The spiritual virtues of amber

Nicknamed “the gold of the North ,” amber has fascinated people for thousands of years with its spiritual and energetic virtues . A fossil resin , talisman, jewel, perfume, incense , and sacred stone, it embodies the encounter between matter and the invisible.

Its golden light, comforting warmth, and almost living texture evoke a life frozen in time: the sap of an ancient tree, slowly transformed by the ages. A symbol of timelessness , amber is often described in legends as a “drop of sunshine,” charged with regenerative and protective power. A bearer of vitality and inner transformation, it occupies a central place in many spiritual traditions.

HOZHO has made it a signature ingredient in several of its energetic perfumes, designed to harmonize, invigorate and transform everyday energies.

What is amber? Definition and origins

Scientifically, amber is a fossil resin of plant origin , secreted by trees, most often conifers, several million years ago. Over time, this resin hardened and transformed under the effect of pressure and oxidation to become a highly prized organic gem . This plant amber may still contain trapped insects or plant fragments , which makes it a true witness to past life .

Amber is sometimes confused with ambergris , a substance of animal origin derived from the digestive system of the sperm whale, historically used in perfumery for its fixative properties. At HOZHO, the amber used in perfume creations is exclusively derived from plant fossil resin , a noble material, rich in history and symbolism.

Although it is not mineralized, amber is classified as an organic gemstone, and its use as an ornamental stone dates back to prehistoric times , long before the invention of writing. Amber objects (jewelry, amulets) have been found on Paleolithic and Neolithic sites.

The natural origins of amber take us back to vanished primary forests . The largest known deposits are found in Northern Europe , particularly on the shores of the Baltic Sea. The term Baltic amber refers to these resins from Eocene conifers, transported and deposited by post-glacial rivers and tides throughout Northern Europe.

Amber is also found in other parts of the world: the Dominican Republic , Mexico (Chiapas) , Burma , Lebanon , Sicily and Canada . Approximately 90% of the world's exploitable amber still comes from the Kaliningrad region, as this stone is so abundant in ancient forest deposits.

Amber across cultures and rites

Since prehistory and throughout antiquity, amber has inspired myths and sacred rites. In ancient Egypt, amber was considered the tears from the eye of Ra , the sun god. It was used in particular in embalming rituals to protect mummies from decomposition. This solar resin, a symbol of eternity, was generally placed in tombs to ensure the protection of the deceased against bodily corruption and harmful influences.

In Greek mythology, amber represented the tears of Apollo (or the Heliades) that fell from the chariot of the sun. The Greeks and Romans believed it had healing and protective powers : amber was offered to the gods and worn as an amulet to ward off evil spirits.

In Celtic Europe and among the Germanic peoples, amber was equally prized. The Slavs, for example, saw it as the petrified tears of the gods and used it as a protective talisman , particularly to protect children from kidnapping or disease. Wearing a piece of amber was tantamount to surrounding oneself with divine benevolence.

Similarly, in Nordic traditions, amber was associated with the god Thor and worn as an amulet for protection during travel and battle. Every culture has its own legend: everywhere, amber is linked to the sun, light, and life . It warms the heart, symbolizing purity, rebirth, and resilience.

Amber also holds a sacred place among Native American peoples . Considered a stone of divine origin, it is used in spiritual rituals to establish a connection with the spirit world. Burned during ceremonies or worn on the body, it serves as a bridge between the earthly and spirit worlds , aiding in healing and energetic purification.

This ritual dimension inspires our creations. The HOZHO Terres Sacrées Amérindiennes collection is based in particular on these Amerindian shamanic traditions. Its energetic interior fragrance, with spicy notes of leather, cedar, amber, blond tobacco and honey, is designed to purify spaces , release old memories and initiate a vibrational renewal . It is a true “reset” of energies to invite positive change.

The aromatic and therapeutic virtues of amber

Far beyond its ornamental value, amber has aromatic and therapeutic virtues that have been prized since Antiquity. In aromatherapy , its warm, sweet, and slightly woody scent is highly sought after. When heated or burned asincense , it exudes a smoke with sweet, comforting aromas that soothe the mind and comfort the soul.

