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“logos” – reason or logic whereas astrology is also called as jyotish or the knowledge of
light. The” jyoti “or” light” is the root cause for all known creation in this universe. There
are certain mysterious or subtle power, derived from nature, pervades the entire
universe and the earth we inhabit that is evident to all. The various elements including
all matters are altered by the motions of this spiritual power. The acts of creation,
protection and destruction are embedded in the womb of the overall powerful time and
these variations are brought about as a consequence of this subtle power. The Sun as
the central figure predominates over the entire arrangement of the celestial system and
the other planets and stars are directed by his rays.
From time immemorial, the gems and jewels are worn by person not only as an
expression of make up, or ornamentation but also to display the wealth. The gems sport
on fingers, wrists and neck are more than mere decoration but even as a status symbol.
Gems carry mysterious powers, which can affect your physical health, wealth and
emotional well beings.
Some scriptural references such as the “ Garud Purana” and “Indra Purana” have
mentioned about the uses of the 9 primary gems and their particular planetary rays
based on their color, carat, clarity, cutting and the qualities. How these gems are
actually recommended and their specific effects are not found in any of these scriptural
references. However, Varamihira has acknowledged the supra sensitive or miraculous
entity of the gems and jewels apart from the ornamental beauty and utility as jewellary.
Any unique thing that stands out of other average equals are also called the Gems or in
Sanskrit ratna. “Gem” is a natural pearl, coral, shell, or mineral, not only valued for
beauty, perfection but it has astrological metaphysical influence on human kind. An
ancient kings and emperors used to call the best and the most talented people of their
assembly as ratnas or gems. In the metamorphic world, the three special qualities
transcend in one object to the level of a gem because of its qualities: glow, durability
and rarity. The intrinsic influence of the gems which is also called as the theory of
science of the rays, has always been the subjects of the astrologers so often used for
treatment of disease, fashion and assumed to be having spiritual power which gives
good luck, mental peace and happiness .
All the planets have their own individual colours, jewels, gems and signs. Whatever
impacts we get from gems are due to the capacity of vibration of the light rays of the
colours of the planets. The gems act as filter in the body of the human being. For
example the ultraviolet rays of the sun are considered very dangerous for a human life.
If a fellow puts on a piece of ruby, the ruby emits rays that prevent the ultra violet rays
entering the human body directly. As a result the human circulatory system and its
arteries and veins would function very well. This effect impacts on the sensory feelings.
The piece of ruby emits invariable rays which enter in the human body and affect his
mind, brain and thought process. In consequence, it would flourish him in his personality
and professional activities.
In the Ratna Pareekshadhhaya of Vrihatsamhita has mentioned that the kings wear
favourable gems and jewels to insures the power and prosperity. If they wore
unfavourable gems, they get bad results. That is why it is said that before putting on a
gem or a jewel, one must get adequately tested for its qualities and the defects and
certain rituals need to be done before wearing the gems depending upon the horoscope.
The creative world of the universe has three qualities such as light, motion and colour.
Every luminious body emits radiation, which travels through space in the form of waves
and pulses at a certain frequency. Gems are the manifestation of the cosmic light. Each
gem has a special colour that works as a prism to concentrate and focus light into one’s
body. The gems also have magnetic powers and some of them also have the powers to
heal. The vibrations and frequencies that the gems emit rays which influence human
beings in a very powerful way. They create strong energy fields that are absorbed by the
body.However, it has been proved that 84% of the Planetory Gemology Adviser (PGA)
and Planetory Gemologist (PG) recommend gems based on the favourable planets
system according to his horoscope, which should be take real care before choosing the
gems (Directory and Journal of Planetory Gemology Association, 2004). However,
synthetics gems are claimed (but NOT proven) to exhibit no transmission of cosmic color
when viewed through an equilateral glass prism claimed to be used to see the cosmic
color transmitted by gemstone. None of this is provable to the mundane Scientific
Community, yet it is claimed they do not exhibit any noticeable auric energy when
photographed through the use of kirlin photography (Beckman, 2001).
The purpose of using gems would depend on the characteristics, color and qualities, as
most of the important primary gems can be attributed to one of the Planets. The color
and the size of the gems also play a major role and influence the person who wears the
gems in the form of ring, bracelet or the necklace.
Every gem has the power to absorb the radiation emitted by a particular planet.
