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Greek,
Roman, Egyptian, Celtic and other mythological references to Amethyst;
Myths and legends surrounding minerals, crystals, gemstones and metals,
from modern and ancient cultures
The ancient mythology
beliefs, crystal mythology, and references to crystals, minerals,
metals, semi-precious stones and rocks in Greek, Roman, Native American,
and Egyptian Mythology are many. There are also Mineral Legends, mining
folklore, heroes in mining, myths about jewelry, stories of buried
treasure, Vedic Myths, and more. We have gathered the best legends,
mythological references and rock folklore in this section of
JewelrySupplier.com.
The
most popular mythology surrounding amethyst is from ancient Greece. The
word "amethyst" is of Greek origin and is translated as-
"amethystus" meaning not drunken, or intoxicated ("-methystos"
from "methyein" or intoxicated, "methy" =
wine). As a symbol of sincerity and stability, the unique
purple shades of amethyst have been declared the "Rose de
France" and has been set, even today, in Victorian jewelry (rings,
bracelets, necklaces, hair accessories etc.). The mythology of this
stone, unsurprisingly, spreads through modern mythology and even ancient
and recent legend.
Greek
Mythology
The origin of amethyst name and
even explanation for some of it's healing properties have been founded
in the Greek mythology surrounding this semi-precious stone. Amethyst's
origin resides with the god Dionysus (Bacchus) and the goddess Diana.
Dionysus, the god of wine, celebration, intoxication and joviality,
found insult by a mortal who had refused him acknowledgement. Enraged
with anger Dionysus vowed to unleash his fury upon all mortals who did
not partake in his gifts of wine and drunkenness. He immediately spotted
a young maiden named Amethyst who was pure and unfamiliar with being
intoxicated. The unsuspecting young virgin, who was on her way to pay
homage to the goddess Diana, was detained by the wrathful god. Dionysus
summoned two fiercely voracious tigers to devour the youth and sat back
with his wine to watch. Amethyst cried out to Diana. When Diana saw what
was about to transpire she quickly transformed the young mortal into a
glimmering pure white stone (quartz) to protect her from the vicious
wrath of Dionysus. Moved with pity Dionysus realized the ruthlessness of
his actions and began to weep with sorrow. As the tears dripped into his
goblet Dionysus collapsed and the tear-tainted wine ran out onto the
stone from the tipped cup. The white stone then absorbed the color from
the wine creating the stone now called amethyst.
Amethyst
Legends
Because of the legend of the
origin of amethyst mentioned above, it was also believed that amethyst
jewelry, gems or goblets made people immune to the intoxicating effects
of alcohol. It is considered an ideal stone for those struggling or
recovering from alcoholism or those who seek to drink without getting
intoxicated. The works of amethyst, a gem associated with easing
transition, have been cited through legendary conclusion. It has been
popularly believed that amethyst also aides the soul that journeys
through to another dimension by guiding it through realms where
visibility is low. It is also said to aide those souls left behind or
those struggling. An Amethyst Sky exists when a deep lilac/muave color
fills the sky as the transition from day to night begins. This takes
place only on certain nights in the evening after dusk.
Modern
Myth
Various shades of the color
purple (especially deep purple) serve as a symbol for royalty. Amethyst
has been known to adorn the crowns, rings, collars, bracelets,
necklaces, hairpieces, earrings, staffs, thrones and other items
belonging to powerful monarchs. Its calming qualities have enabled
it to be related to the soothing effects it has over those who suffer
from addictions. As a stone of great healing and meditative powers,
amethyst is a purifier and dictator of energies of the mind body and
spirit.
Amethyst
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