Under a mantle of rough agate, the Skull Hermit demonstrates mastery of balancing light and darkness with his bands of beautifully contrasting colors. The Skull Hermit symbolizes wisdom, searching for truth and light in the darkness, and by bringing light into the darkness, this sage also discovers that which comprises the darkness. Lofty and alone, he cultivates the qualities of himself that give him patience to temper his thoughts and avoid acting hastily, seeking philosophical reflection through introspection which leads to the cultivation of silence and his intimate knowledge of the world he has withdrawn from. It is from this distance that the Skull Hermit gains self acceptance and appreciation, and also the wisdom gleaned from revealing the daily challenges that seem so blinding up close for the inconsequential details they actually are in the greater perspective of life. The Skull Hermit now acquires the ability to guide by example, sharing his understanding of the dharmic path which every person can choose to follow to find their own personal harmony and balance with themselves, with others, and with the universe.

The Skull Hermit brings light, giving understanding, and with his light darkness also comes with him, teaching the lessons of inner strength, self reliance, independence, and the value and peace of solitude. The Skull Hermit represents growth at all levels, a journey into the unknown and the altered perception gained during the journey, most easily recognized upon the return to the familiar. The Skull Hermit imparts his wisdom to those who are going to where he has come back from, and in a way, also challenges them because they need to be ready for what lies ahead. A guardian to protect one from oneself, teaching one to continue to strive for wisdom, and not relax or become quiescent and forget to seek to learn and grow.

Agate has long been used as a stone of protection, to stimulate analytical capabilities and precision, for providing for perceptiveness to situations, and for awakening ones inherent talents and adroitness. It has also been use to produce inspiration from and connectedness to the spiritual worlds. Agate raises one's consciousness, builds self-confidence, and assists one in choosing one's friends carefully.

Agate has been used to strengthen sight, diminish thirst, to promote marital fidelity and stability within ceremonial activities, for balancing body, mind, emotions, spirit, and yin/yang energies, and as a stone of harmony and unification of all people. Agate symbolizes benevolence and good will, originating from the nurturing energy within the stone. Agate can alleviate hostility, irritability, and boredom, while enhancing one's generosity, responsiveness, and receptivity. Agate is often used as a gazing tool for divination and meditation and assists in examination of the self and the learning situations that bring about growth. Agate also assists in abating stress and anxiety.

Agate is used to bring prosperity. Agate is also used to avert from lighting and stormy weather (physically and metaphysically). Agate provides strength, helps us to have patience and courage, and it's calming effect allows for finding inner peace.

Agate is an excellent stone for protection, and is considered to be very effective for children, especially protecting children from falling. Agate is considered an excellent stone for artists and students, as it amplifies creative and intellectual thinking.

Agate amplifies and gives energy when required, and stores energy when it is not needed, which enhances durability and endurance. Agate gives one emotional strength, alleviates fears, and dispels envy and desire through the grounding of emotions. Agate teaches acceptance of one's emotions which helps one to overcome the emotions one desires to be free of. Agate's nature of bringing harmony allows for removing and releasing bitterness, resentment, ill will, and the desire for vengeance and retaliation, teaching one to learn and practice forgiveness. In this way, agate heals and improves relationships.

Agate transforms negative energy to harmonious energy which cleans and balances the aura. Agate harmonizes the energy of the body with the energy of the Earth, grounding and strengthening one's connection with the planet.