Sard

Properties: Sard symbolizes justice. It is reddish brown stone, one step away from carnelian. It is named after the ancient city of Sardes. It encourages openness with one’s fellow human beings, getting you out of your shell and introverted behavior. It assists in counteracting selfishness. Sard can work between the Root Chakra and the Sacral/Spleen Chakra. This stone has a direct link to Scorpio. The Greeks and Romans called this the “stone of fire“.

Crystal Cleansing: method 1 – 3 and method 5 – 8 (loves midday sun).

History: Sard is easily identifiable as often a single color stone. But, none-the-less, nature is always evolving and creating different questions for us to ponder. Sard ranges in color from reddish yellow, brownish red to brown. The color of sard derives from the presence of the hydrated iron oxide called limonite. Sard is a type of chalcedony (microcrystalline) quartz.

 

Sardonyx

Properties: This is a crystal for protection. It is believed to protect one from crime. Grid this stone in the four corners of your home, around doors and windows or any area you fear theft can occur. As a protection stone it is also recommended for explorers and those engaged in combat. Its protection qualities are ancient. Information about this stone can be found in the Book of Revelation, used in the breastplate of Aaron and one of the twelve foundation stones used in the wall of the new Jerusalem. Sardonyx has a mineral make up of onyx. It is often layered in black, white, red, orange and/or brown bands of cryptocrystalline quartz. Take care to consider the color combination of the stone. Red stimulates, brown is grounding, black is absorbing, and white is purifying. The colors do not cancel each other out. They do, however, buffer each other and maintain a median balance that allows you to affect change.

I love this stone for motivation and focused thinking as it assists us in the search for a meaningful life, virtuousity, integrity and happiness. It gives strength, vigor, stamina, will power and self control. It is therefore a wonderful stone for boosting self esteem. This is also one of the best stones if you are being hesitant. In Chinese medicine it is referred to as a gallbladder issue, manifesting as not being able to make a decision, move forward or being indecisive. Sardonyx stops the hesitation and allows one to propel forward with clearer thinking.

A wonderful marriage stone, as it enhances communication between partners and brings about stability and happiness within a marriage or even for business executives and partnerships. Sardonyx helps you to utilize all your senses, as well as sensory perception. Use this stone to grid your garden. Sardonyx is used to engage Capricorn into having a better sense of reality and shows Aries what is really essential in life.

Folk Remedies: This mineral has been suggested for open wounds and conditions of the blood. Can be beneficial to the cleansing organs and in strengthening to the mind. Best known for its effect upon the bones and lungs. It is recommended for grief and depression, boosting mood, motivation and seeing the positive side of life. Use this stone to help with issues of the nervous system. Sardonyx is very beneficial for boosting the immune system. This stone has also been used as an ancient remedy for cooling the eyes by placing two stones over both eyelids.

Feng Shui: Use this stone in the Center area for health, balance and stability. Especially good in the Southwest area for love and partnerships (always use two together), in the West area for projects and the Northeast area of your home or office for obtaining wisdom.

Crystal Cleansing: method 1 – 3 and method 5 – 8 (loves midday sun).

History: Sardonyx (SiO2+C+Fe O OH) Bands of sard and white chalcedony are called sardonyx. This is found in rocky cavities or veins, hence its Latin meaning “veined gem”. This trigonal crystal has a long standing presence in history. In ancient Egypt it was the “every man’s stone”, accessible to most people, it was a stone the common man fell in love with, since royalty had there lapis, garnet and rubies. Information about this stone can be found in the Book of Revelation. In the Book of Exodus, there is a description of the twelve sacred gems used in the breastplate of Aaron. Sardonyx is one of the twelve foundation stones used in the wall of the new Jerusalem. Sardonyx has been fashioned into cameos in Greek and Roman times, worn by Napoleon on his watch chain and given by Queen Elizabeth I of England as a ring to the earl of Essex. Hildagard Von Bingen used sardonyx as a remedy against fever and to calm irrational tempers.

Special Note: these particular tumblestones were used by Andrew in a solemn spiritual ceremony in Paris. They were divined at a burial mandala for the infamous spiritist, Allan Kardec. You can read more about Andrew’s Lunch with Allan Kardec!

Sardonyx Meditation

In European folklore and folk-belief of the Medieval and Early Modern periods, “familiar spirits” (sometimes referred to simply as “familiars” or “animal guides”) were real or supernatural entities believed to assist witches and cunning folk in their practice of magic.

According to the records of the time, they would appear in numerous guises, often as an animal, but also at times as a human or humanoid figure. Crystals like hematite, cat’s eye, tiger’s eye, snakeskin agate, obsidian, dragon stone, sardonyx, tiger iron and a variety of other stones were believed to taken on or embody the energies of these “familiar spirits”.

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Cleansing & Charging Sard and Sardonyx

~ 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: method 1 – 3 and method 5 – 8 (loves midday sun).

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.