About
Effective Use of Gems in Astrology
The effect of Gems is basically through the energy vibrations it creates when worn
in the body and also through its colour. It may not be irrelevant here to mention
the system of colour therapy to cure diseases and also the application of colour
concept in various other psychic healing techniques.
It has since been scientifically proved and documented the various frequencies of energy vibrations emitted by the organic Gem stones . They vary from Gems to Gems and compares well with the energy vibrations to offset the imbalance produced in the human body by the deficiency or otherwise of the vital elements which areas being called the 'Panchabootha' or the basic five elements viz. Earth, Air, Fire, Water and Ether which results in the three types of Doshas (Classification of human body chemistry in Ayurveda) viz Vaatha , Pittha , and Kafha.
Having seen the evolution of Gem therapy and its curative qualities let me explain in brief the various Gems and its uses in Astrology.
Ruby :
Ruby has been considered since time immemorial as one of the most valuable gemstones on Earth. It has wonderful colour, excellent hardness and an overwhelming brilliance.
India was considered as the birth place of Rubies. As per Indian classical astrological texts Ruby represents Sun the ruler of the solar system. It is being used to offset the weakness of the Sun in the horoscope. The problems connected with a weak Sun in the horoscope is
1) Psychological & external factors:- Lack of will power and leadership qualities. Authority and displeasure of superiors, ill will of Father and father like people, Govt. and rulers etc.
2) Physiological & Internal:-cardiac or low blood, laziness etc.
Remedy by Ruby:-
The Ruby of good quality is to be worn by the people who have weak sun in their horoscope subject close examination of the horoscope and the weight is to be minimum of three carats for normal body weight. The stone to be set in gold and to be worn in the ring finger of the right hand.
Pearl :
Pearl an organic gem, is formed when a pearl oyster covers a foreign object with beautiful layers of nacre. Though pearls were rare and costly once, often comparable in price to gold and other costly jewels today it is available in plenty thanks to pearl culture . They were rare because they were created only by chance. For curative or for remedial purpose Natural pearl is the best one .However since the natural pearl is almost not available or very costly cultured good pearl can also be used with same results. However artificial pearl is of no use in the astrology.
Use of Pearl in Astrology:-
Pearl is an effective remedy for the weak moon in the horoscope. The symptoms of a weak moon in a chart are indecisiveness , lack of courage, immorality, wavering mind ,Asthma,Bronchitis,dermatitis etc. In short all matters affecting the emotional side can be remedied by pearl. However the suggestion for wearing a pearl should be given with caution as physical ailments caused by a weak moon cannot be remedied by pearl as it may lead to worse situations in cases of Asthma, bronchitis etc. The help of a professional astrologer should be sought in such circumstances.
Red Coral:
Corals another organic Gem are produced by very small life forms that get settled in the depths of warm seas in vast colonies .
Use of Red Coral in Astrology:-
Red coral is a stone that has to be suggested with caution. While Coral can be suggested where the planet is beneficial and favourable the same cannot be used to ward off its evil effects as perceived by many.
Emerald :
Emerald is perhaps the most beautiful gem among Navarathnas. This is prince of the Navaratna’s Family has the most intense and radiant green found in any organic objects. Many a mystical story has been woven around this magnificent gem.
Vedas, the earliest known holy scriptures of the Hindus , mention about this gem and its healing properties: South America, is known for the best emeralds even today. People from time immemorial regarded this stone as a holy gemstone. Perhaps certain fine emeralds are costlier than diamonds. Some of the magnificent emeralds are to be seen in famous world museums and collections.
Use of Emerald in Astrology :
Emerald is a gem that can be success fully used in astrological remedies without much caution. The planet being sober in nature normally do not give negative results except in rare cases when it becomes a first rate functional malefic .The gem is used for academic excellence , concentration, intelligence and educational achievements.
