The power of coral supposedly increased when exposed to the full moon and was thought to preserve against lightening and tornadoes.
Coral was thought to quiet the waves and make the sea calm. Coral reefs protect the shoreline, so that idea wasn't completely wrong!
According to ancient lore, Perseus placed the severed head of Medusa in a bag on a heap of seaweed. The head's power passed into the seaweed, which turned as rigid and as shriveled as stone. The Sea Nymphs were delighted - taking armfuls of it back under the sea and bringing fresh seaweed up to be turned to stone (coral) by the head of Medusa.
The Romans believed coral to be a potent charm, and hung branches of coral around the necks of their children to protect them from harm. They also crushed it and mixed it with wine, as a cure-all tonic to be imbibed after their infamous debauches.
During the Medieval period, coral was used as a cure for sterility and as a charm against the evil eye.
Italian men presented coral jewelry to their beloved as a token of love and fidelity and to signify that they were engaged.
A Southwest Native American husband might present red coral jewelry to his wife so that she might bear him many children.
A note about metaphysical and healing properties of crystals and stones: Please consult your doctor or other health care practitioner if you have a health problem. While a particular stone may have been used traditionally as a cure and may have curative energetic properties, see your health care practitioner for all ailments. Any healing and metaphysical properties information is not intended to replace proper medical care, or to be a prescription, and Virago Creations and Audrey Parker are not responsible for its use or misuse.
