Birthstones and their meanings
Birthstones and Their Meanings
Each of the 12 months of the year has an official gemstone assigned to it, which may be the same as the Zodiac sign for that month, or there may be some variation. Birthstone jewelry makes an ideal gift for friends and family, and it is always nice to treat yourself to something related to your own birth month. Below you will find a list of the birthstones for each month with a brief description of the qualities and properties associated with each stone.
January – Garnet
Most garnets are red or deep orange in color, but it is possible to find Garnets in shades of pink, yellow, green, brown, and black.
Garnet is said to be a powerfully energizing and regenerating stone. It is also a purifying and balancing stone which many people find helpful in treating behavior patterns such as addictions that are no longer serving them.
Garnet is believed to inspire love and devotion. It was carried in ancient times as a protective talisman to warn of approaching danger. Garnet is said to balance sex drive, alleviate emotional disharmony and stimulate the rise of kundalini energy from the base of the spine up to the crown of the head. It has long been considered to be a stone of sexual potency as well as a symbol of loyalty and fidelity between lovers.
Psychologically, Garnet sharpens the mind and the intuition, allowing a sharper, more truthful perception of oneself and other people. It helps you to let go of obsolete ideas and to open your mind to new ways of seeing the world, which can be especially beneficial to anyone who feels stuck in a rut of feelings of behavior that is no longer bringing them joy or happiness.
February – Amethyst
Amethyst is a member of the Quartz family and occurs in shades of purple from pale lilac to deep indigo. It is said to be a “super healer” stone because of its ability to absorb negativity from the environment and from your own energy filed. It will also cleanse any crystals placed to it and transmute the negative vibrations they have absorbed into positive, clear energies.
Amethyst is said to protect the wearer from psychic attack. It has a high spiritual vibration that can help you to connect more easily with Divine or other worldly energies. It is also known as a natural tranquilizer, emitting a calming, soothing energy that helps to alleviate worries and anxieties.it is beneficial as a meditation aid because it calms the mind, soothes the soul, and allows the mind to open up to any signs or messages that your guides and angels wish to share with you.
Physically, Amethyst is believed to boost the production of hormones and neuropeptides. Many healers use Amethyst to support regimes for detoxification as it is believed to stimulate the body’s natural elimination processes. Amethyst can also help to relieve tension in the muscles, especially those of the jaw, face, and scalp. This has led to Amethyst gaining the reputation as a heling stone for migraine, headache, eye strain and neck pain.
Spiritually, Amethyst can be used to open and activate the Third Eye chakra. It cleanses any blockages from this are and gently draws off any negative energies. It allows the Third Eye to see more clearly what needs to change, what needs to be strengthened and what needs to be nurtured within an individual for optimum physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
March – Aquamarine
This crystal has a beautifully fresh appearance, occurring in shades of blue, green, and turquoise reminiscent of the ocean and the sky. Aquamarine is said to be a stone of courage. It has a very calming vibration, much like that produced by gently moving water and can instill a sense of tranquility in even the busiest of minds.
Aquamarine was believed in ancient times to have the ability to ward off the forces of darkness and to procure favor from the spirits of light. It was often carried by sailors as a protective talisman against drowning and the dangers of the sea. Psychologically, this crystal seems to have an affinity with sensitive people and is believed to encourage and invoke the quality of tolerance in others. It also encourages taking responsibility for oneself and can help to support those who feel overwhelmed by the needs of others.
Physically, some of the qualities and attributes of Aquamarine include soothing sore throats, swollen glands, and thyroid problems. It is also said to be beneficial for all conditions affecting the eyes.
April – Diamond
As well as being one of the most valuable and expensive gemstones Diamonds carry their own purity and light. This quality is said to help those whose lives are fragmented, chaotic, or going through traumatic times. Diamonds are traditionally used as stones in rings or other pieces of jewelry given by lovers to symbolize a lifelong bond. For this reason, a Diamond is seen as a symbol of commitment and fidelity.
Diamonds are also associated with wealth and are said to be crystals of abundance, helping the wearer to manifest money, resources, and opportunities in their lives. It can be used in a mandala or healing grid for this purpose, often forming the center of the design or pattern so that the energies of all the other stones, and of the person projecting their desires for manifestation, are all concentrated within the “master stone”.
Diamond is one of the few stones that never needs recharging. It is known as an energy amplifier and will increase the vibration of any other stone it comes into contact with.
Traditionally, Diamond was used to counteract poisons and is believed to treat glaucoma and to invoke clear sight.
May – Emerald
The bright green hues of Emerald are closely aligned to the vibrations of the Heart chakra. Amongst its many attributes, emerald is said to be a stone of infinite patience and inspiration. It is a life affirming stone and is also credited with the ability to bring about successful love, domestic bliss, and strong partnerships.
