By Carol Clarke-Tiseo
Conquerors throughout time have been known as natural-born leaders, taking what they want and acting swiftly and effectively. It is no wonder then that garnet, which helps to gain control or to overcome, is called the “conquerors’ stone.” It’s even believed that the legendary Don Juan had a garnet in his ring.
Garnet is the traditional birthstone of January and the stone of the Aquarius zodiac sign. In history and folklore, it has a place as a powerful talisman. It is said to have been one of the 12 stones in the Breastplate of the High Priest, and it has been used as a sacred stone by the Native American Indians, the South American Indians, the Aztecs, the African tribal elders, and the Mayans. Some tribes in Asia used red garnets as bullets for sling bows because the stones pierced victims quickly and were hidden when mixed with blood. Garnet was also used in wounds to encourage clotting.
Calling upon garnet for its warrior qualities can be helpful in many ways. Elevating your professional or personal life is not always an easy task. Bringing in new sales for your business, for instance, or committing to a change in diet or lifestyle can prove quite challenging. Placing three or more garnets on your desk or in your home will help you channel the stone’s warrior qualities and achieve your goals. The fortifying nature of garnet also makes it a useful stone to have in times of crisis, particularly in situations where there seems to be no way out. It activates and strengthens the survival instinct, bringing courage and hope into these situations. The crisis is turned into a challenge under garnet’s influence.
Energetically, garnet acts as a cleaner and a reboot for the chakra system. It purifies and balances energy, sparking passion where appropriate. Red garnet in particular rekindles the electric kundalini energy, allowing light to flow freely up the spinal column and distribute appropriate amounts of energy to each area of the body. Lying down on the floor with small pieces of garnet placed on and around the body can encourage a strong feeling of letting go what doesn’t serve. Garnet is also a sensual stone. It represents the creation of the world out of chaos, and carries qualities of divine purification and love. It can spark love, create devotion in your relationships, and balance your sex drive.
Physically, garnet has been used to reduce body toxins, purify vital organs and blood, and assist in the assimilation of vitamins and minerals, such as iodine, calcium, magnesium, and vitamins A, D, and E. It is also very effective in stimulating sluggish metabolisms and charging the DNA. Garnet can help alleviate acne, low libido, and disturbances in the cardiac rhythm (except for arterial hypertension, which garnet may aggravate). It is believed that placing garnet under your pillow may help with depression.
The Many Varieties of Garnet
Commonly known to be red, garnets actually come in many varieties, and each type has unique characteristics. Almandine appears as red to violet-red; spessartite appears as yellow, rose, or orange to reddish-brown; pyrope is deep red; grossular occurs in quite a few colors, including white, yellow, yellow-green, brownish-red, orange, and black; andradite can appear colorless, yellow-green, brown, or black. The most prized garnet in the world is demantoid, which is deep emerald green in color and is part of the andradite group.
Almandine garnet is deeply tied with earth energy, and has qualities of incredible strength, willpower, and resistance to all things negative. It aids in blood-related disorders and assists in circulation.
Andradite garnet is a stone of self-empowerment and safety. Its energy aligns with the sacral, heart, and solar plexus chakras, attracting relationships and dissolving isolation.
Grossular garnet brings hope and empowerment, and encourages service to others. Grossular connects us to the “I AM” energy binding all of humanity together.
Pyrope garnet is a stone of inspiration, vitality, and charisma. It encourages you to own and embrace your unique gifts and abilities, and also provides the support and encouragement you may need to share these gifts with others. Spiritually, it offers grounding as you realize more of your spiritual gifts throughout the infinite.
Spessartite garnet is very rare. It is almost always mixed with almandine. Spessartite activates the analytical processes of the mind, removing fear, giving strength of will, and providing confidence to change one’s life.
Uvarovite garnet promotes abundance and wealth, assisting one in accepting what is offered by the Universe. It stimulates the heart chakra and enhances spiritual relationships.
Carol Clarke-Tiseo is a Melody Master Crystologist, Reiki Master, and Licensed Massage Therapist. She is a member of the Association of Melody Crystal Healers International™. Carol has ten years of experience in energy healing, and eleven years of experience in doing therapeutic massage and bodywork. She recently relocated to South Lyon, Michigan, offering healing work and classes. She can be contacted at cclarke2005@hotmail.com.
