History of Moonstone

History of Moonstone

History of Moonstone

 

Introduction

History of Moonstone, Moonstone has a rich history and abundant folklore, with its story beginning in ancient Rome, where it was believed to be formed from solidified beams of moonlight. The Romans also associated moonstone with the goddess of the moon, Diana, believing that the stone would bestow love, wisdom, and good fortune upon those who possessed it.  In India and Europe, there was a belief that two people wearing moonstone on the full moon would fall passionately in love. Additionally, in India, it was believed that a moonstone had been set into the forehead of the moon god, Chandra, since the beginning of time. 

Moonstone also has a long history as a Travelers Stone, believed to protect travelers, especially at night and when the moon is shining. Ancient mariners also believed it would protect them when traveling over water.

The gem has been associated with various mystical ties with the Moon, including its connection to meditation, love, fertility, protection, and sleep. Magicians would plan to use the stone according to the phases of the Moon, using it for spells of increase as the Moon waxed and for spells of decrease as it waned. In some cultures, moonstone was believed to increase a garden’s yield and fertility if planted under the full moon.  History of Moonstone

Moonstone has been used in jewelry for millennia, including during the Art Nouveau period, where it became popular, and French goldsmith René Lalique and many others created a large quantity of jewelry using this stone. 

The gem’s history also includes its association with the divine, as it is given as a customary wedding gift in some cultures, and it is believed to wash away the negative connotation of the number thirteen. One famous legend from Vedic history talks about the battle between Vishnu and Bali, the demon god, where the parts of Bali’s body that fell on Earth turned into different jewels, with the sparkle in his eyes turning into what is now known as moonstone. 

Moonstone has captivated the hearts of many throughout history, and it has found its way into jewelry, becoming an iconic and important focal point, especially during the early 1900s.  In summary, moonstone has a fascinating history, deeply rooted in ancient beliefs and folklore, and has been prized for its mystical associations with the Moon, love, protection, and fertility.  

 

Myths And Legends Involving Moonstone

Moonstone has been steeped in myths and legends across various cultures, often associated with the Moon and its mystical properties. Here are some of the fascinating myths and legends surrounding moonstone:

1. Solidified Moonbeams: According to Hindu mythology, moonstone is believed to be made of solidified moonbeams, which contributes to its captivating sheen and iridescence. 

2. Talisman for Fertility, Love, and Protection: Moonstone has a long history of being used as a talisman for fertility, love, protection, and sleep. It has been associated with bringing good luck, and there are beliefs that holding a moonstone in one’s mouth during a full moon could allow the person to see the future. 

3. Divine and Sacred Stone: In Hindu mythology, moonstone is considered a sacred stone, with legends stating that it was embedded in the forehead of Ganesh, the four-handed god of the moon, since the beginning of time. Moonstone is also believed to have the power to give gifts of prophecy and clairvoyance to the wearer. 

4. Traveler’s Stone: Moonstone is often referred to as the “traveler’s stone,” with a belief that wearing it would protect travelers from harm and misfortune on their journeys. 

5. Love and Romance: Moonstone has been associated with love and romance in various cultures. Roman and Hindu myths suggest that wearing moonstone could lead to passionate love when the moon is shining high at night. It is also considered a sacred and magical dream stone that can bring serene and beautiful dreams at night.

6. Werewolf Legends: Moonstone has appeared in werewolf legends and myths, with beliefs that its powers can aid or assist werewolves in shifting or transforming. 

History of Moonstone

These myths and legends reflect the deep-rooted mystical associations of moonstone with the Moon, love, protection, fertility, and spiritual insight, making it a gemstone that has captivated the imagination of people across cultures and centuries.

 

Deities Associated To Moonstone

Moonstone is indeed associated with various deities, particularly those linked to the Moon. Here are some notable associations:
 
1. Roman and Greek Lunar Deities: Both the Romans and Greeks associated moonstone with their lunar deities. The Romans admired moonstone, believing it was derived from solidified rays of the Moon, and they saw it as a gift from their lunar goddess, Diana. The Greeks also worshiped lunar deities such as Achelois, Phoebe, Artemis, Selene, and Hecate, and they associated moonstone with these great lunar deities.
 
