Black Obsidian Properties - (Apache Legend and Spiritual Protection)

Black obsidian properties

Black obsidian is a natural volcanic glass that is formed from the rapid cooling of molten lava. It is said to be a powerful healing stone, especially for those who are grieving. Among black obsidian properties are the qualities of grounding, purification, protection.

Obsidian stone has been used by many cultures as a protective amulet. It can be placed on an altar or in the home to keep away negative energies, and it is often used to shield against psychic attacks.

Black obsidian also helps one to see the truth more clearly and aids in forgiveness and release of limiting beliefs.

Registering 5+ on the Mohs Hardness scale, black obsidian can be sharp and should be handled with care. Obsidian has used to make a number of things of things including arrowheads, axes, spear tips. The Aztecs used it to create mirrors.

Black obsidian spiritual meaning - Legend of Apache Tears

If you’re looking for something to turn your tears around, the story of obsidian may be just the thing.

Living in the United States we have a great awareness of the native peoples that roamed this land before the settlers from the West and the Cavalry took over.

My maternal grandparents came from a Native American bloodline. In my early childhood days in Texas, we would visit Native American shows which were commercialized remnants of a beautiful civilization.

There are many stories to be told in the Native American epoch. Kevin Costner‘s movie Dances With Wolves was one of my favorites, and I watched it many times. It was a means to imagine the beauty of this land before it was invaded by the suburbs and shopping malls of “civilization“.

As for black obsidian, this is one of the sad Native American stories, but it’s an idea that sadness can be overcome and that the tears of one can become the savior of another.

Apache Tears

Back obsidian stone is said to be the tears of the Apache women and family members who lost their warrior spouses, brothers and fathers. Their numbers were few, but their loss meant the end of an idea and of the warriors of a great people.

The Apaches were not friendly to the western settlers coming to take over their lands. The new settlers had shown themselves to be invaders and conquerors, intent on killing and destroying the Native Americans and their way of life.

It is understandable that the Apaches, known for their bravery, would take matters into their own hands to deter the intruders and get them to leave.  The Apaches robbed the villagers and took their horses and cattle.

The warriors did not want the Apache way of life to be destroyed. They were defending themselves and the honor of the Apache nation.

Warriors Lost

We know the end of the native American story and, in this case, the cavalry came to charge upon the Apaches and took them by surprise. The Apache warriors were 75 in number, but they lost about 50 warriors instantly thanks to the rifles used by the Cavalry. That left 25 noble warriors to fight the large cavalry, meanwhile they were cornered and trapped against the embankment of a high cliff.

Fighting to the death would’ve been a brave thing to do, but they certainly did not want to be taken prisoner.   The warriors collectively made the decision to ride off the cliff and to bid farewell to the remaining Apache nation. They took their own lives considering that better than to be taken and tortured by the invaders.

Apache Grief Transformed

This was the end of the Apache warriors. Grieving family members and remainder of the tribe came to the edge of the cliff where the warriors died, and they cried and grieved continuously for a full cycle of the moon.

The legend is that these tears hitting the mountain side were honored by the Great Father and they transformed the sun-baked earth below the mountain into beautiful, shiny black rock - what is now known as black obsidian.

These rocks are said to be embedded with and blessed by these Apache tears which act as protection and healers in times of grief and sorrow and struggle.

This battle happened in the state of Arizona in the area called Superior, a mining town of about 3,000 people.

Where is Obsidian found?

Black obsidian stones are found in areas of volcanic activity in Armenia, Greece, Italy, Mexico, North America, and Scotland.

History and spiritual meaning of black obsidian

History

As early as the Paleolithic Age, obsidian was used to create spear tips, arrowheads, and other weapons. Later peoples began using obsidian for purposes like kitchen and cooking utensils.

Pliny the Elder, a 1st century Roman naturalist, was one of the first to mention obsidian because it was very similar to glass-like stones discovered in Ethiopia by a traveler named Obsidius.

The Mayan culture considered obsidian like gold, and Mayan merchants used obsidian as a form of currency. The Mayans thought that mirrors of obsidian could tell the future.

The Aztecs constructed flat sheets of obsidian into scrying mirrors.  The Aztec Empire came to associate the black, glass-like, obsidian as with the god of stone know as Itzli.

Spiritual meaning

Obsidian is known as Shaman Stone, the Holy Stone and the Grief Stone due to its clearing, forgiveness and metaphysical properties. Shamans valued obsidian because they saw it as a link to the spiritual world.

Black obsidian is often associated with mystery and has a very strong ability to cleanse energy fields and absorb psychic smog. It is used often in feng shui practices for its spiritual connection and protection.

