• Onyx • |
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(See color insert plate 11) |
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Taste |
Sweet |
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Nature |
Neutral |
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Affinities |
KI |
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Hardness |
6.5–7 |
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Crystal structure |
Trigonal |
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Stone group |
Oxide |
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Level of formation |
Metamorphic/Ying |
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Color/Appearance/Light
From a Chinese point of view, the only true onyx is black in color, resonating with the Water element. It is very shiny when polished.
By the law of signatures, the illuminating shine allows Kidney Qi to expand and circulate to build the bones and the teeth. The black color absorbs Heat from the body.
Chemical Composition
Silicon dioxide (SiO2) + carbon + iron
Of all the SiO2 stones in the transformative group, onyx has the strongest association with the Essence/Yuan Qi.
Key Characteristics
Onyx is a stone for the Curious Organs, especially the Bones, Marrow, and Brain. Its association with the Water element also brings its energetics to the lower pelvic region.
Onyx benefits the sensory portals, especially as they are impacted by the aging process—that is, the diminishing of Jing/Essence.
Directionality/Energetic Mechanism/Channel System
Accesses the Source/Yuan and Defensive/Wei levels; affects the Marrow to draw pathology into latency; slows down disease progression.
Functions and Uses
Supports Source/Yuan Qi; stabilizes energy to the Kidneys and lower region. Indicated for:
– osteoporosis, fractures, loose teeth
– tinnitus, diminished hearing, decline in vision
Tonifies Spleen and Lung Qi. Indicated for:
– chronic fungal conditions, chronic candidiasis (works very slowly, so it is not for acute conditions)
– constitutionally based skin conditions, such as genital herpes
Intentional use. Indicated for:
– grounding and stabilizing—promotes a feeling of security
– career palace—helps cultivate a career as a fengshui practitioner
Methods of Application
Topical Application
Place or tape:
· on inflamed skin or burns. Onyx absorbs Heat.
· on Bladder Shu points (see appendix 2) to help direct Kidney essence to a particular weak organ.
· together with rose quartz on the paravertebral muscles adjacent to the lower border of the T9 spinous process/UB-18 to express anger, or adjacent to the lower border of the L2 spinous process (slightly higher than the waist)/UB-23 to express fear.
In a stone layout, with the receiver lying on his or her back with bent knees, place in the depression on the bottom of the foot, behind the ball/KI-1, to ground the effects of the treatment.
Wear onyx as earrings, set in gold, for tinnitus or diminished hearing.
Put the stone in bathwater for a systemic treatment to address any of its functions and uses.
Use the elixir externally:
· as a compress over fractures or loose, weak joints.
· as a spray for dermatological conditions (Dampness, fungal infections).
· as a foot soak for fungus in the nails (it works very slowly, but it gets to the root of the condition).
Internal Application
Use the elixir as a rinse to strengthen loose teeth.
Cautions and Contraindications
Onyx works very slowly. To receive its benefit of unraveling the energetics of a condition, one must wear the stone or drink the elixir for a long period. Results are slow to achieve, but long lasting.
QUARTZ CRYSTALS
Plate 1. Clear quartz crystal
Examples of the diversity of form, including (clockwise from left to right), a Lemurian crystal, a faden crystal, a naturally terminated generator crystal, a Dow crystal, and another faden. In front of the generator (at center) is a self-healed crystal. The small cluster and the angled crystals on the right demonstrate how energy was moving at the time of their formation.
Plate 2. Colored quartz crystal
Examples of the diversity of color of quartz crystals
Plate 3. Rutilated and tourmalinated quartz crystal
Golden threads (usually titanium dioxide), called rutiles, penetrate through quartz crystal during its creation to form rutilated quartz (front center and left). Tourmalinated quartz (center and front right) includes needles of black tourmaline. The two large crystals in the rear are smoky rutilated quartz.
Plate 4. Titanium and aura quartz crystal
Different metals bound molecularly to quartz crystals yield a variety of colors. Titanium quartz crystals are at center and right, and aqua aura quartz (bonded with gold) is on the left.
Plate 5. Herkimer diamond
Herkimer diamonds are almost always double-terminated, and they range in size from tiny to relatively large. They can also appear in complex clusters (not shown).
TRANSFORMATIVE STONES
Plate 6. Banded agate (see agate)
Examples showing diversity of form—with both concentric and horizontal banding (see stones in back row)—and color, including (in front row, from bottom left to right) blue lace agate, pink agate, tiger eyes, and fire agate (most front center)
Plate 7. Patterned agate jasper (see agate)
Examples of the widely varied colors and patterns, including (spiraling upward from the left front) leopardskin, a miscellaneous orange/ yellow combination, ocean, mookaite, moss, a rainforest sphere, miscellaneous red/ green combination, tree, ocean, pietersite, moss, miscellaneous sandy/red combination, dalmation, and miscellaneous green.
