AUGUST 15th
The cosmic calendar begins to hot up this week as we witness planets mingling with the signs and acknowledge new interactions amongst the stars. We're shifting our focus to all things gemstones and just how their spiritual protection can keep negative energy away.
Following last week's Sturgeon Moon, the last supermoon of this Gregorian calendar, serious energies about what you want in life make themselves known this week. The moon connected with both Uranus and Saturn, wherein we also observed the Sun in Leo opposite Saturn in Aquarius yesterday. This celestial activity is full of boundless ideas, setting this week up for self-improvement and reflection.
Come Thursday (18th), Venus in Leo meets Jupiter in Aries. Following Sunday's interactivity, limitless thoughts and propositions witness their peak as these two lucky planets allow for deep manifestations. Now is the time to explore what you may have previously feared.
Before the Sun enters Virgo next week, we must recognise Mars in Gemini on Saturday (20th). Your words become your weapon of choice as Leo season comes to an end, so the significance of positive self-affirmations rains true this week. This is your cue to focus on self-love.
Aries (March 21 – April 19)
Your confidence and ambition allow for a strong alignment with many gemstones Aries. As both the first sign of the twelve zodiacs and the first of the fire signs, your ability to assert emotions bodes well with varying stones. Due to your action-prone traits and strong influence from the planet Mars, fiery-red gemstones suit you best.
Carnelian – this semi-precious gemstone carries vibrant energy. Keeping a carnelian within your proximity will help dispel jealousies and discontent. If you find yourself struggling with your image, a carnelian will guide you in restoring motivation and re-establishing your better-known courage. Envy is not a common trait of your Aries so use carnelian to dismiss any unwanted emotions and fill this space with passion in the form of self-reflection.
JOURNAL PROMPT: When do you feel happiest in your skin?
Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
Taurus thrive on many gemstones. Whilst ruled by Venus (the planet of love and pleasure), a contradiction occurs as you are represented by the bull (calm one minute, raging the next). However, this calls for familiarity with many crystals which results in your benefit. Being the first Earth sign, you are incredibly practical and grounded. But a little guidance from the gemstones will always be in your favour.
Jade – seen as the most auspicious stone, luscious green jade provides support in times of need. Jade helps to balance and stabilise any unsteady thoughts or emotions that are typical of Taurus. Your contrasting symbolisation and ruling planet often lead to you being misunderstood. Carrying jade can aid you in grounding yourself, but also knowing when to look to others for support.
JOURNAL PROMPT: How do you ask for help or support when you need it?
Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
As the first air sign of the zodiac, your life can often feel like a whirlwind. It's no surprise that everyone adores you Gemini – your spontaneity and playfulness are admirable traits. However, being characterised by the twins means that your behaviour can often seem erratic. But don't take this to heart. This unpredictably relishes in support from many gemstones.
Citrine – this warm-yellow variety of quartz is the perfect gemstone for increasing optimism and sunny cheerfulness. It holds the power to cleanse your aura and start afresh with any self-reflection. Carrying citrine will help manage your feelings, boost self-confidence, and guide you in gaining the emotional clarity that you may be looking for. It is the ideal stone for improving your manifestation skills Gemini.
JOURNAL PROMPT: How can you practice self-love and self-kindness?
Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
You love exploring emotional and material realms Cancer. Stones that aid in the journey of inner growth and strength suits you best. Being ruled by the moon that represents self-care, it is important to keep your footing through the stones that guide you along emotional journeys.
Moonstone – this gemstone, opalescent in nature, resonates perfectly with you Cancer. As a water sign, and like the translucent pigment of a moonstone, you show your emotions on the surface. However, you often put relationships with others before your relationship with yourself. Moonstone encourages you to embrace that relationship and tap into receptivity.
JOURNAL PROMPT: What are five things that your past self would love about your current self?
Leo (July 23 – August 21)
As we near the end of the Leo season, it is important to look after yourself this week. Your reign may be nearing its close, but a bit of grounding will do you wonders. The impending switch to Virgo season may seem daunting so ensure this week offers some self-reflection and next steps. Many birthstones can bring about a sense of focus and safety for Leo's but it is important to elect one that will aid in manifesting positives.
Peridot – this rich olive-coloured gemstone is the perfect companion for the end of the Leo season. Considered a joyful and friendly stone, peridot can facilitate the easing of any anger and jealousy as it encourages you to open up your heart – including within yourself and in your relationships with others. Peridot guards against low self-esteem so carrying one with you could be quite opportune!
JOURNAL PROMPT: Describe yourself using the first 10 words that come to mind, list 10 you'd like to describe yourself, and then think of ways to transform those descriptions into reality.
