For just a moment, close your eyes and imagine that you are in subtly caressing waters, with the ability to breathe safely underwater. Gliding through the water you take in its grandiose beauty of vegetation and creatures; you feel rejuvenated. You find comfort in the water as it flows like satin around your body, while swimming. You take the time to notice your environment while watching the illustrious impressions of creative life within the deep blue. Becoming more curious, you dive even further within, when spying a throbbing warm glow winking at you from a distance. As you reach the bottom, you notice a mollusk serving its purpose as it contains that which you spy. You swim nearer. There before you lies a most suave and stunning color of pearl. And you reach for your treasure.
Pearls According to the Ancients
The ancients believed that pearls were actually teardrops of the moon that had fallen from the heavens and into the seas, while being simply eaten by oysters. Ancient Greeks honored pearls because they had the ability to convey feelings of love; they then made them useful during their wedding celebrations. The ancient Romans also enjoyed the mysteries of pearl as being symbolic of prominence and prosperity, while the rich among them banned those less fortunate from being able to own pearls. They actually upholstered their furniture and beaded their clothing with pearls, so much so that when wearing their gowns of pearl, they tread upon them in the hems.
In the ancient past, various cultures have made use of pearls for medicinal purposes. These uses may vary from restoring health to use as aphrodisiacs. Pulverized pearls are included in ointments, tonics or balms for their therapeutic properties. Pearls of low quality are ground into a fine powder to this day and are useful as pharmaceutical calcium of very high quality. Amazingly versatile, pearls are an effective and influential crystal from the deep.
Pearl - a Natural Element
A pearl is actually a form of seashell, rather than an actual crystal, however it is mineral, and has its own healing and enchanting correspondences and properties. Pearls are the result of a naturally-introduced irritant of a shellfish or mollusk. After introduction of the irritant, the mollusk begins the natural process of protecting itself from objects, which are foreign, by covering them with nacre, the same substance which creates their shell; eventually this forms a pearl. The process is somewhat similar to having your eye mat over an eyelash when irritated.
There are two classifications of pearls: saltwater pearls, that are produced by oysters within the protected area of lagoons; and freshwater pearls, that grown in lakes, ponds, rivers and creeks. Pearls come in an array of beautiful colors including white, gray, black, bluish gray, yellow-white and pink-white. They are symbolic of purity, love and sincerity.
Legendary Metaphysical Properties of Pearls
Pearls are said to aid in meeting and overcoming various obstacles, while absorbing negative vibrations and energies; they are protective, yet they are also very soothing. They encourage loyalty, truth and honor as well as aiding in developing personal integrity and physical strength. They are useful for guarding off infections and irritability, as well as being beneficial to the digestive system. They transmit vibrations, which attract, wisdom, love and prosperity, while also aiding in balancing the emotions. They increase fertility as well as clarity of focus, and have an overall healing quality about them. They are useful for opening and balancing the heart chakra and have an affinity for those born under the astrological signs of Cancer and Gemini; and are the birthstone for those born in June.
A crystal elixir of Pearl has the ability to awaken our feelings of compassion, while releasing and easing our frustrations and inflexibility, by turning any resentment into acceptance and awareness.
© 2009 Sara Valor