Plate 8. Jasper
Examples of the strength and solidity of jasper’s color, including the green with red inclusions of bloodstone
Plate 9. Flint
Examples showing (from the front left) English Brandon flint; four pieces of layered, sedimentary flint from Poland; Ohio flint (top right); and western chert (bottom right)
Plate 10. Chalceldony
Examples of colors and forms of chalcedony
Plate 11. Onyx
Plate 12. Jade/ Jadeite
Examples of colors of jadeite. The black jade in the left foreground includes gold.
Plate 13. Nephrite jade
DEFENSIVE/WEI QI STONES
Plate 14. Amazonite
Plate 15. Amber
Plate 16. Angelite
Angelite is the trade name for anhydrite. On the left is an anhydrite “fan.” On the right are two polished pieces.
Plate 17. Apophyllite
Examples of clear apophyllite crystals and a cluster of green apophyllite
Plate 18. Aragonite
Examples of different forms and colors
Plate 19. Barite
Examples of different forms of barite, including powder for use as a poultice
Plate 20. Biotite
Examples of forms, including massive (left), sheet (front), and a polished massage tool (right rear)
Plate 21. Calcite
Examples of the diversity of forms and colors of calcite, including powder for use as a poultice
Plate 22. Celestite/celestine
The blue cluster at center is from Madagascar; the white terminated crystals are from Ohio.
Plate 23. Danburite
Plate 24. Fluorite
Examples of colors and forms, including a massage wand (rear center) appropriate to address acute conditions
Plate 25. Gypsum and selenite
Any gypsum with a visible crystalline structure is called selenite. Clockwise from the left are fishtail selenite, green selenite, golden selenite, a raw selenite “wand,” and desert rose.
Plate 26. Jet
Plate 27. Marcasite nodule (left) with other forms of boji stones/moqui balls
Plate 28. Obsidian
Examples of colors of obsidian, including (clockwise from front left) small polished mahogany, gold sheen egg, mahogany broken slab, black sphere, and a raw, unbroken, unpolished piece. In the center group is a mahogany “needle,” Apache tear, snowflake sphere, and an illustration of obsidian’s conchoidal fracture (the smooth curved breakage resembling concentric ripples).
Plate 29. Petrified wood
Examples of colors and forms
Plate 30. Scolecite
In the foreground is a natural crystal. In the rear is a polished egg and two tumbled pieces.
Plate 31. Septarian nodules/dragon’s egg
Plate 32. Stalactite/stalagmite
These are likely not true stalactites/stalagmites but stalactitic “fingers.” True stalactites are rare; the caves where they grow are protected environments. In the United States it is illegal to gather these stones.
Plate 33. Stilbite
Plate 34. Talc
Plate 35. Tourmaline
Examples of the diversity of colors and forms, including several natural crystals. Uvite is in the back row center, flanked by rubellite (pink) and verdilite (green). In the foreground (from left to right) is a watermelon slice, several small slices of multicolored tourmaline surrounding faceted rubellite and verdilite, a natural black crystal, and an unpolished multicolored piece.
NOURISHING/YING QI STONES
Plate 36. Aventurine
Examples of the range of colors
Plate 37. Azurite
Note the small azurite “blueberries,” useful for placing on the inner corners of the eyes.
Plate 38. Azurite-malachite
Plate 39. Bronzite
Plate 40. Cavansite
Plate 41. Chalcopyrite
The brassy metallic color is pure chalcopyrite; the iridescent colors are caused by a similar mineral, bornite, which tarnishes the underlying chalcopyrite.
Plate 42. Charoite
Plate 43. Chiastolite
Plate 44. Chrysoberyl
Plate 45. Chrysocolla
Examples of colors and forms. The small piece in the center is polished gem silica. The two flat, sparkly pieces are called drusy, but if polished, they would also be considered gem silica.
Plate 46. Dioptase
Plate 47. Dolomite
Plate 48. Dumortierite
Plate 49. Garnet
Examples of the variety of colors and forms. Of particular note are the green colors. The small slab (left foreground) is uvarovite, which typically forms as slabs of drusy. The two small faceted stones and the specimen to the right rear are tsavorite.
Plate 50. Hematite
The center slab is specular hematite; its size and shape are appropriate for charging other stones that nourish blood. The two examples on either side are the more typical botryoidal hematite. A dish of tumbled stones (as shown at front center) can be used to charge other stones if a slab is not available.
Plate 51. Hemimorphite
Plate 52. Hiddenite/green spodumene
The green stone is a true hiddenite from the mine near the town of Hiddenite. The clear stone is likely from Pakistan, perhaps once irradiated to be green, but now colorless (and nevertheless classed as hiddenite).