Yellow sapphire :
Sapphires , are simply crystallized alumina and in their pure form is devoid of any colour. Sapphires are found in various colours which include pink, blue, green, yellow, orange and white. In India, yellow sapphire is known as pukhraj, (Pushpa ragam or pushya ragam) and blue sapphire is known as neelam. It has a specific gravity of 3.99, mean refractive index 1.765 and hardness of nine on the moth's scale. Occurrence Sapphires are found In India, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Russia, Thailand, Australia,U.S.A. ,U.S. , Nepal, Mexico, Zambia and Nigeria.
Use of Yellow sapphire in Astrology :
The best of all stones in the Navarathnas family that bestows the wearer all riches, wisdom, health and knowledge of the ultimate. Girls immensely benefit by this stone for finding their life partners. Physical ailments such as biliousness, chronic liver complaints and gall bladder stones etc can be successfully remedied by this stone if suggested by an expert astrologer. The stone represents Jupiter the biggest planet in the solar system.
It improves vision, gives life security, protects ones from poverty, removes and melancholy. In diseases, it cures diarrhoea, gastritis, ulcer, rheumatism, jaundice, insomnia, heart troubles, impotency, gout, arthritis ,pain in knee joints, etc. It should be worn in gold, on 1st finger of right hand on a Thursday in bright half of the lunar month.. The weight should be more than six grams.
Diamond
Physical Properties:-
Diamond is carbon in its pure form. It has a specific gravity of 3.52, mean refractive index is 2.418 and has a hardness often0 on the moth's scale.
Chemically there is no difference among diamond, coal and graphite. But the unique atomic bonding makes the difference.
Occurrence:
Diamonds are found in South Africa, Australia, Russia, Kenya, Ghana, Angola, Tanzania, Brazil and India. In India diamonds are found in Madhya Pradesh, Orissa and Andhra Pradesh.
Identification:
The For a diamond to be real, it must possess some inclusions. These inclusions are visible by naked eye or under magnification. If no inclusions, black spots or milk patches, are visible in a diamond then either it is a zirconia or piece of glass. Diamonds which do not have any inclusions under magnification are very rare and can be found with collectors only.
The most important test of a diamond is that, all light entering the front of the stone is totally reflected from the back facets which form a series of mirrors.
Use of Diamond in astrology:-
Diamonds represent Venus. Afflicted Venus creates problems regarding reproductive systems , marital life and comforts in life. A weak Venus makes life devoid of luxury and comforts. However suggestion of this stone and its uses demand thorough knowledge of astrology . Further apart from the chemical effect of the stone on human body it is observed that each stone/piece has unique quality that may bring good or bad results and as such demands trial use.
It is said that the one who wears a diamond has a luxurious life . Diamond is also supposed to enhance the name, fame and artistic quality of the person. Diamond is a hot gem. It improves financial conditions and blesses the native with comforts and peace of mind it also adds to the virility of the person especially in males. The gem is also helpful in diabetes, diseases of urinary tracks , of private parts, syphilis, skin and uterine diseases. Diamond should he worn on ring finger of right hand on a Friday in any white metal. The weight should be ¼ or ½ gram.
Blue Sapphire :
This gemstone exists in all the shades of blue skies, This splendid gemstone, however, also comes in many other colours, not only in the transparent royal or dark blue, but also in yellow, pink, orange and purple. the yellow of which was explained above.
Use of Blue Sapphire in Astrology:-
This is the one that requires utmost caution and intricate analysis before suggesting to a subject. If favourable the stone may make a man else the same will mar the personality. The malefic effect of Saturn is such If badly placed in a chart and worn It may even invite fatal accidents or misfortunes.
Besides this there are numerous semi precious and crystals being used by the people of the world as lucky charms Of which the Vedic astrology recognises only two more viz. Gomedh (hessonite) and Cats eye. These gems are suggested for the augmentation of the good effects of the nodes in the chart Viz. Rahu and Kethu (Dragons head and tail).
It has since been scientifically proved and documented the various frequencies of energy vibrations emitted by the organic Gem stones . They vary from Gems to Gems and compares well with the energy vibrations to offset the imbalance produced in the human body by the deficiency or otherwise of the vital elements which areas being called the 'Panchabootha' or the basic five elements viz. Earth, Air, Fire, Water and Ether which results in the three types of Doshas (Classification of human body chemistry in Ayurveda) viz Vaatha , Pittha , and Kafha.