Therefore, in order to receive its benefits, the gem pertaining to the particular planet
should be worn. Wearing gemstones according to one’s horoscope is a fundamental
theory of Vedic astrology and the majority of people wear gems on their hand or around
their neck or wrist. It is appropriate to use the gem which is related to the strongest
planet of the horoscope and the person should not use the gems related to malefic
planets in the natal horoscope. This is applicable even during the Mahadasa and
Antardasa of the malefic planet.
Along with the Navaratna (nine primary gems), there are many other natural gemstones
which can be chose based on their characters. The secondary gems are less costly, and
yet they conduct same astral energy of their associated planets. They are easier to find
without flaws or treatment (Brawn, 2001).The gems should be flawless because the
ancient Vedic wisdom suggested to use only eye clean gems.
The ancient gemological philosophy has given prime importance on the colour and the
quality of gems. The colour determines the nine planets rules the gem and the quality
determines gemstone transmits the positive or negative energies of its associated
planets for example clear colourless gems such as Diamond and quartz crystal transmits
the energy and astral influence of the planet Venus, while red gem crystal such as ruby
and garnet attract the energy and influence of the Sun. Almost all gemstones are
crystals and the keys to their astral powers are colour and clarity. The person should
only wear gems which transmits the planetary energies appropriate to one’s individual
birth chart. The Western view is based on commercial considerations while the Eastern
view considered ancient theories such as puranas, Vedas and sastras.
It is advisable to wear the birthstone. The general practice now followed is to wear the
gemstone that corresponds to the lord of the first house or the ascendent, which is the
most important house of a horoscope. By which the person strengthens his image,
confidence, well-being, self-esteem, good luck and the ability to gain recognition.
However, if the lord of first house is weak, the effect of the gem related to that lord
could not be strong. The effects of gemstones are less effective. Therefore, it is very
important that it is always better to strengthen the most favourable planet or planets
based on the horoscope. This is also a decision taken at the recent voting session of the
Planetary Gemologists Association for favourable (Anukula-vad) system (PGA, 2004).
The relationship between 9 types of Gems and 9 Planets recognized as most important in
vedic astrology. Thus planetary gemology is the ancient therapy and protective measure
ensured by Vedic astrologers. The effect of gems will depend on the nature of the Planet,
its strength and placement in each individual horoscope. There are two types of planets
in every horoscope, known as favourable planets, and unfavourable planets. Gems will
act accordingly. For example, Sun (Surya) is well-placed in your horoscope then Sun’s
gem, ruby, will also act positively; but if Sun is ill-placed in your chart then the Sun’s
gem will acts negatively. Therefore, a Gemologist or astrologer are only the qualified
person to recommend Gems based on Vedic Astrology. It is advisable to follow the
favourable planet system to recommend Gems that represent the favorable planets in
the horoscope.
Regarding the quality of Gems that we often used for astrological purpose, the first
criterion is that the Gem has to be hundred percent natural. This means that the Gem
should not be imitation or synthetics. It is also advisable to select if possible a large
stone closer to 2 carats or more and also try to select a clean Gem if possible, a flawless
Gem without cracks, impurities and defects. These natural Gems are costlier and difficult
to get it. Therefore, one should substituate buying a Secondary Gem (Uparatna) which is
similar in colour to the initially recommended astrological Gem.
The Gem is best to touch the skin and one must give attention to the importance to the
quality, colour, size and the purity and it is true that Gems can enhance the strength of
planets, provided we select the correct Gem. According to the vedic astrology, however,
it is important to understand that the Gems alone can not give the necessary power
unless we perform rituals, ethical practice, believe in spirituality and by adopting good
moral values to provide peace and happiness to all human beings.
There are differences in concepts of using birth stones in western and eastern
philosophy. As western system is govern by solar calendar and eastern calendar is based
on lunar system.
1. Ruby:
(a) In Sanskrit, ruby has been called by various names such as Manikya, Padmaraag,
lohit, Shohnratna, rabiratna, shohnopal, kookbinda, sougandhik, basuratna.
It has light red or rose colour. Its colour is considered to be of high quality like that of a
Piegeon’s eyes or the seeds of pomegranate.
