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.

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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!

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