Amethyst, an Esoteric Stone
Amethyst is undoubtedly one of the stones that is always present in the homes of those who believe in the magical and energetic properties of minerals, but it's nice to know that these beliefs have been held since ancient times. What makes this mineral so special?
Its name comes from the Greek amethystós, which means "not-intoxicated." Indeed, it was believed that this stone, placed at the bottom of cups or wine dishes, helped prevent a person from getting drunk. This is believed to be the reason why cups and glasses made from this material have been found. Authors such as Aristotle and Dioscorides associated the word with "not-angry," referring to the fact that amethyst promoted friendship and prevented arguments. In 1576, a French poem by Remy Belleau spread a false myth about a nymph named Ametis, who was transformed by the gods into this mineral, either to protect her from the loves of Dionysus, or as punishment for her excessive insanity (A-Methýs = brainless).
In Egypt, amethyst mines were quickly exploited, as they were prized as court jewelry and military gifts. Of course, amethyst was also used in religious matters, especially in funerary settings and in love affairs. In Rome, amethyst continued its path to becoming a favorite for jewelry decoration, found in numerous amulets, necklaces, earrings, and carved rings.
In Asia, it was considered a beneficial stone, as can be seen in its use in everyday objects such as medallions and also in carefully crafted Chinese vases. In China, amethyst was also associated with good luck, especially in winning legal proceedings. In India, amethyst was essential in jewelry production, and had associated astrological and medicinal properties in Ayurveda. Furthermore, since its hues can change to red and garnet depending on the temperature, amethysts were mythologically considered to be pieces of the nails of the demon Bala, who fed on blood.
In the Americas, pre-Columbian peoples exploited their amethyst mines for decorations and wall inlays for religious purposes. Due to the abundance of more precious metals, amethysts did not suffer the wear and tear of European markets. Native Americans, for their part, used amethyst and turquoise as decorative elements in their traditional jewelry, although the use of quartz—as we will see later, amethyst is actually a type of quartz—has also been attested for specific esoteric purposes such as healing and clairvoyance.
It was from Arabic writings and the European Middle Ages that amethyst became recognized as a magical stone. In reality, however, amethyst is a type of quartz that, due to the earth's heat processes and the varying amounts of iron and manganese it contains, acquires its translucent, purple hues, and crystallizes into points and geodes. Its value as a stone is due to its powerful, brilliant color, its few cracks, and its ease of carving. However, its value compared to other stones has always been lower, remaining prominent only in the esoteric realm. This is because amethyst deposits are abundant throughout the world, which does not make it a "hard-to-access" stone, either in terms of location or market price.
In the Lapidary of Alfonso X the Wise, which compiles information from many other Arab works, it is indicated that amethyst, called sedinech, is linked to the zodiac sign of Sagittarius, and that it is obtained in the mines of Egypt. It is said that
<<Its property is that it has within it retentive power with sharpness, and for this reason it is loved. And it thins the thickness of the eye sockets. And if it is mixed with women's milk, it cures the disease called ophthalmia and the sores that form in the eyes. And if it is given to drink with wine, it protects against the evil caused by urine retention, and also for women who are ill because their flower grows too much, it causes them to lose it. And if it is given to someone who spits blood to drink, it does them a great favor and heals them." And whoever wishes this stone to strengthen its virtue, let them burn it, grind it into powder, and drink it with wine, and it will be more powerful and effective than any other method. But do not let it burn for too long, otherwise it will be damaged. And the sign of how much it should be burned is this: that they should pay attention when they want to change the color, and take it out immediately. And when this stone is rubbed with a sharpening stone, a vermilion color emerges, which is very good for curing scabies and itching in the eyes (...) >>
We therefore see that in these centuries, amethyst already carries with it a series of medicinal and also esoteric properties, since it is considered to have greater power under the sign of Sagittarius, and those who were born under it or have it as an ascendant.
Among Christians, possibly due to its association with the color purple and therefore with Christ's mantle, amethyst became a symbol of chastity and humility. It was a material used in rosaries, but also in the appointment rings of cardinals and bishops, as well as in some religious carvings and chalices. It was also the stone of the Tribe of Benjamin in the breastplate of the High Priest of Jerusalem.
Because it is effective against states of irascibility, amethyst was also said to be a good remedy for other types of "heat," such as heartburn, sexual passion, or fever. The famous physician Francis Bacon (16th century) indicated that it was common to see people using amethyst for headaches or toothaches, even for poisons, and as a talisman for any other ailment in everyday life.
In the European Renaissance, we have evidence of the continuation of this magical perception of amethyst, in writings such as Agrippa von Nettesheim's Occult Philosophy, where he states that this stone, in addition to warding off anger, is linked to the planet Mars and Antares, the red star in the constellation of Scorpio. However, in later Western esotericism, amethyst has been associated with the planet Jupiter, probably because of its purple color and association with power, and has also been linked to the month of February, specifically as the zodiacal stone of Pisces, in this case, due to its connection with the spiritual rather than with anger.
