GEMSTONES
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The history of gems is perhaps, as old as the history of civilization itself. From the most ancient times, human beings have been using gems both for decorative as well as for healing and other purposes. Gems are basically of three kinds:
These Gems have an unlimited store of cosmic rays of certain color, through which the vibrations of the planet associated with it can be obtained and hence the traits of that planet can be further amplified or strengthened. However, it is extremely crucial to first determine, which planets are to be strengthened in a chart. The most elementary and ridiculously simplistic principle is that a planet should be generally strengthened, if it is weak in the chart. The caution to be aware of is that we should be careful in strengthening the natural malefics, even if they are weak. If the benefics are weak, it would be safe to strengthen them. It is a folly merely to go by the Sun Sign or the Moon Sign or the Sign occupied by the Lagna. The natural as well as the functional malefics/benefics should be ascertained as described in the chapter on Yoga’s. Thus, if a natural malefic, if it is also a functional benefic, can be strengthened. Similarly, the Yoga karakas can also be strengthened. Further, the lords of 1,5,9 even though not weak, may be strengthened, so as to increase their positive energy in a Horoscope. But, if a wrong choice is made, the use of gems can be more harmful and would give extreme (and sometimes, irrelevant) adverse results, than the use of prayers. Let one thing be very clear. If a native chants mantras or recites prayers prescribed by his religion of birth, such recitation, even though not specifically called for remedial purposes, will never do any harm to the native. If the proper meaning of the prayers is brought to the mind, while reciting, the effect will be even better. But even otherwise, the mantras will never ever cause harm. On the other hand, the use of the wrong gem can have devastating and adverse effects on the native. We shall now take a cursory study of the gems. RUBY (MANEK) FOR SUN: This is a red colored gem and come in various shades of red, but the shade of a grain of pomegranate is perhaps the best. Availability: It is found in Burma, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Russia, America and Australia and also from Mysore in India. Usage: The gem should be of a minimum of two carats in size and set in a gold ring (of more than 16 carats) and worn in the ring finger’ of the active hand. It may be purchased and worn in Asho or Chaitra month, on a Sunday, in the Hora or the Sun (preferably at Sunrise), when Pushya Nakshatra prevails. The base should be round. Caution: Ruby should not be worn when a native suffers from high fevers, ulcers, bleeding, blood pressure, hypertension, excessive ambition, short temper or when the Sun happens to be the lords of du-sthanas or also when major or many planets are combust in a chart. PEARL (MOTI) FOR MOON: Pearl is a gem of the water element and is obtained from a worm by the name of Mollusk (Oyster). Out of 35,000 such worms, perhaps only 21 are useful and of these also, only hardly 3 are perfect (without any blemishes). The longevity of these creatures is 7/8 years, during which they yield pearl twice or thrice. Pearls are of white, yellow, pink, green, blue or even gray hues. Natural pearls are of course the best. But they are extremely rare and hence quite costly. Thereafter in descending order of acceptability are cultured pearls, semi-cultured pearls and then imitation pearls. Availability: Basra, Bahrain, Red Sea Area, Bay of Iran, Sri Lanka and Japan. In India, it is obtained from the South Coast, Bay of Bengal, Tuticorin, Tanavelli, Cauveri Basin and Jamnagar. Usage: A pearl should be minimum of 1.5 to 2 carats and should be purchased and worn on a Monday, in the Hora of Moon, in the month of Shravana, in Shravana Nakshatra, when the Moon is waxing (Shukla Paksha) and when the Moon is strong i.e. in Taurus, Cancer or Pisces or in a friendly Sign and not conjunct or adversely aspected by malefics. It may be worn in the little finger (Mercury) or even in the ring finger of either hand. It may be worn in a silver ring with either round or square base. Caution: Pearl should not be worn, when a native suffers from phlegm, congestion or where he is overweight, or when suffering from strong emotions, greed or sentimentality or when Moon occupies or is the lord of a du-Sthana. CORAL (PARVAL) FOR MARS: This is a red or orange colored gem, but is also available in pink, white or blackish colors. Red spots on a dark yellow base, is considered to be of extremely good quality. Its main base is lime and is water based, being obtained from the coral reefs of the oceans. Availability: It is widely