Birthstones enrich our lives with their energy and their sacred stories. If you were born in February, your birthstone is the beloved amethyst.
The ancient lore of your February birthstone includes ancient Egyptians, Catherine the Great, British Royality… Keep reading for fascinating facts about the February birth stone.
What’s in a Name? Amethysts and the God of Wine
Amethyst comes from the Greek word “amethystos” meaning “not drunken.” It comes from the Greek legend of Dionysius, who was the god of wine. Some mortal had angered him so much that Dionysius decided he would punish whoever next crossed his path. He selected a few tigers and hid them on the path, ready to attack the next unsuspecting mortal.
Who should come up the road next but Amethyst. She was on her way to pay tribute to the goddess Diana. As the tigers raced to attack, Diana rescued Amethyst by turning her into a beautiful clear, crystalline statue. Dionysius came around the corner to survey the wreckage from his tigers only to discover Amethyst. He was so overcome by the beauty of her statue that he began to cry. His wine-colored tears fell on Amethyst’s statue, staining it purple.
Crystaline Geology
Amethysts are a quartz rock crystal. They are often found surrounded by granite, in a formation called a geode. When these geodes are cracked open, the amethyst can be found in the beautiful crystal arrangements inside.
Amethyst have long prismatic crystals that are shaped like a six sided pyramid. They sometimes end in or form what’s called drusy, which are crystalline crusts that surround the amethyst. The color of these February birthstones varies from very pale lilac to a vivid purple. The most valuable of these birth stones are a deep, deep purple with a nice rose coloration as well.
Amethyst Skulls and Prayer Beads :: The Spiritual History of the February Birth Stone
The history of amethyst begins in biblical times. It is mentioned in Exodus 39: 10-13 as one of the jewels in the breastplate of Aaron. It is also mentioned as one of the gems of the New Jerusalem in Revelations 21:18-20.
Royalty has always worn purple and this beautiful birthstone is found in Egyptian jewelry and the British Crown Jewels. It was also a favorite of Catherine the Great.
Many Buddhists believe amethyst was sacred to the Buddha. The stone is frequently found in Buddhist prayer beads, called malas. Some of the Catholic and other middle age churches believed this birthstone encouraged celibacy and piety. These stones are worn by bishops even today.
In the early 1900′s, amethyst stones shaped like skulls were found in Mexico and South America. Psychic sensitives have reported these skulls emit an image of the ancient past.
Amethysts as Healing Stones
Amethysts have been used as healing stones since ancient times. Since it was believed to prevent drunkenness, many goblets were formed from amethyst.
Amethysts have also been used as healing stones to:
- Detoxify
- Dispel Anger
- Overcome food, alcohol, and other addictions
- Gain patience
- Dispel nightmares
- Strengthen the immune system
- Purify blood
- Prevent baldness
- Improve complexion
Leonardo Di Vinci wrote that amethyst was able to dissipate evil thoughts and quicken intelligence.
These birthstones are also believed to heal mental disorders, insomnia, headaches. It has been worn to make the wearer gentle and amiable to dream. It was also used to guard against thievery unhappiness.
Amethyst is used to help with the fourth (heart), sixth (third eye), and seventh (crown) chakra centers which deal with the psychic activity, spiritual fulfillment and mental activity. Amethyst is said to help with curing insomnia and headaches, open and heighten awareness, spirituality and psychic abilities. These birthstones have also been ground down and made as an elixir to help with toothaches, skeletal, arthritis, stomach and digestive problems.
February Birthstones :: Additional Symbolism
Amethyst has been given or worn as jewelry to signify:
- Sincerity
- Spiritual Grown
- Peace
- Protection
- Tranquility
Dreaming about amethyst would often represent dreaming of freedom from harm.
In addition to being birthstones for February, Amethysts are a traditional gift for the sixth anniversary of a marriage.
Amethyst also represents one of the tribes of Israel and one angel. The tribe was the tribe of Dan and the angel was the Guardian Angel Adrachiel. The apostle Matthew was also associated with amethysts.
February Birthstones :: In Conclusion
Amethyst has been used by kings and churches, and for sickness and spiritual well-being by healers. They are one of the most continually popular gemstones, and not just because they’re February birthstones
No matter when you were born, you’ll find beauty and mind-calming tranquility from this royal gemstone.