Birthstones are believed to represent either the month of a person's birth or the zodiac sign. They were the brainchild of shrewd 16th -century gem

traders to boost sales. Six hundred years later, The American Jewellers Association, the American Gem Society and the American Gem Trade Association have constantly changed the original, outdated, inexpensive list for expensive, fashionable gems. The Jewellers of America made this press release: "JA sees the addition of Tanzanite for December as a way to build business. Any step that helps retailers sell more jewellery is a

good one." -obviously, it has nothing to do with focusing the healing energy of the planet of birth through physical contact.

Incensed by this financial trickery, Magda studied and conferred with astronomers and astrologers before correlating astronomical facts with

gemological research. Credace at last. Tabled in this book are Precious Gems, Crystals, Talismans and Bedside Rocks coupled with zodiac signs to lend the seeker harmony, strength, and balance.

As with the lists of birthstones, minerals for healing were out of hand; the leading causes were for-profit and belief in fairy tales. Magda worked with healers using crystals, gemstones, and rocks for nine years before compiling the healing and traditional lists in The Healing Power of Crystals.

Sceptics say there is no proof of improved awareness or healing qualities through crystals, yet a garden thrives using mineral additives, and so does the animal kingdom. The argument against the healing power of crystals could be that we don't consume them as we do pharmaceuticals. Ah, but the essential minerals for good health are Iron, Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc and Potassium, the constituents of many gemstones, and we know that science backs the remarkable ability of crystals to transform, amplify and transmit energy. Combine that with the human mind that possesses healing powers thanks to positive thought.