
People who are born between January 20 and February 18 come under the astrological sign Aquarius. The ruling planet of this zodiac sign is Uranus and it is symbolized by the water bearer. The birth stone for the Aquarian is the Amethyst and it can affect the personality, relationship and business area in a prominent manner. The distinct colour of the stone along with its crystalline structure and other associated features renders a deep impact on both the positive and negative behavioral qualities of the individual.
The Amethyst Factor
The natives of this sign are guided and lifted towards new and undiscovered truths that are manifested through the hues of crystalline violet of the Amethyst. An Aquarian is very much a communicative and social person and thereby, the stone helps in the promotion of communication and effective group work. The ideal is basically oneness of the whole or wholeness of the one, whichever way it is put.
Since purple is also a symbol of majesty, the stone plays a role in spiritualising the nature made noble by sorrow. As the lower nature is purified, the wearer becomes worthy of the "purple robe" or the ultimate goal that lies at the end of the path
Although Amethyst is the birthstone for the Aquarian, there are several other stones that can render an impact on the well being of the individual falling under this zodiac sign. They are garnet and jasper. Amethyst helps in the effective conduction of energies of the ruling planet Uranus and makes it sympathetic to the wearer so that the difficulties are taken care of and life becomes smoother.
Since Amethyst is a symbol of transmutation, it also indicates an alchemical process encompassing the physical, emotional and spiritual nature. The stone comes in varying hues of violet and the one that is the deepest, stands at the top of the crystal. The gem also relates to the crown of the head, that is the crown chakra, and it is the sanctuary of the spirit or the gateway for higher forces. It basically explains the state where the lower red fire of sensual life is gradually lifted to the pure blue of the spiritual. The red of activity is blended with the blue of divinity.
Amethyst is an energiser that has the potential to transmute consciousness, transforming set patterns and habits that relate to ideas and emotions. It helps in dispelling anger and rage, fear and anxiety that blocks the spirit from realising the realms of infinity.
Benefits of Amethyst to Aquarians
Have a quick look at the benefits of Amethyst to Aquarians.
The Amethyst adds to the stability of the Aquarian and helps him to envisage situations in a more adept fashion. It helps in balancing the outlook thereby curbing all the negative aspects. It enhances the clarity of vision and ensures mental peace.
It encourages the wearer to work on the inner strength and makes him open to suggestions. They are then better able to understand the requirement of a given condition and adjust his behavior accordingly.
Amethyst makes the wearer more responsible, accountable and sincere in every thing that he is involved in. the mental peace adds to the calm disposition that makes them a great companions and the difficulties on relationships are solved in an amicable manner.
A wide array of physical conditions is intrinsic to the Aquarian. Amethyst helps the individual to deal with them effectively and cope with them in a better manner so that life becomes more easy and fun. Some of the conditions are like:
- Headaches, pain in joints or muscles
- Issues pertaining to the circulatory system of the body
- Insomnia and other sleeping disorders
- Arthritis
- General healing
Amethyst is also considered as the 'Sobriety Stone'. This is because it has the power to deal with withdrawal symptoms related to addictions. It could help the wearer come out of habitual drunkenness and alcoholism along with several other types of addictions.
Overview
Amethyst, considered to be the gemstone of all gemstones, is an extravagant stone with a hue that ranges from a light, pinkish violet to a rich, deep plum. Although it may be found in a variety of other colors such as red or blue, amethysts are predominantly purple. The most sought after hue is called "Deep Siberian", which has a primary purple hue of 75-80% and secondary red and blue hues of 15-20%. It is a variety of Quartz found in many locations around the world, and forms as transparent, terminated crystals of all sizes in geodes, clusters and as long single terminations. It is also found in vitreous masses and polished into wonderful specimens and personal talismans. The presence of manganese in clear Quartz produces Amethyst, while additional amounts of iron vary the purple coloration.
History
Purple Amethyst has been highly esteemed throughout the ages for its stunning beauty and legendary powers to stimulate, and soothe, the mind and emotions. It is a semi-precious stone in today’s classifications, but to the ancients it was a “Gem of Fire,” a Precious Stone worth, at times in history, as much as a Diamond. It has always been associated with February, the month the Romans dedicated to Neptune, their water-god, and is the traditional birthstone of that month. It is the stone of St. Valentine and faithful love, and signifies ecclesiastical dignity as the Bishop’s Stone. It carries the energy of fire and passion, creativity and spirituality, yet bears the logic of temperance and sobriety.
