The Meaning of Birthstones

When each of us is born, elements throughout the universe are aligned in uniquely specific formations. Because every aspect of creation is connected, our birth stars and planets are positioned in ways that are meant to impact our lives, both positively and negatively. 

Knowing yours can help you navigate life, or feel challenged by life by never seeking to understand. Your birthstone is an easy place to start.

What is the Origin of Birthstones?

Our birthstones were with us upon our birth, knowing who we are and who we might become. It’s in this way that our birthstones can be lucky for us. They can expedite our experiences of prior life karmas and the timelines that lead to achieving our desires. This can result in having a “lighter load” during this life.

By exploring birthstones and other gems, and with an understanding of your Vedic astrology, you can improve upon the conditions related to each category (house) in your chart. 

What Is My Birthstone?

Here are three outlines noting a variety of birthstones and their meanings, as noted in the original Vedic and zodiac texts. Keep in mind that your best bet for learning how to use gemstones to enhance your life is through a traditional Vedic reading.

The Zodiac

• Aquarius (Jan 21 – Feb 18): Garnet
• Pisces (Feb 19 – Mar 20): Amethyst
• Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 20): Bloodstone
• Taurus (Apr 21 – May 21): Sapphire
• Gemini (May 22 – Jun 21): Agate
• Cancer (Jun 21 – Jul 22): Emerald
• Leo (Jul 23 – Aug 22): Onyx
• Virgo (Aug 23 – Sept 22): Carnelian
• Libra (Sept 23 – Oct 23): Chrysolite (Peridot) and Aventurine
• Scorpio (Oct 24 – Nov 21): Beryl
• Sagittarius (Nov 22 – Dec 21): Topaz
• Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 21): Ruby

While there are some similarities with the above list, here is the list according to Vedic astrology, with a few additional suggestions:

Vedic Astrology

• January: Garnet, Rose Quartz
• February: Amethyst, Onyx
• March: Bloodstone, Aquamarine, Red Jesper
• April: Diamond, Rock Crystal
• May: Agate, Emerald, Green Tourmaline
• June: Pearl, Moonstones, White Topaz
• July: Ruby, Star Ruby, Carnelian
• August: Sapphire, Peridot, Aventurine
• September: Moonstone, Iolite, Lapis Lazuli
• October: Opal, Tourmaline, Smoky Quartz, Moonstone
• November: Topaz, Yellow Sapphire, Golden Citrine, Tiger’s eye
• December: Ruby, Turquoise, and Blue Zircon

By Planet

When you’re ready for your Vedic reading, you’ll be able to quickly reference your gemstones using this simple list:

• Sun: Ruby, Garnet, Red Spinel, Rhodolite, Rubellite, Red Tourmaline, Rose Quartz 
• Moon: Pearl, Moonstone, Rutilated Quartz
• Mars: Red Coral, Carnelian, Red Jasper
• Mercury: Emerald, Peridot, Green Agate, Jade, Green Tourmaline, Aventurine
• Jupiter: Yellow Sapphire, Yellow Topaz, Citrine, Yellow Zircon, Yellow Tourmaline, Citrine
• Venus: Diamond, White Sapphire, Clear or White Zircon, White Tourmaline, Clear Quartz, Phenakite
• Saturn: Blue Sapphire, Blue Zircon, Blue Spinel, Amethyst, Blue Tourmaline, Lapis Lazuli, Sodalite
• Rahu: Hessonite (Gomed), Garnet, Spessartite
• Ketu: Chrysoberyl Cat’s Eye, Tiger’s Eye

The Stones and Their Meanings

January Birthstone: Garnet

Attributes: Aquarius, Protection, Faith, Love, Energizing, Boost, Consistency, Flow, Empowerment, Feeling Alive, Wanting More, Dark Red

Garnets are powerful gemstones that can help us protect ourselves and rise into our personal power. They also prevent nightmares and can provide helpful guidance when we feel as though we are meandering in darkness. The stone can increase power and energy levels, and help nervous folks feel calmer. They can also help to stabilize challenging situations and help travelers feel safer.

