February Birthstone: Jasper

The gem jasper is mentioned as a birthstone for february. Since ancient times, jaspers are revered for their healing powers, easing physical and emotional trauma. They are very popular as chakra stones, and besides that, they are beautiful gems, that come in lots of colours and patterns. In antiquity, green jasper was the best known, and as such, it’s even mentioned in the bible. Red jasper originated from the blood of the earth goddess, and was therefore linked to fertility. It should ease the pain of childbirth, if tied to a woman’s thigh. The viper jasper, with its snake like pattern, was believed to protect from snake- and spider bites. In Greek, the stones are called “iaspis”, which brings to mind Iaso, daughter of medicine god Aspklepios and goddess of remedy. Together with her sisters, she would oversea a patient’s healing process. A job that wasn’t the most romantic one, according to a quote from a popular theatre play: “And Iaso blushed when the patient passed gas…” She would have treated his flatulency with jasper, for sure.