The word amethyst is derived from the Greek "amethystos" which means "not intoxicated" from the Greek a-, "not" + methustos, "intoxicated". The Greeks of old adorned themselves with a variety of amethyst jewelry and fashioned cups out of amethyst to ward off the effects of drunkenness. Various cultures attributed amethyst as having certain miraculous powers such as protecting crops from being ravaged by locusts and tempests, driving out evil spirits, bringing good fortune in hunting animals, and inspiring the intellect.
The wine god Bacchus, angry over an insult and determined to avenge himself decreed the first person he should meet would be devoured by his tigers. The unfortunate mortal happened to be a beautiful maiden named Amethyst on her way to worship at the shrine of Diana. As the ferocious beasts sprang, she sought the protection of the goddess and was saved by being turned into a clear, white crystal. Bacchus, regretting his cruelty, poured the juice of his grapes over the stone as an offering, giving the gem its lovely purple hue.
Throughout history the special virtue of Amethyst has been that of preventing drunkenness and overindulgence. Ancient Greeks and Romans routinely studded their goblets with Amethyst believing wine drunk from an Amethyst cup was powerless to intoxicate, and a stone worn on the body, especially at the navel, had a sobering effect, not only for inebriation but in over-zealousness in passion. Catholic bishops also wore Amethyst in a ring to protect from mystical intoxication. Kissing the ring kept others from similar mystical intoxication and kept them grounded in spiritual thought.
Amethyst was also reputed to control evil thoughts, increase intelligence and render men shrewd in business matters. For travelers it was worn as a protection from treachery and surprise attacks, kept soldiers from harm and gave them victory over their enemies. It lent assistance to hunters in the capture of wild beasts and fowl, and was considered to be a powerful psychic stone of protection against witchcraft and black magic. Like other royal stones it protected its wearer from disease and contagion.
In the spiritual world, Amethyst provided a connection to the Divine. To the Hebrews, it was Ahlamah, the ninth stone in the breastplate of the High Priest, engraved with the tribe of Dan, as well as the twelfth foundation stone for the New Jerusalem. To the Egyptians, it was Hemag, listed in the Book of the Dead to be carved into heart-shaped amulets for burial. In Eastern cultures, it was listed in descriptions of sacred “gem-cities,” “trees of life,” and used in temple offerings for worship, and to align planetary and astrological influences. It was popular in rosaries and prayer beads, credited with creating an atmosphere of pious calm, imbuing a sense of mental peace and quietude.
In today’s world, Amethyst is still a remarkable stone of spirituality and contentment, known for its metaphysical abilities to still the mind and inspire an enhanced meditative state. Its inherent high frequency purifies the aura of any negative energy or attachments, and creates a protective shield of Light around the body, allowing one to remain clear and centered while opening to spiritual direction. Amethyst stimulates the Third Eye, Crown and Etheric Chakras enhancing cognitive perception as well as accelerating the development of intuitive and psychic ability. It initiates wisdom and greater understanding, and is a stone of comfort for those grieving the loss of a loved one.
Amethyst’s ability to expand the higher mind also enhances one’s creativity and passion. It strengthens the imagination and intuition, and refines the thinking processes. It helps in the assimilation of new ideas, putting thought into action, and brings projects to fruition. It is a talisman of focus and success
Referred to as “nature’s tranquilizer,” Amethyst calms and soothes, assisting the transmission of neural signals through the brain. It relieves obsessive compulsive disorder and hyperactivity in children and animals. Place under the pillow or mattress, or rub the center of the forehead counter-clockwise to cure insomnia and stimulate pleasant dreams. It is especially effective for children’s recurring nightmares and fears of the dark, and may help alleviate homesickness.
Amethyst is an excellent stone for diplomats, negotiators and business people. It calms angry temperaments and gives a distinct advantage in situations where debating is required. Wear or hold Amethyst to bring in spiritual insights coupled with intellectual reasoning. As a luck and prosperity crystal, Amethyst is good for reducing the tendency to overspend, gambling addictions or unwise investments.
Amethyst is connected to the Temperance card in the tarot, representing balance. It is a stone dedicated to curbing overindulgence and bad habits, and is an excellent aid to quitting smoking, drinking and drug use, as well as unhealthy physical passion. It also provides the strength needed to obtain freedom from addictive personalities, one’s own or another’s. Placing an Amethyst on the navel is believed to protect a person from intoxication, and in conjunction with other treatments such as counseling, helps cure addictions. A naval piercing makes it possible to always keep an Amethyst in this spot.
