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Derivation Of Crystal Names And Terms
By S. Nathan Stein, January 18, 2007
This artricle provides a fascinating look at how many common crystal names and terms originated. |
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Crystal For Wisdom And Insight
By S. Nathan Stein
This article gives a perspective on wisdom and insight and provides information on crystals that aid people seeking those qualities. |
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Derivation Of Common Crystal Names & Terms
By S. Nathan Stein, EFT –ADV, CH, TCHT/NLP
January 18, 2007
Agate – A type of the mineral chalcedony and therefore a quartz. Agate's name was derived from the site of its initial discovery, the River Achates (now Dirillo), in Southwest Sicily. Believe it or not, in 1709 a Brazilian priest planned to use Agates as antigravity devices on an air ship he had designed.
Aventurine - Interestingly, Aventurine's name is derived from an accident. During the 18th Century Venetian glass workers were preparing molten glass when copper filings accidentally fell into the batch, producing glass with sparkles. The name Aventurine comes from the Italian "A Ventura" which means "By Chance".
Amethyst - The Greek work "amethystos" basically can be translated as "not drunken." Amethyst was considered to be a strong antidote against drunkenness, which is why wine goblets were often carved from it! The gemstone still symbolizes sobriety. The legend of the origin of amethyst comes from Greek myths. Dionysius, the god of intoxication, was angered one day by an insult from a mere mortal and swore revenge on the next mortal that crossed his path, creating fierce tigers to carry out his wish. Along came unsuspecting Amethyst, a beautiful young maiden on her way to pay tribute to the goddess Diana. Diana turned Amethyst into a statue of pure crystalline quartz to protect her from the brutal claws. Dionysus wept tears of wine in remorse for his action at the sight of the beautiful statue. The god's tears stained the quartz purple, creating the gem we know today.
Chalcedony (also spelled Calcedony), is a catch-all term that includes many well known varieties of cryptocrystalline quartz gemstones. Chalcedony's name is derived from Chalcedon or Calchedon, an ancient port of Bithynia, near present day Istanbul, Turkey. Many of the varieties of Chalcedony, including Agate (see above), Carnelian (red to reddish brown), Sard (light to dark brown), Chrysoprase (apple green), Bloodstone (green with red spots), Jasper (generally red but sometimes yellow, brown, green and grey blue), Flint (dull grey to black), are useful and important as ornamental gems.
Fluorescence in minerals is the result of bombarding the mineral with invisible ultra-violet light waves. This releases visible light waves (photons) of different wave lengths (colors) from the mineral. Fluorescence was first observed in England when the mineral Fluorite was exposed to ultra-violet light. That is why the process is called Fluorescence. Fluorite fluoresces best under the long-wave U. V. light. This usually produces a blue light. In the case of green fluorite, it fluoresces blue.
Kyanite - Also called Disthene, the name Kyanite is derived from the Greek "Kyanos" meaning, "Blue". The most popular varieties display intense cornflower blues similar to sapphire, and sparkling greenish-blues reminiscent of aquamarine.
Onyx - Commonly known as "Black Magic," the name comes from the Greek word "Onyx," which means finger nail or claw. Legend says that one day, while Venus was sleeping, Eros (Cupid) cut her fingernails and left the clippings scattered on the ground. Because no part of a heavenly body can die, the gods turned them into a gem. These stones became the chalcedony stones that the Greeks called Onyx. Centuries later, the Romans applied the term to black and dark brown chalcedony.
Tourmaline – Derived from the Singhalese (Sri Lankan) word "turamali" meaning gemstone.
Turritella Agate - 40-60 Million years ago, a salt water sea covered what is now Wyoming in the Western United States. A snail of the Turritella specie lived in its shallow waters. The shell of this snail had a small, long, tapering spire with many whorls. The shell material has been completely replaced by agate and chalcedony while retaining the dramatic whorl pattern.
Carnelian - Among Crystal healers, Carnelian is frequently known as a stone of great spirituality. It has been said to be a healing gem with a wondrous capacity for mental and physical healing properties.
Carnelian as a Birthstone
As mentioned above, in Western society, Astrologers name this crystal as a primary birthstone of Virgo (Aug. 22 to Sept. 22). Hindu astrologers name it as a secondary stone for Aries (Mar. 21 to April 20) and Scorpio (Oct. 24 to Nov. 22). Carnelian is associated with Thursday and Friday. The Arabs associated it with the month of July. It is a sun stone and associated with the Fire Elemental.
Carnelian and Vibrations
Carnelian is connected with the #1 and #3 vibrations.
