Psst, Your Birthstone Is the Secret to Attracting the Energy You’re Looking for in Your Life

Photo credit: Hearst Owned
Photo credit: Hearst Owned

From Cosmopolitan

Every month of the year has (at least) one gemstone associated with it: the birthstone. And these sparkly rocks should be your new BFF, because each one bestows its wearer with mystic power or protection. Your birthstone has your back and can supercharge you with its natural good vibes.

Of course, none of this is new. Many different cultures and civilizations have dabbled with the idea that certain gemstones represent different months of the year or possess mystical (and medicinal) qualities. And in 1912, the American Association of Jewelers formalized a modern birthstone list and allocated a gemstone to each month.

Birthstones are often used in modern witchy spell work as talismans for rituals that invoke and amplify their healing, protective, or rejuvenating properties. Or you could just buy a pretty pendant and leave it at that. These natural beauties work their magic, whether or not you’re a witch. Keep reading to find out which stone is your birth bling.

JANUARY: GARNET

Photo credit: Hearst Owned
Photo credit: Hearst Owned

Garnet can appear in many shades, from bloodred to purple. It has a strong connection to the fire element and is derived from a word that means seed because it resembles a pomegranate seed (which also links it to Persephone, the goddess of the underworld, who ate a pomegranate and then got stuck in the underworld, but that’s another story…).

Garnets are linked to the root chakra and therefore often associated with reproductive and menstrual health. In medieval times, garnet was thought to be a remedy for inflammatory diseases and believed to help soothe an angry heart (think: Beyonce’s Lemonade), probably because of its dark-red color. According to Indian astrology, garnet helps eliminate depression and guilt and promotes confidence and mental clarity. Some believe it will keep the wearer safe during travel.

January babies, home or away, this rock can balance and soothe your mind, body, and soul.

FEBRUARY: AMETHYST

Photo credit: Hearst Owned
Photo credit: Hearst Owned

Amethyst appears in a range of purple and violet colors. The name comes from the Greek word “amethystos,” which means “a remedy against drunkenness.” I’ll drink to that!

Amethyst is believed to keep its wearer clearheaded and quick-witted in any kind of dramz with others, so February fam (wearing amethyst) are going to come out on top in any frenemy sitch. Catherine the Great (Empress Catherine II of Russia, 1729 to 1796, ya know) had a penchant for the gem and was often seen literally dripping in it. In fact, at one time, ONLY royalty could afford to wear amethyst.

Use amethyst in healing rituals related to the crown chakra, like treating low mood, anxiety, or stress. Amethyst comes in handy for sharpening the mind and enhancing intuitive powers. It can also help with cleansing and consecrating a sacred space, like your personal altar, desk, fave sofa spot, you name it.

If you celebrate a February birthday, wearing an amethyst can promote a feeling of powerful mental strength (and keep you sober come the weekend).

MARCH: AQUAMARINE

Photo credit: Hearst Owned
Photo credit: Hearst Owned

Aquamarine comes from the Latin term for “seawater,” invoking blue skies and calm waters with its green-blue hues. Aquamarine’s association with the god Neptune led ancient mariners to claim the gem could protect them from the ocean’s dangers (including seasickness!). This March birthstone was also traditionally thought to bring happiness in marriage and cure heart, liver, and stomach diseases—all one had to do was drink water in which aquamarine had been soaking.

Aquamarine is often used, in chakra healing and meditation, to help process and release emotional baggage, reduce stress, and quell anger. It’s connected to the throat chakra, which represents communication.

March mortals, if you find yourself struggling to balance your emotions and speak your truth, wearing aquamarine can help restore your equilibrium and unlock your verbal prowess. Express yo’ self, Pisces and Aries!

APRIL: DIAMOND

Photo credit: Hearst Owned
Photo credit: Hearst Owned

As well as being a symbol of everlasting love (it is the universal rock of choice for engagement rings, ya know), diamond was also once thought to bestow its wearer with great courage and strength. Diamond is so strong, in fact, that its name comes from the Greek word “adamas,” which literally means “unbreakable” (and the April Sun signs, Aries and Taurus, are resilient, hardy types).

Perhaps because of their crystal clarity, some people believe diamonds will enhance whatever emotions the wearer is already feeling. A mood amplifier—handle with caution, people.

Diamonds have been used in treating fertility problems and reproductive health as well as promoting relationship healing through reconciliation or forgiveness. Oh, and wanna live forever? Some claim they can boost longevity and physical vitality. Oh, and wanna travel to another time and space? Connected to both the air and fire elements, diamonds are used in rituals related to astral travel and crystal gazing.

Diamonds are an April birthday girl’s BFF. You can rely on this rock to feel like a million dollars and believe that you can achieve anything. A diamond makes you feel cosmically bulletproof.