Amethyst is the stone of St. Valentine and of faithful lovers because St. Valentine was thought to have worn an Amethyst ring engraved with the image of Cupid. It is also referred to as the “couple’s stone” and gives meaning to relationships that over time, transcends the carnal union and gives way to deeper connection and a more soulful communion. Wear as an engagement or eternity ring for fidelity, or as a locket to call back lost love
Physical Healing Energy
Amethyst boosts the production of hormones, and stimulates the sympathetic nervous system and endocrine glands to optimum performance. It supports oxygenation in the blood, and aids in treatments of the digestive tract, heart, stomach, and skin. Amethyst also strengthens the immune system and reduces bruising, pain and swellings. It has been used with excellent results as an elixir in the treatment of arthritis.
Amethyst is thought to relieve the symptoms of tinnitus and other hearing disorders, and is highly beneficial in treating insomnia, especially when caused by an overactive mind. It is calming and soothing to the neural impulses in the brain. Its energy ameliorates the pain of headaches and migraines, and reduces stress and nervous tension. It may be used to treat psychic disturbances and to stabilize brain imbalances, but should not be used in cases of paranoia or schizophrenia.
Emotional Healing Energy
Amethyst is especially supportive of the emotional body, bringing those who are overworked, overstressed, or overwhelmed back to center. It eases the mental anxieties that lead to physical tension and headaches, and is a great crystal to calm those who tend to be hot-headed and easily angered.
Amethyst helps in identifying the root causes behind one’s negative behaviors, habits and emotional patterns that create imbalance and disease. It also helps one understand the reality of cause and effect in behavior, and assists in better decision making. Amethyst is a marvelous aid in overcoming addictions by counteracting the effects of drugs and alcohol on brain function, while imparting its own peaceful sustaining energy.
Because Amethyst initiates wisdom and greater understanding, it is a comforting crystal for those grieving the loss of a loved one. Its presence communicates that there is no death, only transitioning and changing of forms. It encourages the release of sorrow, and rejoicing in a loved one’s spirit being freed from the confinement of the physical body. Called “the soul stone,” Amethyst assists in understanding and connecting to the eternal existence of the soul and initiates one’s own deep soul experiences. It is an ideal crystal to hold or meditate upon during the death experience, of another or oneself, allowing the release of the temporal physical body with more ease, assuredness and peace. It is a perfect stone to gift to those with terminal illnesses or to use in preparation for a conscious death experience
Chakra Healing and Balancing Energy
Amethyst carries a high, sweet energy, particularly stimulating to the Third Eye, Crown and Etheric Chakras.
The Brow Chakra, also called the Third Eye, is the center of our perception and command. It directs our sight and everyday awareness of the world. Our consciousness is located here, and we relate to ourselves through this chakra. When the Brow Chakra is in balance our thoughts and internal communications within ourselves are healthy and vibrant. We are open to new ideas, dreams, and visions, and can control the flow of energy within all the chakras. The dark blue/purple crystals of indigo are used to treat imbalances of the Brow Chakra. It is a quiet color, one of mystery and wisdom and judgment.
The Crown Chakra is located at the top of the head, and is our gateway to the expanded universe beyond our bodies. It controls how we think, and how we respond to the world around us. It is the fountainhead of our beliefs and the source of our spirituality. It connects us to the higher planes of existence and is the source of universal energy and truth. When the Crown is in balance, our energies are in balance. We know our place in the universe and see things as they are. We are unruffled by setbacks, knowing they are an essential part of life. Imbalances of the Crown Chakra are treated with Light Violet crystals. Their violet rays have the universal life force of magic, dreams, inspiration, and destiny.
The higher vibrational White and Lavender/White crystals are associated with the Higher Crown, Soul Star and Stellar Gateway Chakras. They are attuned to higher, more spiritually enlightened things, and embody true humility. They provide a soul connection and the highest self-illumination, as well as a cosmic doorway to other worlds. They represent personal identification with the Infinite, and oneness with God, peace and wisdom
Spiritual Energy
Amethyst carries a high spiritual vibration of humility and devotion to the Divine. It is highly conducive to stilling one’s thoughts in prayer and meditation, and surrendering to that which is greater than the self. Amethyst also stimulates the higher mind to receive one’s spiritual power as a creation of the Divine being and to open to the insights, wisdom and guidance that is offered.
Amethyst is a stone of spiritual protection and purification, cleansing one’s energy field of negative influences and attachments, and creating a resonant shield of spiritual Light around the body. It acts as a barrier against lower energies, psychic attack, geopathic stress and unhealthy environments. It is a valuable protection for those doing psychic or intuitive work, and enhances personal environments with a healing and protective circle of Light.