Obsidian Meaning: Metaphysical & Healing Properties

 Obsidian is molten lava that cooled very quickly with no time to crystalize. This accounts for its metallic sheen and the smoothness of its surfaces.

Generic Properties of Obsidian

Obsidian is known as a stone of no boundaries or limitations. It works rapidly, with great power and nothing can be hidden from Obsidian. It has truth-enhancing qualities and its ability to reflect anything it comes into contact with makes it a merciless exposer of lies, deceit and duplicity, including the deceit and denial we may practice on ourselves.

However, precisely because of this quality, Obsidian is a marvelous tool for self-development and growth. It teaches us how to ameliorate any self-destructive or disempowering habits and tendencies we may have absorbed, and also helps us to undo the effects of conditioning we have received from society, parents, and other significant figures of authority in our early lives.

Varieties of Obsidian

Black Obsidian Meaning

Black Obsidian impels us to grow and offers support as we do so. It is the most common form of Obsidian and is widely available.

Spiritually, Black Obsidian is said to be a deep soul healer, brining about cathartic revelations that can have powerful therapeutic benefits when used in the hands of an experienced healer. Its vibrations are strong, and can be overwhelming to some people, so you may want to have other crystals at hand to support the process if you undergo healing of this kind.

Black Obsidian is said to form an extremely effective shield against negativity. It can be used to form a grounding cord or anchor from the Base chakra down through the Earth and into your Earth Star chakra. This chakra lies between your feet, about 12 cm below your body. The Earth Star chakra governs our destiny and, when we learn how to read it, gives us the advice and guidance we need in order to take the right path at any given time.

The protective nature of Black Obsidian can be helpful to highly sensitive people, as it is said to block psychic attack and to remove negative spiritual influences.

A large piece of Obsidian can be used to cleanse the atmosphere of electromagnetic smog and block geopathic stress. If you work in a large office, with many electronic devices and artificial light, you may find that you become fatigued and lethargic despite having enough sleep. Try keeping a piece of Obsidian near to you as you work. Many people say that it is good for “sick building” syndrome.

Placing Back Obsidian by the bed or under the pillow may help to draw out mental stress and tension and may have a calming effect. On the other hand, because of its powerful abilities to uncover the truth, this stone may also bring the causes of stress and tension to the forefront of your mind, so you might want to use it during daylight hours when you can confront the reasons for your stress and take steps to remove them so that peace can return.

Psychologically, Black Obsidian helps you to know who you truly are. It can bring out your shadow side and help to integrate it into your energy field. As it also teaches compassion and mental resilience this process is always beneficial in the long run, helping you to accept all aspects of yourself and to take steps to rectify any self-destructive behavior.

Rainbow Obsidian Meaning

This variety of Obsidian is one of the gentler ones, but it nevertheless has strong protective qualities. It also has a high spiritual vibration that teaches us about our connection to the world of cosmic consciousness and the importance of our place in the world, and indeed the Universe.

Rainbow Obsidian can be used for “cord cutting” exercises as it releases old loves and removes the energies of outmoded and outdated relationships from the aura. It gently dissolves the hooks that have attached to the Heart and the Solar Plexus through the neediness or controlling behavior of others and replenishes the Heart energy.

When worn as a pendant, Rainbow Obsidian is said to protect the Heart chakra, absorb negative energies from the aura and draw off stress from the physical and emotional bodies.

Golden Obsidian Meaning

Golden Sheen Obsidian shows a gold glow when exposed to light at varying angles. The golden sheen results from tiny gas bubbles trapped within during cooling process. 

This stone is often used for scrying and divination. It is believed to take you deep into the future and the past, paying no heed to our conventional notions of time, and to uncover the core of a problem. It is also used to show what is needed for healing, but other crystals will be needed to achieve the desired effects once golden Obsidian has revealed where the dis-ease is manifesting.

Golden Obsidian can be used in meditation and healing grids to resolve psychological problems and issues around depression, feelings of despair and futility or ego conflict.

Snowflake Obsidian Meaning

This crystal is striking in appearance and is very close in its metaphysical attributes to Black Obsidian. The white “snowflakes” in the stone are caused by inclusions of Cristobalite that formed as the lava cooled.

It is a popular choice for those looking for a piece of Obsidian to use as an ornament or focal point in a crystal collection, not only because it looks attractive, but also because it is believed to bring a sense of calm and tranquility to the environment.

As with all Obsidians, Snowflake Obsidian is a very grounding stone, aligned with the energies of the Base and Earth Star chakras. It helps you to feel centered and rooted to the Earth if you use it for this purpose in a chakra balance. It is also believed to purify and ground the etheric body, focusing the attention, and enhancing mental clarity. It can be used to balance the energies in a chaotic or stressful environment.

The balancing of black and white within Snowflake Obsidian is reminiscent of the Chinese Yin/Yang symbol and the stone is said to harmonize masculine and feminine energies within the energy body. Dark and light are both symbolized within this crystal, reminding us that there are always two sides to any situation and teaching us to use our discernment and empathy when faced with conflict or disagreement.

Snowflake Obsidian is believed to be a protective and shielding stone that can disperse the negative energies of co-workers, family members or other individuals who may be trying to bully or manipulate you. Wearing or holding a piece of the stone acts as a reminder that your truth is just as important and valid as anybody else’s. The healing properties of Snowflake Obsidian are said to extend to the psychological and mental bodies, encouraging a strong sense of self-worth and self-esteem and giving you the courage to stand up for yourself and others.

Tejas Beads carries a large selection of Obsidian Beads for handmade jewelry making. Whether you're seeking rainbow, golden, snowflake, or black obsidian we've got you covered.