10 Things You Didn’t Know About Tiger’s Eye

Tiger’s Eye is by far one of the best do it all crystals when it comes to luck and protection. This chatoyant mineral is highly sought after for its many healing properties, both spiritual and physical, the most recognized being its ability to impart strength, courage, good luck, and protection. As it activates personal willpower through the Solar Plexus chakra, it allows us to engage our “second brain”, displaying an array of true and authentic emotions. Tiger’s eye presents its power through opportunities and new beginnings, urging you to take a chance on yourself and grab the dreams which you seek. Granting intuition, creativity, and determination, it helps us to access our inner strength in order to channel it towards creating the reality we most desire. So, what else is there to it? Quite a bit more, actually. Here are 10 things you didn’t know about Tiger’s Eye. 

1. Tiger’s Eye, the Origin of a Name 

Most likely because of its chatoyance under the right light, resembling an actual cat’s eye, this stone of luck has long since been attributed to the King of the Jungle – the Tiger – representing and symbolizing in its truest forms: prosperity, strength and courage. It has been used for these purposes and more since the earliest days of human civilization.

2. Tiger’s Eye, a Soldier’s Shield 

Perhaps because this stone deals with issues regarding self-confidence, self-worth, distraction, and lack of motivation, many ancient civilizations incorporated its use to provide strength and courage. Roman soldiers would often wear carved Tiger’s Eye for protection in battle as it was believed to give them strength and courage to win any fight.  

3. Tiger’s Eye in Chinese Culture 

Fundamental to Chinese astrology, the Tiger is one of 12 zodiac animals and part of the four Chinese mythical creatures alongside the dragon, the phoenix and the turtle. In Chinese folklore beliefs, the tiger is seen as a guardian spirit, protecting the good from the evil, and was carved into amulets of protection to ward off evil spirits. They also believed it to be a talisman of good luck. 

4. Tiger’s Eye in Egyptian History 

In the times of Ancient Egypt, it was widely believed that the shimmering bands of yellow and gold on this gorgeous stone were actually the rays bestowed upon earth by the powerful sun god, embodied by the tiger. As one of the most prized gems of the Nile River Valley, legend said that the stone held the power of the midday sun, the hottest time of day, and in these regards, the ultimate peak of the life force. Believing that tiger’s eye would give them vitality and strength, pharaohs and other high-ranking members of the Egyptian court often wore the stone in jewelry. Aside from its power and strength, it was also symbolic of the all-powerful eye – precious and sacred. For these reasons, it was often laid inside the tombs of pharaohs to guide them in the afterlife. Additionally, the Egyptians would often incorporate tiger’s eye into the statues of their deities, as they believed that the stone gave the gift of vision. By doing this, they invoked protection from the God of the sun, Ra and the God of the earth, Geb. 

5. Tiger’s Eye in Greek Mythology 

The power of this stone has travelled through time and through many ancient cultures around the world, with many beliefs surrounding its powers and healing properties. In Greece, it was no different. As it was believed to strengthen the mind, instill focus and strategic thinking, they would often wear tiger’s eye in jewelry to harness these energies.  

6. Tiger’s Eye, the Eye of Gods 

In Mesopotamian religion, the chief God of Babylon and national God of Babylonia was known as Marduk or Bellus, the God of War who sees everything. Originally, he is the god of thunderstorms who overcame and conquered the monster of primeval chaos, Tiamat, then became Lord of the Gods and Heaven and Earth. Tiger’s eye is often called “the Eye of Bellus” for its protective properties and energies of pure life force. 

7. Tiger’s Eye, the Stone of Many Names 

Throughout history, although its meaning has remained the same, the name of this chatoyant crystal has changed quite a few times. In some cultures it is referred to as “Falcon’s Eye”, while in others it is called “Wolf’s Eye” – yet, both powerful and symbolic animals. In Africa, where its best known deposits are found, Tiger’s eye is called “Hyenis”, in honor of an African stone that comes from the eyes of Hyenas. 

8. Tiger’s Eye, Protection in History 

In the Middle Ages, the fight between good and evil from a psychological point of view prevailed. Demons, witches, spells, and essentially anything “different” were the enemy during this time and the people sought protection, ironically, from something spiritual – Tiger’s eye. The people of this time believed that the stone was all-seeing and had the power to block everything evil. It was from here that belief of this stone’s protective properties spread to other parts of the world.  

9. Tiger’s Eye, Karma for the Unfaithful 

In Arab culture, there was once (and perhaps still is) a belief that tiger’s eye could prove a wife’s faithfulness or unfaithfulness. Before the husband would leave for work or travel, he would introduce the stone into milk which would then be given to the wife. The belief claimed that if the woman was unfaithful while the man was away, she would become pregnant by her lover. Wow. 

10. Tiger’s Eye, an Amulet for the Good and the Bad 

Across many cultures and beliefs, tiger’s eye is considered a stone of luck and good fortune – apparently whether the wearer is deserving or not. Thieves would often carry the stone for protection in their criminal endeavors, as they believed it would help them to triumph. In ancient times, it was also used as an amulet of protection and courage for travelers, discoverers, and was eventually adopted by the Crusaders.