The mineral held in the highest estimation
in China is jade. Under the name of yu, the Chinese not only include the three varieties of the silicate of alumina called
jade, nephrite, and jadeite by mineralogists.
For millenia jade has been
revered in China for its ability to bring luck and offer protection. It is worn by men,
women and children throughout Asia. Yet beneath the surface lurks an even greater relief: jade
can alter destinies. "How?" you might fairly ask. By balancing and directing its wearer,
Taoists would answer. Considered the Stone of Heaven, it is of both divine origin and
substance. When sacred creatures, gods or spirit animals are carved on to jade their
powers are carried, uncorrupted to the stone. It becomes a vessel of divine transmission
for whoever wears it. Such vessels, usually made from magickal gems or metals are called amulets.
In Dynastic Egypt amulets could be in lapis, carnelian or gold. Less expensive substances also
worked - if they were specially charged.
A
magickal gem, like jade, needs no such boost. It bears its power intact. All the wearer need do is realize the qualities, hopes or protections desired and seek the jade amulet which provides them. Together jade brings its human into balance with the sacred forces while both are living on the material plane. Spirit and matter harmonize.That harmony is called Life.
Both early Egyptian and Chinese magicks imbued matter with spirit. Harmony brings both to
Life. Hence, earlier magicks (shamanic types) call inanimate things alive too. To
consciously join that harmony is to do Alchemy.
It's quite simple really, yet takes great work to re-adjust ourselves in our ever-changing world. Our ancestors crafted Alchemy amulets to help us remember that Life is what we truly seek.Today we've forgotten much of what our forebearers devised to help us. Luckily the Chinese never forgot jade, and still provide us with its power, protection and help.
May you find
the amulet of your dreams.
