Article selections by “Theresa” | Editor’s Note by H.P.B.
From ancient times belief in the magical properties and talismanic virtues of gems and crystals has been prevalent, especially in the East, the source of mystic wisdom. But in these days to credit anything in Nature with occult virtue is held to be a foolish thing, and the practical moderns see no “power to charm” in precious stones, save by their commercial value. So that a jewel once venerated by the Magi of old, as a talisman possessing wondrous power, is to-day for the world at large a valuable ornament, and nothing more. Therefore, let us search for ourselves the lore of the past, and learn the mystic virtues that precious gems possessed in vanished ages. . . .
The ancient writers mention many stones the very names of which are unknown in our day, that in past ages were held to possess miraculous powers: but they were either altogether fabulous, or if they existed, were so rare as to have been unknown save to very few. . . . The early Christians bestowed religious and emblematical significations upon precious stones, probably with a view to ridiculing the occult virtues ascribed to them by ancient philosophers. . . .
Among the ancients, rings or talismans formed of each stone and metal, with certain ceremonies, at the times when their respective ruling stars were strongest, were venerated as possessing all the virtues of the planets under which they were formed.
The above is of course the superstition of the occult tradition. Comparative study in this field of research has yet to be attempted, when it will be proved that there is a true scientific basis in the widespread belief in the virtues of the “tears of the Gods.”—Ed. [H.P.B.]