Amethyst for February

I have not taken the time before now to explore a deck I acquired quite some time ago: The Tarot of Gemstones and Crystals, with instructions and interpretation by Helmut G. Hoffman (AGMüller Urania). I purchased this deck primarily to have a collection of images of gemstones and their meanings so that I could use that information in describing my handmade jewelry (_Jewelry by Scotti_).

However, this is a Tarot deck, and from time to time I will share it here on Tarot Notes.

Since this is the beginning of February, I am focusing on the birth stone associated with this month: amethyst. In The Tarot of Gemstones and Crystals, amethyst appears on the Death card (XIII).

Helmut G. Hofmann makes the following comments in the Little White Book that accompanies this deck: “This violet stone promotes humility and philanthropy. It brings light into problems and so helps us in the transformation from the mental to the spiritual level. It both soothes hardened souls and supports people with gentle natures.”

The link with transformation certainly applies to the Death card, which often speaks of beginnings, endings, letting go, and change.

February is the third month of winter in the Northern Hemisphere and the third month of summer in the Southern Hemisphere. On the Roman calendar, February 2 is halfway between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. In many traditions, February 2 is considered the beginning of spring. This concept also ties in nicely with the meaning of Death as transformation – the end of one situation and a new beginning.

Here is a pair of earrings I made using glass charm beads swirled with lavender and deep purple and Swarovsky light amethyst bicone crystals (with amethyst being a reference to the color rather than the gemstone):