In alchemy, amethyst was associated with the element of fire, especially due to its color changes when subjected to heat, which went from crimson red to citrine yellow. Its zodiac signs were Aquarius and Pisces, as these are the signs that transit in the month of February, and its planets were Jupiter and later Pluto. It was also associated with salt. In spiritual alchemy, amethyst is the stone of the Age of Aquarius and is called "the violet flame," a reminder of its fire element, but this time understood as illuminating, igniting the flame of knowledge.
The Italian physician Camillus Leonardus, in 1750, also included amethyst as a medicinal remedy for drunkenness, as well as its properties against evil thoughts, victory in military affronts, cohabitation, and as a hunting amulet. Soldiers had also worn it for centuries to ward off bad luck, illness, and death. It is said that the mysterious Count of Saint Germain often set amethyst in his silver jewelry.
Over time, amethyst has become popular worldwide through esoteric movements. For example, as the stone associated with the seventh chakra, Sahasrara or the crown chakra, amethyst has come to confirm its esoteric value as a calming, relaxing, and purifying stone. Followers of the seven-ray and chakra theories say that amethyst activates the right side of the brain (creativity) and enhances understanding and the opening of the third eye, intuition, and divine knowledge. In Santeria, amethyst is also the stone of Yemanyá, the Yoruba goddess of the sea, and of Obatala, and can be found used both as Otas (offering stones) and in ekeles (necklaces).
Today, there are two key esoteric ways to use amethyst: as a talisman in jewelry and as a stone for altars and rituals. Depending on the spiritual branch followed, we can find different uses in New Age movements.
In Wicca and Neopaganism, amethyst is associated with the Goddess and other deities such as the Greeks Dionysus and Diana. Because of these connections, its element has changed to Water, and its planets are Jupiter and Neptune. Amethyst can be used as an altar stone to aid in the manifestation and concentration of power for requests or spells. This can be a geode or a stack of crystals. It can also be used as an amethyst ball to mark the boundaries of the altar.
In addition, ideas brought from esoteric India suggest that an amethyst stone can be placed on an object or on one's forehead (the forehead for the chakra, but other areas of the body are also valid if there is a specific purpose) to purify and balance: for example, "cleansing" tarot cards that belonged to someone else, or meditating while lying down with an amethyst on one's forehead to free oneself from fears.
Holding an amethyst in the left hand promotes spiritual and mental well-being, calming anxiety and stress, and aiding meditation. It is also used to free oneself from vices and addictions of all kinds, such as alcohol, drugs, or food, but also toxic relationships or bad habits.
Cunningham sets forth a model of spell-casting in one of his texts on crystals, where he indicates that, after firmly squeezing the amethyst, Visualizing how it absorbs the emotional distress, yelling at it, crying at it, and then throwing itself away and turning its back on it before leaving. The amethyst will have retained the bad and will purify itself over time. However, this stone should not be recovered by the person who threw it.
Contact with amethyst enhances its properties, which is why it is common to wear it as a pendant, earrings, or rings, etc. Following medieval traditions, it is said to protect against illness, thieves, and enemies, as well as during travel. It is a crystal that emboldens its wearer, making it good in matters of work and love. Specifically for love, we find its recommendation for those seeking a kind and calm female partner.
It can also be one of the elements of Florida water or moon water, to be used later for purification, as well as for beauty or romantic attraction.
It is believed that placing it under the pillow helps one fall asleep and have good and/or premonitory dreams, eliminating nightmares and worries.
It is used as an aid in legal and business matters, attracting prosperity through good relationships and the smooth, flowing development of activities. Also, due to its Jupiterian influence, it serves to instill leadership.
Due to its purifying properties, it is considered a very good auxiliary tool for divination, as it "clarifies" messages and visions. Hence, many pendulums can be found made with amethyst points or runes made of this stone. Magic wands, most frequently used in channeling and shamanic rituals, prefer quartz and amethyst tips, and in wands representing the chakras, amethyst is usually placed at one of the two ends.
There are also those who consider the hue of amethyst for their purposes and uses, guided by color relationships: amethyst with yellow veins is called ametrine and is used for major changes; purple amethyst without veins is calming and balancing; light violet amethyst with white veins is used primarily for things related to good relationships with family, friends, and colleagues; light violet amethyst without veins is considered the best for self-realization, meditation, remembrance, and divination.
Pietro V. Carracedo Ahumada - pietrocarracedo@gmail.com
Bibliography:
- Balasch i Blanch, E.; Ruiz, Y. Dictionary of Ancient Magic and Alchemy. Fundamentos Publishing House, 2003
- Conway, D.J.; Conway, E.D. Crystal Enchantments. A Complete Guide to Stones and Their Magical Properties. Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed, 2011
- Cunningham, S. Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic. LLewellyn Worldwide Ltd, 2011
- Garret, R. The Magic of Crystals. Edimat, 1998.
Related articles:
> Chakras, Colors, and Minerals
> Minerals in Judeo-Christianity
> The Lapidary of Alfonso X the Wise: Minerals and Astrology in Medieval Spain
