When I was in Mexico in 1995, I was walking through a market bazaar when I happened upon a stall where people were selling stones. As I looked through the lovely array of turquoise, tiger’s eye and jade, my eyes fell upon a beautiful necklace of red amber. The necklace fit perfectly as a choker around my throat and I decided to buy it. Over the years, I have seen it not only as a gorgeous piece of jewelry, but also as a wonderful healing amulet. At the time, I was having a great deal of difficulty with my communication and my general energy levels. Over the years, as I have worn this necklace, both these areas have healed to a great degree. Of course there were many other things that I did to help restore myself, but the amber acted as a symbol and potent tool for healing in my life.

Stones have a long history of being used for their healing and curative powers. From ancient times, practitioners of astrology noted the relationship of the stars to metals and gems. Each stone has a different character and personality that can be easily classified in terms of astrology. Amber’s rich red and yellow colors easily link it to the fire element and to the Sun. Opal’s soft milkiness links it to the water element as well as the Moon. Stones that are darker and green or black are often connected to the earth element. Stones with a light and often yellow or pale green color are linked to the air element.

The Healing Power of Stones

When we wear stones, display them in the house or garden, or use them in ritual, we can access their healing powers. We can pick stones to heal us on a number of levels. One of the best ways is to pick a stone that will augment an element that is lacking in our chart, or will balance and fortify an element that predominates in our chart.

For example, if there is a lack of fire in the chart, there may be problems with energy levels, passion, creativity, and “get up and go” at times in life. Certain fire stones can help to strengthen the weak fire element and give it a natural boost. Another example is someone with lots of fire in their chart who may be overly exuberant, flirtatious, dominating or have difficulty in sitting still and remaining grounded. In this case, one may decide to pick an antidote stone (perhaps a stone of water or earth to offset the fire) or pick a fire stone that is naturally in harmony. A fire stone will provide a balanced and healthy expression of fire and will temper the extremes of a fiery personality.

Fire Stones

There are a number of wonderful stones connected to the fire element. Below is a short list. The fire element is connected to vitality, creativity, love, playfulness, strength and warmth.

Amber, linked to the Sun: This stone provides a radiant and warming energy that helps strengthen our overall energy, nourishes our heart and circulation and increases our confidence and magnetism. It helps soothe emotional problems.

Ruby, linked to Mars: This stone is strengthening and has a very grounded expression of fire. It is protective by deflecting negativity. It increases the power of the wearer. It helps increase sexual potency.

Rhodochrosite, linked to Mars: This beautiful pinkish stone helps bring a calm and gentle expression of fire. It augments energy levels, and helps open the heart (good to give to a lover). It also helps cleanse the blood and stimulates circulation.

Garnet, linked to Mars: This lovely red stone is strongly protective. It is wonderful to wear when needing courage and going into difficult situations and places. It also confers strength and vitality, and will bring a boost of energy when a lot of physical energy needs to be exerted. It is also good for healing skin problems, and strengthens the heart.

Air Stones

Below is a partial list of air stones. Air is related to communication, thought, mental acuity, intelligence and sociability.

Aventurine, linked to Mercury: This greenish stone has been known to augment our perceptive skills and increase the eyesight. We may become more quick and intelligent while working with this stone. Also increases sociability and interaction with community.

Yellow jasper, linked to Mercury: Jasper comes in a wide variety of colors, but yellow Jasper is particularly suited to the air element. It helps strengthen our mental processes, clears the mind and focuses our intent and vision. It reduces “mind clutter” and intrusive thoughts.

Moss Agate, linked to Uranus: There are many varieties of agate. Moss agate helps open our insight and intuition. We become more aware and clear with this stone as messages seem to come that help guide us.

Amazonite, linked to Uranus: This stone is helpful for increasing our social connections. It also helps develop our will, composure and sense of confidence in the world. It helps us harmonize and balance with our friends and relations.

We will explore the water and earth stones in Part Two.

Editor’s note: The health information given in this article is not meant as a substitute for care from a qualified physician. This information is given for educational purposes only, and is not intended to diagnose or prescribe. StarIQ.com is not responsible for any mishaps that occur as a result of using this information.