The Crystal Vaults Comprehensive Illustrated Guide to Crystals

 

Your On-Line Guide to

The Healing Energies, Metaphysical Properties,

and Legendary Uses

of

Agates

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Introduction

Agate is the name given to numerous varieties of banded Chalcedony, a mineral of the Quartz family. Its name comes from the Achetes River in Sicily, where Agates were first found. Usually banded in layers, or stripes, some varieties have "eye" markings, or specks of color, some have fossilized inclusions, and others are solid. Called the earth rainbow, the concentric bands of Agate form in nearly every color the earth can produce, including a colorless form.

Historically, Agate has been discovered with the artifacts of Neolithic people, and was used as healing amulets and ornamentation dating back to Babylon. Its medicinal uses continued through the ancient Greek and Egyptian civilizations, and spread throughout Africa and the Middle East into Russia. Agate sparked a world renowned stonecutting and polishing industry in Germany that flourished from the 15th to the 19th century, and exists today. [Simmons, 6][Mella, 67-68]

Metaphysically, Agate has a lower intensity and vibrates to a slower frequency than other stones, but is highly regarded as a stabilizing and strengthening influence. [Simmons, 6] The layered bands of microscopic quartz in Agate may appear delicate, they are actually very strong. Agate is excellent for balancing emotional, physical and intellectual energy, and in harmonizing yin and yang, the positive and negative forces of the universe. [Hall, 39]

 

Types of Agates

The world of agates is a facinating and ever evolving places. There are hundreds, if not thousands of types of agates. They are found around the world. They bring a wonder and magic to the planet with their swirls of color bands. We have captured the metaphysical properties of several of the most popular ones in separate pages.

Blue Lace Agate. Blue Lace Agate has a soft, soothing elegance; like sky-blue waters released from winter's grasp. Its graceful, circular design has a stimulating, positive effect on emotions and attitude. It is not a stone of protection, but rather of encouragement and support. Its circular flowing energy calms, uplifts and elevates.

 

Crazy Lace Agate. Crazy Lace Agate is called the Laughter Stone, or "Happy Lace." It is associated with sunny Mexican fiestas and dancing, and brings joy to those who wear it. [Eason, 305] It is not a stone of protection, but of support and encouragement, elevating thoughts and promoting optimism. Its graceful design, in random lacy patterns, creates a circular flow of energy, stimulating for the mind and attitude.

 

Dendritic Agate. Dendritic Agate is known as the Stone of Plentitude. It brings abundance and fullness to all areas of life, from business to agricultural endeavors. It was associated with the ancient Greek dryads, woodland and tree spirits, and was buried in the fields at the time of sowing to insure a good harvest.

 

Fire Agate. Fire Agate, known as the spiritual flame of absolute perfection, carries a great mystery locked inside its deep brown crystal. You need only touch the stone and fiery embers ignite. Peer into its depths and flames leap within its chambers. Study it closely and it will almost show you its secrets. Almost.

 

Laguna Agate. Laguna Agate is the most highly praised banded agate in the world. It is known for its extremely tight banding and vibrant shades of red and scarlet. Laguna Agate is found in an area covering roughly four square miles in a remote mountain range in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico.

 

Moss Agate. Throughout history and all cultures, Moss Agate has been known as the crystal of gardeners and agriculture. It was considered a miraculous healing stone for tribal priests of the past, giving them power to interact with our human organic system, and was used as a talisman to make warriors strong and victorious.

 

Agate Uses and Purposes - Overview

Agate promotes inner stability, composure, and maturity. Its warm, protective properties encourage security and self-confidence. It is a great crystal to use during pregnancy. [Gienger, 7] Agate also helps new mothers avoid the "baby blues" sometimes experienced after giving birth, and an Agate jewel worn between the breasts encourages lactation. [Megemont, 15]

Agate stops the burning desires for things we do not need, and assists those juggling commitments or multiple jobs. It helps writers express ideas in marketable form, and helps young children learn to walk and not fall as they get older. [Eason, 305] Agate also promotes marital fidelity. [Meloldy, 82]

Agate is useful as a protection amulet when traveling, and is especially effective against traffic accidents. [Megemont, 16]

As a professional support stone, Agate stabilizes the imagination and inspiration of artists, provides personal security for police, telephone workers, cooks, chefs and bakers, and protection from falling objects for builders and construction workers. It provides physical strength and endurance for dancers, dentists, and environmentalists, and emotional endurance for educators and recreational workers. [Mella, 129-133]

Agate Healing Therapies - Overview

(Please note: Information on this web site is no substitute for consulting a health care professional. All information contained on this web site,
including information relating to medical and health conditions, products and treatments, is for informational purposes only.
Please see your doctor or health care professional before starting any alternative treatments, diets, supplements or exercise programs.)

