Crystal of the Week -- Amethyst

Known as the "sobriety" stone, amethyst can help us with increasing our spirituality in a calm, grounding energy.  Derived from the Greek word "amethystos," meaning not drunken, amethyst was thought to ward off intoxication.  Ancient Greeks and Romans would drink wine out of amethyst goblets believing they could drink without experiencing the inebriating effects of the alcohol.

In the Egyptian Book of the Dead are instructions for placing a heart shaped amethyst on the body of the deceased.

Because of its calming, almost sedative quality, amethyst can aid with any addictive or compulsive behavior.

Due to its lovely purple color, amethyst is a crown chakra stone and can assist the wearer with increasing psychic ability and spiritual awareness. It is said to assist our connection with our angels and guides while protecting us from negative influences.  Amethyst helps break up old emotional blocks to assist your psychic awakening. Lore holds that carrying a piece of amethyst will protect you from psychic attack and any negative influence caused by ghosts and negative earthbounds.

Physically, amethyst can help heal headaches, insomnia.  It combats nightmares and is known to promote lucid dreaming.  It makes a great addition to dream pillows.

Amethyst is such a highly spiritual stone that it can help to raise your vibrations.

It's also known to help people dealing with legal issues, and for centuries has been believed to help ward off attacks from thieves and robbers.

People who constantly wear an amethyst necklace are said to appear more beautiful, charming and successful.

An amethyst cluster is so powerful that it can help heal, charge and cleanse other crystals.

You should keep a small amethyst with your tarot or angel cards to keep them operating at the highest level.

Catholics call the Amethyst the "Bishop's Stone."  It's the chosen stone for Bishops to wear because the Amethyst represents wisdom, purity of thought, and humility. Amethyst is also featured in the crown jewels of England and has been worn by every Pope since the 16th century.

Charge amethyst clusters in the moonlight weekly and then place throughout your home to increase your home's vibration and instill a sense of calm within everyone living there.