Amethyst - Origin, Meaning & Properties
The popular gemstone Amethyst got its name derived from the Greek language. The meaning comes from the word "Amethystos," which means "to counteract intoxication." Behind this is the ancient belief that the wearer of an amethyst would be immune to the intoxicating effects of wine. However, the amethyst is highly sought after as a healing stone as well as a gemstone. Due to its violet color, it is also a valued semi-precious stone. The color ranges from a light, slightly pinkish hue to a very dark violet shade. The amethyst has a transparent to translucent clarity. When this gemstone is exposed to sunlight, it quickly loses its natural color. Therefore, it should not be exposed to direct UV radiation if possible. Brazil and Uruguay are important South American countries of origin for amethysts. As early as the beginning of the 19th century, many deposits of this healing stone were discovered there. The amethyst is also known as Bacchus stone, thorn apple stone, Maraba amethyst, or Cape amethyst, the latter certainly due to the fact that the stone is also found in Namibia and Madagascar. However, besides the mentioned locations, there are also regions in Morocco, Russia, and Sri Lanka where this gemstone has also been found.
Healing Stone and Gemstone - The Amethyst and Its Versatile Uses
In gemstone quality, the amethyst is a popular and widely used jewelry stone. For the market, it is cut in various shapes and forms (faceted as a brilliant, briolette, or as a navette) or in the rounded cabochon form. As a dark violet stone, the amethyst is considered particularly valuable. As a jewelry gemstone, altered versions are also very popular. For example, the so-called ametrine is a combination of amethyst and citrine. Amethyst quartz, a white-violet, finely banded, and opaque variation, is also included. However, the amethyst remains highly sought after as a healing stone as well. Hildegard of Bingen, the Christian mystic of the High Middle Ages born in 1098, was already convinced of the healing properties of gemstones, including the amethyst. Her medicinal knowledge is said to have come from divine visions that she claimed to have received. According to her, the amethyst is used as a healing stone against illnesses, swellings, and skin impurities. She also suggested its use against insect, spider, and snake bites. Additionally, the amethyst is believed to have inspiring, cleansing, and enlightening properties, which it is said to exert through its influence on the third-eye chakra. A chakra is a specific point on the human body that can be supplied with positive energy through a healing stone like the amethyst. For this reason, this gemstone has gained high popularity in esoteric circles. Its association with zodiac signs is also very interesting. The amethyst is associated with the zodiac sign Pisces, and by some users, it is also linked to Capricorn and Sagittarius. It is also associated as a planetary stone with the planets Pluto and Neptune. Additionally, the gemstone is connected to the month of February and the day Thursday. Chakra regions such as the head (e.g., for headaches/migraines, colds) or skin areas (for skin impurities, etc.) are often included in therapy with a healing stone like the amethyst.
Discharging and Recharging the Healing Stone
To discharge the amethyst, it should be subjected to a targeted cleaning with water. During the process, the healing stone is placed in clean water for several hours. Afterward, the gemstone is gently dried with a clean cloth, avoiding perfumed cloths. Then, recharging can take place. It is important to perform the charging with subtle sunlight and not to expose the stone to direct sunlight. The charging process should not exceed half an hour, as otherwise, there could be a loss of color. A tip: if the healing stone has not been used for a long time and has been stored, for example, in a cabinet or drawer, it is advisable to clean it thoroughly with water before the next use. Small dust particles present could potentially hinder the energy exchange. The amethyst should therefore always be stored in a protected and dry container. When worn as jewelry close to the body, the healing stone automatically recharges in daylight. Its valuable, healing energy can then be gradually released to the chakra regions of the human body. The amethyst is also used for the so-called energetic cleaning and recharging of another healing stone.
Connection Between Body, Mind, and Chakra
A talisman of a special kind - that is certainly the amethyst. With its violet hue in various beautiful shades, this gemstone has a calming, sensual effect on the psyche. Thus, it is predestined to restore emotional balance and influence the mental chakra in a harmonizing way. Meditation in connection with an amethyst - this is also possible. To achieve a holistic effect, several amethysts can be used. The healing stone is best distributed on different chakra points. A comfortable, outstretched position, perhaps on the floor on a mat, is recommended. With calm, gentle music playing in the background, the application is likely to be even more effective. In a relaxed posture with closed eyes, the healing power of the gemstone will reach all chakra points evenly. Meditating this way for half to about three-quarters of an hour - and soothing forces will become noticeable. Inspiring, healing, and powerful - these are the qualities of the fascinating amethyst. Therefore, the amethyst is not only popular as a piece of jewelry in the form of bracelets, rings, necklaces, or for making watches but also highly regarded as natural medicine with natural energy flow.