Having seen the evolution of Gem therapy and its curative qualities let me explain in brief the various Gems and its uses in Astrology.
Ruby :
Ruby has been considered since time immemorial as one of the most valuable gemstones on Earth. It has wonderful colour, excellent hardness and an overwhelming brilliance.
India was considered as the birth place of Rubies. As per Indian classical astrological texts Ruby represents Sun the ruler of the solar system. It is being used to offset the weakness of the Sun in the horoscope. The problems connected with a weak Sun in the horoscope is
1) Psychological & external factors:- Lack of will power and leadership qualities. Authority and displeasure of superiors, ill will of Father and father like people, Govt. and rulers etc.
2) Physiological & Internal:-cardiac or low blood, laziness etc.
Remedy by Ruby:-
The Ruby of good quality is to be worn by the people who have weak sun in their horoscope subject close examination of the horoscope and the weight is to be minimum of three carats for normal body weight. The stone to be set in gold and to be worn in the ring finger of the right hand.
Pearl :
Pearl an organic gem, is formed when a pearl oyster covers a foreign object with beautiful layers of nacre. Though pearls were rare and costly once, often comparable in price to gold and other costly jewels today it is available in plenty thanks to pearl culture . They were rare because they were created only by chance. For curative or for remedial purpose Natural pearl is the best one .However since the natural pearl is almost not available or very costly cultured good pearl can also be used with same results. However artificial pearl is of no use in the astrology.
Use of Pearl in Astrology:-
Pearl is an effective remedy for the weak moon in the horoscope. The symptoms of a weak moon in a chart are indecisiveness , lack of courage, immorality, wavering mind ,Asthma,Bronchitis,dermatitis etc. In short all matters affecting the emotional side can be remedied by pearl. However the suggestion for wearing a pearl should be given with caution as physical ailments caused by a weak moon cannot be remedied by pearl as it may lead to worse situations in cases of Asthma, bronchitis etc. The help of a professional astrologer should be sought in such circumstances.
Red Coral:
Corals another organic Gem are produced by very small life forms that get settled in the depths of warm seas in vast colonies .
Use of Red Coral in Astrology:-
Red coral is a stone that has to be suggested with caution. While Coral can be suggested where the planet is beneficial and favourable the same cannot be used to ward off its evil effects as perceived by many.
Emerald :
Emerald is perhaps the most beautiful gem among Navarathnas. This is prince of the Navaratna’s Family has the most intense and radiant green found in any organic objects. Many a mystical story has been woven around this magnificent gem.
Vedas, the earliest known holy scriptures of the Hindus , mention about this gem and its healing properties: South America, is known for the best emeralds even today. People from time immemorial regarded this stone as a holy gemstone. Perhaps certain fine emeralds are costlier than diamonds. Some of the magnificent emeralds are to be seen in famous world museums and collections.
Use of Emerald in Astrology :
Emerald is a gem that can be success fully used in astrological remedies without much caution. The planet being sober in nature normally do not give negative results except in rare cases when it becomes a first rate functional malefic .The gem is used for academic excellence , concentration, intelligence and educational achievements.
Yellow sapphire :
Sapphires , are simply crystallized alumina and in their pure form is devoid of any colour. Sapphires are found in various colours which include pink, blue, green, yellow, orange and white. In India, yellow sapphire is known as pukhraj, (Pushpa ragam or pushya ragam) and blue sapphire is known as neelam. It has a specific gravity of 3.99, mean refractive index 1.765 and hardness of nine on the moth's scale. Occurrence Sapphires are found In India, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Russia, Thailand, Australia,U.S.A. ,U.S. , Nepal, Mexico, Zambia and Nigeria.
Use of Yellow sapphire in Astrology :
The best of all stones in the Navarathnas family that bestows the wearer all riches, wisdom, health and knowledge of the ultimate. Girls immensely benefit by this stone for finding their life partners. Physical ailments such as biliousness, chronic liver complaints and gall bladder stones etc can be successfully remedied by this stone if suggested by an expert astrologer. The stone represents Jupiter the biggest planet in the solar system.
