The name Carnelian is a modern variation on the name Cornelian, which comes from the Latin cornum, referring to cornelian cherries, a red berry which the stone resembles. During the 15th century, the name Cornelian was incorrectly believed to have originated from the Latin carneolus, meaning flesh. As a result, Cornelian was renamed Carnelian.  Carnelian ranges in color from orange/red to rust and brown. It can be solid in color or on occasion it will be banded with white or the other colors to produce very unique patterns. Carnelian is also an alternate birthstone for May.

Carnelian can be found in several Canadian locations including near Lake Superior, British Columbia and others as well as several locations, worldwide including Brazil and Africa.

HEALING PROPERTIES

Carnelian is a highly protective stone that cleanses the energy of everything that it encounters.  Also a stabilizing stone, Carnelian restores vitality and motivation and stimulates creativity.  It gives courage, promotes positive life choices, dispels apathy and motivates for success.  Carnelian is a crystal of action, overcoming procrastination or indecision. It encourages one to stop waiting for dreams to appear and stimulates the courage to embrace change and begin to make your highest goals happen.

Carnelian encourages acceptance of the cycle of life and helps remove the fear of death. As an ancient stone, it was used to protect the dead on their journey to the afterlife.   This vibrant, grounding stone provides courage and motivation, encouraging wearers to live with passion, vitality, and a positive outlook on life and its inevitable transitions.  As a grounding and stabilizing stone, Carnelian anchors you in the present moment, helping you to appreciate life as it is rather than fearing the future.

Carnelian gives courage and promotes positive life choices. Carnelian helps us embrace change and be truly open to positive transformations in ourselves and in our lives. Carnelian is said to attract prosperity, new resources, and good luck. It is a talisman for success in any money-making venture. In the workplace, it is a crystal of ambition, drive and determination, and wards off undue pressures. Carnelian improves analytic abilities and clarifies perception.  It sharpens concentration and dispels mental lethargy.  Protects against envy, rage and resentment.

Carnelian encourages an awareness of the connection between the emotional state and the inner condition of the self. It promotes a spiritual energy conducive to awakening one’s talents and perceptions of surroundings, and for offering love in return for love. Carnelian especially encourages love between parents and children, and between partners. Carnelian may help in rekindle passions that might have faded in an otherwise loving relationship. Carnelian has a soothing and warm grounding energy that makes us feel safe and loved.

Carnelian helps to heal emotional trauma caused by abuse and to help us be willing to be vulnerable again with people who are good and kind.  Carnelian aids in overcoming abuse of any kind.  It helps in trusting yourself and your perceptions.  It overcomes negative conditioning and encourages strength and steadfastness.  Calms anger, banishes emotional negativity and replaces it with a love of life. Carnelian is known as a stone of prosperity, luck and even love.

HISTORY

Carnelian has been used since ancient times for its healing properties. The first uses of Carnelian are noted around 2700 years BC. It is included in virtually every known lapidary, texts which describe gemstones and their powers. Some of the most ancient traditions concerning Carnelian date back to the very dawn of human civilization and probably originated long before that.  It was believed to give its wearer courage in battle, often seen along with other Agates on the breastplates of armor. It was also used to help timid speakers become bold. The name of Carnelian comes from the Latin word meaning ‘flesh’ which perhaps speaks to its reminder that we are flesh and blood and we should make the most of the here and now.

In ancient Egypt, the stone was used by the goddess Isis. In fact, she accompanied the dead in their passage into the afterlife. Egyptians wore carnelian jewelry on their bodies as a source of constant renewal and vitality.  It was a protective ornament for the pharaohs. Carnelian evokes the sunrise and sunset named the Sunset Stone it was named so by the Ancient Egyptians who marveled at the collection of fiery hues simmering in shades of burnt orange and pale pink. Spiritually, the sun god is the most important god in ancient Egypt. In addition to being an ornament for royal jewelry, it is found on frescoes and in Egyptian medicine. From then on, it is used for natural curative purposes. The 29th chapter of the Book of the Dead was engraved on Carnelian, as were many of the body amulets, asking for Isis and other gods to assure safe passage in their afterlife.

During the Japanese Iron Age (300 A.D.) the deceased were found with Carnelian amulets around their necks. Both Napoleon I and II wore a seal of Carnelian during their ruling. Furthermore, the prophet Muhammed was said to have worn a ring of Carnelian on the little finger of his right hand. Great leaders and Kings saw the true power within Carnelian and used this stone to channel their strongest ideas.

