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, as well as a colorless form.
Historically, Agate has been discovered with the artifacts of Neolithic people, and was used for healing amulets and ornamentation dating back to ancient Babylon times. 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 century and has continued to flourish into modern times.
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. Though 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.
Types of Agates
The world of agates is a fascinating and ever evolving. There are hundreds, if not thousands of types of agates that are found around the world. They bring a wonder and magic to the planet with their swirls of colored bands. We have captured the metaphysical properties of several of them in our different products available.
Agate’s Uses and Purposes – Overview
Agate promotes inner stability, composure, and maturity. It’s warm, protective properties encourage security and self-confidence. It is a great crystal to use during pregnancy. Agate also helps new mothers avoid the “baby blues” sometimes experienced after giving birth, and an Agate jewel worn between the breasts encourages lactation.
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. Agate is also known to promote marital fidelity.
Agate is useful as a protection amulet when traveling, and is especially effective against traffic accidents.
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.
Agate Healing – 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’s Physical Healing Energy
Agate enhances mental function by improving concentration, perception, and analytical abilities.
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.
Agate is beneficial to the heart and blood vessels. Wearing an Agate in the middle of the chest strengthens the cardiac muscle, and heals emotional disharmony that may prevent acceptance of love.
A cold Agate placed on the forehead is generally effective in curing fever. (However if the fever returns, consult a doctor.) Agate may also reduce the symptoms of epilepsy, and for some people guards against sleepwalking.
Agate’s Emotional Healing Energy
Agate encourages a sense of reality and pragmatic thinking. Agates with regular designs soothe those who desire peace and harmony, while those with irregular designs can stimulate action and important decision making.
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 has been known to be useful for any number of traumas.
Agate’s Chakra Healing and Balancing Energy
Agate stabilizes the aura, eliminating and transforming negative energies. Its cleansing effect is powerful at all levels.
See individual Agate pages for specific Chakra energies.
Agate’s 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.
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.
Amulets and Talismans of Agate
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.
Ancient seafarers used Agate in amulets for protection from the fury of the surging ocean.
Agates are Seeker Transformer 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 crystals of fresh starts. 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.
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.
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. Ancient seafarers used Agate in amulets for protection from the fury of the surging ocean.
The wearing of Agate was believed to be a cure for insomnia and was thought to induce pleasant dreams.
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.
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.