It improves vision, gives life security, protects ones from poverty, removes and melancholy. In diseases, it cures diarrhoea, gastritis, ulcer, rheumatism, jaundice, insomnia, heart troubles, impotency, gout, arthritis ,pain in knee joints, etc. It should be worn in gold, on 1st finger of right hand on a Thursday in bright half of the lunar month.. The weight should be more than six grams.
Diamond
Physical Properties:-
Diamond is carbon in its pure form. It has a specific gravity of 3.52, mean refractive index is 2.418 and has a hardness often0 on the moth's scale.
Chemically there is no difference among diamond, coal and graphite. But the unique atomic bonding makes the difference.
Occurrence:
Diamonds are found in South Africa, Australia, Russia, Kenya, Ghana, Angola, Tanzania, Brazil and India. In India diamonds are found in Madhya Pradesh, Orissa and Andhra Pradesh.
Identification:
The For a diamond to be real, it must possess some inclusions. These inclusions are visible by naked eye or under magnification. If no inclusions, black spots or milk patches, are visible in a diamond then either it is a zirconia or piece of glass. Diamonds which do not have any inclusions under magnification are very rare and can be found with collectors only.
The most important test of a diamond is that, all light entering the front of the stone is totally reflected from the back facets which form a series of mirrors.
Use of Diamond in astrology:-
Diamonds represent Venus. Afflicted Venus creates problems regarding reproductive systems , marital life and comforts in life. A weak Venus makes life devoid of luxury and comforts. However suggestion of this stone and its uses demand thorough knowledge of astrology . Further apart from the chemical effect of the stone on human body it is observed that each stone/piece has unique quality that may bring good or bad results and as such demands trial use.
It is said that the one who wears a diamond has a luxurious life . Diamond is also supposed to enhance the name, fame and artistic quality of the person. Diamond is a hot gem. It improves financial conditions and blesses the native with comforts and peace of mind it also adds to the virility of the person especially in males. The gem is also helpful in diabetes, diseases of urinary tracks , of private parts, syphilis, skin and uterine diseases. Diamond should he worn on ring finger of right hand on a Friday in any white metal. The weight should be ¼ or ½ gram.
Blue Sapphire :
This gemstone exists in all the shades of blue skies, This splendid gemstone, however, also comes in many other colours, not only in the transparent royal or dark blue, but also in yellow, pink, orange and purple. the yellow of which was explained above.
Use of Blue Sapphire in Astrology:-
This is the one that requires utmost caution and intricate analysis before suggesting to a subject. If favourable the stone may make a man else the same will mar the personality. The malefic effect of Saturn is such If badly placed in a chart and worn It may even invite fatal accidents or misfortunes.
Besides this there are numerous semi precious and crystals being used by the people of the world as lucky charms Of which the Vedic astrology recognises only two more viz. Gomedh (hessonite) and Cats eye. These gems are suggested for the augmentation of the good effects of the nodes in the chart Viz. Rahu and Kethu (Dragons head and tail).
To have maximum effect, the gemstone chosen should be of good quality. The better
the gem’s quality, the more powerful its effect. Do not wear cracked or chipped
gems, as they can have a very detrimental effect. Thoroughly inspect gems for defects
before purchasing them.The gem’s size is also important. It is best that a precious
stone be at least four carat; five or more carats are better. The minimum size for
gems is determined by the placement of planets in your horoscope. The larger stone
should have the full effect.
It is sometimes not advised to wear gems that magnify the strength of planets already benefic to the wearer. The gem may make the planet’s effect more powerful than the wearer can bear.When choosing to wear a gemstone, it is important to consider one’s overall astrological chart and to understand the synergy between the various planets. It is best to have a qualified astrologer prescribe the gem. Sometimes more than one gem will be prescribed. Gems have more effect when worn on particullar day and in auspisious muhurta.
Astrological Remedial Measures :
Gems help to improve the effects planets have on us. To counter the malefic effects of a planet, one can also chant planetary mantras, perform sacrifices and worship, and give charity along with wearing the gem. These other activities also increase the gemstone’s effect.
