Mystical stone circles, magical amulets and pagan deities carved in stone - natural stones have always had a very special meaning for people and have been valued for thousands of years for their supposed healing and magical properties. Natural stones have not only been worn as jewelry, but also used as tools in alternative medicine and to honor deities. The use of natural stones has a long and rich history , both in living spaces and for spiritual and religious rites across the globe . 

In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the use of natural stones and take a look at the cultural practices of the Celts and ancient Mesopotamia to understand how earlier civilizations used and revered natural stones. We will also address the question of whether natural stones can actually heal and which specific stones are considered healing. We also look at how stones in the living space affect our bodies.

The use of natural stones in the home and for their potential healing powers has become popular again in recent years. Stones are used as decorative and design elements that give the home a natural and earthy character. Others use them for moon rituals, for energetic healing or as practical everyday objects. Natural stones can be present in our everyday lives in the form of necklaces, crystals, dining tables, walls, desks or as decorative items such as trays or drink coasters .

In addition to their aesthetic function, many people believe that stones in the living space can have positive effects on our well-being. It is believed that stones radiate a calming and harmonizing energy, which positively influences the room and subsequently us with a natural atmosphere. 

But is there really a magical power in natural stones ? To answer this question, we would like to take a look at the history of natural stones in the context of religion, mysticism and healing. 

History of the magical healing power of stones

The belief in the magical healing power of stones goes back a long way and can be found in many cultures and civilizations around the world. Even in ancient Egypt, gemstones were revered for their alleged healing properties . In ancient Greece, stones such as amethyst were considered to protect against drunkenness - caution, we advise against testing yourself at this point and can report from our own experience that an amethyst does not make wine any less alcoholic! The Chinese, meanwhile, used jade for their physical and mental balance and the Indians used agate to harmonize body and mind.

In the Middle Ages, stones were worn in Europe as amulets and talismans to protect against illness, disaster and evil spirits. Natural stones played an important role, particularly among the Celts, as the archaeological sites that remain to us today impressively demonstrate. 

The Celts, Pagans, and Natural Stones

The Celtic culture, which developed across much of Europe about 2,500 years ago, had a deep connection to nature and the elements. The Celts revered the natural world and believed that stones possessed special powers and energies. Various types of natural stones were used in Celtic rites and ceremonies to create spiritual connections and seek protection.

A well-known example of the veneration of natural stones by pagan cultures is Stonehenge in England . This monumental stone circle ensemble may have served as a ritual site for astronomical observations and spiritual purposes. However, the exact meaning and function of Stonehenge remains a mystery to this day and is a source of speculation. The exact origin story of the stone circle is still the subject of research. It is not definitively clear which culture or civilization built Stonehenge. The oldest parts of the stone circle were built around 3000 BC, and it is believed that construction took place over several centuries. Stonehenge is just one of many stone circles - there are many different stone circles and burial mounds in Scotland, Ireland and England, the exact origin and meaning of which are still unclear. 

Mesopotamia and the worship of stones

Natural stones also had important significance for spiritual and religious practices in ancient Mesopotamia, a region that includes modern-day Iraq, Syria, Iran and Turkey. The Mesopotamians believed that stones could be animated by gods or goddesses and thus represented sacred objects.

An outstanding example of the use of natural stones in Mesopotamia is the famous Ishtar Gate of Babylon, which has been on display in the Pergamon Museum in Berlin since 1930. This massive gate was decorated with glazed bricks and lapis lazuli slabs, a blue gemstone that was considered extremely valuable. This decoration with natural stones not only served an aesthetic purpose, but also had a religious significance. The lapis lazuli was considered a symbol of heaven and was associated with the goddess Ishtar . The presence of lapis lazuli was believed to invoke the blessing of the goddess and thus protect the gate from negative influences.

In addition to the Ishtar Gate, seal stones also played an important role in Mesopotamia. These small stones were decorated with ornate engravings and were often worn as amulets or symbols of power. They were associated with specific deities and spiritual powers and served as protection and good luck.

The idea that stones have supernatural powers and can cure certain diseases has remained with us into modern times. 

Can natural stones really heal?

The idea that natural stones have healing powers is based on the belief in the energy stored in them . Followers of healing stones believe that certain stones have vibrations and properties that can affect the human body. The fact that energy is present in stones is a fact based on Einstein's theory of relativity "E is m times c squared" . Whether this energy can be transferred to people is up for debate. These beliefs were taken from the Chinese teachings of the life energy "Qi" or from the Indian chakras . 

The belief in the power and energy of natural stones has already existed in various cultures and ages and is still present in many traditional healing systems today.

Which natural stones can heal?

There is a wide variety of natural stones that are claimed to have healing properties:

• Amethyst: This purple stone is often associated with calm, balance and spiritual clarity. It is said to help with stress, sleep disorders and headaches.

• Rose Quartz: Known as the stone of love, rose quartz is often used to promote emotional well-being, open the heart and strengthen relationships.

• Rock crystal: The clear crystal stands for clarity, energy and purification. It is said to improve concentration and neutralize negative energies.

• Agate: This stone is often used to strengthen the body and promote balance between mind and body. It is also said to have a calming and protective effect.

We would like to note at this point that the healing properties of natural stones have not been clearly scientifically proven. However, it has been proven that healing stones can have a calming and stress-relieving effect. The effect of stones on people is strongly influenced by individual belief systems and personal perception. 

How do stones in the living room affect our bodies?

The use of natural stone in living spaces is becoming increasingly popular and has been present since the dawn of humanity. Many people feel that stones bring positive energy into the room and have a positive effect on well-being and quality of life. They can be present in the form of decorative elements such as gemstones, crystals or mosaic tiles or used as pieces of furniture such as marble tables, dining tables made of natural stone or side tables made of quartzite . 

Some people also claim that stones in the living space have a calming and relaxing effect, improving sleep, reducing stress and promoting general well-being. The mere presence of stones can also serve as a visual reminder to focus on our health and well-being.

One possible mechanism by which stones in the living space could affect our body is the so-called "stone resonance" or giant resonance . It is believed that stones emit vibrations that may resonate with the vibrations of our body and thus have a harmonizing effect. This idea of stone resonance is similar to the practice of crystal healing, in which stones are placed directly on the body or soaked in water in order to transfer their energy to the organism.

The effect of stones in the living space on the body naturally also depends on our individual attitude towards them. For some people, the presence of stones in the living space can actually have positive effects on their well-being, while others may not notice a noticeable difference because they may not particularly value natural stones.