Bloodstone: Mystical Healing and Protection

Green and red are the dominant colors of bloodstone. Deposits occur in various countries on different continents. Because it's found in such diverse geographical regions, the appearance can vary from dark to paler green stones that can be either translucent or opaque. Some have white or yellow deposits as well.

Since ancient times it's been used by healers and soldiers, in particular. However, it soared in popularity with Christians in the Middle Ages when it was claimed that bloodstone originated from Christ's blood as he was dying on the cross. Blood droplets from his wounds fell on green jasper on the ground and seeped into the porous stone where it dried, permanently creating the green and red mottled gem. It became commonly known as the "martyr's stone," and jewelry, coats of arms, signets, and talisman became very popular in Christian Europe. Soldiers during the Crusades, including the Knights Templar, commonly carried bloodstone items on their person.

They weren't the only warriors to carry bloodstone for courage and protection, though. Bloodstone talisman and other carved objects have been discovered in archaeological digs that unearthed remains of ancient Babylonian, Egyptian, and Roman military forces.

Spiritual and Emotional Properties

The most widely known properties of bloodstone are as a healing and protecting crystal. But there are many other properties that you can attune yours to, especially if you want to use it as a working or companion stone.

It offers protection to anyone who's in an aggressive situation. If you're being bullied, it provides protection and also gives you the courage to take action. Contemplating your situation using bloodstone will direct you on how to handle the situation. It will give you the courage, determination, and strength to walk away and leave the problem behind or guide you to stand your ground and try to resolve the situation.

Grief and emotional pain can also be soothed by permanently keeping a companion with you and holding it when the hurt gets bad. One of the life-lessons bloodstone imparts is that confusion and upheaval always precede transformation. Sometimes we want to change, and other times it's put upon us. Either way, we have to learn to accept and move on, and bloodstone eases the trauma of transition.

Being a giving stone always offers wisdom, nurturing and emotional support, and strengthens your connection with the divine during prayer or meditation. Through the healing process, bloodstone can help improve your self-worth and self-confidence, leading to decisive decision making that allows you to move on. It also opens you up to the truth, allowing you to recognize self-deception and denial and work through it.

Physical Healing

For centuries, healers treated gynecological and childbirth problems with bloodstone. Hormonal imbalances, menstrual problems, and menopause were treated with it, and it was believed to help prevent miscarriage. Midwives used it to ease the birthing process and also encourage bonding between mother and baby. It can help resolve relationship difficulties between a mother and an older child as well. Placing bloodstone in each one's bedroom and meditating or praying together while holding a stone can clear differences, enabling both to see each other's perspective.

Mental clarity can be restored with bloodstone, and it also helps ease mental fatigue. Physical energy and vitality can be invigorated, too, making it an excellent companion for anyone who has a physically demanding job or is actively involved in competitive sport.

Previously, bleeding was staunched by placing a bloodstone that was dipped in water over open wounds. It's believed this is another reason warriors carried these gems on their person. Although we have much more efficient and safer ways to stem blood flow today, the iron oxide in bloodstone might have helped treat open wounds in otherwise healthy individuals.

An infusion of bloodstone and pure water left to steep overnight can be used topically to soothe inflammation, hemorrhoids, insect bites, and varicose veins.

Crystal healing with bloodstone can support the liver, kidneys, spleen, and bladder as it purifies the blood and eliminates toxins. Healthy blood benefits all organs in the body and bone marrow, and it improves circulation, leading to faster healing and a more robust immune system.

Magick and Folklore

Ancient Greeks called bloodstone heliotrope, which loosely translates as sunstone. Legend has it that when immersed in water and placed in direct sunlight, it turned the sun's reflection blood red. It was further believed that staring at a heliotrope for a few minutes would help prevent eye disease. Additionally, placing heliotrope wetted with cold water on the body transferred the sun's power directly into the individual, preventing them from suffering injury or illness. If openly displayed, heliotrope and incantations could dazzle an enemy's eyes, making the wearer invisible (most likely another reason it was worn in battle).

The general public wore bloodstone engraved with a bat's image to ward off and give them power over demons and evil spirits. It also offered protection from deception. And suspended over abscesses and tumors, it would clear all infection and bring about healing.

Anyone seeking fame and respect could have their ambitions manifest using bloodstone too. Engraving your name on a stone and saying it out loud while focusing on your goals (or physically facing them) could open doors and see obstacles to success crumble.

Magickal properties include the ability to control the weather. It was believed that bloodstone could avert lightning storms and heavy rains and conjure rain in times of drought. The gift of audible prophecy was conferred on bloodstone, believing that it could be heard when giving guidance or warning of danger.

Conclusion

Despite the many and diverse properties attributed to bloodstone, it's a compassionate crystal that offers healing, insight, and protection. It connects you with the divine and your higher self, bringing clarity, acceptance, wisdom, and healing. Because of its divine connection, bloodstone can be used for dreamwork and to heighten intuition.

On the color wheel, red and green are opposites, but bloodstone brings them together. This makes it a stone that can bring harmony and balance into any situation if programmed with the right intentions.