Moonstone in Mythology and Folklore: Tales from Around the World
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The beautiful moonstone gemstone which has fascinated human beings for ages is the centerpiece of the play. This mesmerizing gemstone with the reflected light makes one want to believe that it has moonlight inside.
Moonstone has become a part of the legends of various cultures and ages, and each legend describes this miracle in its way following the perception of the audience that appreciated it.
Now it is time to begin the time travel and worldwide trip to discover the mythology and folklore of moonstone gemstones.
Ancient Rome: Tears of Diana
To the ancient Roman civilization, moonstones held a very close relationship to the goddess Diana who is well associated with the moon, hunting, and childbirth.
Such stones as Moonstone crystals are said to have originated from the tears of the goddess Diana and they fell on the surface of the earth and acted as a solidified stone. If Moonstone fascinates you and you want to know more, read this: Mystical Moonstone: Interesting Facts.
The rainbow moonstone was considered a symbol of love and passion among Romans, people thought it could warm the hearts of lovers and bring back passion into their relationships.
The moonstones would be given by lovers in pairs as tokens of love intending on using the influence of the goddess to make their love last forever with no Stratiformity. Another beautiful gem given to lovers was Larimar, owing to its beautiful soft shades and patterns.
India: The Dream Gem
- In the mythology of India which is so diverse that it is extremely difficult to point out any aspect of life and culture that is outside of its influence, the moonstone gemstone occupies a special position.
- Called “Chandrakanta” or “the moon’s lover,” this is reported to be the holiest of gems and it is generally affiliated with the moon god of the Hindu pantheon, Chandra.
- People think that moonstones can collect the shades of the moon and give the owner such blessings as harmony, wisdom, and foretelling of dreams.
- Another popular myth suggests that the Moonstone crystals themselves have lunar properties; thus, the nearer the night to the full-moon night, the brighter the amulet’s gleam, and during the new-moon night – the dimmer.
- Indian tradition also has faith that the use of moonstones is auspicious and therefore these gifts are used as bridal gifts to have a happy marriage.
- It is said that the gem has the properties of yin yang that help in managing one’s emotions and bring peace to the body. It is one of the most helpful moonstone benefits.
Europe: The Traveler’s Stone
Moonstone was called The Traveler’s Stone in Medieval Europe because it was believed to guard whoever went about at night under the moonlight. This is just how Pearl was known to be a good luck charm during the day.
The adventure would be treacherous by night, and so to avoid being attacked by these creatures, travelers among other things would carry along with them moonstones.
It was thought to glow in the dark to give the owners direction should they get ‘lost’ in life’s journey. Moonstone gemstone is also said to be able, to tell the truth, or to open up the future mysteries in European folklore.
They would look into it seeking visions and they would use it in their divination practices as seers and mystics. Practical people always considered these mysterious moonstone benefits.
Middle Eastern Lore: The Celestial Mirror
- Rainbow moonstone among the Middle Eastern peoples was considered one of the mirrors of the stars, as well as it was believed that holding it in hand would grant people knowledge of the Universe.
- It was said in various Arabian legends, the moonstone was a piece of the moon that fell from the sky, and with this stone was the wisdom of the universe.
- It was believed that with this gemstone, the purchaser could improve his or her spirituality and can easily communicate with God.
- Moonstone crystals were also considered to be a stone of healing, that has the power to treat disease resulting from disharmony or the presence of low-vibration energy fields.
- This was especially used as an amulet to shield one from evil spirits and to have harmony within oneself. Ancient people knew a lot about these moonstone benefits.
Native American Legends: The Moon’s Gift
In Native American tribes, moonstone gemstone was regarded as a divine bequest of the moon that could restore cosmic order in nature. There are many different kinds of moonstones, you can read about them here: Types of Moonstones.
When translated with the moonstone, the native believed that it was capable of accumulating the lunar energy essential in giving fertility to growth both in the field as well as in the hearts of the people.
As you might expect, the gem is used for ceremonies of praise to the moon and invocation of the moon’s beneficence. Other tribes believed that Moonstone crystals did contain the spirits of the dead of their kinfolks, who would assist them at any one time.
Having a moonstone was regarded as enabling an individual to be in touch with their forefathers, and therefore the tribe’s cultural heritage would be preserved.
Conclusion: A Timeless Enchantment
Moonstone crystals their glowing light, and their history are still some of the most enticing gemstones of all time. Moving from one culture to another and through centuries, it shows how people have always been fascinated with the Moon.
And how they endowed this body with many magical properties. In the same manner, as we adorn ourselves with a rainbow moonstone today, we do not just wear a beautiful gem but also bear the cultural folklore from all over the world with us.
Owing to the romanticism traditionally credited to moonstone the fascination does not fade with time but only reinvents itself.