In general, gemstones should be worn to strengthen weak planets as calculated by the astrological chart. It is best to strengthen benefic planets when they are weak. Care should be taken when attempting to strengthen naturally malefic planets, such as Saturn and Ketu, and gems used for this purpose should definitely be prescribed by a qualified astrologer.
Gems for Health :
Gemstones can be used to cure diseases caused by afflicted planets, according to Ayurveda. To find the most effective gems for one’s particular illness, one should be diagnosed and appropriate remedies prescribed by an Ayurvedic doctor. To make such medicines, the gems are powdered (pishti) or from the ashes (bhasma). High quality gems can also be placed in a solution of diluted alcohol and set in a dark place for between twelve hours and seven days. The gemstones are then removed and the alcohol solution used as medicine. This gem tincture can be kept in storage; it does not quickly lose its potency. The gemstone itself is also reusable. To store such medicine, place it in a box the same color as the gem used. This will protect the tincture’s potency. The usual dosage is about ten drops in half a cup of water, and then drunk. Some authorities believe that alcohol should not be used because it is not a pure substance.
Gems can also be tinctured in water, which is considered by some authorities to be a purest system. Place a gem in a glass of water in the sun for two to four hours or overnight. If overnight, the tincture should be drunk the next day; water tinctures quickly lose their potency.
Wearing Gems:
Ideally, gems should be worn on the correct finger, should be set in the correct metal, and should be the correct weight. They will have the best effect if they are also worn on the correct day and at the correct time of day. At least the installation of the gems should be performed on the correct day, and proper mantras should be chanted when they are first put on. It is best if the gem’s wearer, him or herself, chants the mantras.
It is important to clean gems before wearing them. They can be cleaned by running water over them for six to eight hours, by burying them overnight in the earth and then rinsing them with clean water in the morning, by placing them in a candle flame, or by placing them in direct sunlight. They can also be purified by being placed next to a crystal quartz.
Power of Colors:
Seven colors radiate from the body: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple and indigo. Astrological gems are used in relation to these seven colors. Gems work by absorbing particular colors. Colors can have a subtle effect on a person’s mood, situation, behavior, and destiny. Gemstones have the most condensed form of concentrated color of all elements in the world.
The colors that we wear as well as the colors we choose to paint our walls, have an effect upon us. Bright colors tend to brighten our mood, and they indicate the luxuries in and pleasures of life. Dull colors tend to make us more somber. Shades of red represent passion and energy. Light blues and light greens represent peace and calm. White represents purity, innocence, and peace. Light colors are more conducive to sound sleep; bright or dark colors can cause sleep to be restless.
Thus each gem and each planet emit particular colors and vibrations. Negative planetary vibrations can be averted, and positive planetary vibrations attracted, by wearing gems of particular colors. Gems have stronger or weaker effects depending on the color emanated and the rate of absorption. The wavelength of the red light emanating from the Sun is the same as the wavelength of the red light emanating from a ruby. Therefore, rubies can help solve afflictions arising from a weak sun in the native’s birth chart.
The planets and colors are: Sun - Golden, dark yellow, orange; Moon - White; Mars - Red; Mercury - Green; Jupiter - Yellow; Venus - Rainbow; Saturn - Black, indigo; Rahu - Red, honey; Ketu - Purple.
Relation of the Planets :
There is a gem stone that relates to each of the nine planets. These nine stones are called Navaratnas (nine gems). Five of them are categorized as Maha Ratnas, and are considered superior. These are diamond, ruby, emerald, blue sapphire, and pearl. If the better quality stones are too expensive, it is all right to wear a good quality substitute, but the higher the stone’s quality, the stronger the effect.
Installation of Gems :
1. First wash the gem in water (if possible Ganges water).
2. Then wash the gem in milk.
3. Then wash the gem again in water.
4. Then place the gem on an altar or sacred place before a picture of the deity of the planet that is related to the gem being installed. For instance, the gem should be placed before the deity of Surya or a yantra for the Sun if the planet that the gem is for is the Sun.
