Galena

In this post, I will go over the uses and benefits of galena, as well as how it helped humankind evolve into what it is today. You will also find here other important details about galena, including the best crystals to pair it with, how to handle it safely, and the correct cleansing method for this stone. Let’s start.

Galena is a mineral made of lead sulfide. Its chemical formula is PbS. Considered to be the principal ore of lead, it’s also a well-known source of silver called. A metallic mineral occurring in lead-gray crystals, galena is also known by other names such as galenite and lead glance.

This lead mineral ore got its name from Pliny the Elder between 77 to 79 AD. “Galena” was derived from the Greek word galene, which literally means lead ore. Throughout history, galena crystal served as a primary ore of lead and has since been used for industrial purposes rather than metaphysical.

For instance, in Ancient Egypt, crushed lead was used as kohl to protect themselves from the sun’s glare and avoid diseases carried by flies. Galena was also used in the ancient world for extracting metal like silver used to mint coins.

Meanwhile, for indigenous peoples in North America, particularly in Mississippi, galena is used as an ingredient for cosmetics and paint. Galena mines were prevalent across the world in places where civilization was on the rise. Lead was also found in a long-lost civilization somewhere in Turkey as early as 6500 BC.

As a semiconductor, galena was also used in crystal radio receivers. Suffice it to say, galena played an important role in helping mankind attain what it now has today.

Although galena primarily served as a lead ore for industrial purposes, people have also discovered its hidden metaphysical properties and healing powers. Thanks to its crystal structure, raw and polished galena are often collected by healers due to their astonishing abilities. They usually appear as cube-shaped crystals with bright metallic luster and streaks of gray to black.

Galena is a crystal that helps one break down self-defeating thoughts and negative emotions. If you have been plagued by self-limiting beliefs that you can’t let go of, or maybe you aren’t even aware of them, galena can help you see through this veil and make the necessary changes.

Serving as a powerful mirror, galena will help you dive through the deepest part of yourself and see the dark aspects you may have been avoiding or ignoring due to fear. Our shadows are part of our self, and we need to come to terms with their existence, or else we won’t feel whole. The stone will open your mind to things you may have been closed off before. Galena will be the guide and can help shed light so we may understand them.

Shadow work is a difficult, complicated, and terrifying process. Through it all, galena can be your support to keep you motivated to go on and stay grounded.

Galena is also a very strong centering stone.

As you make these changes, galena will help you with the process of transformation. Like how lead changes into gold through the process of alchemy, so can you become a renewed person with its help.

Galena may be a stone that is used mainly for industrial purposes, but for us who delve deep into the study of the metaphysical, this crystal is more than just that. This stone can be obtained as cabochons or in its raw form. These types of galena are perfect for meditation sessions, as well as being carried around in your purse or a home and office decor.

There is also galena jewelry for sale. They are usually made into pendants, necklaces, and bracelets.

It can also be used in a grid or placed nearby during meditation. However, keep in mind that galena contains lead. While you can handle galena, avoid ingesting or inhaling lead dust or its ground form at all costs. Do not use it for elixirs or moon water. If you insist, do so in an indirect method by placing it inside a container first before plunging the container into the water to keep it dry. After handling galena, it’s always a best practice to wash your hands with water and soap.

Galena Physical Benefits

For thousands of years, galena has been used by people for its physical healing powers. Here are some of the benefits you may enjoy by using Galena:

• Energy

  Galena is a powerful energy “generator.” Like how a charger is used to recharge a machine’s battery, galena can fill you up with positive energy if you feel lethargic or fatigued. It may also work with people who feel demotivated to do things they usually love.

• Inflammation

  Galena can also be used to reduce and heal inflammation, especially on the skin.

• Skin

  This crystal can be used to treat skin ailments, such as breakouts, acne, and pimples.

• Circulatory System

  It is also beneficial for the circulatory system. This stone can promote healthy blood circulation and may help strengthen the veins.

• Addiction

  Galena is extremely useful for people who are dealing with addictions. Not only does it help in detoxifying the body, but it also assists one on an emotional and mental level. It makes us see the root cause of addictions and destructive behaviors, think clearly, and find the motivation to change for the better.

• Hair

  Galena can be beneficial to the hair. It can help in the absorption of important nutrients like zinc and selenium, which are both necessary for healthy hair growth.

