Your Birth Month: Your Birthstone, Flower and Celtic Tree
If your birthday is in January...
Your birthstone is Garnet
The deep red garnet reminds us of the red fruit and seeds of the pomegranate. There is a wonderful Greek myth about the goddess of summer and sunshine, Persephone, who went down to the Underworld and ate garnet-red pomegranate seeds. The garnet has been a symbol of protection for all travelers ever since. It symbolizes love and safe travel and a speedy return to home for a loved one.
In the book An Earth Child's Book of the Year, can you find the garnet hidden in a picture and the word "garnet" in the text on the two January pages?
Your birth flowers are
Carnation and Snowdrop
Fascination is part of what both the carnation and the snowdrop are about. What fascinates you? The carnation is also about love, pride, beauty, and distinction.
The simple white snowdrop speaks of these things, plus true friendship and comfort, even when a friend is going through hard times.
In the book An Earth Child's Book of the Year, a carnation is somewhere on the two January pages. Can you find it? The word snowdrop is in the text. Look for that, too.
December 24 to January 21
Your Celtic Tree is
Birch
The birch tree reminds us of new beginnings and fresh starts, like the rebirth of the sun that happens at this time of year. Tall and white, they remind us to let go of what is old, dark, and stale in our hearts and open up to light, love, and purity.
Birch is sacred to Cerridwen, the Celtic goddess of rebirth, transformation, and inspiration, and to Taliesin, an ancient bard (poet and singer). To read more about Cerridwen and Taliesin, go to the Celtic Myths page.
In the book An Earth Child's Book of the Year, do you see the birch tree? What is hidden in the bark of the tree?
January 21 to February 17
Your Celtic Tree is
Rowan
The rowan tree speaks of new life coming out of the darkness of winter and also the rebirth of the sun. It is a tree of strong protection and is said to help you use all your senses and your intuition to understand what is good and what is not. The rowan is very strong. It can grow in difficult conditions and bring healing and protection to damaged or polluted land.
Rowan is sacred to the Celtic goddess Brigit. Learn more about Brigit the Bright on the Celtic Myths page.
In the book An Earth Child's Book of the Year, do you know which tree is the Rowan tree? How do you know?
If your birthday is in February...
Your birthstone is Amythest
Amethysts have been found in belongings of ancient kings and royalty and were once more valuable than diamonds. Amethysts are said to provide protection and power. They are a symbol of strength in overcoming bad habits or addictions and or any other problems. Amethysts also may strengthen the bond of love between two people and make great gifts for loved ones. They have long been used in spiritual and religious practices to symbolize the true spirit and value of your faith.
In the book An Earth Child's Book of the Year, can you find the amethyst hidden in a picture and the word "amethyst" in the text on the two February pages?
Your birth flowers are
Violet and Primrose
The violet symbolizes goodness, faith and hope. The primrose speaks of goodness, modesty and humility, yet also being special at the same time.
In the book An Earth Child's Book of the Year, your birth flowers are on the February and March pages. See if you can find them both. (Hint: violets are not always purple!)
January 21 to February 17
Your Celtic Tree is
Rowan
The rowan tree speaks of new life coming out of the darkness of winter and also the rebirth of the sun. It is a tree of strong protection and is said to help you use all your senses and your intuition to understand what is good and what is not. The rowan is very strong. It can grow in difficult conditions and bring healing and protection to damaged or polluted land.
Rowan is sacred to the Celtic goddess Brigit. Learn more about Brigit the Bright on the Celtic Myths page.
In the book An Earth Child's Book of the Year, do you know which tree is the Rowan tree? How do you know?
February 18 to March 17
Your Celtic Tree is Ash
The ash tree represents water; that's why in the book, the ash tree sends it's thirsty roots down deep. The ash is symbol of the sea and the realms beneath the sea, the realm of the sea god Manannan, in Celtic lore.
In February, in the book An Earth Child's Book of the Year, can you figure out which tree is the Ash tree?
If your birthday is in March...
Your birthstone is Aquamarine
Aquamarine gets its name from "aqua" which is a Roman word for water and "mare" which is a word for the sea. This magical blue-green stone represents the powers of water. Sailors long ago wore aquamarine carved to look like Neptune, the god of the sea, for protection. They believed aquamarine stones came from the jewel boxes of sirens and mermaids. Ancient people immersed the aquamarine in water, then drank the water, hoping it would heal problems with their heart, liver, stomach, mouth, or throat or to undo the effects of poison. Others use it for glimpsing into the future. This usually flawless stone symbolizes love and security in long relationships between parents and children and between lovers.
In the book An Earth Child's Book of the Year, can you find the aquamarine gemstone hidden in a picture and the word "aquamarine" in the text on the March pages?
Your birth flower is Daffodil, also called Jonquil
Some of the earliest flowers to bloom, they are bright and fresh after the long, dark winter.
