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Black Obsidian: Meanings, Properties and Powers

Black Obsidian: Meanings, Properties and Powers

Spiritual Meaning Of Black Obsidian

Obsidian has a deep spiritual meaning. Let’s explore its spirituality and wisdom a bit deeper, shall we?

The spiritual meaning of Obsidian is that it is the ultimate stone to confront your shadow self and enter the realm of darkness.

The dark sorcerer of the crystal world, Obsidian’s penetrating energy will take you on a deep-rooted journey of the underworld. So be ready for a dark adventure!

Obsidian isn’t for the faint-hearted, its powerful gravitational pull gives it the ability to draw our deepest and darkest insecurities and demons.

For myself, it is one of the most intense stones to work with, so much so, I can sense it’s energy through my body on a physical level, like a heavy electric current, trying to unleash Pandora’s box by force!

This experience can be frightening if you are not ready. But if you set the intention to face your shadows and prepare yourself for overcoming your most traumatic fears, it can be the stone that brings you the most transformational experience to your life.

Truth, the best expression to articulate Obsidian’s energy.

One’s spiritual journey to ascension can only continue to rise when the shadow work has been complete.

In order to expand to new levels of enlightenment, ground work, or earthly lessons must be learnt. For one to understand the ying energy, one must experience the yang, and vice versa.

Each individual must first-hand experience the law of polarity as part of their spiritual evolution. As one state cannot truly be understood without a polar experience of the other.

This law of polarity can be clarified through the consciousness of different crystals.

For example, the contrast between the darkness and density of Obsidian and the lightness and grace of Selenite, the crown chakra crystal, linking us to the angelic and spiritual realm.

Working simultaneously with crystals with polar energies will help you appreciate the beauty of balance!

When the time is right in your life, you will naturally feel a calling to work with Obsidian. Unlike many crystals which are “candy for the eyes”, visually, Obsidian emanates silent energy which doesn’t automatically attract us towards it.

If you do not feel brave enough to open space for a deep spiritual cleanse, then wait for a moment when you feel stronger in your energy. But if you feel brave, but are clouded by your ego, I say feel the fear, and do it anyway!

You are already 50% there by choosing to make this first step.

Enlightening is a timeless journey, and the universe does not put pressure on us as immortal spiritual beings to race against a clock.

Each being has been chosen to have a unique life experience on Earth to learn individual lessons, understand individual truths, and open gateways to new levels of awareness. But at the pace that is perfectly right for them!

Crystals are tools we can use to come closer to the truth, to channel information from our higher selves, and to guide us on this individual path. But true healing comes from the will to change!

The meaning and uses of Obsidian.

The Meaning Of Obsidian’s Name

Obsidian means ‘of/from Obsidian’ if translated from its Latin name Obsidianus.

Pliny the Elder tells us in his Naturalis Historia that a Roman called Obsidius first found this stone in Ethiopia. That is why this type of black volcanic glass was called Obsidius’ or Obsidius’ stone.

Properties Of Obsidian

Black obsidian is also known as Royal Agate, Xaga, Glassy Lava, Volcanic Glass, and Glass Agate. It is born out of rapidly cooling lava flows from a volcano.

This is why it has such potent energies. It combines the elements of fire, water, and earth.

Obsidian

Black Obisidan has been around since the prehistoric times. It was used to make arrowheads, spear points, and other cutting tools.

Obsidian has a 5.5 on the Mohs hardness scale which makes it relatively easy to use for artists and artisans. Prehistoric humans even used Obsidian as mirrors due to its reflectiveness.

It was also used by tribal wise men in the stone age, lightworkers, spiritualists, Native American shamans, and alchemists because of its powers to heal.

You can get Obsidian in a variety of forms. You can get Obsidian jewelry, obelisks, or pyramids. There are also black spheres and even tumbled or polished black eggs.

Obsidian is mined in different locations all over the world, such as the USA, Turkey, Scotland, Peru, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Mexico, Kenya, and Japan. You can also find it in Iceland, El Salvador, Greece, Guatemala, and Australia.

Polished Black Obsidian

Varieties Of Obsidian

Depending on how it is formed, there exist a couple of varieties of Obsidian:

Using Black Obsidian

Benefits Of Using Black Obsidian

You should use Obsidian because it is the stone of truth. You can always benefit from having more truth in your life!

