I thought long and hard about which crystal to choose for the month that celebrates Samhain, and finally I settled on Black Obsidian.
Black Obsidian is formed from molten lava that cooled so rapidly that it didn’t have time to form crystals, the result is volcanic glass. It breaks into sharp shards like glass and is one of the sharpest substances found in nature. It has been used for making arrowheads, knives and spearheads since paleolithic times and even today some surgeons use obsidian blades instead of steel scalpels as they make a finer incision which leaves less scarring.
Black Obsidian is a powerfully protective stone which shields your aura and surroundings from negativity and clears any negative attachments. In the Middle Ages it was believed that Black Obsidian could drive out evil spirits and demons.
Some people find Black Obsidian’s energy too overpowering as it can bring any negative thoughts, emotions or shadow qualities to the surface, but it will also give you the strength and support to work through and release or accept them. This makes it the perfect tool to help anyone wishing to do Shadow work.
Black Obsidian can bring clarity to a mind full of scattered thoughts, I have found it particularly useful in clearing brain fog.
In the British museum in London UK is a Black Obsidian mirror that belonged to John Dee (1527-1608) the court astrologer and advisor to Queen Elizabeth 1. With his Scrying partner Edward Kelley, (a convicted criminal) they used this mirror to summon angels and demons. Recent research points to this fascinating artifact to be of Aztec origin.
Today Black Obsidian is easily found in most crystal shops, and it comes in an array of shapes and sizes. Polished palm stones, spheres or slabs are ideal for scrying, but smaller tumble stones can also be used. Samhain is one of the best nights of the year to try scrying, as the veil between the worlds is thinner than normal, but it can be done at any time of the year.
Scrying is one of the oldest forms of divination in history made popular by Nostradamus (1503 – 1566) who used a copper bowl filled with water. Black Obsidian is one of many objects that can be used to scry, and for the purposes of this blog I’ll explain briefly how to do it with a Black Obsidian crystal.
Sit in a darkened quiet room where you won’t be disturbed, place your crystal on a flat surface beside a lit candle. Gaze softly into your crystal and focus on your breathing, empty your mind and be open to any symbols or images that may appear either in the crystal or in your mind's eye. Write down anything that appears to you in a journal kept especially for scrying.
There are various other types of Obsidian including Apache Tear, Snowflake, Rainbow, Gold Sheen, Peacock and Mahogany.
If you are empathic and dislike being in crowds, carry a piece of Black Obsidian with you or wear as jewellery to block negative energies or emotions from others.
Black Obsidian is a strong grounding stone that brings an almost instant feeling of being grounded and centered when needed.
Keep a piece of Black Obsidian beside your bed or under your pillow for deeper sleep and to enhance prophetic dreams.
It is a useful aid to help you deal with any difficult situation and brings comfort and support to those who are grieving or battling addiction.
Black Obsidian is said to alleviate pain, improve circulation and digestive health and heal wounds. It is also said to bring fast recovery from sprains and bruises.
Small ornamental Black Obsidian arrows can be found in many crystal shops, these can be used in protection spells or worn as jewellery.
Black Obsidian properties:
Protection, grounding, centering, strength, meditation, calming, cleansing, anxiety, emotions, spirit work, addictions, clarity, challenges, support, shadow work, prophetic dreams.
Zodiac: Sagittarius
Chakra: Root
Element: Fire