Stars and stones to bring luck home

With 2017 nearly signing off, we cannot wait to begin another year of procrastination, hours of office days and dealing with life itself. For those of us who strive for spiritual cleansing and positivity, dealing with the idea of horoscopes, gemstones and birth stones is a bliss because not all weekends are about bubble baths and facemasks!

In ancient times, astrology was used to predict the fates of people, when and where they would find luck, where should they look for a spouse, when to get married, and even predict when they would have children. It was also used by the Chinese to know what was in store for babies when they grew up.

Astrology was also used to determine the character traits of children and their future. Practitioners of astrology were respected and honoured among the Chaldeans, Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and Arabs.

Years from then, astrology is still part of human life and many people especially in Asia believe in this art. Compatibilities in human beings are based on the positions of the planets and stars during a person's birth.

The art still holds charm and faith for many, far beyond what may seem logical to others. Some do partake in the practice simply for the fun of it.

Another facet to the same belief system is the use of gemstones to bring luck or ward off evil. And for those of us sceptics, a little bling never hurts. There are different birth stones for different zodiac signs, selected according to the traits of personality and characteristics specific to people born under each.

DIAMOND FOR THE RAM

Aries (March 21 – April 20), the Ram is the most hard-headed animal in the zodiac and represents a tendency to move on to bigger and better things. They believe in change and planning for something better than expected. If you are an Aries and you just cannot stop procrastinating, then wearing a diamond would provide clarity as you make your way forward without necessarily looking back. After all, you have bunch of essays to submit, work to handle for the next whole year! 

RUBY FOR THE CRABS

Cancer (June 22 – July 22) are the ones dwelling in the sea and on the land to only experience best of the both world. Save for only the diamond among precious stones, the ruby is the hardest gem. Like the crab that signifies Cancer, its hard exterior protects an inner beauty that exists nowhere else. When the crab wears a ruby, a protection of their feelings occurs, allowing you to be yourself. A sense of roots, kindness and friendly vibe can always flicker the day!

OPAL FOR BALANCE

Libra (September 24 – October 23) is known to have the symbol of scales and it is said that Libras tend to balance out their life pretty well with the decisions they make. They are romantic, loyal and like to keep things minimal. They have an affable nature and can get along with people that others might judge as difficult. If you are a Libra, then opal is that one for you. This mystical stone has the ability to absorb bad energy from those around you.

GARNET FOR THE GOATIES

The Capricorn (December 22 - January 20) are the most determined of the entire zodiac. The most prominent qualities of the Goats, as they are called, are that they are ambitious, conservative, determined, practical and helpful. The status-conscious Capricorn will enjoy donning the garnet – this stone has mystical tendencies to open the doors of success that are otherwise locked. Just as the Goat modifies his or her behaviour to get ahead, garnets look different under changing light sources.

EMERALD FOR THE BRAVE BULL

Taurus (April 21 – May 21), is known for being practical, brave and reliable. Pride is never the option, but prejudice may reside in their hearts.Emerald is their badge of honour. The green hues of the emerald were said to have the dewdrops left by the barefoot goddess, Venus. When the Bull wears an emerald, their natural sensitivity will mix better with their deep selectivity because they are at their best when their passions have standards.

PERIDOT FOR THE FIERCE

Leo (July 23 – August 22) is known to be generous yet fiercely wild. They are calm and focused when things get serious in their lives but they also know how to have a good time. Legend has it that Cleopatra lost her peridot amulet on a journey home, only to arrive and discover that her lover, Mark Antony, had betrayed her. Wearing the gorgeous olive-colouredperidot will shield the inner lion in you from having the natural order disrupted.

TOPAZ/CITRINE FOR THE SCORPIOS

Scorpio (October 24-November 21) is known for their calm and cool behaviour. Their appearance is rather mysterious. They are the Snape of the horoscope world.Orange, the topaz gemstone, when ensconced in jewellery, the more relaxed their friendships will be. The Scorpion has a troubled time maintaining relationships. Wearing a topaz or citrine pulls out the fog of misunderstandings.

AMETHYST FOR THE WATER-BEARER

Aquarius (January 21- February 19) personality is independent, mysterious, free-spirited and eccentric. They have a unique sense of humour and a practical outlook on life.Ancient legend has the god of wine, Dionysus, cried tears of wine over a woman who would not submit to his debauchery. These purple crystals, amethysts, will keep Aquarius level-headed when worn in jewellery. The stone's name literally means, "Avoiding drunkenness."

PEARLS FOR THE TWINS

Gemini (May 22 – June 21), the quirky yet kind is the loud introvert in the horoscope clan. The twins cannot get enough of adventuring the world! Forged from a speck of irritating sand in an oyster, the ancients long ago realized the duality of the pearl matched that of the Gemini. Out of a nuisance hidden in a shell is created a sphere of pure beauty. When the twin wears pearls, an ease at being two people in one fills them with a sense of calm.

SAPPHIRE FOR THE SHY

Virgo (August 23 – September 23) is often considered a shy, "lady in waiting" personality that is a little naive. Though Virgos are seldom celibate, they often keep their personal identity intact throughout their lives.This composure is virginal in nature.The deep blue of the Sapphire protects any Virgo who should wear it. This stone is impervious to damage – and you will be too. The intense energy of this gemstone sharpens your mind for details with an eye for beauty.

TURQUOISE FOR THE ARCHER

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21) are known forbeing truth-seekers, and the best way for them to do this is to hit the road, talk to others and get some answers. Knowledge is key to these folks, since it fuels their broad-minded approach to life. This is one of the most brittle of all gemstones, so Sagittarians are advised to have many pieces of turquoise jewellery to choose from. The infamous optimism of the Archer is strengthened, and you can get what you want when you wear this stone known to withstand even volcanic temperatures.

AQUAMARINE FOR THE MERMAIDS

Pisces (February 20 – March 20) are very friendly, so they often find themselves in a company of very different people. Pisces are selfless, they are always willing to help others, without hoping to get anything back.We now know that this blue stone is related to the emerald, but ancient legend has it that the sky was once solid and these gems are the remnants. Pisces needs solid nature to hold on to. The soothing "solid reality" powers of the aquamarine gem make this piece of the sky the perfect accessory to affirm and display your good looks.