Amethyst

Throughout the ages, Amethyst has been highly esteemed for its stunning beauty and legendary powers to stimulate and soothe the mind and emotions.

The name Amethyst is derived from the Greek word ametusthos (αμέθυστος), meaning “not intoxicated". The legend has it that when the God of wine, Bacchus, got angry over an insult and was determined to avenge himself - commanded the first person he should meet to be devoured by his tigers. That mortal happened to be a gorgeous maiden whose name was Amethyst and was on her way to worship at the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus. As the fierce tigers approached whe sought the protection of the Goddess and was spared from harm by turning into a clear white crystal. Bacchus then, regretting his cruelty, poured the juice of his grapes over the stone as an offering - giving the gem its beautiful purple shade.

Historically, the special virtue of Amethyst has been that of preventing drunkenness and overindulgence. Ancient Greeks and Romans routinely studded their goblets with Amethyst believing it would prevent being drunk from the wine in an Amethyst cup and a Amethyst stone worn on the body, especially at the navel, had a sobering effect, not only for inebriation but in over-zealousness in passion. Catholic bishops also wore Amethyst in a ring to protect themselves from mystical intoxication. Kissing the ring kept others from similar mystical intoxication and kept them grounded in spiritual thought.

Today, Amethyst is still a remarkable stone of spirituality and contentment, known for its metaphysical abilities to still the mind and inspire an enhanced meditative state. Its inherent high frequency purifies the aura of any negative energy or attachments, and creates a protective shield of Light around the body, allowing one to remain clear and centered while opening to spiritual direction. Amethyst stimulates the Third Eye, Crown, and Etheric Chakras enhancing cognitive perception as well as accelerating the development of intuitive and psychic ability. It initiates wisdom and greater understanding and is a stone of comfort for those grieving the loss of a loved one.

Materials: amethyst