Unveiling the Mysteries of Moonstone
Moonstone has adorned Roman jewelry for nearly two millennia and has been revered even longer in the Orient. In India, it’s a sacred stone, often given as a traditional wedding gift. During the Art Nouveau period, it was a jeweler’s favorite in Europe, believed to reconcile estranged lovers and cure sleeplessness. Known as the Traveler’s Stone, Moonstone offers protection, especially at night, and its hopeful energy enhances one’s personality. Think of it as your nightly guardian angel.
Moonstone in Ancient Lore and Legend
Asian myth says the best Blue Moonstones wash up on shore every 21 years. The Romans believed Moonstone held the image of Diana, the Moon Goddess, bestowing love, wealth, victory, and wisdom upon its owner. Legends also suggest it could clear the mind, allowing wise decisions, and keeping heart and mind in sync.
Ancient lore claims Moonstone could lose its silvery luster if its owner harbored anger. In Oriental culture, it was a “phenomenal gem,” bringing good fortune when worn on Mondays. Moonstone was also the go-to gift for thirteenth wedding anniversaries, believed to counteract the number’s evil influence.
In India, Moonstone holds special veneration as a sacred stone. According to tradition, it was set in the forehead of the moon god’s statue, waxing and waning in brilliance with the moon. Displayed only on yellow cloth (a sacred color), it’s believed to bring good fortune and arouse tender passion among lovers.
The Science and Magic of Moonstone
Named for its moon-like sheen, Moonstone is a Feldspar mineral with a soft, watery appearance and a silvery-white reflection called chatoyancy. This effect creates a moving line across its surface as light varies, making it look almost magical. Moonstone comes in shades of peach, blue, gray, white, and a prismatic variety known as Rainbow Moonstone.
The Varieties and Their Special Powers
- Blue Moonstone (Cat’s Eye): Promotes mental clarity and inner vision, perfect for meditation and altered states of awareness. It helps you see emotional patterns and life lessons, balancing yin and yang energies.
- Gray Moonstone: Known as the “New Moon Stone,” it’s ideal for clairvoyants and shamans. It carries the mysteries of the new moon, where all possibilities exist.
- White Moonstone: Linked to the height of the new moon’s power, it stimulates psychic perception, vision, and dream work. It can magnify emotions and balance energies, making it a favorite for driving away nightmares in children.
- Peach or Yellow Moonstone: Supports the heart and mind, soothing anxiety, and bringing out the best in people. Its loving energy is perfect for intuitive or sensitive children.
- Rainbow Moonstone: Acts like a prism, diffusing energy throughout the aura. It provides psychic protection, aids in lucid dreaming, and calms sleep. It’s like a magical nightlight for your soul.