Carnelian Meaning, Properties, and Use Cases
Posted by GR0
Have you been feeling like your life is lacking something? Have you noticed that your enthusiasm for things that you used to be excited about has been missing in action? Are you just looking for a boost of passion and self-confidence?
Carnelian can bring all that and more if you know how to harness its fire and channel it appropriately. Chiji believes everyone deserves to live life to its fullest, no matter what that looks like to you.
What Is Carnelian?
On a geological level, carnelian is a type of chalcedony, which is a hybrid made out of quartz and another mineral known as moganite. It comes mainly in red, orange, and reddish-brown and can be either translucent or semi-opaque.
The color of the stone comes from the amount of iron in each piece, and the deeper the color is, the more that iron has been oxidized. It’s possible that the name was originally adapted from the Latin word for flesh - “carnal” - which describes its unique color.
Much of the carnelian out there comes from India, but it can also be frequently found in Brazil, Egypt, Madagascar, and Uruguay.
Carnelian’s Important Connections
Just like any other stone, carnelian has fascinating associations that it is most closely related to. That’s not to say that you can’t use carnelian in any way that it calls to you, but it can be most powerful when combined with any of the following:
- Carnelian is the official birthstone of those born in July, whether they are Leos or Virgos (although it is typically more related to Leos due to its color). In addition, carnelian may also resonate more deeply with those born under the sun sign of Taurus or Cancer.
- Fire is the element most closely related to carnelian, which is obvious due to its color.
- If you believe in the power of vibrational numbers (numbers that revealed by adding together the month and day of your birth), carnelian is thought to vibrate at a five or a six.
- Carnelian is the official gemstone for people celebrating their 17th anniversary.
- While there are many stones out there directed with queens and royalty in general, like lapis lazuli, carnelian is more closely related to kings.
- Mentions of carnelian can be traced as far back as the Bible, both in the book of Revelations and in the breastplate of Aaron, the older brother of Moses.
- The ancient Egyptians often wore carnelian, as it was thought to add vitality and give a more potent life force to the wearer.
Carnelian and the Chakras
Specifically, carnelian is strongly related to the second chakra, which is located just underneath the navel. Known more commonly as the sacral chakra (or Svadhisthana, its official name), this energy center relates to your sense of sexuality, sensuality, and pleasure drive.
The sacral chakra is also related to the color orange, which is what makes carnelian such a great stone to use to help unblock and amplify it. With a more clear sacral chakra, you’ll be able to experience more intimacy (both physically and emotionally). You’ll also be able to open yourself up to passion of any variety, which can extend to creativity, your job, or anything else you may be passionate about.
Carnelian can also help to open up the root chakra.
To focus your intentions on either the root or the sacral chakra so that you can help it to open up, you can use a form of mindfulness meditation. Chakra meditation focuses specifically on an individual chakra instead of promoting an awareness of the entire body.
How to Perform a Chakra Meditation with Carnelian
To perform chakra meditation using carnelian, start by finding a quiet place where you are the least likely to be disturbed. You’ll also want to make sure that you have enough time to be able to focus without interruption, which is the best way to really focus your intention and do as much good as you can. And finally, you’ll want a comfortable space where you can lay down fully on your back.
Once you’re in position, settled, and comfortable, place your piece of carnelian over the chakra you’re working with (either just below your navel for the sacral chakra or above your pubic bone if working with the root chakra). Then, simply close your eyes and direct your focus and attention to that area. If you sense any blockages or fog surrounding that chakra, envision it crumbling or blowing away and leaving behind a glowing, warm disc of light and energy. Take as little or as long as it feels helpful to you before getting up.
What Is Carnelian Good For?
As with any stone, carnelian is best when you use it for whatever feels “right” to you. If you hold a piece of stone in your hand and focus on it, the properties that resonate with you the most are the ones that will come up strongly to the surface. However, if you’re hoping to use carnelian for a specific purpose, there are a few qualities that the stone can bring out and enhance the most.
Carnelian and Fertility
In addition to helping with sexuality in general, carnelian is a great stone for anyone who is hoping to increase their fertility. It is thought to do that in a few different ways. Some people believe that carnelian can work on the body on a physical level, literally helping to increase blood flow to the reproductive organs.
It may also help increase the intimacy you feel with your partner, which can make the act of getting pregnant a lot more fun. Keep a piece of carnelian next to your bed to support both.
Carnelian and Courage
There is a reason that carnelian relates so strongly to the sun sign of Leo. Is there any animal that you associate with courage any more than the strong, powerful, brave lion? When you use carnelian, you can channel that same energy into your own life.
In fact, carnelian may have even been used by ancient royals because many people believe that it literally was able to strengthen the blood. When you’re able to create your own sense of courage when you need it, you’ll be able to accomplish things that you may have previously thought impossible.
Carnelian and Creativity
Carnelian is also occasionally referred to as the “artist” stone because it is well-known for being able to increase creativity even in non-artistically inclined people. Not only is it great for being able to enhance your ability to express yourself, no matter what your medium may be, carnelian is also able to boost your self-confidence.
When you feel freer to create whatever your heart is inspiring you toward and confident enough to do it without second-guessing yourself, your art won’t ever be the same. It gives you just the push that you need to really achieve personal greatness without fear of judgment.
How to Incorporate Carnelian Into Your Life
If you don’t have a specific reason for using carnelian, but you’re attracted to the idea of the properties that it stands for, that’s ok! You don’t have to have a need for the stone for it to work its magic on your life. There are a few ways that you can work with it in a more general way.
For an easy reminder to be brave and courageous, no matter what you may be facing, put a piece of carnelian in a noticeable place in your home or office. That way, every time you see it, it can serve as an easy, obvious reminder that you’re stronger than you may think you are.
If you’re looking for a little more direct interaction, use it and one of our Crystal Energy Candles the next time you do self-care. The very concept of self-care is a radical acceptance of self and a reminder that you’re important enough to spend time and energy on.
Try it during a bath or during mindfulness meditation. You’ll unconsciously be able to soak up all of the carnelian’s beneficial properties without having to do anything other than taking care of your own needs. Trust us… it’s a breath of fresh air, and you deserve it.
In Summary
Carnelian is great for people who are hoping to attract creativity, courage, passion, and self-confidence into their lives. The fiery red color of the stone is only a small indication of the power that is inside. However, that power was there all along… all carnelian does it help to bring it out a little more strongly.
Whether you use carnelian with one of our Crystal Energy Candle and Crystal Energy Room & Body Mist or by meditating with it on its own to help open up your root or sacral chakras, the stone will never let you down as long as you believe in yourself.
Sources:
Carnelian Value, Price, and Jewelry Information | International Gem Society
Mindfulness Definition : What Is Mindfulness | Berkeley College