Daffodils and Jonquils mean rebirth, like the rebirth of spring after winter. They also symbolize caring, love, and sympathy, even a special kind of caring and sympathy for someone who may not be as kind as you are.
In the book An Earth Child's Book of the Year, do you see the daffodils and jonquils in bloom in March?
February 18 to March 17
Your Celtic Tree is Ash
The ash tree represents water; that's why in the book, the ash tree sends it's thirsty roots down deep. The ash is symbol of the sea and the realms beneath the sea, the realm of the sea god Manannan, in Celtic lore.
In February, in the book An Earth Child's Book of the Year, can you figure out which tree is the Ash tree?
March 18 to April 14
Your Celtic Tree is
Alder
This tree symbolizes courage and strength. People with this birth tree are often brave, tackling challenges and tasks and staying true to their goals, despite their fears. The Celtic hero Bran is connected to the Alder tree. Read more about him in the Celtic Myths section.
If your birthday is in April...
Your birthstone is Diamond
All over the world and through time, diamonds have been treasured, both for their extreme strength and their ability to reflect light in brilliant sparkles. No other substance on earth is thought to be as hard and enduring as a diamond. Long years ago, people thought a diamond could heal them if they were sick, but they had to sleep with it to keep it warm and energized. Diamonds stand for love that lasts forever--and maybe also for the hard work it takes to create a strong, loving relationship.
In April, in the book An Earth Child's Book of the Year, can you find a diamond hidden in the picture and the word "diamond" in the text?
Your birth flowers are Daisy and Sweet Pea
Daises and sweet peas both stand for innocence, love, loyalty to those you care about, and to simplicity in your heart and in your life.
In the book An Earth Child's Book of the Year, daisies and sweet peas are in bloom on the April pages! What are the Earth Children doing with these flowers in the story in April?
March 18 to April 14
Your Celtic Tree is
Alder
This tree symbolizes courage and strength. People with this birth tree are often brave, tackling challenges and tasks and staying true to their goals, despite their fears. The Celtic hero Bran is connected to the Alder tree. Read more about him in the Celtic Myths section.
April 15 to May 12
Your Celtic Tree is Willow
The willow is a complicated tree. It is connected to enchantment and magic. Willow also represents change, death and loss, leading to something new. It grows near water, which is always flowing and changing. Willow tree people can be flexible and learn to accept and even welcome changes in their lives.
If your birthday is in May...
Your birthstone is Emerald
The fresh green of emeralds remind us that spring has truly come in May. Emeralds symbolize new life and rebirth. Inside many emeralds are little cracks that make them look like they have tiny gardens growing inside of them. The ancient Egyptians mined in the desert for emeralds because they were beautiful Cleopatra's favorite jewel. They even buried emeralds with their dead, reminding them of eternal life or rebirth.
The Roman goddess of love and beauty, Venus, also is said to have chosen the emerald as her favorite.
In May, in the book An Earth Child's Book of the Year, where is the emerald hidden in the picture and the word "emerald" in the text?
Your birth flowers are Lily of the Valley and Hawthorn
Both flowers speak of happiness or the return of happiness, like glowing warm spring after dark, cold winter. Humility, hope, thankfulness, and healing are other meanings for these flowers. What do these flowers tell you about your deepest heart?
In the book An Earth Child's Book of the Year, you'll find lily of the valley, the flower of the fairies on the May pages! How are the fairies using the flowers?
Read the poem about the Hawthorn in An Earth Child's Book of Verse.
April 15 to May 12
Your Celtic Tree is Willow
The willow is a complicated tree. It is connected to enchantment and magic. Willow also represents change, death and loss, leading to something new. It grows near water, which is always flowing and changing. Willow tree people can be flexible and learn to accept and even welcome changes in their lives.
May 13 to June 9
Your Celtic Tree is
Hawthorn
In an Earth Child's Book of Verse, there is a poem about wrapping ribbons around the hawthorn tree. This is an ancient custom celebrating spring when the people danced around the tree, weaving colored ribbons to create the Maypole. The hawthorn tree stands for hope, pleasure, balancing energy, and the coming of summer.
If your birthday is in June...
Your birthstone is Pearl
The pearl is not like any other stone. You won't find it in the ground. Pearls are made by oysters! The pearl symbolizes loyalty, faithfulness and purity.
In June, in the book An Earth Child's Book of the Year, there are two pearls hidden in the pictures. Can you find them?
Hint: How is the word "pearl" used in the text?
Your birth flower is Rose
In the book An Earth Child's Book of the Year, you'll find roses galore on the June pages! Roses are such popular flowers because they are a symbol for love, love, love. Both their beauty and their magical scent remind us to be loving and thankful for the special people in our lives.