It can reveal many secrets, and it can answer your biggest questions about life and love. It can show you the meaning of the deepest mysteries of your life, the people you love, and the world in general.

And it is the stone of honesty when used together with Tourmaline!

This beautiful and powerful stone can help cut through the nonsense, shatter illusions, and uncover lies. It can help you remove any blockages in your being and see through the facades.

If you value integrity, this stone is perfect for you. It will keep you on the straight and narrow. It will call you out when you begin to go astray.

Although it is a jet black stone, and pretty opaque as well, you might be surprised at just how much clarity its energies can provide to you.

Rainbow Obsidian is very colorful and has the opposite powers of its black colored relative.

Yet this wonderful stone still can give you so much to see beyond what normally passes your perception.

We only consciously take in very little, comparatively, of all that’s around us. Yet despite its dark color, it is like holding up a light to life’s hidden side! All of the things that seem to linger beneath the surface will open to you.

And like all black crystals, it’s a stone of strength and self-assurance. You’ll find that sometimes the truths that these energies help you to uncover can feel uncomfortable. Yet at the same time, it will give you a link into your inner strength.

Sometimes we can forget just how strong we are. Keep this stone close in times of doubt and uncertainty. You’ll find that Black Obsidian has everything you need to remember just how resilient you can be.

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It’s a stone that can help ground you, especially when you are winning, succeeding, and making all your dreams come true. That is because it’s so easy to lose track and be overwhelmed by all your success.

Black Obsidian will also awaken the inner warrior in you.

Things that you have been neglecting for so long will come to the fore, and you will be forced to deal with them head-on. But you will also do this in the most courageous and admirable fashion.

It will help you deal with things, situations, and people in your life with strength and courage. It will also act as a protective stone that will ward off all kinds of negative energies.

This stone will also work like a mirror that will allow you to see your own faults, mistakes, and weaknesses.

Just like Hematite, Obsidian is a stone that can give you help in righting those mistakes and turning those weaknesses into strengths.

Coming face to face with our own flaws and faults can be a bit of a somber experience. But take heart!

It will help you to be impartial in times like these, as well as having the courage to forgive yourself.

It’s never easy, but Black Obsidian certainly has lots to offer you here. It is like an anchor into your deepest center of being. The eternal core within us all that can never be shaken or distracted from our paths.

Accordingly enough, you can use this stone to help you stay the course when it seems like everything around you is trying to slow you down or thwart your success.

These can be stressful, and even lonely and frightening, times when they occur.

But this will keep you on a solid footing, and you will have unshaking faith in yourself.

You’ll also stand your ground when challenged. And you’ll be able to explain why you believe in what you’re doing with a quiet confidence that isn’t confrontational.

It will be a powerful cleanser for the smog that builds up in your aura. It will also stimulate your gift of prophecy or foresight. Lastly, it will be a very helpful tool in your meditation exercises, too.

Tumbled Obsidian

How To Best Use Black Obsidian

When considering what Obsidian is used for, you may find that the sheer number of different ways in which you can use this stone can feel a bit overwhelming.

After all, Obsidian can be found in so many forms. Everything from tumbled little rocks to fantastic sculptures and pieces of jewelry!

There are lots of options, and they can range from simple pieces to complex, intricate ornamentation of stunning beauty.

However, crystals don’t discriminate in how they mete out their energies and healing effects. As such, you’ll find that Black Obsidian, as with any crystal, will let its goodness flow to you whatever form it takes.

After all, the whole aesthetic aspect is more for the benefits of the wearer and the observer! That said, many experts attest that certain shapes and forms can at least amplify certain crystal energies.

Consider all this as you having lots of options, rather than feeling any pressure to make a right or wrong decision. Every kind of Black Obsidian is the right choice!

Whether it’s a Black Obsidian ring, earring, necklace, bracelet, or ankle bracelet, it will help tame wild energies.

It will control erratic vibrations so that you can live a balanced life. You will be clear of worries, fears, or distractions.

When worn close to the navel area, the Obsidian stone can help ground the spiritual energies of your body.

When worn close to your third eye, it can help break through the barriers in your mind. It can also tap onto the scattered energies in your mind and help give you the emotional release that you need.