available in Italy, Germany, Greece, Australia and Maldives. The largest source is in Naples. Usage: The gem should be purchased and worn in Chaitra or Asho month. On a Tuesday in the Hora of Mars, coinciding with Krittika Nakshatra. The gem may be set either in silver or gold or copper ring. The base should be triangular and may be worn either on the index or the ring finger of the active hand, when the Moon is waxing and Mars is either Swagrahi or exalted or in friendly Signs, especially of Jupiter. Caution: Coral should not be used by individuals who are prone to fevers, infection, bleeding or having excessive sexual drive or when he has uncontrollable anger, is impulsive in character, or having aggressiveness or martial disposition. In female nativities, extra care should be taken as this gem affects the menstrual function to a considerable extent. EMERALD (PANNA) FOR MERCURY: This gem fully belongs to the mineral kingdom. Its main ingredients are Silica, Aluminum and Barium. It is also known as Bery’s Stone. If it falls down, it is likely to chip off. Its color is normally green. But an emerald with parrot green color with yellow spots is considered the best. Availability: It is available bountifully in Brazil, as also in Columbia, Australia, South Africa, South Rhodesia, Russia, Pakistan, Zambia and Austria. In India it is obtained at Jaipur, Ajmer, Udaipur, Rajgarh and Bhilwara. Usage: The weight of the stone should not be less than 1.5 carats. If worn as ring, it should be preferably 3 carats in size, whereas if a pendant is used, it should be nearly 5 carats in size. It may be purchased and worn in Magh month in Ardha Nakshatra, coinciding with Wednesday, in the Hora of Mercury. It may be worn on the little finger or even on the middle finger in gold ring, when the Moon is waxing, and Mercury is either Swagrahi, exalted or in a friendly Sign. It is helpful in case of failure of memory, hysteria and when a native suffers from skin diseases, headaches, asthma, and venereal diseases and in cases of food poisoning. Caution: Emerald should not normally be worn with gems of Saturn, Mars or Sun, as it is likely to magnify their malefic influences. TOPAZ (POKHRAJ) FOR JUPITER: This is the most favorite and acceptable of all precious stones. Its colors are normally yellow, golden deep yellow, white or even gray. But a gem with transparent yellow color with golden dots is considered to he the best. It is mainly made of Florine, Aluminum and Hydroxyl and belongs to the mineral kingdom. Availability: It is available in Burma, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Iran, Brazil, Russia, Germany and Japan. In India, it is available in the area of East Himalayas, Maha Nadi and area near Narmada river. Usage: It should be purchased and be worn in the month of Mrigashisha on a Thursday in the Hora of Jupiter, in Pushya Nakshatra. It should not be less then 1.25 carat, but may be preferably of 2 carats set in a gold ring and worn on the index finger of the active hand. Yellow sapphire should be rectangular in shape with similar base, and should be worn when Moon is waxing and Jupiter is strong (Swagrahi, exalted or in a friendly Sign) and preferably in an angle from the Moon. It is recommended for domestic happiness, increase of wealth and the birth of a male child. Caution: Of all the precious stones, this is perhaps the safest and most balanced. But if Jupiter is placed in du-sthanas or is the lord of these houses, this gem should be avoided. DIAMOND (HIRA) FOR VENUS: Of all the precious stones, this perhaps is the most fascinating one. It gives the appearance of glass and is normally colorless, but is also available in yellow, pink, red or black colors. Its chemical composition is of pure carbon. If heated, it turns to carbon dioxide. It is the hardest of all stones, except perhaps Iridium. Availability: It is available in Brazil, Africa, America, Venezuela and Siberia. Almost 90% of world production is in Africa. In India it is available in Golconda, Pantnagar, Ajaynagar, Chanda, Jalabhad, etc. Usage: Diamond should be of at least 1 to 1.25 carat in size and set in pure gold or white gold. Its base should be octagonal. It may be purchased and worn in Pausa month, on Friday in the Hora of Venus, when the Moon is waxing in Rohini Nakshatra and Venus is strong, i.e. Swagrahi, exalted or in friendly Signs, and not too close to the Sun (at least 12 degrees away, preferably more). It improves health, gives vitality, wins over spouse’s love, and eases child labor during pregnancy considerably. Caution: Diamond has the tendency to increase sexuality and hence persons having this tendency in the chart, should not normally use it. If Venus occupies the du-sthana or owns them, diamond should not be used. Also, if Venus is conjunct Mars (or even Saturn) in a chart, or in a fixed