Sometimes the sweet-scented honeysuckle flower is also considered a June birth flower. No perfume is as fragrant in spring as simple honeysuckle, climbing over a fence or covering a little hill.
May 13 to June 9
Your Celtic Tree is
Hawthorn
In an Earth Child's Book of Verse, there is a poem about wrapping ribbons around the hawthorn tree. This is an ancient custom celebrating spring when the people danced around the tree, weaving colored ribbons to create the Maypole. The hawthorn tree stands for hope, pleasure, balancing energy, and the coming of summer.
June 10 to July 7
Your Celtic Tree is Oak
You may have heard the saying 'from little acorns mighty oak trees grow."
That is because the oak tree starts small, just like children do, but grows to be very strong. Oak children have within them the acorns of great self-confidence and optimism. Because the oak is so strong and such a good symbol of confidence and hope, it is often used to represent cleansing out bad habits or upsetting thoughts and replacing them with positive ones.
In June, in An Earth Child's Book of the Year, the mighty oak tree seems almost human! How is the tree helping the children have fun?
If your birthday is in July...
Your birthstone is Ruby
Rubies are beautiful, red precious stones. Their red color makes them a symbol of fire and blood, which provide warmth and life. The ruby is also a symbol of passion.
In June, in the book An Earth Child's Book of the Year, where is the ruby hidden in the picture and the word "ruby" in the text?
Your birth flowers are Delphinium and Water Lily
Delphiniums stand for joy and a light heart. They remind us to laugh, to try new things, and enjoy the happy side of life without taking everything too seriously.
The water lily is another July birth flower. It reminds us to keep our hearts and thoughts healthy and pure like the peaceful white petals of this floating flower.
In the book An Earth Child's Book of the Year, in July, who is peeking out of the delphiniums?
June 10 to July 7
Your Celtic Tree is Oak
You may have heard the saying 'from little acorns mighty oak trees grow."
That is because the oak tree starts small, just like children do, but grows to be very strong. Oak children have within them the acorns of great self-confidence and optimism. Because the oak is so strong and such a good symbol of confidence and hope, it is often used to represent cleansing out bad habits or upsetting thoughts and replacing them with positive ones.
In June, in An Earth Child's Book of the Year, the mighty oak tree seems almost human! How is the tree helping the children have fun?
July 8 to August 4
Your Celtic Tree is
Holly
The holly, with its crisp green leaves and fiery-red berries, reminds us of the growth and warm comfort we can create in our own homes. Holly people are often loving and warm, very good at helping both friends and strangers feel comfortable and at home.
If your birthday is in August...
Your birthstone is Peridot
The Earth Children are all friends with one another. The peridot is like the Earth Children, it symbolizes friendship. The peridot is believed to have an inner light that glows reminding us to shine with our own inner light.
In the book An Earth Child's Book of the Year, in August, where is the peridot hidden in the picture and the word "peridot" in the text?
Your birth flowers are Gladiola and Poppy
Gladiolas are straight and strong, and people with this birth flower usually have within them the power to be very strong in character, able to stick to their values and beliefs with integrity. Poppies remind us to rest, to dream, to remember, and to let our imaginations take us to new heights and ideas.
In the book An Earth Child's Book of the Year, can you find the gladiolas in August? Where are the poppies hiding?
July 8 to August 4
Your Celtic Tree is
Holly
The holly, with its crisp green leaves and fiery-red berries, reminds us of the growth and warm comfort we can create in our own homes. Holly people are often loving and warm, very good at helping both friends and strangers feel comfortable and at home.
August 5 to September 2
Your Celtic Tree is Hazel
The hazel tree bears delicious nuts, considered in ancient times to be sources of wisdom and creativity. The hazel tree represents a person's intuition, that part of each of us deep inside that feels and knows the truth of things. Listening to your inner heart, your intuition, leads to creativity and expression in many areas of your life, not to mention wise choices.
If your birthday is in September...
Your birthstone is Sapphire
Most sapphires are blue and come in various shades of blue. Like the clear blue sky, sapphires symbolize clear thinking, truth and sincerity. Some sapphires even have a star, just like the sky at dusk!
In the book An Earth Child's Book of the Year, go to September and find the word sapphire in the text. What is the word referring to? Can you find the sapphire birth stone somewhere in the pictures?
Your birth flowers are Aster and Morning Glory
In the book An Earth Child's Book of the Year, . . . .
The bright blue morning glory is Marigold's favorite flower. Marigold is the little girl in the book with red pigtails.
Read about her on the Meet the Earth Children page.
Morning glories remind us that summer is not over yet, even in September, with its symbolism of love, affection, and magic. Asters also bloom bright and true in the fall, elegant yet delicate in the cooling air. They remind us that life and love are still running strong.
