Photographs: Manav Manglani/Reuters
Do you believe in astrology and gemology? If so, you'll enjoy learning a little bit about your birthstone -- Tarot card specialist and astrologer Aparna Bose explains the significance of each gem that is matched to the twelve star signs of the Zodiac.
ARIES
March 21 to April 20
Impulsive Aries sometimes needs to think before dashing headlong into situations and eliminating all competition. The ruby is Aries' gemstone and it helps if you have lost sight of your goals. Intuition, creativity and passion would also be enhanced with the help of this gemstone.
TAURUS
Image: Emeralds are meant to improve the concentration of Taureans like George ClooneyPhotographs: Fred Prouser/Reuters
April 21 to May 21
Taureans can be major bullies who can't not have their way. Criticism also affects them more than they like to admit. Emeralds help Taureans to connect with feelings and fill them with energy. Concentration will also be improved and you will find your thought process is far clearer.
GEMINI
Image: A yellow sapphire helps heady Geminis like Sonam Kapoor take decisionsPhotographs: Punit Paranjpe/Reuters
May 22 to June 21
Geminis have a problem taking decisions, because all options sound equally good. They sometimes also have a gift for miscommunication and muddling issues up. A yellow sapphire will help the Gemini's will and decision-making facilities. You will also feel more comfortable with the decisions you make.
CANCER
Image: Cancerians like Prince William are more balanced by the pearlPhotographs: Phil Noble/Reuters
June 22 to July 23
Some Cancerians may suffer from low self-esteem and need to make those they love emotionally dependent on them. Pearls, though not technically gemstones, are suitable for Cancer. Wearing them will help you feel more balanced and content in your moods, especially as you grow older.
LEO
Image: Diamonds are Leo Kajol's best friendsPhotographs: Manav Manglani/Reuters
July 24 to August 23
Leos want to be the leader of the group always, no matter what the cost, and they may make quite a few enemies in the process. Diamonds are Leos' best friends. Wearing a clear, well-faceted diamond will help you balance leadership with service in your personal as well as professional life.
VIRGO
Image: Think Virgoan Akshay Kumar wears a yellow topaz for success?Photographs: Rediff Archives
August 24 to September 23
Virgos can be extremely nitpicky and difficult to please. They expect everyone else to conform to their high standards. Yellow topaz is the gemstone for this star sign. It's a stone of wisdom, and it will give you courage and perseverance. It is also a gem for spirituality and self-awareness.
LIBRA
Image: Lovely Libran Catherine Zeta Jones' stone is the rare star sapphirePhotographs: Yuriko Nakao/Reuters
September 24 to October 23
Librans always like to keep their options open and tend to defer making decisions because they can't bear to have to choose. The rare star sapphire is Libra's gemstone. It will help you in your plans and goals, sharpen your will and will enable you to make decisions without second-guessing yourself.
SCORPIO
Image: Scorpion SRK should wear red coral to protect him from envy and resentmentPhotographs: Fabrizio Bensch/Reuters
October 24 to November 22
Scorpios like to scheme and plot and plan and make life unnecessarily complicated for themselves and the people they love. Coral, although like the pearl it is not really a gemstone, is suited to this star sign. Red coral will help you completely enjoy life, and protect you from envy and resentment.
SAGITTARIUS
Image: Topaz is the right choice for Sagittarian Britney SpearsPhotographs: Albert Ferreira/Reuters
November 23 to December 21
Sagittarians need to be on the go and stimulated all the time; they 'switch off' if they get bored or if the situation is stagnating. Topaz is their stone. This gem will be a companion to you on your life's journey -- it will give you courage and help you find your way professionally and personally.
CAPRICORN
Image: Salman Khan's starsign is capricorn -- he should wear a dark blue sapphirePhotographs: Manav Manglani/Reuters
December 22 to January 20
Capricorns can be overly concerned with social status and career goals and may even choose their friends and spouses based on these criteria. The dark blue sapphire is their gemstone. You will find an increase in wisdom and serenity, and find it easier to achieve your goals. It will also strengthen your sense of responsibility.
AQUARIUS
Image: Aquarian Jennifer Aniston should wear jade for its soothing effectPhotographs: Mike Cassese/Reuters
January 21 to February 19
Aquarians may be easily distracted and only focus on superficialities instead of looking a little deeper. Jade is the gemstone for Aquarius. It will help bind you to tradition and appreciate ageless wisdom. Wearing jade will have a calming effect on your need for new experiences.
PISCES
Image: Wearing an opal brings harmony, peace and happiness to Pisceans like Aamir KhanPhotographs: Manav Manglani/Reuters
February 20 to March 20
Pisceans sometimes suffer from a martyr complex and get involved in co-dependent relationships very easily. They also have a very hard time letting go when it's the right time to. Opal is Pisces' gemstone. Wearing it brings harmony, peace and happiness. You will also be less prone to depression and mood swings.
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