MARCH & ARIES
Prevents High Blood Pressure, Cleanser of Body, Aids Decision Making
The second birthstone for March is bloodstone, a dark-green jasper flecked with vivid red spots of iron oxide. This ancient stone was used by the Babylonians to make seals and amulets and was believed to have healing powers — especially for blood disorders. It is sometimes called the martyr's stone as legend tells that it was created when drops of Christ's blood stained some jasper at the foot of the cross. Generally found embedded in rocks or in riverbeds as pebbles, primary sources for this stone are India, Brazil, and Australia.
PROPERTIES
Bloodstone is an excellent blood cleanser and a powerful healer. It is an excellent grounding and protecting stone. It gives courage and teaches how to avoid dangerous situations by strategic withdrawal and flexibility. Bloodstone encourages selflessness, idealism and aids the recognition that chaos precedes transformation. It reduces irritability, aggressiveness and impatience.
It stimulates the flow of lymph and the metabolic processes, revitalizes and reenergizes when body and mind are exhausted, purifies blood, detoxifies the liver, intestines, kidneys, spleen and bladder. It reduces the formation of puss and neutralizes over acidification. It is known to be helpful in cases of leukemia as it supports the blood and removes the toxins. It is a good stone for cold weather as it invigorates and stimulates the energy in the whole body. It should be worn continually for good health. Place in a bowl of water beside the bed to ensure peaceful sleep.
Bloodstone is an excellent blood cleanser and a powerful healer. It is an excellent grounding and protecting stone. It gives courage and teaches how to avoid dangerous situations by strategic withdrawal and flexibility. Bloodstone encourages selflessness, idealism and aids the recognition that chaos precedes transformation. It reduces irritability, aggressiveness and impatience.
It stimulates the flow of lymph and the metabolic processes, revitalizes and reenergizes when body and mind are exhausted, purifies blood, detoxifies the liver, intestines, kidneys, spleen and bladder. It reduces the formation of puss and neutralizes over acidification. It is known to be helpful in cases of leukemia as it supports the blood and removes the toxins. It is a good stone for cold weather as it invigorates and stimulates the energy in the whole body. It should be worn continually for good health. Place in a bowl of water beside the bed to ensure peaceful sleep.
MYTHS & LEGENDSThe Christians attached special significance to bloodstone. A Christian legend is that when Jesus Christ was crucified, the dripping blood stained the green jasper at his feet, and this was the origin of bloodstone. Bloodstone was widely used in sculptures representing flagellation and martyrdom, and was known at one time as the Martyr's Stone.
There are also some gemological myths associated with bloodstone. In the gem trade, the term blood jasper is sometimes used to refer to bloodstone. Many apparently reputable sources describe bloodstone as a form of green jasper, or as containing red jasper. But according to the most authoritative sources, such as Schumann's Gemstones of the World, bloodstone is not a jasper at all.
Bloodstone was the original birthstone for March but has been replaced by aquamarine. However, bloodstone is still regarded as the astrological gem for Aries. You will most commonly find bloodstone cut into cabochons and beads. It is also traditionally used as a seal stone.
The largest bloodstone deposits are in India. Bloodstone is also found in Australia, Madagascar, Brazil, China and the United States. Fine specimens of bloodstone can be hard to find in the market today. Some believe the reason for the shortage is due to the fact that finely powdered bloodstone is used as both a medicine and an aphrodisiac in India.
Due to its name and appearance, many myths became associated with bloodstone. It was once thought to be able to stop hemorrhages with the merest touch, and to relieve stomach and bowel pain. It was said to strengthen blood purifying organs and improve blood circulation.
There are also some gemological myths associated with bloodstone. In the gem trade, the term blood jasper is sometimes used to refer to bloodstone. Many apparently reputable sources describe bloodstone as a form of green jasper, or as containing red jasper. But according to the most authoritative sources, such as Schumann's Gemstones of the World, bloodstone is not a jasper at all.
Bloodstone was the original birthstone for March but has been replaced by aquamarine. However, bloodstone is still regarded as the astrological gem for Aries. You will most commonly find bloodstone cut into cabochons and beads. It is also traditionally used as a seal stone.
The largest bloodstone deposits are in India. Bloodstone is also found in Australia, Madagascar, Brazil, China and the United States. Fine specimens of bloodstone can be hard to find in the market today. Some believe the reason for the shortage is due to the fact that finely powdered bloodstone is used as both a medicine and an aphrodisiac in India.
Due to its name and appearance, many myths became associated with bloodstone. It was once thought to be able to stop hemorrhages with the merest touch, and to relieve stomach and bowel pain. It was said to strengthen blood purifying organs and improve blood circulation.