Have you ever noticed how rare and special the color purple is? That is the color of the gemstone Amethyst, and it is fitting that its color is so special. Purple is the color that evokes our highest spiritual energy, and that is why in ancient times this color was largely reserved for the cloaks and robes of royalty and clergy.

In centuries past, the Amethyst gemstone was worn to guard against drunkenness. Greek mythology attributes the purple color of this stone to the tears of Dionysis, the god of wine and festivities. In fact, the present-day Greek word "amethustos" means "sober". In modern times, the wearing of Amethyst jewelry is still recommended for those who are recovering from alcoholism or other substance addictions.

Wearing purple and its various shades and hues, such as lavender, lilac, violet, burgundy, plum, and magenta, can help us detach from the gut-wrenching emotions that can blind us to our true spiritual purposes. It can alleviate feelings of self-pity and transmute the desire to escape from everyday problems into an awakening to the call of the Godself within.

Purple can be said to be a color of independence, in the sense of having the will to follow our Divine calling instead of the callings of others. And this Divine calling is one that will help manifest God's will on Earth, in the special ways that our individual Souls desire us to do so. This is why so many teenagers are often attracted to the color of purple. They are recognizing that they will soon be adults, which requires gaining awareness of their true individuality in terms of what they are here to contribute to the Divine Plan. In the early stages, as teenagers are feeling their way into this new, individualized concept of themselves, this new awareness can manifest as rebellion. But continual attunement to the color purple can eventually result in surrender to Higher Will and the resolve to follow that Higher Will in making important life decisions.

In the world of gemstones, the most beautiful hues of purple are found in Amethyst. Amethyst is a member of the Quartz family and is the most highly valued member of that family. Recently Amethyst has become rarer because so many people are recognizing its metaphysical value and obtaining it for their gemstone and jewelry collections. This stone is often worn or placed in one's work area to transmute negativity. What that means is that instead of absorbing the negative feelings of people around you, Amethyst helps transform these feelings into higher spiritual energies before reaching you. Amethyst is also commonly used to facilitate the emotional calmness that must precede prayer, meditation, and attunement to God.

Metaphysicians recognize that there is an invisible energy center (sometimes called the "crown chakra") just above a person's head that is the seat of what is called the "Higher Self" of that person. This Higher Self could be described as one cell in the body of God. This Self is actually your true Self and knows your spiritual purpose for being here on Earth. The color purple activates this energy center, this Higher Self, and helps you align with its Purpose. Wearing an Amethyst necklace with matching earrings is a perfect way to bring this color into your life and to attune to your Higher Self.