The pearl was thought to be the result of lightning penetrating the oyster, hence it was regarded as the union of fire and water, both fecundating forces, and so denotes birth and rebirth; fertility. It also symbolizes innocence, purity, virginity, perfection, humility and a retiring nature. The 'flaming pearl' (the union of fire and water) is the 'pearl of perfection' of the East. It is the Third Eye of Siva and Buddha, and is the crystallization of light; transcendent wisdom; spiritual enlightenment; spiritual consciousness.

Taoist: 'The pearl of effulgence', the 'pearl of poetentiality' and the 'night-shining pearl' are the yin powers of the waters and the lunar control of the waters with all their potentialities. The 'flaming pearl' symbolizes man's search for reality; spiritual unfolding; the experience of Light.