Sign and placed in fifth or seventh houses, diamond should not be normally prescribed. SAPPHIRE (INDRANEEL) FOR SATURN: This also belongs to the mineral kingdom and is available from Kurundam stone. Its color is blue or violet and is based on the mixture of Aluminum and Oxygen as also Cobalt in small measure. Availability: It is obtained in Thailand, Sri Lanka, Iran and Africa. In India, it is obtained in Punjab. Usage: It should be at least 1.25 carat (perhaps 2 carats) in size and set in a gold ring. It may be purchased and worn in Rohini Nakshatra, on a Saturday, in the Hora of Saturn, in Ashadha month and should be worn in the middle finger of the active hand, when Moon is waxing, when Saturn becomes a functional benefic, preferably well aspected by Jupiter. It helps cure spinal problems, nervous breakdowns, mental worry, rheumatism, arthritis and kidney problem. Caution: Of all (he precious stones, this perhaps is the most difficult and hence should be prescribed with abundant care. It is better to give it a trial run, before taking into permanent usage. People who are selfish, possessive, cold, proud or of manipulative nature and are generally inert should refrain from using this gem
The color of this stone resembles the urine of a cow. It is made of a mixture of Aluminum, Silica and Lime and belongs to the mineral kingdom. A stone with a yellowish tinge is considered as the best. Availability: It is obtained in Sri Lanka, Mexico and around the area of Ural Mountains in Russia. Usage: It should be at least of 3 carats in size and set in gold or silver and the same directions as those given for Saturn may be followed. It is used when conception seems difficult or in cases of excessive fear from someone or in case of bites of poisonous insects, or when occupying a new house, if one faces some unknown difficulties. Caution: Dark red or opaque garnets should be avoided, as these tend to increase the negative (eclipsing) power of Rahu, when Rahu occupies Trines or Kendra’s and casts malefic aspects or is conjoined with malefics, this stone should be avoided, unless the planet owning the Sign it is placed in, is a benefic and not ruling malefic houses. CAT’S EYE (VAINDURYA/ LASANIO) FOR KETU The gem is like the eye of a cat and the backside of the stones has 1 to 3 horizontal lines. This gem is also of the mineral kingdom and is made of the mixture of Aluminum and Beryllium Availability: Sri Lanka, Peru, Brazil and the area around Ural Mountains in Russia Usage: The stone should not be less than 2.25 carats, preferably of 3 carats size. The same directions as those given for Saturn may be followed. Those who suffer from nightmares may use this stone, as also those who suffer from chronic diseases. Further, persons suffering from paralysis, skin diseases, cholera, cancer, nervous depression, small – pox and all diseases connected with the uterus, will find it useful to have this gem. Caution: Natives who suffer from bleeding, high fever, headaches, infections, ulcers should not use Cat’s Eye. If Ketu conjoins malefics, or is placed in 6, 8 or 12 houses, the native should not use this stone. GENERAL NOTE: In all cases of use of gems, it must be clearly understood that the Gem should be in continuous friction with the skin of the native at all times. As has been stressed earlier, prayers and the use of gems are not the end of remedial measures. The opportunities are innumerable. The propitiation of Deities, Yantras, Tantra, rituals, the use of colors, herbs, yoga, hydrotherapy, etc all collectively add up to remedial measures. In the recent past, dowsing and teletherapy, kirlian photography, judicious use of clairvoyance, clairaudience, medium ship, hypnotism, astral projections, etc. have also been added in this never ending range of remedial measures. Yet, when a native has reached at the so called “crossroad of life” and is face to face with the hard reality of facing the consequences of his own previous karma, a somewhat simplistic suggestion can be made, i.e., either face the consequences stoically and with all humility, or proceed on a long voyage (journey). The counsel for the letter has potent astrological force of reason. For when a person goes on a long journey, he changes his place of residence and hence, forcibly alters the entire complexion of his “Progressed Chart”. This could have a great bearing on his health and fortune, for better or for worse, depending upon the advice of the astrologer. Which Nation/city can most suits a native can be ascertained (though this is a rather complex matter). But there are several instances in the past, where a native has benefited as a result of such change of residence. It could work adversely also, as indeed it did in the case of the great astrologer Sephariel, when he visited Madras, where he encountered many problems. |