Today, it continues to be used in spiritual practices around the globe and is known for its stunning shades and color, as well as a wealth of healing properties and metaphysical benefits.
Obsidian is an extremely versatile stone (see also, ‘What Color is Onyx?‘). It can be worn on the body or carried in your pocket. It can also be used as a meditation aid, helping you focus your mind and relax. You can even use obsidian to cleanse your aura and clear negative energy from yourself.
This article will explore some of the many uses of obsidian, including the benefits and advantages it offers, and the variety of ways in which it can be used,
The History Of Obsidian
Obsidian is a substance with a long, rich history, dating back thousands of years. The word “obsidian” comes from the Latin word “obsidianus”, which was in turn named after Obsidius, an individual who, according to Pliny, was the first to discover the stone in Aethiopia.
The use of obsidian dates back thousands of years, with evidence of its use found in Egypt, Greece, Rome, India, China, Japan, Africa, and other parts of the world.
There is evidence of its use by Native Americans in tools and weapons, as well as evidence that the substance was used to make mirrors in ancient Greek and Aztec civilizations.
The stone has a conchoidal fracture, which combines smooth, clear surfaces and sharp, jagged edges, and this combination made it a perfect choice for a range of stone tools and artifacts, including arrowheads and other weapons.
What Is Obsidian?
Obsidian is a naturally occurring form of volcanic glass. It is formed when lava cools quickly, causing cracks to appear in the rock. These cracks are filled with water, which causes them to expand and break apart. This process creates a unique type of glass called obsidian.
Obsidian is a very hard material, but it does not have the same hardness as quartz or diamond. Instead, it falls into the category of semi-hard stones, like agate, chalcedony, carnelian, and jasper. It is commonly referred to as black glass because of its dark appearance.
What Are Some Uses of Obsidian?
As we mentioned, obsidian is an ancient substance with a number of associations, benefits, and uses, some of these include:
Healing Properties
Obsidian is said to help heal physical ailments such as arthritis, rheumatism, muscle pain, and bone problems. It is also thought to help relieve stress and anxiety, and improve overall health.
Spiritual Benefits
Obsidian is associated with spirituality and religion, particularly Hinduism, Buddhism, and shamanism. In addition to being used as a ritual tool, it is also believed to hold special powers and energies.
Some people believe that obsidian helps bring out the best in others, while others believe that it brings out the worst in people.
Meditation Aid
Obsidian is often used as a meditation aid. It is believed to help calm the mind and reduce stress. It is also thought that obsidian can help you connect more deeply with nature.
Protection
Obsidian is considered to be protective against evil spirits and negative energy. In some cultures, obsidian is also believed to protect against fire, lightning, and other natural disasters.
Tools
Obsidian is sometimes used to create tools, jewelry, and art pieces. Historically, it has also been used to make knives, hatchets, drills, axes, spear points, and arrows.
Jewelry
Obsidian is often cut into beads, pendants, rings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and other types of jewelry.
Artistic Use
Obsidian is sometimes carved into sculptures, masks, and other forms of artistic expression.
Obsidian And The Gods
One of the main associations and connections to obsidian is with the gods of various cultures and narratives and, in particular, the Aztec sky god Tezcatlipoca, who was known as the Smoking Mirror.
He was the creator of all things, and his name means “Smoking Mirror” – a reference to the idea that he could see all corners of the Universe in his obsidian mirror.
Tezcatlipoca, along with his opposite, Quetzalcoatl, was said to be the creator of the world, a process during which he lost his right foot while baiting the great earth monster Cipactli.
This resulted in many depictions of him with a right foot presented as a black obsidian mirror, and this is why obsidian is so closely connected to him.
Obsidian And The Chakras
The chakras are seven major centers of spiritual power located within the body. They are also called the wheels of life, and they are said to represent different aspects of our lives.
Each one corresponds to a specific part of the body, and understanding your chakras can help you to live a more balanced and spiritual life.
Root Chakra
Found at the base of the spine, the root chakra connects us to the ground and the Earth.
Sacral Chakra
Located between the navel and genitals, this chakra relates to sexuality, creativity, and intuition.
Solar Plexus Chakra
Located in the stomach area, this chakra represents self-confidence, willpower, and personal power.
Heart Chakra
Located just below the breastbone, this chakra is related to love, compassion, and forgiveness.
Throat Chakra
Located at the throat level, this chakra is responsible for communication and speaking your truth.
Brow Chakra
Located above the eyes, this chakra is associated with logic, intellect, and wisdom.
Crown Chakra
Located at the top of the head, this chakra is connected to spirituality, enlightenment, and connection to universal consciousness.
In the case of obsidian, there is a strong association with the root chakra; this is the base of your spine, where you store your emotions and feelings.
The root chakra is crucial for grounding yourself and connecting to the Earth, and using obsidian can help you to connect to and open this chakra by helping you to feel grounded and stable.
How Can I Use Obsidian To Activate My Root Chakra?
As we have mentioned, you can use your obsidian to connect to the Earth and activate your root chakra.
You can do this through meditation or simply sitting on the floor and placing your hands on the ground with the obsidian in front of you, or by holding the obsidian in your hand. Charge the crystal with your intention – to activate your root chakra – and then place it down.
You can also charge the obsidian with your intention before you go to sleep at night, placing it in the moonlight during a full moon for the most powerful results. This will help you to ensure that you have a talisman to help you when you need it most, and access that grounding power.
Other Uses For Obsidian
There are many other uses for obsidian besides activating your root chakra. It has been used for thousands of years as an amulet, and it can be used to protect against negative energies, such as curses, hexes, and spells. It can also be used to attract positive energy into your life.
Furthermore, it can be used to cleanse and purify your aura, and it can be placed under your pillow to aid in dream recall.
Final Thoughts
Obsidian is a powerful crystal with a lot of potential, but it is important to understand how to work with it so that you get the best out of it. By having a better understanding of the properties and associations of obsidian, you can use it effectively to achieve whatever goals you may have.
Hi, my name is Andrea Daehma and I have been collecting and using crystals in my everyday life for just over six years now.
I have my own collection of crystals gracing my house, several for every scenario I could think of.
Learning about crystals has truly changed my life, and I want to help others turn their life around too. Please enjoy my website and find your own small stone to begin your crystal journey with!
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