A Brief History of Birthstones
Popular belief is the tradition of birthstones probably arose from the Breastplate of Aaron, a ceremonial religious garment set with twelve gemstones that represented the twelve tribes of Israel and are first described in the Book of Exodus. But, birthstones may very well be far older, deriving from the twelve signs of the zodiac and the twelve months of the year. The power of stones probably began with a long forgotten tribal elder or medicine person upon a birth of a baby, asking for blessings from their deities. There are numerous legends and myths about birthstone healing powers and their therapeutic influence. According to these legends, wearing a gemstone during its assigned month heightened its healing powers. For the full effect, individuals needed to own all twelve and alternate them monthly.
January – Garnet
Garnet symbolism is rich and varied. Cultures all over the world have prized this gemstone for its beautiful colours and durability. The traditional January birthstone has also inspired many legends and popular associations with love, friendship, light, and vitality.
February- amethyst
Amethyst has healing powers to help with physical ailments, emotional issues, and in Energy Healing and Chakra balancing. Amethyst crystal therapies are primarily associated with physical ailments of the nervous system, the curing of nightmares and insomnia, and balancing the crown chakra.
March – Aquamarine
It is calming, soothing, and cleansing, and inspires truth, trust and letting go. In ancient lore, Aquamarine was believed to be the treasure of mermaids, and was used by sailors as a talisman of good luck, fearlessness and protection. It was also considered a stone of eternal youth and happiness.
April – Diamond
The stone also attracts abundance, strength, power, courage, fortitude, creativity, imagination, purity, harmony, faithfulness, innocence, increased feelings of self-respect and love, and relationships full of pure love. In fact, diamonds are believed to fill negative spaces in oneself with the purity of love.
May – Emerald
The May birthstone, emerald, was one of Cleopatra’s favorite gems. It has long been associated with fertility, rebirth, and love. Ancient Romans went so far as to dedicate this stone to Venus, the goddess of love and beauty. Today, it is thought that emeralds signify wisdom, growth, and patience.
June- Pearl
White Pearl.- Pearl, the “Stone of Truth, Faith and Love,” enhances personal integrity and helps provide focus and deep meaning to the object of your attention, bringing you wisdom and spiritual guidance. Pearl signifies sincerity, faith and loyalty to your cause.
July – Ruby
The name ruby comes from the Latin word ruber, which means red. It is favorite gem among those in power and those in love, inspiring more emotion than almost any other stone. Some ancient cultures believed that rubies, as well as other gemstones, grew on trees, just like fruit.
August- Peridot
The August birthstone, peridot, symbolizes strength. It is sometimes called the evening emerald for its light green color. It was once believed that the green peridot crystals found in volcanic ashes were the tears of the volcano goddess, Pele. When set in gold, this gem was said to protect the wearer from nightmares.
September- Sapphire
The September birthstone, sapphire, was once thought to guard against evil and poisoning. … Traditionally a favorite stone of priests and kings, the sapphire symbolizes purity and wisdom. The October birthstone, opal, symbolizes faithfulness and confidence. The word comes from the Latin opalus, meaning “precious jewel.”
October- Fire Opal
Because of the interplay of colors and light, Fire Opal is considered a stone of magical powers. This crystal helps improve sight, protects from contagious diseases, and eases the pain that originates from grief and sorrow. Fire opal symbolizes magic, love, progress, hope, happiness and truth.
November – Topaz
Topaz. The November birthstone, topaz, symbolizes love and affection. It is believed to give the wearer increased strength and intellect. Topaz is most desired in its rich orange Imperial Topaz color but it is found in a variety of rich colors like blue, pink and yellow.
December – Tanzanite
Tanzanite’s deepest shade, Indigo, combines the intuition of the violet ray with the trust of the pure blue ray. It brings wisdom, truth, dignity and spiritual mastery. A stone of judgment and long life, it promotes introspection and can result in profound wisdom when used well.