Lapis Lazuli is one of the oldest opaque gemstones and its healing properties make it considered the Stone of Wisdom. It is not an element nor a mineral - it is a rock containing multiple minerals such as lazurite, diopside, calcite, pyrite and more.
It is the Planetary stone for Capricorn and the Zodiac stone for Libra. Lapis Lazuli is the traditional birthstone for December and the alternative birthstone for January and September.
Lapis Lazuli History & Legends
Lapis Lazuli's two-part name comes from two different cultures: lapis is a Latin word meaning "stone", while lazuli comes from the Persian word lazhuward, meaning "blue". Jewellery made from Lapis Lazuli have been found in prehistoric tombs in Asia, Africa, and Europe.
The myth of Inanna, the Sumerian goddess of love that descended and returned from the underworld may date from as early as 4000 BC. Inanna entered the underworld bearing the insignia of her rank, including a Lapis Lazuli necklace and rod.
Lapis Lazuli was particularly favoured by the Egyptians, as it's deep blue colour stood out against the tones of the desert. Pharaohs favoured Lapis Lazuli and judges wore emblems of Maat, the goddess of truth, made from the stone. Since lapis lazuli often resembles a starry night sky, it was associated with the heavens and the supernatural. Priests would often dye their garments with Lapis Lazuli paint to solidify their status as Gods.
It was historically used in the death mask of King Tutankhamen, where they inlaid it with turquoise and carnelian in bright gold. It was also being played as cosmetics of Cleopatra.
Lapis Lazuli was often used in religious rituals. It was commonly employed in exorcisms. The stone was pulverised and mixed with gold and the mixture was then placed on the head of the afflicted individual. As the poultice dried, it would draw out the demons. The Egyptian Book of the Dead describes in detail the importance of lapis lazuli in funeral rituals. Lapis Lazuli amulets were used to protect the deceased from evil spirits by placing amulets of the blue stone on the person’s body.
One famous legend states that King Solomon was given possession of a Lapis Lazuli ring by an angel. This ring allowed him to control an army of demons, which he used to build his temple. Lapis lazuli is described as a stone of great power and an ornament of the Gods in Assyrian texts. The Sumerians believed that the spirit of their gods lived within the stone.
Lapis Lazuli Healing Properties
Lapis Lazuli is linked to two chakras - it activates the psychic centres at the Third Eye Chakra and balances the energies of the Throat Chakra.
The Third Eye Chakra is known as the mind's eye or inner eye that is linked to mind consciousness and provides perception beyond normal sight. Located in the brain and the upper part of the nose area, its purpose is to see both inner and outer worlds.
Working with the Throat Chakra, it can help you expose what you feel inside, knowing the inner truth, and express it with confidence and clarity. It pushes you to convey a full expression of words and discomfort of showing yourself to others. It will encourage you to speak with a clear mind and share the real you with other people.
Lapis Lazuli crystal therapies are primarily associated with physical ailments of the throat and of revealing truth. Lapis Lazuli is beneficial to the larynx and vocal cords and helps regulate the endocrine and thyroid glands.
Lapis Lazuli stone can connect your heart and mind creating a good flow of blood and calming your emotions. This is actually a treat for skin issues and an aid for respiratory problems. It is also good for the nervous system that controls brain disorders like Asperger's syndrome, autism and attention-deficit.
It is believed to boost the immune system, regulate blood circulation, sooth inflammation, reduce insomnia and help overcomes depression and vertigo. It cleanses organs, thymus and bone marrows. It is also a good treatment for women suffering from menstrual difficulties, cramps, stiffness and lumbago.
It is the stone of harmony, honesty and compassion that enhances self-awareness and self-expression. It fights anxiety and psychic attacks and relieves anger and negative thoughts while stimulating clarity and objectivity and speaking one's truth and emotions.
