130 MYSTICISM AND MEDICINE
Mysticism and medicine
S
ince ancient times, gemstones have been regarded as talismans, warding off
the evil eye and protecting the wearer from illness. Medieval alchemists ascribed
curative properties to gems, and rich patients were given powdered stones as
medicine. New Age practitioners today believe that crystals have healing powers when
placed against the body – although there is no medical evidence for this.Diamond
The Greeks believed that diamonds
were the tears of the gods, the Romans
that they were splinters of fallen stars.Ruby
In ancient lore, rubies were
thought to be petrified drops of
the blood of dragons.Pearl
Pearls are still used in medicine,
ground to a powder and used as
pharmaceutical calcium.Bloodstone
Medieval legend holds that
bloodstone was formed when drops
of Christ’s blood fell on the ground.Blue sapphire
Ancient Egyptians used blue
sapphire as an antidote to poison
and to treat eye problems.Yellow sapphire
Yellow sapphire is said to energize
relationships and strengthen the
wearer’s inner will.Hematite
A popular ancient belief stated
that hematite formed on
battlefields where soldiers’
blood had been spilled.130-131_FEA_Mysticism_medicine.indd 130 19/05/2016 14:44