As it is the gem of the Sun, and the Sun is consider as the king of all planets. Ruby too is
considered the king of the navaratnas. In a ring of Navaratna, the ruby is placed in the
centre surrounded by other gems. (According to western concept, the native born in july
must wear ruby. Similarly, the Sunday born too find ruby benefic to him or her.) Ruby
ensures raj yoga or high public honour. (Refer table 4)
Substitutes of Rubies: red spinel, red garnet, and red tourmaline (rubellite)
2. Natural Pearl:
(a) In Sanskrit, pearl is known by many names such as mukta, muktaphal, shuktija,
bhouktika, shasiratna, chandraratna and shasipriya. Pearl is a pure white shinning gem.
Among the great gems, the place of pearls is the second. As the sun is the king of the
planets. Similarly, the moon is the king of the constellations. The moon is considered as
a woman, hence in many places it is also called a queen. According to Jatak Prijaat,
chapter1, sloka 21, “Vimlang muktaohalang sheetagoh” that means the gem of the Moon
is the white fresh pearl. Like the Moon, which exudes cool pleasing rays, the pearl too
ensures peace of mind and contentment.
Moon is a good and well meaning planet. So it is the gem which would never give
opposite result.
The natives born with Cancer as their sign have their choice gem pearl.
According western thoughts, the natives born in the month of June must wear pearl on
person.
According to Vrihatsamhita chapter 81, sloka 27 page 494, pearls also quell in humans
the fear of death by venom, who also win over all hardship in life, demolish their
enemies. Wearing a Gajamukta means the native is ensured of all happiness in life,
would get an heir, victory in all difficult ventures and diseaseless lifetime.
During Varahamihira’s time, pearls were found at eight places and got different names
according to the uniqueness of the regions.
Singhalak region: these pearls used to be of different shapes, smooth, white like geese
and massive.
Taamraporny: there used to be some kind of pearls in the rivers red and white in colour
and serene in look.
Parlok region: these pearls were black, white, yellow, mixed with granules and uneven.
Swourashtra region: these pearls were neither much massive nor quite small but used to
be smooth like butter and fatty.
Parshav region: these pearls were bright in look, white, heavy and of many qualities.
Heem region: these pearls were tiny, easily breakable into pieces, soft like curd, big and
the best quality.
Kauber region: In this land, the pearls were found uneven, black, white, light as well as
very bright coloured.
Pandya region: these pearls used to be found as big as margosa seeds, smaller than that
and also there used to be some very minute in size.
3. Coral:
(a) The coral has given many names such as Pravalak, Praval, Bhoumaratna, Vidrum,
Angarak mani and Sinduja. A pure coral is red or orange in colour and known by its
colour itself.
The natives born with Aries and Scorpion as their signs have their choice gem coral.
According to western philosophy, those born in the month of January get coral as their
birth stones. Coral ensures invincible success in life.
4. Diamond:
(a) The diamond has been named in sanskrit as heerak, bajra or the thunder, heer,
abhedya, sridoor, pavi, bhargavapriya. In English, the word diamond is a derivative of
the latin word ‘admas’ which actually means invincible.
The natives born in the Taurus and Libra have this gem as their principal gem for life.
If the diamonds are sized like three spots or triangular like water chestnuts or the
paddies then such diamonds would be as much auspicious. However, wearing the
inauspuicious looking diamonds might cause estrangement with friends, wealth and even
life. Whereas wearing the auspicious diamonds would ensures relief from the fear of
thunder or unexpected misfortune, poision enemies and would also increase wealth. In
contrast, the diamond piece with the look oa caret or a fly, having hairlike lines, with the
blotches of clay in the mass, stray granules of solid dust, burnt, blemished, without
lustre, and brittle type diamond would seldom ensure happy results. Similarly, the
diamond pieces spotted with water bubbles are also not auspicious.
If you wear the diamonds having defects, it will harm to friends, wealth and even death
may occur. If you wear the diamonds having above mentioned qualities, it will protect
from firearms, poisons and enemies.)
(e) Substitutes of the diamond: white (colourless) sapphire, white topaz, zircon, and
colorless quartz
5. Yellow Sapphire:
(a) Yellow Sapphire is known in Sanskrit as Pushparaag, Peetaman, Guru ratna, Guru
priya, Pusparaaj and in english, as Topaz. It is naturally bright yellow coloured, just like
the flower Amaltas.
The natives born in the Sagittarious and Pisces have this gem as their principal gem for
life. According to the western philosophy, those born in the month of November get their
birth stone as Yellow Sapphire. According to the Parijat Jataka, “ devejyasya chau
pusparaagam” that means the Yellow Sapphires are the gem of the divine guru Jupiter.
