about
the middle of the thirteenth century, contains a catalogue of 325
stones, distributed by the Chaldean astronomers among the twelve signs
of the zodiac, according to the relationship supposed to exist between
the different stones and the constellations.
Later a single stone was specially consecrated to each sign of the zodiac, and consequently to each month of the year.
An
amulet was made of these twelve sacred stones ; so that as the
constellations appeared successively above the horizon, the
corresponding gems might always be on hand, to convey to the possessor
the benign influences which they were then supposed to bestow.
The
following list comprises the twelve stones of the amulet, with their
zodiacal signs and the months of the year to which they corresponded:—