Emerald opens the Heart chakra and calms the emotions. It is a balancing stone, meaning that it promotes physical, mental, and emotional equilibrium. Emerald banishes negativity from your thoughts and your auric field and ushers in positive, high vibrational energies. Emerald is a stone of dynamic, positive action and can be very helpful for those who feel lethargic, apathetic, or lacking in motivation.
Emerald has gained a reputation amongst shamans and mystics for enhancing psychic abilities and opening up clairvoyant, clairaudient, and clairsentient abilities.
Psychologically, Emerald works to support the strength of character needed to overcome life’s difficulties and challenges. It is also known as a stone of regeneration and can help one to eliminate negative emotions.
Physically, the vibration of Emerald is said to aid recovery after periods of illness and to treat infectious diseases. Some say that Emerald can treat conditions of the lungs, the spine, the liver, and the kidneys.
June – Pearl
The birthstone for those born in June is Pearl, which is not a mineral or rock, but the product of an organic process. Pearls are unique in this respect in the crystal and gemstone world. They have an affinity with the natural world, and the seas, rivers, and lakes of the earth in particular.
Pearl is associated with purity and innocence. Gifts of pearls are often given to young people at significant moments in their lives to encourage them to grow in integrity and wisdom. Pearls signify charity and faith and are said to focus the attention, bring clarity of mind and enhance personal integrity.
The Pearl is a stone of truth. It enables the wearer to see through illusion to the real heart of a situation. In matters of conscience, Pearl is believed to empower the wearer to stand up for their beliefs and to inspire loyalty and trust in others. The energy of Pearl is feminine in nature, and it is associated with female fertility. It is said to soothe agitation and to inhibit over-boisterous behavior.
Physically, Pearl is used to treat dis-ease in the soft organs of the body and to alleviate the symptoms of the menopause, PMT and other conditions associated with the female reproductive system.
July – Ruby
Ruby is an excellent stone for imparting energy and vigor. It is also a stone of passion, both in matters of the heart and in life. Ruby stimulates those who have lost their passion for the things they used to love or to enjoy doing. It has a high vibrational energy that some people can sometimes find overwhelming, especially those who are sensitive or irritable.
Ruby is a stone for “following your bliss”. It opens and activates the Heart chakra, enabling you to rekindle the fire of passion in your life. If you have a new project in mind, or are determined to plot a different course, Ruby is the stone of courage that will help you to achieve your dreams.
Ruby is a sociable stone and encourages people to connect with one another on many levels. It is often called upon to re-ignite the flame in sexual relationships but is equally useful for cementing bonds of friendship in groups of people.
Physically Ruby is said to overcome lethargy and exhaustion. Healers use an elixir of Ruby to detoxify the blood and the lymphatic system. It is also believed to be extremely beneficial for the heart and circulatory systems.
August – Peridot
Those born in the late summer take Peridot for their birthstone. This lovely green stone is believed to be a powerful cleanser, releasing and neutralizing toxins from both he physical body and the aura. It opens, cleanses, and purifies the Heart and the Solar Plexus chakras, facilitating the release of old or out-moded beliefs and pain. Peridot is often called upon to help people to release obsessions and burdens, especially guilt. With Peridot around you can learn how to free yourself from your past traumas, let go of people who no longer have a part to play in your development, and to love yourself just as you are. This stone release old patterns from your etheric body, so that a new frequency can be accessed.
Emotionally, Peridot has the reputation of alleviating feelings of envy and jealousy. It can also help to clear resentment, anger, bitterness, and spite, providing that you are willing to let these negative vibrations go.
When used to heal physical illnesses and diseases Peridot is believed to act as a tonic, regenerating tissues, strengthening the immune system, and stimulating a sluggish metabolism. It is also said to be beneficial for the thymus, the spleen the lungs and the gall bladder.
September – Sapphire
Those born in September can access the incredible qualities of this precious stone.
Sapphire is known as the wisdom stone, with each color having its own particular wisdom. it clears and cleanses the aura of unwanted negative energies, focuses the mind, and clears mental tension. Blue Sapphire is called upon to open and activate the higher chakras of the Throat and the Third Eye. It is said to bring in peace and serenity, allowing the mind to calm and the emotions to come into balance, especially during times of stress or trauma. Some say that Sapphire relieves depression and aids in any form of spiritual confusion.
When used in physical healing Sapphire can help with conditions of the eyes and veins. It is believed to strengthen the immune system and to balance hormones.
The wisdom of Blue Sapphire is spiritual in nature and is strongly connected to aura and Earth healing. Worn as a necklace or around the throat, the vibrations of Blue Sapphire allow the Throat chakra to open so that you can speak your truth without fear. It engenders confidence in shy individuals and encourages expression in many ways, both verbal and non-verbal. It is a calming, tranquil stone said to bring peace to the wearer.
