Understanding Lapis Lazuli: Its Healing Properties, Meaning, and Uses

Historical Significance of Lapis Lazuli

The historical tapestry of lapis lazuli is rich and interwoven with tales of power, spirituality, and artistic expression. Its deep, celestial blue has symbolized truth and wisdom, adorning the headdresses of pharaohs and encrusting the burial mask of Tutankhamun. In the realm of art, the ultramarine pigment derived from lapis lazuli was once considered more precious than gold, gracing the canvases of renowned artists like Michelangelo and Vermeer, thereby immortalizing the stone’s legacy through epochs of visual storytelling.

The Mystical Appearance of Lapis Lazuli

Description of Physical Characteristics

Lapis Lazuli, a gemstone with an ethereal palette of celestial blue, invites onlookers into its depth with its mesmerizing hue and golden speckles of pyrite, often likened to a starry night. This vibrant blue mineral rock is not a single mineral but a combination, primarily composed of lazurite, calcite, and pyrite. The intense blue color, often flecked with white calcite and brassy pyrite, has been a symbol of honor, power, spirit, and vision. Its physical allure is undeniable, providing aesthetic value that has been sought after through millennia.

Symbolism and Historical Uses in Art and Jewelry

Lapis Lazuli’s rich, cobalt blue hue has permeated artistic and cultural endeavors, symbolizing royalty, divinity, and wisdom. The stone has been meticulously crafted into jewelry, amulets, and even burial ornaments for Egyptian pharaohs. In the realm of art, lapis was ground into the esteemed ultramarine pigment, a color reserved for illustrating the robes of the Virgin Mary and other significant religious figures during the Renaissance. This vibrant pigment was not only a display of artistic finesse but also a symbol of devotion and spiritual elevation.

Where is Lapis Lazuli Found?

The legacy of lapis lazuli is also embedded in its geographical roots. Predominantly sourced from the mines of Afghanistan, notably the Sar-e-sang mines, which have been in operation for over 7,000 years, lapis lazuli also finds its origins in Russia, Chile, Italy, Mongolia, the United States, and Canada. Each geographical source bestows upon its lapis a unique signature, varying slightly in color, texture, and mineral composition, thereby weaving a tapestry of global interconnectedness through the veins of this azure stone.

What are the Benefits and Healing Properties of Lapis Lazuli?

Symbolism and Spiritual Meaning

Lapis Lazuli, often hailed as the 'Stone of Wisdom and Truth,' has been a symbol of honor, power, and spirit throughout various cultures and epochs. Its deep blue hue is emblematic of the celestial sphere, symbolizing the universe's infinite soul and spiritual enlightenment. In metaphysical realms, lapis lazuli is revered for its ability to foster spiritual activation, enhance intuitive abilities, and stimulate the pursuit of enlightenment and truth.

Healing Properties

Emotional Healing

Lapis Lazuli, often referred to as the stone of wisdom and truth, has been cherished throughout history for its profound connection to emotional well-being. Its deep, celestial blue remains a symbol of royalty and honor, gods and power, spirit and vision. It is a universal symbol of wisdom and truth, which inherently connects to its emotional healing properties.

Stress Alleviation: The stone is reputed to dispel stress, ensuring a calm and contemplative mental state. Its energy is said to offer a soothing, peaceful vibe that helps to quell anxiety and nervousness.

Self-Discovery: Lapis Lazuli encourages self-awareness and self-expression without holding back or compromising. It assists in revealing one’s own inner truths and promotes self-acceptance, creating a pathway toward healing and reducing internal conflict.

Harmony in Relationships: By promoting honesty, compassion, and morality in interactions, it facilitates smoother communication and understanding in relationships, fostering harmony and reducing friction.

Spiritual Healing

Lapis Lazuli is not merely a stone; it is a bridge to the divine, offering a sacred connection to the spiritual realm. Its rich blue hue is symbolic of the spiritual sky, providing a pathway for the soul to ascend.

Spiritual Awareness: The stone is believed to awaken the third eye, enhancing intellectual ability and sharpening intuition. It is said to illuminate the mind, providing clarity and aiding in the exploration and discovery of spiritual purpose.

Psychic Abilities: For those who seek to explore their psychic abilities, Lapis Lazuli is said to act as a key, unlocking latent psychic potential and enhancing abilities such as clairvoyance and telepathy.

Aura Protection: Lapis Lazuli is also renowned for its protective properties. It is believed to shield the wearer’s aura from negative energies, providing a safeguard against psychic attacks and energy vampires

Spiritual Growth: By facilitating a deeper understanding of oneself and encouraging self-awareness, Lapis Lazuli aids in spiritual development, guiding the soul towards enlightenment and ascension.

In both emotional and spiritual healing, Lapis Lazuli serves as a guide, illuminating the path to self-discovery and spiritual enlightenment with its gentle, yet powerful energies. It is a stone that has been revered across civilizations, and its timeless connection to the emotional and spiritual realms continues to be celebrated in the modern era.

How to Use Lapis Lazuli for Healing

Meditation and Mindfulness Practices

Lapis Lazuli, with its tranquil blue hues, is a potent tool in meditation and mindfulness practices. Its calming energies can assist in deepening your meditative state, enhancing focus, and facilitating a peaceful spiritual journey.

