JASPER

The stone you chose is Jasper. Its etymology is of Persian origin, but also connected with the Greek-Latin iaspis, "mottled stone". In classical Greece, jasper was believed to be able to ward off some ghosts, including the Empusa. Porphyry (Quaestionum Homericarum ad Odysseam relevance reliquiae X 323ff.) and Eustathius (ad Od. I 382) talk about it. In Greek mythology, the Empuse “Έμπουσα” Empousā are supernatural female monsters, belonging to the circle of Hecate, of whom they were handmaids, and having the habit of terrorizing travellers. They frightened or devoured those who walked along the paths or roads they frequented. The Empuse could take on any shape: the most common were those of a dog or a cow and, to attract their victims, they could change their appearance into that of a weak or seductive woman; in the latter case they could sneak into the beds of the young people. Despite the metamorphosis, upon closer inspection they still revealed monstrous or bizarre characteristics, such as a leg made of donkey dung and one made of bronze. Sometimes they had donkey backs and bronze sandals. In their natural form, in addition to strange legs, they had long claws, small but sharp fangs, completely red eyes, pale skin, they were very fast and when they died they became fire that could spread and cause a fire. The most powerful Empuse could flare up to escape the enemy and their faces appear in the fire. Even the Empuse, like the lamia, can be considered a sort of ante litteram vampire as they fed on human blood and flesh. Jasper is mentioned in the Apocalypse of John, in reference to the holy city of Jerusalem: "Its splendor is similar to that of a most precious stone, like a crystalline jasper stone" (Rev., 21,11). The city itself rests on twelve foundations each made of a precious stone. The first foundation is jasper. The properties linked to this stone are that it is considered one of the most powerful protection stones. It is believed to have protective and energetic powers that make it perfect for protecting against negative energy, stress and other external influences. Furthermore, these red stones can also help heal emotional wounds, relieve stress and bring mental clarity. Red jasper is actually a variety of quartz with a red hue caused by iron oxide deposits. Ancient civilizations thought that jasper was formed when the blood of the god of war fell to the earth. Therefore associated with Mars. They also associated the stone with the god of love and passion, considering it a stone of romance and sexuality. They believed the stone could increase fertility and cure infertility. The ancient people of Mesopotamia believed that jasper could increase wisdom and knowledge and often used it to create amulets. The ancient Chinese believed that jasper could protect against evil and harm and used it to ward off bad luck and cure infertility. The Babylonians and Assyrians used jasper as protection against evil spirits and witchcraft. In Hinduism, jasper is associated with the god of love and passion and is considered a stone of romance and sexuality. In Judaism it is a symbol of the tribe of Benjamin and is associated with the divinity of Hephaestus or Vulcan. The name Benjamin is part of biblical tradition, the youngest of Jacob's twelve sons. According to the biblical narrative (Gn35:16-19), his mother Rachel, about to die in childbirth, would have called the newborn Ben-'ônî, or "son of my sorrow", and Jacob would have changed it to בִּנְיָמִין (Binyâmîn ): this name is interpreted, in the Vulgate, as "son of the right hand" where the right hand represents happiness and luck, as a compound of בֵּן ben or bin, a common Hebrew prefix meaning "son of" and יָמִין yamin, "hand right"). This etymology, however, is not entirely convincing, and other proposed meanings include "son of the south", "son of happiness". Since Benjamin was Jacob's favorite son, his name has become, through a deonomastic process, synonymous with "beloved", "favored", a meaning that is sometimes associated with the name itself; furthermore, it is sometimes traced back, by popular etymology, to the term "good".  Jacob's blessing: « Benjamin is a predatory wolf, in the morning he eats the prey and in the evening he divides the spoils » « ...Dear to the Lord he remains calm trusting in Him: He protects him continuously and He rests in his arms » Jasper in Christianity is associated with positive energy and the ability to face life's challenges with confidence and courage. In Islam, it is associated with the prophet Muhammad and is believed to be one of the gifts given to him by the angel Gabriel. In ancient Rome it was believed to be a stone of courage and victory. Although it is a common stone today, jasper was one of the most beloved gemstones of the ancient world. Archaeological finds in the palace of Knossos in Crete demonstrate that this stone was used to produce seals in the year 1800 BC. Worn by shamans, priests and kings, it was considered to possess sacred significance as a powerful stone of protection, both for the physical world and the spiritual realm. Amulets made from this stone were carved by the Egyptians with symbols and inscriptions from the book of the dead and buried with mummified remains for safe passage into the afterlife. It has been used in many cultures to engrave special seals and talismans depicting astrological and religious images. Jasper, with its intense red color, has a strong connection with the earth. It is a foundation stone and symbolizes strength and endurance, both emotionally and physically. It is a great stone to have around when you are facing challenges to your health and well-being. This stone is physically beneficial for the liver, bladder and immune system; on a psychological level, it stimulates courage and combativeness. Red jasper, called the warrior stone, promotes action, courage, combativeness, determination and will, helping to fully pursue one's goals and overcome any obstacle. It strengthens honesty, promotes a safe and trusting attitude, eliminates feelings of guilt and opens up love. It serves to recover and maintain sexual balance. In alchemy this stone is governed by Mercury and Mars due to its inclusions of iron, the metal sacred to the god of virility and war, also a symbol of the fertility of the fields and the fertilizing force. Red jasper is  an amulet capable of encouraging female fertility, strengthening the fetus and facilitating childbirth, making it less painful and problematic. This stone is strongly associated with the root chakra and revitalizes the related functions of the organism, stimulates the sacral chakra and the organic reference area. The zodiac signs connected to the influence of jaspers are Aries, Leo, Virgo, and Sagitarius.