vessels to drink alcohol. It was believed at the time that it possessed the power to prevent intoxication to those who consumed from it. Breaking down the word into its Greek terms reveals that the word truly means ‘not’ ‘to intoxicate’. These days the market for which amethyst finds its demand centralizes around jewelry, but this ‘intoxicating’ violet stone has a long history of spiritual, therapeutic, and magical uses.
As with many gems and minerals amethyst was considered sacred to the Ancient Egyptians and many noble people of this society have been unearthed with pieces of the gem buried with them. It can be found in the ‘Book of the Dead’ an Egyptian text that gives instructions on the afterlife. The Greek tradition has much folklore surrounding its origins, most seem to involve Dionysus, the Greek God commonly associated with wine. Its roots can also be traced through the Christian tradition as it is said that amethyst made up one of twelve stones set into the armour of one of the high priests that governed over the temple of Jerusalem.
The Sacred Stone of Meditation
Some claim that amethyst has the highest vibrations of all gems. This accounts to its affinity with the higher chakras and thus is associated with all which involves spiritual and meditative works. Amethyst has been called the “stone of meditation” and is attributed to creating a “state of enhanced spirituality and contentment” (see ref: Simpson). When used in meditation, amethyst can be placed on the third eye which is found between the eyes on the brow. It works well to open and encourage all the properties affiliated with this energy center and as the color associated with this chakra is violet, amethyst makes a perfect partner.
Amethyst is said to cure impatience and helps one to realize that there is all the time necessary to accomplish what needs to be done. It is a wonderful gem for healing as it only allows positive energy to enter its matrix. One would think that those suffering from all afflictions associated with alcohol would benefit greatly by putting some trust in the Ancient Greeks and allowing amethyst to enter their lives.
References
Simpson, L. (1997) The Book of Crystal Healing.Great Britain, Gaia Books
