Amethyst is one of the most popular stones both because of its unique violet/purple colour as well as its powerful healing properties. It is a variety of quartz crystals and the birthstone for Pisces and the month February.
Amethyst History & Legends
Amethyst takes its name from the greek word "amethystos" which means "the one that cannot get drunk". Ancient Greeks were believing in the healing properties of the crystal and they were wearing Amethyst stones to prevent drunkenness and overindulgence.
According to a myth dated in Renaissance, Amethyst was a beautiful maiden that crossed paths with the Greek God Dionysus on her way to worship at the Temple of Diana. She became the object of wrath of Dionysus after he became intoxicated with red wine. When Amethyst cried out to Goddess Diana for help, she immediately turned the girl into a white, shimmering stone (quartz). When Dionysus realised what had happened and felt remorse for his actions, his tears dripped into his goblet of red wine. The goblet overturned, and the red wine spilled all over the white rock, saturating it until it became the purple quartz that is now known as Amethyst.
Saint Valentine was thought to wear a ring set with an antique Amethyst carved with an image of Cupid. There are a number of Biblical references to the stone as well. It was also one of the twelve precious stones in Aaron's breastplate. The twelfth foundation of the Holy City was built of amethyst.
In Feng Shui it is focused on the wealth enhancement. It was also used in ancient China as a powerful tool to clear negative energy and drive away the hazards of everyday life.
Ancient civilisations prized the stone more than many gems which today enjoy more recognition and value, including sapphire and ruby. For some time, amethyst was valued equally with diamonds. After great finds later on in South America and elsewhere, its rarity decreased and so did its price.
Amethyst Healing Properties
Amethyst is linked to the Third Eye Chakra, which is located between the eyebrows, and it is a natural tranquilliser that activates spiritual awareness.
It also works with the Crown Chakra, which is also purple and it is located at the top of the head, helping the bearer to focus on healing and establish a personal connection to the divine.
It has the ability to convert lower vibrations to higher frequencies, which then transform negative energy to love energy. It also relieves from stress and strain, soothes irritability, balances mood swings and dispels anger, rage, fear and anxiety.
Ayurvedic medicine practitioners, crystal healers, reiki practitioners and other alternative and medicine practitioners use amethyst stones for a variety of purposes, that include:
-
enhancing the immune system
-
cleansing organs and circulatory system
-
improving endocrine function
-
improving the skin’s appearance calming itching & sunburn
-
promoting digestive health by regulating flora and removing parasites
-
reducing headaches
-
regulating hormones
It is considered the most powerful stone in terms of emotional balance since it centres once emotions helping individuals to deal with both high and lows. It is relieving from stress and stimulates new ideas and it may provide great assistance in finding a path in situations that feel chaotic.