Chakra Points and Self-Healing - The Amethyst as a Popular Healing Stone
In the context of gemstone therapy, the amethyst is suitable for a variety of applications. Bruises, swellings, as well as abrasions, sunburn, or minor burns and itching, are some of the ailments that can be alleviated with the help of the amethyst. But fears, hysteria, or neuroses also complement the range of applications in the area of the emotional chakra. The healing effect of the amethyst emanates from the body-soul level, as there is an interplay between these two levels. Positive energy flows through the body with the help of an amethyst. Any existing blockages can be removed with this healing stone; the balance between soul and body is restored - the individual chakra points are strengthened. The important self-healing powers are positively influenced; the human immune system is continuously built up and sustainably strengthened.
The Amethyst as a Comforter: The Semi-Precious Stone Meditation
In our stress-ridden times, the psychological effect of the semi-precious stone is true balm for the soul and the entire head area. Therefore, the amethyst is often used in meditation. Perception and intuition are improved, and the meditator gains self-confidence and willpower. People who suffer from insomnia find peace if they place the amethyst under their pillow overnight. The same method is also recommended for concentration difficulties, headaches, and migraines. The amethyst reduces fears, hysteria, and neuroses; it gives strength and courage. To achieve these effects, all attention is focused on the stone held in both hands. Several stones can also be placed on different points of the body. The eyes are closed, and a relaxed posture is adopted. The healing energy emitted by the amethyst grows stronger and radiates from the hands to the arms and the heart. After about three-quarters of an hour, the entire body is finally filled with positive energy, and thoughts become positive again.
The Amethyst as a Gentle Healer: The Amethyst Therapy
When the body is exposed to stressors and blockages form in several areas, a person feels unwell and may even be in pain. This is the case with stress-related tension in the shoulder, neck, and back areas. It is also the case with various types of inflammation, colds with sore throats and inflamed sinuses, as well as respiratory diseases. Sunburn and other burns, all abrasions, swellings, and bruises heal faster after amethyst therapy. Digestive issues, metabolic and blood diseases are alleviated or cured. For amethyst therapy, the semi-precious stone is placed flat on the affected area of the body. Another method is to point the tip of the amethyst towards the body. In this way, it releases its positive, healing energy. Another goal of gemstone therapy is to combat addictions, such as alcoholism. The amethyst can help to completely overcome or at least reduce alcohol addiction. The amethyst is not without reason also called the "Stone of Bacchus" (god of wine). In combination with other therapies, gemstone healing is successful in most cases.
The Amethyst as a Purifier: Cleansing with Minerals
The semi-precious stone can clear entire rooms of negative energy. The amethyst transforms the existing bad energy into positive energy. So it is not surprising that fleas, lice, ticks, and other parasites on humans and especially pets can be eliminated with it. Here, an amethyst collar helps keep pests away for a long time. Amethyst-infused water serves to cleanse both inside and outside: it soothes facial skin with acne and itchy rashes and helps with psoriasis and hair loss. Amethyst water not only tastes good in hot weather but should be drunk every morning. It provides energy for the whole day and stimulates the metabolism as well as the stomach and intestines. The effect is especially noticeable when trying to lose weight. The amethyst is a valuable helper from nature; it is up to us to make use of its versatility.
The violet-shimmering amethyst contains a lot of energy that we humans can use in healing practices. Whether as a talisman, gemstone, or natural healing stone - its astonishing effects have been known for many centuries. The semi-precious stone radiates valuable natural power and gives people strength. The mineral with the magical aura is also known as the "sobriety stone" because "amethystos" means "counteracting intoxication." In addition to this protective function, the touch of the stone produces many other healing effects. As a comforting stone, it feels extremely pleasant, just like any other quartz. With it in your pocket, nothing bad can happen. The amethyst positively influences the body and soul with its energetic vibrations, and even small children can feel this. Before a healing treatment, it is of course necessary to recharge the stones. The amethyst is recharged by exposing it to sunlight for half an hour or by allowing it to absorb energy under the moonlight for a longer period. Then the healing stone can work its magic.