J e w e l s o f t h e A n c i e n t s
In mythology and biblical times, from the Egyptians and the
Sumerians to the Babylonians and the Persians, gems and jewels
played roles from status symbols to amulets that warded off evil
and aided in divination. I bring you all a light dash, in
fragmented form, of these gems and jewels and their place in
glory.
Diamonds neutralize poisons. Agates invigorate. Jasper is an aid
to pregnant women and also protects against witchcraft. Sapphires
cures ulcers and emeralds restrain passion. Who, I ask you, would
want an emerald knowing this. I mean…if it Induced
passion…Amethyst promotes chastity…and when carved with the
head of Bacchus, prevents intoxication. Topaz gets rid of lunacy
and Beryl prevents belching. Now here’s a handy gem to have
around the house…dontcha think? Especially if you’re having
company.
Dragons throughout history and in many mythologies, guarded
jeweled treasures which themselves symbolized knowledge and lust
and greed. Many gems, when cut, represented the soul in a form
able to reflect divinity. Hence, perhaps, the beginnings of the
crystal ball. Jade was called, by the Chinese, the Jewel of
Heaven, and was able to cure, among other things, nephritis.
To touch lightly on Indian philosophy, the Three Jewels of
Jainism represent right belief, right knowledge, and right
conduct. And in Buddhism, jewels represent wisdom. From the great
Indian epic, Mahabharata, a magical jewel restores the life of a
warrior. Now then, can any doctor you know do that? Hmmm?
In Greek mythology, the wisdom of Hermes was engraved on an
Emerald slab. In biblical times, the ten commandments were
supposed to have been engraved on sapphire. Personally, I always
thought it was stone. The twelve gems in the High Priest’s
breastplate represent the twelve tribes and the twelve sons of
Jacob. And the twelve stones of the city of St. John’s
Apocalypse represent the twelve apostles.
The stone of Minerva is the Sardonyx. Venus is the Carnelian.
Mars is the Amethyst and Neptune is the Sapphire. And the Holy
Grail is said to have once been an enormous Ruby or Emerald
before falling to earth and becoming the chalice used at the Last
Supper.
And that pretty much covers some few little odds and ends I had
available which I knew would be just invaluable to you collectors
of odds and ends.
And there ya have it.
That’s it for this week folks.
Catch you all next week.
Take care,
Benjamin Mark
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