Sep 18, 2008

Virgo gemstone: Sapphire

Virgo gemstone:
Sapphire

For countless centuries, the sapphire has been associated with divine favour. The Buddhists believed this stone favoured devotion and spiritual enlightenment, while the Ancient Greeks linked the sapphire...particularly the white variety...to Apollo and often wore it as an aid to prophecy when consulting oracles. In past times, this gem was considered a valuable aid toward development of the 'third eye,' and thought to guard its owner from being captured by enemies. It was frequently worn and used during rituals as a strengthening agent in the ability to tap and send forth power. Egyptians associated the clear sapphire with the Eye of Horus and this particular variety is credited with being a guardian of love.

The Persians believed that the blue of the sky was the reflection of a great sapphire upon which rested the Earth. Thus, it is often said to represent the tranquillity of the heavens and some historians have noted that the Law given to Moses on the Mount was engraved upon tablets of sapphire. It is also the stone used in the Cardinal's ring to denote his badge of office within the Catholic religion. In addition, this gem was once believed lethal to venomous insects and reptiles, as well as being regarded in terms of gender...dark stones being female and light stones being male.

In Medieval times, priests and monks would wear sapphire jewellery in the belief that the stone possessed the power to quell wicked impulses and impure thoughts, in addition to banishing envy and promoting chastity in virgins. Many monarchs throughout history have worn sapphires around their necks as a powerful defence from harm.

It is worth noting that a sapphire and a ruby are made of the same material, differing only in color.

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