October – Opal
An Opal is an exceptional stone, carrying all the colors of the rainbow within its depths. It catches the light in an almost mystical way and can reflect the colors around it so that it seems to change its appearance every time it is worn or used.
Opals were highly prized by the shamans and mystics of many ancient religions and were credited by the Egyptians with the ability to hide the wearer from their enemies or those who wished them ill.
It is a delicate stone with a high vibration. It aids in all kinds of self-development work but is especially valuable for those who seek deeper and better self-knowledge.
Opal is also absorbent and reflective. It teaches you that what you put out is what you will get back, in some form or another. Opal picks up thoughts and feelings, absorbs and amplifies them and the returns them to source. It can act as a psychic protector stone, deflecting the harmful or negative vibrations from others and protecting you from psychic attack.
Psychologically, Opal amplifies characteristics and traits that you may want to work on. It brings them to the surface so that transformation can take place. It enhances self-worth and enable you to see your full potential.
Opal has always been associated with love and passion, desire, and eroticism. It is a seductive stone that heightens the senses and release inhibitions, making it a popular stone for lovers to give to one another. Opal can be used in healing rituals for the eyes and the kidneys. It is said to purify and strengthen the circulatory system. To regulate insulin production and to alleviate PMS.
November - Topaz / Citrine
Topaz comes in colors of golden yellow, brown, clear, red-pink, green, and blue, so it should be easy to find the perfect gift in Topaz for anyone born in November.
One of the attributes of Topaz is that is works empathically to direct energy and healing to where it is most needed. It realigns the energy centers and meridians of the energy body and soothes, heals, restores, and recharges the emotions, bring balance and harmony to the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of an individual’s personality. Topaz promotes forgiveness and brings truth to the darkest of situations, enabling the user to see beyond illusion and deception. It encourages us to love ourselves and to accept that we may not be perfect, but we are perfect for the here and now. With this realization we are able to forgive our own faults as well as those of others. The way is then clear for transformation and change to take place.
Topaz has a vibrant energy that brings joy, abundance, and generosity. Traditionally, topaz has been known as a stone of love and good fortune. It is a valuable stone to use in any kind of manifestation or cosmic ordering rituals and work. The facets and ends of a Topaz crystal contain both positive and negative energies through which requests to the Universe can be channeled. The intention is then magnified, focused, and manifested on the Earth plane.
Topaz can be beneficial for inducing relaxation and releasing tension. Psychologically, Topaz is said to help you to discover your own inner resources, riches, and talents. It encourages philanthropy and makes you feel confident and joyful. Topaz is one of the most positive crystals and negativity does not survive long around the joyful energy of this stone.
December – Tanzanite/Turquoise
The last month of the year takes this efficient healer stone as its birthstone. Turquoise has been used in talismans and amulets throughout human history. Many cultures believed that Turquoise is a protective stone and that it would change color if infidelity or treachery were afoot. It is said to form a connection between the Earthly and the spirit worlds and to enhance clairvoyance, clairaudience, and clairsentience. It opens, activates, and protects the Third eye, allowing access to spiritual wisdom that you may have acquired in a past life.
Turquoise is also a purification stone. It blocks geopathic stress and can be used to cleanse the atmosphere of electromagnetic smog around computers and other electronic devices.
Traditionally, turquoise is said to unite the Earth and the sky and to balance male and female energies withing the body. It has also been used for centuries as a calming, confidence-building stone for anyone speaking in public.
Psychologically, Turquoise discourages martyrdom and dispels victim mentality. It promotes self-worth and teaches the benefits of taking responsibility for one’s own actions.
Tanzanite is a modern gemstone, meaning that it was discovered only recently in human history. Most specimens of Tanzanite are a beautiful deep blue in color and have the property of changing color according to the light source they are exposed to.
Tanzanite is known as a transformative stone. It transmutes negative energies into positive ones and clears the aura of unwanted vibrations.
Tanzanite is said to aid mental clarity and to stimulate the intellect, promoting analytical thinking. It is also an excellent stone for use in raising consciousness, connecting to the Universe and to the waves of Universal Energy that are always all around us.
Emotionally and psychologically, Tanzanite dispels lethargy and helps to bring repressed feelings to the surface so that they can be dealt with in a positive way. It has a natural affinity with the Throat chakra and is a good choice for activating and opening this chakra during a healing session. When our Throat chakras are functioning in a healthy way, we are more able to speak our truths without fear or judgment.
Tanzanite is able to dispel old patterns of thought and behaviour that are no longer serving you, allowing space for new ways of being and living that are more aligned to your true soul purpose on Earth.