August 5 to September 2
Your Celtic Tree is Hazel
The hazel tree bears delicious nuts, considered in ancient times to be sources of wisdom and creativity. The hazel tree represents a person's intuition, that part of each of us deep inside that feels and knows the truth of things. Listening to your inner heart, your intuition, leads to creativity and expression in many areas of your life, not to mention wise choices.
September 3 to October 27
Your Celtic Tree Vine
Vines are beautiful, flowing plants that reach and twist. Their free flowing form reminds us to relax and meditate. To think deeply and listen to our inner thoughts. To reflect on life and how best to live it.
September 30
Your Celtic Tree is Ivy
Ivy grows and climbs along walls and fences. It attaches itself to the surface with tiny grabbers. You may even find buildings that are beautifully covered with ivy. The ivy teaches us determination, to have patience and to accept change.
If your birthday is in October...
Your birthstone is Opal
The opal is a symbol of hope. With its multicolored iridescence, it was believed to protect against nightmares!
In the book An Earth Child's Book of the Year, to find the opal hidden in the picture, first find the word "opal" in the text. It will give you a clue.
Your birth flowers are Marigold and Cosmos
In real life, just as in the book An Earth Child's Book of the Year, marigolds and cosmos are some of the last flowers to stop blooming in the fall. See them holding on, even in the cold autumn nights in the book.
Marigolds, which come from the Calendula family, speak of hopefulness and grace, even when there is grief and sorrow in your life. Cosmos remind us to hold onto joy, and not be such a a know-it-all that you think things can never get better when you are sad.
September 30
Your Celtic Tree is Ivy
Ivy grows and climbs along walls and fences. It attaches itself to the surface with tiny grabbers. You may even find buildings that are beautifully covered with ivy. The ivy teaches us determination, to have patience and to accept change.
October 28 to November 24
Your Celtic Tree is Reed
Reed plants grow in abundance along rivers and ponds. They remind us to live together in harmony. A popular use of the reed is for making thatched roofs for houses. A family living under a thatched roof of reed would be reminded of the need for its members to live in harmony with one another.
If your birthday is in November...
Your birthstone is Topaz or Citrine
What fun the Earth Children can have with these stones! The ancients believed that citrine encouraged creativity and helped prevent them from being naughty. And the topaz? Well, it was believed this stone could render you invisible!
In the book An Earth Child's Book of the Year, the hidden birthstone is very hard to find. Give yourself a pat on the back if you can find it without help!
Your birth flower is Chrysanthemum
In the book An Earth Child's Book of the Year, the chrysanthemums have an important job to do in the story, to help the Earth Children. Turn to that page and find out or remember what they do to help cheer up the children when they are sad.
The chrysanthemum is about cheerfulness, friendliness, and abundance. Chrysanthemum-lovers are usually wonderful friends and find abundance and wealth of all sorts that they share generously with their friends.
October 28 to November 24
Your Celtic Tree is Reed
Reed plants grow in abundance along rivers and ponds. They remind us to live together in harmony. A popular use of the reed is for making thatched roofs for houses. A family living under a thatched roof of reed would be reminded of the need for its members to live in harmony with one another.
November 25 to December 23
Your Celtic Tree is Elder
In November, in An Earth Child's Book of the Year, the Elder tree comforts Dianthus. Think about what ways trees are our friends. How does it make you feel?
Learn more about Dianthus on the Meet the Earth Children page.
If your birthday is in December...
Your birthstone is Turquoise
Turquoise is thought to bring the wearer prosperity, success and good fortune. It is highly valued as a decorative and ornamental stone.
In the book An Earth Child's Book of the Year, turn to December and find the turquoise in the picture. How is it being used? How is the word "turquoise" being used in the text?
Your birth flower is Narcissus
Narcissus flowers help with self-esteem, loving yourself without being vain or stuck-up. They are also the flower of special sweetness, both for the giver and the receiver of these snowy flowers.
In the book An Earth Child's Book of the Year, one little girl, Camille, offers a pot of pure white narcissus to a very special newborn baby. What does the baby mean to you?
Find out more about Camille on the Meet the Earth Children page.
November 25 to December 23
Your Celtic Tree is Elder
In November, in An Earth Child's Book of the Year, the Elder tree comforts Dianthus. Think about what ways trees are our friends. How does it make you feel?
Learn more about Dianthus on the Meet the Earth Children page.
December 24 to January 21
Your Celtic Tree is Birch
The birch tree reminds us of new beginnings like the rebirth of the sun, fresh starts, like the rebirth of the sun that happens at this time of year. Tall and white, they remind us to let go of what is old, dark, and stale in our hearts and open up to light, love, and purity.
Birch is sacred to Cerridwen, the Celtic goddess of rebirth, transformation, and inspiration, and to Taliesin, an ancient bard (poet and singer). To read more about Cerridwen and Taliesin, go to the Celtic Myths page.
In the book An Earth Child's Book of the Year, can you find the January birch tree? What is hidden in bark of the tree?