Amethyst

Amethyst Wand

Amethyst crystal ball, amethyst wand and amethyst chunk

Amethyst

Amethyst is a beautiful purple quartz which is known as the "stone of sobriety". It is a soothing stone with many healing properties.  Amethyst brings spiritual teachings and protects against psychic attack, it may also be used to aid in sleep and meditation, and to cool a hot temperament. In the Catholic church bishops wear rings containing amethyst to symbolise victory over material passions.

Mythology

One day Bacchus had been offended by someone and he was very angry. Bacchus decided to avenge himself by declaring that his tigers should devour the first person they came across in their travels. That unfortunate person happened to be a young maiden named Amethyst, who was going to worship at the goddess Diana's shrine. When the tigers came toward Amethyst she cried for Diana's protection. Diana heard her plea and Amethyst was turned into pure white stone.

Bacchus knew the goddess had intervened and a miracle had occurred and, regretting his cruelty, he poured grape juice over Amethyst's stone white body, changing it into the beautiful purple colour we know today.

Other

Amethyst has been mentioned throughout history and has many associations, some of which follow:

- Seventh Ray
- Crown Chakra
- A crystal used in the breastplate of the high priest
- Zodiac sign: Pisces and Sagittarius
- Planet: Jupiter
- Birthstone: February
- Numerology: those born on 3rd, 12th, 21st or 30th of the month.
- Apostle: Judas