The Crystal Vaults Comprehensive Illustrated Guide to Crystals

 

Your On-Line Guide to

The Healing Energies, Metaphysical Properties,

Legendary Uses, and Meaning

of

Botswana Agate

 

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Introduction to Meaning and Uses of Botswana Agate

Botswana Agate wraps its layers of gentle pinks, brown and grays around the soul like soft, warm flannel. It is comforting and protective, soothing to those who are lonely, easily hurt or grieve a loss. Its quiet energy is particularly centering in meditation, and as a fortification Agate, it supports love and the strength to look for solutions rather than dwelling on difficulties.

Botswana Agate is a variety of banded Chalcedony, a mineral of the Quartz family. It is predominantly banded in shades of pink and gray, though some layers may contain a muted brown or apricot. 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] It 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]

Named for the area in Africa where it is mined, Botswana Agate is called the Sunset Stone because it retains sunlight and comforts people through dark, lonely nights. It was traditionally used in African fertility ceremonies to encourage potency and the conception of strong, healthy offspring. [Eason, 54]

The volcanic activity that produced these lovely stones dates back nearly 187 million years ago, and though the igneous stones of Botswana began as volcanic flow, they did not originate from normal, mountainous volcanoes. Rather the lava flowed in waves from long faults along the lower rock layers and rolled across the landscape, depositing layer upon layer of Silica/Quartz, creating the extra fine banding and patterns which make Botswana Agates highly unique and desirable. Some collectors consider them royalty among Agates. [changems.blogspot.com]

 

Botswana Agate Uses and Purposes - Overview

An "eye" formation in Botswana Agate is both protective and considered especially lucky. Consider holding one while picking lottery numbers or choosing a horse for a race. [Eason, 54]

Botswana Agate is an ideal crystal for very sensitive children or teenagers who are easily hurt by teasing or pressure, and can assist them in finding more like-minded friends. It also supports adults who join a dating agency or online services to find partners who are spiritually in tune and shares their dreams. [Eason, 54]

Botswana Agate is excellent for those serious about giving up smoking. To increase success drink an elixir first thing each morning, made by soaking the crystal in water for a few hours. Botswana Agate is also a stone of protection for all who work with fire, and protects the home from fires. [Eason, 54][Hall II, 43]

Botswana Agate is a useful receptacle for negative energy and toxicity, excellent for gridding around a house. It prevents out-of-body visitations from another soul and turns back unwelcome spirits. [Hall II, 42]

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

Botswana Agate is said to repel spiders. [Hall II, 43]

 

Botswana 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.)

 

Botswana Agate Physical Healing Energy

Botswana Agate encourages treating the underlying causes of illness rather than the symptoms. It may be used to treat depression and stress, and relieve sexual dysfunctions in both sexes. [Eason, 54][Melody, 85][Hall II, 43]

Botswana Agate is beneficial in ridding the body of toxins and is believed to be good for the skin. It helps stimulate the immune and nervous systems, and aids in brain oxygen assimilation for a healthy circulatory system. [Eason, 54][Hall II, 43]

Agate enhances mental function by improving concentration, perception, and analytical abilities. It is beneficial for the eyes, hollow organs such as the stomach, uterus, 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]

Botswana Agate Emotional Healing Energy

Botswana Agate is a comfort stone, beneficial in overcoming depression, and strengthening during a grieving process. It helps alleviate obsessive thoughts and destructive mental patterns, and assists in overcoming fears, such as agoraphobia and panic attacks in crowded places. It encourages one to view the bigger picture in life, and look toward practical solutions rather than dwelling on the reasons for a situation or assigning blame. [Eason, 54][Hall II, 43][Melody, 85]

A crystal of possibility and hope, Botswana Agate encourages artistic expression and exploration of the unknown, while still maintaining logic and attention to detail that brings projects and ventures into reality. It also releases emotional repression and blocks to fertility, by lending the knowledge that sexuality is a natural function and sensuality is the body's appreciation of the fullness of life. [Eason, 54][Hall II, 43][Melody, 85]

 

Botswana 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]

Botswana Agate, with its energies of pale red, gray and brown, stimulates the Base Chakra. The Base, or 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 will manifest themselves as lethargy, low levels of activity, low enthusiasm, and a need for constant stimulation. When its spiritual energies are out of balance, you will feel flighty, disconnected from reality, and distant. When the Base Chakra is in balance, the physical body regains its strength and stamina, and the spiritual energy is rekindled in the form of security and sense of one's own power. It often leads to independence and spontaneous leadership.

