If you’re looking to astrology to bring some positive energy, then researching birthstones might be a good place to start. As someone who has religiously looked to the stars for answers (hence my career as an astrologer), I was always in awe that a gem could denote one’s personality traits. And thus began my lifelong affair with gemstones and crystals.

What is a birthstone and what do they mean?

Experts believe that the concept of birthstones dates back to biblical times. It is said that as early as the first century, Romano-Jewish historian, Josephus, discovered a connection between the 12 stones of high priest Aaron’s breastplate, the zodiac signs, and the months of the year. The custom of actually wearing these stones originated around the 16th century in Poland, where it was fashionable to wear a different one every month.

Cut to 1870, when Tiffany & Co. published a pamphlet that matched each month of the calendar to a stone as a gift idea for loved ones. In the following century, the American National Association of Jewelers met in 1912 and 1952 to cement and finalise the list of stones that correspond with each month. In that sense, wearing one’s own personal birthstone is a fairly new look.

How do birthstones actually work?

Birthstones are more than just gems that align with each month. Each of them has a healing property that connects with the signs of the zodiac. They also serve as a way to cleanse, purify and ignite the aura. The natural energy found in birthstones can ease anxieties, boost confidence, and help solidify relationships.

They can also be used to charge water (to drink and bathe in), as well as to detox the skin. Basically, they can do anything and everything related to self-care, self-love, and healing — which is why learning about their energetic properties is so important.

Discover your birthstone by month and zodiac sign

January — garnet

Those born in January fall under the zodiac signs Capricorn and Aquarius, and are known for their loyalty, drive, invention, confidence, and professional and personal success. An energising and regenerating stone, garnet is the ideal stone to harness and refine these qualities.

February — amethyst

Amethyst heightens intuition and cleanses the aura, which is why it’s the perfect match for Aquarius and Pisces. Both signs are known to be enlightened, psychic, and spiritual — all properties and sentiment that amethyst encourages.

March — aquamarine

The sun glides from sensitive Pisces to tempestuous Aries in March, which means that those born under either sign need energy to help calm their tempers and passions. Luckily, aquamarine, which is the birthstone for March, calms emotions, purifies energy, and soothes the mind.

April — diamond

Diamonds can help to centre and align the chakras. They elevate artistry and the imagination, as long as one is open to new possibilities. Aries and Taurus are the zodiac signs for April. With diamonds in their life, they can channel their creativity and achieve greatness.

May — emerald

May is a month that brings open-mindedness (because the sun moves from earthy Taurus to airy Gemini). Emeralds can ignite thoughtfulness by increasing revolutionary and rebellious ideas. Emeralds also add expressive fluidity to the vibe of the month.

June — pearl

Pearls bring a much-needed sense of calm and a deeper understanding of one’s thoughts and emotions to those Geminis and Cancerians born in June.

July — ruby

July is full of desire, fervour and zest! The sun moves from emotional Cancer to spirited Leo, making this month full of zeal and sentimentality. Rubies add passion, courage, and positivity to the energy of July.

August — peridot

In August, the sun progresses from fiery Leo to earthy Virgo, which means that emotions need to be tempered and pacified. Peridot aids in relaxing and calming emotions, which assists the energy of the month in achieving peace of mind.

September — sapphire

Sapphires are known as the ‘love’ birthstone. They can help bring people together, which is what the cosmic energy of September promises as the sun passes from Virgo to Libra (zodiac signs that want to harmonise and partner with others).

October — opal

Libra and Scorpio are two October signs that focus on loyalty. Opals ensure devotion, as well as intensity in sensual situations. They also serve as a source of deflection from negative vibes that hinder emotional development.

November — topaz

The month of November can be extra spooky (even though it comes after Halloween), which is why topaz is the ideal gemstone to connect with one’s spiritual and metaphysical sentiments (by enticing healing to oneself) during Scorpio and Sagittarius season.

December — turquoise

As the sun moves through the zodiac signs of impulsive Sagittarius and pragmatic Capricorn in December, the month longs for more grounding energy, which the stone turquoise brings. This birthstone also brings healing and self-realisations to light.

This article was first published on vogue.co.uk

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