Black Obsidian
by Maria
Colour: Black, Brown/Black
Obsidian is a lightweight, shiny black gemstone created when a volcanic flow is cooled very quickly, into what Geologists call volcanic glass.
Black Obsidian is sometimes referred to as Apache Tear Obsidian when in tear drop form.
Obsidian, in general, is said to get its name from the Roman Obsius.
Appearance: Volcanic, Amorphous, siliceous glassy rock. Transparent to opaque.
Crystal System: Amorphous Lacking an inner structure, amorphous crystals allow energy to pass through freely and act rapidly, and may be a catalyst for growth.
Properties: Black Obsidian is a very powerful and creative stone, it grounds and centres spiritual energy in the physical plane. Obsidian connects the mind and emotions. Self-control is increased by the use of this stone.
Obsidian reminds us that birth and death are simultaneously and constantly present one with the other, always as one. This is a stone that has always been associated with guardian spirits that watch over us, and is connected to protection on all levels.
In the Middle Ages it was thought to drive out demons. Hence it is often used as a grounding stone for astral projection and psychics, in general, as it provide protection from negative or impish spirits. Sometimes referred to as the Wizard's Stone as it opens the gates to the netherworld, yet, provides protection from misuse.
Obsidian is simply a stone to be worked with consciously and with respect. It is a stone without boundaries or limitations. Nothing can be hidden. Obsidian is considered one of the most important spiritual teachers and is referred to as the "stone of truth."
Our true selves are reflected back to us via its shinny surface so one must be prepared to face both positive and negative sides of reality as it emerges. It also brings with it a unique opportunity to clarify causes of physical illness or emotional upset. It impels us to grow while still lending support .
If you feel your growth has stagnated and need a jolt to get yourself moving again there is no better stone.
Aventurine, rose quartz, and chrysocolla will soften the impact. As members of the quartz family the first two stones help to dissolve what obsidian surfaces; while chrysocolla is a warm and nurturing stone which makes the truth easier to hear. Snowflake obsidian also offers a softened version of this stone. When using for emotional healing, it is often best used along with clear quartz.
Healers may use Black Obsidian to help those unable or unwilling to let go of the past.
Obsidian is used in scrying for divination purposes and often found in mirrors and crystal balls. It focuses ones inner vision, and gives blunt answers on the course of action to take. The blackness of the stone will allow easier access to the subconscious. Said to be a vision stone for use in vision quests and prophetic dreaming.
Carrying or wearing Black Obsidian assists in dispersing negativity around the physical, mental, emotional, and spirit bodies. Place Black Obsidian in a home, office, or sacred space to remove any unwanted energies and keep the area free of negativity. It will vibrate calmness and security, and stabilize the energies of all persons within its reach.
When you feel flighty or cannot get your physical life in order, hold one in your hands or place your bare feet on two small, polished pieces.
On a Physical Level:
- A traveller's stone, especially by night.
- Especially helpful in times of grief, depression.
- Believed to reduce the pain of arthritis, to help joint problems and to ease cramps.
- Obsidian aids the digestion and detoxifies, dissolving blockages, including harden arteries.
- Warms the extremities.
- Accelerate the physical healing of wounds.
- Helps to reduce food cravings.
- Its healing properties also include aiding vision, arthritis. Black obsidian will help with pets that overreact to noise and traffic.
- Black obsidian is a natural pain reliever. It is also very good at dealing with phobias.
- It will protect against negativity and hostility.
- Sometimes mentioned as being a remedy for snake poison.
Deities: It is sacred crystal of Sekhmet, the Egyptian lion-headed fire and solar goddess.
HEKATE (or Hecate) was the goddess of magic, witchcraft, the night, moon, ghosts and necromancy.
Saturn - He was an ancient Roman god of fertility, especially of agriculture. Saturn was worshiped in a winter festival called the Saturnalia and his name was/is used for the day of the week, Saturday.
Eriskegal - Sacred Goddess of the Underworld (Mesopotamian mythology)
Jana - Roman Goddess of Secret and Hidden Things
Goddess Pele is a Hawaiian Volcano and Fire Goddess. Known as She Who Shapes the Sacred Land, Pele is the Volcano, the expression and embodiment of Divine Creative Power. She is the Flame of Passion and the Fire of Purpose, She is the Energy of Dynamic Action and She is the Glowing Essence of Eternal and Profound Love.
Magical Use: Black gemstones symbolize self control and resilience. They are extremely protective and are thought to entrap negative energies and neutralize them. Black is the absence of light, and therefore, can be used to create invisibility.
Use for Black Madonna, Isis and Horus rituals.
Use in shamanic ceremonies to remove physical disorder, Black Obsidian also has the gift of prophesy.
Black obsidian should be used for psychic self defence. Obsidian absorbs and destroys negative energy such as anger, criticism, and fear, and may be used in protection or centering rituals.
For a protective ritual, surround a white candle with four obsidian arrowheads that each point to one of the directions. This will set up aggressive energies that will guard the place where it was set up.
Use seven opaque obsidian arrows pointed outwards and recite what you need to return to or come into your life, then turn them inwards to allow it to flow in; good for employment spells and also to drive away those who would wish you harm.
Use Apache tears in smudging rituals and to carry with you on spiritual journeys to ancient sites, etc. apache tears is an amulet against sorrow, especially if you have experienced at lot.
Black Obsidian spheres are wonderful scrying tools. Used for accessing the subconscious. Using Black Obsidian can bring great foresight.
To gaze with Black Obsidian, choose a quiet environment with soft lighting, get into a relaxed state, and gently gaze at the stone. Remain open to any images or insights that come into your mind. If its energy and intenseness makes one uncomfortable, hold clear quartz in one hand while scrying should help balance the power.
Black symbolizes death in some cultures. Native Americans thought black was good because it was the colour of soil, which gives life.
Saturday's colour is black.
Chakra: Black Obsidian is a grounding stone that provides an instant connection from the Root Chakra deep into the core of the Earth.
Often the 6th, Third Eye or Brow Chakra is activated while using it. It breaks through mental barriers and dissolves mental conditioning.
Use with caution, as it will bring up, expose and help you to deal with your challenges and the past life lessons you need to learn so as to move on in this life.
Element: Earth and fire.
Planet: Pluto and Saturn.
Zodiac: Scorpio, Sagittarius
Numerical Vibration: 3, 7
Feng Shui: Obsidian is used in the area of North for personal journeys and in the Center area for grounding and protection.
