The autumn equinox is a time to give thanks to Mother Nature for the harvest and prepare for the upcoming seasons. For me, every equinox is a valuable reminder of the cyclical nature of life. I often see these celebrations as a fresh start, allowing me to learn, release, and grow as the wheel of the year turns.
This month's crystal isn’t technically a crystal, but I think it reflects the evolution and transformation that comes with this time of year. The summer is petering away, and nature is leaving her golden leaves across pavements, streets, and walkways. Amber’s orange and red hues mirror the fallen leaves and remind us that we, like the trees, need to shed the old to make way for the new.
Amber is fossilized tree resin formed from trees in dense but long-gone forests that once dominated the globe. Trees produce resin to protect themselves, responding to injuries by filling in breaks and gaps with its thick liquid. In time, the resin hardens and falls to the ground, getting buried for centuries. Most Amber is millions of years old, with years of pressure transforming the resin into a hard, glassy gemstone.
Cultures around the world have valued Amber for centuries. It was used in jewellery in the Stone Age, and the Ancient Romans traded specimens of the gem found on the shores of the Baltic Sea. Of course, a gemstone this old has a wealth of intriguing mythology and folklore surrounding it. Amber’s bright and bold colours are often said to represent the Sun. In Greek mythology, Amber is connected to Phaethon, the son of Helios (the Sun god). It is said that when Phaethon died, his sisters turned themselves into trees, and Amber is the tears they shed.
This folktale seems very much entwined with the actual creation of Amber. Trees create the resin because of damage, and this resin becomes Amber. Perhaps this process of transformation and beauty coming from pain is something to consider when we use Amber for self-care, magic, and witchcraft. We all have the power to overcome bad times and create something meaningful from our experiences.
Amber in Magic
In magic, Amber is often associated with renewal and cleansing. It is linked to the Sun and thus is said to contain the solar metaphysical powers of strength, positivity, and creation.
In my craft, I see stones and crystals as representations of energies that exist within me, and working with them reminds me to tap into my own power. So, when I hold a piece of Amber, I am reminded of my ability to bring renewal into my life and convert negativity into positivity. We are now coming into the last few months of the year and reflecting on what has come our way. Whether we have had a good or bad 2024, Amber asks us to protect our power and believe in our self-worth.
Because of its connection with the Sun, Amber is great for manifestation rituals and setting intentions for transformation and growth. However, you should avoid charging this gemstone with sunlight because it may get damaged by the heat.
Celebrate Mabon With Amber
As a stone of change, renewal, and personal power, we can use Amber in our Mabon celebrations. I plan to meditate with my Amber on the Autumn Equinox and reflect on my current harvest. We can get so bogged down in the negatives we forget to show our gratitude for all the good in our lives. Like a shining light, Amber will reflect the good back to us and help us celebrate our achievements.
You may also wish to use Amber on Mabon while setting intentions for change and growth. What do you wish to leave behind as we move through the seasons?
By Lou Siday
ความคิดเห็น