F is for Flint and Fossils

A little different than the usual crystals and gemstones this week – flint and fossils (including Amber, which is a fossil itself).

Flint is a variety of quartz that is created on seabeds when limestone hardens into nodules or is replaced by silica. Sometimes it may contain fossils because of this origin. Arrowheads and axes made from Flint are among the earliest examples of prehistoric weapons and tools.

Flint sparks when it is struck and was used to make fire. The shape of a Flint nodule resembles bone and in ancient times it became associated with the spirits of the earth, the fairy folk and ancestral spirits.

Flint is an excellent grounding stone for people doing medium work and it will help you with work needing deep attention. Use Flint with Sodalite whenever you need to take a test. Flint will protect against negative influences which are absorbed by it. This stone is reputed to improve self-confidence and will help provide a sense of connection and belonging relative to other people and the world in general. It will strengthen all subtle systems of the body, focusing mainly at the Solar Plexus chakra, instilling confidence, personal power and assimilation of information on all levels. It is a stone of invention and innovation. It helps the body to repair itself. Its natural formation as a lump of rock can be transformed into a precise tool.

The positive qualities of Flint will help you face any aggression and within the conflict will be found the resolution. Control the sparks ignited by Flint, bearing in mind that fire can be destructive but if controlled can be used constructively.

Fossils contain memories of the past and therefore are excellent for meditation on past memory recall either from this life or a past life. They can represent moving on from the old to the new and for transformation and transition. They can increase business accomplishments and improve your environment. Fossils assist you to be open to change and new ideas. Different fossils can also have the energies relating to the type of fossilized creature or plant. They will help to get rid of old habits and enhance telepathy. Fossils may be beneficial for paranoia, schizophrenia, long life and recovery from abuse. They have also been used in curing diseases and ailments of the skeletal system, bones, hands and feet.

Amber is fossilized pine tree resin formed fifty to seventy million years ago. Often it has inclusions of insects, plant parts or air bubbles. It has strong connections to the Earth and is very grounding. Although most Amber is cloudy, this can generally be cleared by gentle heat. It stimulates intellect, is cheerful and joyful, repels spiders and is a powerful healer. It can be used to pledge vows and promises. Amber is likened to the setting sun and is thought to carry the warm sunlight energies in it depths. Amber has electrical properties – static electricity is generated when it is rubbed. Because of this it benefits the body’s electrical systems. It improves the brain and nervous system and relieves anxiety and depression. It can enhance clarity of the mind. Wear it as jewellery for its grounding and stabilizing properties, but being such a stimulating stone, some of you may find that you cannot wear it for too long before it causes irritation or overstimulation.

A little like crystal coffee or caffeine, too much usage can cause chaos, bad temper or arguments. Providing you are able to use this excess energy there should be no problems. Worn as a necklace at the Throat chakra, it will help protect you while casting spells during ritual. Those able to wear Amber will find it brings patience, protection, psychic shielding, romantic love, sensuality, purification, balance, healing and calmness. It is very protective and beneficial for the mind, encouraging self-expression and a positive attitude. Its nervous energy can provide the stimulus to get things moving if there are restrictions, doubt or stagnation. It can help with healing the inner child and for past life work, drawing on ancient wisdom and knowledge.

Amber absorbs and transmutes negativity, changing it into positive and bringing calm and stability. It is a good stone for those with suicidal tendencies as its uplifting energy helps to remind them of inner strength and past achievements. Keep some in the house or office to cleanse the atmosphere and environment of toxins.

Amber purifies the body, removes toxins and is beneficial for addictions, alcoholism, stress and anxiety related issues, poison, bones, heart, circulation, ears and hearing problems, endocrine system, fibromyalgia, digestion, intestines, spleen, kidneys, bladder, lungs and general healing. It can be worn to relieve tension headaches and arthritis.