Is Obsidian A Lucky Stone? Is it Dangerous?

As far as luck is concerned, Black obsidian is said to be one of the luckiest, turning bad luck into good and particularly in regards to financial gains. Wearing a black obsidian bracelet is one way to tap into its wealth and good fortune properties.

Obsidian can be powerful, but is not dangerous. The only potential danger with obsidian stone is that it can have sharp edges. It could bring out energy that is uncomfortable and upsetting to deal with.

Obsidian metaphysical and healing properties

What does black obsidian do?

Black obsidian’s most dominant healing properties are the abilities to cleanse and ground. It is connected to the the root chakra and has a strong earth energy.

This makes it the perfect as a grounding energy force and is often used to achieve feng shui in homes. It is said to draw the negativity out and into the earth where it is neutralized. Its strong connection to earth and to nature make it the ideal stone for tapping into other spiritual realms and unlocking their potential.

Healing with Obsidian

Obsidian for body, mind and spirit

Obsidian Uses

Wearing Obsidian

Wearing Obsidian on your person can bring it’s protective energy wherever you may go. Common forms of obsidian jewelry are pendants and bracelets. jewelry provides an easy way to incorporate obsidian into daily life and receive its beneficial properties. Another way to use obsidian is to carry it on your person in a pocket, purse or bag.

Obsidian at home and work

Obsidian at Home

This ancient stone is perfect stone for balancing out the home and keeping the entire space protected. Black obsidian can be used in Feng Shui and is representative of water which is good for wisdom, career prospects and social networking.

It’s usually best to keep black obsidian off the floor, and instead place the stone on top of a table or shelf. Keeping it somewhere that it is seen and easily accessed is recommended because it’s good to cleanse it consistently and frequently to clear any negativity

Black obsidian crystal can be placed at the front door to act as an energy filter for anyone/anything entering the home. It is often kept on top of the door frame or near a window.

Black obsidian stone placed in your bedroom can help with personal protection. It can help in feeling grounded when trying to get deep sleep.

Obsidian at Work

Obsidian can be a great partner for getting things done accordingly, giving you clearer mind and heart to start the day right.

Black obsidian on a desk or in a home office can provide protection form negative energy and any psychic attacks. The grounding and cleansing nature of this black crystal can create a light vibration to balance the mind.

Obsidian beauty products

There may be some obsidian stone beauty products, but it is not a typical use of the stone.

Obsidian crystal therapy

Obsidian therapy is a non-invasive technique using vibrational energy to direct and transmute the energies around the body. The goal is to release unwanted thoughts and emotional patterns and amplify positive energies.

The process supports healing at all levels: body, mind and spirit. A therapist might use an Obsidian wand or stones on energy centers of the body. A therapist might also place obsidian stones around the body to create a protective energy field.

Using an obsidian crystal or stone around chakras and energy centers can encourage these centers to open activating pure and natural traits.

Obsidian crystal and relationships

Obsidian can help get to he bottom of things in regards to relationships. It should be used wisely as a tool and because its power might bring things up that need proper attention, healing and care.

If a person is having struggles in a relationship or seeking a deeper honest connection with a partner, obsidian can with these aims. Black obsidian can help reveal the truth, aid in forgiveness and release hurt feelings.

Obsidian and meditation

Meditating with a piece of obsidian is another way to bring the stone’s qualities into your energy field. Obsidian can act as a protection stone as the mind and spirit open.

Meditation with this volcanic rock can be a very grounding experience because it connects to the root chakra.

The following is a suggested method for meditation with this stone. Hold meditation for as long as you like:

• Find a quiet and calm place - your usual meditation spot is fine if you have one.
• Place Obsidian near or around the meditation area.
• Focus the breath and attention on the energy of the stones.
• Imagine your body being fully connected with the earth.
• Attune the spirt to release any unwanted energies and sort through challenges.

Obsidian and the zodiac

Each zodiac sign is associated with numerous stones.

Obsidian is associated with fire and earth elements and is a gemstone for many birth signs as follows:

Starry Obsidian:

• Sagittarius (Nov 23 - Dec 21 )
• Virgo (Aug 23 - Sept 22)

Rainbow Obsidian:

• Aquarius (Jan 21 - Feb 19)
• Pisces (Feb 19 - March 20)
• Aries (March 21 - Apr 20)
• Taurus (Apr 21 - May 20)
• Gemini (May 21 - June 21)
• Cancer (June 22 - July 22)
• Libra (Sept 23 - Oct 23)
• Scorpio (Oct 24 - Oct 22)

Obsidian and the chakras

Obsidian is primarily related to the Root Chakra.