5. Incense should be offered.
6. The mantras for the planet should be chanted.
7. The ring should be placed on the hand.
Gem Substitutes:
There are two types of man-made substitutes, synthetics and simulants. A synthetic gem is made of exactly the same substance as the natural gem, but it is grown in a laboratory. It can sometimes be difficult to tell a natural gem from a synthetic one. Natural stones often have inclusions, which help with identification. Synthetics sometimes have lines or bubbles by which they can be identified.
Occasionally, a substitute substance or gem may be passed off as the real thing. For example, a cheaper gem may be substituted for a more expensive one—citrine quartz can be substituted for the more precious topaz. Such substitutions are fraudulent.
Simulants are not composed of exactly the same substance as real gems, but when one examines them, they appear to closely resemble the natural stone. Cubic zirconia (zirconinum oxide) highly resembles a diamond and may be sold as such. Imitation gems are often made of glass, plastic, or a combination of two (doublets) or three (triplets) substances. The parts may be imitation or real.
Navaratna Ring or Pendant :
The Navaratna ring or pendant contains all nine planetary gems. Substitute gems should not be used in such settings, and substituting for the more expensive stones should not be necessary because each gemstone used is actually quite small. All the gems should be real and flawless. The following gems are to be set in a Navaratna arrangement: diamond, emerald, ruby, pearl, coral, cat’s eye, sapphire, topaz, and hessonite.A Navaratna ring is believed to bring happiness, prosperity, honor, fame, mental peace, long life, and wealth. A Navaratna ring will enhance the good effects of any planets in their own signs or in signs of their exaltation.
This ring should be prescribed by an astrologer. The astrologer should also set the auspicious day and time at which to wear the ring. A qualified person should perform the puja (worship).
The ring can be set either in gold or silver, and the nine gems should be set in a prescribed order—which an Indian goldsmith should know.
The mantra to be chanted for this ring: “Om Surya namaha, Chandraye namaha, Budhaye namaha, Brihaspataye namaha, Mangala namaha, Shukraye namaha, Shaniaye namaha, Rahuaye namaha, Ketuaye namaha, Nava grahaye namaha.” This mantra should be chanted one thousand times a day for fifty days.
Prescribing a Gems:
Using gemstones as astrological remedies is a complicated science, and it is best to consult a qualified astrologer before making any decisions in this regard. Wearing an incorrect gem can be severely detrimental to one’s health and happiness.There are those who think that if a krura-graha, cruel planet, is badly placed in the chart, one should not use its gemstone to improve its effects. This is because the gemstone may also strengthen the planet’s bad effects. It would be better, these experts say, to use another gem—one that would strengthen the positive planets in the chart and therefore improve one’s situation overall.
Other experts say that wearing gemstones filters out the negative rays of the afflicting planets and allows only their positive aspects to work on the wearer. Whatever one’s point of view, it is certainly not a good idea to wear a gem to strengthen an afflicted planet without having that gem prescribed by a qualified astrologer. In prescribing gems, the birth chart must be drawn to see how the various planets are positioned in the rasis (zodiacal signs) and bhavas (houses). An astrologer would then look at the position of the planets in the signs and houses, whether they are in friendly signs, are exalted, are well- aspected, or are in mulatrikona. All these things give positive effects and strengthen a chart. Besides checking the birth house chart, a navamsa chart is often also drawn and examined in Sidereal astrology.
Things astrologers may check to prescribe a gem stone:
1. The lagna (rising) sign, and placement of their lord.
2. The mahadasha or major planetary period. Sometimes gems will be prescribed to help during a particular mahadasha, and then removed after that planetary period has passed.
3. The Moon’s position in the chart.
4. The overall chart is assessed: which planets are exalted, sign ownership, aspects, and other positions.
It is sometimes not advised to wear gems that magnify the strength of planets already benefic to the wearer. The gem may make the planet’s effect more powerful than the wearer can bear.When choosing to wear a gemstone, it is important to consider one’s overall astrological chart and to understand the synergy between the various planets. It is best to have a qualified astrologer prescribe the gem. Sometimes more than one gem will be prescribed. Gems have more effect when worn on particullar day and in auspisious muhurta.
