Garnet has long been thought of as a travelers’ stone, and many courageous discoverers and adventurers were known to wear garnet stones for protection. In fact, Noah’s Ark is said to have had a garnet lantern to help navigate during the night. These gemstones were also considered to be powerful talismans, capable of illuminating the night and dispelling evil spirits.
In traditional Hindu belief systems, garnet is associated with Muladhara, or the “root chakra”, which is positioned at the base of the spine. The root chakra when clear is associated with healthy sexual activity and feelings of security and stability. Garnet is also thought to promote successful business, encourage compassion and aid self-confidence. Furthermore, garnet is said encourage romance, love and passion.
In particular, spessartite garnet is said to provide its wearer with analytical and creative abilities, strength of heart and the eagerness to assist others. The healing powers of spessartite garnet are said to be good for clear communication, self-confidence and for willingness to make changes and experience new things.
So what makes the mandarin garnet so special? First, of course, there is its color, that radiant orange, sometimes with slight brown undertones, in the whole range of hues from ripe peach to deep reddish-orange. Colors which speak of energy and joie de vivre, individuality and a readiness to take risks. A person who displays orange is not afraid of being noticed; showing this color indicates confidence. Unmistakably, it is a color shown by extroverts. Orange stands for the process of all life. All being is perceived as the constant interplay between the active male principle Yang and the passive female Yin. These are not opposites, but transform and interweave incessantly. Life means change – and orange symbolizes that constant change like no other color. Garnet is said to promote honor, courage and nobility.