• Electronic Smog

  In these days when we are surrounded by electronics and radiation, galena can help shield us from electromagnetic pollution. This makes it a great crystal for those who are working long hours in front of a computer.

• Cancer

  Galena may also help people who are undergoing cancer treatment. It provides comfort, healing, and motivation.

Galena Emotional Benefits

Galena provides quite a unique type of emotional and mental healing to individuals. While a lot of crystals provide instant calm with their soothing presence, galena helps us work on our own issues to get better.

It involves a lot of shadow work and subconscious diving, which is a bit of a scary and uncomfortable process to go through. However, what galena does is it provides grounding energy to help you center yourself when the going gets tough. It also provides stability, mental clarity, and insight.

Finally, galena can help you push through it all and make it out of the dark tunnel to see yourself a renewed person.

Here is how Galena can help:

• Awareness

  Galena can help you see the shadowy parts of yourself. Because we fear this side of ourselves, they are often buried deep inside our unconscious. These aspects are still part of ourselves, and they need to be understood so we may also understand our fears, motivations, and preferences. Those repressed sides of yourself will come to light with the help of galena. You don’t necessarily have to integrate it with your actual personality. However, acknowledging that it exists instead of avoiding it out of ignorance and fear will only make it worse.

• Bravery

  Diving deep into the darkest part of ourselves takes courage and determination. Galena can help bring out the bravery in us, so we may be able to face our other self head-on.

• Kindness

  Our shadows make us judge others, and we do so subconsciously. Galena fosters understanding, love, and forgiveness within us so we may understand that those things we hate about others may be a reflection of ourselves. It also instills forgiveness and kindness towards ourselves, which are something we may also deprive our own self because we can’t accept our dark side.

• Mental Clarity

  This stone also helps us see that although we acknowledge and accept our own dark selves, it doesn’t mean that we are evil. Rather, by embracing this part of our personality, we come to terms with the subconscious processes of our minds: why we do certain things, why we are ashamed of this side of ourselves, and why we fear them. It gives us the mental clarity we seek and maintains it so we may be able to explore further without fear.

• Trust

  Many of us doubt ourselves, especially if we discover certain parts of ourselves that we vehemently dislike. We may even begin to doubt our goodness or our own existence. Galena can help us overcome this self-doubt and trust in our ability to push through.

• Transition

  When exploring the shadowy parts of ourselves, there are only two things that could happen: either we back away in fear, or we get out of the darkness with the wisdom and knowledge of our authentic self. The latter will turn us into a new person, and this change doesn’t come easily or without pain. During this tumultuous transformation, galena will keep you grounded and stable. Generally, galena can also help in times of difficulties or changes.

• Inner Peace

  Galena will help us attain a renewed purpose and sense of self. It assists us in finding inner peace again once we find our authentic selves.

• Stability

  Galena is a strong grounding and centering stone that promotes stability no matter how difficult the problem we are facing.

• Enthusiasm

  Galena can be used to help us become more motivated at doing the things we love, especially if we find ourselves uninterested or lethargic.

• Empowerment

  Galena is also an empowering stone that will help us realize that we can be who we truly are and do the things we love.

• Communication

  Through the help of galena, we can speak more clearly and with sympathy. Because it allows us to understand ourselves and others, we may be able to listen first before we make a conclusion.

Galena Metaphysical Properties

Galena also has plenty of metaphysical properties. Some of them are the following:

• Grounding

  Galena is said to be one of the best grounding stones there is. Use it if you ever feel like you’re out of sorts or you are not connected to your body, so you may feel tethered back to the Earth.

• Harmony

  This stone promotes harmony in the physical and spiritual bodies. It balances both to help us live a more fulfilling, happier, and healthier life.

• Wisdom

  This crystal may also help us connect with spiritual wisdom so we can make the best decisions. If you feel unsure about something, you can meditate with galena to know the answer.

• Past Life

  Galena can also help us see our previous lives. This is especially true if we’re also doing shadow work, and we feel that the answer may lie in a past life.

• Nature

  Galena can also be used for earth healing. It connects us to nature and Mother Earth.

• Opportunities

  Galena can help us see opportunities in places that most people don’t. It also attracts opportunities for travel.

Galena is a very effective stone to use during meditation. While you can hold it in your hand during meditation, make sure to wash your hands after to be safe. This mineral contains lead which may be harmful.

