Search
Close this search box.

Green Without Envy: The Meaning Behind the May Birthstone

Plus, a special discount to shop emeralds and more, just for BTO readers!
Picture of Sponsored: Indriya Jewelry

Sponsored: Indriya Jewelry

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

Emeralds_jenni bto

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! 

Lotus + Emerald Earrings, $42
Picture of Sponsored: Indriya Jewelry

Sponsored: Indriya Jewelry

Highlighting the beauty of natural gemstones in a simple way is the main vision of Indriya Jewelry. Inspiration is found in natural textures, clean lines, and bursts of color. Refined and elegant with a subtle eclectic touch, each piece can stand on its own, adding the perfect singular accent to any ensemble, deserving of the tagline “Power pieces for the eclectic minimalist.” Combined with each gemstone’s own unique signature, all items are energized with the love and attention that only comes from being handmade. Breathe readers, enjoy 10% OFF all Indriya Jewelry purchases with code BREATHELOVE, and be sure to tag your pieces with #indriyajewelry!

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

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

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.

How Mindfulness Can Help You Navigate Social Media

Now that social media has become an extension of our own communities, a lot of negative perspectives and habits have made their way from the digital world to our real one. By becoming aware of your emotions and actions, you can get past the bad side of social media and enjoy the company of your social circle.

Intro to Second Series

In this workshop we will take a methodical approach to instruct the students through the various aspects of the postures included in the Intermediate Series of the Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga.