Posted on January 6th, 2023

Azabache or jet is a type of fossilized wood that has a long history of use in Africa, Cuba, and Latin America for its magical and spiritual properties. In these regions, jet has been prized for their ability to protect against the evil eye and bring good luck. The black beads in orisha elekes, ides, mazos, and more should really be made of the material jet, when possible. Glass black beads are usually used in jet’s place in orisha beadwork because of its fragility and scarcity. Nowadays, jet is saved for small protective amulets or talismans known as resguardos and are often given to newborn babies to protect them from the evil eye – Mal de Ojo. They jet is usually in the form of a closed fist or figa with the thumb between the middle and index fingers, and it is often accompanied by red coral (see a separate post about the magical properties of coral) and adorned with gold or silver.

In Africa, jet has been used for centuries as a protective talisman and has been believed to have the power to absorb and deflect negative energy. It has been worn as jewelry and has been used to decorate objects and buildings. In some African cultures, jet has been used in spiritual practices and has been believed to have the power to enhance psychic abilities and connect the wearer with the spiritual realm.

In Cuba and Latin America, jet has also been used as a protective charm and has been believed to have the power to ward off the evil eye. It has been used in the production of jewelry, rosaries, and other decorative items and has been used in spiritual practices such as meditation and divination.

In the Lucumi religion Eleggua, the orisha of destiny and communication is attributed as the owner of jet; however, many orishas incorporate jet in their beadwork and medicines to act as an amulet and protector. The orishas in which it is most commonly used are Babalú Ayé (Azojano), Inle/Erinle, Oduduwa, Oshún, and Orisha Oko.

In addition to its magical and spiritual properties, jet has a rich history and has been prized for its beauty and unique properties for centuries. It is a hard, black material with a glassy appearance that has been used in the construction of ornamental objects and in the carving of cameos.

Overall, jet is a highly valued and sought-after material in Africa, Cuba, and Latin America due to its ability to protect against the evil eye and bring good luck. It has a rich history and has been used for its beauty and unique properties for centuries. It continues to be used in a variety of decorative and spiritual applications today.

It is a form of coal that has been subjected to extreme heat and pressure over millions of years, resulting in a hard, black material with a glassy appearance.

The history of jet dates back to ancient times, with evidence of its use dating back to the Neolithic period in Europe. It was prized by the ancient Greeks and Romans for its beauty and was believed to have spiritual and magical properties. In Roman times, jet was often worn as jewelry and was believed to have the power to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck.

In more recent history, jet has been used for a variety of purposes, including in the production of jewelry, rosaries, and other decorative items. It has also been used in the construction of ornamental objects and in the carving of cameos.

In addition to its aesthetic and decorative uses, jet has been believed to have a number of magical and spiritual benefits. It has been used as a talisman to protect against negative energy and to bring good luck, and it has been believed to have the ability to absorb and release energy. It has also been used in spiritual practices, such as meditation and divination, and is believed to have the power to enhance psychic abilities and connect the wearer with the spiritual realm.

In Spain, it has been a highly valued stone and has been used to create an amulet against the evil eye, called the Higa de Azabache. It is also said to be the amulet that protects pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago, the walking pilgrimage of St. James.

Overall, jet is a beautiful and unique material that has a rich history and has been prized for its spiritual and magical properties for centuries. It continues to be used today in a variety of decorative and spiritual applications, and its unique properties make it a highly valued and sought-after material.

Original article: Jet – Azabache – A Powerful and Protective Material