Black Obsidian: Discover the Powerful Meanings and Symbolism

Black obsidian is a volcanic glass that forms from rapidly cooling lava. Black obsidian is an igneous rock with a glassy appearance and comes in different shapes and sizes. Many use this powerful stone for its protective, healing, and grounding properties, as it carries deep spiritual symbolism.

In the past, Native Americans and other cultures used black obsidians as weapons to protect themselves from attacks. Additionally, ancient Aztec and ancient Greek civilizations used the stone as an efficient tool and symbol of their culture. Keep reading to learn about black obsidian’s powerful meaning and symbolism. 

Black Obsidian: Powerful Meanings and Uses

Various cultures, spiritual healers, and shamans have used black obsidian for various purposes. Here are some of the most common meanings and uses of the stone.

Grounding

If you’re into holistic health, you likely have heard of “grounding.” Grounding involves realigning yourself and electrically reconnecting with the Earth. You can meditate, stand barefoot on the grass or dirt, or lie on the ground.

Black obsidian can be an excellent tool for grounding. Holding the stone while grounding might help you reconnect with the Earth and feel more centered. The rock itself is naturally occurring and associated with the root charka, which is known to help us ground.

Healing Emotional Wounds

We all have emotional wounds from past traumas, loss, or other pain. Holding on to these pent-up feelings without processing or working through them can become overwhelming and prevent us from moving on. Many healers believe black obsidian can help you release negative emotions like fear, anxiety, sadness, and anger. This ensures you can call in more positive emotions and experiences, gifting you the courage and optimism to pursue new beginnings.

Blocking Negative Energy

Black obsidian is also a protective stone. Many believe the rock can block out negative energy, keeping you safe from psychic attacks and cleansing your aura. It’s said that black obsidian transforms any negative energy into more positive energy. Many consider it a shield of protective solid energy that prevents you from absorbing any external negativity. 

Healing Physical Conditions

Many believe black obsidian can improve blood flow and circulation and encourage deep tissue healing. Many sellers market black obsidian stones or accessories as tools to improve circulation. For example, there are some black obsidian gua shas (which are used in Chinese medicine) sold as skincare products.

The stone also might help with skin regeneration, digestive issues, inflammation, pain management, and other issues. 

Releasing Blocks

In addition to helping you release emotions, black obsidian can release blockages in your life. For example, if you’ve been experiencing emotional blocks in your love life, some healers claim the stone can eliminate those blocks so you can cultivate more fulfilling relationships. Some attribute this to the stone’s capability of driving out negative forces and transforming the energy into something positive and more aligned.

How to Use Black Obsidian

If you’re interested in using black obsidian on your healing or spiritual journey, here are some specific ways to do it.

Carry Black Obsidian With You

Many people will carry black obsidian with them as they embark on journeys or endure difficult times. Because the stone is said to have grounding properties, some individuals find it helpful to store the stone in their pocket, add it to their keychain, or tuck it away in their bag so it’s always with them. Doing so, many believe this will help keep them grounded in the present moment and block out any negativity that might come their way.

Meditate With Black Obsidian

As mentioned earlier, a lot of spiritual healers and individuals use black obsidian in meditations. Many people will meditate to ground themselves into the Earth and foster a sense of peace. While meditating, you can hold a black obsidian stone in your hand or place it somewhere on your body to help support your meditation. 

Place Black Obsidian Throughout Your Home

Setting black obsidian throughout your home is believed to cleanse the space of negativity. Many people will purchase the stone so they can place it on their nightstands or in their bedrooms, hoping to cultivate a more positive environment. Because spiritual individuals believe the stone has protective properties, many think that displaying it throughout their personal living space will ensure they’re safe from others’ energies or potential negative spirits.

Wear Black Obsidian as Jewelry

You can find black obsidian jewelry all over the internet and possibly even in local shops or boutiques. Not only are the necklaces, rings, and other jewelry beautiful in appearance, but they also hold the same healing and protective properties as the stone alone. By wearing black obsidian on your body, you might feel more grounded, positive, and supported. Just be sure what you’re getting is the real thing, as there are many fake black obsidian stones sold online (and even in stores).

Black Obsidian: Symbolism and Spiritual Interpretations

As you’ve learned above, black obsidian is a highly spiritual stone. Here are some of its powerful symbolism and interpretations. 

Power

This stone often symbolizes power. When we feel connected with both ourselves and the Earth, we are in our most empowered state. This fosters courage, confidence, and positivity, all of which are said to be associated with black obsidian. 

Protection

As noted earlier, black obsidian is known for its protective properties, so it’s no surprise the stone symbolizes protection. In fact, many cultures have used this stone to block out negative energies or dark spirits. Believers associate the rock with the idea of defense and energetic shields.

Healing

Black obsidian also symbolizes deep healing — especially emotionally. Because it is associated with emotional release and personal power, it embodies the idea that we each have the ability within us to heal. 

Clarity

The black obsidian is a stone of clarity. Because of its supposed profound healing and protective properties, the stone supposedly eliminates confusion or psychic smog that might cloud your perception of reality. In other words, it helps manifest clarity and often represents clear, rational thinking.

Luck

Due to its many positive uses and spiritual meanings, it’s no shock that black obsidian also symbolizes luck. If you find the stone or carry it with you, you might just find that luck is upon you. In fact, many ancient cultures would wear black obsidian to attract good luck and prosperity, as well as transform bad luck into positive blessings.

Financial Abundance 

Black obsidian is also said to attract financial abundance. In many cultures, individuals would wear the stone perhaps as a bracelet to attract wealth. According to such cultures, black obsidian jewelry can help unlock abundance, making it a powerful symbol of financial success.

Transformation

Because of its profound healing properties and presumed ability to transform negative energy into positive energy, many people associate black obsidian with transformation. If you’re a spiritual person or you’re into self-healing, you might view the stone as an emblem of your own innate power to transform. 

There are many different meanings and symbolism of black obsidian, as well as various uses you can experiment with. Even if you don’t subscribe to the more spiritual interpretations of this stone, you might find yourself attracted to its gorgeous, sophisticated appearance as jewelry or home accessories.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © TR_Studio/Shutterstock.com