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Gemstones associated with the Signs of the Zodiac.
It is not widely known that each sign has several possible associated gemstones. As well as being associated with zodiac signs, stones may be related to months of the year.
Aries: March 21- April 20
Aries people are fiery types, ruled by Mars, so it should come as no surprise that the gemstone most usually associated with them is a red, fiery stone- the garnet. Also associated with Aries are the bloodstone, diamond, carbuncle and ruby.
 Garnet
Garnets, most often associated wit January birth dates, are a symbol of constancy and friendship and are said to warn the wearer when danger is near. Thought to be especially useful in cases of inflammatory diseases, Garnets are useful for treating rheumatism, arthritis and inflammation of the joints. Garnet is also used in dealing with blood problems, acting as a general tonic, aiding self-confidence and are also said to improve the self drive. If worn on the left side of the body, garnets are believed to protect against depression as well as rheumatism and tradition suggest the wearing of garnets will bring business success new opportunities. (For more information on Garnet please visit my "Lucky Gems" page.)
Bloodstone
The bloodstone belongs to those Rams born during the month of March. Its flecks of red jasper fit in with the Mars and fire themes. Jasper is especially associated with stomach problems and is said to help with digestion if worn against the stomach area. Early Christians, who dedicated a gemstone to each apostle, dedicated jasper to St. Peter. It is said that, to early Christians, bloodstone had and association with the blood shed by Christ at the Crucifixion. This is probably how it got its name. The story goes that on the hill of Calvary, some of blood from the crucified Christ fell upon the green jasper that lay beneath t cross and speckled it with red.
Ancient civilizations thought it had the power to cause tempests and that is was a protection against drowning. The reasoning behind this is lost in antiquity. It was also used in seals, cameos and signets and many of the seals of the ancient Babylonians were cut in bloodstone.
Diamond
The diamond, one of he most precious stones, belongs, in April. It is said to signify purity and innocence and it is for this reason that it is so often seen in engagement rings. Diamonds are supposed to be most powerful when combined with other gemstones and this could have led to the popularity of rings containing diamonds and other stones together. Very large diamonds are traditionally unlucky and there are many sad tales regarding the owners of unusually large diamonds.
Diamonds are crystalline forms of carbon and are the hardest stones know. It is said that diamonds belonged to Mars, the God of war (another link with Aries) and carrying one into battle protected the warrior and guaranteed success, making him invincible and strengthening his muscles. In Roman times, it was bound to the left arm of the warrior to bring added strength and courage.
The name “diamond” comes from a word meaning “indomitable”, and the stone has always been associated with strength. Early Christians associated the stone with courage and it has always been thought to bring food luck. In the Middle Ages, it was said to help with madness, nightmares and in curing those who had been poisoned or subject to some form of pestilence.
It is only in recent centuries that diamonds have become such prized possessions, as in early days the ways in which they were cut led them to be dull and lacking in the sparkle with which they are no associated. The bloodstone and diamond worn together are said to be particularly propitious.
Carbuncle
The carbuncle and ruby are again fiery-red stones, fitting in wit the Aries themes. In ancient times, it was felt that both carbuncle and ruby could protect against plague. The name “carbuncle” comes from a word for coal and it is said to bring hope to unhappy situations. Carbuncles are believed to protect those traveling by land and sea and are very lucky if worn with the aquamarine.
Ruby
The ruby has always been associated with contentment and is considered to be a symbol of freedom and power, increasing energy levels. It is said to stimulate love if worn close to the heart. It is an aid in stimulating intuitive thought and is often used as a general tonic. It encourages selflessness and devotion.
This stone is especially valued in India, Where it is found in riverbeds. Singhalese legend calls rubies “tears of Buddha” and it is a sacred gem to the Buddhists. It is one of the many stones that are said to stop bleeding and is also though to help those suffering from sadness or melancholy. To the people of the Middle Ages, it was a token of friendship and it was believed that in times of trouble it would grow paler. There is a story that Catherine of Aragon wore a ruby in a ring on her little finger and as the love of her husband waned, so the stone became dull and pale. It is also recorded that the ruby set in the state crown of England had an unfortunate history – legend has it that Pedro of Castile so wanted the stone that he murdered the King of Granada to gain possession of it. Worn on the brow, the ruby is thought to give added insight and increase mental power. It also said to be able to ward of evil spirits, protect against poisons and act as an antidote to snakebite.
Lucky and unlucky stones.
Many stones are considered to be lucky and since early times have been used as means of protection. For those people interested in astrology, having considered the stones mentioned for their signs, it is worth pointing out that some sources believe that some stones are to be avoided at all costs.
For example:
Cancer- avoid opal and lapis lazuli.
Other traditional suggestions include linking lucky stones with hours of the day and days of the week.
Additional and detailed information on Gems associated with Zodiac sign, “lucky/unlucky stones”, and suggestions when to use may be purchased for only $1 (Free with any purchase from my website).
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