Amber. --Underground Tiger

Amber is not a gem, in the usual sense of the word. It is the fossilized sap of a common tree that existed tens of millions of years ago. And so, these stones are a window to the past, unlike any other. They are thought to be like eternal photographs of Tree Spirits, and keepers of their wisdom. Because of the plants and insects held inside, Amber was often belived to contain the essence of life.

In ancient Greece, Ambrosia was the fruit of the gods; an apple that made them immortal. The seeds of Ambrosia were thought to be Amber. So, worn by mortals, it was believed to increase longevity, and protect it's wearer from harm. The Greeks also found that Amber, when rubbed with a peice of silk, would attract ashes and dust, thanks to a static charge.

After Greece, Roman gladiators adorned their weapons and shields with Amber, believing it was among the most protective of all stones.

Ancient Germans called Amber 'Burning Stone', because -even after 50 million years- when it's burned, it gives off a pine scent. So, it was often used as incense.

In norse mythology, Freya is the goddess of love, fertility, crops, and spring. And, in the age of the Vikings, Amber was thought to be her golden tears, fallen into the sea.

Because of it's ability to hold heat, Amber is said to help treat fevers, sore throats, and swollen glands. It's acclaimed healing powers are said to be due to it's ability to change negative energy into positive, and cleanse both it's environment and it's wearer. It is thought to calm the nerves, increase ambition, strengthen the ego, ease the weight of burdens, and give an inner sense of warmth.

Amber is associated with the signs Aquarius, Leo, and sometimes Taurus. It may be more potent for people born under those signs, or with the strong influence of those signs in their astrological charts.

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