Legend has it that Perseus cut off the head of Medusa the gorgon, that monstrous woman (as well as divine) who instead of beautiful hair had snakes. From the blood spilled by Medusa, creatures like Pegasus arose, but when his blood was spilled on the seas of Greece, the red drops turned to coral.
This story reveals how thousands of years ago this material was already known, appreciated and associated with the gods. In the following article we will analyze what the real origin of coral is, for what wellness uses it is recommended, and for which signs of the zodiac it is an effective protector.
Coral: meaning in gemology
The coral, whose name comes from the Greek and meant pebble or small stone, is an invertebrate animal with the appearance of a plant, and under this name different types of organisms are included. So that, We are not talking about a mineral but about an organic material which is used as a stone in jewelry (for pendants, earrings, tiaras, among others) and also in gem therapy.
And it is that the exoskeleton of these animals are grouped in life, and when they die they form ramifications, composed of calcium carbonate and carotene, which are sediments collected and deposited by the aforementioned animals. It is presented in a wide variety of colors including red, pink, orange (known as Mediterranean coral), blue, white, and dark tones ranging from purple to black.
It has been used since time immemorial, and remains of coral have been found in objects from the late Iron Age. It is a sacred stone among Tibetans as well as for the Indians, who considered it a sacred stone that they interpreted as a symbol of life force energy.
It was also a coveted gem in Japanese Buddhism. In turn, the Romans made children wear necklaces of this material to protect them from injury. The coral grows in warm seas, at depths of 50 to 150 meters in the Mediterranean, and up to 500 meters in the eastern seas. Nowadays, we find its deposits in many parts of the world: the Mediterranean Sea, Malaysia, the Canary Islands in Spain, Australia or Japanjust to name a few enclaves.
Healing properties of coral and its uses in gem therapy
Various magical properties have been assigned to coral, although these vary according to time and culture. For example, in the Middle Ages it was said that it served to prevent murder and stop bleedingas well as to preserve evil spirits and storms.
It also allowed to eliminate panic terrors and nightmares, for which it was recommended to put a little of this magical stone under the pillow. It was even attributed, in gem therapy at the time, the ability to get teeth out and cure eye diseases. In this sense, Coral is pointed out as an effective amulet to cure the evil eye.
In traditional Chinese medicine it is related to anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antibiotic power. Depending on the colors, specific functions are also attributed to it; for instance, red would have virtues of a purifying type and related to internal vitality because it would favor circulation.
The white would be the one that would enhance teething, and the black would be the one that would fight against negative energies. For its part, pink would promote female fertility. To the excellent properties of coral in gem therapy we must point out its use in current medicine and specifically, it is used in surgery for bone reconstruction.
How to clean the coral?
Magic stones need to release their bad energies so that they can lend us all their power. In the case of coral, there are experts who point out that it would not have that memory to retain the bad vibes it absorbs.
However, if you think your magic stone is charged with negative waves, you can place it in a bag, preferably airtight, and place it in the freezer for two hours. The cold will allow the structure to shrink (although it is imperceptible to the eye) and release everything harmful.
A recommendation: if for some reason your piece of coral that you use as a talisman or amulet falls and breaks, do not try to repair it. Ideally, you just replace it, and the broken and all its fragments are thrown into the sea, where it came from.
The coral and the Chakras
Many magical stones have power over the Chakras, and despite not being a mineral, as we have explained, it turns out that coral has an affinity with the first chakra, the root chakra, which stimulates and balances.
This energy point is located at the base of the spine, and we can leave it there (in this case, red), in contact with the skin, for a few minutes. It is also found a strong connection with the third chakra, that of will, control and coordination, and that is located in the solar plexus, although yellow coral is optimal for this.
What zodiac signs is coral suitable for?
Like any amulet, anyone, regardless of their zodiac sign, can enjoy the power that coral bestows. However, it is especially related to the energy of Pisces, Taurus, Scorpio and Libra.
Some curiosities about coral
Although coral is very popular in jewelry, even in home decoration, there are some cultures that believe that it is unfortunate to bring this and other marine elements into the house; however, for others, It is a symbol of fortune and luck. Surely you have ever heard of The great coral barrier.
It is the largest reef in the world, stretching for more than 2,000 kilometers along the coast of the state of Queensland. Although it is an animal that we all know thanks to books or documentaries, the truth is that we must make an effort to protect both the coral and the animals that live in its reefs. It is currently highly threatened by agents such as pollution and global warming.