Black Obsidian is a very powerful stone that forces us to have more integrity in our thoughts and actions. This stone bluntly shows us our shadow sides and flaws so that we can accept them and step more fully into our Highest Self. Obsidian is a stone for warriors and shamans. It demands incredible courage from us, but gives true clarity and strength in return. It is particularly good for anyone who honors aboriginal and/or pagan spiritual practices, as well as those interested in the Aztec and Mayan religions.

Black Obsidian is a protective stone for anyone who is actively experiencing shock or trauma. It helps us see the truth of situations and to purify ourselves after pain and suffering. It is particularly useful for anyone who is actively choosing to move past patterns of self-abuse and toward becoming more loving and kind. However, care should be taken to avoid Black Obsidian if one is suffering from chronic depression as this stone may add additional “heaviness.”

Black Obsidian helps us to see the truth in situations and to change restricting beliefs and behavioral patterns. It helps us sharpen our senses and intellect, and may additionally reveal gifts for true prophecy. Anyone who is engaged in active or continuous “problem solving mode,” will benefit from keeping a piece of Obsidian nearby. Black Obsidian  is especially helpful for dissecting beliefs and habits that have been passed down to us by our families, allowing us to decide for ourselves whether these ideas are true and useful.

Black Obsidian is a powerful shamanic tool that has been used for centuries to “cut away” diseases and disorders trapped in the physical and etheric bodies.  For most people, however, it is more useful as a talisman for grounding back into the body.  It pushes us to think very practically rather than emotionally.  It is an ideal stone when faced with an emotionally-intense situation, it helps us accept what is happened, prioritize what needs to happen next, and to get it done.  Black Obsidian is also  recommended for anyone who has a history for self-harming.  The urge to self-harm is often linked to mental distress and the immense desire to find relief.  Black Obsidian supports us when we are feeling overwhelmed with pain, it offers comfort and encourages us to behave in a healthy way, even though our instinct might be to turn destructive.  Black Obsidian bluntly tells us that we don’t have to suffer alone or in silence.  There is help out there, so be brave and reach out.