OBSIDIAN
Obsidian is a stone of truth, protection, integrity, honesty and grounding. This stone awakens the inner warrior and provides courage to enter our subconscious mind and rediscover our hidden abilities. Obsidian, in general, protects our mind from all sorts of negative energies. Because of its reflective, mirror-like surface, Obsidian works like a mirror in which we can clearly see our own mistakes and weaknesses. Moreover, this stone will provide assistance and insight into the possible ways of correcting those mistakes. Obsidian is also believed to block the geopathogenic radiation.
Physical Properties of Obsidian
The color of Obsidian can be very different, from black, brown, and blue to green, silver, red and bright golden. It is composed out of 70-80 pecent of silica, SiO2 and about 20-30 percent of MgO and Fe3O4 (magnesium and iron oxide). Its hardness is not too high, ranging between 5 and 5.5 on the Mohs scale.
The largest deposits of this stone are in Mexico and India.
Obsidian is a natural volcanic glass formed in the process of rapid quenching of volcanic material. Silica (Rock crystal) comprises some 35 to 80 percent of this stone. The chemical composition of Obsidian is very similar to that of Granite, which was also rapidly cooled down which resulted in avoiding crystallization. In its red, brown or black color, Obsidian is a compact amorphous mineral with hardness comparable to glass. Cristobalite crystals are often associated with some of the spotted Obsidian varieties.
Metaphysical Properties of Obsidian
Obsidian is probably one of the most challenging stone when used in metaphysical practice. Obsidian has been used in the ancient times because it can be fractured conveniently to produce knives and sharp blades. Indeed, symbolically this stone works like a knife, penetrating into the heart of the problem, at times even without scruples from inflicting pain.
Obsidian is therefore a mineral one should show a certain amount of caution and respect to. If you feel that your growth is stagnant and that you need a strong impetus to move forward, there is no better stone than Obsidian. It will help you identify the blockages - the strata of your ego and the weaknesses and personality flaws of your being that prevent you from growing any further. Some aspects of this process will be painful, but the gain will be of great importance. There is also a great deal of pain in self-deception, so it is worth it to make this step.
Those who enjoy in the most intense life experiences will use Obsidian without reducing its sharpness. The other will use additional minerals, such as Rose Quartz or Aventurine, to mitigate the blade of this stone. Or some may prefer Snowflake Obsidian over Black Obsidian, as it has nearly the same properties, it works fast and intense, but with a hint of less intensity.
Obsidian stimulates our self-growth and gives us support during this process. It can bring to the surface some very displeasing truths. It heals the soul and is very good for performing past life regression, where it can heal traumas and negative emotions from our numerous past lives that we have been unable to release to this very day.
Obsidian connects us via the root chakra - Muladhara to the center of the Earth.
Obsidian in Crystal Therapy
snow flake obsidian stone
In crystal therapy, Obsidian is beneficial for improving peripheral circulation and for balancing digestion. If placed under the pillow or beside the bed, it draws stress and tension out of the body and brings calm. Obsidian may also provide insight into the root cause of the problems or diseases.
Some types of Obsidian
The properties described so far can be applied to all types of Obsidian. However, some Obsidian variations have their own special metaphysical features.
Black Obsidian boosts self-control. It disperses selfish thoughts and intentions and helps let go of past love. Black Obsidian also brings the gift of foresight. Black Obsidian crystal balls are very helpful in meditation. When placed on the naval area, this stone helps ground the spiritual energies within the body. When worn on the third eye, Obsidian helps break through mental barriers. It can focus the emotionally scattered energies and bring emotional release.
Bright blue Obsidian is a stone of intuition that can be used in fortune telling, past life regression and for induced trance states. It opens the fifth chakra - Vishuddha and aids extrasensory communication.
Obsidian should be discharged under luke-warm running water. It is best charged in the early morning or late afternoon sun.