Items of Interest The Birthstone for November is Topaz The name Topaz is derived from the Sanskrit word meaning "fire". In ancient lore, it was believed that topaz could control heat and cool boiling water, as well as calm excessive anger. During the Middle Ages, the topaz was used mostly by royalty and clergy. A 13th century belief held that a topaz engraved with a falcon helped its wearer cultivate the goodwill of kings and princes. Topaz was once thought to strengthen the mind, prevent mental disorders, and increase wisdom. Legend has it that Topaz was first discovered on an ancient, mysterious island in the Red Sea called Topazos. The stone was carefully guarded, and those who attempted to approach the island were put to death. Today, anyone can own a Topaz, and they come in several beautiful colors, of which the yellow shades have come to represent November birth. Sherry Topaz catches the light like sherry wine in a crystal glass, and the Imperial Topaz is a reddish-orange color and considered to be the finest shade available. In the past, peridot and olivine were called topaz. All three stones were used to make the wearer become invisible, through meditation and ritual. It was thought to allow this invisibility to be accomplished in the astral body which normally can not be seen by others, unless they have studied and practiced the arcane art. The Flower for November is the Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemums are native to Europe, Asia, and North America. The name chrysanthemum was first heard in England in the late 1500's. Englishmen had been calling the flower ~corn marigold~ but when they began importing flowers from the Far East, the name changed to that of the Oriental species which was called chrysanthemum. The chrysanthemum genus is made up of 150 species, including the common daisy. Named by Carl Linnaeus, it means "golden yellow flower". The name is derived from the Greek word meaning "Gold Flower", "chrysos" meaning "gold" and "anthos" meaning "flower". Confucius wrote about chrysanthamums in 500 B.C. Cultivated over 3,000 years ago by the Chinese, the Chrysanthemum is also known as the "Flower of the East" and the "Flower of Life". Tao Yanming was the first historical breeder in 400 A.D. After his death, his native city was named "Juxian" meaning "City of Chrysanthemums". Called "kikus" in Japanese, chrysanthemums were featured on the Imperial Crest of Japan, and were so beloved by Japanese emperors that they sat upon chrysanthemum thrones. The Japanese still hold the chrysanthemum as a symbol of the sun, and They consider the orderly unfolding of the mum's petals to be a symbol of perfection. They also presume that a single chrysanthemum petal placed in the bottom of a wine glass encourages a long and healthy life. A Japanese legend relates the story of the birth of the Empire of Japan. Twelve young maidens and twelve young men set out from China to find the "herb of youth" which they believed kept people eternally young. In order to trade for this herb, they carried with them baskets of chrysanthemums. When their ship wrecked near an uninhabited island, they swam ashore and planted the chrysanthemums. It was the first introduction of chrysanthemums to Japan. The imperial coat of arms of Japan shows a golden chrysanthemum with sixteen petals. It is carved on the throne of Japan's Emperor and in many Chinese artifacts. The greatest honour for a person, is to obtain the "Order of the Chrysanthemum" in Japan. According to a German legend, one cold, Christmas Eve in Germany's Black Forest, a peasant family was sitting down to a meager meal when they heard a wailing sound. When they opened the door and found a beggar who was blue with cold. They wrapped him in blankets and shared their food. Instantly, the blankets were shed, revealing a man in shining white clothes with a halo around his head. Proclaiming himself the Christ Child he left. The next morning, outside the door where he had stood, were two white chrysanthemums. Today, many Germans bring white chrysanthemums into their homes on Christmas Eve, believing that by doing so they are sheltering the Christ Child. In China, chrysanthum petals are eaten in salads to increase longevity. The Chinese serve Chrysanthemum tea as a cure for headaches or depression. The Koreans boil the flower's roots to make a tea to cure vertigo. While chrysanthemums generally denote cheerfulness and rest, individual colors do carry specific messages: red for love, good luck and best wishes; white for truth; and yellow for slighted love. Astrology Signs for November Click The Horscope Symbols To View Today's Horoscope! About Scorpio (October 21 to November 20) The sign of the scorpion. Scorpions are the most sexual of the signs in terms of cravings and desires. Never satisfied with just one love, constantly needing to get another notch on their belts. Scorpions are sly and have a bit of a dare-devil streak in them, definitely the most risqué of all the signs. Never tell a scorpion a secret - they won't keep it! Quality: Negative Ruler: Mars Triplicity: Fixed Quadruplicity: Water Traditional Scorpio Traits Determined and forceful Emotional and intuitive Powerful and passionate Exciting and magnetic On the dark side.... Jealous and resentful Compulsive and obsessive Secretive and obstinate Likes Hidden Causes Being involved Work That is Meaningful Being Persuasive Dislikes Being Given Only Surface data Taken Advantage of Demeaning Jobs Shallow Relationships Flattery and Flattering About Sagittarius (November 21 to December 20) The sign of the archer. They set very high standards and goals for themselves and expect everyone else to live up to them as well. They are very blunt in their speaking and often say hurtful things without meaning to. They constantly need a challenge and thrive on excitement and the unknown. Great travelers and explorers, saggies don't like to be tied down and are not well known for being faithful. Quality: Positive Ruler: Jupiter Triplicity: Mutable Quadruplicity: Fire Traditional Sagittarian Traits Optimistic and freedom-loving Jovial and good-humored Honest and straightforward Intellectual and philosophical On the dark side.... Blindly optimistic and careless Irresponsible and superficial Tactless and restless Likes Traveling Getting to the heart of the matter Freedom Laws and meanings The general 'feel' of things Dislikes Off the wall theories Being tied down domestically Being constrained Cooling your heels Bothered with details About Gemini (May 21 to June 20) The sign of the twins. Gemini's are usually bright and quick witted, the old adage of two heads being better than one ?. They do enjoy making use of their intellectual talent, be that at work or play and most have either a creative streak or an interest in the arts, but their eagerness to complete more than one task at a time means that nothing gets done. Quality: Positive Ruler: Mercury Triplicity: Mutable Quadruplicity: Earth Traditional Gemini Traits Adaptable and versatile Communicative and witty Intellectual and eloquent Youthful and lively On the dark side.... Nervous and tense Superficial and inconsistent Cunning and inquisitive Likes Talking Novelty and the unusual Variety in life Multiple projects all going at once Reading Dislikes Feeling tied down Learning, such as school Being in a rut Mental inaction Being alone Birthday Corner Main Page Mystickal Realms Main Page   MR Birthday Corner Designed & Maintained by Corvus the Familiar ©2003 & Up All rights reserved Mystickal Realms