 

Agate Physical Healing Energy

Agate enhances mental function by improving concentration, perception, and analytical abilities. [Hall, 39]

Placed on the abdomen or used as an elixir, Agate stimulates the digestive system and relieves gastritis. It is beneficial for the eyes, hollow organs such as the stomach, uterus, intestines, etc., and heals skin disorders and itching due to insect bites. [Hall, 39][Gienger, 7][Megemont, 16]

Agate is helpful to the heart and blood vessels. Wearing an Agate in the middle of the chest strengthens the cardiac muscle, and heals emotional disharmony that prevents acceptance of love. [Megemont, 16][Hall, 39]

A cold Agate placed on the forehead is generally effective in curing fever. (If the fever returns, however, consult a doctor.) Agate may also reduce the symptoms of epilepsy, and for some people guards against sleepwalking. [Megemont, 15]

Agate Emotional Healing Energy

Agate encourages a sense of reality and pragmatic thinking. [Gienger, 7] Agates with regular designs soothe those who desire peace and harmony, while those with irregular designs can stimulate action and important decision making. [Megemont, 16]

Agate is beneficial in self-analysis and uncovering hidden circumstances that might interfere with well-being. It promotes self-acceptance and confidence, encouraging the speaking of one's own truth. Agate overcomes negativity and bitterness of the heart, by healing anger, fostering love, and lending the courage to start over. It is useful for any kind of trauma. [Hall, 39]

Agate Chakra Healing and Balancing Energy

Agate stabilizes the aura, eliminating and transforming negative energies. Its cleansing effect is powerful at all levels. [Melody, 82][Hall, 39]

See individual Agate pages for specific Chakra energies.

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Agate Spiritual Energy

Agate raises awareness and links into the collective consciousness of the oneness of life. It encourages quiet contemplation of one's life experiences that lead to spiritual growth and inner stability. [Hall, 39][Melody, 82]

Agate Color Energy

Agate is formed in nearly all colors, from clear transparent crystals, to banded stones of earthy hues. See individual Agate pages for the uniqueness of these gems, and for their specific color energies.

Meditation with Agate

Agate provides a wide variety of crystal formations conducive for meditation focus. The intricate movements within the crystal encourage a calm, relaxing state and open the mind to higher thought and inner truths.

Agate Divination

The Divinatory meaning of Agate: Consider both sides before making a decision. [Eason, 305]

Dreaming of Agate signifies a journey. [Kunz, 358]

Agate and the Angelic Realm

 

See the individual Agate pages for Angels specific to birthdates and the colors that attract them.

Agate Goddess Crystals

Agates honor Aurora, Roman Goddess of the Dawn and Mother of the Winds. She brings the beauty of dawn each day, the vivid colors streaked and swirled across the clouds.

Agates honor Bona Dea, the Roman Earth Goddess of Fertility and the Greek Goddess of Women. She protects women through all of their changes, and is a skilled healer, particularly with herbs.

Agates honor Gaia, the Greek Earth Mother Goddess. Born directly out of Chaos, the primal emptiness, she was the first (or one of the first) beings to appear during the process of creation, and is honored as being the Earth itself.

Agates honor Cerridwen, the Welsh Goddess of Inspiration and Knowledge. She rules the gifts of prophecy and magic, and powers death and rebirth. She is the guardian of spiritual transformation.

Agates honor Nyx, the Greek Goddess of the Night. She is usually seen riding in a chariot, trailing stars and painting the night sky. Agate is strongly associated with Nyx because of its properties to protect against stress and for keeping bad dreams away.Â

Agates can also can be used in devotions to Clota, the Goddess of the River Cldye; Callisto, the Greek Moon Goddess; Chirakan-Ixmucane, the Mayan Creator Goddess; Dione, Phoenician Earth Goddess; Itzpapaloti, the Aztec Butterfly Goddess; and Jana, the Roman Goddess of Secret and Hidden Things.

Birthstones

There are several ways to find an appropriate birthstone. The traditional one is listed first. These are from the popular lists that most people are familiar with. The second way is to find your natural birthstone by the color wheel of life. You can click on the Natural Birthstone graphic below to learn more. Finally many people use the traditional stones of the Zodiac.

In this section you will find information on all three approaches.

Agate Traditional Birthstone

Agate is not a traditional birthstone.

 

 

 

Turquoise Natural Birthstone.