Carnelian and Myths
The greatest myths surrounding the stone Carnelian, come from the Egyptian Culture. The Egyptian goddess Isis protected the dead with a Carnelian Amulet named Thet. After being soaked in Ankhami flower water, on a Sycamore plinth (a type of tile) and placed on the body of the deceased, Isis would grant the person protection from harm while moving through the afterlife. The stone also appears In Hebrew Mythology; Aaron’s breastplate included a Carnelian stone. Buddhists in China and India created amulets inlaid with Carnelian and other semi-precious stones, ascribing to them powers of protection and utilizing them for many rituals.
Among Crystal healers, Carnelian is frequently known as a stone of great spirituality. It has been said to be a healing gem with a wondrous capacity for mental and physical healing properties.
Carnelian and Peace
Known in the New Age movement for its ability to soothe and calm, Carnelian has the power to ease fears about rebirth and death. It initiates transition and brings peace in matters of change. Spiritualists also credit Carnelian with magnifying and bringing to light personal talents.
Carnelian and Motivation
Crystal healers prescribe Carnelian for individuals who are timid and assign great powers of spurring motivation, increasing self confidence and infusing eloquence.
Carnelian and Magic
Since the times of ancient Egypt, when Carnelian was believed to protect the dead in the afterlife, Carnelian has represented great magical powers among spiritualists. Some have said it has the power to protect against telepathic invasion or the evil of envious people. Others have said that it has the power to see into past lives and resurrect the dead.
Carnelian, Luck and Wishes
As a wish stone, the New Age Community attributes Carnelian with the power to grant all the wearer’s wishes when worn near the heart. For those born on the Virgo sign, some say wearing this crystal guarantees success in any task. To many Carnelian is a powerful motivation stone and some have called it the "Self-Esteem Stone."
Mental Healing
Among the New Age community, believers revere Carnelian’s mental grounding power and believe this is the source of its greatest mental effects. They say it teaches one to focus on the present for the moments in life when all one’s mental powers are necessary for success at a single, important task and is a source of confidence, eloquence and inspiration. For instances when you need a boost to creativity for problem-solving, Carnelian can assist in getting the mind out of mental ruts and back on track for success. In the long-term, it bolsters ambition and drive and reminds the wearer of the future’s goals, hence becoming a powerful tool in major decision-making. Overall, many hold Carnelian dear as a stone with the ability to protect the individual, bolster confidence and generally enhance and expand the experiences of life.
Carnelian and the Chakras
Chakra healers regard Carnelian for its connection to the 2nd Chakra or the Spleen Chakra. This area is the body’s center for creative and sexual, pure emotional energies, but healers also associate it with the five physical senses. The six petaled Lotus, deep orange colors and Aries are all connected to this region. When these energies are unblocked by Carnelian and the energy flows freely, one feels a deeper appreciation of his or her body, a greater connection with friends and lovers and a reduction of guilty feelings. These effects result in a more spontaneous, energetic and giving individual.
Carnelian and Physical Healing
Because of its connection to the 2nd Chakra, New Age healers believe Carnelian to be instrumental in maintaining health in the lower abdomen. They use it to treat impotence, menstrual cramps, infertility associated with this region. However, they have also turned to its power for healing neuralgia, rheumatism, asthma, skin and blood conditions and insomnia. It is considered so effective in healing dermatological ailments such as acne and psoriasis, that some even recommend Carnelian for the treatment of skin disorders of pets.
Carnelian and History
Carnelian has long held a presence in world history and the beliefs and customs of ancient civilizations. From Europe, to Asia, to the Middle East, Archaeologists have found examples of Carnelian use.
Carnelian in the Middle East
Some of the oldest examples of human jewelry contained Carnelian. At an excavation site in Ur, archaeologists uncovered the tomb of Pu-Abi, a Sumerian Queen from the third millennium, B.C. She wore a robe that contained Carnelian, along with other precious and semi-precious materials. Ancient Egyptian tombs are full of examples of Carnelian jewels, because of their belief in the stone’s power in the afterlife. According to their system, amulets of Carnelian could prove helpful in ensuring the Ka’s (the soul’s) passage into the next world. The Egyptians so revered the power of the stone that it was one of three used most often in their jewelry, along with turquoise and lapis lazuli. Elsewhere in the middle East, Carnelian represents the Hebrew tribe of Reuben and the Apostle Phillip and some Muslims call it the Mecca stone. Muslim tenets hold that engraving the name of Allah on Carnelian stones boosts courage and some even believed that Allah would grant all the desires of wearers of the stone. In Hebrew literature, Carnelian appears as a stone in Aaron’s breastplate.
European Carnelian
In Europe, Carnelian has also been an important symbol in history. Ancient Greeks and Romans called it Sardius and used the stone for signet rings, cameos and intaglios. In more modern times, Goethe attributed the powers of protection against evil, of continuation of hope and comfort, and of good luck.