Yellow Sapphire ensures blesses with divinity.
(e) Substitutes of yellow sapphire: Golden topaz, Yellow beryl (heliodor), Citrine,
6. Blue Sapphire:
(a) In Sanskrit, the Neelam or Blue Sapphire has been named as Nelashma, Neelaratna,
Shaniratna, Shanipraya, Indraneel. In English, it is called Blue Sapphire. The colour is
clear by its very name, a smooth transparent shining stone in blue having tremendous
power to attract.
According to Jataka Paarijaata, “ Shaneyh neelang nirmalam” that means Saturn has its
favourite gem in the Blue Sapphire. Among the five great gems it has its special place to
ascend.
For natives born under the Capricorn or Aquarius signs, the Blue Sapphire works as the
gem for life, auspicious. It ensures them long life.
(e) Substitutes of blue sapphire: Tanzanite (blue zoisite), Blue spinel, Iolite, Amethyst,
7 Emerald:
(a) In Sanskrit, Emerald has been called Gaoortyat, Haridraratnag, Taakshyat, Marakat,
Souperna, and Soumya. In Bengali, it is called Paannaa. Emerald that ensures
intelligence.
Its colour is green, shinning, and transparent. It is a bright, soft and beautiful like the
fresh grasses and the lotus flowers, a very attractive and enchanting precious stone.
According to the Jataka Paarijaaata ”Marakatang soumyasya gaarutmakam”. The
Emerald is the gem that Mercury loves. It is one of the great five gems known as
pancharatna. The Mercury is considered the prince in the council of the planets, one that
ensures intelligence, presence of mind, and success in any educational and career
pursuits. For the native born under the signs of Gemini and Virgo, the emerald is known
as their gem for life. Similarly, for the natives with ascendants as Gemini and Virgo, the
gem ensures not only the long life but also fame.
8. Hessonite:
(a) In Sanskrit, the heassonite is known in many names such as Gomedak, Pingasphatik,
Tamomani, Rahuratna, Tranavar. In English, it has an other name, cinnamon stone.
Its colour is mostly redish yellow, transparent, and a shinning gem. Heassonite protects
from Rahu or Dragon’s head.
9. Cat's Eye:
Available in yellowish white, blackish tinges, sometimes with bluish and greenish mix are
also found. The colours of the Cat’s Eye are mostly grey. Its look like the eyes of a cat
and is transparent too. It has a unique catchy colour – a mix of sun and shadow that
attract human towards it.
(e) Substitutes of cat’s eye: Beryl, Apatite, Tourmaline cat’s eye, Godanta,
The gems we often use in talismans/ ornaments are more than mere decoration from
centuries. If these gems are properly used as suggested by astrologers and gemologists,
it will found to have immense effect on human kind in enhancing happiness, peace and
prosperity in life due to its cosmic effects. Although rare natural gems are not affordable
by all, similar effects can be obtained by using upratnas to some extent.
There are many theories related to use of gems, the consensus of astrologers and
gemologists have recommended gems based on the favorable planet system of each
individual birth horoscope in order to boost up the power of that particular planet. It is
imperative to consult the astrologers and gemologists before use of gems for its
therapeutic use to ascertain potential effect. It is also advisable to wear gems after
certain rituals on auspicious time and is not gem remains as a piece of ineffective stone.
Due precautions need to be taken while using gems in terms of getting holistic favorable
effect, the gems should be natural and flawless, if not it will be ineffective.
References
Beckman, H.(2001) Gemstone Substituations GIA, PG, Journal of the PGA, 2001, P4
Brown, R. S. GIA, PG, (2001) Gemstone Clarity, Journal of the PGA, 2001, P7
Journal of the Planetary Gemologists Association, 2004, Bangkok, Thailand.
Journal of the Planetary Gemologists Association, 2001, Bangkok, Thailand.
Dr. Bhojraj Dwivedi, The mystique of gems stones, Diamond pocket book Pvt Ltd, New Delhi
Garud puranas
Jataka Paarijaata,
Jatakatattva
Ratna Preekash
Varahamihira
Vrihat-samhita
Ratna Pareekshadhhyaya
Dr. Badri Raj Joshi, B.A., M.S.C. (Predictive Astrology), Ph.D., PGA, P.O. Box No. 235,
Lalitpur, Katmandu, Nepal, Tel: 0977-1-552-5747, Email: brjoshi11@yahoo.com