Astrological Remedial Measures :
Gems help to improve the effects planets have on us. To counter the malefic effects of a planet, one can also chant planetary mantras, perform sacrifices and worship, and give charity along with wearing the gem. These other activities also increase the gemstone’s effect.
In general, gemstones should be worn to strengthen weak planets as calculated by the astrological chart. It is best to strengthen benefic planets when they are weak. Care should be taken when attempting to strengthen naturally malefic planets, such as Saturn and Ketu, and gems used for this purpose should definitely be prescribed by a qualified astrologer.
Gems for Health :
Gemstones can be used to cure diseases caused by afflicted planets, according to Ayurveda. To find the most effective gems for one’s particular illness, one should be diagnosed and appropriate remedies prescribed by an Ayurvedic doctor. To make such medicines, the gems are powdered (pishti) or from the ashes (bhasma). High quality gems can also be placed in a solution of diluted alcohol and set in a dark place for between twelve hours and seven days. The gemstones are then removed and the alcohol solution used as medicine. This gem tincture can be kept in storage; it does not quickly lose its potency. The gemstone itself is also reusable. To store such medicine, place it in a box the same color as the gem used. This will protect the tincture’s potency. The usual dosage is about ten drops in half a cup of water, and then drunk. Some authorities believe that alcohol should not be used because it is not a pure substance.
Gems can also be tinctured in water, which is considered by some authorities to be a purest system. Place a gem in a glass of water in the sun for two to four hours or overnight. If overnight, the tincture should be drunk the next day; water tinctures quickly lose their potency.
Wearing Gems:
Ideally, gems should be worn on the correct finger, should be set in the correct metal, and should be the correct weight. They will have the best effect if they are also worn on the correct day and at the correct time of day. At least the installation of the gems should be performed on the correct day, and proper mantras should be chanted when they are first put on. It is best if the gem’s wearer, him or herself, chants the mantras.
It is important to clean gems before wearing them. They can be cleaned by running water over them for six to eight hours, by burying them overnight in the earth and then rinsing them with clean water in the morning, by placing them in a candle flame, or by placing them in direct sunlight. They can also be purified by being placed next to a crystal quartz.
Power of Colors:
Seven colors radiate from the body: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple and indigo. Astrological gems are used in relation to these seven colors. Gems work by absorbing particular colors. Colors can have a subtle effect on a person’s mood, situation, behavior, and destiny. Gemstones have the most condensed form of concentrated color of all elements in the world.
The colors that we wear as well as the colors we choose to paint our walls, have an effect upon us. Bright colors tend to brighten our mood, and they indicate the luxuries in and pleasures of life. Dull colors tend to make us more somber. Shades of red represent passion and energy. Light blues and light greens represent peace and calm. White represents purity, innocence, and peace. Light colors are more conducive to sound sleep; bright or dark colors can cause sleep to be restless.
Thus each gem and each planet emit particular colors and vibrations. Negative planetary vibrations can be averted, and positive planetary vibrations attracted, by wearing gems of particular colors. Gems have stronger or weaker effects depending on the color emanated and the rate of absorption. The wavelength of the red light emanating from the Sun is the same as the wavelength of the red light emanating from a ruby. Therefore, rubies can help solve afflictions arising from a weak sun in the native’s birth chart.
The planets and colors are: Sun - Golden, dark yellow, orange; Moon - White; Mars - Red; Mercury - Green; Jupiter - Yellow; Venus - Rainbow; Saturn - Black, indigo; Rahu - Red, honey; Ketu - Purple.
Relation of the Planets :
There is a gem stone that relates to each of the nine planets. These nine stones are called Navaratnas (nine gems). Five of them are categorized as Maha Ratnas, and are considered superior. These are diamond, ruby, emerald, blue sapphire, and pearl. If the better quality stones are too expensive, it is all right to wear a good quality substitute, but the higher the stone’s quality, the stronger the effect.
