Green Without Envy: The Meaning Behind the May Birthstone

Plus, a special discount to shop emeralds and more, just for BTO readers!

Sponsored: Indriya Jewelry

Articles\Sanctuary

birthstone, crystals, emerald, gemstone, healing, indriya jewelry, jewelry, may

As an Amazon Associate, Breathe Together Yoga earns from qualifying purchases.

Emerald is the most lush, verdant green of all the gems. The May birthstone takes its place as one of only four precious gemstones in the world (accompanied only by rubies, sapphires, and diamonds).

Emeralds are a green variety of beryl, which measures between 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs hardness scale. They vary widely in color and quality through trace minerals in the stone that produce the cleanest and purest green, with the most valuable stones coming from Colombia, Brazil, and Zambia.

Emeralds have been revered throughout history and around the globe as a stone of royalty and a symbol of truth and unconditional love.

The honored status of this gem dates back thousands of years: a favorite of the Egyptian pharaoh Cleopatra, highly prized by the Incas and Aztecs, and a legendary jewel in Indian tales of wealthy cities and grand temples. It was also well-known to ancient Greeks and Romans, who associated it with the goddess Venus, the purveyor of love and hope.

As a “stone of successful love,” emerald opens and nurtures the heart and is a great stone for maintaining balance in partnerships. A revealer of truth, it assists with cutting through illusion, and is thought to support intuition, foresight, and the revelation of future events. Energetically, emerald is related to the heart chakra, as well as the physical heart. Its soothing quality is thought to provide healing to all levels of the being, inspiring compassion, patience, and unity, and infusing the spirit with freshness and vitality.

Introducing a special offer for Breathe Together readers: enjoy 10% off all Indriya jewelry purchases with the code BREATHELOVE – check out the selection of May birthstone pieces now!

One reply on “Green Without Envy: The Meaning Behind the May Birthstone”

[…] Mesmerizing deep-blue sapphire is the birthstone that represents those born in September. This rare gem keeps good company as one of only four precious gemstones in the world, including diamonds, rubies, and emeralds. […]

A Sleep Manifesto – Sleep First Then Rock Your Life

Let’s explore why we need more rest.

Shine Your Way to Firefly | Izumi Sato

We aim to improve the flexibility of hamstrings and shoulders, as well as the strength in the arms, thigh adductors, and the core. Variations are offered to develop the sense of balance on the arms. It is an exploration of your own expression in Firefly, whatever stage of life you’re in.

Introduction to the Buddhist Mudras | Izumi Sato

Mudras are highly stylized and symbolized as non-verbal communication. In this introduction to the Buddhist mudras, we will learn five Buddhist mudras and the mudras of the five wisdoms, or five Buddhas. After learning the forms and meanings of the mudras, it’s fun to observe the arts such as Buddha sculptures and paintings.

Chanting Gayatri Mantra With Mudras | Izumi Sato

In this mantra, the 24 Mudras are practiced while chanting the Gayatri Mantra which has 24 syllables. Gayatri Mantra is dedicated to Savitri, a Vedic sun deity. Among various translations of the mantra, I introduce the first line by Tias Little and the rest of the lines by Swami Vivekananda.

6 Ways To Develop Healthy Habits This Summer

Forming new habits or having a different mindset can be a challenge, so how long does it take to form a new, healthy habit?

I am Imperfect and Totally Lovable, Just Like You

As we all come out of isolation, I find myself teetering between wanting to hang back in the world of the remote, or to bring myself deeply into community.