Agates are natural birthstones depending on their color. See the individual agate pages for details.

 

Agate - Zodiac Stone of Gemini

Agate is one of the zodiac stones for those born under the sign Gemini, between May 21 and June 20, when the Earth is approaching summer. The constellation Gemini is known as the Sign of the Inventor and is seen as twins side by side in the sky. It is closely associated with the planet Mercury. Those born under this sign can see both sides of an issue. They're flexible and can go with the flow, and can be lively and talkative, or restless and nervous depending on their setting. Those born when the Sun is in Gemini are quick thinkers, quick-witted, and quick on their feet.

Agate Amulets and Talismans

Agate amulets were worn in antiquity to guard from all dangers and to enable the wearer to vanquish earthly obstacles, such as high winds and lightning. [Kunz, 51]

Ancient seafarers used Agate in amulets of protection from the fury of the surging ocean. [Kunz, 39]

Agates are Seeker Transfomer crystals. Seekers contain the crystal energy structure that aligns the natural energy of the crystal to the natural power of the human mind to find the way to new horizons and new capabilities. They're pointers, directors, and compasses; the fresh start crystals. These are talismans of the scientist, the adventurer, the hunter, wanderer, and explorer. They're also crystals of the student and the researcher. Transformer crystals enhance efforts to change our situations, prospects, health, outlook or relationships. By transforming ourselves we transform our lives. We learn to dance, speak a new language, grow stronger, or become a better spouse or child. Seeker crystals with the earth power of the Transformer are excellent talismans to aid our efforts to grow, develop new capabilities and change our lives.

Agate Feng Shui

Agates are useful in Feng Shui. See the individual agate pages for specific uses.

Agates in Ancient Lore and Legend

Ancient Romans valued the Agate for its reputed medicinal and talismanic properties. Powdered and mixed with water, it was said to counteract serpents' venom. Pliny, a Roman historian, quoted the Magii as teaching in Persia that storms might be averted by burning Agates. [Fernie, 311-312]

Agates were believed to make their wearers agreeable, persuasive, and give them the favor of God, guarding them from all dangers, and enabling them to vanquish earthly obstacles, such as high winds and lightning. [Kunz, 51] Ancient seafarers used Agate in amulets of protection from the fury of the surging ocean. [Kunz, 39]

The wearing of Agate was believed to be a cure for insomnia and was thought to induce pleasant dreams. [Kunz, 52]

Legends claim Agate to have the power to secure the wearer from danger and to protect children from falling, and to endow their owners with strength, courage and the ability to heal fears. [Mella, 68]

Agate has a rich history of divinely revealed images within its natural veining, inclusions and markings. Such images as the Virgin Mary, Jesus, John the Baptist, angels and various other human forms have manifested themselves in these natural works of art and are found in churches and museums around the world.

Agate is believed to be the middle stone in the third row in the breastplate of the High Priest. [Kunz, 276]

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Footnote References

 

The symbols [  ] enclose the author's name and a page number for a reference cited from the following books:

[Ahsian, pp.] Robert Simmons & Naisha Ahsian, The Book of Stones (Berkley, CA: North Atlantic Books, 2007).

[Eason, pp. ]Cassandra Eason, The New Crystal Bible (London: Carlton Books Ltd., 2010).

[Fernie, pp.] William T. Fernie, The Occult and Curative Powers of Precious Stones (Blauvelt, NY: Rudolph Steiner Publications, 1973).

[Gienger, pp.] Michael Gienger, Healing Crystals (Scotland: Earthdancer Books, 2009).

[Hall, pp.] Judy Hall, The Crystal Bible (Cincinnati, OH: Walking Stick Press, 2003).

[Hall 2, pp.]Judy Hall, The Crystal Bible 2 (Cincinnati, OH: Walking Stick Press, 2009).

[Kunz, pp.] George Frederick Kunz, The Curious Lore of Precious Stones (New York: Dover Publications, 1971).

[Megemont, pp.] Florence Megemont, The Metaphysical Book of Gems and Crystals (Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press, 2008).

[Mella, pp.] Dorothee L. Mella, Stone Power II (Albuquerque, NM: Brotherhood of Life, Inc., 1986).

[Melody, pp.] Melody, Love Is In The Earth (Wheat Ridge, CO: Earth-Love Publishing House, 1995).

[Raphaell, pp.] Katrina Raphaell, Crystal Enlightenment (Santa Fe, NM: Aurora Press, 1985)

[Simmons, pp.] Robert Simmons & Naisha Ahsian, The Book of Stones (Berkley, CA: North Atlantic Books, 2007).