Amethyst

Amethyst

"The Hebrew word for amethyst, ahlamah, literally means “dream stone,” and it was thought that it induced pleasant dreams."  Isn't that an engaging thought? I am not big on using crystals for the effects they are supposed to have, but I love the thought of looking into this translucent purple stone and thinking of pleasant dreams. 

Part of piece called Foundation Stones
6" x 6" acrylic on canvas panel 
 

Many artists seem to love the color purple, and for some reason, I am reminded today of a children's book that inspired me to love art, Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson. I have mentioned this book before in my blog. It spurred my interest in imagination and art. 

In keeping with my month's theme, here is one of the Biblical passages that mentions amethyst:
Revelation 21:18-20 (New American Standard Bible) 
The material of the wall was jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass. 19 The foundation stones of the city wall were adorned with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation stone was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, chalcedony; the fourth, emerald;  the fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, topaz; the tenth, chrysoprase; the eleventh, jacinth; the twelfth, amethyst.