The Power of Gems

Introduction:

Since we were created on Earth, it has given us its uncounted bounties, food, drink, shelter, and medicine.

Before coming up with chemicals as medication, humans used natural gifts from the earth as medication and cures for many illnesses.

They used herps, soil, salt, minerals, crystals, gems, etc.

The history of using crystals and gems:

It is fair to say that as long as we have existed as a species, we have had an affinity with stones and crystals.

The use of beads made from natural stones dates to the beginnings of humankind, although we have no way of knowing how the earliest of these objects were viewed or used. Many early pieces were organic in origin.

Today's talk is about gemstones, which were all formed within the earth's layers, and each was created with different components of sand, minerals, and energy.

There's a long history on earth of believing and using the natural energies of stones to heal different illnesses or to bring positive energy to the human body.

The first historical references to the use of crystals come from ancient civilizations.

 The Ancient Sumerians included crystals in magic formulas.

The Ancient Egyptians used lapis lazuli, turquoise, carnelian, emerald, and clear quartz in their jewelry. They also carved grave amulets of the same gems. The Ancient Egyptians used stones primarily for protection and health. Chrysolite (later translated as both topaz and peridot) was used to combat night terrors and purge evil spirits. Egyptians also used crystals cosmetically. Galena (lead ore) was ground to a powder and used as the eye shadow known as kohl. Malachite was used similarly. Green stones in general were used to signify the heart of the deceased and were included in burials. Green stones were used similarly at a later period in Ancient Mexico.

The Ancient Greeks attributed many properties to crystals, and many of the names we use today are of Greek origin. The word 'crystal' comes from the Greek word for ice, as it was believed that clear quartz was water that had frozen so deeply that it would always remain solid. Amethyst means 'not drunken' and was worn as an amulet to prevent drunkenness and hangovers. Hematite comes from the word for blood, because of the red coloration produced when it oxidizes. Hematite is an iron ore, and the ancient Greeks associated iron with Aries, the god of war. Greek soldiers would rub hematite over their bodies before battle, purportedly to make themselves invulnerable. Greek sailors also wore a variety of amulets to keep them safe at sea.

It is interesting to note that there are many examples of gemstones meaning similar things to different cultures, even when there has been no interaction between these cultures and no opportunity for crossover.

Jade was highly valued in ancient China, and some Chinese characters represent jade beads. Musical instruments in the form of chimes were made from jade around 1000 years ago. Jade was recognized as a kidney healing stone in China and South America. More recently - dating from around 250 years ago - the Maoris of New Zealand wore jade pendants representing the ancestor spirits, which were passed down many generations through the male line. The tradition of green stones being lucky continues in parts of New Zealand to this day.

It is interesting to note that there are many examples of gemstones meaning similar things to different cultures, even when there has been no interaction between these cultures and no opportunity for crossover.

Jade was highly valued in ancient China and some Chinese written characters represent jade beads. Musical instruments in the form of chimes were made from jade around 1000 years ago. Jade was recognized as a kidney healing stone both in China and South America. More recently - dating from around 250 years ago - the Maoris of New Zealand wore jade pendants representing the ancestor spirits, which were passed down many generations through the male line. The tradition of green stones being lucky continues in parts of New Zealand to this day.

 A New Age Dawns:

In the 1980s, with the advent of the New Age culture, the use of crystals and gemstones began to re-emerge as a healing method. Much of the practice was drawn from old traditions, with more information gained by experimentation and channeling. Books by Katrina Rafaell in the 80s, and Melody and Michael Gienger in the 90s, helped to popularize the use of crystals.

These days there are many books available on the subject, and crystals frequently feature in magazine and newspaper articles. Crystal therapy crosses the boundaries of religious and spiritual beliefs. It is no longer viewed as the domain of alternative culture, but as an acceptable and more mainstream complimentary therapy, and many colleges now offer it as a qualification subject.

Author: Janelle Scialla