Amethyst has been treasured for thousands of years. Ancient civilizations believed it carried both earthly and divine power, a crystal that could calm the mind and protect the spirit. Its name comes from the Greek word amethystos, meaning “not intoxicated.” The Greeks and Romans believed it could prevent drunkenness and promote clear thinking. They carved goblets from it and wore it as jewelry during feasts, hoping to stay balanced in body and mind. Egyptian royalty valued Amethyst for protection and spiritual clarity, often using it in amulets and burial jewelry. In medieval Europe, it symbolized purity and was worn by priests and royalty to remind them to stay wise and fair. Amethyst has long been seen as a stone of peace, protection, and spiritual strength. In many cultures, it was believed to create a barrier against negative energy and emotional turmoil. Its deep purple color was linked to royalty and higher wisdom, seen as a connection between the human and the divine. Even now, people turn to Amethyst for calm, clarity, and deeper understanding of themselves. It reminds us that real strength often comes from stillness. 🪶 Reflection Prompt: If you could carry Amethyst for one purpose today, what would you want it to help you with — peace, clarity, or protection?

Amethyst is part of the quartz family, one of the most common and abundant minerals on Earth. Its purple color comes from trace amounts of iron and natural irradiation that occur as the crystal forms. The deeper the purple, the higher the iron content or the greater the exposure to heat and light over time. You’ll find Amethyst in geodes, clusters, and points that form in volcanic rock cavities when mineral-rich water cools slowly. Over thousands of years, these crystals grow layer by layer, creating the rich variety of shapes and shades we see today, from pale lavender to deep violet. Major sources of Amethyst include Brazil, Uruguay, South Korea, Russia, and parts of North America. Each region’s environment gives its crystals slightly different hues and formations. For example, Brazilian Amethyst often has a soft, glowing purple tone, while stones from Uruguay are darker and more saturated. Geologically, Amethyst reminds us that beauty often forms through pressure and time. It is a crystal shaped by the Earth’s movement, minerals, and heat, a natural record of transformation and patience. 🪶 Reflection Prompt: When you think about Amethyst forming deep within the Earth over thousands of years, what does that say about your own growth and the time it takes to transform?

Mugwort’s story runs deep, reaching back through centuries of medicine, magic, and folklore. It has been called the “Mother of Herbs” in parts of Europe and has a long history as both protector and healer. In ancient times, people believed Mugwort offered safety and strength on long journeys. Travelers would tuck it into shoes or tie it to their belts to ward off exhaustion and evil spirits. Romans burned it in homes to cleanse energy and keep negativity away. Mugwort also shows up in Norse mythology, where it was said to be one of the nine sacred herbs given to humankind by the god Odin for protection and healing. In China and Japan, Mugwort (called Ai Ye) has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine and moxibustion, a practice where dried Mugwort is burned near the skin to encourage circulation and balance energy. Spiritually, Mugwort has always been tied to intuition and dreaming. Many ancient cultures saw it as a doorway between the conscious and subconscious mind. It was often used in rituals to enhance visions, strengthen intuition, and release what no longer serves. Mugwort’s mythology reminds us that true healing connects the body, mind, and spirit — protection, awareness, and trust in our own strength. 🪶 Reflection Prompt: If you could carry Mugwort with you for protection or clarity today, what would you want her to guard or guide you through?

I know my favorites, but I want to know yours too.If you could pick just two herbs to learn more about, which would they be? Maybe it’s one you’ve always been curious about but never tried, or something you use often and want to understand on a deeper level. There’s no wrong answer here. Drop your top two in the comments — this will help me shape upcoming lessons and recipes so we’re learning what you actually want to use. 🪶 I’ll go first...

The slide for amethyst is in the classroom under Monthly Crystal Lessons. This month’s crystal is Amethyst, one of the most loved and recognizable stones out there. Known for its calming energy and deep purple color, it’s been used for centuries as both a healing ally and a spiritual companion. Amethyst is a variety of quartz found all over the world, from Brazil to South Korea, and even here in North America. Its name comes from the Greek word amethystos, meaning “not intoxicated,” because ancient cultures believed it could protect against drunkenness and keep the mind clear. On a practical level, Amethyst is used to: - Calm an anxious or overactive mind - Support better sleep and rest - Encourage balance during emotional stress - Help break unhealthy habits or patterns Spiritually, Amethyst is tied to clarity, intuition, and spiritual protection. It’s connected to both the third eye and crown chakras, helping to quiet the mind while opening space for insight, trust, and connection to higher guidance. Many use it during meditation or rituals to deepen focus and find inner stillness. In this first slide, you’ll get a feel for the energy of Amethyst and its role throughout history. As we move through the month, we’ll explore its metaphysical properties, practical uses, and a few ways to bring its energy into your everyday life. Your task: After reading the slide, share how you’ve experienced Amethyst before. Do you already use it in your home or rituals, or is this your first time working with it?