The Healing Powers Of Obsidian

Physical Healing Powers

Obsidian can be very good for your health. This is a powerful stone that can help digestion and with other digestive problems.

Like with Aqua Aura Quartz, it can ease gall bladder issues, lower high blood pressure, and promote good heart health.

The healing energy that comes from Obsidian can also benefit your muscle tissues. It can help with bacterial or viral infections, too.

The stone can also draw out the stress and tension from your body and replace it with calm and relaxation.

It will give insight into what’s causing your pains and discomforts, and it will reduce feelings of depression and anxiety.

Too often it’s easy to forget how doubt, stress, tension and anxious feelings can themselves lead to illnesses.

If you often suffer from fatigue that never seems to end or odd aches and pains of the stomach or head, Obsidian is the stone for you!

It will help to keep you grounded and calm. If you feel a headache coming on, it’s often very soothing to lightly touch a cool piece of obsidian to your temple and lightly let the energies take hold.

It won’t be an immediate remedy, but breathe deeply and take your time. The results may surprise you!

Having Obsidian with you can help you to also renew your balance and harmony.

Black Obsidian And Wealth

When it comes to wealth, Black Obsidian is a lucky stone to have because it can change bad luck to good luck!

You know that you need good luck now and then. So this is a stone that you should never be without. And if you can combine it with Labradorite its effects are even better.

Obsidian can ward off bad chi and cleanse the negative energy affecting your decision making, the flow of thought, and your handle on your emotions.

When you have Black Obsidian with you, you will be more grounded and focused.

You will be more practical in your approach. You will not let your emotions take over, but you will do the right thing.

The stone will give you more powerful discernment and mental clarity. It will help you wield your personal power for the good of everyone.

If you’re feeling like you’re stuck and none of your plans or dreams are moving forward, this is the perfect stone to carry with you.

It will give you the desire and the drive to change something so that you can finally move forward.

It’s no surprise to consider that this is one of the most popular uses for obsidian. Everyone could do with a little more fire in the furnace, so to speak!

This is also useful because sometimes even those closest to us can not quite see things from our point of view.

When we have big ideas that we know are going to help us seek our fortune, and those around us talk them down, we can feel a bit deflated.

Obsidian can keep you in these moments of self-doubt and self-criticism. You can let its energies overcome you, like falling into a big supportive chair, and relax while rethinking your strategy.

Make no mistake though. It will also empower you to push forward with unstoppable conviction once you’ve taken a moment to regroup and devise your strategy! There’ll be no stopping you!

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It will help you make all your dreams become reality. It will remind you not to focus on your flaws and weaknesses. Because doing so will only prevent you from being successful.

Black Obsidian For Love And Relationships

Like many stones and crystals available today, Obsidian is an excellent healing stone to have if you want a happier love life.

It’s not exactly the stone of love, though. But its healing energies can very well help you find the love that you want or deal with the problems you’re facing in your own relationship.

For instance, it can help you get rid of the bad energies surrounding yourself, your partner, or your relationship.

It can wash away all the bad thoughts and feelings that are harming your relationship.

Negativity slowly eats away at the foundation of your relationship. And if you do not remove that negativity, it will consume you and make you turn on each other.

A cleansing of your auras will do you a world of good. And Obsidian can do the job for you!

Obsidian is good at helping you see clearly. But that means as much for yourself as for your relationship or your partner.

Sometimes, we have habits or ways of thinking that prevent our relationships from going well, but we don’t even realize how much harm we are subconsciously doing. To ourselves and those we love!

It is able to cut through the little white lies we tell ourselves. It’ll also help us to forgive ourselves, and our partners, for these little missteps.

After all, so much of what we do in matters of the heart is built on old patterns, karmic cycles, or defense mechanisms.

All of these things need to be swept away to make way for the new – another superb way in which Obsidian can help you!

It will help you release the negativity or disharmony in your relationship. It will also get rid of the toxins that build up in your auras from your day to day life.

When there’s no room for jealousy, anger, bitterness, or pride in your life, there’s also no reason for you to feel bad, insecure, angry, or proud. With Black Obsidian by your side, there will be no chance for the negativity to take hold.