MAY: EMERALD

Photo credit: Hearst Owned
Photo credit: Hearst Owned

Cleopatra was a big bling fan of this gem, and believed it to be a sacred stone of eternal life (alas, that didn’t work out for her tho). The ancient Romans dedicated this stone to Venus, the goddess of love and beauty (and ruler of Taurus, the sun sign of this month). They also believed the stone had therapeutic properties in relieving eye strain and soreness, which is backed up by modern medical findings that the color green soothes the eye and has stress relieving properties—go figure!

Some believe that emerald has the power to make its wearer more intelligent (gimme some). Some believe it has divinatory powers and, by placing it under the tongue, enabled a person to see into the future (gimme some more). Some believe it makes one an eloquent speaker and can expose lovers who made false promises. Frankly, I’ll take all of the above.

May folks can rely on emerald to revive lost passion, lift their spirits, restore confidence and self-esteem, and even boost their fortunes during rough patches. It is a talisman of renewal and a promise that there are better times ahead.

JUNE: PEARL + ALEXANDRITE

Photo credit: Hearst Owned
Photo credit: Hearst Owned

If you were born in the month of June, you are blessed with two birthstones: pearl and alexandrite. I guess Geminis are twins, so you do need extra!

Pearl has long been regarded as a symbol of purity and, perhaps due to its translucence, some people believe that pearls absorb the energy of the wearer. So, if you’re LIVID, and happen to be wearing your pearl necklace, the jewelry will absorb the irritable vibes and emit them the next time you wear it (pearls hold grudges, apparently).

On the other hand, they’re also thought to store good memories, so wearing a pearl on the day of a happy event you want to remember forever is a good move. Pearls are associated with humility and innocence. A soothing balm when you feel stressed, overwhelmed or guilty about something.

Alexandrite is fairly new in the back-catalog of magical crystals and gemstones: it wasn’t discovered until the early 1800s, and was named after Czar Alexander of Russia, securing it as a symbol of good fortune to the Russian military and aristocracy.

Alexandrite can boost courage and self-esteem, and promote success. You can also use it to block negative energy from those around you, a shield of psychic self-protection. So, on a day when you need a super-boost of empowerment and confidence, get your alexandrite on.

June-sters, you’ve got options here. Pearl for good memories and soothing comfort, alexandrite when you need to power-dress.

JULY: RUBY

Photo credit: Hearst Owned
Photo credit: Hearst Owned

Ruby is an MVP, sometimes called the King of Gems. Its name comes from the Latin word ruber, meaning red, and its color has always linked it to the flames of love and passion.

The ancient Hindus believed ruby protected its wearer from evil because of its hardness (second only to diamond). Ruby has consequently been a long-standing symbol of power and youthful energy in Indian jewelry, because of its blood-red color, amplifying its ability to restore life-force. In past centuries, some believed this birthstone could foretell misfortune or danger. Burmese warriors believed it made them unbeatable in battle. Medieval Europeans thought that rubies made you a hit in the sack (and, for them, the bed probs was a sack).

In modern rituals and spell work, ruby is used to provide psychic self-defense against negative energy, as well as helping people heal from a broken heart or sadness. Ruby has a strong life-force, and it shares this vitality with those who can tune in to its vibes.

If July people wear ruby on your left side, it will help to ensure you build fair, balanced and harmonious relationships with others. Make friends and influence people, Cancer and Leo!

AUGUST: PERIDOT

Photo credit: Hearst Owned
Photo credit: Hearst Owned

Sometimes called the evening emerald because of its light green color, peridot has been revered for centuries, appearing in early priests’ jewelry and later in the chalices and churches of medieval Europe. It typically acted as a protective talisman, believed to shield the owner from evil spirits and “terrors of the night” (spoooOooky). Some believe that tucking peridot under your pillow will help to prevent nightmares and restless nights (probs due to a late-night Netflix serial killer binge-watchathon).

Peridot is now thought to relieve stress, release toxic energy, and attract positive energy into your life. In addition, it’s associated with good luck, balanced emotions, and protection. It’s a good lil all-rounder rock.

Carry peridot with you if you’re feeling agitated, or if you find yourself surrounded by hostile people—it can provide that shield of protection from damaging vibes or auras. This is a great gem for city dwellers, navigating the hustle and bustle of urban life.

Peridot is known as the healer’s stone because of its ability to cleanse auras and neutralize toxins on all levels. Healers use it on themselves because it releases negative vibrations, and promotes clarity and well-being. August crowd, you guys are lucky to have this multi-tasking gem in your armory!

SEPTEMBER: SAPPHIRE

Photo credit: Hearst Owned
Photo credit: Hearst Owned

Sapphire was once thought to protect its wearer against evil and even act as an antidote to poisoning (people thought venomous creatures would die if put inside a sapphire vase…mmkay!).

