The practice of associating specific gemstones with birth months is a tradition with deep historical roots, evolving from ancient religious breastplates to modern standardized lists. Alongside this gemological evolution, many cultures, particularly within Native American traditions, have developed rich systems of animal totems, assigning a specific animal to each moon of the year. These totems are believed to share fundamental characteristics with individuals born under their corresponding moon, offering guidance and insight into personality and life path. The combination of these two systems—the established birthstone calendar and the Native American animal totem calendar—creates a unique framework for understanding personal symbolism. This article explores the fascinating intersections between gemstones and animal totems, drawing from established birthstone associations and Native American spiritual traditions to provide a comprehensive guide for those seeking to understand their personal totems and the stones that complement them.
Historical Roots of Association
The practice of associating symbolic meaning with both animals and gemstones dates back millennia. The earliest known connection between stones and specific groups comes from the Breastplate of Aaron, a sacred Jewish garment featuring twelve gemstones representing the tribes of Israel. However, the more direct link to birth months developed over time, incorporating influences from various cultures, including Hindu traditions, medieval European folklore, and astrological beliefs. The modern standardization of birthstones occurred in 1912 with the American National Retail Jewellers Association (now Jewelers of America), though updates continue to reflect new discoveries and preferences.
Alongside this gemological evolution, Native American traditions developed a rich system of animal totems, assigning a specific animal to each moon of the year. These totems, according to these beliefs, share fundamental characteristics with individuals born under their corresponding moon, offering guidance and insight into personality and life path. The combination of these two systems – the established birthstone calendar and the Native American animal totem calendar – creates a unique framework for understanding personal symbolism.
Birthstones by Month and Their Symbolic Meanings
Established birthstone traditions assign a specific gemstone to each month, each with its own historical significance and metaphysical properties. While the modern list was standardized in the early 20th century, the associations often reflect older traditions.
January: Garnet Associated with protection, strength, and love. The garnet is a group of silicate minerals known for their deep red hues, though they occur in a variety of colors. Its name is derived from the Latin word granatum, meaning "seed," due to its resemblance to pomegranate seeds.
February: Amethyst Representing clarity, wisdom, and peace. Amethyst is a purple variety of quartz, colored by iron impurities and natural irradiation. It has been prized since antiquity for its regal color and was once considered one of the five precious stones alongside diamond, ruby, emerald, and sapphire.
March: Aquamarine Embodying tranquility and courage. Aquamarine is the blue to blue-green variety of beryl, with its color derived from trace amounts of iron. Its name comes from the Latin for "sea water," reflecting its oceanic hues. It is a member of the beryl family, which also includes emerald and morganite.
April: Diamond Signifying purity, strength, and love. Diamond, composed of pure carbon in a cubic crystal structure, is the hardest known natural material, ranking 10 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. Its exceptional brilliance and fire have made it the premier choice for engagement rings and a symbol of enduring commitment.
May: Emerald Representing rebirth, love, and good fortune. Emerald is a green variety of beryl, colored by trace amounts of chromium and sometimes vanadium. Its vibrant green has been associated with the verdant growth of spring and the renewal of life.
June: Alexandrite Known for its dramatic color change, from green in daylight to red under incandescent light, symbolizing intuition and balance. It is a chrysoberyl variety, and its unique optical property makes it one of the most fascinating gemstones.
July: Ruby Symbolizing passion, vitality, and protection. Ruby is the red variety of the mineral corundum, with its color coming from chromium. It is one of the traditional four precious stones, alongside diamond, emerald, and sapphire.
August: Peridot Believed to bring protection and to ward off negative energy. Peridot is the gem-quality variety of the mineral olivine, an iron magnesium silicate. Its distinctive olive-green color is due to its iron content.
September: Sapphire Associated with wisdom, loyalty, and nobility. Sapphire is the blue variety of corundum, though it can occur in many colors (except red, which is ruby). Its hardness (9 on the Mohs scale) makes it durable for jewelry.
October: Pink Tourmaline Often linked to creativity and emotional healing. Tourmaline is a complex boron silicate mineral group with a wide range of colors. Pink varieties are particularly valued for their soothing hues.
November: Citrine Representing joy, abundance, and prosperity. Citrine is a yellow to orange variety of quartz, colored by trace amounts of iron. It is sometimes called the "merchant's stone" for its association with wealth.