2. Hindu Deity Chandra: In Hindu mythology, moonstone is associated with the lunar deity Chandra. According to ancient beliefs, Chandra had a stone in his forehead that glowed or dimmed with the waxing and waning of the moon. Moonstones are considered sacred and powerful gemstones in India, often referred to as dream stones, believed to bring beautiful visions during sleep.
 
History of Moonstone
 
These associations with lunar deities reflect the deep-rooted connection between moonstone and the mystical properties attributed to the Moon in various cultures and mythologies.
 

Moonstone In Mythology

Moonstone plays a significant role in mythology, with numerous mystical associations and symbolic connections. Here are some key aspects of moonstone’s role in mythology:

1. Symbolic Connections with the Moon: Moonstone has deep symbolic connections with the Moon, as its name suggests. It is associated with the Moon’s energy, bringing calm, balance, and intuition to its wearer. The gem’s iridescence and adularescence, which create a silvery light from within, are linked to the ever-changing, white reflections on its surface, suggesting a powerful, good spirit dwelling within. This connection with the Moon is evident in various cultural beliefs and traditions, making moonstone a symbol of the Moon’s influence on human life and emotions.

2. Talisman for Fertility, Love, and Protection: Moonstone has a long history of use as a talisman for fertility, love, protection, and sleep. In Eastern cultures, “lighted” gems, such as moonstone, were considered to indicate good luck. Mystics have used moonstone for meditation purposes, with its moving inner light serving as a focus for meditation.

3. Sacred Stone in Hindu Mythology: In Hindu mythology, moonstone is considered a sacred stone, with ancient beliefs stating that it was embedded in the forehead of Ganesh, the four-handed god of the moon, since the beginning of time. Moonstone is believed to be made from moonbeams, which contributes to its luster. It is also said to have the power to give gifts of prophecy and clairvoyance to the wearer.

4. Mystical and Healing Properties: Moonstone is associated with various mystical and healing properties, including its role as a sleep stone, its assistance with lucid dreaming, and its support for women’s reproductive health. It is believed to soothe emotional instability, stress, and hormonal imbalances, while also promoting inspiration and enhancing psychic abilities. The gem’s captivating sheen and iridescence have made it a symbol of inward vision and cyclical change.

History of Moonstone

These mythological and symbolic associations with the Moon, fertility, love, protection, and spiritual insight have contributed to moonstone’s enduring allure and significance in various cultures and belief systems.

 

How Are Moonstones Linked To Celestial Beings?

Moonstone is intricately linked to celestial beings, particularly the Moon, and has been revered for its mystical and symbolic connections. Here’s how moonstones are associated with celestial beings based on the provided information:

1. Roman and Greek Lunar Deities: Both the Romans and Greeks associated moonstone with their lunar deities. The Romans admired moonstone, believing it was derived from solidified rays of the Moon. This association reflects the deep-rooted connection between moonstone and the celestial realm, particularly the Moon and its divine influence.

2. Symbolism of Celestial Realms: Moonstone, especially the Star Moonstone variety, is believed to facilitate a connection with the celestial realms. It is associated with spirituality and higher consciousness, inspiring a deeper understanding of the universe’s mysteries. This symbolism underscores the gem’s mystical allure and its perceived link to celestial energies and insights.

3. Divine Feminine and Intuition: Moonstone is often linked to the divine feminine and is believed to harness the moon’s energy, bringing calm, balance, and intuition to its wearer. This association with the divine feminine and the Moon emphasizes the gem’s connection to celestial energies and its role in promoting spiritual and emotional harmony.

4. Talisman for Night Travelers: Moonstone is considered a perfect talisman for night travelers or people who sail the seas, as the Moon is believed to influence ocean waves. This association underscores the gem’s perceived connection to the celestial forces that govern natural phenomena, such as the tides influenced by the Moon’s gravitational pull.

History of Moonstone

These associations with celestial beings and realms highlight the profound significance of moonstone in various cultural beliefs and traditions, emphasizing its mystical and spiritual connections to the celestial sphere.

 

Are Moonstones Believed To Hold Cosmic Energy?

Yes, moonstones are believed to hold cosmic energy, as they are often associated with the celestial realm and the mystical properties attributed to the Moon. Moonstone is often linked to the divine feminine and is believed to harness the moon’s energy, bringing calm, balance, and intuition to its wearer. It is said to soothe emotional instability, stress, and hormonal imbalances, while also promoting inspiration and enhancing psychic abilities. Moonstone is also associated with the energy of the moon and is believed to have its most powerful and magical effects at night, especially when benevolently reflecting the glimmer from a full moon. Its connection to the celestial realm and its perceived ability to facilitate a connection with the celestial realms make it a stone of cosmic significance, often associated with spiritual growth, intuition, and the cyclical changes represented by the Moon.

