The Myths and Treasures of the Amber Sea
Amber is one of the world’s most coveted treasures. It is a talisman of beauty, protection and renewal that has been sought after for millennia. In the most ancient cultures, amber was used for its pleasing warmth of color, its value in adornment, and its magical and medicinal properties.
It was once a valuable trade item in the Mediterranean and Middle East. In ancient Rome, Pliny the Elder wrote that an amber carving could be worth more on the open market than a healthy slave.
The Baltic region is the world’s largest source of amber. The town of Kurpie is regarded as the “last link in an old chain.”
When amber first started being made, it was done by hand, using archaic tools. The resulting products were very different than what we produce today.
Because the resin contains inclusions of plant and animal, it is an important source for scientists studying ancient ecosystems. It is also an invaluable tool for scientists working to find the origin of dinosaurs, as Michael Crichton’s novel Jurassic Park makes clear.
It is often used as a gemstone in jewelry and other objects. It has a low melting point and can be burned with less fire than most gem materials.
Known as the astrological birthstone for those born under the sign of Leo, amber encourages the strength and boldness of the lion while helping them to focus their energies on a fine-tuned approach to decision making. It helps the stone’s wearer to stay balanced and focused when their emotions are overflowing or they feel unsure about what to do next.
There are several myths relating to the origin of amber. Some of them involve tears and sadness, while others involve loss of a loved one.
In many of these stories, the tears turn into amber resin when they are touched by the sun. This is why we see sun spangles on the surface of some pieces of amber.
Another story of amber’s origin relates to the story of Phaeton, son of Apollo, who was given the job of driving the chariot of the sun. After his death, his seven sisters wept as well and turned into amber resin.
A third story involves Amberella, a princess who lived on the Baltic Sea shores. She was so beautiful that the Prince of the Seas drew her down into a whirlpool and set her in an underwater palace of amber. But Amberella was unhappy and cried out for her home.
She was so sad that she threw her jewelry into the water. The water churned up and tossed her jewelry into the air where she was eventually found.
It is believed that Amberella still resides in the deepest part of the Baltic Sea. She is the Lithuanian Goddess of the Oceans and is often depicted as a sea creature with her wings raised. She is a symbol of courage and loyalty to her love.
The Baltic Sea has long been associated with amber and its mystical properties. Its shores are said to hold the soul of a lost love and her palace is sometimes called the Amber Room, or the Eighth Wonder of the World. Amber Sea