Talismanic Stones of the Zodiac
Talismanic stones were intended to ward off the negative attributes of an astrological sign, rather than represent the month or bring good luck to the individual. George Fredrick Kuntz first presented this list in his text The Curious Lore of Precious Stones. However, the context of the poem he offers suggests an older source, possibly middle English.
As with amuletic stones individuals originally possessed a collection of jewelry with pieces set with stones from each of the astrological houses. Given the cost many opted for a piece set with the stone from their sun sign, as such a piece was believed to lessen the negative habits of the individual year round.
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