Bloodstone Healing Properties, Meanings, and Uses

Bloodstone was treasured not only as a talisman of good health and long life but was reputed to bring its owner respect, good fortune, riches, and fame. It protected one from deception, helped overcome enemies in battle, and secured victory in court and legal matters. It was also believed to have magical properties with the ability to control the weather by averting lightning, conjuring storms, or summoning rain.

Bloodstone conferred the gift of prophecy as an "audible oracle" that gave off sounds as a means of guidance or to warn of danger and could direct spiritual energies to banish negativity and evil.

In the ancient world, it was considered to be a semi-precious stone or gem and was used extensively as signet seals and in jewelry, as well as being carved into decorative cups, small vases, and statuettes.

Associated with birth and birthing processes, Bloodstone is a great ally stone for women during the childbearing years. It stimulates nutrient-rich blood and hormonal balance and is thought to help prevent miscarriages. It assists in easing the birthing process, providing strength during labor and supportive vibrations so the baby travels easily through the birth canal. It is also believed to alleviate symptoms of PMS and menstrual disorders and to stabilize hormones through menopause.

Bloodstone dipped in cold water and applied to an afflicted area is highly beneficial in staunching blood flow, particularly nosebleeds. Keep the stone wet and re-dip as necessary. Bloodstone water, made by the indirect method or by letting the stone soak in demineralized water overnight, relieves varicose veins and hemorrhoids. Bloodstone is also thought to reduce lower back pain and relieve mosquito bites.

Bloodstone teaches that chaos often precedes transformation and guides one in knowing when it is appropriate to strategically withdraw from situations, and when flexibility and taking the right action will help one remain true to one’s own path. Bloodstone calms the emotional body, dispels confusion, and enhances decision-making, nourishing feelings of worth, self-confidence, and self-sufficiency.

For those who are seriously ill, Bloodstone is an excellent talisman for facing the realities of physical mortality and death. Its powers of strength and courage allow one to look unflinchingly at the truth, even if the illness cannot be cured, and to move forward in the most appropriate ways.

The Heart Chakra is located near the center of the breastbone. It regulates our interaction with the external world and controls what we embrace and what we resist. When the Heart Chakra is out of balance you may feel either controlling or controlled in a relationship, and become critical of the little foibles of others Green crystal energy is used to resolve blockages and to re-balance the Heart Chakra, helping us understand our own needs and emotions clearly.

The Root Chakra is located at the base of the spine and controls the energy for kinesthetic feeling and movement. It is the foundation of physical and spiritual energy for the body. When physically out of balance the symptoms manifest themselves as lethargy, low levels of activity, low enthusiasm, and a need for constant stimulation. Red crystal energy is used to clear blockages and re-balance the Root Chakra. This can help us regain our sense of power.

The historian, Pliny the Elder, declared the sun could be viewed in a Bloodstone as in a mirror, and that solar eclipses became visible within one. The legends of Heliotrope grew to include the stone’s ability to turn the sun itself blood-red and to cause thunder, lightning, rain, and tempest. The Roman magician, Damigeron, in the 2nd century, reiterated these properties, adding that it could also predict future events by producing rain and "audible oracles."

According to Damigeron, Heliotrope is the Sun stone. Freemen were believed to have worn it engraved with a radiant sun, freed slaves wore it with the head of a sun, and slaves’ Heliotropes bore the image of an altar surmounted by a torch.

The most widely known legend of the Middle Ages claims the Bloodstone was formed at the crucifixion of Jesus Christ when the blood of His wounds dropped on the dark green earth and turned to stone. Other versions say the sacred blood of Christ flowed from the fatal spear-thrust and fell upon a dark green Jasper lying at the foot of the cross, and the Bloodstone variety of Jasper sprang from this.

It has also been called "Christ’s Stone," and Christ was considered by some to be the Sun god. In all, the red spots are believed to represent the blood of Christ and have been beautifully engraved in gems cut from this stone so that the thorn-crowned head of Christ is placed so the red spots resemble drops of blood trickling down the hair and face of the Savior. A very fine specimen exemplifying these carvings exists in the French Royal Collection; another lies in the Field Museum in Chicago, USA.

Ancient and medieval writers held Heliotrope (Bloodstone) in the highest esteem, declaring it preserved the mind and bodily health of the wearer; giving him long life, and bringing him consideration, respect, and fame, and guarded him against deception. The Leyden papyrus in the 3rd century A.D. praised the Bloodstone amulet saying, "The world has no greater thing; if one has this with him he will be given whatever he asks for. It also assuages the wrath of kings and despots, and whatever the wearer says will be believed." It also claims, "Whoever bears this stone…and pronounces the name engraved upon it, will find all doors open, while bonds and stone walls will be rent asunder."

According to the ancient experts of magic, the stone Heliotrope, when combined with the herb of the same name, and with the help of certain incantations, so dazzles the eyes of men that it causes the bearer to be invisible. It is said the famous ring of Gyges carried this stone.

The image of a bat engraved on a Heliotrope or Bloodstone was considered highly effective in giving the wearer power over demons and assistance with incantations.