 

Are Moonstones Used In Energy Cleansing Rituals?

Yes, moonstones are commonly used in energy cleansing rituals. They are believed to absorb negative energy and benefit from regular cleansing and charging to maintain their positive effects. Moonstone is often associated with the Moon’s energy, and it is believed to bring calm, balance, and intuition to its wearer. Here are some ways in which moonstones are used in energy cleansing rituals:

Charging with Lunar Energy: Placing moonstones outside on the ground overnight on the night of the full moon is a common practice to charge them with lunar energy. This is believed to enhance the stone’s positive effects and align it with the energy of the Moon.

Manifestation and Meditation: Moonstones are used in manifestation rituals, where individuals write down their desires on a piece of paper and place the charged moonstone atop the paper for a full day and night to call their desires into being. Moonstones are also used in meditation to enhance intuitive dreaming and to cleanse and clear negative energies.

Cleansing and Balancing: Moonstones are used in cleansing rituals to remove negative energies and to promote balance and harmony. They are often included in moon baths, where moonstones and Himalayan salt are added to the water for a cleansing experience.

Charging and Rebalancing: Moonstones are cleansed under running water and charged in sunlight or moonlight to release excess energy and rebalance the crystal with positive vibrations.

These practices reflect the belief in moonstones’ ability to absorb and transmute negative energy, as well as their connection to the celestial and lunar energies.

 

Are there any rituals specifically involving moonstones?

Moonstones are indeed used in various rituals due to their association with the Moon’s energy and their perceived mystical properties. Here are some specific moonstone rituals that are commonly performed:

 
1. Affirmation Ritual: This ritual involves holding the moonstone while visualizing a possible scenario, such as getting promoted or investing in something. The moonstone is then placed under the tongue while visualizing the scenario again, affirming future events.
 
2. Ritual for Change: During a full moon, individuals go outside with the moonstone in hand, close their eyes, think of the things they want to change, and say, “Mother Moon, take these trials away from me”.
 
3. Full Moon Rituals: Moonstone’s powers are believed to be in full spectrum during a full moon. Various rituals can be performed during this time, with the most important aspect being to throw one’s intention into the universe.
 
4. New Moon Rituals: Moonstone is used in rituals during the new moon, which is considered an ideal time to release anything that isn’t serving an individual. It is also a time to set goals and intentions, carefully constructing a vision for a new self. Moonstone’s energy is thought to help with both of these rituals, enhancing self-focus and emotional clarity.
 
These rituals reflect the belief in moonstones’ ability to enhance psychic powers, promote new beginnings, and facilitate connections with the celestial and lunar energies.
 

Are moonstones used in any celebrations?

 
Moonstones are indeed used in celebrations and rituals due to their association with the Moon’s energy and their perceived mystical properties. Here are some ways in which moonstones are used in celebrations and rituals:
 
1. Celebrating New Beginnings and Feminine Energy: The iridescent colors of the moonstone are said to reflect the light of the moon, making it a perfect stone for celebrating new beginnings, feminine energy, and intuition. Moonstone is often used in jewelry to bring feminine balance and is known for its ability to calm and soothe emotions, making it a great choice for infusing positive vibes into jewelry collections.
 
2. Birthstone for June: In Germany and Scandinavian countries, moonstone is the preferred birthstone for June. It is considered an alternative to the more expensive June birthstones of pearl and alexandrite. This association with the month of June makes moonstone a part of celebratory jewelry and gifts for individuals born in that month.
 
History of Moonstone
 
3. Spiritual and Healing Celebrations: Moonstone is used in spiritual and healing celebrations due to its association with the Moon’s energy and its perceived ability to promote balance, harmony, and peace. It is also believed to be helpful for women who are experiencing hormonal imbalances or PMS, making it a significant stone in celebrations related to women’s health and well-being.
 
These uses in celebrations and rituals reflect the belief in moonstones’ ability to enhance feminine energy, promote new beginnings, and facilitate connections with the celestial and lunar energies.
 
 
 
 




 

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