Ruby~ �The stone of nobility�

Those of us born in the precious summer month of July are blessed to have the Ruby
as our designated birthstone. Additional stones for July include carnelian,
moonstone, pearl, onyx, beryl and sapphire. Said to be very lucky for those in the
sign of Cancer and Leo, ruby with its projective fire and Sun energy it is
connected to Sagittarius, Scorpio and Aries and in the Chinese Zodiac ruby is
associated with those born in the year of the Dragon as well. The word ruby means
"contentment" and derives from the Latin word "rubrum" meaning "red". In the
ancient language of Sanskrit, ruby is ratnaraj, "king of stones" or ratnanyaka,
"leader of stones" It is also known as "the stone of nobility". These are fitting
descriptions of Ruby to be sure.

Technically known as red corundum, aluminum oxide with a trigonal crystalline

structure, ruby's red colour comes from traces of chrome and the range is from rose
pink to dark, purplish red, and orange-red. In its rough form ruby appears quite
dull, but when cut its brilliance is released and its luster rivals the diamond.
Some rubies contain inclusions of rutile known as "asterism" displaying a six
pointed star, this is known as "star ruby", and some say this is a spirit living
within the stone. Rubies are mined by panning and each stone is selected by hand.
Currently, rubies are found in Sri Lanka, India, North Carolina and Burma. Burmese
rubies are the most clear, deep red, beautiful and pricey on the market today.
Uncut and unpolished rubies are available and affordable for spiritual,
metaphysical and Magickal and healing work. Ruby wands, which are about one to two
inches long with one polished end (often showing the asterism), are fascinating to
look at and work with. If substitutions for ruby must be made, garnet or red
tourmaline are good choices.

Ruby is the primary carrier of the Red Ray and is said to "light the darkness of
one's life" conquering darkness on all levels. Stimulating the root and heart
chakras, ruby teaches us to see our strength, courage, passion and compassion. It
has an intense high level energy that amplifies all which we send out, opening the
heart Chakra to all that is possible. With ruby, we experience a greater abundance
of love through giving. Ruby facilitates change and assists us in creating and
maintaining balance, clearing blockages to increase the life force energies.
Working with ruby should be done with clear and direct intention. Ruby guides us
to express our true selves, giving and teaching selfless and perfect love and
understanding to ourselves and others without judgment and to have the courage to
trust and follow our intuition to reach our true goals and ambitions. This
sometimes leads to having to make unpopular decisions; ruby supports this by
enhancing self esteem, confidence, strength and energy. Rubies are said to be the
record keepers of the ancients and are just waiting to share this knowledge. Ruby
is a strong connection to our spirit guides and will lead us to the information we
seek. Rubies are powerful helpers during meditation, astral travel and scrying.
Working with rubies can lead us to learning how to express and protect ourselves
with clear boundaries and peace of mind. Ruby discourages violence and protects
from "psychic attack�, strengthening our own psychic defenses.

Ruby banishes sadness, negative thoughts, dispels fears and sorrow, promotes
restful sleep free of nightmares, enhances energy, concentration and increases
physical strength. It has been said that ruby treats fever, heart disorders, weak
muscles, increases the body's warmth and counter balances the effects of caffeine
and other stimulants. Some folklore tells us that ruby will darken or change color
when danger approaches or if the wearer is sick or dying. Touch each corner of your
home with a ruby to ward off evil, guard against negativity and damage from storms.
Use in the garden to protect plants and trees from lightning, rubies carved or
engraved with a dragon or snake are even more effective. Ruby is a talisman of
protection, power and joy, it is said to be the most perfect offering to Buddha in
China and Krishna in India. In dream interpretation, to dream of ruby means a good
harvest for farmers and success in love, money or business matters. To dream of
losing a ruby is a warning of troubles in the love life. To further enhance ruby's
powers of good luck and protection, wear or carry during the summer season on
Fridays and Sundays or if you were born in the five o'clock pm hour of the day
(under any sign). Ruby rings and other amulets should be worn on the left side of
the body for best results. Use heart shaped gems to attract love.

They say that having a bit of ruby ensures that wealth will never depart,
remembering that riches come in many forms, I hope this is true for all of you.