| Sagittarius
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. |
