Month Stones
This article indirectly connects to several previous topics: Gems, my previous series on Zodiacs and Months, Numbers, Symbols – and, of course, History.
Stones, or gems, associated with certain months or zodiacal signs are found in several traditions. From the beginning a form of magic where stones would affect their bearers in various ways, not at least their health, some people today are seeing them as merely fun symbols, and jewellers, no doubt, find them a commercial asset. I will not examine the theoretical background at this time, but just briefly outline some of the correspondences. Believable or not, amusing or not - that is your own choice - but just like astrology, this is a very real part of our cultural history.
One tradition suggests that the origin of birthstones are the gems of the breastplate of Aaron, which is described in Exodus. There they denoted the twelve tribes of Israel, and possibly the Zodiac. Other traditions exist, however, for example from India and Tibet. They might differ to some degree.
The gems of Aaron's breastplate. First in Hebrew, then according to translation to Greek, and finally according to King James Bible:
1. Odem, Sardion, Sardius
2. Pitdah, Topazion, Topaz
3. Bareketh, Smaragdos, Carbuncle
4. Nophak, Anthrax, Emerald
5. Sappir, Sappheiros, Sapphire
6. Yahalom, Iaspis, Diamond
7. Leshem, Ligurion, Ligure
8. Shebo, Achates, Agate
9. Ahlamah, Amethystos, Amethyst
10. Tarshish, Chrysolithos, Beryl
11. Shoham, Beryllion, Onyx
12. Yashpheh, Onychion, Jasper
As is evident, there are strange translation errors developing throughout the times, partly due to different uses of terms involved. We do not really know what gems the Hebrews had, but that it was not in accordance with the English list is evident. This was a poor people, the cost of such gems, if they were even known at the time, would have been astronomical.
Here is one listing of month, stone, flower, and quality they symbolise. Sometimes more than one of each. The list is in no way exhaustive. Many variations and other traditions exist.
January: Garnet, Emerald (Tibet); Carnation; Pride, Faith, Distinction and Constancy.
February: Amethyst, Bloodstone (Tibet); Violet, Iris; Seriousness, Hope, Happiness & Sincerity.
March: Aquamarine, Bloodstone, Jade (Tibet); Daffodil, Jonquil; Wisdom, Courage & Hope.
April: Diamond, Opal (Tibet); Sweet Pea, Daisy ; Innocence, Modesty & Joy.
May: Emerald, Sapphire (Tibet), Agate (India); Lily-of-the-Valley; Love, Peace, Chastity, Humility, & Tranquillity.
June: Pearl, Alexandrite, Moonstone (Tibet); Rose; Wealth, Purity & Wisdom.
July: Ruby, Onyx; Larkspur; Freedom, Levity, Nobility & Passion.
August: Chrysoprase, Peridot, Sardonyx, Diamond (Tibet), Sapphire (India); Gladiolus; Friendship, Remembrance, Joy & Power.
September: Sapphire, Agate (Tibet), Moonstone (India); Aster; Truth, Patience & Hope.
October: Opal, Tourmaline, Pink Sapphire, Jasper (Tibet); Marigold (Calendula); Hope, Tender Love & Confidence.
November: Topaz, Citrine, Pearl (Tibet), Cat's Eye (India); Chrysanthemum; Loyalty, Compassion, Faith, Fidelity & Friendship.
December: Turquoise, Blue Topaz, Lapis lazuli, Onyx (Tibet), Ruby (India, Arabia); Narcissus; Success & Understanding.
Gemstones are also assigned to the Zodiac, and perhaps that is the original idea. The first is the birthstone; the second the Talisman stone, which was said to protect from evil.
Aries: Bloodstone; Topaz
Taurus: Sapphire; Garnet
Gemini: Agate; Emerald
Cancer: Emerald; Sapphire
Leo: Onyx; Diamond
Virgo: Carnelian; Zircon
Libra: Peridot; Agate
Scorpio: Beryl; Amethyst
Sagittarius: Topaz; Beryl
Capricorn: Ruby; Onyx
Aquarius: Garnet; Jasper
Pisces: Amethyst; Ruby
Here, too, other lists exist.
Read the whole series about Zodiacs & Months:
Zodiac, Month, Year: Some Scientific Elementa
History of Months I: Julian - Gregorian - Christian Months
History of Months II: Islamic/Arabic Months
History of Months III: Ancient Egypt & Babylonia
History of Months IV: India, China, The French Revolution & The Cruelty of April
Other related articles:
About Zodiacs & Astrology (Egyptian, Babylonian, Indian, Chinese)
Colour & Cosmology I – Cultures & Alchemy (about “correspondences”)
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(Lead Image by Annalise Batista/Pixabay, CC0/Public Domain.)
All my articles about calendars , time, months & zodiacs can be found here.
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Wowww, I like June, which is pearl, purity, wisdom, rose, wealth and etc... And I'm also Gemini the Emerald,