Cancer’s connections with the Moon are followed through in its gemstone associations, moonstone, chrysoprase, pearl and selenite. July’s stone is traditionally ruby.

 

Moonstone is a variety of feldspar. It has a pearly appearance and can be gray, white, pale yellow or almost colorless. Said to grow stronger and weaker as the moon waxes and wanes, it is a symbol of hope and is especially protective to seafarers. The moonstone is so abundant in Ceylon that it is sometimes called the “Ceylon opal”. In India, the moonstone was sacred for lovers.

It is said to help reduce fevers, promote long life and happiness and attract friendship. A feminine stone, used to help with menstruation and childbearing, it maintains emotional balance and is sometimes called “Mother Earth’s stone”. Men who wish to get in touch with the female side of their personalities and as an aid to understanding dreams use it.

In ancient times, this stone was said to protect travelers, especially those traveling by sea and considered a protection against dropsy, fluid-retention and urinary problems.

 

 

Chrysoprase is a bright green type of chalcedony and is sometimes called the “joy stone”, as it helps ease depression and anxiety, bringing joy, cheerfulness and personal insight. It should not be kept in direct sunlight, as this may cause the color of the stone to fade. As it is said to improve memory and reduce nervousness, people often take it into exams with them. It also helps the mind to adapt to emergency situations. (For more information please visit my “Chrysoprase Gemstones” Tree Page)

In ancient times, it was believed that the stone would loose its color if kept in the presence of poisons. Often worn as a remedy for gout and rheumatism, this stone was also used to treat kidney and bladder problems. Tradition suggests that it will strengthen the sight of anyone looking into it for nay length of time.

This is said to be a particularly lucky stone if worn with agate. (For information on Agate please visit my “Gemstones for Gemini” Page)

 

Selenite or gypsum is reputed to be a rejuvenator, helping with many problems, ranging from improving skin texture to increasing fertility. Easily chipped and very soft, it is often used to relieve stress and help with nervous problems.

 

For centuries pearls have been considered an emblem of purity, innocence and peace. Pearls were great favorites in medieval times, and were thought to symbolize purity and chastity.

Alchemists often dissolved pearls in lemon juice and gave the resultant liquid to patients suffering from internal bleeding, as well as many other types of internal problems. There are stories of their being ground to a fine powder and drunk in milk to cure irritability, weak eyes, consumption and the plaque.

Associated with the month of June, pearls are particularly fortunate for those Cancerians with a June birth date.

Pearls, being regarded as symbols of the moon, are often thought to be unlucky. Many people refuse to accept pearls as gifts, suggesting that they bring about an unhappy marriage. The reason behind this may lie with the fact that pearls can resemble tears and indeed, they have been described as “solidified tears”. If you care for your pearls and look after them, they can surely do you no harm.

Divers still wear pearls when in shark-infested waters, due to the tradition that they from such creatures.

Pearls are considered to be lucky when worn with emeralds and moonstones. (For information on emeralds go to my “Gemstones for Taurus” Page)

 

 

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 t King of Granada to gain possession of it. Worn on the brow, the ruby is though 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.