Tuesday, April 6, 2010

ABC Wednesday - L is for Lapis-lazuli

You guys thought I'd post about my little witch Lucas, right? LOL You already have a lot about my sweetie scrolling down the blog! So I decided for something different instead...



I have this lovely Lapis-lazuli stone for some years, and I use it into my pillow to help me sleep well and direct my weird dreams to a better way.

As well described in Llewellyn Worldwide, "many people are drawn to the mysterious deep blue of lapis lazuli, or lapis for short. It is one of the oldest “spiritual” stones, first mined 6,000 years ago in Afghanistan – the finest stones still come from that area. Its name comes from the Latin word lapis, meaning “stone” and the Arabic word azul, which means “blue.” In addition, it has been noted the Persian word lazhward means blue and could possibly be another origin of the name. But whatever its origin, lapis is a wonderful stone rich in folklore and metaphysical tradition.

It has been used in ornamental decoration for thousands of years. The Egyptians crushed it and used it to decorate their eyelids. It was also ground and used for paint. In Egypt lapis was used mainly by royalty and priests, and it is believed that the sapphire referred to in the Bible was actually lapis lazuli. Lapis is often worn as talismans and used in inlaid work and ornaments. The Romans believed it was an aphrodisiac.

Lapis is associated with the astrological signs of Sagittarius and Libra and the planets of Neptune and Venus. Reputed to be a stone for teachers, lapis has many useful magical properties. It has been referred to as a stone of awareness and wisdom and may be used to enhance creativity. Its gift of insight is useful in divination – it is useful to keep a small piece of lapis with Tarot decks – and lapis aids in understanding and psychic work. Other areas of use include the throat and brow charkas, overcoming depression and balancing yin and yang energies. Lapis is a protective stone, both from physical danger and psychic attacks.

It is probably most well-known metaphysically for its use to promote psychic awareness. It aids achieving meditative states such as trance and other altered states of consciousness."


For more L posts, visit the ABC page, and join the fun!

11 comentários:

Lilac Wolf (Angie or Angela) said...

I am in love with that now! My internet has been spotty today, I think now I can go see Lucas' altar.

Holly, the Old Western Gal said...

Lapis makes such pretty earrings and goes so nicely with anything denim. I like working with lapis stones.

Reader Wil said...

Thank you for this interesting post! I like lapis-lazuli better than diamonds. I read it is associated with Sagittarius and with teachers. Well that's why I probably like it! I belong to both groups.
Have a very happy day with Lucas!

Sherrie said...

Hi!
Very pretty stone. Lots of useful info you shared. Have a great day!

Sherrie
Sherrie's Stuff

LisaF said...

Lapis has always been a favorite ever since I worked in a jewelry store in high school. Such a beautiful stone. I didn't know the history behind it, so thank you!

Tumblewords: said...

Love lapis and really enjoyed your informational post!

Beverley Baird said...

What a lovely stone! Great info - thanks for sharing.

Troy said...

What an interesting post. I have a Lapis Lazuli stone set into a tie-pin that my father used to wear. When he passed away, it was given to me. It is a beautiful stone, and I wear it with fond memories of him.

jay said...

Ah, lapis lazuli! Such a beautiful stone! And thanks for all the information about it, too - I didn't know that it might have been the 'sapphire' in the Bible.

On behalf of the team, thanks for taking part in ABC Wednesday this week! :)

Anonymous said...

It was also worn by my patron Goddess Inanna.

Roger Owen Green said...

Very informative! I know nothing about this. Pretty.

On behalf of the ABC Wednesday team, thank you!