Asian Carnelian
In Asia, Tibetans created amulets of silver with generous applications, much as the Egyptians used these same stones, of Carnelian, Turquoise and Lapis Lazuli. In India, Hindu astrology names Carnelian as the secondary stone of Scorpios.
Hematite - The ancient Egyptians used Hematite in the creation of their magical amulets such as the carpenter stone and head rest amulets and several heart amulets. Some of these amulets were treatments for madness and inflammation. The Greek word haima, which means blood, is the root of Hematite’s name and originates from the stone’s dark red streak. Hematite relates to the Mars, the Roman God of War. The Romans glorified Mars more than the Greeks did, who loathed him and knew him as Ares. Warriors in Roman times used Hematite as protection during battle. So strong was their belief in the power of Hematite to protect them that they thought it could even make them invincible. Some cultures even believed Hematite formed from blood that had fallen on the ground of a battlefield. Red Ochre is a paint that originated in Native American cultures, who used it as a face paint. In Western Astrology, Hematite is associated with Capricorn, Aries and Aquarius, all signs whose supposed personalities are in need of a good, calming and grounding stone. Saturn rules the stone in astrology, but in Roman Myth, Hematite is a symbol of Mars, their incarnation of the God of War. It also symbolizes the hour of 2 a.m.
Crystals For Wisdom & Insight
By S. Nathan Stein, EFT- ADVCH, TCHT, Thursday, January 18, 2007
"Seek the wisdom of the ages, but look at the world through the eyes of a child".
- Ron Wild
Crystals have had a very long experience upon the earth and have much to teach and share. They have witnessed evolution. Some have undergone many changes while others have retained their original form. Several, such as Moldavite and Meteoric Magnetite, have come from outside our solar system. With their ability to absorb energy, crystals hold information and wisdom and pass it on to those who are ready to hear it. Crystals really do want to share their wisdom, and it is part of their purpose in emerging from the earth. Perhaps this is why they have formed part of our sacred practices for uncountable generations of humans.
One of the biggest and most important things they have to teach us is, as the opening quote suggests, to look at the world through the eyes of a child – a concept Buddhists would call “beginners mind." Children are, of course, highly inquisitive, with the word “why” being one of the earliest and most frequently used in their vocabulary. Children, rapidly gain knowledge through the new experiences they are always having. But it is by questioning anything and everything, they obtain “wisdom” which from one perspective can be thought of as knowledge rightly applied.
You see, questioning leads to seeking, and seeking inevitably leads to the direct awareness of truth. Young children, in a way, have an advantage in rapidly obtaining wisdom, and that advantage is that they are naturally intuitive and have relatively few belief systems to negate what they naturally know and are aware of. This allows them to readily ask questions – beliefs do not stand in their way of asking them. Children, especially young ones, seem to have little concept of time - for they are mostly living in the present, unfettered by past or future concerns. So everyday and everything is new, because it is happening....well....right now! They have little preconceived notion about knowing anything, and so every time they experience something it can seem always new and endlessly fascinating.
Crystals are powerful wisdom keepers and teachers, showing us through direct experience that the heart is the seat of emotions and wisdom, not the intellect. If you sleep with a wisdom crystal under your pillow, you may learn much more about yourself than you ever realized possible. You could even be endowed with prophetic dreams or information about recurring issues in your present that come from the past. If you sit quietly and contemplate crystals, they can whisper their secrets. Crystals can stimulate the wisdom of your own innate healing abilities and can bring you into a direct awareness of the wisdom of your Higher Self and Inner Guide. Tuning into crystals sharpens your intuition.
Attuned to a fine vibration, crystals can bring celestial wisdom into your daily life and awareness. Meditating with crystals expands your consciousness and facilitates the communication of Angelic Wisdom. Contemplation helps you to understand the properties more fully and develops your sensitivity. As we continue our journey through the early part of this millennium, many people believe that the earth will undergo great changes – physically, energetically and consciously. New crystal energies are emerging at this time at prodigious rates to help mediate, balance and stabilize these changes into sustainable configurations. New insights and meaning are found in crystals to aid this process.
Crystals such as Quartz, that go back to mankind’s earliest experiences on earth, are revealing new facets of themselves. “Record Keeper” crystals, for example, are emerging from the earth to tell their stories and share their sacred wisdom and knowledge. “Master Teacher” crystals share their knowledge with students who have been specially called. And certain “crystals” such as Moldavite, can take you far beyond the solar system to access undreamed of wisdom of the stars. Lets take a closer look now at some of the crystals, including Moldavite and Quartz that gift us with their wisdom and insight.
Peridot – A pure gemstone of great clarity, a mixture of yellow and blue creating a light green color. Peridot aids in understanding destiny and the purpose of existence. It can put you in touch with your highest truth.