Plate 53. Howlite
Plate 54. Iolite/water sapphire
Iolite is generally available as small beads, which are appropriate for stringing as jewelry or taping to acupoints.
Plate 55. Kunzite/pink spodumene
Examples of colors and forms, including a faceted stone and tumbled and rough samples in the foreground, and in the rear a crystal that displays kunzite’s dichroic nature—that is, showing a darker color at the terminated side than in the body of the crystal
Plate 56. Kyanite
Plate 57. Lapis lazuli
Plate 58. Magnesite
The piece on the right contains brown tourmaline/dravite.
Plate 59. Magnetite/lodestone
Plate 60. Malachite
Note the small stone placed on the crystal. The stone potentiates the quartz with malachite’s therapeutic effects, without its toxicity.
Plate 61. Peridot/olivine
The piece in the center (rear) is peridotite, from which peridot emerges during its formation. Peridot is typically very small. Small beads are appropriate for taping to acupoints.
Plate 62. Prehnite
Plate 63. Pyrite/fool’s gold
Examples of the diversity of forms, including perfect cubes, a pyrite sun, a cluster, and the matrix of a quartz cluster. The massage wand is ideal for conditions of sharp pain that is worse with exposure to cold temperatures.
Plate 64. Rhodochrosite
Plate 65. Rhodonite
Plate 66. Seraphinite
Plate 67. Serpentine
Plate 68. Sodalite
Plate 69. Staurolite
Plate 70. Turquoise
Plate 71. Variscite
Plate 72. Zincite
Plate 73. Zoisite
SOURCE/YUAN QI STONES
Plate 74. Alexandrite
Plate 75. Apatite
Examples of forms and colors, including a massage wand on the left and, on the right, small beads appropriate for taping to acupoints.
Plate 76. Beryl
Examples of the variety of forms and colors: surrounding the central transparent aquamarine crystal, clockwise from the front, are beads of aquamarine and opaque emerald tumbled chips appropriate for taping to acupoints, faceted aquamarine, trapiche emerald, opaque aquamarine crystal, goshenite, bixbite, emerald, and faceted morganite. To the far right is heliodor.
Plate 77. Chrysoprase
Plate 78. Coral
Plate 79. Diamond
Plate 80. Diopside
The two small polished stones are rare chrome cat’s eye diopsides.
Plate 81. Epidote
Plate 82. Labradorite
Plate 83. Larimar
Plate 84. Lepidolite
The piece on the left includes crystals of pink tourmaline/rubellite.
Plate 85. Meteorite
Plate 86. Moonstone
Plate 87. Muscovite/fuchsite
Muscovite is usually white to colorless. Fuchsite is usually green, resulting from high chromium content.
Plate 88. Opal
Examples of the range of colors, including (clockwise from left), Peruvian blue green, rough Andean pink, two cabochons of Brazilian and Mexican opal with play of light, and boulder opal in matrix. In the foreground are miscellaneous opals from Ethiopia.
Plate 89. Pearl
These are all freshwater pearls from China.
Plate 90. Ruby
Ruby is often included in other minerals. On the left and right (in foreground) is ruby in zoisite. The spheres at the rear are (from left to right) non-gem-quality ruby, ruby in fuchsite, and ruby in kyanite. The small pieces in the center are a small polished ruby in fuchsite, a rough ruby, a gem-quality faceted stone, and a rough ruby in zoisite.
Plate 91. Sapphire
Rough and faceted sapphires showing a range of colors, including a massage wand in the rear and a star sapphire cabochon in the front
Plate 92. Spinel
Rough and faceted stones showing a range of colors
Plate 93. Sugilite
Plate 94. Sunstone
Plate 95. Tanzanite
Plate 96. Tektite and moldavite
On the left (rear) is Libyan desert glass; on the right is moldavite. The tektite in the front left is cut and polished to show a glassy interior.
Plate 97. Topaz
Examples of colors and forms. The imperial topaz beads in the foreground are crystals sliced horizontally.
Plate 98. Unakite
Plate 99. Zircon
ALCHEMICAL STONES
Plate 100. Antimony and stibnite
Plate 101. Cinnabar
Plate 102. Cinnabar included in aragonite
Plate 103. Orpiment
Plate 104. Realgar
Note the small stone placed on the crystal. The stone potentiates the quartz with realgar’s therapeutic effects, without its toxicity.
Plate 105. Sulfur
Examples of the variety of forms
Various stones are treated to appear as onyx. Its place in the evolution from agate makes it slightly harder than agate. A test to confirm the quality of the stone is to try to scratch the onyx with agate. If it scratches, it is not onyx.
