The Encyclopedia of Crystals, Herbs, and New Age Elements: An A to Z Guide to New Age Elements and How to Use Them - Adams Media 2016

Amber
The Power of Stones: Crystals and Gemstones

ORIGINS

Contrary to its appearance, amber is neither a stone nor a crystal; it’s actually fossilized tree resin. Trees secrete resin to heal wounds and protect themselves against disease, and over time the resin dries and hardens. Long after the tree is gone the resin remains, and over the course of millions of years it becomes amber. Amber deposits have been found in places all over the world, including Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and the coast of the Baltic Sea. Baltic amber is the most well-known variety.

HISTORY/LORE

Amber has long been used in jewelry and other types of ornamentation, and many cultures have believed it holds magical powers. The ancient Greeks used amber to promote good health and ward off evil. The Aztecs and the Maya burned it as incense. Today, in addition to its continued use in jewelry and other art objects, amber is also valuable in the field of science for the insects and plant life it often contains.

USES

Healing Uses: Amber contains an analgesic called succinic acid, which is released when it is warmed by the skin. For this reason, necklaces and bracelets of amber beads are worn to ease arthritis and joint pain, as well as to soothe teething pain in infants and young children. Amber is an ingredient in many ointments and creams for burns and insect bites, and it is also used in cosmetics to destroy free radicals associated with aging. Wearing amber opens the solar plexus chakra and balances the energy of the body.

Magical Uses: Because amber is warm to the touch and yellow or orange in color, it is believed to hold the power of the sun, absorbed by the ancient trees that produced it. Use amber in meditation to tap into the wisdom of our ancestors and remember past lives, or to improve memory and boost confidence.

Feng Shui Uses: Place a piece of amber in the Health/Well-Being sector of your home to support good health and create a feeling of balance and calm. In the northeastern area, amber encourages self-exploration and wisdom. Place amber in pairs in the southwestern area to strengthen relationships.

Personal/Spiritual Growth: Amber helps you connect to your inner wisdom, bridging the gap between your everyday self and your spiritual core. It brings out your innate talents and abilities and enhances creativity so that you may more easily achieve your goals. It can also be used for psychic or physical protection.