December: Blue Topaz Symbolizing clarity, communication, and calm. Blue topaz is a silicate mineral of aluminum and fluorine. Its light blue color is often the result of irradiation and heat treatment of colorless topaz.
A separate list of gemstone colors associated with each month, as offered by a Bolivian artisan necklace collection, includes: May – Emerald; June – Alexandrite; July – Ruby; August – Peridot; September – Sapphire; October – Pink Tourmaline; November – Citrine; and December – Blue Topaz. The Mohs hardness scale is also provided for some stones, with Diamond ranking the highest at 10, and Garnet ranging from 6.5 to 7.5.
Native American Animal Totems by Moon
Native American traditions assign a specific animal totem to each moon (month) of the year. These totems are believed to impart specific characteristics and lessons to those born under their influence. The following totems are identified in the provided sources, with their associated moons and symbolic meanings.
Goose or Snow Goose (December 22 – January 19) Moon: Earth Renewal Animal: Goose or Snow Goose Plant: Birch Tree or Bramble Mineral: Quartz or Peridot Color: White Spirit Keeper: Waboose (White Buffalo) Power Direction: North Element: Earth Elemental Clan: Turtle The Goose Totem embodies determination and resourcefulness. Those born under this totem are persevering, determined, and ambitious to a fault. They set goals for accomplishment and always obtain them, driven by an internal desire to succeed rather than for the approval of others. The Goose is determined to succeed at all costs.
Owl (November 22/23 – December 21) The Owl represents those born between November 22/23 and December 21, symbolizing magic and wisdom. The Owl is linked to the “Earth Renewal” moon and embodies determination and resourcefulness.
Wolf (February 19 – March 20) Moon: Big Winds Animal: Wolf The Wolf is associated with the “Big Winds” moon and embodies the qualities of a teacher and pathfinder. It represents teaching and pathfinding.
Red Hawk or Falcon (March 21 – April 19) The Red Hawk or Falcon is for those born between March 21 and April 19.
Otter (February 7 – 8) The Otter is for those born between February 7 and 8.
Other animal totems listed include the Walrus, Hawk, Skunk, Orca, Turkey, Groundhog, Frog, Goat, Elephant, Salamander, Deer, Firefly, Orangutan, Yak, Hedgehog, Elk, Monkey, Cobra, Jellyfish, Albatross, Ferret, Llama, Koi, Bee, Mouse, Pig, Butterfly, Dragon, Giraffe, Possum, Penguin, Donkey, Badger, Dolphin, Ant, Sheep, Falcon, Bat, Lemur, Scorpion, Moose, Salmon, Dog, Chicken, Lizard, Alpaca, Puma/Cougar, Dove, and many others. Each animal is believed to impart specific characteristics and lessons to those born under its influence.
Combined Symbolism: Totems and Gemstones
The true richness of this system lies in the combined symbolism of the animal totem and the birthstone. By understanding the characteristics of both the animal totem and the birthstone associated with a particular month, individuals can gain a deeper appreciation for their own unique qualities and life path.
December 22 – January 19: Goose or Snow Goose with Quartz or Peridot Those born under the Goose totem are associated with Quartz or Peridot. The Goose embodies determination and resourcefulness, while Quartz is a versatile stone often associated with clarity and amplification of energy. Peridot, also linked to this period, is believed to bring protection. The combination suggests a person who is determined and resourceful (Goose) and who may benefit from the clarifying and protective properties of Quartz or Peridot.
November 22/23 – December 21: Owl with Citrine or Blue Topaz While not explicitly paired in the sources, the Owl's symbolism of magic and wisdom can be complemented by the birthstones for November (Citrine) and December (Blue Topaz). Citrine is associated with joy and abundance, which could balance the Owl's introspective nature, while Blue Topaz is linked to clarity and communication, enhancing the Owl's wisdom.
February 19 – March 20: Wolf with Aquamarine or Turquoise Individuals born under the Wolf totem (February 19 – March 20) are connected to Aquamarine or Turquoise. The Wolf represents teaching and pathfinding, while Aquamarine embodies tranquility and courage, and Turquoise is often associated with protection and communication. This combination suggests a person who is a natural leader and guide (Wolf), supported by stones that enhance courage (Aquamarine) and communication (Turquoise).
