Myths Behind the Stones | Obsidian
“Sharp as truth. Dark as mystery. Forged in fire and fearlessly honest.”
The Allure of Obsidian
Obsidian doesn’t sparkle. It doesn’t glow. It pierces. This volcanic glass is molten energy frozen in time—formed when lava cools so quickly it skips the whole “crystal” part and becomes an intense, glossy mirror of pure elemental force.
Holding Obsidian is like looking into your own soul. No filters. No fluff. Just the raw truth staring back. If you’re ready to face your shadows, cut energetic cords, or just need a psychic shield between you and the chaos—Obsidian steps forward.
It’s a weapon, a mirror, and a guide. Handle with care… but don’t be afraid.
The Myth, the Lore & the Legends
Obsidian has been wielded by warriors, healers, and mystics across cultures. It’s not just a spiritual tool—it’s been a literal one too. This jet-black beauty carries centuries of protection, divination, and transformation.
🌋 Aztec & Mayan Civilisations - Blades of the Gods
To the Aztecs, Obsidian (known as itzli) was sacred. It was used to craft ritual knives, arrowheads, and mirrors—not just for warfare, but for spiritual ceremony. Priests would gaze into polished Obsidian mirrors to receive visions from the gods and speak with ancestors. These “smoky portals” were said to show hidden truths and glimpses of other realms.
Obsidian was also associated with Tezcatlipoca, the Aztec god of sorcery, night, and the unseen. His name literally means Smoking Mirror. He used his Obsidian mirror to reveal human folly, deliver divine justice, and see the secrets of every soul. No pressure.
In Maya culture, Obsidian was used in rituals to summon rain, banish spirits, and cut energetic ties—both literal and symbolic.
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⚔️ Ancient Greeks & Romans - The Stone of Blades
The name “Obsidian” comes from Obsius, a Roman explorer said to have discovered the stone in Ethiopia. Greek and Roman doctors used thin slivers of it for surgical tools because it was sharper than steel. (Modern surgeons still use Obsidian blades in precision surgeries today—because science is spooky cool.)
This gave the stone a dual symbolism: healer and warrior. It could cut away sickness, lies, or anything that no longer served.
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🪞 Middle Eastern & Celtic Lore - Dark Mirror & Death Rites
In various folk traditions, Obsidian was buried with the dead or placed in tombs to protect spirits in the afterlife. Some cultures believed it absorbed negative energy from grief and prevented lost souls from clinging to the living.In ancient Celtic practice, Obsidian was said to be a tool of the crone or wise woman—used in scrying, protection spells, and banishment rituals. Black mirrors crafted from Obsidian were used to receive visions and messages from the underworld.
Metaphysical Meaning (and the Science Behind the Shadow)
Key Vibes: Protection | Shadow Work | Truth
Chakras: Root ❤️ | Third Eye 👁️
Element: Fire + Earth
Zodiac Signs: Scorpio, Capricorn, Sagittarius
Planet: Pluto
Obsidian is the stone of the shadow self. It holds a mirror to the parts of us we avoid, ignore, or deny—and gently (or not-so-gently) urges us to look deeper. This makes it a powerful ally for:
- Shadow work and deep inner healing
- Energetic cord cutting
- Psychic protection and aura clearing
- Speaking and living your raw truth
It’s a stone that doesn’t sugar-coat. It absorbs negative energy like a spiritual vacuum cleaner, then reflects it back with clarity and purpose.
🧪 Scientific Bit:
Obsidian is amorphous volcanic glass, formed when molten lava cools rapidly without crystallising. It’s rich in silica and often contains magnetite, lending to its magnetic grounding energy. Despite being glass, it’s incredibly durable—and can be sharpened to a surgical edge 600x sharper than steel.
There are also variations:
- Snowflake Obsidian (with white splotches of cristobalite)
- Mahogany Obsidian (with iron-rich red tones)
- Rainbow & Sheen Obsidian (with iridescent flashes caused by gas bubbles or mineral inclusions)
My Final Word
Obsidian isn’t here to comfort. It’s here to transform. It holds your hand through the hard stuff, shows you what needs to go, and gives you the energetic sword to cut it loose. Whether you’re cleansing your aura, breaking ancestral cycles, or just trying to stop absorbing other people’s chaos—Obsidian is your black mirror of power.
Own your shadows. Honour your truth. And let this stone guide you through the dark—because that’s where the real magic happens.
💬 Affirmation
“I honour my truth and release what no longer serves me.”
🔗 Suggested Pairing Stones
- Clear Quartz – For clarity and amplification during shadow work
- Labradorite – To balance the veil between light and dark
- Hematite – For grounding and stabilising your energy
- Amethyst – To add spiritual softness and protect during deep dives
🔮 Mini Ritual
Mirror of the Shadow:
Sit in a quiet, dimly lit space with your Obsidian. Hold it or place it in front of a mirror. Breathe deeply and ask: “What am I ready to release?” Allow thoughts, emotions, or images to surface. Write them down. When you’re done, hold the stone in both hands and repeat the affirmation. Finish with a cleansing breath and thank the stone for its guidance.
https://www.unearthedcrystals.com.au
Peta aka Pete is the founder of Unearthed Crystals—Australia’s sassiest spiritual destination for ethically sourced stones, shadow work tools, and crystal realness. With nearly a decade of hands-on experience (and a sixth sense for spotting enhydros), she’s on a mission to make modern mysticism accessible, grounded, and a little bit sparkly. You can visit Unearthed IRL at their moody, magical storefront in Yamanto, QLD—or join the Unearthed Fam online at @unearthedcrystals on Instagram and Facebook.
