According to legend, Perseus beheaded Medusa the Gorgon, the monstrous yet divine woman that had serpents on her head instead of flowing hair. When he left her head on the shore of the Red Sea, creatures like Pegasus emerged from the blood, and the red droplets turned into coral.
This myth proves that thousands of years ago this material was already known and appreciated by the gods. Here we analyze the true origins of coral, what its uses related to well-being are, and what zodiac signs are effectively protected by it.
Coral: meaning in gemology
The name 'coral' has Greek origins and means pebble or little stone. However, in reality, this is an invertebrate animal with a plant's appearance, and many other organisms also belong to this group.
So, in this case, we aren't really talking about a mineral, but rather an organic material that is used in jewellery (for necklaces, earrings, tiaras, etc.) and also in gem therapy. This is the exoskeleton of these animals that form groups while they are alive and then turn into branches upon death. Coral is made of calcium carbonate and carotene which are sediments that are collected and deposited by these animals.
It can be found in a wide variety of colours including red, pink, orange, blue, white, and darker tones from purple to black.
Coral has been used since ancient times, and remnants of coral dating back to the late Iron Age have been found. Tibetans and Indians considered this a sacred stone and a symbol of energy and life force. The Romans, in turn, made children wear this stone to protect them from injury.
Coral grows in warm seas at depths of between 50 and 150 meters in the Mediterranean, and up to 500 meters in Eastern seas. Currently, deposits exist in many places across the globe: the Mediterranean, Malaysia, Australia, and even Japan, just to name a few locations.
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Coral's healing properties and uses in gem therapy
Coral has been associated with many kinds of magical properties although these have changed throughout history and vary depending on the culture. In the Middle Ages, for example, it was said to keep you from being murdered and stop bleeding, besides serving as protection from evil spirits and storms.
This magic stone was also kept under pillows to get rid of nightmares and terrors. In the gem therapy of this period, it was also an aid for teething and to cure visual ailments. With that being said, coral is also known as an effective charm to cure the evil eye.
In traditional Chinese Medicine, coral is a known anti-carcinogenic agent, anti-inflammatory, and antibiotic.
Depending on the coral's colour, this stone is also given different powers. For example, red has purifying properties and others related to internal energy which means that it could be helpful for circulation. White strengthens teeth and black fights negative energy. Pink, on the other hand, promotes female fertility.
Besides coral's gem therapy uses, it's also important to note its applications in modern medicine. Now, this organism is used in bone reconstruction.
How do you clean coral?
Magic stones need to release all of their negative energy so that they can bring us all of their strength. In coral's case, some experts indicate that it does not have the memory to retain the bad vibes that it absorbs.
However, if you think that your magic stone has retained negative vibes, you can place it in a bag, preferably something airtight, and put it in the freezer for two hours. The cold allows the structure to shrink (although this can't be perceived visually) and all of the evil is then freed.
One piece of advice: if the coral you use as a charm falls and breaks, don't try to fix it. It is best to just replace it and put the broken fragments in the sea where they came from.
Coral and Chakras
Many magic stones affect the Chakras, and even though this one isn't a mineral, as we've explained, coral still has an affinity for the first chakra or the root chakra, which stimulates and bring balance.
This energetic point is located at the spine's base, and you can place it there (red coral, in this case), touching the skin, for a few minutes.
Coral also has a close connection with the third chakra, related to willpower, control, and coordination. This chakra is located at the solar plexus, and ideally, yellow coral should be placed on this area.
Which zodiac signs could benefit from coral?
Just like all charms, any person regardless of their zodiac sign can enjoy coral's powers. However, in this case, Pisces, Taurus, Scorpio, and Libra connect particularly well with this magic stone.
- You might be interested in: 12 Types of Stones According to Your Zodiac Sign
Some fun facts about coral
Although this magic stone is very popular in jewellery, and even home decorations, in some cultures it is considered unlucky to wear coral and other marine elements in the home. On the other hand, in some places, it is a symbol of good fortune.
You've probably heard of the Great Barrier Reef at one point or another. This is the biggest reef in the world and spans more than 2,000 kilometres along the entire coast of Queensland, Australia.
We are all acquainted with this invertebrate animal thanks to books and documentaries, and that's why we should make an effort to protect coral and the other sea creatures that live in reefs all over the world. Reefs are currently in grave danger as a result of pollution and global warming.