Compare/Contrast/Differentiate
Of all the SiO2 stones in the transformative group, onyx has the strongest resonance with the constitution.
Onyx is similar to the herb rehmannia in that it is heavy and slow working. It differs from rehmannia because onyx gets rid of Dampness.
Combinations
Since onyx works so slowly, combining it with calcite for any of its applications will speed its effects.
Onyx works well with calcite to build bones. This combination is also beneficial for burns. The calcite clears the Heat (though gypsum is faster); the onyx reduces scarring.
Combine with rose quartz to help express emotion.
Cleansing and Charging
Cleanse under running water. Charge with rock crystal.
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• Jade/Jadeite • |
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(See color insert plate 12) |
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Taste |
Sweet |
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Nature |
Neutral |
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Affinities |
KI |
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Hardness |
6.5–7 |
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Crystal structure |
Monoclinic |
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Stone group |
Chain silicate |
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Level of formation |
Metamorphic/Ying |
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Chinese Name
Yu, “precious stone”
The Chinese character for jade implies a symbiotic relationship between the Earth and humanity. It includes the radical for king. The king has responsibility to treat the realm and its people respectfully. As the head of state, the king is expected to be a highly cultivated human being, demonstrating to his land and his people the virtues espoused by Confucian philosophy, such as loyalty, righteousness, integrity, compassion, and wisdom.
If the king behaves in such a way, it is expected that his subjects will interact similarly to their own smaller “kingdoms” of family, community, and land.
If all of humanity behaves as a benevolent king to his realm, respecting not only one another but also the Earth, the Earth will reward humans with jade.
Xuan zheng, “mysterious authenticity” This was also the spiritual name of Gehong, the famous alchemist.
Color/Appearance/Light
Black/grayish, green, lavender, yellow, white. Specimens often show gradations in the various colors, with very homogenous color being somewhat rare. It is often dyed or otherwise treated to make the color uniform. Some stones can appear to be opaque, but when light is shone through them, they are translucent.
Raw jade comes in large nondescript boulders. The color is only visible when the boulder is cut. When polished, good-quality jade has an oily feel and a shine emanating from it.
Jade testifies to our process of refinement. When worn as jewelry, it interacts with the Qi quickly. It is common for the color of the stone to change as it absorbs perversity. When the color intensifies or darkens, it is absorbing toxins from the Blood. When it becomes paler, it is absorbing toxins from the Qi. As one wears the stone, it purifies the body and promotes the understanding of one of the virtues, according to the color.
Chemical Composition
Sodium aluminum silicate (NaAlSi2O6)
It can contain impurities of iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, titanium, manganese, and others.
The sodium, potassium, and magnesium regulate Fluids and are cleansing for turbidity in the urine or stools, for coughing up white mucus, or for having sticky, clammy sweat.
Key Characteristics
Li Shizhen reports that jade has five virtues:
· benevolence, because it is moistening, lustrous, and warm;
· righteousness, because it has the same texture outside and inside;
· wisdom, as its sound is tender and beautiful and spreads afar;
· bravery, as it does not bend, even if it has to be broken; and
· purity, as it is clean and clear.
A stone of wisdom, it promotes longevity and quietude.
Jade is an aspirational stone reflecting the transformational process of affirmation and completion. Just as agate aspires to become jade, jade has been used historically to awaken in human beings the aspiration to accomplish the virtues promoted by spiritual traditions. Accomplishment implies completion. With completion we bring refinement into the world, with the intention to help all human beings and the planet. For such an important stone, it may seem odd that it has relatively few functions and uses, but at this stage of cultivation we should be no longer troubled with mundane health issues, focusing only on the aspirations that arise out of our refined presence.
It is very tough. It associates with redemption and perfection.
Cautions and Contraindications
Jade must be cleansed very thoroughly because it easily absorbs pathology.
A Protocol for Transformation
Jade is a stone of aspiration and completion. It helps us develop beneficial qualities for the betterment of life on this planet. By the time we have reached the level of working with jade, we have completed the processes of separating the clear from the turbid, purification, and refinement. Most of our “rough edges” have been made smooth, and our refinement allows us to bring more light and wisdom into the world. We do this by cultivating the virtues recognized as supremely important for the spiritual evolution of humanity by the venerated philosophies of Daoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism.
The virtues and their associated colors are:
• black—clarity and wisdom
• green—righteousness
• lavender—integrity
• yellow—loyalty
• white—devotion and purity
The acupuncture points used in this protocol are the nodes where the movement of energy from the extremities converges into the central regions of the body. Energy that has taken on vibrational frequencies of the impurities and imperfections of daily experience circulates inward and deposits into these regions. Over time, these energetic impurities accumulate in the regions of the middle abdomen, chest, and throat. An appropriately colored stone placed on these nodal points absorbs and filters away the energetic impurities, opening the way to cultivate the virtue to which we are putting our attention.
