Gemstones Used for Healing
Gemstones are not only a beautiful way to ornament the body, but they each are believed to have their own healing energies that can be used in a variety of ways to heal the body, spirit or mind. Even wedding diamonds are believed to be powerful emotional healing stones suited for the purpose of a marriage, and other stones have their purposes, too.
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Properties
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Throughout history, it has been believed that different gemstones have different properties relating to spiritual, mental, or physical health. Those looking to improve their self-confidence wear amazonite gems. Amber is believed to absorb impurities and bring happiness. Amethyst is believed to represent dreams and intuition. Rose quartz helps to release grief and to heal the heart. Carnelian is often used by women during menopause and menstruation to heal pain.
Tinctures
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In Ayurvedic medicine, it is common to use gemstones in tinctures for healing purposes. These healing tinctures are called bhasmas. Gemstones are crushed and then burned to ash to remove any harmful properties in the stones. The tinctures are then soaked with a 50 percent or higher alcohol such as vodka. Herbs may be added to the tinctures, as well. Another type of tonic is made by simply soaking a gem in water overnight and then drinking the water.
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Meditation
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Gemstones are often used during meditation. It is believed that their energies can enhance various energies or healing practices. Each type of gemstone corresponds to one or more of the chakras, or energy centers. Many types of meditation focus on the chakras. Gemstones are placed on a few or all of the chakras during meditation, depending on the purpose. Sometimes stones are placed in a circle around the area of meditation or on an altar. Other times, a gemstone is randomly selected and focused on during meditation while being held in the hands.
Care
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Healing gemstones are believed to need periodic cleaning and clearing. This is because the gemstones may be drawing negative energy out of the body or spirit during meditations. Cleansing and clearing them releases this negative energy so that they can be used for further healing. Gemstones can be cleansed and cleared by washing them in the natural salt water of the ocean, sunbathing them, burying them or letting natural running water wash over them. They can also be soaked in salt water made with Dead Sea salt if there is no natural setting available or desirable.
Scrying
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Mayan priests mined the Cero de las Navajas for obsidian. Obsidian is glassy stone made from volcanoes. The stone was used by the Mayan priest to predict the future. The stone was made into mirrors called "smoking mirrors". Obsidian is also believed to convert negative energy and thoughts to positive and healing ones.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit photo by Sarboo, http://www.flickr.com/photos/sarboo/17364454/
