Zodiac Gem-Stones: Taurus April 20-May 20 by Mary Ann Miller

May 10, 2010 by Susan

Mary Ann Miller Zodiac Gem Stones: Taurus April 20 May 20 by Mary Ann Miller Taureans revel in the pleasures of life. They crave the security and comfort of relaxing in the warmth of their home environment. They value the senses and the enjoyment of material things. Taureans are likely to work hard to make their home an attractive one. They also have the makings of a healer and have a large capacity for kindness. Although they are quiet on the surface, almost passive, Taureans possess a powerful will and can be quite stubborn at times, and perhaps somewhat rigid in their thinking. Taureans also tend to be loving, obedient and loyal. Material rewards seem to come easily to them, and they are able to lead the good life without being excessively concerned about it. Taureans
are practical, and provide a purposeful, productive and stabilizing influence for themselves and all those around them. (www.astrograph.com)

If you were born between April 20 and May 20, in addition to your sun sign and the zodiacal influences, there is a another determining factor over your star personality – your astrological element. The element related to Taurus is Earth. The Earth energy is grounded and heavy, responding to the gravity of physical circumstances and limitations. Earth people are in touch with their bodies and the pleasures of the physical world around them.

There is a plethora of information and lists about which stones are connected to each sun sign. However, using my own intuition, I chose Carnelian, Lapis, Petrified Wood and Turquoise for Taurus based on ancient principles and others that might help alleviate problems associated with
that particular sign.

Petrified Wood, the Tree of Life, captures Taurus essence; aids in connection with nature. It is also called fossilized wood or agatized wood and is a member of the Quartz family. If wood, after death, is
quickly covered with fine grained sedimentary rock, this allows for petrification, which preserves a large proportion of the original form of the wood. Growth rings, outer bark and even worm holes in the wood can be preserved in this process. Most Petrified Wood is brown or gray, although somes pieces contain yellow, red, black and even blue or violet colors.

The most spectacular Petrified Wood comes from Holbrook, Arizona, and in 1962, the Petrified Forest there was made into a national park. Petrified Wood is a stone of roots, beginnings and ancient knowledge. It is a powerful stone for Earth healers and help for Taureans who wish to make the shift from all of Nature’s consumerist consciousness into resonance with the power, beauty and wisdom of the natural world. It can assist you in grounding so more energy can run through your physical
body.

Carnelian helps you feel comfortable with your sensual self. It is a member of the Quartz family and can range in color from yellow- orange to reddish brown to a deep red and sometimes can be banded in varying shades. The finest Carnelians are found in India, but most of the stones on the market come from Brazil and Uruguay. The name Carnelian is derived from the Latin word “carnis” and translates to “flesh,” probably noted as one of the many shades of the stone. In ancient times, Carnelian was believed
to give the wearer courage in battle and to help timid speakers become both eloquent and bold. In ancient Egypt, Carnelian was used as protection for both the living and the dead. A Carnelian was placed on the neck of a mummy to ensure the protection, safe passage, and rebirth ofthe spirit in the afterlife. The famous Eye of Horus carnelian amulet, said to offer protection against the evil eye, is still popular in many parts of the Middle East. Carnelian aids in the ability to keep you connected to the physical self
enhancing the lusty desires of the body and playfulness of creative consciousness. It inspires courage.

Lapis Lazuli cleanses the mind and expands perception. Lapis is deep blue flecked with gold Pyrite and/or White Calcite. In Latin, the name meansblue stone and this came from the ancient Persian word lazhuward, which meant blue. The ancient Egyptians used Lapis in scarabs, pendants and other jewelry as far back as 3100 B.C. It was also ground into powder for use as a medicine and as a cosmetic for eye shadow. King Tut’s golden sarcophagus is richly inlaid in Lapis, as were the burial ornaments of
other Egyptian kings and queens. The finest Lapis comes from the West Hindu Kush mountains of Afghanistan. It can also be found in lesser quality in Chile and Russia. Lapis is the stone of royalty in its truest nature and is the premier stone for enhancing sensuality and enjoyment of material pleasures.
Lapis Lazuli teaches of the inter-connectiveness of all things. It is a stone of self-knowledge and reflection. This gives you clearer perspective on your life and creations.

Turquoise opens communication and expression. Its striking blue color is caused by copper. The name Turquoise comes from the French ‘pierre turquoise’, meaning Turkish stone. This is because the trade routes through which Turquoise reached Europe from the mines in central Asia went through Turkey. Turquoise may be the longest used of all gemstones. Beads dating back to 5000 B.C. have been found in Iraq. Native Americans began to mine and fashion Turquoise about 1000 years ago. The best quality
Turquoise comes from Iran, Afghanistan, Australia, Tibet and the southwestern United States.
Turquoise makes it easier to articulate and speak your deepest wisdom. It helps you understand that you have something important to contribute to the planet. Turquoise instills inner calm while remaining alert and helps you embrace all aspects of yourself as reflection of the Divine Source.

Remember to cleanse and program your stones. Check out my column at Satiama on How To Care For Your Crystals for more information. Background and supporting information for this article came from The Book of Stones by Robert Simmons and Naisha Ahsian, The Crystal Bible by Judy Hall and Love is in the Earth by Melody.

Since she was a child Mary Ann Miller has been excited about rocks. In an effort to help facilitate the metaphysical and healing properties of gem stones, Mary Ann began to design jewelry for herself and for her friends. Learn more about Mary Ann or to view her gorgeous chakra jewelry at Satiama. Mary Ann also sells her rock collections and jewelry on her website at www.rockyourlife.com, which she runs from her home in Boulder, Colorado.