As a nightly ritual, lie down on your back and place an appropriately colored stone:
· on the midline of the abdomen, midway between the navel and the “V” where the ribs meet the base of the sternum/CV-12/Central Receptacle (solar plexus chakra);
· on the center of the sternum, in line with the nipples/CV-17/Central Altar (heart chakra); and
· on the central notch at the base of the throat/CV-22/Celestial Chimney (throat chakra).
Bring consciousness of breath into the points, and be open to whatever the stone can teach you about the virtue you’re cultivating.
Once the impurities transform, the resulting clarity percolates upward into the head/upper dantian. As the purified energy ascends, it affects the Brain, granting a clean, direct connection to Spirit.
This progression is very difficult, with the throat chakra being the most challenging. Jade offers the strength to break through and complete the process.
Cleanse the stones thoroughly at least once a month.
Jade is contraindicated with substances that stimulate Kidney Yang, such as epimedium or deer antler. Do not take steroids when using jade.
There are differences of opinion, but the majority of classical sources recommend that it should not be combined with anything containing cinnabar.
Compare/Contrast/Differentiate
Nephrite jade has been mined in China for centuries. It was only in the eighteenth century that the fine jadeite from Burma became popular. Nephrite jade is slightly softer than jadeite but is more durable. Jadeite has a smoother, glossier finish, but it is somewhat brittle. Jadeite enters the Blood more directly than nephrite jade.
Combinations
Jade enhances any elixir.
When jade is combined with precious stones of similar color—for example, lavender jade with ruby, white jade with diamond, or green jade with emerald, the extra hardness of the precious stone enhances the effect of the jade.
Cleansing and Charging
Soak overnight in ocean water or in mineral water with sea salt. Let it dry for a short time in the sun. Jade requires very thorough cleansing when it is first obtained, especially if it is an antique.
Stone History
Classical materia medica describe the elixir of jade as treating hundreds of diseases.
Li Shizhen reports that a jade elixir makes the body lighter. The process: Wrap the jade in the skin of a toad. The jade begins to dissolve, leaving behind the liquid essence of jade, “the jade spring.” Collect the liquid. Now collect dew in the morning and combine it with the jade essence. Cook them together with rice. Add 30 grams of di yu/sanguisorbia and 30 grams of green jade (the same as processed with the toad skin), and decoct. Long-term ingestion confers immortality. Applied to the eyes, it brightens the eyes and treats blindness.
By the time of Emperor Qianlong (1711–1799) of the Qing dynasty, a new jade had been found in Burma. It was jadeite, slightly harder than the nephrite jade that had been worked in China for thousands of years. In the book The Stone of Heaven, the authors make a case that it was Qianlong’s mad obsession with this jade from Burma that led to China’s ultimate fall to Western influence. Qianlong squandered his treasury to send his armies to conquer Burma in order to access the jade that was found there. The army, ill prepared for the jungle, was devastated by malaria and the primitive tribes, who jealously guarded the secret of the jade mines.
The Stone of Heaven tells of the jade mining industry in Burma today, which has devastated the lives of thousands of people. Jade’s history has gone from the sublime, when its name was used by ancient mystical traditions such as the Jade Purity School, to the miserable, where the government of Myanmar brutalizes its people in order to mine the stone for profit.
Common Locations
Myanmar, Kazakhstan, Russia, Tibet, China, Japan, Guatemala, United States (California)
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BLACK/GRAYISH JADE |
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(See color insert plate 12) |
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Taste |
Sweet |
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Nature |
Neutral |
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Affinities |
KI |
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Hardness |
6.5–7 |
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Crystal structure |
Monoclinic |
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Stone group |
Chain silicate |
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Level of formation |
Metamorphic/Ying |
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Color/Appearance/Light
Black, light to dark gray. Some black jade is actually green when light is shone through it.
The black color associates with the Kidneys. The virtue of the Kidneys is having the faith and trust that everything we encounter in life is as it should be, and that we have the resources necessary to manage our challenges.
Chemical Composition
Sodium aluminum silicate (NaAlSi2O6)
It can contain impurities of iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, titanium, manganese, and others.
Key Characteristics
Black jade represents the virtue of clarity, Qing. The color black allows for all possibilities. Out of the darkness comes the light.
Qing also implies faith and trust. In spite of the darkness, we have the trust that there is deeper meaning to our life experiences.
Directionality/Energetic Mechanism/Channel System
It enhances the concept of Water and consolidation of energy into the self to cultivate wisdom.
