Introduction to Carnelian

When discussing spiritual stones with true longevity and power, Carnelian is the truest of all. It is the first stone of the biblical reference to Aaron's breastplate and the predecessor of the birthstone - located in the upper left-hand corner. It was also worn by the architects of the Egyptian pyramids to demonstrate their power and authority and was known as the 'sunset' in this ancient kingdom.

Warriors from ancient Greece, Sumer and Rome would wear Carnelian amulets in a battle to enhance their courage and endurance. They have been used as seals for at least 4000 years, not only for their beauty and reputation for bringing good luck and motivation but also for practical reasons - the smooth surface means that the stone will not stick to the sealing wax on essential documents.

Carnelian is one of the few stones recommended by Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) had an engraved Carnelian seal ring, which he used as a seal for important documents and is still widely worn by Muslims today.

Carnelian is usually described as orange, but this colour can extend from yellow-orange to brownish-red. The most alluring version is a burnt golden orange or sunset red. Orange symbolises vitality, energy, warmth, health and happiness.

The emotional and spiritual benefits of Carnelian

Considered an inspiring and energising stone, Carnelian will allow you to approach work, rest and play with a positive attitude.

Some of its emotional benefits include reducing feelings of jealousy and envy of others and their possessions.

It will enhance creativity and inventiveness - particularly beneficial for singers, actors and dancers or other artistic professionals as well as architects and designers.

One of the lesser-known properties of Carnelian is its ability to help understand the life cycle, allowing you to accept the passing of a family member or close friend and face your death without fear or trepidation.

Carnelian and Chakras

The chakras are seven energy centres located around your body, each affecting a specific physical, emotional or mental state. Each chakra has an associated colour, and a stone with the same primary colour will be linked to the chakra point of that colour.

As Carnelian tends to be orange in colour, it is often linked to the Sacral Chakra, which controls confidence, drive and a sense of connection. 

The Seven Chakras of the human body correspond to frequencies and their energies.

Can Carnelian unlock the chakras?

Yes, Carnelian can help unblock the chakras. For example, if you are feeling unmotivated, lacking in energy or lacking in confidence, this may indicate a blockage in your Sacral Chakra. 

Find a quiet place to relax or meditate, and place the Carnelian on or around the Sacral chakra - just below the navel. Breathe through your nose and out through your mouth while visualising a warm orange glow enveloping your body.

Is Carnelian a birthstone?

Carnelian is the traditional stone of August and the British birthday stone for July. Carnelian is the recognised stone for 17th wedding anniversaries.

Carnelian and the Zodiac

Carnelian is the birthstone of the zodiac sign of Virgo.

How to charge and clean your Carnelian

From time to time, your Carnelian should be cleaned and recharged - especially if it has to deal with a particular problem.

It can be cleaned in many ways, including running water, sunlight, a full moon or smoke. The power of the sun, moon, fresh spring water and smoke will remove negative influences and infuse the stone with new energy.

For Carnelian, run the stone through the cool, flowing water of a stream, spring or waterfall - even the tap in your home will do the job.

A warning about Carnelian is that if the water is too cold or too hot, especially from one extreme to the other, it can damage the gemstone. Also need to avoid Salt or seawater as it can damage the surface of some stones.

Some stones should not be exposed to the sun for too long, but this is no problem for genuine Carnelian - although it is best to leave it out for an hour or two, it will energise it. Even better is to spend a night under the full moon. Carnelian is associated with the Egyptian goddess Isis - the god of the moon (or the sun if we go back in Egyptian mythology).

Where to place Carnelian

You can easily carry Carnelian around in your pocket or purse throughout the day, and it can spread its influence into all aspects of your life. You can also make it into jewellery so that it does not leave your body unless you choose to remove it.

Decorate your home with some well-placed Carnelian stones. According to the ancient practice of Feng Shui, placing the stone in certain parts of the house will have different effects - in the centre to increase balance, peace and harmony, in the south to promote achievement, in the west to enhance creativity and in the south-east to instil self-worth. Placing at the front door will bring abundance and prosperity to your home.

How to use Carnelian

Carnelian can be used in many ways throughout the day. The easiest way for the gemstone to influence your life and thoughts is to carry one or two stones in your pocket or purse. If you need its special powers, pick up a Carnelian and use it as a touchstone for extra strength.

A piece of jewellery is just as simple. Carnelian is a very durable stone and can therefore be used to make all types of jewellery and create magnificent and eye-catching pieces such as rings, pendants and bracelets.

Carnelian can be placed around the house or workplace, simply on a shelf or table, or in a decorative way for display or in a bowl with other crystals.

You can place the Carnelian on a mat next to it for meditation or yoga practice.

Remember that Carnelian is the gemstone of motivation and creativity, so keep one at your desk or workplace as it is a real boost to any hard day's work.

Carnelian and wealth

Carnelian can successfully bring prosperity and abundance into your life. Carry one or two with you during business meetings and negotiations, and place the stone at your desk or workplace to ensure favourable business results.

It boosts motivation and enthusiasm, which are necessary to earn money regularly.

Can I use Carnelian for meditation and yoga?

Carnelian is perfect for all physical activity as it builds strength and stamina. It is often referred to as the stone of power because of its ability to get you up off your back! As an expression stone, it is also ideal for meditation.

Can I use Carnelian to help my pet?

Carnelian is one of the top gems for pets. If your pet is sad, Carnelian can help. For a dog on his first day at training school or visiting the park for the first time, where he may be meeting other dogs for the first time, the Carnelian gemstone will provide them with all the courage they need. When the pets are experiencing separation anxiety, try Carnelian to ease the emotion of your four legs family members.

Which crystal complement Carnelian?

The ancient Egyptians often combined Carnelian with Lapis Lazuli and turquoise, believing that each stone enhanced the other. Together, these three stones formed a 'sacred triad' used for centuries to adorn the jewellery of various pharaohs. The orange and blue combination of these stones is very vibrant and energetic.

Another good combination of Carnelian is the Tigers Eye. Both stones inspire creativity, courage, drive, and endurance - worn together. You will be unstoppable.

The final combination almost guarantees business success - Carnelian and Citrine (the Businessman Crystal).

Carnelian and the workplace

By tradition, Carnelian has been associated with anyone in the construction industry - architects, engineers, construction workers, etc.

It is also regarded as a stone that stimulates creativity, so writers, actors, painters, journalists, and directors all benefit from its presence. One of its nicknames is the 'Singer's Stone', so bringing it into the studio or on stage can be an added help, even when making videos.

Overall, Carnelian is a good luck stone that brings prosperity and abundance; we can all do more with it in our work.

Carnelian and EMF

In the modern world, electromagnetic fields surround us, and unless you live on an island or in the middle of a forest where there are no phones, wifi or computers, you are not protected from their harmful waves.

Carnelian can offer protection from this modern pollution. Also, other crystals such as Black Tourmaline, Clear Quartz, and Rose Quartz can do the same job. 

Final thoughts on Carnelian

Bringing Carnelian into your life will get a bit of history, an uplifting and inspiring presence and an aura of creativity and inventiveness that will fill your days with light and positivity.

In the Middle Ages, carved Carnelian amulets were occasionally found in the turned earth of a farm, hidden somewhere in a cave, or perhaps in the roots of an ancient tree.

The craft of carving such beautiful objects has been lost for centuries, and as the dirt and dust are scraped away to reveal the sunset orange artefacts beneath, awe-inspiring men or women believe they were created by magic or were gifts from the gods.

Today, we may know the geological origins of the stone. However, whether a carving or a polished cabochon, you will still feel spiritually enchanted when you hold a Carnelian in your hands.

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