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Planetary and Astral Influences of Precious Stones: Artemidorus

Many Oneirocritica, or "dream-books," were written or compiled in the early centuries of our era, one of the most noted being the work of Artemidorus, who flourished in the second century A.D. Every object seen in a dream was given a special meaning, and it is interesting to note that Artemidorus believed dreams of rings or other ornaments, as well as of precious stones, to be of favorable significance only for women. Such dreams indicated marriage for unmarried women, and the birth of children for those already married. If a woman was both wife and mother when she saw sparkling jewels in her dream, then the vision portended the acquisition of great wealth. Artemidorus here sagely remarks that women are by nature devoted to riches and passionately fond of ornaments. For men, on the other hand, to dream of jewels was an ill omen; probably because it foreshadowed the necessity of buying them for a good friend or a faithful wife. (Artemidori Daldiani et Achametis Sereimi Oneirocritica. ed. Regaltius, Lutetiae, 1603.) Another of these dream-books, probably composed in the eighth century A.D., appears under the name of Achametis and is of Arabic origin. Many of the interpretations in this book are referred to a Hindu source, and among these are visions of crowns that appear to kings. Such a dream, in itself, usually portended increased power and success for the sovereign, but this depended upon the color and character of the jewels which adorned the crown. For example, we read that if the gems were red and of the kind known as lychnites (carbuncles or rubies), the dream indicated that the king would have great joy and good fortune and would be more feared by his enemies than before; but if he saw blue gems in the crown, it was a bad omen, foreshadowing the loss of part of his kingdom. If the stones were of a light green hue (the color of the leek), the king would gain a great name in the world, both by his good faith and by the greatness of his kingdom; for, the writer adds, "this color in precious stones is universally accepted as signifying good-faith and religious devotion to God." (Ibid.) There is signified by dreaming of Agates A journey. Amber A voyage. Amethysts Freedom from harm. Aquamarines New friends. Beryls Happiness in store. Bloodstones Distressing news. Carbuncles Acquirement of wisdom. Carnelians Impending misfortune. Cat's-eyes Treachery. Chalcedony Friends rejoined. Chrysoberyls A time of need. Chrysolites Necessary caution. Coral Recovery from illness. Crystal Freedom from enemies. Diamonds Victory over enemies. Emeralds Much to look forward to. Garnets The solution of a mystery. Heliotropes Long life. Hyacinths A heavy storm. Jacinths Success. Jasper Love returned. Jet Sorrow. Lapis-lazuli Faithful love. Moonstones Impending danger. Moss-agates An unsuccessful journey. Onyx A happy marriage. Opals Great possessions. Pearls Faithful friends. Porphyry Death. Rubies Unexpected guests. Sapphires Escape from danger. Sardonyx Love of friends. Topaz No harm shall befall. Tourmalines An accident. Turquoises Prosperity.

If precious stones be so combined in a ring, or other jewel that the initial letters of their names spell words significant of a tender sentiment or implying good fortune, or else the name of someone dear to the giver of the jewel, this is also supposed to strengthen their astral or planetary influence and to render them more potent charms. In the following examples the gems in the first column are the more expensive, those in the second column being comparatively inexpensive ones.

ACROSTICS FORMED WITH STONES In France and England, during the 18th century, rings, bracelets, brooches, etc., were often set with gems the first letters of which, combined, formed a motto or expressed a sentiment. The following is a list of those that may be used in this way. The gems in the first column are the more expensive ones, those in the second column the inexpensive ones.