• Guided Visualization: Use lapis lazuli as a focal point for guided visualizations, enhancing mental clarity and spiritual insight.
• Mindfulness Meditation: Hold or gaze upon the stone during mindfulness exercises to harness its serene vibrations. Lapis spheres are a great tool that can be used effectively for this specific application.
• Deepening Meditation: Lapis Lazuli can be utilized to deepen meditation practices, assisting in transcending the mundane to explore higher planes of consciousness, and facilitating a serene journey through the spiritual realms.
  

Using Lapis Lazuli in Reiki and Energy Work

In energy healing practices like Reiki, lapis lazuli can be utilized to balance the Third Eye Chakra, promoting intuition, spiritual awareness, and psychic abilities.

• Chakra Balancing: Place lapis lazuli on the forehead during healing sessions to align and activate the Third Eye Chakra. 
• Energy Grids: Incorporate lapis lazuli into energy grids to amplify its healing vibrations.
• Enhancing Healing: Utilize lapis lazuli to enhance the healing energies during Reiki sessions, allowing its vibrations to augment the flow of life force energy and promote a deeper healing experience for the recipient.
  
  

Creating a Healing Space with Lapis Lazuli

Lapis Lazuli can be integrated into your living or workspace to promote a harmonious and tranquil environment.

• Home Decor: Place lapis lazuli artifacts or raw stones in strategic areas to enhance tranquility and harmony. 
• Crystal Altars: Include lapis lazuli in your crystal altar to amplify spiritual growth and enlightenment.
• Energy Purification: Lapis Lazuli can be used to purify the energy in a space, absorbing and neutralizing negative energies, and fostering a peaceful and uplifting environment conducive to healing and tranquility.
  

Wearing Lapis Lazuli for Personal Healing

Adorning yourself with lapis lazuli jewelry allows you to tap into its healing energies throughout the day.

• Jewelry Selection: Choose lapis lazuli pendants, bracelets, or earrings that resonate with you.
• Intention Setting: Before wearing, set specific intentions for your lapis lazuli jewelry to amplify its healing properties.
  
• Energetic Shield: Wearing lapis lazuli can serve as an energetic shield, protecting the wearer from external negative energies and ensuring that their own energy field remains balanced and vibrant throughout the day.
  

Dream Work

Placing Lapis Lazuli under one's pillow or by the bedside is believed to promote peaceful dreams and insights. It can also assist in preventing nightmares or night disturbances.

How to Cleanse and Charge Lapis Lazuli 

Moonlight Cleanse: Place your Lapis under the moonlight, especially during a full moon. The gentle energy of the moon helps to cleanse and recharge the stone, ensuring it’s refreshed and full of vitality.

Sacred Herb Cleansing: Using sacred herbs like sage or palo santo, pass your Lapis through the smoke. This ancient ritual purifies crystals and dispels any negativity they might have absorbed.

Sound Cleansing: Using a singing bowl, gong, or even a simple bell can create vibrations that will help cleanse Lapis Lazuli. The sound frequencies emanating from these instruments reset the crystal's energy.

Natural Water: Gently rinse your stone under cool running water. This not only physically cleanses but also energetically purifies the stone. Remember to pat dry thoroughly. 

Earth Burying: For a deep energetic cleanse, bury your gemstone in the earth for a day or two. Earth's natural energies will dispel any negative energies and recharge the crystal. 

Crystal Clusters: Placing Lapis on or near a clear quartz cluster or selenite helps to cleanse and charge it, as these stones emit a purifying energy. 

After cleansing, set your intention with the stone. Hold it in your hands, close your eyes, and focus on what you want the crystal to aid you with. This process "programs" the Lapis with your intentions and amplifies its healing properties tailored to your needs. Regular care ensures that your crystal remains a potent tool and companion on your spiritual and emotional journey.

Final Thoughts

In our exploration of Lapis Lazuli, we've traversed through its rich, celestial hues, delved into its historical and cultural significance, and explored its reputed healing properties. From the ancient tombs of Egypt to the vibrant canvases of Renaissance painters, and into the modern practices of crystal healers and spiritual seekers, Lapis Lazuli has woven a tapestry of mystical allure and practical application through the ages.

References/Further Reading

• Simmons, Robert, and Ahsian, Naisha. The Book of Stones: Who They Are and What They Teach. North Atlantic Books, 2007.

• Hall, Judy. The Crystal Bible: A Definitive Guide to Crystals. Godsfield Press, 2003.

• Permutt, Philip. The Complete Guide to Crystal Chakra Healing. CICO Books, 2009.

• Raven, Hazel. Angel Bible: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Angels. Sterling Publishing, 2008.

• Cunningham, Scott. Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic. Llewellyn Publications, 2002.

• Pellant, Chris. Eyewitness: Crystal & Gem. DK Children, 2004.

• Ashworth, Sue, and Lilly, Simon. The Essential Guide to Crystals. Sterling, 2006. 
  
  
• Gem Society, https://www.gemsociety.org. 
  
  
• Fisher, Cally. The Energy of Earth's Treasures. New Age Publications, 2010.

Disclaimer:  Please consult a healthcare professional for any medical advice. The information in this article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or condition.