February Birthstone: Amethyst

Attributes: Wisdom, Courage, Peacefulness, Relaxation, Royalty, Meditation, Temperance, Serenity, Tuning-in, Violet, Purple

The word amethyst comes from “amethystos,” a Greek word meaning “not drunk.” These beautiful stones can protect us, keep us calm, and guide us when we’re faced with stressful situations and other difficulties. Amethysts can encourage us to have more self-control and be more proactive in our love relationships. They can also help to steady our restless minds and inspire expanded mental and emotional well-being.

Amethysts are worn by healers to help them relax into their talents and serve others. The person being healed might also wear or hold an amethyst to help them receive light, healing, and love. Amethyst crystal clusters are used to remove negative charges from the air and add life-force to a variety of environments. 

Amethyst clusters can also be placed in sunny windows which can magnify the healing properties of the stone. heal negativity in the home. You can place Amethyst clusters, points, or several tumbled Amethysts in the moonlight for a sense of home-wide calm.

March Birthstone: Aquamarine

Attributes: Serenity, Strength, Healthy, Youth, Love, Creativity, Courage, Happy, Mental Clarity, Hope, Grounded In Power, Pale Blue, Cyan

Wearing this lovely gemstone is thought to reawaken married love, build courage, and increase happiness. Aquamarine’s soothing blue color is believed to help us reduce negative energy and improve our connection to our personal strength. Aquamarine is a symbol of perception, hope, and self-expression.

Aquamarine can quiet the mind and help us with meditation. While cleaning out our chakras, this powerful stone improves our magnetism. It can also guard mothers and babies against harm. For the rest of us, aquamarine can reduce the effects of sore throats, swollen glands, and thyroid problems. It can help to regulate our hormones, alleviate our allergies, and boost our immune systems.

April Birthstone: Diamond

Attributes: Eternal Love, Romance, Lightning, Divine Power, Endurance, Courage, Purity, Innocence, Amplify, Eternity, Clear

In Sanskrit, the diamond is called “vajra,” which also means lightning; in Hindu mythology, vajra was the weapon of Indra, the king of gods. In ancient times, diamonds were believed to be the tears of the many Gods. The beauty and brilliance of a diamond are unparalleled.

The diamond can amplify our subtler attributes and give us the consistency we need to drive to the finish line. They also enhance the power of other crystals, although they might also increase the aspects found in any item in your home, both positive and negative. Be careful with diamonds! 

Diamonds block electromagnetic frequencies that cause stress and feelings of inner-disconnectedness. They can protect against 5G emanations and help us purify and detoxify our bodies. Diamonds can also help us balance our metabolism, improve stamina, and treat chronic conditions. They might also help you with dizziness, vertigo, and healing your brain.

May Birthstone: Emerald

Attributes: Hope, Fertility, Feminine Power, Devotion, Rebirth, Transformation, Resurrection, Beauty, Wisdom, Personal Growth, Nobility, Patience, Venus, Medium Green, Light Green, Rich Green, Dark Green

The emerald was one of Cleopatra’s favorite gems. The might ruler used emeralds to increase the power of her magnetism and inspire devotion in her subjects. The emerald is truly one of the most enriching gemstones. 

Emeralds can help treat disorders of the heart, lungs, spine, and muscular system. They are thought to aid in the recovery from infectious illnesses and can help soothe our sinuses and eyes. These stunningly beautiful stones have a detoxifying effect on the liver and can lessen the effects of diabetes and arthritis.

June Birthstone: Pearl

Attributes: Romantic Love, Old Love, Stability, Modesty, Chastity, Children, Ancestors, Confidence, Self-Esteem, Self-Worth, Joy, White

Pearl is worn to calm a restless mind and to control anger. It is believed that people who wear pearls feel more connected to their creativity and the eternal muse. This glistening stone is also linked with being able to maintain a successful married life.

Pearls can be held to treat digestive disorders and heal the soft organs of the body, including the skin. They can also relieve conditions related to bloating and nausea. Pearls might also help to increase fertility and ease childbirth.

July Birthstone: Ruby

Attributes: Vitality, Harmony, Kingliness, Emotional Intelligence, Empress Power, Passion, Lust, Sexuality, Enthusiasm, Success, Integrity, Loyalty, Red

Traditionally, the ruby has been regarded by ancient Hindus as the “king of gems.” It was believed to protect its wearer from darkness, shadows, and evil. It has been known to inspire the removal of negative energies from our paths. It can help you overcome exhaustion and lethargy. It also imparts potency and vigor. 

