The Mysterious Opal, Valued By Mystics And Kings
The opal has long been a precious stone steeped in superstition and magic with a rich tapestry of history and mysterious beliefs surrounding its healing qualities. The opal is foremost famed for it fantastic beauty and mesmerizing rainbow colours. The name is thought to have originated from the Sanskrit word “upala” which means “precious stone”.
The colours of the opal are varied, ranging from a stunning white to the dark beauty of the black opal, both of which are known to carry fortune both good and ill depending on the circumstances! The word “opalescent” comes from the opal, just watch the gorgeous multicoloured flecks contained within shift hues and shades as the light cast upon them moves!
The opal has a place in mythologies all across the globe. In Greek mythology, opals were thought to be the hardened tears that the king of the pantheon, the god Zeus wept after suffering defeat. During the heyday of the Roman Empire opals held the status of being the most precious and sought-after stone. For hundreds of years, the Roman royalty and aristocrats adorned themselves with rare and scintillating opals.
In Indian mythology, the opal was associated with the stunningly beautiful Goddess of Rainbows who was said to have turned herself to stone to escape the lascivious advances of the other gods! Opals were all that was left of her body when it was destroyed by her denied suitors.
Opals have long been revered as protective talismans that would bring safety and good fortune to their wearers. In the Middle Ages, the belief was that is you wore an opal amulet you would be protected from various maladies like poor vision and failing memory. Another interesting belief was that you could tell friend from foe by changes in its color!
According to the ancient Chinese Feng Shui beliefs, opals hold a powerful energy from the element of water. These mystical laws state that the qualities of water energy are strength, stillness, and purification. Opals in shades of black or blue are thought to elevate the sacred state of a meditation space, and are often placed in locations where one would seek wisdom through quiet contemplation. In modern Feng Shui practices the water element is associated with the northern section of your home and brings prosperity to your life path.
Many mystics believe that the opal lends the wearer the power of positive transformation, giving one the strength to look within themselves to confront any lingering negative emotions. The opal brings clarity to a situation that is confusing and unclear. Opals are also used to cleanse and heal a person recovering from a traumatic emotion like heartbreak or grief.
The opal is not only a highly appealing precious stone sought after for its great aesthetic appeal, it is also a gem that is shrouded in deep symbolism. This entrancing gemstone has attracted us for thousands of years for its delightful mystical benefits as well as its timeless beauty. If you know someone who is intrigued by the world beyond the mundane, then gift them with an opal, they will hold it dear for the rest of their lives!