Being in love with someone sometimes will make you forget about everything else. Black Obsidian will make sure that you will not lose your sense of self.

Its energies will hit you right on your head when you start showing signs of losing yourself because of love.

Obsidian stone is all about self-growth. It will remind you that you can love another person with your whole heart without losing yourself in the process.

It’s possible to grow in love together. And it’s possible to stay yourself even when in a committed relationship.

The strong and uplifting vibrations from Obsidian will help you achieve this!

It will also help you become comfortable with your own truths.

This is the only way you can truly love yourself and receive the love that you need from other people.

If you will not start being honest with yourself, your relationship will just be one big sham. The sooner you honor your personal truths, the sooner you will be truly happy in love and in life.

When you have the energies of Obsidian working for you, you can expect to have more self-control.

This will apply not only in your romantic affairs but with everything in general.

It will also help you do away with selfish decisions, feelings, thoughts, and actions.

Sometimes the biggest problems in a relationship stem from a really simple but incredibly selfish action.

When you rid yourself of selfishness, you will be able to focus on your partner’s needs and wants.

Black Obsidian will work in such a way that it will magnify all the things that are hurting your relationship.

You will find it difficult not to see them or recognize them. So Obsidian will also guide you on what you should do.

Black Obsidian is also very effective when it comes to broken hearts, letting go of the past, or moving on.

It is filled with such positive and uplifting energies that you cannot do anything but see the silver lining. No matter how much you want to stay hurt or broken.

It will help you focus on what you need to do to achieve complete healing. It will give you what you need to make the process of healing easier for you.

Most importantly, the energy of Obsidian will keep you feeling hopeful. Even if you have gone through the most traumatic experiences in love.

It’s also a healing stone that’s very good for the soul because it’s a stone used for past life regressions.

These can effectively heal negative emotions that you are holding on to. Or personal traumas that prevent you from living your best life today.

Black Obsidian will also show you the importance of patience and perseverance. There are just some things in life that are worth waiting for, working hard for, and fighting for. That includes love!

When you are surrounded by the healing energies of Black Obsidian, you will be able to see the truth without having to take sides.

You will know what to do, which will be fair to you and that person you love. It may not always be the easiest thing to do. But you can rest assured that it will be the right thing.

Obsidian stone is a protective stone. It will protect you and your loved one from anything that threatens to break the two of you apart.

It will repel negative energies and give you the strength to release old hurts brought by a former love.

You can look forward to having deeper and more lasting happiness. You can also expect to have genuine satisfaction and contentment in your relationship with that special someone!

Obsidian Beads

Cleansing And Charging Black Obsidian

How To Cleanse Obsidian

Be mindful of cleansing Obsidian regularly. This stone cleanses your aura and your body of all that’s bad and impure.

Wash the Obsidian with lukewarm running water early in the morning or late in the afternoon. This will prevent the negativity from accumulating in the stone.

You can also place your Obsidian in a glass bowl in the north Bagua area of your home or office.

This will help clear any blockage or obstacle, as well as protect you and your loved ones from any negativity.

Place it on a high location. Avoid putting it on the floor or anywhere that’s exposed to dirt and pollutants.

Charging And Revitalizing Obsidian

Resting Black Obsidian under the moonlight, burying it in the earth, or washing it in the purest, cleanest water you can find will help to revitalize and charge it.

You can look at the sheen and the feel of the crystal to see when it needs this kind of attention.

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For instance, you might find that sometimes even this rich, dark stone looks even darker. The way the light catches it might simply stop looking so intensive. And you might even feel the stone being heavier in your hand than usual.

These are all signs that it’s time to nurture this stone as it so ably nurtures us. Do so though, and you’ll find it’s as good as new in no time!

Obsidian Stone

The Best Crystals To Use And Combine With Black Obsidian

You can use Black Obsidian with Rose Quartz or Aventurine. This is perfect for people who want to have the most intense life experiences without the need to dull them or reduce their sharpness.

If you want to magnify your organization skills or become more practical in all aspects, or you just want more grounding energy in your life, pair your Black Obsidian with Smoky Quartz, Black Tourmaline, or Hematite.

Paired with Tourmaline, Black Obsidian emits the energies of honesty so you can rest assured that you will always come to the truth when you seek answers to your questions.

