Items of Interest The Birthstone for April is the Diamond The diamond has been credited with many magical powers. At one time it was considered the emblem of fearlessness and invincibility. It was believed that the mere possession of a diamond would endow the wearer with superior strength, bravery, and courage. It is also believed to drive away the devil and all spirits of the night. Diamonds have been associated with almost everything from producing sleepwalking to producing invincibility and spiritual ecstasy. Even sexual power has been strongly attributed to the diamond. There is one catch to all the associated powers; one must find the diamond "naturally" in order to experience its magic, for it loses its power if acquired by purchase. However, when offered as a pledge of love or friendship, its powers may return, hence the use in engagement rings given in love.     The Flower for April is the Sweet Pea Sweet peas derive their name from the Greek word, ~lathyros~ for ~pea~ or ~pulse,~ and the Latin word ~odoratus~ means ~fragrant.~ Sweet peas were popular during the late 19th century and were widely grown in 1722 for their sweet fragrance. The meaning of Sweet Pea is ~blissful pleasure~ Sweet peas are considered to be the floral emblem for Edwardian England and were an important part of floral arrangements for every wedding and dinner party. Dried petals of sweet peas was one of the most important ingredients for potpourris. According to superstition, seeds sown before sunrise on Saint Patrick's day will have larger and more fragrant blossoms. Others believe the same results will occur if seeds are sown anytime between the feasts of Saints David and Chad ~March 1 and 2~ and of Saint Benedict ~March 21~ The name ~sweet pea~ is believed to have first been used by the poet Keats (1795-1821). Sweet pea flowers naturally self pollinate while still in bud. They are not edible. They come in a large range of colors, but not yellow.   Astrology Signs for April Click The Horscope Symbols To View Today's Horoscope! About Aries (March 21 to April 20) The sign of the ram, but a ram has three possible personalities, domineering, innocent or easily lead. Typical Arians are aware, adventurous and seek constant adventure. Sometimes in their eagerness to be noticed, an Arian can be brash, rude or selfish. Quality: Positive Ruler: Mars Triplicity: Cardinal Quadruplicity: Fire Traditional Aries Traits Adventurous and energetic Pioneering and courageous Enthusiastic and confident Dynamic and quick-witted On the dark side.... Selfish and quick-tempered Impulsive and impatient Foolhardy and daredevil Likes Action Coming in first Challenges Championing Causes Spontaneity Dislikes Waiting Around Admitting Failure No opposition Tyranny Other peoples advice About Taurus (April 21 to May 20) The sign of the bull. Taureans are typically headstrong but very loyal with it. They do tend to dwell on wealth and social status, their own and other peoples. With a constant battle to keep up with the Jones. Although whatever a Taurean wants to achieve, they will strive for until they get it. Quality: Negative Ruler: Venus Triplicity: Fixed Quadruplicity: Earth Traditional Taurean Traits Patient and reliable Warmhearted and loving Persistent and determined Placid and security loving On the dark side.... Jealous and possessive Resentful and inflexible Self-indulgent and greedy Likes Stability Being Attracted Things Natural Time to Ponder Comfort and Pleasure Dislikes Disruption Being pushed too hard Synthetic or "man made" things Being rushed Being indoors Birthday Corner Main Page Mystickal Realms Main Page   MR Birthday Corner Designed & Maintained by Corvus the Familiar ©2003 & Up All rights reserved Mystickal Realms