Spotlight On | Jade
If you find yourself drawn to verdant green Jade, it could mean that it’s high time for an existential pick-me-up. Tapping into an ancient dynasty of wisdom, Jade opens your heart to all the wisdom, prosperity and unlimited opportunities the universe has in store. Giving you the strength to see past your self-imposed limitations, lush Jade dares to keep going.
The History of Jade
Jade is a stone that revels in history. For centuries, cultures all over the world have held similar beliefs on this crystal’s ability to bring good fortune. It’s considered pure and enduring enough to inspire the wearer’s highest spiritual aspirations, yet sensuous and luxurious enough to satisfy our more… fundamental cravings.
The Chinese, Maori, and Meso-American cultures, in particular, prized Jade and excelled at shaping and enhancing it. When the Spaniards arrived in Mexico, the Aztecs valued Jade many times more than its weight in gold, using it for medicinal purposes as well as for jewellery, ornaments, and religious artifacts. In fact, the name jade comes from the Spanish expression piedra de ijada—literally “stone of the pain in the side.” Early Spanish explorers named it after they saw natives holding pieces of the stone to their sides to cure or relieve various aches and pains.
The Maori people of New Zealand made full use of Jade’s durability. They fashioned tools, weapons, and ornaments from it and passed these down through generations. Cherished jade is also the material of choice in making the heirloom pendants called hei-tiki.
Additionally, the Ancient Egyptians, Meso-Americans, and Chinese traditionally placed Jade in the mouths of their departed. They most often used green stones, meant to represent the heart (the colour green represents the heart chakra).
In China, it is also believed that wearing Jade acts as a protective shield against misfortune. The belief is that Jade should be worn and never hidden away in a box or a drawer, lest it turn white and die. If your Jade becomes chipped, it is believed to have absorbed an attack in your stead. In the same vein, if your Jade becomes cloudy or dull, it is thought to have absorbed negative energy meant for you.
Not surprisingly, Jade symbolism, no matter the culture, has often encompassed themes of prosperity, eternity, and abundance. But before you start googling “how to use Jade to fix my shitty life,” take a step back and accept that Jade is not a quick fix stone; it’s all about longevity and the long-term plan.
Recognising Jade
Though Jade is often associated with the colour green, it’s hardly the only colour it comes in, and while the most valuable form of Jade is the emerald-green Imperial Jade (usually found in Myanmar), Jades also appear in mottled green and white, and the rarer colours of yellow, pink, purple, and black. The range of greens are light to dark, creamy, greyish, and also white. A leek green variety called "Russian Jade" is found near Lake Baikal in Russia. Due to overmining, it is now incredibly difficult to source real jade, and there are many replicas on the market.
Jade is also found in Mexico, and Central and South America. Because of its smooth even texture, Jade has long been a preferred material for carving
The colour of the stone is generally the most important factor in determining value, but translucency and texture are also important criteria.
Jade is a 6.5 -7 on the Mohs scale of hardness.
What is Jade used for?
Jade’s connection with abundance is about more than reflecting the green of those sweet dollar, dollar bills. Whatever is in your heart, whether you are seeking to level up in health, happiness, success or relationships, primordial green Jade can guide you to bring abundance into your life.
According to the principles of Feng Shui, Jade should be placed in the southeast corner of the home or workplace to bring good fortune and wealth to all. Shapes that are particularly good at attracting bank include the lucky three-legged frog and the Jade fish. Place a coin in the mouth of either of these to bring financial abundance into your life.
Fear, not hatred, is the opposite of love, and Jade can help to dispel any feelings of fear you may be harbouring around the love in your life.
Tapping into an ancient dynasty of wisdom, Jade opens your heart to all the wisdom, prosperity and unlimited opportunities the universe has in store. Jade can be a powerful force for emotional healing on many levels. Its vibration is soothing and nurturing, making it especially good for addressing emotional issues such as lack of self-worth or confidence.
Jade also clears negativity from your aura and immediate environment, which is why many people keep a talisman or statuette made from Jade in the workspace. If you are suffering emotional distress due to love issues, whether this is love for another or self-love, Jade can bring equilibrium and calm.
Dare to keep going. Working with Jade guides your spirit until you have a clear understanding of the bigger plan, ride those pure green waves to your own true beginning and who you are really meant to be. This beauty brings a (personal) “big bang” for your buck.
Physically, Jade is most often associated with the kidneys and renal systems. It is sometimes referred to as the “spleen stone” due to its reputed benefits in this area.
Jade is a good recovery stone and can speed up the convalescent process after surgery or prolonged injury. It supports the joints, especially the hips, and is a good strengthener for the skeletal system in general. Jade supports the reproductive systems in both men and women as it is believed to increase fertility, ease the process of childbirth, and balance hormonal levels in women of all ages.
