Allowing crystals into your life gives you the freedom and power to explore the spiritual realm and understand yourself better. But before you can harness crystals for your benefit, you have to learn the history of each crystal and what it means. Knowing where the crystal comes from is important for using it later on. Let’s take a look at agate and its past, present, and future.
Agate Stone
The agate crystal is a common semi-precious variety of chalcedony with very similar physical properties to quartz. It’s found all over the world and usually can be located in the cavities of eruptive rocks.
This rock is easily identifiable because of its stripe-like bands. It can be found in many patterns and colors that are all not only extraordinarily beautiful but also extremely useful. This type of gem is commonly used for home decor and jewelry, and when placed on display in the sunlight, the light shines through the translucent bands and appears to sparkle.
Here are some of the most common properties associated with Agate:
- Balancing energy
- Providing stamina
- Aiding in astral travel
- Helps memory
- Provides emotional security
- Helps with headaches and migranes
In fact, Agate is considered to be one of the best crystals for empath protection as well.
Meaning Of The Agate Stone
Agate is known for its protective properties. It helps you anchor yourself to the earth and allows you to feel balanced and centered. It also allows you to slow down and focus on loving yourself and seeing the beauty in the world. You’ll get a broader perspective on anything that may be going on in your life, and you’ll be able to see any situation as it truly is, both the pros and the cons.
If you’re looking to enter a new chapter of your life, this is the right stone for you. It makes any transition smoother and more manageable. You’ll be able to enter into new things with confidence that they will go the way they’re supposed to. Cynical people will also benefit from agate once they let the energy from this stone in.
To fully understand the meaning of this stone, we have to look at its origins and how it was used centuries ago.
Historical Context Of Agate
Agate’s name comes from where it was first discovered in the Achates River in Sicily. History tells us that agate was often carved into art pieces and jewelry like amulets. It was also used in the Greek and Egyptian empires because of its beneficial properties. One king of Pontus had a prized collection of bowls made of agate. Word of this spread to other countries, and it soon became popular in Russia and the Middle East.
Agate honors the Roman goddess of fertility, Bona Dea, a healer who protects women through their lives. Agate also honors Gaia, the Greek mother goddess, who was born out of Chaos and is regarded as Earth itself in mythology.
In the German town of Idar-Oberstein, agate was traditionally cut and cleaned by artisans. This specific area has worked with the stone since the 1400s and is known for its craftsmanship and skills. Agate found in other places was often shipped to this town to be cut and fashioned.
In Islamic culture, agate was worn by prophets, and in Babylonian cities, it was used for strength in breastplates. Agate is able to protect you against negative energy, and many believe that this stone can balance your personal yin-yang energy.
Ancient Usage
In ancient times, agate was thought to quench thirst when placed in people’s mouths and protect against fevers. Some Persians even believed that it warded off storms and natural disasters. In some cultures, agate was thought to be the cure for scorpion bites or snakes. People used to place this stone at the head of their bed to have pleasant dreams,thanks to its soothing qualities.
Agate is noted to have a behavioral effect on people: it can make you more agreeable, and was even thought to give the wearer the favor of the gods. Amulets made from eye agate used to be worn to protect the wearer from the evil eye and allow them to be watchful. Agate bracelets and other amulets are still worn frequently today for travel protection and support.
Symbolism Of Agate Stone
Agate brings an abundance of things into your life, which is especially true when it comes to your finances and relationships. When you are able to work with agate’s energy, it will benefit your decision making and mental sharpness. Agate is linked to bright ideas and positive thinking too.
This crystal symbolizes harmony and rebalance. This means you will feel an improvement in concentration and analytical abilities. The soothing power of agate allows you to feel calm and safe wherever you are.
Agate is closely associated with the Third Eye and Crown chakra. It’s also tied to the Virgo and Gemini zodiac signs. Agate corresponds with the earth element and it is the birthstone of September. People who favor Agate can usually see both sides of the coin. They tend to be easy-going and lively at the same time. They’re also quick, witty thinkers, and this stone only serves to bring out those attributes.
Some Of The Uses Of Agate
Since there are so many types of agate, let’s talk about the uses of some of them.
- White agate is used during pregnancy to protect the mother and the baby.
- Moss agate is used to gain success and prosperity in any aspect of life.
- Blue Lace agate is known for its ability to provide peace and calmness.
- Fire agate is used for times where you need to look inside yourself and examine your intentions.
- Dendritic agate emotionally supports you so that you can be strong during times of strife.
- Laguna agate is great for stimulated senses and enhancing your precision.
- Black Agate has great grounding and protecting properties.
- Tree Agate has properties of abundance and enhancing financial growth.
- Red Agate protects from negative energy and gives self-confidence to its holder.
- Crazy Lace Agate brings joy and deep healing of emotional pain to its owners.
- Botswana Agate brings nurturing energy and peace to our relationships.
- Blue Lace Agate is great for the Throat chakra, improving well being and clarity of mind.
In general, agate is known for its ability to promote maturity and composure. It stops you from desiring things that aren’t necessary and helps you to multitask easily. It can also assist young children as they learn to walk.
Agate is good for artists to wear or use because of its ability to stabilize their imagination. Placing this stone on your abdomen stimulates your digestive system and relieves gastritis. It benefits your uterus, intestines, and eyes. Agate worn on the chest strengthens the muscles there and heals the emotional trauma in the heart.
The use of agate depends on the design—as in whether it is regularly or irregularly shaped. Regular designs allow peace and tranquility, whereas irregular does the opposite. Agate raises your awareness and encourages the contemplation of your life experiences in order to grow emotionally and spiritually.
Bottom Line
If you’re drawn to agate, it means that you are anxious and overlooked somehow. You might be needing some positive energy and a sense of security. If this crystal is appealing to you, try it out by placing it in a room in your house or wear Agate rings and other jewelry pieces.