Obsidian is black glass created by volcanic heat, similar to the way in which a diamond is formed, but it cooled too fast to form crystals. It is a semi-transparent stone which may be black, gray, blue-black, green-black, brown with bands or with white markings (often referred to as Apache Tears or Snowflake Obsidian).
Because it is extremely sharp, obsidian may be used to sharpen inner and outer vision, revealing one’s flaws so they can be corrected. At the same time, it is extremely protective and grounding for sensitive people, defending them from emotionally draining or stressful situations. It also dispels negativity from within and without. Obsidian should not be purchased for or exchanged with another person. It is a very personal stone.
Mirrors fashioned from obsidian have traditionally been used as scrying mirrors. While it was one of the most used stones employed in the formation of ancient weapons, obsidian was also extremely popular as an amulet and lucky stone. Ancient Mexicans used obsidian for scrying mirrors and to fashion images of the god Tezcatlipoca, “shining mirror.” The called obsidian iztli or teotetl, “divine stone.”
Obsidian aligns with the root chakra. It is helpful for healers when seeking the root of a problem. The digestive system especially benefits from its use.
Types of Obsidian
According to legend, Apache Tears were created by the tears of Apache women for their dead warriors. For this reason, it is considered an excellent stone for consolation.
Snowflake or Flower Obsidian has grayish-white star-spots. It allows you to recognize unnecessary patterns in your life.
Pele’s Hair is a form which contains long, thin filaments. According to ancient Polynesians, Pele kept the souls of the dead in her volcano, only allowing them to return during her eruptions to be reincarnated as new life forms. This form of obsidian may be helpful in contacting the dead or recalling past lives.
Mahogany Obsidian is reddish or marbled with streaks of brownish red. It promotes growth in all areas and provides strength when it is needed. Use it to revitalize your life’s work, fulfill aspirations, and eliminate energy blockages.
Black, Gray, or Brown Obsidian is useful in a shamanic capacity. Individually, black is good for creative endeavors, gray influences tact and cooperation, and brown stimulates initiative and independence.
Red Obsidian balances male and female energies, as well as stabilizing one’s physical attributes. Red and Black Obsidian influence Kundalini energies. Red and Black Obsidian with a Snowflake pattern is excellent for grounding during meditation and stabilization of Kundalini energy.
Purple Obsidian enhances spiritual growth and spiritual awareness. It strengthens clairvoyance and introspection. The bond between intellect and intuition are reinforced.
Blue Obsidian has influence over the throat chakra and enhances communication skills – oration, articulation, and the acquisitions of new languages. It can also augment the ability to read Tarot cards or other fortune telling tools. It is protective both for astral travel and physical.
Blue-green Obsidian stimulates the heart and throat chakras, allowing the user to speak from the heart. It is useful in the transference of energy during Reiki healing.
Green Obsidian affects the heart chakra and helps disconnect bond others have placed on you, and protect you from future unwanted attachments.
There are several Obsidians with sheens. Golden Sheen and Silver Sheen Obsidian display a metallic luster under bright light. Golden Sheen Obsidian is useful in finding the root of a problem, and directing the user to a correct course of action. Silver Sheen Obsidian allows you to see yourself as others see you. It enhances patience and perseverance. Purple Sheen Obsidian enhances clarity, reducing apprehension and confusion. Electric-blue Sheen Obsidian can range from a powder blue or pink sheen to a deep indigo. It is excellent for scrying and astral travel, enhancing all activities associated with psychic communication and divination. It has a definitely influence over the aura, amplifying its energies, and can be used as a pendulum when trying to ascertain a patient’s problem areas. There is also Rainbow Sheen Obsidian, which can assist with bringing more light and love into your life. It is good for scrying on matters of love and relationships.