When the trees have mostly lost their leaves and the bare branches seem to be scrawled against the sky, there is still one last hint of colour that captures our imagination. It’s with us all the year through, but it gets paid close attention in November. It is the birthstone for the month…
Some years back, the Jewellery Industry Council wrote, “The quest for a supreme golden stone ended in the Middle Ages when men found the topaz, whose name means ‘to seek’. Its golden tones have made it a wise choice for November’s birthstone. Emblem of ardour and long lasting friendships, the topaz also ensures long life, intelligence and beauty to its wearers.”
The topaz is one of the stones termed “semiprecious”. Those born during the month of November might beg to differ. To them the topaz is most precious, indeed.
Cassandra Eason in her book, A Complete Guide To Magic and Ritual: How To Use Natural Energies To Heal Your Life, published in 1999 by Judy Piatkus [Publishers] Ltd., London, wrote, “This opaque, light blue/blue-green phosphate, mined by the Egyptians in Sinai more than six thousand years ago, is regarded as a sky stone, a manifestation of the Source of Creation, and is often called the lover of gold. It is most potent if given to you, rather than bought.” (Page 103)
Cassandra Easonalso considers it one of the “protective crystals”. Her list includes: black agate, amethysts, bloodstones, carnelians, garnets, black and red jasper, lapis lazuli, rose and smoky quartz, tiger’s eye, topaz and turquoise.
The author gives very clear instructions on how to carry these stones on your person. She suggests you carry one or more of these in a “dark silk purse”, especially when entering a potentially “hostile situation”. These are some of her suggestions on how to use them as well as their care:
“* You can use protective crystals on a desk or table between you and potential sources of negativity or between you and someone who unintentionally drains your energy by regularly off-loading woes and problems on you.”
I’ve actually heard that kind of person called an “emotional vampire” in other sources. It’s not only at this time of the year that you have to worry about the negative aspects of being drained emotionally. These kinds of people can have the same sort of effect on us throughout the year.
Cassandra Eason goes on to write:
“* Keep a chunk of unpolished amethyst or rose quartz near your bed to offer protection while you sleep.
“* Frequently wash your protective crystals in running water to cleanse them. If you have been in touch with a particularly negative influence, after you have washed the stones sprinkle them with salt, pass over them an incense stick or oil burner in a fragrance such as lavender, pine or rose and the flame of a purple, silver or pink candle. Finally wrap them for a few days in a dark cloth to rest.” (Page 116)
Over the years, I’ve done some research on crystals and this is the first time I was aware that they needed to be cleansed and put away from time to time.
The topaz was also once believed to indicate or be an emblem of ”integrity”.
”To seek” ardour, long life, intelligence, true friendship, integrity, protection against negative influences, by the wearing of such a simple, beautiful stone, says much about the gift and the giver.
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Don Jackson
