Derived from the Latin words aqua marinus, meaning “water of the sea,” aquamarine is a beryl that ranges from the almost clear blue green of a raindrop to a deeper, more striated teal that resembles the depths of the sea. In its brilliant green form, we refer to this beryl as emerald. Aquamarine is the March birthstone and purported to have many beneficial properties.
Aquamarine opens the channels of clear and heartfelt communication. [Simmons, 49]
I turn fifty this month.
Aquamarine embodies all things connected to the sea, as well as the world above it, reflected on its surface. It becomes a mirror, reflecting itself indefinitely, making it possible to discover the hidden meanings of reality. (where do these quotes comes from Need to cite sources.) [Megemont, 31-32]
I started worrying about this milestone birthday when I turned forty-nine. Never a huge planner, I surprised myself with my ability to focus, with feverish intensity, all my thoughts on a date 365 days away. It wasn’t the outward signs of aging that concerned me – how the decades have shaped my perspective and my silhouette (nothing much I can do about that!), but instead the finite number of years that lie before me. Like a hamster’s wheel, my thoughts circled me endlessly:
Am I doing enough?
Am I fulfilling my potential?
How do I want to live the remainder of my life?
I felt compelled to dedicate myself to some life-defining direction but was paralyzed by the specter of roads not taken and dreams left unfulfilled. It did not make me fun at dinner parties.
Aquamarine encourages the ideal of service to the world and to the development of a humanity attuned to healing. [Melody, 129]
My mother suggested I join a venerable organization that I mentioned to her was woefully out of touch with its base and sclerotic to its core, so that I could “move up the ladder and turn it inside out with (my) vision!”
It also allows us to explore the darkest depths of our souls, face to face with ourselves, and with others. [Megemont, 31-32]
I declined.
A travel crystal, Aquamarine protects those who journey by sea, and guards those involved in any long-haul travel such as flying long distances. [Eason, 42]
I did start (mentally) planning a trip to far-off lands, however. I now understand the desire to face the spectrum of possibilities that is the future, surrounded by friends and loved ones, in a place one has only dreamed about. Confronting fears is made easier by a supportive community that knows and loves you. These gatherings not only celebrate the achievement of a date on the calendar but also one’s ability to navigate the maze of life that led you to that moment.
Aquamarine is calming, soothing, and cleansing, and inspires truth, trust and letting go. [Simmons, 49]
Whether or not I end up celebrating my birthday in some exotic locale (see thoughts on planning above), I will embrace the days ahead, valuing them for the gift they are. I will be grateful for the choices and mistakes I have made in the past and will look forward to and make peace with making another round of them in the future. It’s a start.
[Simmons, pp.] Robert Simmons & Naisha Ahsian, The Book of Stones (Berkley, CA: North Atlantic Books, 2007).
[Megemont, pp.] Florence Megemont, The Metaphysical Book of Gems and Crystals (Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press, 2008).
[Melody, pp.] Melody, Love Is In The Earth (Wheat Ridge, CO: Earth-Love Publishing House, 1995).
[Eason, pp. ]Cassandra Eason, The New Crystal Bible (London: Carlton Books Ltd., 2010).
Find similar articles
Life
