vil
spirits. Again, when treating of magic and astrology, we pointed out
that magicians supplied people with precious stones, supposed to be of
immense value as amulets.

From time immemorial an opinion has obtained that there are sacred
edifices, piles, cairns, and separate stones, which possess peculiar
virtue. Not a few instances of these have been adduced in preceding
pages; but a few more examples, we venture to say, will not be
considered void of interest, more particularly if they can be
connected with the destiny of man.

Every individual is supposed to be born under a particular destiny or
fate (as has been over and over again stated in these pages), which it
is impossible to avoid. The month of his nativity has a mysterious
connection with one or other of the precious stones. This was so well
understood by the ancients, that when one wished to make the object of
his affections an acceptable present, a ring was given, set with the
jewel by which the fate of the receiver was determined and described.
For instance, we are informed by an old author, that the ring of a
woman born in January should have a jacinth or garnet in it, for these
stones belong to that month, and express constancy and fidelity. A
list of the months and stones therewith connected, and their
respective significance, is as follows:--

JANUARY--Jacinth, or Garnet--Constancy and fidelity in
every engagement.

FEBRUARY--Amethyst--This month and stone preserve
mortals from strong passions, and ensure them peace of
mind.

MARCH--Bloodstone--Courage, and success in dangers and
hazardous enterprises.

APRIL--Sapphire or Diamond--Repentance and innocence.

MAY--Emerald--Success in love.

JUNE--Agate--Long life and health.

JULY--Cornelian or Ruby--The forgetfulness or the cure
of evils springing from friendship or love.

AUGUST--Sardonyx--Conjugal fidelity.

SEPTEMBER--Chrysolite--Preserves from or cures folly.

OCTOBER--Aquamarine or Opal--Misfortune and hope.

NOVEMBER--Topaz--Fidelity in friendship.

DECEMBER--Torquoise or Malachite--The most brilliant
success and happiness in every circumstance of life.
The torquoise has also the property of securing
friendly regards, as is verified by the old saying,
"He who possesses a torquoise will always be sure of
friends."

Anciently, the kings of England,