Virgo (August 22 – September 22)
As a Virgo, you are quite the perfectionist. Logic and practicality are some of your stronger traits, but constantly chasing after perfection can be destructive. Stones which help calm anxieties and strengthen the mental body are forever in your favour – the desire to feel and act faultlessly can take a tougher toll than you'd think.
Amethyst – the gorgeous violet variety of quartz. This gemstone is symbolic of serenity and understanding. Carrying it will help you to remain mindful. Amethyst aid in cleansing and help you to accept what cannot be changed. By accepting the powers that be, you can improve the relationship you have with yourself. Amethyst will also protect you from the projections of others which comes particularly handy through periods of low self-esteem.
JOURNAL PROMPT: How do you practice self-acceptance?
Libra (September 23 – October 22)
Your fondness for harmony and justice means that gemstones with protective powers bode well with you Libra. You seek out stones that harness good fortune and ones that will enhance self-confidence. Stones of transformation are your best friend – they will encourage your strength and perseverance whilst complementing your Earth sign curiosity.
Labradorite – your crystalline soulmate. This gemstone is iridescent in effect and enchanting to those who possess it. Its grounding energy pairs perfectly with your desire to remain balanced. It is considered one of the luckiest stones for you Libra as it allows you to access higher realms of thought and tempers negative traits.
JOURNAL PROMPT: What authentic and under-the-surface traits do you wish others knew about you?
Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)
As a water sign, you can often feel emotional Scorpio. Gemstones that cleanse and ground you are best suited to your traits. They will allow you to dispel negative energy, bring truths into the light, and alleviate mental tensions. Often interpreted as elusive, you know that your courage is stronger than others' perceptions. Seek out gemstones that aid in achieving what you want and overcoming barriers along the way.
Obsidian – often known as "nature's glass", obsidian bestows intriguing powers. Black obsidian will allow you to resolve negative emotional behaviours and support in healing. This gemstone has the power to transform and evolve negative energy like no other. Also known as the "warrior of truth", obsidian encourages exploration of the subconscious thoughts of the psyche and reflecting on where you are.
JOURNAL PROMPT: Why do I feel stuck and what do I need to do in order to grow?
Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
Although the last of the zodiac fire signs, your passion and spirituality must not be overlooked. Your fiery energy can sometimes go too far and lead to periods of unrest. But the word "enough" doesn't exist with you Sagittarius. Looking to the stones for calming energies can counterbalance these intense periods. Gemstones that encourage peace and healing, and ones that can aid in the easement of stress, will support you through these times.
Rose Quartz – this baby pink gemstone possesses soft and gentle characteristics. It is the patron crystal of self-love and helps restore trust and harmony, especially within oneself. Its purifying qualities help open the heart to promote inner feelings of peace and help to acknowledge reassurance from those around you.
JOURNAL PROMPT: How do others see you? how can you take this positivity and think of yourself that way?
Capricorn (December 22 – January 20)
As an Earth sign, you are naturally grounded. However, you are no stranger to letting your ambition get the best of you. Whilst resilience is one of your better traits, it is important to note when it is going too far. Stones that offer peace and tranquillity, as well as ones with protective abilities, will guide you in these times. You may not be aware of fears and emotional wounds, so search for security in the stones.
Onyx – this enchantingly banded gemstone symbolises your greatest characteristics Capricorn. Your patience and perseverance witness many challenges and onyx's differing bands have preserved these perfectly. Onyx will absorb negative energies and keep them at a distance, allowing you to become the master of your own destiny. Take that influence and control what is going to happen next – make your life what you want it to be.
JOURNAL PROMPT: How do you advocate for yourself?
Aquarius (January 21 – February 18)
Your innovative and progressive outlook on life can often become a larger distraction than imagined. Checking in on truth and your purity is the best practice to combat this. Many of the stones possess protective powers but finding one that will clear out negative routines will guide you well Aquarius. As an air sign, you lack a distinct form. Building confidence through the stones will help with self-classification.
Garnet – the symboliser of love and friendship. Although self-reliant in nature, it is important to remember that your sensitive side requires appreciation and support. Garnet aids in truth and personal power which is perfect for focussing on what you need. Garnet also possesses stable qualities which are required in the long-term for you Aquarius.
JOURNAL PROMPT: How do you put yourself first without feeling guilty?
Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
The last of the zodiac, and the last of the water signs. Possessing psychic properties often means that you think you know the answer, but it is important to remember that your problems will not be resolved by swimming away. You're as sensitive as you are empathetic so take stock of intense emotions. Carrying a gemstone that aids in reflection is ideal for you Pisces.
Aquamarine – varying from rich cerulean blues to sea-green, this gemstone has long been thought to have protective properties. Aquamarine has the healing properties for emotional clarity but also aids in mental and physical healing. Its all-encompassing characteristics help with the fluidity of any tempering mood swings and allow you to embrace the flow of your water element.
JOURNAL PROMPT: Write about an experience in your life that changed you.
