The Powers of Purple

For those born in February, you know this is your birthstone; it's almost a birthright to say amethyst is your stone. Guess what, Aquarians, amethyst is your birthright as well. Learn about it. There's plenty to share and enjoy.

A previous article briefly mentioned the chakras (A Crystal Kind of Time by Anne-Marie DiDomenico) and how crystals connect to them, while another brought up the importance of cleansing crystals (Clearing the Air by Anne-Marie DiDomenico). To delve a little deeper, there are many chakras in the body, but seven of the most prominent are focused on in healing and have their own colored energies: the Root chakra (red energy), which is located at the base of the spine; the Sacral (orange energy), about two inches above the navel; the Solar Plexus (yellow energy), located close to our stomach (close to the base of the rib cage); the Heart chakra (green energy) is where its name suggests, but is found a little above the heart in the center of the chest; the Throat chakra (blue energy) is also where the name suggests; the Third-Eye (indigo energy) is found at the forehead close to the eyebrows; and, finally, the Crown (violet energy), is located at the top of the head.

Not every crystal corresponds to a chakra, but amethyst connects to two: the Third-Eye and the Crown. The Crown chakra carries the individual's ability to reach enlightenment and unlock all of our potentials, whether mental, emotional, or spiritual (Crystals by Jennie Harding); by placing amethyst at the top of the head during a healing session, one can awaken the energy and begin to unlock his/her abilities. The Third-Eye is the door to the "sixth sense," its energies being the lock. Amethyst is one of the keys to opening that door; it allows one to connect to higher powers, including the individual gifts we possess.

Maryjo Siergiej, a Librarian at the Danbury Public Library, confided, "I don't really know if that kind of energy is real, but amethyst is one of my favorite crystals. I was born in December, so it's not my birthstone or anything, but purple is one of my favorite colors. I have a small piece on my desk that I play with if I'm anxious. Plus, it helps that it's easy to get my hands on, so I can keep stocking up."

This crystal is enjoyed in many forms: raw pieces, tumbled stones, in jewelry, as candle-holders, pendulums, and pendants. Being connected to the topmost head chakras it's no surprise that amethyst can ease mental stress when worn, and it can be cleansed with sage or purified water; be sure to keep it out of sunlight, though, or the color will fade.

When meditating with amethyst, either place it on a clear surface (allow the crystal to occupy the space alone), or hold it in your hands. To meditate with your crystal, you must know the crystal, so raw pieces work best. Close your eyes, take even breaths, and hold the crystal in one hand. Slowly move your empty along its surface, learn the edges, and ridges or peaks, learn of any cracks i the surface, feel if the crystal is smooth in any spots. Switch every five minutes or so; allow both hands to familiarize themselves with the crystal. Meditate in this way whether slightly stressed or overwhelmed. Practice.