From ancient times many people have believed in the power of
gemstones. In particular the Vedic tradition of astrology in India
ascribes great power to gemstones and encourages their use as a talisman
against bad luck.
Vedic astrologers invoke the power of Hindu gods and planets to
tell the future and to help people avoid the potential ill effects of
the planets in all aspects of their lives. These astrologers believe
that certain gemstones can inhibit or promote the planetary influences,
and thus by wearing the appropriate stones, people can use the power of
the planets to achieve success and maintain good health.
The correct gem for a person at a particular time depends on the
radiant forces which emanate from each planet. These forces will affect
each person differently according to their sign of the Zodiac and the
position of planets in their horoscope. Sometimes the effect is
desirable but at other times planetary conditions may change and have a
negative effect on your life. In this case astrologers can advise which
particular gemstone you should wear to counteract the negative alignment
of the planets.
The gem for this purpose used must not only be of a particular
type, but for optimum effect the gem must also be clean and without any
defects such as cracks or flaws. In addition, most astrologers would in
insist that an astrological gem be no less than 2 carats.
Vedic astrology associates the planets with different gemstones, often known as Jyotish gems, as follows:
| Sun: | Ruby. Acceptable alternatives include Red Spinel, Rhodolite Garnet, Red Tourmaline and Almandite Garnet. |
| Moon: | Natural pearl. Acceptable alternatives include with tissue nucleated pearl, South Sea pearl and Moonstone. |
| Mars: | Red coral. Carnelian is an acceptable alternative. |
| Mercury: | Emerald. Acceptable alternatives include Green Tourmaline and Peridot. |
| Jupiter: | Yellow Sapphire. Alternatives include other yellow stones such as Topaz, Beryl or Citrine. |
| Venus: | Diamond. Less expensive alternatives include White Sapphire, Danburite, Phenakite, White Topaz and White Zircon. |
| Saturn: | Blue Sapphire. Alternatives are Tanzanite or Amethyst. |
| Rahu: | Hessonite Garnet. Alternatives are Orange Zircon or Spessartite Garnet. |
| Ketu: | Chrysoberyl or Cat's Eye. |
These last two, Rahu and Ketu, are not planets as such but rather denote
the two points of intersection of the paths of the sun and the moon as
they move across the sky. These are the points at which solar eclipses
occur. In Hindu mythology, Rahu is the head of the demon, which causes
the solar eclipse when the sun, moon and earth align in a common
zodiacal longitude. Ketu is believed to have a major impact on human
lives and the whole of creation alike. In Vedic astrology Ketu
represents both our good and bad karma, our spirituality as well as
supernatural influences.
source: www.gemselect.com
