AMETHYST

Amethyst has long been prized as an ornament and amulet. Its most common ancient application was to prevent drunkenness. The world amethyst comes from the Greek word amethystos, meaning "non-intoxicating."

This stone has a long history with religious practices. In the Egyptian Book of the Dead, instructions are given for placing heart shaped amethyst on the body of the deceased.

The Chaldean Magi believed this stone protected against evil sorcery and brought success and good luck. Amethyst was also said to grant an understanding of hidden knowledge.

At one time in China, pieces of amethyst were rented to people involved in lawsuits, as the stone was said to give one a more positive outlook, thus attracting a favorable outcome.

Mystical Properties:
Amethysts have a soothing and relaxing effect on people, they promote healthy sleep habits when placed on the body or under the pillow.

Amethyst promotes shrewdness in business matters, gives victory and quickens the mind to help control negative thoughts.

Because the stone has transmutational energies, it helps to open gateways into intense and transforming spiritual experiences, and can protect the wearer from black magic.  Known as a change stone, amethyst can bring about any type of change in your life and consciousness.  It also breaks up old emotional thought processes and assists psychic opening in a grounding manner.

Healing Properties:
An amethyst crystal is nearly indispensable to healers.  Single crystals are very beneficial but clusters are even more powerful. Powerful enough in fact that a cluster of amethyst can cleanse other stones.  

When worn, amethyst will alleviate migraines. Headaches caused by nerves will subside when a amethyst cross section or geode is placed in the room. It is also used to help improve concentration. Amethyst calms mental disorders, purifies the blood, strengthens the immune system as well as balancing and healing all chakras.

People who regularly wear an amethyst necklaces are said to fascinate others with their personality and charisma.

Magical Properties:
Amethyst is said to attract justice and protect against burglars and thieves. It also wards off danger and violent death.

Amethyst increases the activity in the right brain, cuts through illusion, and helps to develop the psychic abilities. It strengthens and develops intuition, inspiration, healing, and channeling as well as raising thoughts and aspirations to a higher spiritual level.

Store a small piece of amethyst with your tarot cards or runes to keep the power of the divination tools high.