Tree Agate, bracelet, natural stone, Class A

Tree Agate, handmade bracelet, natural stone, Class A

Tree Agate is a type of dendritic agate in which green formations resemble branches, leaves or moss and create beautiful markings on a white background. This stone is not only visually striking, but is also valued for its strong energetic and spiritual significance.

Tree Agate is often called the “Stone of Abundance”, because it is associated with a deep connection to nature and its cycles. It evokes the richness and fertility of the Earth and helps a person attune to the natural rhythm of life. It is used as a talisman for abundance, prosperity and good luck.

Tree Agate radiates positivity, optimism and calm. Despite its natural patterns, it is believed to have a strong grounding effect – bringing stability and security, strengthening the connection with the energy of the Earth and supporting balance in everyday life. This stone is considered an excellent aid in emotional recovery – helping release emotional trauma, reduce stress and create a sense of inner peace and harmony. It balances emotions and strengthens the sense of well-being. Tree Agate radiates positivity, optimism and calm.

Agate

Agate is associated with Mercury. It is believed to strengthen willpower and sensitivity in Virgo, Taurus, Gemini and Capricorn. The different colors can be used by all zodiac signs.

Chakras: Agate with predominantly red tones – sacral; grey and blue varieties – throat chakra

Hardness: 6,5 – 7.

Color: Agate occurs in a wide variety of colors and shades. Agates have been artificially colored since antiquity. Chemical treatment can produce black, green, blue or violet bands, while red tones can be intensified. Because of its ability to change color through chemical and heat treatment, an entire industry today is devoted to producing chemically colored stones.

Deposits: Found throughout the world – India, Brazil, Uruguay, Mexico and the USA. Large quantities of agate are imported from several Latin American countries, including Brazil and Paraguay. High-quality specimens are also found in the Deccan region of India. The Idar-Oberstein area in southwestern Germany is world-famous for its agate deposits. In Bulgaria, agate is found along the Arda River, around Momchilgrad and Krumovgrad. In Bulgaria, the classic type is most often grey-white; moss agates are predominantly green, while landscape agates contain abundant yellow, green, red, brown and other colors.

Chemical composition: silicon dioxide with various impurities.

Description: Their forms vary – they occur as veins, flow formations, geodes, amygdules and more. All agates are varieties of quartz, also known as chalcedony. The cryptocrystalline fibers characteristic of the stone can be seen only under a microscope. The bands may be arranged concentrically (classic agate type), in parallel (Uruguayan type or onyx), may combine both patterns, or may form unusual images often resembling landscapes (landscape agate) or fine algae in water (moss agate). Agates often contain inclusions of opal and celadonite, or occur in combination with Rock Crystal and Amethyst. Their coloration is due to various oxides within the stone.

History and legends: Many legends are associated with agates. They have been known to humankind since ancient times. In many cultures they were used in art and medicine. They were often described as stimulators of intuition, guardians of friendship and protectors against evil forces.

The name most likely comes from the River Achates in Sicily, now known as the Dirillo.

In ancient Greece, agate was held in particular esteem by sailors. It was believed that whoever carried agate would be protected from seasickness, and that wearing it as a pendant or agate ring would bring peace, deep sleep, good health, long life and a gentle character. This tradition most likely originated in Egypt.

In Rome yellow-red agate, known as “lion agate,” was considered the stone of gladiators because it was believed not only to bring them victory, but also to attract the love of women. In the fifth book of the multi-volume Materia Medica, the ancient author Dioscorides describes more than two hundred crystals, including agate, which Roman physicians used for medicinal purposes. They prescribed remedies made from powdered agate and sweet fruit juice for insanity, ulcers, boils, kidney and spleen disorders. Some varieties were used for hemorrhoids and in attempts to combat plague and other epidemic diseases. Agate pendants were recommended for indigestion, lung diseases and unexplained fears.

Followers of Islam engrave symbols of the Prophet’s grandsons on agates and hang them around children’s necks to protect them from falls and accidents. Many Muslims wear necklaces made of multicolored agates. In the Arab world, red agate (also called “blood agate”) was believed to protect against scorpion and spider bites. Green agate was highly valued because it was thought to protect against all kinds of eye diseases.

In ancient Hebrew folklore agate is also said to protect against stumbling and falling. For centuries, horsemen believed this and wove agates into horses’ manes or reins. Most likely, the legend that agate protected animals from stumbling changed somewhat as it spread into Europe. There, farmers tied agates to ox harnesses or horse tack while plowing their fields – believing they would bring a plentiful harvest.

