Birthstones And Astrological Birthstones

( Orginally published November 1937 )

There are abundant signs that an intelligent use of gems-that is, genuine ones-is about to be revived; though it is a bit difficult to reconcile that statement with the present feminine hunger for "glass," or imitation stones. In the middle ages, the jeweler was something of a scientist and often an apothecary as well. It is possible that the future merchant in gems may be a combination of psychoanalyst, astrologer, numerologist, as well as mineralogist.

Then when you want a "lucky" stone, one that will help you by means of its vibratory force-and this is not a matter to be dismissed lightly, as some of the "wise ones" airily dothe jeweler of the future will ascertain your birth date and consult your color chart, as well as the ray through which you are working. On this information he will prescribe the stone that is best suited to you-your individual ,gem, which will exert a helpful influence on your subsequent life.

Among the forces which affect the individual, the public is familiar only with the birthstone as symbolizing the influences due to the month of birth. In 1912 a list of stones was adopted by the American National Retail Jewelers' Association as the accepted birthstones, and a few alternates were named where custom in various communities had led to the recognition of a stone differing from the adopted list. Though variations are recognized, the following stones are those selected as birthstones by the Arabian astrologers who brought the idea into Europe in the fifteenth century:

January - garnet
February - amethyst
March - bloodstone, aquamarine
April - diamond
May - emerald
June - pearl, moonstone
July - ruby
August - sardonyx, peridot
September - sapphire
October - opal, tourmaline
November - topaz
December - turquoise, lapis lazuli

There are other people, mainly students of astrology, who hold that from the standpoint of the occult powers of gems their true value is to be found only in connection with the sign of the zodiac in which the sun was at the time of one's birth. The astrological calendar and the signs of the zodiac have come down to us from the ancient Babylonians as another example of their efforts to seek protection from the dangers that threatened the living. According to astrology the true assignment of birthstones and alternates is as follows:

Aquarius - onyx, crystal
Pisces - coral, amber
Aries - amethyst, bloodstone
Taurus - emerald, carnelian
Gemini - aquamarine, hematite
Cancer - pearl, moonstone
Leo - ruby,jade
Virgo - tourmaline, beryl
Libra - sapphire, opal
Scorpio - agate, malachite
Saggitarius - lapis lazuli, topaz
Capricorn - turquoise, garnet

For those readers who are unfamiliar with the zodiacal signs, the following table is given for reference:

Aquarius - January 20 to February 19
Pisces - February 19 to March 20
Aries - March 20 to April 20
Taurus - April 20 to May 20
Gemini - May 20 to June 21
Cancer - June 21 to July 22
Leo - July 22 to August 22
Virgo - August 22 to September 22
Libra - September 22 to October 23
Scorpio - October 23 to November 23
Saggitarius - November 23 to December 21
Capricorn - December 21 to January 20

Certain facts concerning the occult significance of gem stones which are associated with the astrological chart are recognized, especially among those who have made a study of the legends of precious stones. Some of these strange beliefs will be summarized here. Few references will be made to the extensive field of the shapes of amulets or the figures engraved on them and on fetish stones.