Tiger Eye – The protective stone of courage

Tiger Eye, named after the animal’s eye, is a variety of Chalcedony, a cryptocrystalline form of silica. It’s made up of fine intergrowths of moganite and quartz. It forms when Crocidolite has its chemical fibres replaced by silica. This formation leaves finely fibrous quartz, creating a chatoyancy effect. Chatoyancy, also called the “Cat’s Eye” phenomena, is when there are parallel rays within a stone that reflect a strip of light on the surface of the stone. When held up to the light these bands seem to move. Its colours are generally a combination of golden browns, yellow, beige or tan. 

It is the birthstone for Gemini and the month June. It is also good for Capricorn and Leo.

Tiger’s Eye History & Legends

Tiger’s Eye symbolizes the tiger’s strength, bravery, courage, integrity and the right use of power. Tiger’s Eye is a most ancient talisman, mysterious and powerful, revered and feared – an “all-seeing all-knowing eye”. It was thought to grant the wearer the ability to observe everything, even through closed doors. It was chosen by the Egyptians for the eyes in their deity statues to express divine vision and was believed to provide the protection the the sun and earth through Ra, the god of Sun and Geb, the god of the growing land. This led to the belief that Tiger’s Eye contains both the energy of sun and earth; a masculine and feminine balance. According to the legend, the stone held the power of the midday sun, the hottest time of the day.

In Eastern mythology, tiger was the king of the jungle. The tiger plays a central role especially in Chinese culture. It is one of the 12 zodiac animals, fundamental to Chinese astrology. The characteristic markings on the fur of its forehead, forming the Chinese character for king (4 strokes), made the tiger the king in ancient Chinese tales. Along with the dragon, the phoenix and the turtle, the tiger is part of the four Chinese mythical creatures. All four of them have been major motifs across Chinese architecture, art and literature. In Chinese folklore beliefs, the tiger is protecting the good, guarding it from the evil. Being a guardian spirit, Tiger’s Eye has often been carved into amulets and worn to ward off bad spirits, protecting its wearers.  

Roman soldiers wore Tiger’s Eye on their breast plates during battle to deflect weapons and to symbolize bravery. Tiger’s Eye also honours Freyja, the Norse Goddess of beauty and love. She looks over the souls of warriors who die in battle and reunites them with their wives after death. She is most commonly depicted in a chariot pulled by two black cats. Another Goddess that is honoured through Tiger’s Eye is Sekhmet, the Egyptian Goddess of war. She is depicted with the head of a lion and the body of a woman.

Tiger’s Eye Healing Properties

Tiger’s Eye, an earthly stone, is associated with the Solar Plexus, the Sacral and the Root chakras. These are the safety and strength chakras that make people feel grounded, connected to the earth beneath their feet and stable enough to leap higher and explore deeper levels of spiritual consciousness. They create a solid foundation to build confidence, determination and courage.

Tiger’s Eye is a remarkable ally for the mind, balancing emotional extremes and allowing scattered thoughts, feelings and information to come together in a way that makes sense. It brings focus and stability, enabling one to make decisions from a place of reason rather than emotion. It is ideal for those who are spaced out and unable to commit to finding purpose as well as for those who find it difficult to remain optimistic since it is stimulating hope and confidence for the future.

It is highly beneficial for resolving dilemmas and internal battles, especially those caused by jealousy, wilfulness and pride. It teaches integrity and right use of power, bringing an awareness of one’s needs as opposed to mere desires.

Tiger’s Eye is considered a blood fortifier, increasing vitality and strength and restoring balance to the body on all levels. It is thought to boost the endocrine system, bringing one’s hormones and biochemistry back to level and, placed on the reproductive organs, may stimulate fertility and resolve issues arising from past experiences.

Tiger’s Eye increases insight and perception in unfamiliar places or circumstances and protects from the negative intentions of others. It sharpens the senses, helping one pay attention to details and prepare for positive action. It reflects an overview of situations and assists when things are happening too fast. It is one of the best aids for resolving a crisis and provides perfect support when one is afraid of making a wrong decision.