Lapis Lazuli
Healing Properties
Blue Rock with Gold Veins
Helps Find Awareness and Honesty
Lapis Lazuil could be the perfect stone for all those looking to: "open up". Anyone who has seen Lapis Lazuli will recall the vibrant blue color as well as the gold veins running through it. Often times referred to as a gem, this beautiful stone is technically a rock, consisting mainly of the mineral, azurite as well as pyrite which makes up the golden veins. Lapis is formed by contact metamorphism which occurs deep below the earth's surface. This natural process occurs when magma finds its way deep into cracks in the earth's crust; the intense heat of the fluid causes chemical changes in the rock surrounding the intrusion creating such beautiful stones as Lapis Lazuli. Lapis has a long history and has been considered valuable to peoples around the world for centuries. Today Lapis remains of aesthetic value as well as metaphysical. Lapis was originally used by the Assyrians, Babylonians and the Egyptians. The Romans also considered Lapis to be an aphrodisiac. Lapis was highly praised by Pharaohs in Egypt as a mystical stone as well as a useful rock for making sculptures, jewelry and carvings because of its excellent ability to take a polish. As well as being used to make sacred amulets and scarabs, this rock found it's way into the book of the dead, the Egyptians instructions to the afterlife. In the 140th chapter of these instructions it is said that Lapis in the shape of an eye, set in gold was to be used an amulet of great power. The brilliant blue color of ground Lapis was used as a source for the pigment Ultramarine in tempura and occasionally oil based paints until recently, when chemical compounds were introduced to do the trick.
Selecting and Cleansing Lapis
As with all gems whose intention is metaphysical or therapeutic, selection and cleansing are extremely important। A strong connection with the stone is vital, so take the time to observe and hold each piece before you make your purchase। Cleansing is also extremely vital to keep the energies of the stone fresh, and uncontaminated. Many recommend washing in salt water, or a process of alternating hot and cold water but this has been known to damage the polish on Lapis and other methods are preferred. The most effective method of cleansing any stone is to leave it in sunlight for up to an hour, the light of a full moon is just as effective, though more time is often required. Placing Lapis around a thriving plant will cleanse the stone and benefit the plant with it's energies as well. To keep the stone vital and alive with energy keep it away from anything with an electromagnetic field, avoid x-rays and strong contaminants such as perfumes and smoke.
Awareness and Honesty
The deep blue color of Lapis Lazuli resonates with the brow, and throat chakras and is known as a stone of friendship and truth। In regards to the throat chakra, Lapis can be used in meditations, or worn to promote honesty and an ease of communication। Lapis is associated with the planets Neptune and Venus as well as the astrological signs, Sagittarius and Libra. It promotes creativity and awareness and is a wonderful companion to anyone whose employment involves strenuous amounts of communication, such as educators. It has also been useful in overcoming depression, insomnia, and problems associated with the eyes and ears. It promotes a balancing of yin and yang energies and can be used as a physically or psychically protective stone. For use in promoting honesty, concentrate on the deep blue color of the stone, and visualize your' throat chakra opening. If you are meditating, try placing the stone directly on the chakra located at the base of the neck and focusing on the color blue. It makes a perfect stone for jewelry that is to be placed around the neck, and an excellent gift to those that have difficulty synchronizing their hearts, minds and mouths.
