Oppuntia engelmanni Cactaceae (Cactus Family). Prickly pear is a large, spiny cactus that bears numerous deep red, juicy-sweet fruits. Early historic observations and archeological data clearly indicate Native Americans relied on prickly pear for food, medicine, and as a source of needles, containers, and water.
February's birthstone, Amethyst is a beautiful purple stone associated with sincerity, peace of mind and good health. Amethyst is a symbol of protection and has the power to overcome difficulty. Encourages self control and strengthens the bond in a love relationship. Amethyst is also believed to have great mystical qualities and it can help to steady a restless mind and bring mental and emotional well-being. Amethyst brings intuition, motivation and sincerity.
Amethyst also protects against psychic attacks, especially during spiritual work. Amethyst is not only a psychic protection stone, but is also used to protect one from thieves, and to protects travelers. Emotionally, amethyst is used in crystal healing to help heal personal losses and grief, bringing one gently past.n the psychic and spiritual realms, amethyst is an excellent all-purpose stone that can increase spirituality and enhance intuition and psychic powers of all kinds. It does this by making a clear connection between the earth plane and other planes and worlds.