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)

Number Magic 3: Twelve

Colour & Cosmology I – Cultures & Alchemy (about “correspondences”)

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