Aquamarine

Aquamarine

Aquamarine is a semi-precious stone of beryl that ranges in color from a pale blue to light green. Beryl is a transparent mineral consisting of a silicate of beryllium and aluminum that can be found in shades of green, blue, and yellow. Applying heat to greenish-blue aquamarine will turn it a pure blue. It was believed for quite some time that the best and most valuable aquamarine could only be found in Brazil and other parts of South America. But not anymore. Aquamarine is now mined all over the world. It naturally occurs in Tanzania, Sri Lanka, Russia, Pakistan, Nigeria, Kenya, and Madagascar.

Aquamarine is Latin for “water of the sea” as the crystal often resembles the same color of the sea with its translucent to opaque blue and aqua. And due to its physical appearance, it is associated with the element of water. Aquamarine’s zodiac correspondences also follow the water theme as it is aligned with Pisces and Scorpio. Its influences come from the moon and Neptune. Neptune is quite fitting as this planet is generally associated with water and the sea. In fact, it is named for the Roman God Neptune and his Greek counterpart Poseidon.

The folklore surrounding aquamarine also heavily relies on its associations with water and the sea. It is believed that the mineral itself is attuned to the sea. It protects sea travelers, so sailors often carried it for protection.

Both the ancient Greeks and Romans believed aquamarine was mermaid treasure, and even Pliny the Elder wrote about how the power of aquamarine came from being mermaid treasure. When the gem spilled out of the mermaid’s chests, it would wash up on the shore for humans to find. Anyone lucky enough to find one was blessed by the god Neptune with fortune and protection. Because of this, ancient sailors would carve the image of Neptune on the stone and wear it around their necks. Sailors felt that carrying some with you or wearing one as a talisman around your neck when traveling by water would help protect their journey. They wore these amulets of aquamarine for courage when traveling through rough seas or ocean storms as it was believed to help them tame the ferocious ocean waves. Some sailors wore aquamarine to ward off seasickness, but most of all, it was worn to protect sailors from drowning. Other sailors believed mermaid tails were made from aquamarine, and finding one of these gems meant you could better understand the merfolk as the stone represented the powers and mystery of the sea.

In China, aquamarine was linked to the goddess Kuan Yin who represented unconditional love, compassion, and pity. She is the protector of women and children; thus, aquamarine was considered a protective gemstone. Small figurines and trinkets were crafted out of aquamarine to keep the owner well protected.

During the middle ages, there was a great fear of being poisoned because it actually happened quite often! People often used aquamarine to counteract poisonings and protect them from being poisoned. But they also believed that if it were carved into a ball, people could use it to see into the future. People thought it would help them find lost items and sleep better at night. However, it was also believed that if someone held a piece of aquamarine in their mouth, they could summon a demon from hell to answer any questions they might have.

It also became known during this time that aquamarine could help guarantee a happy marriage. Not only could it inspire fidelity in newlyweds and resurrect lost love between a couple, but it could also bring back a lost lover.

The beautiful blues of aquamarine also represented the vast open heavens. Because the sky reflects in the water, ancient people believed the reflective properties of the gemstone could reveal hidden aspects of reality and parts of ourselves deep within the subconscious or soul. Therefore, aquamarine was often popular with shamans, mystics, and healers. When meditating with aquamarine, one’s paranormal abilities were enhanced, allowing for moments of deep intuitive connections.

Aquamarine remains an excellent choice when meditating because not only is it associated with peace, but it is linked to the throat chakra, which deals with truth and communication. Incorporating it into a meditative practice opens the mind by promoting psychic awareness and connecting with the spiritual self. Not only does it help realign chakras, but it can shield and protect the aura from negativity.

There are numerous uses for aquamarine pertaining to communication and openness. It aids in self-expression so that a person may speak their truth and helps temper honesty with compassion. And while most often it is used to harmonize communication between people, it can also be used to help people think quickly on their feet. It is often worn or carried to bolster courage, fortitude, and quick thinking. It promotes strength, calms anxiety, and protects the wearer against gossip. Because of all these positive attributes, it is perfect for those who need a little extra help speaking in public or to push through a task one has been dreading.

The clear, refreshing blue of aquamarine fits perfectly with the crisp spring energy of Ostara. Spring brings with it the energy of renewal, communication, and purification. The horizons are wide open and the possibilities endless, just like the sea. Feelings of love and compassion are revitalized as new growth begins to push through the dark of winter. Tranquility and peace replace any feelings of fear or negativity as the world starts to regenerate and new life abounds with the coming of spring.

Add aquamarine into your magickal work this Ostara. Cleanse your new stones in ocean water (or homemade saltwater) by the light of the full moon overnight. Enhance your level of communication this Ostara by wearing the gemstone as a choker around your neck to promote truth and honesty throughout the spring!