Native American Animal Symbol
Otter: Jan 20 -
Feb 18
A little quirky, and unorthodox,
the Otter is a hard one to figure
sometimes. Perceived as
unconventional, the Otter methods
aren't the first ones chosen to get the job done. This
is a big mistake on the part of others – because although unconventional, the Otter's
methods are usually quite effective. Yes, the Otter has unusual way of looking at things,
but he/she is equipped with a brilliant imagination and intelligence, allowing him/her an
edge over every one else. Often very perceptive and intuitive, the Otter makes a very
good friend, and can be very attentive. In a nurturing environment the Otter is sensitive,
sympathetic, courageous, and honest. Left to his/her own devices, the Otter can be
unscrupulous, lewd, rebellious, and isolated.
Garnet ~ Lore & History
The King of Saxony is said to have had a garnet of over 465 carats.
Plato had his portrait engraved on a garnet by a Roman engraver.
Bohemia, now a part of Czechoslovakia, was once a tremendous source of
garnet, and at one time, cutting, polishing, and mounting garnets was a
very rich industry in that country. Many Bohemian castles and churches
had magnificent interiors decorated with garnet. Bohemian garnets are
famous even today, known for their small but beautiful stones set close
to each other resembling a pomegranate. Garnet jewelry is still found in
the Czech Republic, with the stones still arranged in the traditional,
tightly joined way. This ensures that the attraction of the classical
Garnet pieces is caused only by the beauty of its stones. The
Anglo-Saxons were also fond of garnets. Their jewelry was set with
garnets mounted in many forms.
Garnet History & Lore
Garnet is the birthstone for January and the stone that celebrates the
2nd anniversary of marriage. The name “garnet” comes from the Latin word
“Garanatus,” meaning “seedlike,” in reference to a pomegranate. This
reference makes sense as small garnets look like the bright red seeds
you find inside in a pomegranate. The garnet has been a popular gem
throughout history. Garnets were found as beads in a necklace worn by a
young man in a grave that dates back to 3000 B.C. This is proof of the
hardness and durability of the stone.
