AMETHYST

The beautiful violet/purpose Amethyst has along history connecting it to religious observance. It was one of the 12 crystals in the High Priest's breast plate - the Book of Exodus 28:17-21 representing the twelve tribes of Israel. Modern Christian bishops and cardinals wear purple or violet-blue Amethysts as a reminder of Christ's passion and as a symbol of peace. It is mentioned in the 'Egyptian Book of the Dead' under the word 'hemago' in connection with reincarnation. During the Renaissance, the Amethyst became a symbol of humility and modesty.

The Amethyst connects with the Crown Chakra and is seen as a very sacred stone. The darker coloured Amethyst connects with the Brow Chakra, or the Third Eye, reinforcing its reputation for spiritual vision. Reputedly can be an aid to understanding dreams. Light purple is said to be beneficial for all right brain work, the domain of imagination and creativity.

In divination, Amethyst suggests a turn of one's fortunes, that restrictions may be lifted and a period of expansion and freedom could lie ahead. This may come after the resurgence of an old problem but help comes in solving it. A threatening situation will not harm, since help is at hand. Business dealings are likely to go well.

Traditional astrologers, Dariot, Lilly and Ramesay place Amethyst under the planetary rulership of Jupiter, associated signs being Sagittarius and Pisces. Jupiter rules prophecy so it is possible that it will help with developing powers of divination.

Amethyst belongs to the Oxide group (Silicon and Oxygen) and crystallises in the Trigonal system with a hardness of 7.   A variety of clear quartz, the purple colour of Amethyst derives from minute quantities of iron. The colour may fade if placed in sunlight for long periods.

BLOODSTONE

A dark green variety of Chalcedony (microcrystalline quartz), Bloodstone is also referred to as Heliotrope since it was thought that the red spots came from the Sun - 'helios' Greek for the Sun. Galen apparently used it as a talisman to judge diseases. Legend has it that invisibility is bestowed upon the owner if the crystal is worn. The 13th century 'Book of Wings' by Ragiel, suggests that a bat carved on Bloodstone apparently gave the wearer strength and power in incantations. It also seems to have brought respect and protection to the wearer. The Egyptian Leydon papyrus suggests that all doors will open to the wearer. In the Middle Ages, slabs of Heliotrope were greatly prized by sculptors, who used it in religious carvings.

Its principle symbolism is with the blood circulation. Reputedly balances the Chakras and aligns energies along the spinal column, giving stability and self-confidence, and apparently banishes depression. Said to foster idealism, demolish different kinds of barriers and opens the mind to freedom and creative talents.

In a divination spread Bloodstone may indicate an increase in vitality and courage after a period of exhaustion. Action not words are now needed in any initiatives. It may also be a time of renewal. Fame or publicity may be due. If plans go awry, all will not be lost and something better may come along later.

Both astrologers Lilly and Ramesay agree on Mars ruling Bloodstone, but under its other name, Heliotrope, Ramesay says the Sun rules. Both the Sun and Mars symbolise the blood in astrology. Associated signs are therefore Aries, Scorpio and Leo.

The green colour is a product of micro inclusions of the rare minerals attinolite and celadonite. Iron oxide inclusions create the red speckles which resemble blood hence its name. Bloodstone belongs to the Oxide group and its basic chemical makeup is silicon and oxygen. It crystallises in the Trigonal system with a hardness of 7 and has a vitreous to resinous lustre.

CELESTITE (CELESTINE)

The sky blue colour is responsible for its name after the Latin 'Caelestis' meaning heavenly. Named by German mineralogist A.G. Werner. Apparently had a religious function in India where Holy Men threw Celestite powder on to fires to produce a red flame - its chemical make-up contains strontium, which burns red. Folklore arising around Celestite points it towards spiritual progress and developing mediumship. It is thought to raise consciousness and lift the spirits, and appears to be associated with the arts, especially music.

Some see it as a crystal of relaxation but its delicate beauty belies its inner power. Its sky-blue colour connects it with the Throat Chakra which may help to develop all forms of communication and artistic creativity. It opens blockages to creativity and gives limitless possibilities. Light blue can be a colour of inspiration and encouragement. Associated with movement and dismantling barriers, it clarifies direction when faced with many options, though may guide in a very forceful way. It can bring spectacular change into life. Peace of mind, relaxation, balancing energy fields, public speaking and writing skills are all connected to Celestite.

In divination, light may now be shed on a problem. The gentle way is best to achieve goals, diplomacy, skill and tact rather than force. Events occurring now may pave the way for spectacular changes later on. Creativity should now be at a premium.

No traditional planetary affiliation, though its folkloric associations seem to incline it to Venus rulership and by association Taurus and Libra. Mars in Libra seems a good description.

Celestite crystallises in the Orthorhombic system and is quite a soft mineral measuring between 3-3.5 on the Mohs Scale of hardness. Belongs to the Sulphate group of minerals, and besides strontium, it also contains traces of calcium and barium. Easily scratched.

DIAMOND

The name derives from the Greek 'Adamant' meaning invincible due to its hardness. Wearing this crystal confers strength, courage, victory and rulership of the world apparently! In India, Diamonds symbolised long life, generosity and happiness, They were rarely cut as it was believed their magical qualities would be lost. Diamond has become the ultimate symbol of lasting love. Eros, god of love, is said to discharge his arrows dipped in Diamond dust. Yet it only became a significant stone in jewellery in 1456 when Louis de Berqueur discovered how to cut Diamond facets revealing its amazing brilliance and fire.

Diamond has the quality of clarification, illumination and radiation and is said to align with the higher self for a spiritual purpose. This connects it to all the Chakras and subtle systems of the body. Thought to be a crystal of the mind because of its hard cutting edge, giving clear mental sight, calming nerves and keeping anxiety at bay. Alice Bailey in Esoteric Psychology says that the Diamond, like the Rose, has reached a high state of spiritual perfection. Wearing it as an amulet may stimulate the person towards greater achievement.

In a divination spread Diamond suggests victory over adversaries and overcoming obstacles. It may also be seen as a declaration of love.

Both Al-Biruni and Ramesay say that Diamond is ruled by Jupiter. But Ramesay also gives Diamond to the Sun. Lilly also gives the Sun to Adamant, another name for Diamond which seems likely as Diamond disperses the light of the Sun. But then Lilly also gives Diamond to Mars as well. Saturn gets a look in too as Diamond is a form of Carbon which is ruled by this planet and Saturn signifies anything that is hard - Diamond of course, is the hardest substance known to man. Writer Michael Gienger says that in many cultures, Diamond is assigned to Venus which is certainly true in Hindu astrology.

Diamond, the most precious of gemstones, is usually transparent but also appears in many other colours due to 'inclusions'. Its brilliance is because of its high level of 'dispersion', that is splitting white light into the component colours of the visible light spectrum whereby each wavelength is refracted (bent) at a different angle. Diamond crystallises in the Cubic system and tops the Mohs scale of hardness at 10.   Back to top.