Obsidian is one grounding mineraloid that has become increasingly popular in recent years—and for good reason. Here’s everything you need to know about obsidian crystals, including the different types to look for, how to use them, and how to take care of them. Leavy notes these varieties usually come from countries in Central America, like Mexico or Guatemala, where there’s a lot of volcanic activity. There’s an origin story for gold sheen obsidian that comes from Mexico, Leavy says, which describes a woman who lost her lover in a war. When she wept for her love, the gods took pity on her, turning her tears into the precious mineraloid. Don’t expect it to necessarily work on the first go, she adds, but give it a few tries, always holding your intention in mind. In this case, obsidian is black, so you would want it near the front door. On the bagua map, this area is associated with your career, “which would be great for obsidian because it has that ability to keep us grounded and focused on the physical realm, which our career is a big part of,” she says. “There are also obsidian mirrors, which have a long use in history,” she says, adding that John Dee, spiritual adviser to Queen Elizabeth I in the 1500s and early 1600s, worked with obsidian tools for divination. There are some sharper cuts of obsidian available, and if you do have a piece with rough or sharp edges, Leavy notes to be mindful of that when working with them and to store them in a cloth, to ensure none of the edges break off. Rounded pieces tend to be easier and safer to work with. To clear your crystal, Leavy suggests cleansing it in a way that’s not culturally appropriative, i.e., with sound, such as a bell or chime, or simply allowing the sunlight to refresh its energy.
