====== Jasper ======
<div #singlebox>
---- dataentry gem----
latin_names: 
folk_names: Gug (ancient Assyrian), rainbringer (American Indian)
energy_tags: 
gender_tags: 
planet_tags: 
element_tags: 
deity_tags: 
effect_tags: Healing, protection, health, beauty
----
</div>
<ifauth @user>
===== Magical Uses =====
Jasper is a common stone, an opaque variety of chalcedony, which is a form of quartz. Found in a wide range of colors-red, brown, and green being quite common-it has been used in magic since the earliest times.

Generally, jasper is worn or carried to promote mental processes and to restrain dangerous desires or whims that could lead to hazardous situations.

It is also a protective stone, against both physical and nonphysical hazards.

A piece of jasper held in the hand during childbirth guards the mother and her child. It is also worn to relieve pain, especially during childbirth.

Perfectly carved arrowheads of jasper are worn to attract luck to its wearer.

Each color has its own corresponding magical nature and uses.

Red jasper (//energy:// projective, //planet:// Mars, //element:// fire): Red jasper was engraved with images of lions or archers and carried to guard against poison and to cure fevers. A fine protective stone, it is utilized in defensive magic, for it sends negativity back to the original sender. It is also carried or used during healing and health spells. Red jasper is worn by young women to promote beauty and grace.

Green jasper (//energy:// receptive, //planet:// Venus, //element:// earth): This is a healing amulet and health talisman. Ring green candles with green jasper to promote the body's healing or to ward off ill-health. Wear to halt hallucinations and to promote restful sleep. It is also worn to become more sympathetic to others' emotional and mental states.

Brown jasper (//energy:// receptive, //planet:// Saturn, *element: *earth): Wear brown jasper for centering and grounding, especially after heavy magical ritual, psychic, or spiritual work. If you tend to live with your head in the clouds to the point of endangering your physical life, wear a brown jasper.

Mottled jasper (//energy:// projective, //planet:// Mercury, *element: *air): Wear mottled jasper for protection against drowning. It is said to be especially potent for this purpose when carved with the image of an equal-armed cross, representing the powers of the four elements, of foundation, and of control.
===== Ritual Lore =====
American Indians utilized jasper in rain-attracting ceremonies, hence its name "rainbringer." It was also used by the early inhabitants of the United States in divination.

A green jasper which had been engraved with the image of a dragon surrounded by rays was worn by an ancient Egyptian king, Nechepsus, to strengthen his digestive tract.</ifauth>