Understanding Stones Part 2: Agate

I shouldn't do only one post for Agates.  There are so many varieties with many different characteristics.  I'm sure I'll come back around to discuss each agate at length in the future, so for now, consider this a brief overview.

Agate images are taken from Pinterest.com

Stone:  Agate, the "Carry-on" gemstone

Birthstone Month/Zodiac Association: Most agates are associated with those born under the zodiac sign Gemini, with the exception of Blue Lace Agate being the stone of Pisces, Botswana Agate being the stone of Scorpio and Moss Agate being the stone of Virgo.

Red Agates

Blue Agates

Affected Chakra: The color of agate will determine which chakra it is associated with.  Red agates are associated with the Solar Plexus Chakra and Blue Agates are associated with the throat chakra.

Spiritual Properties: Agates are the ultimate protection stone.  Metaphysically the Agate has a lower intensity and vibrates to a slower frequency, but don't let that fool you.  Agates attract strength, help protect dreamers and provide self-confidence for important decisions.  Creativity and intellect are enhanced when wearing agates, as well as perceptiveness and balance between emotional, physical and spiritual states.  The agate is useful as a protection amulet when traveling and help us to recognize impermanence to allow us to let go and carry on with our lives.  

Physical Healing Properties:  Agates are used in the treatment of hollow organs, such as the stomach, intestines, uterus, etc by placing the agate on the Solar Plexus.  They are also helpful to the heart and blood vessels.  Wearing an Agate in the middle of the chest strengthens the cardiac muscle.  Placing a cold Agate on the forehead can help reduce a fever (if the fever persists, see a doctor).  It may reduce the symptoms of epilepsy and have been thought to be good to harden the gums.

History of Use:  Agates are a variety of Chalcedony and run in the Quartz family.  There are hundreds, if not thousands of varieties of Agates that are found around the world and come in nearly every color the earth can produce.  They are commonly banded or striped, some have specks of color or "eyes", some have fossilized inclusions and others are solid.  Agates were first found by Theophrastus in the Achetes River in Greece around the 3rd to 4th centuries BC.  They have been discovered amongst artifacts from the Neolithic era and have been used as healing amulets dating back to Babylon.  Their medicinal uses continued through the ancient Greek and Egyptian civilizations, and spread throughout Africa and the Middle East into Russia.

Up next: Amethyst