Agate

Properties: Agate is exactly that, a slice of life!  This huge category of stones features every color, shape, size and style under the collective rainbow!  It’s combinations are as diverse as its names (based on colors, locations found and nickames…blue lace agate, Colorado agate, snakeskin agate) and its metaphysical properties.  The name is derived from its occurrence at the Achates River in southwestern Sicily.

Agate is a distinctly banded fibrous chalcedony, amorphous and cryptocrystalline silica gems. The banding in agate is based on periodic changes in the translucency of the agate substance. It is further classified under two distant bandings. When the individual bands run perpendicular to the orientation and growth direction of the chalcedony fibers, it is considered Wall-lining Banding.  When the banding consists of fine, irregularly spaced layers of small chalcedony and sometimes quartz crystals that precipitated in the cavity, they are considered Horizontal Banding.

Composed of microscopic crystals of Quartz laid down in colorful bands or ribbons. The appearance of the stone is waxy and soft. Almost always translucent and occasionally transparent. Agates are grounding stones. Agates are one of the oldest good luck stones. They help obtain a better physical/emotional balance. They work to raise consciousness. Builds self-confidence. Agate enables the person wearing it to choose their friends carefully. Used to avert from lighting and stormy weather (physically and metaphysically), agate brings prosperity. It is a protector of children. This stone helps us to have patience, and allows for inner peace. Use agate as a gazing tool for divination and meditation. Agate balances emotions and brings insight to any situation.

Folk Remedies: Agate is a fertility stone used for centuries. It is believed to prevent miscarriages and alleviate discomfort during pregnancy. It is a cooling stone used for stomach, colon, liver, spleen, kidneys. Used for centering, taking heart and maintaining blood sugar levels. This is why it is so helpful for dizziness, headaches and impaired balance. anorexia/food issues, and inflammation. Restores nerve feeling and healing after injury/burns.

Feng Shui: Agate is used primarily anywhere to help bring change. Used in the Center for balance, health and grounding and in the West for children, in the Southwest (as a pair) for fertility and in the East for community and family.

Crystal Cleansing: method 1 – 2 and method 5 – 8

History: Agate is (SiO2) quartz with the addition of Al, Ca, Fe, Mn. This is Chalcedony quartz in red, orange, yellow, browns and blues. Agate has additional metaphysical properties based on its color and specific qualities Agate stone was named after the river Achates in Sicily. Agate was used to make scarabs in ancient Egypt.

Additional variation of agate can be found all over the world. See a brief description of each, below and find more in depth information under each individual name:

Blue Lace Agate

Helps to focus on the inner source of love within you that transforms and heals all emotional wounds. Contains the qualities of flight, air, movement, and grace. Highly inspirational when working with the inner self. Works well with not only the Throat Chakra, but the Heart Chakra, Third Eye Chakra and Crown Chakra. It has been compared to the layers of the mantle of the Virgin Mary.  They help develop patience, reconcile differences, or seek forgiveness. They teach us humanity, discretion, and honor.

Moss Agate

Connects one to Nature. Translucent, transparent agate containing inclusions of minerals that look like moss or foliage. It has been used for improving ego and self-esteem, emotional balance and strengthens positive personality traits. Allows one to see all the beauty one’s eyes touch. Moss agate is known to transmute anger, diffusing it the longer your hold it. This stone has been used to help one cling to new ideas instead of those in the past, allowing the “letting go” to be a little easier.  Use moss agate for meditation and to help you relax when you are not able to get outdoors.  Good for bringing the power of positive thinking your way!

Purple Agate

This is a stone of meditation and spiritual transformation. This stone works on the Third Eye Chakra and Crown Chakra. It assists in allowing trust with your own intuition and opens the spiritual flood gates to a realm of endless possibilities. It gives us the space to “be” our spiritual selves and clears the mind for extraordinary vision and insight. Agate is composed of microscopic crystals of Quartz laid down in colorful bands or ribbons. Agates are grounding stones and although this works with the upper Chakra, its energy keeps us rooted. They help obtain a better physical/emotional balance. They work to raise consciousness.

Tree Agate

Tree agate is often found in a matrix of quartz with distinct color patterns against a white background. They resemble the wisp of trees and represent the grounding of their roots and the whimsy of their branches.  Moving in all directions, tree agate helps to bring focus back. It allows us to ground ourselves like the roots of a tree, while also being able to grow up and outward with abandon.  Tree agate connects us closer to nature. It is used to nurture the heart and Heart Chakra energy while connecting us to things that matter to us. (matters of the heart).

Magic Eye Stone, Agate Eye, Third Eye, Goat’s Eye, Shiva Stone

All products containing Agate

Empowerment Pouch

Create your own empowerment pouch based on your needs and desires. Choose 4 of the many different agate stones and apply to a meditation grid.  Place one stone in each direction on the floor or sacred space. Use one for each direct – north, south, east, west. Sit comfortably in your stone circle. Close your eyes and take several deep breaths.  State your intention… why are you here?  Picture the stones surrounding you like some old friends. With each breath, allow the stones to nurture and protect you, advise and relax you.

Finish your meditation by slowly opening your eyes. You may want to consider journaling about your situation. Store you stones in a special pouch you have chosen.

Cleansing & Charging Agate

~ Cleansing a crystal is always a good idea to rid it of energies (negative or otherwise) that it may have picked up during handling and excessive use.

~ Charging a crystal is bringing its energy levels back up, after use and cleansing. Like re-charging a battery after it has lost its energy.  A great way to do this (and remind you that it is time to do so) is during a full moon.

Crystal Cleansing: methods 1 – 2 and method 5 – 8

The Power of Color

Color plays a major role in determining how your crystal can help you.  A crystal’s color is due to its combination of minerals, which give it it’s own personality.  It contributes in what attracts you to it.  The psychological aspects of color determine how a crystal’s healing properties work.