January Stones – Garnet and Lapis Lazuli
By Bonnie McMillan of New Age Concepts,
featured on SouthwestBlend.com

Modern stone for January is Garnet; traditional stone is also Garnet. Sun Sign for Dec. 22nd - Jan. 19th is Aquarius and Jan. 20th - Feb. 18th is Pisces. The Planetary stone is Lapis Lazuli. Garnet is also the accepted anniversary gemstone for the second year of marriage.

Legend holds that Noah hung a large garnet in the ark for illumination. It reportedly also gives its wearer guidance in the night, protection from nightmares, and according to the Egyptians, is an antidote for snake bites and food poisoning. It was also thought to have a special affinity with the blood.

Garnets are durable and brilliant and will give years of pleasure.

Garnet's legendary powers include healing, strength, and protection and it is often worn to relieve inflammations of the skin. It is also believed to regulate the heart and blood flow and aid in curing depression. In earlier times, garnets were exchanged as gifts between friends to demonstrate their affection for each other and to insure that they meet again. 

Lapis Lazuli is a "stone of total awareness", helping to expand awareness and intellectual capacity, and allowing for conscious attunement to the intuitive and psychic aspects of ones nature. It assists one in the attunement to the creative source. It helps to stimulate emotional, mental and physical purity and clarity. It can assist in the organization of ones life and to the routine day-to-day activities. It helps one to overcome depression and enhances the states of serenity and self acceptance. It is said to bring cheer to the user and to bring success in relationships. It also is a protective stone for physical danger and psychic attacks.