So in ancient astrology these stones which are under the celestial Virgo have these powers: Wisdom and Prudence, Worldly Gain, Wealth. It is said that so powerful were these gems of the zircon family that one wearing them could pass unharmed through places infected with fever and pestilence. Mystic authors wrote that the jacinth grew dull when stormy weather was approaching, and bright with the promise of fine weather; similarly it indicated the degrees of health of the wearer (Virgo is a sign of health and sickness). Cardanus says that in tempestuous weather the hyacinth assumes “the ruddy tint of a glowing coal.” As an amulet against plague it was said to change colour when touched by affected persons. Avicenna (Ibn Sina), the famous Arabian philosopher of the 10th century compared the action of the jacinth with that of the magnet. Paracelsus says that it is distinctly under the government of the planet Mercury. In old Polish pharmacies a jacinth was kept set in a mount of silver, ready to be used to avert mortification in cases of accident. Held against the forehead it was reputed to give clearness of thought and calmness of mind. Swedenborg corresponds it to “intelligence from spiritual love and in an opposite sense, intelligence from infernal love which is self-derived intelligence.” To dream of the hyacinth is interpreted as protection in approaching worries; to dream of the jacinth indicates triumph. Jacinths are placed with almandines in the Dar as Salam, the Arabian Garden of Peace, and amongst the Rosicrucian jewels the hyacinth represents the true knowledge of absolute love and the triumph over the crude elements of earthly understanding. These two zircon varieties are under the celestial Virgo. HYDROPHANE. (See OPAL.) HYPERSTHENE. The name is derived from the Greek HYPER, over, and STHENOS, strength. It is also written as Hyperstene. It is a stone of the Pyroxene group, a silicate of magnesium and iron. Its colours are brown-green, grey or green-black, pinchbeck brown. Its hardness is about the hardness of lapis lazuli. The hypersthene is under the celestial Scorpio.