Items of Interest The Birthstone for January is the Garnet One glance at the deep red seeds nestled inside of a pomegranate fruit explains why the word "garnet" comes from the Latin word "granatus," meaning "grain" or "seed." This name was given to the garnet because of its close resemblance to the succulent pomegranate seed. There are many myths and legends surrounding the garnet. One Biblical legend is that Noah hung this gem on the ark to light his way through the dark and stormy nights of God's wrath. A Greek myth linked to the garnet is the story of the young goddess of sunshine, Persephone, who was abducted by Hades, god of the underworld. Hades eventually released Persephone, but not before he offered her some pomegranate seeds, which guaranteed her return to him. The garnet continues to be the protective gem of journeyers. A gift of garnet is thought to be symbolic of love and the desire for a loved one's safe travel and speedy homecoming. It reportedly also gives its wearer guidance in the night, protection from nightmares, and according to the Egyptians, is an antidote for snake bites and food poisoning. It was also thought to have a special affinity with the blood.   The Flower for January is the Carnation Herbal calendars indicate the carnation as the herb that represents the month of January. Carnations are expressions of love, fascination, and distinction. When it comes to carnations follow your inclination. Purple carnations indicate capriciousness. Striped ones symbolize a regret that a love cannot be shared. Light red carnations represent admiration, while dark red denotes deep love and affection. White carnations indicate pure love and good luck. Pink carnations have the most symbolic significance; according to Christian legend, carnations first appeared on Earth as Jesus carried the cross while His Mother shed tears at His plight. Legend tells us that carnations grew from where her tears fell. Ever since that time, pink carnation became the symbol of a mother's undying love. The first mention of carnations was when the Crusaders were stricken with plague, in the thirteenth century, near Tunis. They mixed the leaves of carnations with wine and drank it to control the raging fevers. In his sixteenth-century herbal, John Gerard wrote that the flowers of carnations and sugar, mixed to a conserve, was used to expel fevers and poison and was good to "comfort the heart." Carnations were used for black hair dye, and to flavor beer, ale, and wine. Astrology Signs for January Click The Horscope Symbols To View Today's Horoscope! About Capricorn (December 21 to January 20) The sign of the sea-goat. Capricorns are very career orientated people. The are ambitious and have opinions about everything. They do sometimes tend to have a bit of a doom and gloom persona, always seeing the down side of things first. Some capricorns are narrow minded in their thinking but only because they want to do what they think is the very best thing to do. Quality: Negative Ruler: Saturn Triplicity: Cardinal Quadruplicity: Earth Fire Traditional Sagittarian Traits Practical and prudent Ambitious and disciplined Patient and careful Humorous and reserved On the dark side.... Pessimistic and fatalistic Miserly and grudging Over conventional and rigid Likes Reliability Professionalism Knowing what you discuss Firm Foundations Purpose Dislikes Wild Schemes Fantasies Go-nowhere jobs Ignominy Ridicule About Aquarius (January 21 to February 19) The sign of the water-bearer. Aquarians are very friendly people, great conversationalists and thinkers. They are regularly involved in some kind of intellectual study or debate, but never really let on to others how well informed they really are. Because of this they are unpredictable and full of surprises, you can never tell what an aquarian will do next. Quality: Positive Ruler: Uranus Triplicity: Fixed Quadruplicity: Air Traditional Pisces Traits Friendly and humanitarian Honest and loyal Original and inventive Independent and intellectual On the dark side.... Intractable and contrary Perverse and unpredictable Unemotional and detached Likes Fighting for Causes Dreaming and Planning for the Future Thinking of the Past Good Companions Having Fun Dislikes Full of Air Promises Excessive Loneliness The Ordinary Imitations Idealistic Birthday Corner Main Page Mystickal Realms Main Page   MR Birthday Corner Designed & Maintained by Corvus the Familiar ©2003 & Up All rights reserved Mystickal Realms