ORE'S FEATURED GEMSTONE: Jasper |
by Stephanie Pflumm ©Copyright 2003
Look at Jasper Healing Wands or other Red Jasper ebay.com / ebay UK
Jasper belongs to that nearly infinite Quartz family called Chalcedony. The
Jasper family itself is rather extensive, sparkling in every color available
in Mother's spectrum. Members have wonderful names like Picture Jasper, Ivory
Jasper, Picasso Jasper, Fancy Jasper, Royal Plume Jasper. Some members are
unique to certain places like the Mook or Mookite Jaspers from Australia.
Jasper is a crypto crystalline Quartz. Simply put, the crystals in Jasper
gemstones are so dense and so tightly compacted that they are invisible to the
naked eye. The biggest difference between a Red Jasper and a Citrine is that
there is probably 20 to 30% more Iron in the Jasper. One of my geological
references termed it a "dirty Quartz", I like to think of them as crystallized
Earth.
Jaspers are found all over Mother Earth, in a stunning variety of colors and
multicolor. All gemstones in this family are form in massive chunks. Most
develop close to the surface under cooler temperatures (which is why the
crystals are so compact) and much lower pressures. Some form as hydrothermal
replacements (hot water interacting with local minerals) others as sediment
crystallized over the millions of years it took Earth to reach this current
state.
The name Jasper comes to us from the Greek language. Jaspis or the ancient
spelling Iaspis was the name of a mythical stone found in the head of the
adder snake.
Early shamans from both European and the North American First Nations viewed
the Jasper was a very sacred stone. Blue colored Jaspers were used to travel
safely back and forth to the Spirit World. Red Jasper represented the blood of
the Great Mother and was used to connect with the Earth in healing ceremonies.
Greek warriors carried one to give them courage in battle.
Green Jaspers were used to call the rain (though I've had great success using
the Brecciated variety for this purpose). Early christians also used the
Heliotrope (green Jasper with red, yellow and blue colorings, aka Bloodstone)
for carving crucifixes and martyr scenes. There is a legend that the red spots
formed when the blood of Jesus dripped on the the plain green stone beneath
his crucifix. In some texts it is referred to as the Martyr's stone.
An Egyptian king named Nechepsus had a Dragon carved onto a green Jasper then
set in a ring to help with his infamous digestive problems. It is also one of
the stones in Aaron's high priest breastplate.
Damigeron and other authors during the 11th and 12th centuries wrote volumes
about the protective powers of the Jasper. It was written that the gemstone
could drive away evil spirits and protect the wearer from the bites of
poisonous snakes and spiders. Texts recommended placing the stone over the
bite and it would draw the poison out of the wound. The porous quality of some
Jaspers would make them slightly absorbent which would give them the ability
to draw in some liquids (like venom).
Even if you don't have to worry about snake or spider bites, you will find
Jasper makes a marvelous companion. Its Quartz energies will allow you to use
your Jasper in an infinite number of ways.
You can utilize its rainbow spectrum of colors to help improve the flow of
energy through your different Chakra. You'll can easily find the right hued
Jasper to correspond with each Chakra. It also is a great gemstone to use in
combination with other crystals. The microcrystalline structure can serve as a
mini-charger, much like a large Quartz cluster can charge stones. It assists
other stones in fulfilling their intentions by sharing its strong vibrations.
If you find yourself in many dangerous situations (driving the back roads of
the Ozark hills can be quite dangerous - no one seems to understand what that
center yellow line is for), this is an important stone for you. It will
improve your insight to help you keep out of trouble. When trouble is
unavoidable, it will increase courage and heighten senses so that you can
think and react quickly and correctly.
Is your work environment unhealthy, either mentally or physically? If you are
surrounded by negative co-workers, or those political types that are always
trying to thwart your efforts, place a Jasper on your desk. It will protect
you from the harmful intentions of others, plus keep you from reacting in ways
that will ultimately do you harm (like trying to take revenge).
Green and Red Jaspers are especially helpful in toxic work environments. Their
absorbent quality will help draw toxins away from you. Plus they will make you
smarter, aiding in preventing accidents and being able to act intelligently
when things do go awry.
Social workers, counselors and other who provide guidance will find this an
excellent companion. It aids in building nurturing energies, giving your
knowledge, strength and insight in helping others to break restraints and
habits that are holding them back. It can make you a "bringer of joy".
If you are preparing to become a mother soon, the Jasper is believed to
protect both the mother and the child during labor. It should also relieve
some of the pain associated with labor.
A Jasper can help you keep your energy up during long illnesses or stays in
the hospital. Those practicing fasting may also take advantage of this stone's
energy boosts.
Other health benefits include rejuvenating worn or deteriorating organs like
the kidneys, bladder, spleen, liver and stomach. It also calms and relaxes,
providing a healthy release of stress (which can cause much physical damage).
Jaspers will also balance your body's essential minerals like iron, zinc and
manganese.
Thanks to Stephanie - check out her great website here!
Jasper Healing Wands
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