Meditation With Black Obsidian

Black Obsidian is the stone of truth and as such is a highly useful instrument to use for meditation.

The stone holds great benefits that you will observe in very subtle but effective ways.

The powers of Black Obsidian are in such abundance that you will find yourself in a process of discovery of the truth when you start meditating with this stone.

There are so many things about the world that you still need to discover so you need to start somewhere.

You will be doing yourself a favor if you start to explore your inner truth first. So it helps if you have a useful instrument to answer some of the most significant queries that you have about your life.

Self-identity and self-assurance are incredibly vital qualities to have, and yet they can often feel like the most elusive things in the world.

With so much sensory bombardment we go through day after day, it can be hard to find the stillness and silence you need to really connect with who you really are, what you really want, and what your soul mission is.

Obsidian is a fantastic healing stone for those of you who want to really look into how to connect with yourself and your inner truth so solidly that nobody and nothing can sway your conviction.

If you’re the kind of person who, without thinking, always puts others before themselves, this stone can work wonders for you.

This powerful stone can shatter false conceptions and reveal a person’s true colors to you.

You will feel a clarity in your perception of life and all the instances that take place in it, which will allow you to be a better judge of other people and situations and handle them accordingly.

The energies of Black Obsidian will make you look through people and call out a facade or illusion when you see one.

The stone is perfect for people who value integrity and realize the importance of staying on the right track.

When you meditate with Black Obsidian, it will surround you with motivational energies to ensure that you don’t deviate from your destined path.

You will feel more grounded and closer to your divine purpose.

In the hustle and bustle of life, it is easy to lose sight of the end game that you have been striving so hard to achieve. Meditating with Black Obsidian will ensure that you don’t get overwhelmed by your struggles.

It will fill you up with the determination and willpower that you need to succeed in all that you do.

Your inner warrior will be awoken with the powers of this stone and you will finally start to focus on the things that were being neglected for so long.

Of all of Obsidian’s metaphysical properties, we talked about so far, this sense of courage and inner strength is one of the reasons why it has been prized for such a long time in human history.

Faith healers and spiritual minds looking to help those with whom they work to build confidence and mental clarity turn to obsidian time and time again.

Obsidian is going to help you in much the same way. It helps you see yourself in the most truthful and honest light, and yet it can also help you to remain even in heart and mind when coming to terms with what can be difficult parts of oneself to contemplate.

Taken into meditation, Obsidian can help to balance and centralize you, while also anchoring you to the earth in a way that ensures nothing you see with your spiritual vision can shake or scare you.

Obsidian will fill you with the courage and strength to deal with your problems head-on because they cannot be kept under the rugs anymore.

You have the ability to tackle whatever challenges come your way, as long as you do so with integrity and honesty.

It will form a protective shield around you, so you do not need to worry about taking risks because you will be protected from the evils of the world.

This knowledge will allow you to focus on the matters that need work and recognize what needs to be done so that you can avoid mistakes along the way and be strong in the face of a threat.

Your experiences are meant to teach you a great many lessons about life. So don’t hesitate to use the wisdom that you receive from them to secure a better future for yourself.

My Final Thoughts On The Power Of Black Obsidian

obsidian meaning properties and powers

Black Obsidian is not only a beautiful stone but it will also help you remain focused on your goals.

It can warn you about people who are trying to do you harm and absorb their bad energies.

This stone will work very hard to release all toxins and negativity from your life.

Black Obsidian will help you to understand that even if there are darkness and despair in your life right now, there is also light and hope waiting to be discovered and unleashed.

Even if there is defeat or depression, when you tap into the right kind of energies within yourself, there is peace and happiness waiting just for you!

If this helped you deepen your understanding of Black Obsidian and its meaning and uses, please like and share this article with your friends to help spread love and light in our world 🙂

About the author

Diana Houston

Diana Houston is a respected crystal expert and the author of 'A Beginner's Guide to Healing Crystals: Getting Started With Crystal Healing – A Complete Guide.' Her passion for crystals and their healing properties made her a leading authority on the subject.

Diana's expertise and passion for crystals have inspired countless readers and practitioners, and her book has received rave reviews on Amazon. With her clear and insightful guidance, Diana is a trusted guide for anyone seeking to unlock the transformative power of crystals.

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