Crystal Meanings and Uses - Amber

Amber transmutes negative energy into positive. Bridges conscious self to the Divine.

AMBER - Mystical properties from ancient times. Said to help with joy and happiness and to enhance the beauty of the wearer. Used to tap into the power of the sun. Promotes healing.

Powers & Magickal uses: Luck, Healing, Strength, Protection, Beauty, Love.
Energy type: Projective. Associated elements: Fire, Spirit.

Amber is neither a gemstone nor a crystal, but is fossilized sap from prehistoric trees that has aged over the course of millions of years. Amber is usually thought of as yellow golden in hue, but amber also can be found in shades of milky white, red-orange, green, black and even (very rarely) violet. As such it frequently contains insects, and is therefore seen as a giver of life energy. Amber also represents the Goddess or Great Mother, and is sometimes worn by Witches in a necklace of alternating amber and jet (representing the God) beads. It is used to enhance magickal ability and to ward off negativity, whether it is within your own spells or of those directed against you.

Be wary of being fobbed off with imitation amber. Fake amber it is made of glass or plastic, true amber is warm to the touch, smells slightly of pear drops, and produces a sweet smelling smoke if you push a hot pin into it (plastic smells pungent and acidic).

Other Uses: lungs, spleen, heart, endocrine system, memory, calming, protection, purifying, revitalizing, transmuting energy of the earth, draws disease out of the body and transforms it, clears negativity, electrically alive with solidified golden light, kundalini awakening, activates altruistic nature, spiritual development. Early physicians prescribed amber for headaches, heart problems, arthritis and a variety of other ailments. In ancient times, amber was carried by travelers for protection. To early Christians, amber signified the presence of the Lord. In the Far East, amber is the symbol of courage; Asian cultures regard amber as the 'soul of the tiger'; Egyptians placed a piece of amber in the casket of a loved one to ensure the body would forever remain whole. Amber energy properties: rings a care free, sunny disposition, promotes good luck and success, dissolves oppositions, helps with stomach, spleen and kidney complaints reduces joint problems alleviates teething pain in babies; 2nd Chakra, Spleen and 3rd Chakra, Navel, Solar Plexus.

In many traditions of Paganism and Wicca, days of the week are very important aspects of effective spellcasting. For example, spells to do with abundance or prosperity could be done on Thursday, because it is associated with riches and desire. When casting a spell concerning business or communication, one might prefer to work on a Wednesday due to its associations.

While not all traditions follow this rule, when you're doing any sort of magical working, always be sure to document the day of the week you're performing the spell. You might be surprised later on to see some connections!

Sunday-
Color: Yellow & gold
Planet: Sun
Metal: Gold
Deities: Brighid, Helios, Ra
Gemstones: Quartz crystal, diamond, amber, carnelian
Herbs & Plants:Marigold, sunflower, cinnamon
Associations: Agriculture, beauty, hope, victory, self-expression and creativity

Crystal Meanings and Uses - Agate

Today we will start with the first in a line of articles on crystal and pendant meanings. We will cover these in alphabetical order, so we don't miss any!

Agate stone everyone should have for protection. This group of stones are variegated chalcedony. (see also moss agate, eye agate) The agate is one of the oldest stones in recorded history.

Agates attract strength. Agate is a protection from bad dreams. It also protects from stress and energy drains. Agates have been used in jewelry since Biblical Babylonian times. They were used to ward off storms. They were prized gems in antiquity. The agates with banded colors were placed at the head of a sleeper to give rich and varied dreams. Agates have been thought to be good to harden the gums.
Healing properties of agate

Agate is used for stomach upsets. Place the agate on the solar plexus. The agate can't change emotions, but helps to change our level of acceptance of the emotion. Such as when you are very sad the agate will let you know that this will pass and help you get on to another and better day. This is why the Agate is considered so powerful as it gives us the strength to carry on. Carry an agate when you have to make an important decision.
Sources of agate

Probably the most famous place that agate is mined is Idar-Oberstein in Germany where it has been collected since 1548. Other locations to find agate are Uruguay, Brazil, United States, Mexico, Madagascar, Italy, Egypt, India, China, Scotland. (source)

AGATE - Aids strength and courage. Compels truth, promotes good manners, happiness, intelligence and prosperity. Stabilizers the aura. Helps with the digestive system, relieving gastritis.

AGATE, Blue - A variety of quartz that gently cools and calms. Great for self awareness and helps us to maintain balance during times of stress.

AGATE, Blue Lace - A wonderful healing stone. Has a soft calming energy. Works on the throat chakra. Helps one to express themselves. Also good for fever and blockages. Inspires inner attunement.

AGATE, Moss – Helps improve circulation, enhancing healing, and bring self-confidence and a higher self-esteem. Refreshes the soul and enables you to see your internal body. Helpful in reducing sensitivity to environmental influences. Helps speed up recovery.

AGATE, Tree - Helps boost immune system and give strength and courage.

AGATE, leopard skin - Helps you to let go of your worries. Also good for hearing disorders, skin problems and wrinkles.