Agate

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 fascinating 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

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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 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]

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]