Did You Know...that gemstones have healing powers?

Gemstones carry powerful energy that resonates with and harnesses the energy of other organisms in ways that can promote harmony and healing.  Every gemstone has its own blend of energy that is uniquely therapeutic.
 
At one point or another, we all learned in our high school physics class that all matter is energy in physical form.  And all forms of matter are created from atoms with negatively and positively charged ions.  Gemstones are ancient creations of the Earth, some of them millions of years in the making and carrying potent forms of this concentrated energy. 
 
Even as the industry of science acknowledges the power of gemstones and uses them in various technologies, some folks still doubt the truth of their potency.  And yet countless individuals have experienced transformative healing, physically, emotionally and mentally from gemstone therapy.
 
Each month of the year has an associated birthstone and various related gemstones.  The linking of specific stones with specific months has its possible origins from the time of ancient Israel, and the breastplate of the Levitical priest Aaron that  contained 12 gemstones representing the 12 tribes of Israel.  April’s birthstone is Diamond and its other associated gemstones are Ruby, Red Jasper, Carnelian, and Coral.
 
The name of April has its origins in the Latin word ‘to open’, reflecting the opening or blossoming of flowers that is rampant in this month.  April is also related to the Greek/Roman Goddesses Aphrodite/Venus and to the Saxon Goddess Eostre (the Goddess from whom Easter has its pre-Christian origins).
 
April’s birthstone, Diamond is said to have been created by the God of Mines when he compounded all of the world’s known gems together.  Diamond is referred to as the ‘king of gems’ because of its perfect structure, natural hardness and powers of light reflection and dispersion.  Composed of pure carbon and crystallized deep in the earth’s mantle under intense heat and pressure, Diamond derives its name from the Greek adamas, meaning ‘unbreakable’ or ‘untamable’ and diaphanous, meaning transparent.
 
Diamonds are often thought of as colourless but it also comes in white, black and various shades of yellow, brown, blue, green, pink, red and (in its rarest manifestation) lilac. 
 
Diamond is considered a highly spiritual stone, with a high frequency energy that, when dispersed, creates brilliant light, like the fire of the sun.  It is this high energy and brilliance that has Diamond perceived as a symbol of perfection and illumination.
 
Diamond is used in healing therapies to enhance inner vision, imagination and stimulate creativity.  It is often placed on the Third Eye chakra (located in the centre of the forehead) to encourage psychic development.  As the hardest known gemstone in nature, Diamond is known as the ‘stone of invincibility’, bringing victory, incredible strength and courage to those who wear it.  And because of these qualities, it is also considered a potent stone of protection.  Diamonds are also used by healing therapists to help strengthen and harmonize the energies moving through their clients. 
 
Diamond is also considered a symbol of integrity, innocence, love and fidelity.  Worn with these intentions, it is said to enhance strength of character, ethics and faithfulness – to oneself and to another.  It’s not surprising, then, that this is the stone typically chosen for wedding rings.
 
But Diamond is not the only healing gemstone associated with April.  Other related gemstones and their healing qualities are:
 
Ruby
The name ruby comes from the Latin word ruber, which means red and is favorite gem among those in power and those in love.  Some ancient cultures believed that rubies grew on trees, just like fruit. In the middle ages, rubies were viewed as a stone of prophecy.
 
In the Orient, Ruby is described as “a drop of the heart’s blood of Mother Earth”.  Considered the king of precious stones and the leader of gems in India, Hindus call the Ruby Ratnanayaka, after the lord of the gemstones. Those who donated rubies to honor Krishna were assured being reborn as an emperor in a future life.
 
When used therapeutically, Rubies help to balance the watery, and sometimes chaotic, realm of the emotions.  They are also used to increase integrity, devotion, and happiness.
 
Red Jasper
Jasper is a fairly common stone found worldwide.  Revered by ancient cultures as  a sacred and powerful stone of protection, it was worn by warriors as a talisman that also promoted justice and supported life. Viking legends tell of Red Jasper inlaid in the hilt of Siegfred’s, the ‘dragon slayer’s’ sword to give him courage.  Ancient Egyptians believed Red Jasper to hold the power of life-giving and death-causing blood and associated it with the Goddess Isis.  Red Jasper is perceived as the blood of Mother Earth by Native American tribes and was used as a healing stone and in re-birthing and rain rituals and ceremonies.
 
The grounding properties of Red Jasper are known to help us sustain a connection to Mother Earth.  It’s an effective cleansing stone that helps to dissipate negative/harmful energy and has a calming effect on the mind, readying it for meditation.  Red Jasper is also used to absorb harmful EMF’s (electromagnetic frequencies), environmental pollution and radiation. 
 
Used in physical therapy, many individuals report it has a balancing effect on metabolism, provides strength to fatigued systems and increases physical stamina.  As such, it is a recommended stone for people who are chronically ill, injured or hospitalized.  It is also used to help purify the blood and improves the function of detoxing systems in the body.  Lastly, as a Root and Sacral Chakra stone, Red Jasper can support survivors of physical and sexual abuse and restore passion for living.
 
Carnelian
The healthiest deposits of Carnelian are found in Brazil, Uruguay, India and Madagascar.  Ancient warriors commonly wore this stone around their neck to give them the courage to over-power their enemies.  Egyptians believed Carnelian to be associated with the energy of the ‘setting sun’ – a feminine energy that also associated the stone with the menstrual blood of the Mother Goddess. 
 
Another Root and Sacral Chakra stone, Carnelian helps to nourish creativity, attract prosperity, and encourages people to ‘speak up’.  It is a recommended ‘tool’ for activists as it helps one to develop the courage to overcome obstacles and take a stand, in a community of others, for just causes.
 
Physically, Carnelian is often used by healers to promote circulation to organs and tissues.  It is said to aid in fertility issues (both male and female) and help reduce menstrual and menopausal symptoms.  Its detoxing characteristics make it a good stone to use when clearing the body of alcohol, drugs or junk food addictions.
 
Red Coral
Also known as Praval or Moonga, Red Coral is the gemstone of Mars according to Indian Vedic Astrology. Mars is the planet of energy, vitality, blood circulation and ambition and Red Coral is worn to boost the energy of Mars. In Greek mythology, Red Coral came from Medusa’s blood while Poseidon is said to have lived in a watery palace made of corral and gems.
 
As a ‘gemstone’, Red Corral is ‘organic’ which makes it unique from other stones, which are minerals. Red Coral grows on the rocky sea bottom in the darkest depths or in dark caverns or crevices, primarily in the Mediterranean.
 
Once polished, Red Corral is highly glossy and its intense colour was popular amongst ancients who used it for decorative and ritual uses.  In the Victorian era, it was a very popular stone used to make ornate jewellery.
 
Used in healing therapy, Red Corral is used to improve circulation of blood, increase energy, and heighten ambition.  Red Corral is also touted as having the power to clean the blood of impurities, improve bone strength and prevent or cure chronic disease.
 
For more details on birthstones and gemstones and their associated months, visit https://www.americangemsociety.org/en/birthstones  and https://www.howlatm.com/gemstone-healing-properties