Its fragrance, sometimes enhanced with vanilla or honeyed notes, invites relaxation and serenity. It is said that in the past, amber was burned to purify the air and disinfect spaces thanks to its resinous smoke. Unsurprisingly, amber is found in many incense compositions intended for relaxation and meditation.

For topical use , amber can be transformed into an oil with multiple benefits. By dry distillation of the fossil resin, a concentrated amber essential oil is obtained. Applied to the skin diluted in a carrier oil, this amber oil is known to regenerate and purify the epidermis : it helps revitalize the skin, treat acne or eczema, and promote skin elasticity. A few drops of amber oil, massaged into the scalp, are also said to strengthen hair roots and stimulate hair growth.

When diffused into the air, this oil acts as a natural air purifier, eliminating unpleasant odors and stagnant energy in the room. It is even said to have aphrodisiac and relaxing properties: used in the bath or as an inhalation, it helps dissipate nervous tension, anxiety, and fatigue, while toning the body.

Amber is also present in holistic and wellness treatments . Its warm scent is incorporated into balms, massage candles and oils for relaxation. It is notably integrated into our HOZHO Harmonizing collection composed of relaxing plants such as valerian, lavender, sandalwood and rose combined with amber. This synergy helps rebalance energies and soothe the mind. Its floral and woody notes create a serene atmosphere, ideal for meditation, yoga or an evening ritual, encouraging the return to inner harmony.

The energetic and spiritual virtues of amber

In lithotherapy (stone healing), amber is considered a major stone with multiple energetic benefits. Its solar vibration makes it a stone of vitality, purification, and protection. Amber is said to absorb negative energies and illnesses, transforming them into clear, positive vibrations, which stimulates the body's self-healing power.

Wearing amber brings a boost of inner strength, helps overcome fatigue and regenerate the body. This fossil resin also forms a protective shield around its wearer against external negative energies and acts as an energy filter. Amber is thus frequently recommended for purifying the aura , eliminating blockages and finding a more fluid and balanced energy.

On an emotional and spiritual level, amber is associated with the solar plexus chakra (Manipura), the 3rd chakra, located above the navel. As a stone of harmony , it stimulates this energy center linked to personality and self-confidence .

With its solar radiance , amber helps illuminate our life path, dispel fears, and restore emotional stability. Working with amber at the solar plexus level helps restore confidence and optimism in everyday life. It is also a stone that balances emotions: its comforting warmth soothes anxiety, helps overcome sadness, and encourages a more joyful and positive attitude toward life.

On a spiritual level, amber is seen as a catalyst for elevation. Its deep connection to natural elements (it contains the memory of ancient forests and the Earth's Life Force ) gives it a power to anchor and elevate consciousness .

Meditating with amber or using it in spiritual practices facilitates personal development and the awakening of the mind . This stone is said to help reveal our inner resources and stimulate our intuition.

In this sense, amber accompanies our spiritual journey : it invites mental clarity, self-discovery, and connection with ancestral wisdom. Many practitioners use it to facilitate past-life regression, the recall of soul memories, and karmic healing, as amber seems to carry within it the memory of time.

Energetic perfumes based on amber

In energetic perfumery, amber combines with other sacred resins and precious woods to create powerful olfactory synergies.

In our Vitalizing collection, amber combines with citrus fruits (grapefruit, lemon, bergamot, orange) and spicy accents (pepper, vetiver, pine) to create a sunny and invigorating fragrance . This alchemy energizes the energy of the home, promotes creativity and breathes a sparkling lightness into your mornings. It is an energetic fragrance that sets in motion and awakens the inner fire.

With Terres Sacrées Amérindiennes , HOZHO draws inspiration from shamanic rituals to create a fragrance for transformation. Here, amber blends with notes of cedar, leather, blond tobacco, honey, and spices to cleanse stagnant memories and open the way to vibrational renewal. This scented treatment accompanies moments of transition and cycle changes.

Finally, the Harmonizing collection combines amber with relaxing plants such as lavender, valerian, sandalwood, and red rose. This soft and enveloping composition creates a bubble of calm , ideal for meditation, yoga, or artistic practices. It promotes refocusing, calming the nervous system, and energetic alignment.