Birthstones

Birthstones

It is believed that when you are born your body has a natural vibration linked to the Universe of which you are part. If this can be recreated around you all the time everything in your life will flow better.

It is believed that carrying or wearing you birthstone replicates the vibrations of the stars and planets at your time of birth. These will be drawn down towards you, boosting your aura (subtle energy force field around you). This is protective physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. It is also thought that such birthstones will increase your body’s own healing power. You have more energy, recover quicker form illness and injury and feel stronger emotionally and mentally to cope with life’s everyday stresses and strains. 

The idea of a link between specific gem stones and calendar dates comes from biblical times. Both St. Jerome and Josephus (a Roman historian) commented on the connection between the twelve stones in the Jewish High Priest’s Breastplate and the twelve months of the year. Historically, however, the links go back much further. The Chaldeans recorded connections between planets and gemstones. The Chaldeans lived in Mesopotamia around 4000BC. They were famous for studying the stars to foretell the future. They linked the following planets to gems:

 Saturn - Sapphire

 Jupiter - Jacynth (now known as Hyacinth, a red brilliant Zircon)

 Sun - Diamond

 Mars - Ruby

 Venus -  Emerald

 Mercury -  Agate

 Moon -  Selenite

The other planets had not been discovered at this time.

The Zodiac had been observed by ancient astronomers and stargazers and it is very probable that similar connections would have been made by the Chaldeans. The Ancient Egyptians referred extensively to both their own version of the Zodiac and different gemstones although the details have been lost in time.

Hindu tradition suggests: Topaz is connected to Jupiter; Coral to Mars; Emerald to Mercury; Sapphire to Saturn; Diamond to Venus; and Ruby to the Sun. Native American Indian and Ancient Chinese cultures also have their own traditions. These do not correspond to either the Chaldeans or modern thought. However, this is in part why there is so much confusion surrounding contemporary Birthstones.

Different cultures throughout history have linked stones to planets, months, seasons and the Zodiac. The gemstones vary depending on the traditional belief surrounding the thing they are linked to, the area of the world and the availability of different natural materials in different regions of the earth. For example, in the 16th century it was fashionable in Europe to carry or wear Emerald in the Spring, Ruby in Summer, Sapphire in Autumn and Diamond in Winter.

Emerald being associated with Venus, in both the modern system and the Chaldean system, represents the goddess of love. This is highly appropriate as the saps rises and love blossoms when Spring is in the air. Green symbolises growth and sensitivity, new beginnings and new birth.

Ruby is the “King of Jewels”. It symbolises the fire of the sun and represents expression and creativity.  There is an ancient Burmese legend of a giant eagle soaring over a valley looking for food. As it glides high in the sky it notices way down below some bright red meat on the valley floor. It swoops down and tries to seize the meat, but can’t move it. The eagle swoops down again and again, but can’t even move the meat. Finally the eagle stops and settles on the valley floor and recognises that the bright red “meat” was in fact a sacred stone created from the very fire and blood of the Earth itself. As the eagle finally approached with reverence he was able to take the stone.

Sapphire is a crystal for clarity and insight. Autumn may be a sad time for some – the summer’s gone, leaves falling from trees, life generally slowing down in preparation for the dark winter months. You buy warm clothes and change your diet. Sapphire helps to protect against depression and always helps you look forward to the next spring, emerald green new beginning.

Diamond is appropriate for winter being the hardest, coldest, brightest gem. It often reminds us of ice. The word crystal comes from the Greek word Krystallo, derived from Kryos meaning icy cold. Crystals were believed to be ice from the gods, frozen so hard it would never thaw.

In 18th century Poland it became popular to carry your birthstone and this tradition rapidly spread throughout Europe and the rest of the Western World. Prior to this gemstones and crystals were usually worn or carried for their healing benefits.

There are gemstones and crystals that tie in with day and night, times of the day, days of the week and of course wedding anniversaries. All of these are good valid reasons for selecting a crystal. However, these shouldn’t restrict you in your choice of crystals. If you feel drawn to a specific crystal (this can be by being attracted in any way), you need this crystal. It will benefit you even if you don’t know how or why you have been drawn to it and regardless of whether it is your birthstone or not.

Your Zodiac (Sun) sign is determined by the position of the sun in relation to the earth at your time of birth. Dates change slightly because our calendar doesn’t exactly match the earth’s orbit round the sun. If you are born in the cusp you are in this variable time. However exact times and dates are published in an ephermeris for each year. If you require accuracy in this matter you should commission a professional birth chart prepared by an astrologer.