The ruby detoxifies the body, blood, and lymphatic systems. It treats fevers, infectious diseases, and can improve blood flow. This sparkling gemstone will also stimulate your adrenals, kidneys, reproductive organs, and spleen.

August Birthstone: Peridot

Attributes: Beauty, Mystique, Mystery, Goddess Power, Enchanting, Spells, Improvements, Uplifting, Lightness of Being, Strength, Light Green, Olive Green

Peridot is sometimes called “the evening emerald” for its light green color and resonance with the other realms. It was once believed that the green peridot crystals found in volcanic ashes were the tears of the Hawaiian Goddess of Volcanos known as Pele. Tradition says we can ward off evil, enchant our lives, and ease depression when we wear or carry a peridot stone.

The peridot is thought to banish lethargy, apathy, and exhaustion. It strengthens the immune system and metabolism. It aids disorders of the heart, thymus, lungs, gallbladder, spleen, and intestinal tract. Some say that Peridot can also treat ulcers.

September Birthstone: Sapphire

Attributes: Truth, Protection, Talisman, Old Religion, Ancient Rituals, Faith, Energy Cleansing, Dignity, Ancestral Wisdom, Deep Blue

The sapphire is thought to guard against shadows, spells, evil, and poisoning. Legend has it that venomous snakes would die if placed in vessels made from sapphire. Traditionally a favorite stone of kings, queens, priestesses, and priests, the sapphire can access the depth of our souls and natures.

Sapphires might also be beneficial against blood disorders, excessive bleeding, and weak veins. This majestic stone can also be used for cellular disorders, regulating our glands, and calming our anxieties.

October Birthstone: Opal

Attributes: Faithfulness, Confidence, Consistency, Foresight, Visions, Psychic Abilities, Intuition, Empathy, Loyalty, Innocence, Healing, Pink, Green, or Multi-Color

The word opal comes from the Byzantine Greek “opalus,” meaning “precious jewel,” and in Sanskrit, “gem, stone.” Opal necklaces can be worn to inspire a deeper connection to others, expand psychic abilities, open the heart, and repel evil. Opals can also represent hopefulness. 

Opals strengthen memory and the will to live. They can treat infections and fevers, cleanse the blood and kidneys, and regulate insulin. This stone eases childbirth and can alleviate the body during stressful experiences, like PMS.

November Birthstone: Topaz

Attributes: Joy, Affection, Physical Connection, Sexual Expression, Strength, Intellect, Mental Strength, Serenity, Integrated Power, Dark Yellow

Yellow topaz stones are associated with strengthening the mind, heart, and overall body. They offer protection to travelers and support good mental health.

Topaz is also linked to wisdom, strength, and courage. It can soothe physical pain, promote peace, and reduce our attachment to expressing our emotions with abandon. Topaz also promotes forgiveness.

Topaz aids digestion and combats eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia. It fortifies the nerves and stimulates metabolism.

December Birthstone: Turquoise

Attributes: Friendship, Love Charm, Magic, Angels, Protection, Pursuits, Achievements, Good Fortune, Positivity, Happy Life, Divine Light, Light Blue, Turquoise

Turquoise attracts success on both the physical and spiritual planes. It is believed to relax the mind and protect its wearer from harm. Ancient practitioners believed that turquoise would actually change color when the wearer was ill or in danger.

The turquoise stone aids in the absorption of nutrients enhances the immune system, stimulates the regeneration of tissue, and heals the whole body. It contains anti-inflammatory and detoxifying effects and can alleviate cramps and pain. Turquoise purifies lungs, soothes and clears sore throats, and heals the eyes, including cataracts. This precious stone can also neutralize acidity, benefit stomach problems, and help to heal viral infections.

Use Your Birthstones To Help You!

Gemstones are powerful little amplifiers that can assist us in every area of our lives. When a gemstone is our birthstone, we receive even more power and presence from it. You might see your birthstone as your guardian angel. By inviting them into our lives, we can reap helpful benefits that we may have otherwise missed.