Moldavite - this is the only known gem-quality stone of extra-terrestrial origin. It expands vision and the ability to attune to those wider vibrational frequencies. Moldavite activates all your transpersonal Chakras and connects you to the wisdom of the Universe.
Serpentine - A very old stone linking back into ancient wisdom. It helps you to understand the spiritual aspect of existence.
Snow Quartz - A type of quartz that is milky and opaque, often found as water smoothed beach pebbles. It assists you in seeing into your own depths and in retrieving wisdom buried there.
Herkimer Diamond - A particularly clear quartz, typically double-terminated, and often found with rainbows in its depths. An ancient stone, it has an in-built store of ecological knowledge and can facilitate recalling your own past lives. Herkimer Diamond is also a pre-eminent stone for dream work. Sleep with some under your pillow and be prepared for particularly vivid and insightful dreams, which you will usually recall upon awakening. Herkimer Diamond helps you to tune in to the collective consciousness of the entire planet, so dreams of global events may also be present in your nightly experience.
Record-Keeper Crystals - Crystals with a face or side on which are engraved a triangle, pyramid or hieroglyphs - is a record-keeper. It has special knowledge to bring and some people believe this knowledge was imprinted by advanced beings in our ancient past.
Azurite – A deep blue, copper based mineral with a metallic sheen was used by priestesses of Egypt to enhance their spiritual consciousness. It facilitates psychic abilities; enhances intuition and shows you your own innate resources.
Yellow Calcite – A translucent mineral with a waxy sheen, this stone lifts the spirit. It is connected with the light of the sun and spiritual purity. It aids meditation and focuses concentration during psychic work.
Emerald – a stone known and prized since antiquity, ranges in color from light to dark green. It is associated with the planet Venus and the feminine Goddess energy coming into the earth once again at this time. This transparent green stone, helps with meditation, aligning physical, mental and emotional bodies. It brings wisdom from the mental plane, which can be passed to others.
Fluorite – A typically translucent stone that can come in shades ranging from colorless, to lavender, to green, to purple to multi-colored or rainbow hues. Typically appearing in square or diamond shaped forms, it assists in spiritual awakening, helping you to attain high levels of awareness, as it anchors the energies into the everyday world. It opens up the crown Chakra, linking the physical to the spiritual realms. It facilitates recognition and release of anything not conducive to spirituality. It is also known as the “genius stone” and is highly beneficial to both the mind and emotions.
Chrysolite – Another stone linked to the sun, it increases spiritual receptivity, heightens inspiration, and relieves negative mind states.
Sapphire - This stone, particularly in the deep dark blue color of the night sky, is excellent for meditation. Its peace and serenity remove distractions and draw off negative energy. It clears spiritual confusion and puts you in touch with your essence.
Labradorite – This stone, with brilliant blue, green, yellow and orange iridescent flashes in its depths, elevates consciousness, bringing great insight without great searching. It has a strong ability to protect the aura, making it invaluable during meditation and shamanic journeying.
Lapis Lazuli – Featured in the last issue of Awakenings, this is another of the sacred stones of Egypt. Lapis is frequently flecked with golden yellow, Iron Pyrite. Its' extraordinarily serene deep blue is the color of spirituality. It is used to attain enlightenment but cannot go beyond the stage of spiritual evolution its wearer has achieved.
Turquoise - An ancient shamanic stone of wisdom, Turquoise unites the earth and sky, making it particularly valuable in spiritual work and especially in communication with the Angels, Guides, Totems & Teachers. It aids in the search for who you really are.
Sodalite – Another stone with a deep blue color reminiscent of the night sky and sometimes streaked with white, this is a stone of spiritual communication and communion. It teaches the lessons of Trust in and surrendering to the Universal Wisdom, which can bring you into alignment with your Highest Purpose and truth. This stones aids you in communication with, and awareness of, your Highest Self – the source of your inherent purity and wisdom.
Amber – This fossilized resin is an ancient teacher of wisdom that teaches you to discern what is truly important in life. It teaches the wisdom that healing old wounds within ones personal family and within the human family is self-healing. It awakens awareness of Mother Earth as a living being and teaches the wisdom of honoring, protecting and healing her.
Celestite – This ethereal light blue crystal helps you to expand your awareness and contact the intuitive guidance of the angelic realm.
Selenite - Links you to angelic guidance and teaches about higher meaning and purpose. It unites you with your soul’s purpose.
So we have seen a few of the specific crystals that are particularly useful in imparting wisdom and insight. But I don’t want you to take my word for it, in fact I would like you to experience the energy of the crystals for yourself and have you decide. I leave you now with the words on this from one of the wisest of history’s wisdom keepers.
"Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it.
Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many.
Do not believe in anything simply because it is found written in your religious books.
Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders.
Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations.
But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it".
- Buddha
