Let’s Talk Crystals: Black Obsidian
Black Obsidian
Protection, grounding, and truth
Black obsidian is one of the strongest crystals you’ll ever work with. It’s not a gentle stone, and that’s what makes it so powerful. Obsidian has a sharp, cutting energy that clears through illusions and pushes you to face the truth. People call it a mirror stone because it reflects things back to you, even when it’s something you might not want to see.
A Little History
Obsidian is volcanic glass, formed when lava cools quickly. Cultures all over the world have worked with it for thousands of years. Ancient Mesoamerican peoples shaped it into blades, tools, and mirrors for scrying. It was prized not just for its usefulness but also for its mysterious, otherworldly energy.
Metaphysical Properties
Black obsidian is connected with:
Protection and energetic shielding
Grounding and stability
Cutting through illusions
Shadow work and self-reflection
Banishing negativity
Revealing hidden truths
Correspondences
Element: Fire and Earth
Chakras: Root, and the Third Eye when used for scrying
Energy: Strong, direct, transformative
How to Use Black Obsidian
There are many ways to bring black obsidian into your practice:
Carry it with you for protection
Place it in your space to absorb and deflect negativity
Use an obsidian mirror or sphere for scrying and divination
Hold it during meditation to ground yourself or for shadow work
Keep it near doorways as a protective barrier
Deities Associated with Black Obsidian
Obsidian has strong ties to deities of protection, truth, fire, and transformation. In Aztec tradition, the god Tezcatlipoca, also called the Smoking Mirror, was directly connected to obsidian mirrors used for divination. Its dark, cutting energy also resonates with goddesses like Hecate, who rules the crossroads, and Kali, who clears away illusion and brings transformation.
Because it’s born from volcanic fire, obsidian is also connected to deities like Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes, and Vulcan/Hephaestus, the divine smith who shapes power through flame. Working with obsidian can be a way to honor these deities or call on their energy during ritual.
Final Thoughts
Black obsidian isn’t a crystal for everyone, and that’s completely fine. Its energy can feel harsh, but if you’re ready for truth, protection, and transformation, it’s one of the most powerful stones you can keep close. Whether you carry a small piece in your pocket or work with a larger sphere, obsidian connects you straight to the raw power of earth and fire.
