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| Crystal That Represented The Agathos Daimon In My Freeport, IL Apartment In 2013 (Dioptase). |
Derived from the ancient Greek word krustallos, I've always loved crystals, ever since childhood, although my interaction with them on a religious and spiritual nature has decreased over the years.
I remember when my middle school and high school science class would inspect ancient rocks and stones, and an astonishing peace and endless intrigue would fill me, and still does. I'd probably be very happy in a geological career but I must consider financial practicality. While crystal and gem usage is not a specific practice in Hellenism today, they are able to be adopted, as they are very common objects.
They are of the Earth's wealth and beauty, which are ruled over and given by the Gods. It would therefore be nonsense to think they cannot be reasonably adopted to our prosperity and protection, especially when said usage can be specifically directed toward an element or Deity of Greek religion. In those respects, they're really no different than Cult Objects or relics, which were religious practices well known to the ancient Greeks.
One of my favorites is the Rose Quartz. Now each practitioner will probably give you a different answer as to what specific crystals can be for, but the Rose is generally acquired for increased spirituality and calmness. For the Greek practitioner who is deeply religious in everything they do in life, and for someone who additionally may battle depression or anxiety issues, this stone is wonderful to just hold in hand or keep on you generally. Sometimes I would sit at my desk in quiet, light a candle the same color as the crystal, close it in my hand, and slightly meditate.
The ultimate goal is to let the good and positive energy of the object release, fill and surround you. If you have a really good one, you may not even need to use any mental abilities. If you want to add to the stone's power, you can petition Gods who are likely to have connection to it, such as Demeter or Eirene for peace, and during an elevated sense of things in any case, you may be able to better attune with Gods generally.
Another that is my personal favorite is Dioptase. As you can see in the picture above, I first used it back in 2013 to invoke the Agathos Daimon (Good Spirit), mainly because of its color, and both it and the Agathos are Chthonic. So in that purpose, it helped bring Him into my home and family's life. The crystal itself also generally gives someone a clear mind, and a well rounded, positive understanding of their life. It's wonderful for someone who suffers from bipolar or confidence issues.
In finishing this section, I have included a list of The Olympian Gods and the crystals associated with them. The thing to remember, however, is that like a Greek God, a crystal or gem can encompass a number of epithets. It may therefore not be possible to say that one kind is only meant for one God. For example, Tiger's Eye, Lapis Lazuli and Agate could all be relevant to Athena for their protection and mental advancement.
Zeus ~ Labradorite
Hera ~ Sapphire
Aphrodite ~ Smoky Quartz
Poseidon ~ Larimar
Demeter ~ Malachite
Artemis ~ Tree Agate or Moonstone
Apollon ~ Amber
Athena ~ Auralite 23
Hephaistos ~ Opal
Ares ~ Carnelian
Hermes ~ Citrine
Dionysos ~ Jade
In the Goodness of the Gods,
I'll see you at the next Herm down the road,
Chris Aldridge.