Crystal Lore, Legends & Myth by Athena Perrakis explores crystal lore from around the world. The leanings are definitely magickal, and the very first chapter discusses Lemuria and Atlantis. The rest of the chapters progress through major human civilisations/ time eras from Sumerians to modern times. The final chapters explore things like quantum healing, zodiacal associations, and using crystals to access Earth wisdom. Each chapter has background, a chart of relevant gems, and a deeper look at each gem in the chart. There are also gorgeous pictures of the crystals.

Even given my own pagan/ magickal outlook, I had trouble with the first chapter. Plato’s Atlantis was a story, not a reality. There is absolutely no archaeological evidence to support the existence of either Lemuria or Atlantis. Nor do I hold much truck with the notion of ancient aliens that sparked human civilisation. No, son. There’s an equal lack of archaeological evidence to support that ridiculous idea.

Frisson with Chapter 1 aside, I enjoyed learning about the gemstones. Many I was already familiar with, but several were new to me. I found some new ones to work with myself, including atlantisite, for its healing properties. I was sold at ‘helps with chronic/ persistent health problems’.

There are lots of neat facts scattered throughout too. I had no idea that Emperor Tiberius enjoyed gardening, for one. It covers the stones in the Breastplate of Aaron, the most in-depth I’ve read about before. That was quite interesting.

***Many thanks to Netgalley and Quarto Publishing for providing an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.