Functions and Uses
Intentional use. Indicated for:
– reconciling with traumas that seem unsolvable in this lifetime; working with black jade grants clarity of vision to see that there is hope
Strengthens the Kidneys to anchor Lung Qi. Indicated for:
– asthma, shortness of breath
– high blood pressure
– chest distress
Methods of Application
Topical Application
Use black or grayish jade as described in “A Protocol for Transformation,” to cultivate clarity and faith.
Internal Application
Drink the elixir or prepare a decoction to address functions and uses, most especially to cultivate the virtue of wisdom and clarity.
Intentional Application
Wear as jewelry or an amulet to protect against negativity.
When worn as jewelry, jade interacts with the Qi quickly. It is common for the color of the stone to change as it absorbs perversity. When the color intensifies or darkens, it is absorbing toxins from the Blood. When it becomes paler, it is absorbing toxins from the Qi. As one wears the stone, it purifies the body and promotes the understanding of one of the virtues, according to the color.
Place a specimen or sculpture in the north corner of the home to cultivate the palace of wisdom.
Place in the west corner of the home to protect the home against Perverse Qi while traveling.
Cautions and Contraindications
Jade must be cleansed very thoroughly, especially when first obtained, because it easily absorbs pathology.
Jade is contraindicated with substances that stimulate Kidney Yang, such as epimedium or deer antler. Do not take steroids when using jade.
There are differences of opinion, but the majority of classical sources recommend that it should not be combined with anything containing cinnabar.
Cleansing and Charging
Soak overnight in ocean water or in mineral water with sea salt. Let it dry in the sun.
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GREEN JADE |
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(See color insert plate 12) |
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Taste |
Sweet |
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Nature |
Neutral |
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Affinities |
LR/HT |
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Hardness |
6.5–7 |
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Crystal structure |
Monoclinic |
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Stone group |
Chain silicate |
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Level of formation |
Metamorphic/Ying |
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Color/Appearance/Light
Varied shades of green, from pale olive green to bright emerald green. The emerald green is called imperial green and is much sought after. Stones are rarely uniform in color; they often have pale green or white streaks. Various treatments are used to produce uniformity of color, which is a highly prized characteristic.
Chemical Composition
Sodium aluminum silicate (NaAlSi2O6)
The color is usually caused by chromium. It can also contain impurities of iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, titanium, manganese, and others.
Key Characteristics
Green jade represents the virtue of righteousness, Yi, which means living with integrity and consistency, having no pretense. Green jade is also associated with benevolence and compassion.
It is the color related to physical healing.
The most prized green jade is called imperial jade. It is uniform in its emerald green color, which demonstrates its “rightness.”
Directionality/Energetic Mechanism/Channel System
It enhances the concept of Wood and growth, giving it relationship to Yin Wei Mai. It helps in moving through the cycles of change: adolescence, adulthood, marriage, divorce, parenthood.
Functions and Uses
Represents the virtue of righteousness, Yi, associated with the Heart.
Nourishes Blood; regenerative to the Sinews. Indicated for:
– neurological conditions: multiple sclerosis, polio, spinal injuries
– dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, menstrual stagnation, premenstrual syndrome
Intentional use. Indicated for:
– health palace
Methods of Application
Topical Application
Use green jade as described in “A Protocol for Transformation,” to cultivate righteousness and integrity.
Internal Application
Drink the elixir or a decoction to address functions and uses, most especially if you feel as though you are living in two worlds, where the integrity of self is not being expressed externally.
Intentional Application
Green jade is prized by the elderly and makes an excellent gift.
Wear as jewelry or place a specimen or sculpture in the east corner of the home to support the cultivation of righteousness—that is, that one’s expression in the world is a true reflection of the self.
Place in the east corner of the home to support the health palace.
Place in the west corner of the home to protect the home against Perverse Qi while traveling.
Cautions and Contraindications
Jade must be cleansed very thoroughly because it easily absorbs pathology.
Many stones are treated to appear to be green jade, including aventurine, amazonite, and serpentine. Good jade is very expensive, especially the imperial green variety. If it’s not expensive, it’s probably not jade.
Jade is contraindicated with substances that stimulate Kidney Yang, such as epimedium or deer antler. Do not take steroids when using jade.
There are differences of opinion, but the majority of classical sources recommend that it should not be combined with anything containing cinnabar.
Compare/Contrast/Differentiate
Jadeite, labradorite, and sugilite all affect the Blood. Jadeite is stronger in this effect.
Cleansing and Charging
Soak overnight in ocean water or in mineral water with sea salt. Let it dry in the sun. Cleanse very thoroughly when it is first obtained.
