10 Things you Didn’t Know About Jasper

Jasper is a type of chalcedony that gets its name from being a banded or spotted stone, although not all types of jasper are. It appears in a wide variety of colors including, brown, tan, orange, red, blue, green, yellow, and grey. All types and colors of jasper essentially hold the same properties and attributes, but each color carries their own special variations of the meaning. Also known as the “Supreme Nurturer”, jasper is a solar stone which brings strong vibrations in association with the Solar Plexus chakra, to instill joy within oneself as well as the urge to share that joy with others. It promotes balance physically, emotionally, and spiritually while providing a warm sanctuary within the wearer which can be especially beneficial in times of solitude. Jasper allows you to become comfortable with yourself and your flaws, ultimately promoting love of the self, a love which can then in turn be shared with others. It’s a stone which promotes self-awareness, insight, and  harmony. As it stabilizes and cleanses the aura, it allows you to merge your physical and energetic auric fields which can be especially useful for spiritual pursuits. Jasper is often referred to as a companion to travelers, both of the physical world and of the astral world as it provides protection from physical harm and otherwise. When worn or meditated with, it enhances one’s mental state and allows you to make wise and sound decisions. 

Zodiac: Leo

Planet: Sun, Earth

Element: Earth

Chakras: Solar Plexus

Given its wide variety of colors and their own special attributes designated to each, jasper is undoubtedly a versatile and magical stone so let’s take a look at some of its interesting facts. Here are 10 things you didn’t know about jasper.

1. Jasper, the origins of a name 

The name jasper comes from the Greek word lapis, meaning “spotted stone”, which comes from the Hebrew word Yashepheh which can be translated to agate. Some believe that the name of the stone comes from it being one of the stones on the breastplate of Aaron, although it is believed that since said stone is translucent rather than opaque, it may have been mistaken with peridot.  

2. Jasper, a stone of vitality and the life force 

In ancient Egypt, jasper was considered a sacred stone, especially red jasper which was often carved into amulets resembling a scarab beetle, the symbol of eternal life. These amulets of red jasper would also be carved into the shape of a snake’s head and worn to protect against snake bites. Amulets of Jasper would often be carved with inscriptions and symbols from the book of the dead and buried with mummified corpses to ensure safe passage into the afterlife. 

3. Jasper, a stone of Motherhood 

The ancient Greeks would often link Jasper to Gaia, mother earth, and to Calisto, goddess of the moon. Mooakite Jasper, named for the Mooka Creek area in Western Australia where it is mined, is an Aboriginal Mother Earth stone which is known for its connection with earth energy. It awakens one’s instinct and is said to aid parents in communication with their unborn child. Picture Jasper is also said to be the Earth Mother speaking to her children.  

4. Jasper in early Christianity 

As one of the twelve stones on the Breastplate of Aaron, Jasper’s placement and representation was that of the tribe of Simeon and represented purification, renewal, and rebirth. It is said that the apostle Peter derived his name from Jasper, the rock upon which Christ would build his church. Jasper is also said to be the stone of Archangels Haniel and Sandalphon, ruling the Angelic Principalities. It was also the material from which the walls of New Jerusalem would be built. In the Apocalypse, St John sees the Eternal appear on a throne of Jasper, representing new life, rebirth, and purification.

5. Jasper in mythology 

Ocean Jasper, otherwise known as Sea Jasper is a rare form of Orbicular Jasper mostly found on the remote northwestern shores of Madagascar. It is often referred to as the Atlantis Stone and is interconnected to all things, believed to help one connect with Atlantis and discover the hidden powers of the stone and lost city itself. In  a Mesopotamian creation legend, the God Marduk (Jupiter) formed three heavens above the earth, the lowest being made of Jasper upon which he drew constellations. In Viking legend, the hilt of the sword of Siegfried the Dragon-Slayer was inlaid with red jasper to give him courage. In Native North American belief, Spider Jasper is believed to carry the power of the wise spider, the Grandmother Spider Goddess who created the people from clay. 

6. Jasper the rainmaker 

To many civilizations, especially the Native Americans, Jasper is known as the “rainbringer” and would often be used in rainmaking ceremonies. Since ancient and medieval times, it has been known as a divining stone tempestaries, magical masters of the wind and rain who were called upon to end seasons of drought and to protect ships during violent storms. Green and brown Jasper and considered especially powerful for these purposes and was used by American Indians to dowse the land for water.

7. Jasper, a stone of Divination 

Aside from its other magical uses, Jasper has been known as a divining stone to many civilizations throughout history. Black Jasper to be specific, was often used for scrying because of its metaphysical properties as well as its dark reflective surface. Often used for divining the future, Picture Jasper was also considered conducive for dreamwork and visioning. Fun fact: dreaming of Jasper signifies a lover’s return.

8. Jasper, a stone of Goddesses 

Undoubtedly, Jasper holds a special place in the heavens as well as at the feet of deities. Unsurprisingly given its affinity with fertility and motherhood, Jasper honors Bona Dea, the Roman Earth Goddess of Fertility and the Greek Goddess of Women. She is said to be the protector, healer, and guide of all women. Jasper also honors Gaia, the Greek Earth Mother Goddess who was born of chaos, the primal emptiness. She was one of the first beings to appear in the process of creation. Jasper is also the stone of Callisto, Greek Moon Goddess; Chirakan-Ixmucane, the Mayan Goddess of Creation; and Clota, the Goddess of the River Clyde. 

9. Jasper, a talisman of protection 

To many cultures, Jasper is a great and powerful stone of protection – physically, mentally, and spiritually. It has long since been thought to be a protector against phantasms and witchcraft, while keeping the wearer safe from drowning. Jasper is also believed to keep spiders, scorpions, and snakes at bay. To Shamans, it is also used as a talisman against unseen dangers of the darkness. Opinions vary on whether the stone should be set in silver or gold, but all agree that it should be worn on the right side. 

10. Jasper in physical healing 

Jasper stones were prized by some of the earliest physicians and were used to create powerful astringents as well as regulators of organ function. Roman physician Galen of the first century A.D. always wore a ring set with Jasper carved with the figure of a man carrying a bundle of herbs to signify the power to distinguish diseases. He declared that Jasper, particularly the green variety, should be hung about the neck to strengthen the chest and stomach. This proclamation was also made by Egyptian King Nechepsus, who wore a green Jasper cut in the shape of a dragon over his digestive organs.