An alternative method you can do is to place it in a grid. You can also choose to place it beside or in front of you to feel its energy. Putting it close to your root chakra works, too. Because of its strong grounding properties, it’s a highly recommended stone to bring with you during meditation sessions.

To meditate with galena, place it nearby. Take deep breaths and close your eyes. Feel its warm, grounding energy envelop you, and visualize the light healing you. Thank the crystal for its help after meditating.

Galena Chakras

Galena connects strongly with the root chakra. Here’s how it can help you:

• Root Chakra

  Located at the base of the spine, the Root Chakra or the Muladhara is the foundation of our life and existence. When this chakra is closed, we often feel anxious, insecure, and unstable. We feel threatened and unsure of our standing as if we can’t stand on our own two feet. However, by opening this chakra, we feel more grounded and secure. We are linked to the earth and have a strong connection with our physical identity.

Galena works best when compared with other crystals, especially ones that provide grounding and support. Below are some of the best stones you can pair it with:

1. 

   Black Tourmaline

   Black Tourmaline helps purify the aura and is also an effective stone for grounding energies.

2. 

   Dolomite

   Dolomite helps ground our energies and promotes stability.

3. 

   Picasso Jasper

   Picasso Jasper is a fantastic stone that will help one recognize their divine purpose. It’s also said to enhance enthusiasm and promote calming in times of stress.

4. 

   Charoite

   Charoite helps clear negative energy and is an excellent stone for opening all the chakras.

5. 

   Astrophyllite

   Astrophyllite can create a connection between you and the higher realms so you may be able to ask assistance from your spiritual guides.

Because it’s a stone that assists us in acknowledging and embracing our shadow self, it just follows that we may be able to deal with unpleasant emotions and thoughts, albeit necessary. When using galena for shadow work, negative vibrations might accumulate, thus making it important to cleanse and charge it once in a while.

With a hardness of 2, galena can be easily damaged by harder minerals and crystals. Furthermore, galena melts easily so do not place in fire. To be safe, avoid putting it near one as well.

Thankfully, it’s not that soluble, so you may be able to cleanse it using water for short periods of time. Avoid soaking it, and after cleansing, make sure to wash your hands, too. Cleanse galena with a mild soap and a soft toothbrush.

Here are some cleansing and charging methods I recommend:

• Soapy Water

  Some stones can be cleaned in soapy water. When cleaning them, ensure that you use a gentle soap and carefully remove any dust or debris from the stone. After the stone is clean, rinse off the stone with lukewarm water and pat the stone down with a soft cloth.

• Full Moon

  Cleansing your stones with the full moon is an excellent way to remove negativity. At twilight, place your crystals on a windowsill or a place where they will be able to absorb the light of the moon (and its vibrations). Remove the stone the following morning before the sun gets too high into the sky. You can also place several stones on a grid to charge with a specific intention.

• Ground

  Returning your crystals to the earth can refill them with energy, renewing them. Dig a hole in the earth and place a plate in the soil. Cover the plate slightly, then place the stones on top. Bury the stones and mark the place on the surface where you know where to dig. A week later, carefully remove the topsoil and remove the stones. If you reach the plate, you know you have gone too far and you may have dug up the stone.

• Sound

  If you have large stones or a number of crystals, using sound may allow you to charge all of them at once. You can use Tibetan bells, a singing bowl, or tuning forks to create a vibrational tone that will fill the stone and renew them again. Play the sound for about 10 minutes to charge your crystals.

• Smudging

  Smudging your stones will immediately remove negative energies, so it is important to open a window for them to leave if you are cleansing your crystals indoors. Simply light either used bundled or loose sage with a match then blow out the flame to produce smoke. Wave the stone through the smoke for 30 to 60 seconds to clear bad vibrations. Ensure you use a fire-safe bowl or plate for safety.

• Visualization

  Visualization is a safe and powerful way of charging any of your crystals. Take time to center your energy and ground yourself, then pick up the sone in your hands. Focus on filling your hands with a radiant light through visualization for a minute or two. Focus on removing the negativity from the stone, allowing it to be cleansed and recharged with purpose. You should be able to feel the energy within the stone shift into positivity.

Conclusion

As the primary lead ore, people have found many industrial uses for galena. However, this stone also has healing and metaphysical properties that lay in wait for those who are willing to discover it. Helpful in shadow work and coming to terms with our darkest sides, galena can assist you in embracing your most authentic self.