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LAVENDER JADE |
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Taste |
Sweet |
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Nature |
Neutral |
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Affinities |
HT/SP/KI |
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Hardness |
6.5–7 |
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Crystal structure |
Monoclinic |
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Stone group |
Chain silicate |
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Level of formation |
Metamorphic/Ying |
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Color/Appearance/Light
Pale lavender, usually with some variation in shades of color. It is often heat treated to make the color more intense and uniform.
Chemical Composition
Sodium aluminum silicate (NaAlSi2O6)
It can contain impurities of iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, titanium, manganese, and others.
Key Characteristics
Lavender jade represents the virtue of spreading truth into the world, based on the flowering of one’s own knowledge and wisdom. From a Buddhist point of view, it represents the Bodhisattva vow of helping others realize enlightenment.
Directionality/Energetic Mechanism/Channel System
It enhances the concept of Fire spreading its energy and cultivating the truth of one’s own Heart.
Functions and Uses
Calms the Shen; facilitates meditation.
Clears Heat in the Blood. Indicated for:
– fevers
Intentional use. Indicated for:
– helping cultivate the discipline to continually question one’s beliefs and to consistently and reliably speak with knowledge and wisdom
– imparting dreams that guide us into our future
Methods of Application
Topical Application
Use lavender jade as described in “A Protocol for Transformation,”to cultivate the virtue of spreading truth and knowledge into the world.
Internal Application
Drink the elixir or a decoction to address functions and uses, most especially if you are cultivating the commitment to refining knowledge and wisdom.
Intentional Application
Wear as jewelry or place a specimen or sculpture in the south corner of the home to cultivate the virtue of continually challenging our beliefs and attitudes and spreading wisdom into the world.
Place in the west corner of the home to protect the home against Perverse Qi while traveling.
Place in the south corner of the home to help newlyweds maintain both their individuality and equality.
Cautions and Contraindications
Jade must be cleansed very thoroughly because it easily absorbs pathology.
Jade is contraindicated with substances that stimulate Kidney Yang, such as epimedium or deer antler. Do not take steroids when using jade.
There are differences of opinion, but the majority of classical sources recommend that it should not be combined with anything containing cinnabar.
Combinations
Combine lavender jade with ruby to support the commitment needed to complete a long-range project; it is especially helpful for a person who has difficulty maintaining the energy and dedication needed to realize a long-term goal.
Cleansing and Charging
Soak overnight in ocean water or in mineral water with sea salt. Let it dry in the sun.
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WHITE JADE |
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(See color insert plate 12) |
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Taste |
Sweet |
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Nature |
Neutral |
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Affinities |
LU |
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Hardness |
6.5–7 |
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Crystal structure |
Monoclinic |
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Stone group |
Chain silicate |
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Level of formation |
Metamorphic/Ying |
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Color/Appearance/Light
The white color is described as the color of pig lard.
Chemical Composition
Sodium aluminum silicate (NaAlSi2O6)
It can contain impurities of iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, titanium, manganese, and others.
Key Characteristics
White jade represents the quality of benevolence, ren. From a Confucian point of view, benevolence implies the cultivation of an orderly family and society, based in the recognition of and respect for each individual’s proper role.
White jade helps in our relationships with others, especially the family. It also supports devotion and purity.
Directionality/Energetic Mechanism/Channel System
White jade emphasizes the energy of Metal, with its order and sense of justice.
Functions and Uses
Nourishes and moistens Yin; nourishes Jing. Indicated for:
– low sperm count
– premature aging
– thirst
Intentional use. Indicated for:
– cultivating the quality of benevolence, ren.
Methods of Application
Use any method to cultivate healthy boundaries with others, especially the family.
Topical Application
Use white jade as described in “A Protocol for Transformation,” to cultivate the virtue of devotion and purity.
Internal Application
Drink the elixir to address functions and uses.
Prepare a decoction of white jade by placing a stone in 2 cups of water; bring to a boil and reduce to 1 cup. Drink to:
· nourish the Jing.
· resolve family upheavals—even if only one person changes deeply and profoundly, everyone who is close to her in relationship will also be required to change.
· support the cultivation of devotion and purity.
Intentional Application
Holding a piece of white jade in the mouth moistens the mouth and confers the sense that one’s speech can benefit others.
Place in the west corner of the home to protect the home against Perverse Qi while traveling.
Place in the south corner of the home to help newlyweds maintain both their individuality and equality.
Cautions and Contraindications
Jade must be cleansed very thoroughly because it easily absorbs pathology.
Jade is contraindicated with substances that stimulate Kidney Yang, such as epimedium or deer antler. Do not take steroids when using jade.
There are differences of opinion, but the majority of classical sources recommend that it should not be combined with anything containing cinnabar.
Cleansing and Charging
Soak overnight in ocean water or in mineral water with sea salt. Let it dry in the sun.
Stone History
White jade was the most highly regarded and collected by scholars. It was often carved into ornaments to be worn at the waist.
