What up, witches? It’s time to generate some good luck up in here! We all know about four-leaf clovers and the luck of the Irish, but have you ever held some lucky jade in your hand?
The first thing to know about jade is there are two kinds: jadeite and nephrite. Surprise, these aren’t just Sailor Moon villains! Jadeite is harder and typically green, although rare variations of every color do exist. Intensely green and translucent varieties are more highly valued by western culture, although traditionally white jade was considered most valuable by Eastern traditions. Nephrite jade is more common, slightly softer, and is often a creamy translucent white with a colored tint. This is often referred to as “mutton fat” jade in China, whereas the more opaque examples were “chicken bone” jade. Did someone say “vegan spell substitutions” or am I hearing things? Jade has been used in cultures all over the world, going back to the Neolithic. Lucky jade has come to be associated with eastern traditions, but it also played an essential role in the Maori culture native to New Zealand. The south island that is home to jade is called The Land of the Greenstone Water. Some of this rich history can be seen in pop culture influences such as:
Disney’s animated film Moana
The soundtrack to Disney’s animated film Moana
and actually, it’s pretty much just Moana
In the Place of the Greenstone, as it is also called, it is common to find a jade “hei matau,” a stylized fishhook that is worn or displayed to bring good luck and safe travels. The hook shape means “to know” and draws together prosperity, fertility, and safe passage, as well as denoting the importance of fishing to the Maori people. Jade is considered “Pounamu” a type of sacred treasure to the natives down under, who believe it increases in mana as it passes from one generation to another. The most prized pieces symbolize generational wealth, with every new owner adding to the pool of mana stored by that jade. The further back the ancestry of the stone can be traced, the more it grows in power. These powerful gemstones were often used as gifts or to magically seal important agreements, further increasing the mana.
Jade was also highly regarded in Mesoamerica, yet another example of a culture that placed its value above the gemstone's material worth. The Mayan culture symbolically associated jade with life and death, featuring heavily in religious and spiritual importance. The Maya would place jade beads in the mouths of the dead, although scholars are still debating the meaning and intent behind this practice. It is worth noting, scholars do not accept DreamWorks animated film The Road to El Dorado as a source reference. The Maya also associated jade with the sun, wind, and breath. They would use highly polished jade to stylize pendants that depicted “mirror gods” because of the gem's mirror-like reflective quality.
Myanmar produces over 70% of the current world’s supply of high-quality jadeite. In Chinese culture, jade is viewed as a bridge between heaven and hell. The wearer of jade is continuously reminded of the strength in resilience and toughness that builds one’s character. It is also popularly believed to protect the wearer from disasters and to guide them towards fortune. If a jade pendant breaks, it is said to be a warning to foreshadow a bad event to its owner; however, the jade will appear more brilliant and transparent if good fortune lies ahead.
The month of March has strong associations with luck (Saint Patrick’s Day), growth (Spring equinox), and the color green, which combined with the rich history of jade makes it a deep value and fortuitous purchase this month. It is an ideal gift for travelers, birthdays, or baby showers. The best times to wear jade are during the times you want to be held in its mana, such as during cleaning, journaling, or other times of growth and cleansing. This will add an extra connection when the piece is given as a gift or to seal a pact. Don’t be afraid to display your jade when you aren’t wearing it, too. Jade works best in a place that can catch the light so you can keep an eye on the subtle changes that indicate good or bad fortunes. May this month bring good luck and good fortune to us all!
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