Gemstones for Persephone
The Persephone Collection featured a multitude of stones, and today I would like to share with you the intentions behind each stone for this goddess of the underworld.
This collection features Garnet, Dendritic Opal, Onyx, Fire Agate, and Carnelian.
Garnet- This deep red stone is the most prevalent amongst the collection, and for good reason ; Garnet gets its name sake from pomegranates, as well as intrinsically being connected to this very myth!
“The term garnet comes from the Phoenician term for pomegranate: punica geranatum. From this came the Latin term, "granatus," which translates as "seed." The mythological association of garnets, particularly red garnets, with Persephone suggests that the gemstone might be associated with a particular type of love-- not superficial love, but deep love that takes you so far out of yourself that you end up in a different world. Note that Persephone was not courted-- she was swept down. Once she tasted the underworld, she could never leave; it was an initiation of sorts. Hades, Persephone's husband, inhabits a world in which one is forced to leave one's body behind in ashes. Hades was also sometimes called "Lord of the Riches," because indeed, all riches do come from the earth. Jungian depth psychology and astrological lore associates Hades with cathartic, radical change from deep within. The underworld is a metaphor for the unconscious currents of one's existence-- the dream world, where archetypal characters interact in stories that have mythological patterns.” [1]
Dendritic Opal- This stone is mined from a singular mine in New Mexico and is patterned like a wintery landscape. These stones harness growth through perception and awareness of your surroundings, and helps you to find balance through practicing presence. This gem helps you to attune your innermost self to harness your personal power, and also help to foster good relationship with others by grounding you with yourself first off. [5]
Onyx- This jet black stone is one of protection and good fortune. Black is said to be a color that shades the wearer against negative energy, and this stone is said to be a stone of strength and confidence.Cleopatra was said to keep this stone close for protection and a moral booster. The name of a onyx come from the Greek “onux” meaning “fingernail”. In Roman myth this stone was formed by Cupid clipping his mother Venus’ fingernails and casting them to earth. Since these were residual pieces from a goddess, the Fates immortalized these bits by turning them to the Onyx stone. [4]
Fire Agate- This flashy stone boasts a beautiful array of colors hosted in it’s brown host, ranging from greens to bright red. The flickering colors resembles a flickering flame, hence its name. A stone of grounding and protection, this “Hero’s Stone” is often used to help the beholder follow our spiritual paths and dive into the dark places we fear so as to come out of these experiences stronger and triumphant. As a stone of fire, it is often cited as a way to attract more excitement in matters of love and passion as well. [2]
Carnelian - Sometimes referred to a the “sunset stone” this blazing stone hosts orange, yellow, and sometimes even pink hues. The vibrancy of this stone is reflected in its ability to help revitalize your enthusiasm and let go of things that no longer serve you. In this way it is an excellent teacher stone, and helps to promote your own personal power. Along with gains in your personal life, this forest stone is said to help with matters of love and libido. This stone has been revered throughout history, and the Egyptians associated it with the Devine feminine and the female cycles. In the Middle Ages, Alchemists believed it helped to jumpstart the powers of other stones and elixirs they used through their experiments. [3]
[1] Celtic birthstones. Celtic Jewelry. (n.d.). Retrieved April 14, 2022, from https://www.celticjewelry.com/celtic-culture/january-garnet
[2] Fire agate meaning: Moonrise crystals: Fire agate healing properties. Moonrise Crystals. (2022, March 22). Retrieved April 14, 2022, from https://moonrisecrystals.com/fire-agate-meaning/
[3] Carnelian meaning: Healing properties & everyday uses. Tiny Rituals. (n.d.). Retrieved April 14, 2022, from https://tinyrituals.co/blogs/tiny-rituals/carnelian-meaning-healing-properties#what-is-Carnelian
[4] Onyx. AGTA. (n.d.). Retrieved April 14, 2022, from https://agta.org/education/gemstones/onyx/#:~:text=Onyx%2C%20a%20member%20of%20the,transformed%20the%20clippings%20to%20stone.
[5] Houston, D. (2020, April 20). Dendritic opal: Meanings, properties and powers. CrystalsandJewelry.com. Retrieved April 14, 2022, from https://meanings.crystalsandjewelry.com/dendritic-opal/