In today’s day in age, it is used much less in the field of art and creation. In full capacity, it is used more for its multiple physical and psychological virtues. It is widely recognized for its protective power.  Many indigenous tribes still follow traditions concerning Carnelian, traditions which likely date back to time immemorial. Among the Aboriginals of South West Australia, Carnelian beads are worn by men to cure all sickness. The Zulus of South Africa likewise claim that a man wearing Carnelian beads cannot be harmed by a falling house or wall. A similar belief about harm is echoed in both Native American traditions as well as in European lore.

CHAKRAS

Carnelian is attributed to the Sacral chakra, as well as the Root and Solar Plexus chakras. Using Carnelian creates a connection between these chakras and enables energy to move freely which can help balance and unblock them, thus promoting overall well-being and spiritual growth. Understanding the connections between the Carnelian and these chakras can enhance the healing which you are gaining the benefits of from this powerful gemstone.

The Sacral Chakra represents creativity, emotional expression, sensuality, and pleasure. The link between the Carnelian and the Solar Plexus Chakra highlights personal power and confidence. Utilizing carnelian to align this chakra can help individuals discover and embrace their self-confidence, allowing them to face challenges with determination and resilience.  A person whose Sacral Chakra is well-balanced is able to connect with their emotions, enjoy the pleasures of life, and pursue their passions.  Connecting Carnelian to the Sacral Chakra emphasizes creativity and sensuality. Carnelian helps clear the blockages in the Sacral chakra and allows free flow of energy. This promotes emotional release and improves the ability to embrace joy, passion, and healthy relationships.  This powerful stone can boost passion in your relationships and foster deep emotional connections, making it an ideal choice for those seeking to enhance their creative and sensual experiences in life.  Carnelian is known to be a powerful stone that can help bring out the creative spirit.

Carnelian’s relationship with the Root chakra focuses on grounding and stability. It aids in controlling the energy for kinesthetic feeling and movement. The Root chakra is the foundation of physical and spiritual energy for the body.  When you are your Root chakra is out of balance the symptoms will manifest themselves as lethargy, low levels of activity, low enthusiasm, and a need for constant stimulation.  Aligning the Root Chakra with Carnelian can result in the physical body regaining its strength and stamina, and spiritual energy is rekindled in the form of security and a sense of one’s own power.  This grounding effect helps to create a strong foundation for spiritual energy, growth and healing.

The Sacral Chakra is where our passion, intimacy, and the inner fire sits. It is the center of the Life Force of the body and controls the flow of information from the body to the mind and from the mind to the body.  Gut feelings, intuition, and other “non-linear” communication come from this chakra. When it is out of balance the symptoms will manifest themselves as confusion, over dependency on others, repression of feelings, inability to feel joy, fear of sensuality or sex, and frustration. When it is in balance you have grace, feel pleasure in life, find you are flexible, and can “go with the flow” and do so in good spirit. Carnelian awakens your zest for life, letting the energy flow through from the ground to the naval it aids in the control of the flow of energy in your body.

CLEANSING AND CHARGING

Proper care and maintenance of your Carnelian is essential to ensure longevity and effectiveness. By cleaning, charging, and storing your stones correctly, you can preserve their powerful healing properties and continue benefiting from their energy for years to come.

The best method for cleansing Carnelian involves using warm soapy water and a soft brush, always ensuring to rinse it thoroughly afterward and pat it dry with a soft cloth.  It’s important to avoid using harsh chemicals and abrasive materials, as these can damage the stone and diminish its healing properties.

Charging your carnelian helps to restore its energy and intensify its healing capabilities, allowing you to maximize its benefits during use.

Carnelian can be charged by placing it outside under the gentle light of a full moon overnight to cleanse and rejuvenate it.  Briefly exposing it to morning or late afternoon sunlight will renew its fiery energy as it aligns with the sun. However, prolonged exposure to bright midday sun can cause its color to fade.

As Mother Earth heals all, burying it in soil will draw all the negative energy it has absorbed and make it ready to support you once again.  You can cleanse and charge it also using other crystals such as Selenite or Clear Quartz.  Place your carnelian alongside clusters of Selenite or Clear Quartz to purify and refresh its energy