March 21 – April 19: Red Hawk or Falcon with Diamond or Aquamarine The Red Hawk or Falcon, for those born between March 21 and April 19, is associated with the birthstones of April (Diamond) and March (Aquamarine). The Falcon is a symbol of speed, focus, and vision. Diamond, representing purity and strength, complements the Falcon's sharp vision and determination. Aquamarine, with its association with courage, aligns with the Falcon's bold nature.
February 7 – 8: Otter with Amethyst The Otter, for those born on February 7 and 8, is associated with Amethyst (February's birthstone). The Otter is known for playfulness, joy, and creativity. Amethyst, representing clarity, wisdom, and peace, can help balance the Otter's energetic nature with calm and insight.
Astrological Birthstones
In addition to monthly birthstones, some traditions assign gemstones based on astrological signs. The birthstones by astrological sign are: - Amethyst birthstone for Aquarius - Aquamarine birthstone for Pisces - Diamond birthstone for Aries - Emerald birthstone for Taurus - Pearl birthstone for Gemini - Ruby birthstone for Cancer - Peridot birthstone for Leo - Sapphire birthstone for Virgo - Opal birthstone for Libra - Topaz birthstone for Scorpio - Turquoise birthstone for Sagittarius - Garnet birthstone for Capricorn
This system provides an alternative or complementary layer to the monthly birthstone tradition, allowing for more personalized symbolism based on the precise date of birth.
Gemological Properties and Care
Understanding the physical properties of gemstones is essential for their care and longevity. The Mohs hardness scale, a measure of a mineral's resistance to scratching, is a key tool. For example, Diamond is the hardest natural material (10 on the Mohs scale), making it highly durable and resistant to scratching. In contrast, stones like Garnet (6.5-7.5) are softer and require more careful handling.
- Diamond (Mohs 10): Extremely durable. Clean with a soft brush, mild soap, and warm water. Avoid harsh chemicals.
- Quartz (Mohs 7): Fairly durable. Clean with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid sudden temperature changes.
- Peridot (Mohs 6.5-7): Fairly durable but can be prone to scratching. Clean with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam.
- Aquamarine (Mohs 7.5-8): Durable and suitable for everyday wear. Clean with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Ultrasonic cleaners are generally safe, but steam cleaning is not recommended.
- Amethyst (Mohs 7): Fairly durable. Clean with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid prolonged exposure to strong sunlight, which can fade its color.
- Garnet (Mohs 6.5-7.5): Fairly durable but can be brittle due to cleavage. Clean with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam.
When combining gemstones with jewelry settings, the hardness of the stone should be considered to prevent damage. Softer stones are better suited for pendants or earrings rather than rings, which are more prone to impact.
Cultural Significance and Modern Interpretation
The combination of ancient wisdom and the enduring beauty of gemstones continues to captivate and inspire, offering a timeless connection to the earth and its mysteries. While a direct, universally accepted “birthstone animal” pairing isn’t established in formal gemology, the symbolic associations provide a rich tapestry for personal exploration. Many people find meaning in aligning their personal characteristics with the traits of their animal totem and the properties of their birthstone, using them as tools for reflection and personal growth.
It is important to note that these associations are based on cultural traditions and personal beliefs rather than scientific evidence. The gemological properties of stones are measurable and verifiable, while the symbolism and metaphysical attributes are part of cultural and spiritual heritage. As such, these systems offer a way to connect with nature, history, and one's own identity.
Conclusion
The study of birthstones and animal totems reveals a profound human desire to find meaning and connection in the natural world. From the ancient Breastplate of Aaron to the standardized birthstone lists of the 20th century, and from the Native American animal totems to modern astrological associations, these traditions provide frameworks for understanding ourselves and our place in the world. By exploring the gemological properties of stones like Diamond, Quartz, Peridot, and Aquamarine alongside the symbolic meanings of animals like the Goose, Owl, and Wolf, individuals can engage in a rich, multifaceted exploration of personal symbolism. Whether used for jewelry selection, meditation, or personal reflection, the combination of animal totems and gemstones offers a timeless and meaningful connection to the earth's treasures and the wisdom of ancient cultures.