Installation of Gems :
1. First wash the gem in water (if possible Ganges water).
2. Then wash the gem in milk.
3. Then wash the gem again in water.
4. Then place the gem on an altar or sacred place before a picture of the deity of the planet that is related to the gem being installed. For instance, the gem should be placed before the deity of Surya or a yantra for the Sun if the planet that the gem is for is the Sun.
5. Incense should be offered.
6. The mantras for the planet should be chanted.
7. The ring should be placed on the hand.
Gem Substitutes:
There are two types of man-made substitutes, synthetics and simulants. A synthetic gem is made of exactly the same substance as the natural gem, but it is grown in a laboratory. It can sometimes be difficult to tell a natural gem from a synthetic one. Natural stones often have inclusions, which help with identification. Synthetics sometimes have lines or bubbles by which they can be identified.
Occasionally, a substitute substance or gem may be passed off as the real thing. For example, a cheaper gem may be substituted for a more expensive one—citrine quartz can be substituted for the more precious topaz. Such substitutions are fraudulent.
Simulants are not composed of exactly the same substance as real gems, but when one examines them, they appear to closely resemble the natural stone. Cubic zirconia (zirconinum oxide) highly resembles a diamond and may be sold as such. Imitation gems are often made of glass, plastic, or a combination of two (doublets) or three (triplets) substances. The parts may be imitation or real.
Navaratna Ring or Pendant :
The Navaratna ring or pendant contains all nine planetary gems. Substitute gems should not be used in such settings, and substituting for the more expensive stones should not be necessary because each gemstone used is actually quite small. All the gems should be real and flawless. The following gems are to be set in a Navaratna arrangement: diamond, emerald, ruby, pearl, coral, cat’s eye, sapphire, topaz, and hessonite.A Navaratna ring is believed to bring happiness, prosperity, honor, fame, mental peace, long life, and wealth. A Navaratna ring will enhance the good effects of any planets in their own signs or in signs of their exaltation.
This ring should be prescribed by an astrologer. The astrologer should also set the auspicious day and time at which to wear the ring. A qualified person should perform the puja (worship).
The ring can be set either in gold or silver, and the nine gems should be set in a prescribed order—which an Indian goldsmith should know.
The mantra to be chanted for this ring: “Om Surya namaha, Chandraye namaha, Budhaye namaha, Brihaspataye namaha, Mangala namaha, Shukraye namaha, Shaniaye namaha, Rahuaye namaha, Ketuaye namaha, Nava grahaye namaha.” This mantra should be chanted one thousand times a day for fifty days.
Prescribing a Gems:
Using gemstones as astrological remedies is a complicated science, and it is best to consult a qualified astrologer before making any decisions in this regard. Wearing an incorrect gem can be severely detrimental to one’s health and happiness.There are those who think that if a krura-graha, cruel planet, is badly placed in the chart, one should not use its gemstone to improve its effects. This is because the gemstone may also strengthen the planet’s bad effects. It would be better, these experts say, to use another gem—one that would strengthen the positive planets in the chart and therefore improve one’s situation overall.
Other experts say that wearing gemstones filters out the negative rays of the afflicting planets and allows only their positive aspects to work on the wearer. Whatever one’s point of view, it is certainly not a good idea to wear a gem to strengthen an afflicted planet without having that gem prescribed by a qualified astrologer. In prescribing gems, the birth chart must be drawn to see how the various planets are positioned in the rasis (zodiacal signs) and bhavas (houses). An astrologer would then look at the position of the planets in the signs and houses, whether they are in friendly signs, are exalted, are well- aspected, or are in mulatrikona. All these things give positive effects and strengthen a chart. Besides checking the birth house chart, a navamsa chart is often also drawn and examined in Sidereal astrology.
Things astrologers may check to prescribe a gem stone:
1. The lagna (rising) sign, and placement of their lord.
2. The mahadasha or major planetary period. Sometimes gems will be prescribed to help during a particular mahadasha, and then removed after that planetary period has passed.
3. The Moon’s position in the chart.
4. The overall chart is assessed: which planets are exalted, sign ownership, aspects, and other positions.