Amethyst. A pretty purple stone associated as the birthstone of February. I am particularly fond of a creation story based on Ancient Greece. The tale comes to us compliments of Remy Belleau, a French poet. Dionysus, the God of wine and revelry, hotly pursued the maiden Amythste. Amythste flatly turned down the God’s advances, wishing to remain chaste and pure. The Goddess Diana, hearing the maiden’s plight, turned her to pure white stone. Out of respect for her wishes and beauty, Dionysus poured wine over the stone as an offering, staining the crystal purple. What a beautiful love story right? In actuality, this tale is not part of Ancient Greek writings. However, in the story of Dionysus as told by Nonnus, the Titan Rhea does gift Dionysus with a stone of amethyst to protect his sanity. I still like Remy’s version better, but I am a romantic at heart.

Amethyst is the birthstone of two of the most important women in my life. My grandmother, who helped raise me and I still look to her teachings for guidance in my life. The other being my beautiful wife.

The pretty purple stone is also associated with psychic powers, and is supposed to have a calming effect. For that reason I kept a small amethyst crystal cluster similar to the one pictured above on my desk at work for several years. I don’t know if it helped or not. It now resides on my home office desk where it reminds me of the important women in my life whose birthdays are in February. Sometimes belief in something is as powerful as the object actually having power, similar to a placebo effect.

Whether you believe in the power of amethyst or not, take time today to acknowledge your inner voice, your gut instinct. When it speaks to you, or manifests in any way, don’t ignore it or be afraid of it. Your inner power is nothing to be ashamed of. It just might help you through whatever trials you are facing. Until next time Gentle Readers. Take care of yourself, and each other.