Starting in the 1st century, the production of gems characterized by magical symbols and syncretic religious references, pertaining to Greek, Egyptian, and Jewish cultures, as well as the emerging Christianity, became prominent. These are the so-called “gnostic gems”; which provide crucial evidence of the new religious practices that had diverged from officialdom. Many of them were prepared according to astrological principles: some of them represent a planet, a sign, or a decan, while others were engraved at a specific moment, according to the principles of electional astrology. Sometimes, the gem represented a particular configuration in the natal chart. Indeed, the gems possess natural properties that can be enhanced by following the instructions in magical texts, exploiting the resonance of names, shapes, or the power of the stars. These stones possess innumerable virtues: they heal diseases, promote happiness, and ward off danger, but their power is not limited to humans. They also command Nature and the Gods: they drive away rain, calm storms, and compel the gods to grant what humans desire. General works such as Pliny’s Natural History and magic texts like Kyranides or the PGM collected information about the use of these stones, while lapidaries, such as the Damigeron-Evax or Techel lapidary, were copied throughout the Middle Ages and Renaissance. In this presentation, we will explore some peculiar ancient gems useful for love, healing, and—this is a part of life too—cursing.
Margherita Fiorello is an Italian traditional astrologer since 2000, lecturer and teacher of traditional techniques. Collector of books of magic and astrology.