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At first glance, a Shiva lingam probably won’t look like much to the layman. Reality may be far from what the untrained eye sees. Typically shaped as a cylinder with rounded ends, the Shiva lingam is a representation of the Hindu god Shiva. Only found in the Narmada River, Shiva linga are typically hand polished by locals. The stone is actually cryptocrystalline quartz but its properties extend far beyond its chemical and crystalline structure.
Considered to be a phallic representation of Shiva himself, this stone represents all creation. Often thought to be an incarnation of the cosmic egg from which the world was hatched, the Shiva lingam represents male and female and the birth of all life. Being that it represents life and creation it shouldn’t be much of a surprise that the lingam may help to charge the entire chakra system. Many stones commune with one chakra or another. The lingam may help to boost the communication and pathways between all of the chakras and increase the power of the spirit; really bringing new life into your very essence. In addition to boosting the chakras the lingam may also activate kundalini energies, boost vitality, and enhance inner transformation. These attributes all lend themselves to one another quite nicely. Without vitality, transformation isn’t possible. Without kundalini energies, vitality is found to be lacking. The lingam may also help to break up old paths and help to build new ones along with helping to feel unity during times of loneliness and separation. This forging of new paths combined with the strength to overcome separation during times of strife may make the individual especially strong. New paths are of no use if we can’t brave them and a Shiva lingam may just help us to travel down new roads.
It is probably no shock that Shiva lingams are used to help in treating problems with creating life. Healers often utilize the power of the lingam to help with issues of infertility and impotence. A stone that is linked so tightly with creation is, in many ways, the obvious choice for helping those of us who want to bring new life forth. The lingam isn’t only for those who need help, however. The lingam may be used for strengthening the body and bringing balance to the physical self. We naturally focus so heavily on the soul and our emotions that it can be easy to focus on the body. The body is the outward expression of the soul and is extremely important in balancing all parts of life. Without balance and power in the physical body, attaining peace of the mind and soul would be nearly impossible. Using the Shiva lingam to help balance the tangible part of ourselves may be exactly what is necessary to allow us to focus on inward balance. This simple, unassuming stone from India could just be the thing that many of us could use in order to balance many parts of life and help us to grow effectively.