Amethyst is a very old stone. If we go by the records, it has probably been used since 2500 BC, and being a precious stone at that time, it was highly valued everywhere and by every culture. Instead of appearing in abundance in the 19th century, the value didn’t decrease, but the number of users definitely increased. Hence, anything with a richer and longer history has a record of wide usage and multiple symbolisms along the way. Similarly, amethyst is filled with diverse uses and meanings. We are going to look at its different symbols throughout history and the present.
Regional variations and religious diversity:
- When used to adorn drinking cups, amethysts were thought to safeguard Romans against intoxication.
- The British adorned royal crowns with amethyst jewelry because they believed that purple symbolized strength, prosperity, and majesty.
- Amethysts were a necessity for Catherine the Great in her personal items, and Russian monarchs frequently wore the stone in their jewelry and crowns.
- For superstition and afterlife protection, the Egyptians crafted amethyst jewelry and amulets.
- For protection against intoxication and daily use, Catholic bishops wore amethyst jewelry and rings.
- Amethyst's dark purple hue is linked to Christ's suffering on the cross in Christianity.
- Amethyst is regarded as a "dream stone" in Judaism and represents one of the 12 Tribes of Israel. The high priest wears it on his armor.
- Amethyst beads are used in meditation by Tibetan Buddhists, who associate Buddha's spiritual attributes with the gemstone.
While the discovery of major amethyst deposits in South America has decreased its precious value, the gemstone is still highly popular and valued for its many uses and metaphysical properties.
What Does Amethyst Symbolize?
It is a healing agent in spirituality, a wealth symbol in royalty, a protective agent for Egyptian travelers, a way of preventing excessive drinking for Greeks, and so much more for other groups of people.
Amethyst Symbolism: Spiritually
The amethyst stone is connected to the crown chakra of your body. As this chakra gets activated, one tends to feel more intuitive and awakened. Amethyst provides the mind with needed relaxation and serenity, and the heart with love and purification.
Healers of every type and community highly recommend and use this purple stone to bring people out of their suffering. It is a must-have if one suffers from anxiety, confusion, or depression. In fact, you will see that this one tops their list of healing stones.
It radiates violet rays, a high-energy vibration that transforms the whole energy from pessimistic to positive.
Amethyst Symbolism: Historically
As already mentioned, amethyst has been very significant in history. It was considered precious, like a diamond, until it was discovered in large quantities in Brazil. Due to its bewitching color, rarity, and attached interpretations by different strata for different purposes, what it symbolized to whom is what you can see below.
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As a Gem of Fire
People in ancient times called it a "gem of fire" because of its fire-like qualities. It is a stone of passion that has the power to instill creativity, purity, and spirituality in you.
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A stone of Royalty
The stone was prominent in the royal English court. In the 11th century, Edward the Confessor wore the stone for the first time, and it was said the wife of King George III, Queen Charlotte, favored a priceless amethyst necklace. The stone was used by kings and queens in their crowns, scepters, and jewelry, as it was believed that this precious stone would help them with right decision-making.
In Egypt, it was found in many royal tombs. The stone was of great importance. It protected them from feelings of guilt, fear, and witchcraft. Egyptian travelers also carried the stone along to be safe from sudden attacks.
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As a symbol of Strength and Purity
The stone was worn by high-ranking clergymen, as the stone held great spiritual importance to them. It gave them the strength to adhere to their celibacy vow. It was a symbol of spirituality, peace, and stability.
Amethyst is a precious stone from the Bible as well. It was associated with Christ and symbolized the attainment of purity through suffering. Christians use it to heal wounds.
Bishops wore and still wear rings with amethyst as a symbol of devotion to God.
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As a symbol of love
St. Valentine wore an amethyst ring in the shape of a cupid. It represented love, deep connection, and fidelity.
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Prevention from Intoxication
Amethyst originated from the Greek word "amethustos", and the Greeks and Romans used the stone to prevent themselves from excessive drinking. The stone is related to the forehead and head region, so it was believed that it would take care of ailments related to alcohol hangovers, headaches, and similar issues.
Amethyst Symbolism: Talisman
Amethyst is quite a famous talisman used for its magical and mystical powers. It helps with focusing, thinking of new ideas, and finding the right beginning for something new. Also, explorers, warriors, and adventurers kept it close by for protection from enemies.
It also heals one’s body and environment by kicking away the bubbles of negativity and illnesses.
Amethyst Symbolism: Tarot Cards
Tarot readers rely heavily on crystals and stones to heal illnesses and suffering. They use it to level up their psychic abilities and intuition in order to be more accurate with their readings.
Also, it is related to the card of temperance, which symbolizes balance, moderation, tranquility, and development in life.
Amethyst Symbolism: Feng Shui
Here, it symbolizes fire energy and yin nature. Feng Shui believes the stone enhances enthusiasm, warmth, and brightness, as the energy of fire is equated with intense emotions, heat, passion, action, creative ideas, and bold concepts.
Feng Shui connects it with abundance and spiritual growth.
Other Symbolism
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The stone is used as a sleep inducer. Keeping it under your pillow before bedtime allows you to sleep soundly. Not only that, it takes care of nightmares and bad dreams.
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It is placed on the forehead or between the eyes in the case of headaches and migraines.
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It was used to dispel witchcraft and provide protection against black magic.
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According to one myth, engraving an amethyst in the shape of a bear will aid in the exorcism of demons, the reduction of drunkenness, and the prevention of animal fleas.
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Amethyst was used in medicine for healing. People believed meditating on the stone would help them make the right decisions, get spiritual guidance, experience new awakenings and ideas, and achieve emotional balance.
What is the meaning of Amethyst ?
Amethyst’s meaning cannot be defined in one word or a line. Amethyst's meaning has changed with every age and culture. The powerful purple color has determined its meaning more than anything else. The color violet is used to heal the point in between the eyebrows. With its ability to deal with mental traumas and provide a crystal clear mind, amethyst is equated with medicine to cure major ailments. Mostly, it has been synonymous with spirituality and a high form of healing power.
It originated from the Greek word "ametusthos", which in English translation is known as "not intoxicated". This ancient and straightforward meaning of amethyst made it popular among Greek and Roman users, who used it to curb overindulgence in food and drink. They believe it keeps mental heaviness and sluggishness at bay.
Conclusion
Spiritual healers and everyone who has experienced the allure of amethyst highly value this lovely stone. Despite not being considered a precious stone, it is more widely used and adored than many others because of its deep symbolism, significance, and history. People's desire to own it hasn't been diminished by its widespread availability, and it is becoming more and more accessible to people, which is beneficial. Amethyst ownership is now accessible to the general public and is no longer reserved for nobles. Moreover, its popularity has been greatly influenced by its affordability.