Thursday, February 6, 2014

The Magical Lore of Amethyst


February's birthstone amethyst has been a prized gem for centuries. From ancient Egyptian pharaohs, to the British crown jewels, amethyst's lovely and varying shades of purple were associated with royalty. Some of the earliest  legends speak of the stone with the Roman god Bacchus.

In Norse mythology and folklore, the stone was believed to be favored by Thor. Many believed if you wore the stone on Thursdays, you were granted protection and luck by the great Norse god. 

The gemstone was believed to help mental acuity, to increase intellect, meditation and contemplation, help its bearer with bravery, and aid in healing. It was even said that if you carved the image of a bear on a hunk of amethyst, it would send daemons running away and toward the nearest portal. That's a pretty tall order for a simple purple stone.

The gem also came to represent the tribe of Dan, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. In the middle ages, amethyst became a symbol of purity and devotion, making it popular with Cardinals and Bishops, and wound up adorning a lot of silver crosses. 

Historically, amethyst was also used by pagans who practiced the art of the wise, who believed it aided in prophecy and healing magic. Those who practice green earth magic often use a geode of amethyst to bring life back to dying plants, or to cancel out negative energy pets can sense. If there is a corner of your house that your cat or dog will not go, try smudging the area with sage, and place five small amethyst points forming a pentagram in the area, leaving it overnight. In the morning, pick up the stones and see if you notice a difference in your dog's or cat's behavior. I bet you will. :)

Associated with the tarot card Temperance, the gemstone also represents balance and harmony, and according to legend, is a wonderful stone to use in helping stop addictive behaviors.

In the Chinese practice of Feng Shui, amethyst enhances material wealth, both giving and receiving. Basically, to those who give, more is given. Also, the gemstone is associated with the crown chakra at the top of the head where the divine essence of life enters us.
Leave a comment and enter to win!  

Amethyst is also an awesome talisman for us creative types. In some circles it's called Cerridwen's Stone, since Cerridwen is the Celtic goddess of inspiration and the arts. Amethyst crystals can be scattered or arranged in the room where you write, paint, design, dream, quilt, or knit, to focus and intensify the divine energy used in creative endeavors.

How would you like to win the lovely pair of amethyst earrings pictured above? 
Leave a comment on this post and tell me the answer to this question:

What uses does a green earth witch have for amethyst? (the answer is in the article)





  

Contest ends midnight, Monday, February 10, 2014. Good Luck!

Must be 18+ to enter. The odds of winning depend upon the number of participants. Contest void where prohibited by law. I strive to make my prize winners happy, however, as with all my contests, it is the participant’s responsibility to check the blog to see if their name is announced as a winner, and/or to respond to winning notification emails in order to claim your prize. Prizes must be claimed within 30 days of contest winning announcement. If not claimed within 30 days, the prize will either be added to another contest, or a second chance drawing at my discretion. 
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12 comments:

Unknown said...

To bring life back to a dying plant, or cancel out negative energy a pet can sense.

Me, I just love amythest and crosses. Always have.

CrystalGB said...

to bring life back to dying plants, or to cancel out negative energy pets can sense I love amythest.

L.K. Campbell said...

Very interesting. I never knew that about the amyethyst. It's not my birthstone, but it has always been one of my favorite gemstones. Happy birthday!

Heather said...

Purple has never been one of my favorite colors, but I do love amethyst. Answer to question: bring life back to dying plants/cancel out negative energy.

Mary Kirkland said...

Those who practice green earth magic often use a geode of amethyst to bring life back to dying plants, or to cancel out negative energy pets can sense.

I actually didn't know that. My mom used to buy me Amethyst jewelry for my birthday. I have a really pretty ring and earrings that make me think of her when I wear them.

robertsonreads said...

Geode of amethyst to bring life back to dying plants or to cancel out negative energy pets can sense.

February is a very good month for our family, I have a brother, sister, niece and nephew with birthdays.

thank you,
Ginger aka robertsonreads

Pamela said...

Amethyst was used to help bring back dying plants and can also cancel out negative energy that is sensed by pets. It truly is a magical gem. I wish I were a geologist, this is all so fascinating.

Mindy said...

Interesting article Cassandra :)
Those who practice green earth magic often use a geode of amethyst to bring life back to dying plants, or to cancel out negative energy companion animals can sense.

Mindy :)
Birdsooong@comcast.net

Jeanette J said...

To bring life back to dying plants, or to cancel out negative energy pets can sense.

joye said...

to bring back to life dying plants or to cancel out negative energy pets can sense.
JWIsley(at)aol(dot)com

Eva said...

Bring life back to dying plants, or to cancel out negative energy.
bossu49 at aol dot com

Cassandra said...

This contest is now closed. Thank you to all who entered.