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YELLOW JADE |
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(See color insert plate 12) |
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Taste |
Sweet |
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Nature |
Neutral |
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Affinities |
SP/HT/KI |
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Hardness |
6.5–7 |
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Crystal structure |
Monoclinic |
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Stone group |
Chain silicate |
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Level of formation |
Metamorphic/Ying |
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Color/Appearance/Light
Brownish yellow. Those stones with a tinge of red are considered the best.
Chemical Composition
Sodium aluminum silicate (NaAlSi2O6)
It can contain impurities of iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, titanium, manganese, and others.
Key Characteristics
Yellow jade represents the virtue of loyalty, zheng.
The Chinese character for zheng tells us that this virtue is less about benefiting society and more about knowing and being loyal to one’s own heart. The relative hardness of the stone means its truth cannot be swayed by external forces. It will stay true to its own heart.
It is also associated with having respect for the “order of things,” the rites and rituals that grant value to human life.
Directionality/Energetic Mechanism/Channel System
Enhances the energy of Earth. Being comfortable in our “home” allows us the freedom to do things the way we want to do them. We learn to be loyal to our own self.
Functions and Uses
Tonifies Spleen Qi; clears Stomach Fire and drains Dampness. Indicated for:
– people with eating disorders resulting from conflict between society’s expectations and what they want for themselves
– digestive disorders
Intentional use. Indicated for:
– cultivating the virtue of loyalty, zheng
Methods of Application
Topical Application
Use yellow jade as described in “A Protocol for Transformation,” to cultivate the virtue of loyalty to the self and the value of the rituals that give order to life.
Internal Application
Drink the elixir or a decoction to address functions and uses, most especially to cultivate loyalty to one’s own heart.
Intentional Application
Wear as a bracelet, especially for transitions in life, such as graduation. Helps cultivate being true to one’s own self even while accepting the new responsibilities of life.
Place in the west corner of the home to protect the home against Perverse Qi while traveling.
Place in the south corner of the home to help newlyweds maintain both their individuality and equality.
Cautions and Contraindications
Jade must be cleansed very thoroughly because it easily absorbs pathology.
Jade is contraindicated with substances that stimulate Kidney Yang, such as epimedium or deer antler. Do not take steroids when using jade.
There are differences of opinion, but the majority of classical sources recommend that it should not be combined with anything containing cinnabar.
Cleansing and Charging
Soak overnight in ocean water or in mineral water with sea salt. Let it dry in the sun.
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• Nephrite Jade • |
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(See color insert plate 13) |
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Taste |
Sweet |
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Nature |
Neutral |
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Affinities |
LR/GB |
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Hardness |
6–6.5 |
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Crystal structure |
Monoclinic |
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Stone group |
Chain silicate |
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Level of formation |
Metamorphic/Ying |
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Color/Appearance/Light
Usually dark to grayish green, but also creamy white, yellowish, or reddish
Chemical Composition
Calcium magnesium iron silicate (Ca2(MgFe)5(Si8O22) (OH)2)
The green color is caused by chromium.
Key Characteristics
Nephrite jade is extremely durable. It is regulating for Qi and Fluids.
Directionality/Energetic Mechanism/Channel System
Descending
Functions and Uses
Anchors ascending Liver Yang. Indicated for:
– curbing aggressive or hostile tendencies, including self-directed aggression
– nightmares, fright disorders
Resolves Liver invading Stomach. Indicated for:
– nausea, epigastric distension, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Rids the body of parasites; breaks up pathology that has violated the constitution. Indicated for:
– parasites
– kidney stones
Stimulates Wei Qi. Indicated for:
– allergies
– urinary tract infections
Regulates fluid metabolism.
Methods of Application
Topical Application
Hold or wear nephrite jade jewelry to address functions and uses.
Internal Application
Prepare an elixir or decoction to address functions and uses.
Intentional Application
Nephrite jade is commonly worn as a bracelet to treat parasites, whether those are digestive parasites, parasitic people, or vibrational infestations.
Cautions and Contraindications
Jade must be cleansed very thoroughly because it easily absorbs pathology.
Jade is contraindicated with substances that stimulate Kidney Yang, such as epimedium or deer antler. Do not take steroids when using jade.
There are differences of opinion, but the majority of classical sources recommend that it should not be combined with anything containing cinnabar.
Compare/Contrast/Differentiate
Nephrite jade has fewer colors than jadeite, but it is more durable.
Cleansing and Charging
Cleanse in hematite to draw pathology back to the Earth.
Stone History
The stone has been mined for millennia in China, with archaeological artifacts dating from 1000 BCE. The quality of carvings suggests a very sophisticated, ancient civilization.
Common Locations
China, Canada, United States