March Birthstone – Aquamarine

March  Birthstone  –  Aquamarine

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Pisces dates: February 20 – March 20

Pisces – The Twelfth Sign of the Zodiac: The sign of the Fish

Ruling Planet of Pisces: Neptune

Alternate Birthstones of Pisces: Amethyst, Ruby, Bloodstone and Jasper

For those who were born in the month of March (like me!) the Aquamarine is the traditional birthstone.

If you can picture the azure blue waters of the Mediterranean, in shades from nearly transparent to deep rich blue, you will understand why the birthstone for March is named Aquamarine.

Literally, the stone’s name means ‘seawater’, derived from the Latin ‘aqua’, water, and ‘mare’ – sea. The aquamarine is technically a member of the beryl family – the same gemstone classification as the emerald and a few other lesser known stones. The most prized color is a deep-blue aqua color. The color is due to trace amounts of iron impurities in the beryl structure. Some have chatoyancy (cat’s-eyes and stars).  None of the other stones are as romantically named, or have the lore associated with them that the aquamarine does.

The traditional Metaphysical Properties for the March birthstone aquamarine are awareness, quick response and easing communication problems. On the non-physical plain, aquamarine is believed to release anger and negativity –  replacing them with mental peace and clarity, providing emotional and mental balance. It has been used as an aid in meditation and to assist in self-expression.

Many believe that aquamarine helps rid dependence on drugs, is an aid in digestion, and can be used as remedy for swollen glands and to maintain the health of the jaws and teeth. The healing properties of the March birthstone have also been reputed to be effective for health problems relating to throat problems and stress-related illness.

Aquamarine is also said to symbolize youth and hope, like the revival of new things each spring. Aquamarine is believed to bestow courage, insight, and victory. It also symbolizes fidelity, and health.

Aquamarine was first discovered in India more than two thousand years ago, and people have attributed various magical and spiritual properties to it. Hindus used it to spark mental clarity and develop public speaking capabilities. The Egyptians, the Romans and the Greeks placed great value on the powers of the aquamarine. They said that the stone invoked the water spirits, ensuring the safe journey by sea.

Madagascar and India were the historical sources of aquamarines. Most of the world’s aquamarines are now mined in Brazil. The natural color of Brazilian aquamarines leans toward bluish-green. Other source includes Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania and Zambia in Africa as well as Afghanistan, The Ural Mountains in Russia, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

Beginning in the Roman period, the aquamarine was believed to possess medicinal and healing powers, curing ailments of the stomach, liver, jaws, and throat. The ancient Romans believed that the Aquamarine was sacred to Neptune, the god of the sea, having fallen from the jewel boxes of mermaid sirens and washed to shore.  Early sailors and fisherman wore aquamarine talismans on chains or in rings, engraved with the likeness of Neptune, as protection against dangers of the sea.

The association with water led to the belief that the Aquamarine was particularly powerful when immersed.  Water in which this gemstone had been submerged was used in ancient times to heal a variety of illnesses of the heart, liver, stomach, mouth and throat. 

During the middle Ages, it was commonly thought to be an effective antidote against poison. Aquamarines were believed to be the source of power for soothsayers, who called it the “magic mirror,” and used it for telling fortunes, and was worn as an amulet to help correct poor vision.

As a gift, aquamarine is unsurpassed in its legendary abilities to preserve and enhance mutual love, to ensure truth in relationships and to maintain a good marriage.

Aquamarine jewelry is associated with beauty, honesty, loyalty, and happiness.  Constancy, truth, clarity and vision are all embodied in the shimmer and sparkle of this lustrous blue-green stone. Those qualities are said to be enhanced when one wears aquamarines.

Blue aquamarine awakens feelings of affection, trust, friendship and harmony. With its serene blue color reflecting the sea and also the sky, the aquamarine gives its wearer a feeling of connection to the earth and heavens  – and a sense of both eternity and spirituality unequaled by any other stone. 

A gift of Aquamarine symbolizes both safety and security, especially within long standing relationships.  Some people even say that the Aquamarine can reawaken love within a tired marriage, so if you’d like to bring back that spark in your partner’s eyes, you might consider this gem as an anniversary gift! To give aquamarine is to offer the gift of knowledge, foresight and individual inspiration.

In medieval times, a gift of aquamarine was a traditional way of healing differences between warring married couples and friends. The aquamarine is a stone of sensitivity, believed to enhance empathy for others and help heal old traumas.  It is said, when one dreams of aquamarine, it is always a happy omen, for aquamarines presage plenty, happiness and meeting new friends.

Modern texts regarding crystal healing claim that aquamarine loosens emotions that get blocked in the throat, ( 5^th Chakra) allowing singers, actors and speakers to infuse their speeches and songs with the intensity of their feelings.

To Clear and Charge your Aquamarine

Wash the crystal in cool natural water or tap water, and then let it dry in the moonlight – in the light of the Full Moon is best.

When you have decided your intention for your crystal, hold it in your hands and sit quietly with it, letting yourself attune to its energy.  When you feel in harmony with the crystal (sometimes it may feel warm in your hands – especially if you have a strong healing ability) state your intention firmly and clearly – you can repeat this several times to anchor the intention if you wish.  When you intuitively feel that the charging is complete, put the crystal down and detach your energies from the crystal simply by taking your attention away from it.  Depending on its purpose, you may wear the crystal, place it in your pocket, under your pillow, or by the bed at night.

Personally, I wear aquamarines every day, in one form or another. Rings, earring, bracelets, pendants – I just feel so much more energized when I am wearing my birthstone!

Happy Birthday, Fellow Pisceans!

To your best Metaphysical health,

The Metaphysical Therapist

Please visit my websites:
www.TheMetaPhysicalTherapist.com
www.Health-n-Fitness-Mart.com
www.camerasonlineshop.com
www.kindleonlineshops.com
www.petsupplyonlineshops.com
www.watchesonlinestores.com

Read more at The Metaphysical Therapist’s Blog