Birthstone Cross & Family Cross

Astrology attempts to interpret the influence of the celestial bodies on human affairs. Related to this is the so-called 'Birthstone'. Traditionally associated with a particular month of the year, and it is often worn as jewellery to symbolize a person's birth month.

Early civilizations, particularly in Asia, have attributed gemstones with magical properties and astrologers have assigned gems of certain colours to the twelve Zodiac signs. From this, and with the encouragement of jewellery makers, we have the Birthstone Cross.

Birthstones are believed to bring good luck, protection, and positive energy to the person born in that month. Different gemstones are associated with different traits, qualities, or astrological influences, and wearing one's birthstone is thought to enhance these attributes.

The practice of associating gemstones with specific times of the year can be linked to ancient traditions, like the Zodiac signs or the Jewish tradition of the twelve stones on the Breastplate of Aaron ( Exodus 28:15-21, though those 12 stones correspond to the twelve tribes of Israel, not months or planets).

Babylonian cuneiform texts tell how gemstones held mystical properties. The modern practice of wearing a gemstone associated with one's birth month may have originated from such ancient customs involving gems worn to honour astrological and planetary influences.

Some believe that birthstones have healing properties or metaphysical powers. For instance, amethyst (the birthstone for February) is thought to promote calmness and clarity, while ruby (for July) is associated with passion and vitality. These beliefs continue to be a part of the charm and allure of birthstones for some people.

Giving someone a piece of jewellery featuring their birthstone has become a common custom to celebrate someone's birth and mark their personal identity. A birthstone attached to a cross is understandable to a certain extent. We like to personalize things and our vanity betrays us from an early age.

In elementary school we write our names on our pencil cases. Years later in adulthood we discover that demand for personalized car number plates pushes the price up to thousands of dollars. (Vanity often disappears in old age: Our name is written on a plastic wristband because we've forgotten who we are!)

Different birthstones for different members of the family can be used to make a Family Cross. (See also the Diamond Cross)

Use of such stones doesn't necessarily mean the owner wishes to make any astrological association. They're just a convenient way to personalize the cross.

Such vanity, however, is undoubtedly a display of self-idolatry and pride; unfitting for a Christian cross.