Wearing your birthstone is believed to have mystical powers and healing benefits according to ancient traditions. Each birthstone is associated with specific qualities and energies. Understanding the meaning and symbolism of your birthstone can help you tap into its full potential when worn as jewelry or used in meditation.
The History of Birthstones
The tradition of birthstones dates back thousands of years and has origins in ancient cultures across the world. Some accounts trace birthstones back to the biblical story of the breastplate of Aaron which contained 12 gemstones representing the 12 tribes of Israel. Babylonians, Greeks and Romans also associated certain gems with the planets and zodiac signs.
The modern list of birthstones for each month that we use today has roots in Tibetan culture and an 18th century poem titled “Apollo’s Crowne” which assigned a different gemstone to each month. Over time this list was adapted into the birthstone calendar we know today. While the specific gems designated as birthstones vary across cultures, the enduring belief is that wearing your proper birthstone connects you to its symbolic properties.
How to Know your Birthstone
It’s easy to find out your birthstone. The traditional birthstones are assigned according to month:
| Month | Birthstone |
|---|---|
| January | Garnet |
| February | Amethyst |
| March | Aquamarine |
| April | Diamond |
| May | Emerald |
| June | Pearl, Alexandrite |
| July | Ruby |
| August | Peridot |
| September | Sapphire |
| October | Opal, Tourmaline |
| November | Topaz, Citrine |
| December | Turquoise, Zircon, Tanzanite |
So all you need to do is look up the month you were born to reveal your birthstone! Some months have alternate or additional birthstones, so you can choose which stone resonates with you most.
Birthstone Meanings and Properties
Now that you know your birthstone, let’s look at the unique energies and symbolic attributes associated with each one:
January – Garnet
Garnet represents faith, love, devotion and consistency. It is thought to boost self-esteem, inspire love and enhance passions.
February – Amethyst
Amethyst is associated with sobriety, tranquility, protection and peace. It is thought to calm the mind, enhance intuition and promote an overall sense of well-being.
March – Aquamarine
Aquamarine symbolizes youth, health and hope. It is considered a stone of courage that can bring mental clarity and inspiration.
April – Diamond
Diamond represents purity, eternity and courage. It is thought to enhance strength, clarity and balance in life.
May – Emerald
Emerald is associated with fertility, love, rebirth and insight. It is thought to strengthen relationships, support emotional healing and boost psychic abilities.
June – Pearl, Alexandrite
Pearl represents purity, faith and calm. It is thought to enhance personal integrity and soothe the mind. Alexandrite symbolizes mystery, regeneration and luck. It is considered a stone of good omen.
July – Ruby
Ruby represents devotion, passion and courage. It is thought to encourage motivation, enhance concentration and boost positive attitudes.
August – Peridot
Peridot represents strength, power and cleansing. It is thought to stimulate mental growth, improve decision-making and alleviate negative emotions.
September – Sapphire
Sapphire symbolizes wisdom, loyalty and healing. It is thought to encourage seeking truth in life, calm the mind and elevate thoughts.
October – Opal, Tourmaline
Opal represents hope, innocence and purity. It is thought to enhance imagination, increase creativity and support emotional expression. Tourmaline symbolizes balance, compassion and serenity. It is considered a grounding stone that promotes inner stability.
November – Topaz, Citrine
Topaz represents fidelity, friendship and strength. It is thought to enhance decisiveness, confidence and willpower. Citrine symbolizes light, warmth and prosperity. It is considered a success stone that promotes self-esteem.
December – Turquoise, Zircon, Tanzanite
Turquoise represents wisdom, luck and truth. It is thought to promote emotional balance, protection and spiritual grounding. Zircon symbolizes purity, innocence and faithfulness. It is considered an energizing stone that can help build confidence. Tanzanite represents calm, harmony and insight. It is thought to enhance intuition and promote compassion.
Choosing your Ideal Birthstone
With multiple birthstones available for some months, you can choose the stone that most strongly resonates with you. Consider which qualities you want to cultivate or strengthen within yourself, then select the corresponding birthstone.
For example, if you were born in June you could go with pearl for its peaceful energy, or alexandrite for its powers of transformation. Similarly, if you were born in April, you might prefer clear quartz for its clarity enhancing properties over diamond.
Trust your intuition – it will guide you to the ideal birthstone that fits your needs and personality. You may also find that your perfect birthstone changes over time as you evolve on your spiritual path.
