Black Obsidian
Chakra: Earth protects all.
Crystal System: Amorphous
Color: Black, brown, green, blue, rainbow, red-black, silver, gold-sheen.
Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
Planet: Saturn
Appearance: Shiny, opaque, glass-like, all sizes, sometimes tumbled.
Rarity: Some colors are readily available, others are rare, and some blue-green colors are manufactured glass.
Source: Mexico, volcanic regions.
Attributes: Obsidian is molten lava that cooled so quickly it had no time to crystallize. Obsidian is a stone without boundaries or limitations. As a result, it works extremely fast and with great power. Its truth-enhancing, reflective qualities are merciless in exposing flaws, weaknesses, and blockages. Nothing can be hidden from Obsidian. Pointing out how to ameliorate all destructive and disempowering conditions, Obsidian impels us to grow and lends solid support while we do so. It needs careful handling and is best used under the guidance of qualify therapist as it can bring negative emotions and unpleasant truth rushing to the surface. Under skilled guidance, its cathartic qualities are exceedingly valuable. It provides deep soul healing. Obsidian can facilitate in going back to past lives to heal festering emotions or trauma that has carried forward into the present.
Obsidian is a strongly protective stone, forming a shield against negativity. It provides a grounding cord from the base chakra to the center of the earth, absorbs negative energies from the environment, and strengthens in times of need. It is helpful for highly sensitive people. It blocks psychic attacks and removes spiritual influences.
A large piece of Obsidian can be extremely efficient in blocking geopathic stress or soaking up environmental pollution, but its propensity for exploding the truth into the open has to be taken into account. Many people find its powerful effects overwhelming and prefer to choose a gentler stone for this task. But it is extremely helpful for therapists and counselors as it not only facilitates getting to the core of the problem but also mops up energies released as a result. Black or Mahogany Obsidian is the most suitable type for this purpose, Mahogany being gentler.
In the same way, placing Obsidian by the bed or under the pillow can draw out mental stress and tension, and may have a calming effect, but it can also bring up the reason for that stress. This reason then has to be confronted before peace can return; this resolves the problem permanently rather than having a palliative effect. As Obsidian is so effective in soaking up negative energies, it is essential to clean the stone under running water each time it has been used in this way.
Psychologically: Obsidian helps you to know who you truly are. It brings you face to face with your shadow side and teaches you how to integrate it. This stone also helps you to identify behavior patterning that is now outdated. Obsidian dissolves emotional blockages and ancient traumas, bringing depth and clarity to emotions, it promotes qualities of compassion and strength.
Healing: Obsidian's greatest gift is an insight into the cause of disease. It aids the digestion of anything that is hard to accept and promotes physical digestion. It detoxifies, dissolving blockages and tension in the pain of arthritis, joint problems, cramps, and injuries. An elixir is beneficial for shock. It alleviates pain and stanches bleeding, benefiting the circulation. This stone warms the extremities. It can be used to shrink an enlarged prostate.
Position: Place as appropriate. Use a ball or mirror for scrying.
