When the zodiacal signs were engraved on gems to give them special virtues and render them of greater efficacy for those born under a given sign, the Hebrew characters designating the sign (or at least the initial character) were often cut upon the gem. As the letters in which the earliest of our sacred writings were written, a peculiar sanctity was often ascribed to these Hebrew characters, which were perhaps the more highly valued that they were unknown to the owners of the gems, and hence possessed a certain air of mystery for them. The subjoined list of the signs with the Hebrew equivalents may be of interest on this account. HEBREW NAMES OF THE SIGNS OF THE ZODIAC Libra מאזנים Moznayim Scorpio עקרב ‘Akrab Sagittarius קשׁת Ḳeshet Capricornus גדי Gedi Aquarius דלי Deli Pisces דלים Dagim Aries טלה Ṭaleh Taurus שׁור Shor Gemini תאומים Te’omim Cancer סריה Sartan Leo אריה Aryeh Virgo בתולה Betulah GEMS OF WEEK DAYS Sunday: Topaz—diamond. The bairn that is born On Sonnan’s sweet day Is blithe and is bonnie, Is happy and gay. Sunday’s talismanic gem: the pearl. Monday: Pearl—crystal. The bairn that is born Of Monan’s sweet race Is lovely in feature And fair in the face. Monday’s talismanic gem: the emerald. [Illustration: THE FIGURES OF THE PLANETS WITH THEIR SIGNIFICANT STONES. Old print showing the Roman types of the days of the week and also the stones and zodiacal signs associated with each day. Here we have Diana, with the sign of Cancer and the moonstone, for Monday; Mars, with the sign Capricorn and the jasper, for Tuesday; Mercury, with Gemini and the rock-crystal, for Wednesday; Jupiter, with Sagittarius and Pisces and the carnelian, for Thursday; Venus, with Taurus and the emerald, for Friday; and Saturn, with Capricorn and Aquarius and the turquoise, for Saturday.] Tuesday: Ruby—emerald. If Tuisco assists And at birth keeps apace, The bairn will be born With a soul full of grace. Tuesday’s talismanic gem: the topaz. Wednesday: Amethyst—loadstone. But if Woden be there, Many tears will he sow, And the bairn will be born But for sadness and woe. Wednesday’s talismanic gem: the turquoise. Thursday: Sapphire—carnelian. Jove’s presence at birth Means a long swath to mow, For if born on Thor’s day Thou hast far, far to go. Thursday’s talismanic gem: the sapphire. Friday: Emerald—cat’s-eye. If Venus shall bless thee, Thou shalt bless many living; For Friga’s bairn truly Is loving and giving. Friday’s talismanic gem: the ruby. Saturday: Turquoise—diamond. Seater-daeg’s bairn In sweat shall be striving, For Saturn has doomed it To work for a living.