101 Power Crystals: The Ultimate Guide to Magical Crystals, Gems, and Stones for Healing and Transformation - Judy Hall 2011

The Power of Catharsis: Obsidian

✵ Chakra correspondences: Earth star, base, sacral

✵ Physiological correspondences: Detoxification, digestive and circulation systems, joints, prostate

✵ Vibration: Earthy to medium, depending on color and type

LEGENDARY POWER

This stone has long been regarded as a magical portal through time and space. Theophrastus tells us the ancient Greeks gazed into scrying mirrors made from polished Obsidian, and Obsidian crystal balls have been used for thousands of years.

Obsidian is a shamanic tool for removing blockages and debris from the past. It blocks psychic attack or harmful intentions by providing a shield for the aura. Gentle Apache Tears are the most suitable Obsidian to carry for this purpose. Rainbow Obsidian cuts through energetic cords that bind two souls together inappropriately. With this stone’s assistance, you can free yourself to love again.

HEALING POWER

Best used under the supervision of a qualified crystal healer, Obsidian works rapidly. It may bring on a healing challenge or provoke an emotional catharsis, and it reveals the reasons behind a dis-ease. Mahogany, Snowflake, Apache Tear, and Blue Obsidians work at a gentler pace than Black. Merciless in exposing character traits that require transformation, Obsidian encourages deep soul healing. It clears outdated mental constructs and thought forms, highlighting with absolute clarity what must change. Place Obsidian in a healing room to facilitate rapid release of core issues and absorb the negative energies released.

At a physical level, Obsidian draws off negativity, assisting the body’s structures to energetically detoxify, soften, and realign. It aids past-life healing where unpleasant facts or deep trauma need to be faced and transformed.

TRANSFORMATIONAL POWER

If you have lost your power, Obsidian helps you address the issue and re-empower yourself. It lets you look in the mirror of your inner being, going deep into the subconscious, facing what has to be faced, integrating your shadow, and transmuting the negativity of lifetimes to free your soul. With the Black variety you can explore and reframe the ancestral line. This is a stone of deep integrity that brings you back to your spiritual path.

Spider Web Obsidian helps you recognize the patterns that hold you in the past and the controls you put in place. It shows how you manipulated yourself and others—the web you wove in order to survive. This stone pulls no punches, but is gentler than some Obsidians. With its assistance, you can bring your innermost designs to the surface and consciously create a web of light that supports what you most desire. It reveals the beauty you hold in the recesses of your soul.

HARNESSING THE POWER

Place Obsidian at your feet. Visualize cords passing from each foot, going through the earth star, entwining deep into the Earth, anchoring you during turmoil.