Garnet Metaphysical Traits: Exploring the January Birthstone

Learning about garnet metaphysical traits can quickly become a complicated trek into the mythologies and legends surrounding the origin of the January birthstone. Incorporating these beliefs into your life, whether you view them as fun superstitions or legitimate New Age practices, can add a wonderful depth to your beloved garnet jewelry pieces-and provide hours of conversations or debates with fellow gemstone enthusiasts.

The rich, red hues of garnet range from deep crimson to lighter shades with either orange or pink qualities; the darker, redder gemstones tend to be the most common in the American market. Blue, green, purple and yellow garnets do exist, but generally aren't found in American jewelry stores. Five U.S. States have commercial production of garnet gemstones, and Idaho offers the only deposits in the world outside of India to product star garnets, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Gemstone lore and associations is a web of conflicting arguments, both the origins of specific meanings and the accepted metaphysical properties of each stone. With so many legends surrounding this blood-red gemstone, the best advice may be for every garnet lover and January-born individual to decide that he or she believes in!

Garnet Metaphysical Traits: Empowering the January-Born and Capricorns

Many jewelry lovers are familiar with the traditional gemstone associated with their birth month, though increasingly popular modern alternatives are beginning to complicate the system. The semi-precious garnet continues to be the top gemstone attributed to those of us born in January, as adopted by the American National Association of Jewelers in the early 1900s, and it is linked to the Zodiac Sign of Capricorn and occasionally-though incorrectly, according to many Astrologers-Aquarius.

According to an article about gems by Oliver Cummings Farrigton, PH.D, provided by the Farlang jewelry company, the first recorded instance of the traditional birthstone associations is a pamphlet published by Tiffany & Co., of New York, from 1870. No sources were given in the pamphlet, or any indications of whether the information was based on actual mythology or simply an advertising gimmick. The pamphlet stated for January: "By her who in this month is born, no gems save garnets should be worn; they will insure her constancy, True friendship, and fidelity."

Superstitions about the January-Born wearing garnets are abundant, and many tales propose that it is more unlucky for a January-Born to not wear a garnet than any other month and its birthstone. Fortunately, garnets are considered semi-precious gemstones, so the cost of garnet jewelry is much more budget-friendly than some alternative birthstones.

Garnet Metaphysical Traits: The Power Over Blood

The Greeks associated garnets with blood, and many traditions exist involving the use of garnet to stimulate the flow of healthy blood circulation, cease excess blood loss, and even alleviate menstrual cramps.

This association is further emphasized by the common belief that the garnet one of the best stones for enhancing the Root Chakra, which exists at the base of the spinal column. One theory is that garnets help to promote the flow of energy throughout the body-similar to the flow of blood-which can aid in aligning all six Chakras. You can read more about the connection between gemstones and Chakras in my article, Crystal Healing: Empowering Yourself with Jewelry.

Garnet Metaphysical Traits: Bonds and Protection

The origin of the word "garnet" is another heated debate among jewelers, geologist, and garnet enthusiasts. Some legends suggest the Greek or Romans named the stone after the pomegranate, due to the ruby-red hue of the aril (seeds) found within. The pomegranate was associated with the goddess Persephone in Ancient Greece, as the one bit of food she could not resist in Hades, which ultimately led to her being forced to dwell there for six months out of the year.

It is possible that this connection to Persephone, who represents an eternal traveler between this world and the afterlife, is one reason the garnet is associated with everlasting friendships and connections. Several legends speak of the powerful connection forged between two people who exchange garnets in friendship; the advice is that two people who wish to meet again, in this life or another, should offer each other the gift of a garnet. Many modern Witchcraft practitioners use garnets as stones of commitment, to help ensure the longevity of spells.

Without a doubt, garnets have a colorful and elaborate collection of lores surrounding them--not bad, for a gemstone which is beautiful, too!

Sources:
Oliver Cummings Farrigton, PH.D, "Gems and Gem Minerals," Farlang Inc.
USGC, "Gemstones - Garnet"