Amethyst
Amethyst is a violet variety of Quartz with a long history of use in many cultures, and is a semiprecious stone, used commonly in jewellery. The name comes from the Koine Greek 'Amethystos', and the name loosely means 'Not Intoxicate' (from both Modern and Ancient Greek), which is a reference to the superstition that it protected its owner from drunkenness.
Alternatively, medieval European soldiers wore amethyst amulets to protect themselves in battle, believing the stone to promote cool-headedness and to heal people. In Ancient China, it is said Amethyst was used as a powerful tool to remove negative energies and drive away the hazards of daily life.
Nowadays, Amethyst is a widely used crystal in most practitioners' crafts as a basic but powerful protection. It aids in removing negativity, promotes self-healing and self-care, wisdom and truth, and also aids in sleep (I use my own Amethyst in combination with my Rose Quartz any time I'm struggling with sleep or negativity).
Uses of Amethyst
In witchcraft, I use Amethyst in a wide variety of spells. These are just a few;
Cleanse-And-Protect Bowl
Diety offering Jar
Protection Jar
Anti-Anxiety Jar
Amethyst Activities:
I use my Amethyst Tumble as a protection stone in everyday life, and cleanse it sporadically every couple of weeks, or after every major event (Cleansed after banishing the Cat Entity, as well as after setting up wards, protecting my house, etc).
Alternatively, I take it with me to therapy alongside my Black Obsidian (Trauma protection and processing), as well as keep it in my jacket on my way to work or when walking around, as where I live has a lot of spiritual energy. It, alongside my pewter necklace, absorbs the abundance of negative energy that comes with working in retail.
Sometimes, I also use my Amethyst in my Runic Castings and Communication, either keeping it in my rune bag or, when casting, using it in my 'Sacred Space Triangle'. This consists of Dragonstone at the top left, Rose Quartz at the top right, and my Amethyst pointing towards me, protecting both myself and my triangle.
(06/10/2023)
I have also begun using my Amethyst in a cleanse-and-protect bowl, in which I place items to be worn (often jewellery) in a bowl with Amethyst, Rose Quartz and Himalayan Pink Salt to invoke self-care and double protection into the item and to cleanse it of any prior energy.