The Root Chakra (1st) chakra is located at the base of the spine and provides a base and foundation for life. It helps maintain a grounded state and the ability to persevere through challenges. It is associated with security and stability.

The root chakra can be activated by tuning into black obsidian energy. Obsidian shields against negativity, supports healthy grounding to the earth and earth energies.

Colors and forms of obsidian

This section highlights healing properties of different types of Obsidian.

Golden (Gold Sheen) Obsidian

Golden Obsidian is a strongly protective stone that is very effective to balance energy fields and for scrying.

Mahogany Obsidian

Mahogany Obsidian has a gentle vibration of protection that connects with the earth. It can stabilize a weakened aura, encourage self-acceptance and support decision making.

It is a natural stone and found in the volcanic regions of Afghanistan, Japan, Mexico, South America, and the western United States. Mahogany obsidian has a deep red and brown color (which comes from high concentrations of iron) with black inclusions .

Snowflake (Starry) Obsidian

Snowflake obsidian is said to protects the aura from dangers, negative influences, black magic, and false friendship. Snowflake obsidian can strengthen character and is considered one of the most important obsidian healing crystals.

Rainbow Obsidian

Rainbow obsidian can purify all seven chakras and shield against negativity while acting as a meditative guide. It releases fears, supports self-acceptance and alleviates anxiety.

How to care for for Obsidian

Cleansing Obsidian

Black obsidian should be cleansed often because as it can collect negative energy. Cleansing once a month might be sufficient, but the frequency is up to the individual.

Sound - A favorite tool for cleansing stones and healing crystals is a crystal tuner or sound bowl. These tuning devices clear crystal energy fields with sound. A few other possibilities are shown below.

Water - An easiest way to cleanse black obsidian is to hold it under running water for about a minute.

Earthing (grounding) -  The earth can cleanse obsidian stone by burying it in a small amount of earth. If the obsidian breaks it is suggested to leave it buried in the earth or in a potted plant.

There are numerous other methods to cleanse your crystals and they are covered in this article.

Programing/charging obsidian

There is no need to charge or program obsidian but cleansing is considered important.

Obsidian Authenticity

Obsidian stone is relatively affordable, so there isn't too much at risk with price, however it can be faked.  An examination of the surface of the stone can be a good way to determine if it's real. It should have a smooth and very glassy appearance, much like glass but black.

A good, reputable source is generally the best way to be sure any purchased obsidian stone is authentic.

Summary

Obsidian healing properties are known to be many, particularly its ability to clear negative energy. This volcanic glass crystal can be an excellent life enhancement tool.

Obsidian stone contains a combination of the elements earth, fire and air and has power for manifestation and metamorphosis, practicality and purification, psychic connection and transformation.

This sharp lava rock is very good for grounding as well as cutting connections with negative people, places and energies.

Obsidian crystals can stimulates growth on all levels, draw out mental stress and tension, and urge open exploration of new horizons. The clarity this black glass rock can bring my help uncover true identity.

Obsidian's vibration can dissolve emotional traumas and promote both compassion and strength.

Where to purchase Obsidian

Obsidian stones and crystals can be purchased from online and local stores, and we encourage you to explore shops and dealers in your immediate area. Events and expos are held throughout the year can also be great places to find quality specimens.

Links to some good sources are sprinkled throughout the article, but we have listed a some solid sellers here:

Conscious Items - carries numerous stones and jewelry.  A great option for small items and crystal combination kits.

KALIFANO Shop on has affordable quality obsidian specimens.

StoneStory has an online shop with a variety of natural specimens some of which are pictured above.

Beyond Obsidian

Many things that may have been ignored and taken for granted may be found to have much higher purposes and significant potential benefits in our lives. It’s quite possible that the grounding energy, psychic power and peace within obsidian crystal is just beginning to be understood.

Humanity is awakening to higher levels understanding and new realizations every day. The more we learn from our research into healing crystals and crystal healing energies, the more fascinated we become. It is likely that new black obsidian healing properties may be discovered in the near future. Stay tuned.

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Sources:

The Crystal Bible - A definitive guide to crystals, Judy Hall

Healing Crystal Jewelry | Conscious Items

Conscious Items online store offers authentic spiritual items and an incredible collection of healing jewelry designed for positive living. Visit us today!

Conscious Items

https://dejavudesigns.com/metaphysical-stone-properties/black-obsidian-healing-properties/

https://www.firstpeople.us/FP-Html-Legends/Apache_Tear_Drop-Apache.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apache_tears

https://www.healthline.com/health/what-are-chakras#blocked-chakras