Traditionally, a gemstone is associated with each month of the year.
This concept of birthstone gems is believed to date back to the Bible and the Breastplate of Aaron.There were 12 stones representing the 12 tribes of Israel, symbolizing the 12 months of the year and the 12 signs of the zodiac.
There are other origins of birthstones, most notably of Tibetan origin and is over 1,000 years is the Mythical Birthstone List. Also, the Ayurvedic Birthstone List which relates to Ayurvedic Indian medicine is over 1500 years old.
There are many myths and legends that surround birthstones. Some cultures tended to wear the stone in which their birth month was in and other cultures owned a set of 12 birthstones. One set would cover each month of the year and people would wear their birthstones according to the date, regardless of their own date of birth. The thought was it heighten the healing powers if worn in the month of the birthstone.
January
Garnet, the birthstone of January, is mined in a rainbow of colors. From the fiery orange of Mandarin Garnet to the rich green of Tsavorite Garnet and to the most widely recognized color of red Garnet, it is considered a great gift to symbolize friendship and trust.
Garnet
For all those born in January, garnet is your stone. A clear, dark red gem, the protective garnet is used most often to ward off toxins and is known as the stone of commitment as it attracts love and promotes lasting relationships. Your natural ambition and discipline is enhanced by garnet's ability to stimulate creative imagination to the point of action, assist in dream work and increase determination, energy and courage.
Garnet clears the path for new beginnings and helps dispel negative feelings that keep you trapped by fear or guilt. Whether you need courage to voice a new idea or to tell that secret crush how you really feel, be sure to arm yourself with garnet for a boost of confidence!
The deep, rich red color of garnet resembles the juicy seeds of a pomegranate, which is perhaps why its name is derived from the Latin word for pomegranate seeds, granatum. In Greek mythology, a pomegranate was often given as a gift of passion and associated with eternal love. In ancient history, travelers wore garnet gemstones because they were believed to light up the night and provide protection from nightmares and accidents.
