Opal - amplification, hope, and purity

The name of this colorful October birthstone is thought to have derived in India, which is also from whence the first opals came to the Western world. In Sanskrit it was known as upala, meaning “precious stone.” In early Rome, it was called opalus. The most valuable opals are those displaying a kaleidoscopic rainbow of colors—which is known as “play-of-color.”

A Brief History

The opal’s extraordinary play-of-color has moved writers to liken it to July 4th fireworks and the Milky Way. At one time Middle-Eastern Bedouins claimed opals were made of lightening and was disguised as rain during thundershowers. Ancient Greeks thought opals awarded the gift of prophesy and could provide humans with immunity to deadly diseases.

Legend tells us that the opal will transform its wearer invisible if draped in a bay leaf—the opal, not it’s wearer.

In the Middle Ages, blonde women carried opals with the hopes of preserving the color of their fair tresses—and warding off black roots.

Also during the Middle Ages, it was believed that the October birthstone would bestow wealth, happiness and good fortune upon its wearer. Sadly, that myth was debunked in around 1820. It happened that an article was printed about a bewitching princess who owned a chameleon-like opal pendant that shade-shifted along with her moods. One day, a priest came to “save” the princess from the evil opal and when he sprinkled holy water on the stone its magic abilities were immediately snuffed-out. So was the princess, who died moments later.

Fortunately, the opal’s popularity was rekindled when a group of Australian miners uncovered massive amounts of opal sediments.  Soon, the country was supplying 96% of the world’s demand for fiery opals.

The Birthstone

When we are born, each of the elements of the universe are aligned in particular configurations. Since everything is connected, (as it is above so it is below) the stars and planets are situated in ways that will have both positive and negative influences on our lives. 

Integral in these constellations and formations is a distinctive set of stimuli and characteristics. As humans we have free will, therefore, we can choose to go with the flow and roll with the punches throughout our lifetimes, or we can learn to understand the stimuli and how it operates, and then try to appropriately adjust our reactions to them.

In short, we have a choice: either accept it, or change it.

Our birthstones have been with us since Day One. They understand us, know what makes us tick, and are aware of our individual aspirations. As such, our birthstones can be like a lucky charm or talisman for us, should we decide to carry our birthstone in our purse or pocket, or wear it as a piece of jewelry. They also have the ability to clear negative karma we may have accumulated from past transmigrations, thus allowing us an easier, more pleasant experience in life this time around. 

What an Opal Birthstone Means for You

In addition to the fabulous play-of-color the stone offers, opals can also inspire:

• Fidelity
• Self-reliance
• Stability
• Insight
• Creativity
• Clairvoyance
• Empathy
• Healing
• Zest for life

Opals are good for the memory and diminishes suicidal tendencies and thoughts of self-harm. They have been known to remedy infections and reduce high fevers, purify the blood and regulate insulin. This amazing gemstone facilitates reduces labor pains and can relieve the symptoms of PMS.