Some people believe that certain rocks and crystals have “healing” abilities. The metaphysical system of treating disease is based on divine Science or Mind and affirmative prayer bringing health and harmony in every situation. The term “healing” is a holistic concept that extends beyond the body to encompass our minds, our emotions and our spirits. Some believe we can “heal” our relationships, we can “heal” our emotions, we can “heal” our self-esteem, and we can “heal” a sick financial situation.
Since the beginning of time, stones and crystals have played a vital role in human evolution and spiritual development. There are ancient legends and stories, which trace rocks, stones and crystals, back to the creation of the Earth and Universe. Belief in the supernatural properties of precious stones-bringing peace, wellness and protection- goes back beyond recorded history. An early cuneiform tablet gives a list of stones helping with conception and birth (don’t know if it’s true but when I was having trouble getting pregnant a friend gave me some Rose Quartz and Boom!).
History is rich with stories about the mystical and magical power of stones, including legends from Atlantis, Egypt, Sumeria, Babylonia, Hindu culture, Greece and Rome. Every culture has its own beliefs about specific stones, and those beliefs are often tied to that culture's history, geography, and spiritual practices.
In prehistory, humans were extremely interested in rocks and stones. They sought out the best for tools and weapons. Copper, and its oxides, which are the earliest minerals used, began to show up in ancient jewelry in Sumeria, Pre-Columbian America and Egypt around 4000 BC, and played vital roles in the wars fought in those highly volatile regions.
Prehistoric humans also ground minerals into colored powders for paints and makeup. Before they even wore clothes they wore stones and other objects as personal adornment. The human need for beauty and self-adornment is as old as civilization itself. In their struggle for survival, Stone Age humans learned to shape rocks and other hard materials as tools and weapons, by simply chipping them.
Stones have also played a key role in the development of most of the world's major religions. In Christianity, Jesus said to Peter (Peter meaning "rock"), that he was the rock unto which Christ would build his Church. Jasper is mentioned in the Bible as one of the stones in the breastplate of the ancient high priests. In Islam, the fundamental beliefs are based on what happened to Mohammed when stones talked to him.
Australian Aborigines still use crystals for medicine. They particularly use rainbow crystals, as they believe that it holds the energy of the Rainbow Serpent, who acted as a bridge between the two worlds. Cherokee Indians considered crystals to be the most sacred stone for healing. Apache medicine men believed that they could induce visions or help find stolen ponies with the use of crystals. Navajos believe history is told in the layered stone, Travertine.
A link with astrology was found and stones were allocated to the signs of the zodiac. This led to them being assigned to birth months.
Gemstones have been cut into cabochons, tumbled, and faceted. They have been set in rings, in bracelets, in anklets, in pendants, and brooches, and in cuff links, tie tacks, bolo ties and buckles.
Stones are used for decorative, ornamental, symbolic and functional reasons. Some have been fashioned into seals, amulets, fetishes, scarabs and talismans, wands, and good luck charms. They are carved into spheres, eggs, pyramids, hearts, freeform shapes, and figurines of many shapes and sizes. Stones can be carved into everyday useful items: such as candlesticks, bookends, paperweights, vases, bowls, cups and saucers, jewelry boxes, coasters, tiles, countertops, and fireplace hearths and mantels.
I try to include a little bit of history or metaphysical properties with many of my stones listed in my store.
Happy Hunting!
Debbie
http://www.oakrocks.net/
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