The Ruby Mythology: July's Birthstone

An old Hindu legend says a huge snake deposited three eggs, two of which produced great monarchs and the third formed Burma's ruby mines. 182 In another tale, Hindu gods defeated and dismembered Vala. Blood pooled on the ground. From one of these lakes comes the Ganga, India's holiest river. Corundum comes in every hue. Rubies are red to purple red.


·         In the east, Buddha statues often have rubies on their foreheads. It signifies rebirth and the omniscient "third eye," which sees others' thoughts and emotions.

·         One of Aaron's breastplate's jewels might have been a ruby, the stone of Judah and Israel's allegiance.

·         The church's leadership valued the ruby because of its association with Biblical monarchs. Martin Luther's engagement ring was a scripture-engraved ruby. (186, Kuntz)

·         Much of the European legend about rubies may be traced to India through Marco Polo's expeditions in the 13th century, followed by the crusades.

·         Chevalier Jean de Mandeville, a 14th-century gemologist, said that a ruby "acquires and maintains the authority of rulers, it procures peace and accords, it makes man dedicated to God, it appeases wrath and preserves seductions, it renders the person wearing it secure from all perils." (185, Kuntz) The ruby, like other highly respected jewels, might change hues to warn of occurrences or betrayals.

·         Certain motifs emerge throughout ruby legend. The link between rubies and blood connects everything together. Top grade Burmese diamonds are called "pigeon blood" hues, a reference to periods when people killed pigeons.

·         Should we assume the egg-laying snake failed to give Krishna sacrifices and was reincarnated as a pigeon?

·         I would argue that when we wear rubies, we are linked to blood, an essence. Ruby is Vala's blood.

·         Red symbolizes ardor, transformation, passion, heart, love, and life. Vala and the serpent's eggs reflect earth's cathartic powers. The geologic pressure and peculiar chemical conditions that make rubies over time are remarkable.

·         Indian lore and medieval Christian authors depict rubies as having an inextinguishable inner fire that radiates through garments, much as desire cannot be hidden by clothing. Ruby desire burns both ways.

·         Demon god Vala. In many traditions, the snake represents the wild, cathartic soil. Leadership may lead to unquenchable hunger and self-destruction. If you use it for good, power may fuel your passions.

Conclusion

No surprise monarchs and powerful people adored rubies. Throughout history, the finest and the worst have sought immortality by harnessing the power of rubies to link to something beyond the human sphere and human personal constraints.