Amethyst is a quartz crystal that can vary in shade from lavender to purple and is found in many parts of the world, from the USA to Africa to India.
This purple gem is the birthstone of the zodiac sign, Pisces, from February to March and is a powerful chakra cleanser and healer. The origins of the name are Greek and it means non-inebriated or sober.
Purple is the colour of royalty and the gemstone has been used in crowns, rings and other jewellery for centuries. The colour is thought to relax the mind and raise it to a different plane.
This is an extremely powerful, protective gemstone that can transmute energy into love. Placing an amethyst crystal in a room can also attract loving energy and holding the stone is helpful in the workplace when a job is proving stressful. It will gently protect and cleanse the aura, strengthen the intuition and help the mind to be receptive to answers that rise up in the consciousness.
It has had a reputation as a mineral that makes a person better, getting rid of bad thoughts and encouraging a mild and gentle temperament. In Arab countries historically it was put under the pillow to prevent nightmares.
Amethyst is an excellent stone for meditation and can help the person using it to find inner peace and wisdom. This means that it can also help in sadness and grief and support anyone who is trying to come to terms with a loss.
Crystal therapists advise putting it under the pillow to help clarify undigested thoughts and say that after a few days sleep will become calmer, deeper and more refreshing. It can assist in overcoming blocks, lack of control and addictive behaviour as well as helping us to face even unpleasant experiences. It was traditionally worn to prevent drunkenness.
It can be laid on any part of the body that needs healing but it is particularly good for easing tension, pain and headaches. It is also said to be good for promoting the healing of bruises and swellings. However, it can also be worn for long periods of time and an amethyst pendant is particularly helpful as it can be worn over the heart.
Wearing amethyst earrings or amethyst bracelets can be equally effective. The colour of amethysts is vulnerable to fading, however, so care should be taken to store jewellery wrapped and to avoid exposing it to too much bright sunlight.
Amethyst can be used and worn for long periods for powerful healing and protection so it is the perfect excuse for wearing your amethyst earrings as often as possible.? By Jude Smith.