Botswana Agate Spiritual Energy

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

Botswana Agate Color Energy

Botswana Agate exudes soft pink color energy, the rays of determination, commitment, and caring. Its soothing color calms feelings of anger or resentment, and can aid efforts to meditate and reflect. Pink is the color of new love, new romance and new relationships. It increases developing sensuality, and can help overcome heartache, aiding in the improvement of our caring and loving abilities.

Silver layers in Botswana Agate embody the silver ray of reflection and the path to inner consciousness. Much like pure white, lighter gray is the color of the moon, the feminine, the cool stillness of night, magic and ambiguity. It is lonely, altruistic, and aloof. As Seekers, gray objects find patterns and the inner meanings of events. Use light gray or silver talismans for quiet meditation, finding purpose in life, and for calm reflection on life’s meanings.

The areas of brown and apricot in Botswana Agate reflect the rich, brown rays of the natural earth. It is the color influence of home, hearth, and nature, of comfort and connection. It lets you relax, reconnect, and regain your composure. It is a grounding stone. Brown crystals promote security and stability.

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Meditation with Botswana Agate

Botswana Agate is extremely effective for multi-dimensional healing and soul-work. The bands across its surface allow for traveling into another reality, different streams of consciousness or accessing other lives. [Hall II, 42]

Botswana Agate is used for grounding and centering in the beginning of meditation rituals. It allows for harmony with nature and in easing into a transition state. Use a Botswana Agate for the first few minutes of any meditation, then switch to a crystal attuned to the intent of the session.

Botswana Agate Divination

The Divinatory meaning of Botswana Agate: You may have to look for an opportunity or solution, but it has been there all the time, hidden by looking too far away and missing the obvious. [Eason, 54]

Botswana Agate and the Angelic Realm

If your birthday falls in any of the following periods, a Botswana Agate of the color listed can be a valuable conduit to your Guardian Angel. The table also provides the name of the Guardian Angel of those born in the time period.

Date	Crystal Color	Name of Guardian Angel
February 5-9	Brown	Mehiel
February 10-14	Brown	Damabiah
May 26-31	Silver	Mebahel
June 1-5	Pink	Hariel
October 4-8	Brown	Rehael
November 8-12	Pink	Ariel

 

There are other Angels that are partial to Botswana Agate. The table below gives you the information about them.

Purpose	Crystal Color	Name of Angel
Angel of Grace	Brown	Ananchel
Ruler of Earth/Lightning and the Angel of Chance and Luck.	Brown	Baraqiel
Protector and Ruler of the dates February 10-14; Aquarius.	Brown	Damabiah
Protector and Ruler of the dates February 5-9; Aquarius.	Brown	MehielÂ
Protector and Ruler of the dates October 4-8; Libra.	Brown	Rehael
Master of the 15th Tarot Card “Devil”.	Brown	Samaqiel
Protector and Ruler of the dates November 8-12; Scorpio. Master of the 20th Tarot Card “Judgment” and the protector of the Environment.	Pink	Ariel
Guardian of the First Mansion of the Moon; Aries.	Pink	Geniel
Protector and Ruler of the dates June 1-5; Gemini.	Pink	Hariel
Master of the 10th Tarot Card “Wheel of Fortune”. And helps to Heal Negativity and Chaos.	Pink	Jophiel
Protector and Ruler of the dates June 22-26; Cancer.	Pink	Leuviah
Governor of the sign Aries.	Pink	Machidiel
Mumiel is the Angel of Health.	Pink	Mumiel
Protector and Ruler of the dates August 29-Sept.2; Virgo.	Pink	Vasiarhiah
Helps to Heal Grief.	Silver	Azrael
Haniel or Hanael is known as the Victory Angel, the Tree of Life, the Angel of  Friday, Venus, and is the Governor of the sign of Capricorn.	Silver	Haniel (Hanael)
Ruler of Earth/Planets.	Silver	Kokbiel
Protector and Ruler of the dates May 26-31; Gemini.	Silver	Mebahel