How to Use your Birthstone
Once you’ve chosen your birthstone, there are many ways to harness its healing properties:
- Wear it as jewelry over your heart chakra or solar plexus
- Place it under your pillow or on a nightstand
- Hold it during meditation, visualization or affirmations
- Put it in a bath or shower and bathe in the infused water
- Place it on your body as appropriate for physical healing (sore back, stomach, etc)
- Decorate your home with the raw or tumbled stone
Tap into the unique metaphysical properties of your birthstone by intentionally working with it. Notice how wearing your stone makes you feel – more confident, tranquil, inspired? Let your birthstone support your highest potential.
Healing Properties of Birthstones
In addition to their mystical attributes, birthstones are believed to provide physical healing and restore balance to the body. Here are some of the therapeutic benefits associated with each:
| Birthstone | Healing Properties |
|---|---|
| Garnet | Stimulates metabolism, boosts immune system, alleviates arthritis |
| Amethyst | Relieves pain, stress; helps quit addictions |
| Aquamarine | Supports thyroid health, relieves fluid retention |
| Diamond | Clears toxins, boosts energy, aids digestion |
| Emerald | Aids recovery from illnesses, soothes eyes, enhances memory |
| Pearl | Calms nerves, stabilizes hormones, benefits stomach |
| Ruby | Improves blood circulation, reduces fevers, supports reproductive health |
| Peridot | Treats ulcers, gastrointestinal issues, liver problems |
| Sapphire | Alleviates depression, fever, inflammation; heals wounds |
| Opal | Regulates insulin, fortifies immune system, eases childbirth |
| Topaz | Combats bleeding, nervous disorders, consumption |
| Turquoise | Aids tissue regeneration, disinfects wounds, heals respiratory issues |
Work with your birthstone to help restore health and wellness in afflicted parts of your body. Always pair with proper medical treatment for serious conditions.
Birthstone Jewelry for Healing
Jewelry is a beautiful way to keep your birthstone’s vibrations close throughout your day. Here are some recommended birthstone jewelry options:
Necklaces
Pendants worn over the heart center or high upon the thymus gland channel your birthstone’s energy to your heart chakra, throat chakra and entire upper body.
Rings
Birthstone rings worn on the left hand send healing energy through the heart meridian down to your hand. Right hand rings transmit energy through the lung meridian.
Bracelets
Birthstone bracelets infuse your wrists with beneficial vibrations. Anklets circle the ankle chakras bringing grounding energy up through the feet.
Earrings
Stud earrings worn along the meridian running through the ears provide targeted healing to your head including mind, brain and sensory organs.
Choose jewelry in your birthstone that you find beautiful. The key is consistently wearing or carrying it to fully absorb its positive energies.
Birthstone Crystals and Gemstones
While jewelry is a popular way to harness their healing powers, you can also use raw crystals and tumbled stones of your birthstone. These tend to be less expensive than jewelry if you want to work with your birthstone on a budget. Some recommended uses of birthstone crystals/gems:
- Place raw points around your home or office to enhance the ambient energy
- Carry a tumbled stone in a purse or pocket for on-the-go healing
- Put crystals around baths, under your pillow or on your body
- Use the stones during meditations, energy work or shamanic practices
Having the raw or tumbled form of your birthstone provides direct contact for deeper healing results. Use your intuition to determine which form your birthstone should take.
Enhancing the Power of your Birthstone
To get the most out of your birthstone’s potential, here are some tips for boosting its abilities:
- Cleanse and charge it regularly in sunlight, moonlight or water
- Pair it with other healing crystals like clear quartz or selenite
- Speak your intentions into the stone to activate its energy
- Meditate with it daily and visualize its benefits manifesting
- Work with your birthstone during times when its properties are most needed
Setting this kind of focused intention charges your birthstone as you use it over time. Maximizing its energy will unlock its most profound powers for supporting your spiritual growth.
Conclusion
Birthstones offer a beautiful way to connect with the energetics of the natural world for purposes of healing, manifestation and personal development. Knowing the attributes of your own birthstone gives you access to a powerful tool for spiritual growth. Use your special stone judiciously by setting your intentions, wearing it close, meditating with it and tapping into its unique metaphysical properties.
A personalized amulet from the earth, your birthstone can align your soul’s purpose with earthly expression. Honor your stone and draw on its ancient wisdom to progress on your life’s path. With the power of your birthstone guiding you, fulfill your greatest potential as you walk forward into your brightest future.
