Turquoise Jewelry Lapis

Navajo and Zuji fine jewelry traditions

Spiritual Meanings of Gemstones and Native American folklore

Author: Tarl Michael

Article: Throughout human history everything imaginable on earth and in the skies has been associated with a spiritual meaning and that includes gemstones.

At Bearlanders Trading Co. we ship our merchandise with a spiritual meaning card. Including our dream catchers and kachina dolls. Here is a list of those spiritual meanings, passed on to us by Native American Indians who craft our jewelry and gifts.

Amber (golden transparent color): This beautiful golden-color stone was once thought to be pieces of the Sun which had fallen to Earth. Amber is actually fossilized resin from extinct pine trees, many pieces of Amber have insects or plants encased. It is thought to relieve sore throats and minor infections.

Amethyst (purple color): Conducts peaceful energy, aids intuition, encourages freedom from addictions.

Aventurine (green in color): Releases anxiety and fear, boosts tranquility, promotes decisiveness and leadership skills.

Charoite (purple in color): Comes from a river in Siberia, Russia. It is thought to promote courage and healing. And release us from our fears!

Coral (red color): Is said to aid in the circulation of the body and to enrich the blood.

Hematite (metallic dark grey color): Energizes and revitalizes you. It attunes the mind and positively effects the bloodstream.

Howlite (White with Gray Marbling): Howlite is thought to aid in breathing.

Jasper (brownish-red color): Nurturing, protects against negativity; promotes healing to kidneys, liver, spleen and bladder.

Lapis (dark blue to purple color): Lapis is thought to bring the gift of strength, self-assurance and increase sensitivity to your higher power. Denim Lapis is light blue color with darker blue speckling.

Malachite (dark green color): Clarifies emotions, facilitates insights. It removes obstruction, represents fidelity and loyalty.

Opal (milky white with spectral colors): Known as "The Gem of the Gods," Opal has always had a mystical significance. Opal is thought to aid in psychic vision and to have the power to open the spiritual centers. Opal is also believed to heighten weak emotions and to strengthen the memory.

Onyx (black color): It is said to drive away unwanted thoughts and bad temper. In folklore, Onyx is considered a stabilizing stone, especially during times of extreme stress because it prevented loss of energy from the body.

Snowflake Obsidian (black with white marbling): Obsidian is Volcanic glass (but is not sharp) and is thought to bring out the truth. It helps calm fear and maintain balance in time of change.

Sodalite (bark blue with white marbling): Is thought to stimulate courage, alleviating fears and calming anguish. It is thought to promote understanding and balance for spiritual growth.

Sugilite (Sugilite is deep purple in color): Is associated with spirituality and mysticism. Sugilite is thought to increase psychic abilities and increase insight.

Tigereye (golden color): Tigereye is thought to balance negative and positive energy, bringing clarity and enhance psychic ability.

Turquoise (blue color): Turquoise jewelry is very popular today, it is an endless fashion through out the world. The early Egyptians mined Turquoise as far back as 5000 BC. Turquoise is one of the main stones that the Dine' (Navajo) use in their jewelry work and in religious ceremonies. It is thought to promote healing and good luck. Turquoise can be found in various colors from green to blue. Turquoise is mined in many parts of the world including Iran, Afghanistan, Australia and here in the United States it is mined Arizona and New Mexico. The Native American Indians have used turquoise for jewelry as far back as the 1600's, but the introduction of silver came from the Spanish. And the combination of silver and turquoise is said to have been taught by a Mexican silversmith in the 1800s.

Wild Horse (white with black ): Wild Horse is mined in Nevada and is sometimes called White Turquoise or White Buffalo, but it is 75% Magnasite and 25% Hematite. One of the most popular stones in the Southwestern today is the Beautiful Black and White Wild Horse. This stone is thought to energize and revitalize you, it also represents beauty, strength and determination.

Totem :

The animal spirits whose qualities we most associate with or those animal spirits which most associate with us. These are qualities that we feel most connected to or qualities that are connected with us. It is a simple belief, that we are all connected, humans, animals and mother earth.

Our animal spirits (totems) can guide us through all or certain parts of our lives. An easy way to learn your totem is to find a quiet place and concentrate or meditate. Don't try too hard or your totems will elude you. It is possible to have several totems and these totems can change as we change throughout life.

Every animal on earth is sacred, revered or has spiritual meaning in one culture or another. Just as the Eagle symbolizes unity, strength and freedom for the United States. Below we list the symbolic meaning of animals in many Native American Indian traditions.

Badger :Cures the sick, prays for the growth of healing herbs to be given to him.

Buffalo :Is thought to be a great spiritual protector, bringing nourishment to the body and soul. When a white or albino Buffalo is born, it is thought to bring peace among nations.

Bear :Symbolizes strength and power. The Bear is considered to be one of the most powerful and sacred of all animals. Because the Bear hibernates, it is considered to bring the gift of renewal. The Bear Kachina is thought to have great power to cure the sick.

Crow (kachina doll) :Is beneficial to agriculture because of his destruction of rodents.

Eagle :The Eagle represents strength and power, is the ruler of the sky & the messenger to the heavens.

Lizard (kachina doll): Is thought to bring sweethearts together.

Owl (kachina doll): Symbolizes intelligence and Wisdom, it is very beneficial to agriculture because of his destruction of rodents.

Wolf :Represents the Hunter, he uses his knowledge to find and capture game animals.

Chasing Star (kachina doll) :Chasing Star symbolizes the planets and the stars.

Morning Singer (kachina doll) :Appears on roof tops and sings songs to wake the village.

Sunface (kachina doll): Represents warmth, shelter for the old, a bright future, and playfulness for the young.

The Arrowhead :Arrowhead is thought to represent the hunter and also symbolizes the adventurer in each of us.

The above is for entertainment purposes only! These meanings are considered folklore or myth. Bearlanders Trading Co. does not make any such claims to the above statements. Thank You !

www.BearlandersTradingCo.com is the leader in affordable Native American jewelry. Bearlanders is currently offering every item at reduced prices and through the month of July take advantage of additional 30% saving by using the coupon code jly5x.

About the author: Tarl Michael owner of Bearlanders Trading co., On-line store http://www.BearlandersTradingCo.com, has been purchasing American Indian jewelry for retail sales over the past 6 years. Any business venture can prove to be difficult but not impossible. Just like: "Landing a Bear!" Bearlanders is inspired by the traditions of the American Indian including their crafting skills passed down from generation to generation.

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