The Novice’s Grimoire

The Novice’s Grimoire: Amethyst

By Z. Smith

Amethyst, a purple, often transparent stone with short and softly angled spikes is the focus of our studies this week, Novices. The name, amethyst, is derived from the ancient Greek, meaning “non-inebriated.” The stone received its name from a belief that by simply holding the stone, having it about your person or drinking from a cup carved out of amethyst you could stay, to some degree, the effects of alcohol and fatigue—it was prized in Greece for these very effects. Also, in ancient Greece and Rome, rings were carved out of amethyst and set into bronze; these rings were then worn as protective amulets. An ancient Arabic custom suggests that one place a piece of amethyst under their pillow if they suffer from nightmares or night-terrors, and, once there, the stone will ward any potential dream disturbance.

Crystal – Amethyst

Mineral Class: Oxide, quartz group

Energy: Receptive

Planet: Jupiter and Neptune

Elements: Water

Deity: Dionysus

Powers: Dreams, overcoming alcoholism, psychism, courage, happiness

 

In medicine, amethyst is said to be effective in treating ailments of the skin. If you suffer from pimples or rough skin, try moistening your amethyst with saliva and rubbing it on the affected area (let us know how that works for you). The stone is said to be effective against tension, headaches, bruises and swelling. To activate the stone for these purposes, simply place it on the injured or ailing part of the body, and let it do the work. Additionally it may, if laid over the gut, help to regulate the flora in the large intestine and rid the body of intestinal parasites.

For over 2,000 years Amethyst has been one of the most popular stones used in magic; it retains this title to this day. In relation to the aforementioned Arabic custom, if amethyst is placed under your pillow and meditated with beforehand, it may release prophetic dreams to the sleeper, and act as a natural—and very quiet—alarm clock. With no known negative side effects or disreputable connections, amethyst is truly a stone of peace: it can, through meditation, calm fears and promote a connection to the spiritual reality behind and beyond our lives. If worn, held or placed on an altar during a meditative ceremony, it may help to heighten one’s meditational plane; it can also quiet the mind to help discover one’s inner wisdom. If worn as a ring or amulet, it will promote courage and protect against thieves, sickness and danger—really the perfect stone for any weary traveler.

Besides being useful for so many entirely diverse things, amethyst is fairly common and affordable. Locally, it can be found at Dancing Cranes, Turiya’s Gifts, Golden Braid, Lotus, and the storefront of our beloved sponsor, Crone’s Hollow. Until next week Novices, stay studious.

 

Smith is a cookie connoisseur, moonlight meanderer, and aesthete at large. His work has appeared in 13 Experiments, Folio, Stone Soup Review, SLUG Magazine, Salt Lake City Weekly, and CATALYST Magazine. He earned his BA in English from The University of Utah and currently writes from a room with many plants.


This post made possible by a generous contribution from:

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Crone’s Hollow | 3834 S. Main St. SLC, UT


Resources:

Crystal Power, Crystal Healing: The Complete Handbook by Michael Gienger

Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic by Scott Cunningham

 

 

 

This article was originally published on August 10, 2016.