In 16th-century Italy agate was believed to repel lightning and the destructive force of storms.

The Vikings and Saxons in England searched for lost objects and buried treasure using a double-edged axe and a round piece of agate. They also used the stone for a form of magical divination called “axinomancy.” They heated the axe until red-hot, then drove the handle into the ground so that it stood upright. The round piece of agate was placed on the heated axe head. If it fell and rolled in a direction, they would search that way. If it stuck, what they were looking for was considered too far from that place. A 10th-century Anglo-Saxon manuscript recommends agate as protection against the devil. In the “Book of Saxon Leechdoms,” written in 1864, agate is said to protect against storms, magic, demonic possession, illness, poison and drunkenness, as well as skin rashes. In some areas of England, farmers to this day hang a piece of agate on a nail above the door of a barn or stable because they believe it will protect livestock from evil spirits at night.

In West Africa green, white and red agates are highly valued, while in North Africa only white agates are regarded as having a positive influence. In Ghana, people wear agate amulets against snake bites, paralysis and mental illness.

Healing energies:

Agate is described as a guardian stone for pregnant women, protecting both mother and child.

Wearing agate has traditionally been said to help with insomnia and attract pleasant dreams. All varieties are believed to be able to reverse the energy flow in the chakras, thereby releasing blockages and illness.

Tired and inflamed eyes were traditionally soothed by placing pieces of polished agate on the eyelids.

An agate amulet is believed to protect against emotional tension and provide a sense of security.

Qualities: Agate is believed to have a simultaneously grounding and energizing effect. It is said to balance on all levels. It is considered particularly useful when you need a boost of energy – physical or mental.

Agate has traditionally been used to strengthen the body and mind. It is known for being associated with courage, revealing the truth and healing. It is said to protect from all kinds of danger, give strength and help efforts end successfully. It is believed that the person who wears it will receive unexpected support from the gods.

Agate is also used as a means of protection from black magic, harmful spirits and negative thought-forms.

It is recommended that agate remain in prolonged contact with the skin. Washing it after use is considered essential. Sunlight is believed to strengthen its energy.

Attention: stones are not a medical treatment and do not heal. Treatment can be carried out only by a practicing medical professional.

Colors:

Black: For prosperity, victory for athletes and courage.

Black with white bands: For vigilance.

Red: For peace and calm; said to repel spiders.

Turquoise, with white patterns (a deposit exists in Hawaii): Helps you meet new friends.

Blue with white bands: For clairvoyance, extrasensory perception and prophetic dreams.

Pale blue, with white lace-like patterns: Gives a sense of security and the ability to cope with unexpected situations; softens stubbornness.

Water agate (with pores containing water): For contact with water spirits; balances the emotions.

Ruin agate (agate broken into pieces, usually brown, then naturally cemented again in quartz crystal): Brings optimism and calm, helps avoid negative behavioral patterns and is said to change vibrations.

Brown: For victory in conflicts; believed to increase intelligence.

Cream-yellow: Improves the mood.

Ochre: For connecting with the creative aspect of the mind and awakening inventiveness.

Orange-brown: Balances and helps overcome difficulties, brings luck with financial problems and stabilizes emotions.

Grey with white bands: For intellectual achievement.

Leopard (pale yellow, brown or pink, with leopard-like spots): Once called “wolf stone”; considered an excellent aid for reclaiming personal power.

Purple with pale grey-blue bands: For spiritual sound judgment.

Purple, with white threads: Helps with successful and fruitful communication.

Holding agate in the hands is believed to help release worries. In Eastern cultures it is used as an anti-stress aid.

Sources used:

Barbara Ann Brennan, Hands of Light, Sofia: Kibea, 2000.

Kivrin, Vladimir. The Healing and Magical Properties of Crystals. Sofia: Paritet, 2014.

Conway, D. J. Gemstones and Their Magical Properties. Sofia: Aratron, 2008.

Miteva, Gergana. Ivan Mitev. Encyclopedia of Healing Minerals: A–Z: Second Expanded Edition, Haskovo: Oponent Publishing House, 2004.

Nelson, Mary, Jane Scrivner. Healing with Stones, Sofia: Mont, 2011.

Stein, Diane. Healing with Gemstones. Sofia: Aratron, 2005.

Attention – stones are not a medical treatment. Treatment can be prescribed only by a practicing physician.