AUGUST GEMSTONES

Sardonyx

Peridot

Moonstone

Garnet

Amethyst

Onyx

Carnelian

Beryl

Ahhh…August…can you believe the summer is nearly over and we are over halfway through the year? Time sure does seem to be rushing right along.

This month's list of stones is above and the properties are below. As I have mentioned before, you may find an overlapping of stones and crystals between different months…it all depends upon the list you are checking. That is why I urge people to choose their stones by what they feel drawn to and not just because the jewelers or 'authorities' say certain stones are for certain months or birthdays. The lists are only for general purposes and do not take into account the current need of the individual…which may change throughout one's lifetime.

SARDONYX--Is actually a form of carnelian which is also an agate but it contains banding of colors like the orange-red and white to clear and contains all of the properties of a carnelian as well as that of Onyx and Chalcedony. It is said to bring happiness in marriage and live-in relationships, allowing one to realize the joys of living. It is also said to help attract friends, good fortune and self control while diminishing hesitation and promoting courage. It is also known as a 'stone of virtue'.

PERIDOT--Is said to balance glandular system; aid tissue regeneration; has a beneficial influence on heart, pancreas, spleen, liver, adrenals. It is also said to purify the body; enhance the bloodstream and is an overall balancer and tonic for body/mind. It may also assist in aligning subtle bodies; increasing intuitive awareness; reducing stress while stimulating the mind. It will also assist in accelerating personal growth while opening new doors for opportunity.

MOONSTONE--is said to help balance the male and female energies of a person; said to work with PMS or moodiness; is good for pregnant women or creatures; and almost all of the 'feminine' diseases. The brown moonstone is said to be good for the healing of the lower body and, in particular, the lowest part of the back. The pink and green moonstones are said to be good healing stones for females but will also work for males who tend to experience--'that time of the month'--as well. One of the most sought after versions of the moonstone is the Rainbow Moonstone and is said to have a connection to the divine Goddess and the divine feminine. One of the best stones for any female on the planet and is great for bringing out the nurturing qualities in some males as well. It works on all levels.

GARNET--This crystal helps strengthen, purify, vitalize and regenerate bodily systems, especially the bloodstream. It is also said to have a strong affinity with the root Chakra, helping to harmonize the potent forces of the kundalini. It aids the stimulation of the pituitary gland; the alignment of the subtle bodies; the increase of love and compassion as well as enhancing one's imagination. Garnets are also suppose to help one through issues with male authority figures, whether they be father, brother or any other, even to dominant female personality.

AMETHYST -- Amethyst is one of the best healing stones/crystals around and is good on almost all problems. Works with the Crown Chakra for bringing in one's higher intuition as well as with balancing the left and right sides of the brain. It is a soothing stone and is said to help with nervous conditions; insomnia; dreams; helping to release addictions; and spiritual enlightenment. One gemstone lore associated with the amethyst is that it will help keep fleas from animals if placed in their water dish…(of course one can hope they don't decide to try and eat them or play with them!) I have a friend who insists this works for her cats.

ONYX---A variety of chalcedony. Relieves stress. Balances male/female polarities. Strengthens bone marrow. Aids detachment. Enhances emotional balance and self-control. Higher inspiration. Works with chakras and attitudes according to color of stone.

CARNELIAN--This is a variety of Chalcedony which, in turn, is a form of Agate. It is a very highly evolved mineral healer. It is said to energize the blood; aid the kidneys, lungs, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and tissue regeneration. Also said to vitalize the physical/ emotional/ mental bodies while aligning the physical and etheric bodies: enhances attunement with the inner self; facilitates concentration; and opens the heart. This is a warm, social and joyous stone working with the root and the sacral chakras. This is also said to help with self-esteem, fears, angers, hidden emotions and sexual problems. It is often carried as a talisman stone. (EXTRA NOTE: According to Edgar Cayce readings, carnelian is also great for sinus and allergy relief…which I can confirm…at least for me. I have never been overly drawn to it…nice and all but never really wore it until I found that reading in my studies about gemstones. I had been given a lovely stretch bracelet of carved turtles and spacers which was carnelian and so decided to try it. WOW!!! The effect was almost instant when I first put it on so I have been wearing it almost every day since and have had a LOT less problems with my sinuses. Not to be considered a cure-all because if it's a really bad allergy day, I still have some problems but they are significantly less than I used to have and I have backed off using a lot of the over the counter sinus stuff. This is only my personal reaction and it may not be the same for everyone and is definitely not a replacement for prescribed medicines…it is just a booster for whatever therapy you currently use…as are all stone companions.)

BERYL - Beryl is used as a copper alloy and also in constructing the atomic bomb. Beryl and Aquamarine differ only in colour - Beryl is bright blue to white and Aquamarine is sea green to deep green. Best known is the deep green form of beryl, the precious Emerald. The yellow beryl is the heliodor and pink beryl is morganite and there is also an extremely rare Red Beryl. Beryl is known for its huge crystals. Madagascar yielded a single crystal weighing nearly 40 tons far surpassing the 18-27 foot monster ones previously obtained from New England. The list of stones/ crystals which are in the Beryl family are aquamarine, bixbite, emerald, gahnite, heliodor, morgnite, and golden or yellow beryl. Each of the stones have their own properties so we will go into the properties of the yellow/golden beryl. It is said to represent purity in all aspects of all planes of being. It is also said to help with initiative and independence in thoughts and actions, stimulating the crown and solar plexus while blending the intellect and spirituality. It gives off the message that there is no obstacle in any circumstance that confidence and conviction cannot resolve. Physically, it is said to help with the treatment of disorders of the heart and spine; concussions and damage in the cranial portion of the head.