This blue-shaded birthstone traditionally symbolized sincerity, faithfulness and nobility. It’s definitely got a regal vibe (Princess Diana’s iconic engagement ring, now worn by Kate Middleton, is sapphire). For centuries, sapphire has been a gem of choice for royalty and the clergy, as they had faith that it protected its owner from harm and envy. Ancient Persians believed the earth actually rested on a giant sapphire, which made the sky blue.

Sapphire also has divination properties, and plays a role in meditations leading to prophecy and communicating with spirit guides. Some magical traditions believe that sapphire can be used as a shield against black magic and hostile psychic attack. Related: eep!

In modern times, sapphire is associated with love and fidelity, so September citizens can keep their relationships loyal and true by wearing sapphire (that said, if your other half betrays you, get rid of any sapphires they may have given you as a gift…again, eep!).

OCTOBER: OPAL + TOURMALINE

Photo credit: Hearst Owned
Photo credit: Hearst Owned

Opal’s color-changing hues have inspired artists worldwide to compare it to fireworks, celestial skies and volcanoes. It’s a beaut! Bedouins once believed opal held lightning and fell from the sky during thunderstorms. Ancient Greeks thought opals endowed the gift of prophesy and protection from disease. Necklaces with opals set in them were worn to repel evil and to protect eyesight.

Opal is used in emotional healing, for boosting faithfulness and confidence, and can also be incorporated into rites for protection. Some believe that opal absorbs the energy around it, good and bad, so it’s an amplifier for moods and ambitions. Dial me up to 11, bb.

Tourmaline comes in multiple colors, in fact very few gems can equal the dazzling multi-hued palette of tourmaline, but pink and green are the most commonly found varieties. It’s an ideal gemstone to help its wearer face their demons and deepest fears, as well developing empathy for others at that level. If you’ve got some deep-down emotional healing to do, then surround yourself with this courage-boosting gem.

Red tourmaline stones are associated with love, lust and creativity, so if you’re feeling blocked somehow, then red tourmaline is your go-to. Black tourmaline is associated with the element of earth, and connected to grounding rituals and meditations. It can also deflect and redistribute negative energy: a psychic lightning rod!

October-ites, your gemstones have got you covered for all eventualities.

NOVEMBER: TOPAZ + CITRINE

Photo credit: Hearst Owned
Photo credit: Hearst Owned

Topaz symbolizes love and affection, and is believed to bestow the wearer with greater strength and intellect, and protection from deceit. That stone works hard for a living!

Apparently, wearing topaz will stop people from lying or gossiping about you. And, if someone is hellbent on spreading shit (because some people just are), a topaz can protect you from the consequences. It can also be a useful ally if you are trying to uncover someone else’s secrets… twinkle it in their eyes and watch them spill the beans.

Ancient Egyptians thought topaz’s color came from their Sun God, Ra, which made it a very powerful amulet to wear for protection. It was often carried in battle, because warriors believed it would make them invisible when under attack (I wouldn’t put this to the test, tho). For centuries, many people in India have believed that topaz worn above the heart promoted long life, beauty, and intelligence.

Citrine is a hugely positive gemstone, linked to prosperity, happiness, and vitality, as well as protection from negative external forces. Like topaz, it’s associated with the powers of the sun, and can be used to enhance personal power and self-esteem, and boost those brain cells. Citrine can help you articulate your thoughts and feelings to others—so if you’ve got a big presentation or interview on the ol’ Google Cal, get yourself a citrine gem.

So November bbs are well protected, well promoted, and well loved, and have got the smarts and wits to tell us all about it (Scorpio and Sagittarius, we hear you…)!

DECEMBER: TURQUOISE + ZIRCON

Photo credit: Hearst Owned
Photo credit: Hearst Owned

Bluey-green turquoise is regarded as a love charm and a symbol of good fortune, as well as protecting its wearer from harm. Turquoise rings, especially, are tasked with keeping the heebie jeebies at bay.

Turquoise has been around for centuries. During the 1200s a strange belief arose that it stopped the wearer from falling (especially off horses), and would shatter into several pieces at the approach of danger. Hindu mystics had faith that seeing a turquoise after the new moon meant stupendous wealth was on the way (I’ll have some of that, plz). Turquoise is often found in the art and jewelry of the Native American tribes of the Southwest. The Apache thought turquoise could be found by following a rainbow to its end, and that fixing it to a bow made one’s arrow hit the target.

In short, turquoise has got you covered from all angles!

Zircon appears in a variety of colors, ranging from clear to white, pale orange, pink or yellow. During the Middle Ages, this birthstone was thought to lull wearers into a deep sleep and scare off evil spirits as they slept.

Zircon is perfect for rituals involving beauty, love, peace, and relationships. Zircon is associated with the planet Venus, ruling love and passion. Therefore, it can strengthen the chemistry, connection and understanding in a relationship (wear at all times around your boo), and can promote peace and harmony in the lives of December folk year-round.

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