 

Botswana Agate Goddess Crystals

All 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.

All 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.

All 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.

All 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.

All 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.

Botswana 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.

 

Botswana Agate Traditional Birthstone

Agate is not a traditional birthstone.

 

 

Botswana Agate Natural Birthstone.

Botswana Agate which is light red in color (predominantly pink) is one of the natural birthstones of those born in mid-autumn (October 22 - November 20). Red crystals bring you energy, courage, passion, and love.

 

Botswana 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.

Botswana 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.

Botswana Agate Feng Shui

Botswana Agate with strong pink layers utilizes a subdued Fire energy. Fire energy is the energy of enthusiasm, warmth, brightness, illumination and activity. It is Yang in nature. It is the energy of heat, action, emotion and passion - of ideas, of concepts, and sex. It is traditionally associated with the south area of a home or room, and with the fame and reputation area of your dwelling. Use its energy to give your life the boost it needs to enhance your standing in the community and within your family.

Dominant gray layers in Botswana Agate utilize Metal energy, the energy of intelligence, contraction, healing, and creativity. It is the energy of togetherness and crystallization - of ideas, concepts, and groups. It is hard, sharp, and often destructive, yet an essential element in all lives to find our way without being a victim of others. The metal element brings the power of concentration and determination to our lives and our dwellings, and is traditionally associated with the northwest and west areas of a home or room. It is associated with the Helpful People and Blessings, and Travel area of your life and dwelling, and with the Creativity and Children area. Its energy of crystallization will solidify your efforts and determination.

Botswana Agate with large areas of brown utilizes Wood energy, the energy of growth, expansion, new beginnings, nourishment and health. It enhances vitality, brings abundance, and keeps us growing physically. Use brown crystals to enhance any space used for eating, in the room of a small child, or in a place of your home where you are beginning a new project. Wood energy is traditionally associated with the East and Southeast areas of a home or room. It is associated with the Family and Health area, and the Prosperity and Abundance area.

Botswana Agate in Ancient Lore and Legend

One of Earth's oldest human settlements is believed to be in the Tsodilo Hills (called Male, Female and Child by the locals) in the Mashatu Reserve, the area of Botswana where these Agates are found. Over 3500 rock paintings that date from 1000 B.C. to around the 1800's adorn this region and were most likely created by the ancestors of the Basarwa and Bantu tribes that still inhabit the land. [changems.blogspot.com]

The legend of a huge serpent surrounds Solomon's Wall, one of the natural dikes in the Botswana region formed by volcanic pressure during the area's creation. In the spring when the Motloutse River is full and running hard, water swirls around the base of the wall creating a massive whirlpool that can be up to a mile deep. Home to the serpent that lives at the bottom, it is believed if one gets too close to the edge, the serpent will rise up and grab the unsuspecting soul by the eyes, hypnotizing and dragging him to the bottom, unable to resist his fate. [changems.blogspot.com]

Botswana Agates with an "eye" are considered especially lucky. [Eason, 54] Civilizations in the Middle East and Africa cherished them for their powers of protection against any type of evil influence or negativity, and for their use to prevent injury and bodily harm. They were often offered to the gods of the elements to protect their harvests from drought, flooding or insect invasions. [Mella, 68-69]

Ancient Africans used Botswana Agates in their fertility rites, believing they could strengthen their expressions of physical sexual energy. [Mella, 70]

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]

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]

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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).