Carnelian

Carnelian "Genitive Flesh"

A glassy, translucent stone, Carnelian is an orange-colored variety of Chalcedony, a mineral of the Quartz family. Its color varies from pale pinkish-orange to a deep rusty brown, though it is most known for its brilliant orange and red-orange crystals. Its name comes from a Latin word meaning “flesh.”

In antiquity, as well as today, Carnelian is believed to help timid speakers become both eloquent and bold. [Simmons, 92] Ancient Warriors wore Carnelian around their neck for courage and physical power to conquer their enemies. In Egypt it was worn by master architects to show their rank of builder, and alchemists of the Middle Ages used it as a boiling stone to activate the energy of other Chalcedonies. As the first stone in the breastplate of the High Priest, it signified the blood of the martyrs [Kunz, 303, 305], and was once believed to prevent illness and the Plague. [Fernie, 138]

Carnelian, in its beautiful shades of orange, stimulates the Sacral Chakra, located below the naval and above the pubic bone at the front of the pelvis. Carnelian, in shades of red, is also a powerful ally in healing Base Chakra blockages and traumas, aiding one in recovering vital information about oneself and one’s purpose on Earth. The Base, or Root Chakra, is located at the base of the spine, and controls the energy for kinesthetic feeling and movement. It is the foundation of physical and spiritual energy for the body. 

Carnelian honors Isis, the Egyptian Goddess of Life, the most important goddess of Egyptian mythology. She is widely honored as a Goddess that brings the power of the divine feminine.

 The ancient Egyptians called Carnelian “the setting sun.” In its orange hues, they identified it with the receptive or passive female energies, and associated it with the fertile menstrual blood of the mother goddess, Isis. In its red, red-orange to reddish brown shades, they considered it the active male energy stone, recognized by its glowing vibrant color. [Eason, 72, 84] Carnelian is traditionally worn to enhance passion, love, and desire.