Planetary Gemology

Vedic Gemology Video

2012-01-22T21:01:00.001-08:00

This is our video about Vedic Gemology

The Jupiterian Law or Brihaspathi Neethi

2011-06-18T22:38:00.000-07:00

Suppose your son goes against you. Will you throw him out of the house ?

This is where Jupiterian Law or Brihaspathi Neethi or Jesusian Law comes into operation.

Love is giving and forgiving
Self is getting and forgetting !

Conquer by Love ! This is the message handed out to us by the millenial philosophers, millenial poets and millenial prophets !

Love is a Glory from Eternity's spheres
He is still the Godhead that can make all change

Love should never cease to be upon the Earth
Love is the bright link betwixt Earth and Heaven
Love is the far Transcendent's angel here
Love is man's lien on the Absolute !

Sai and Jesus say " Love your enemies, bless them that curse you and bless them that persecute you" !

Let us be arrayed from head to foot with their commandments. ' Conquer everything with Patience and Love" is their eternal message !

Byron said " Take away Love and the whole world becomes a tomb "

Jupiter is the preceptor of the celestials and represents the divine arts and sciences. The scientia intuitiva or intuive sciences are a great preparation for Eternal Liberation. Without the discriminative intellect or prajna imparted by him, no one can hope for Self Actualisation. He represents the Sreyo Marga ( the way of Being and of Bliss ) and Venus represents the Preyo Marga ( the way of Mammon and the flesh ). Both paths are followed by mankind !

Goethe echoed the same when he averred

Now lead me where some heavenly silence glasses
The purer joys around the Poet throng
Where Love and Friendship divinely fashion
The bonds that bless, the wreaths that crown his passion !

Yoga Sastra, Nyaya Sastra, Neethi Sastra, Vedanta Sastra, Jyothis Sastra and all such sciences are ruled by Jupiter or Brihaspathi. Sasanath Thrayathe ithi Sastram - meaning that Redeeming instructions are called Sastras ( like fatherly advice to a son ). Hence Jupiter or Brihaspathi is the greatest benefic, from the perspective of Self Actualisation. He represents Grace Divine, without which no Self Realisatoin is possible.

Love is a manna sent from Heaven, a spark of the Immortal Fire, sent by the Lord to elevate our low desire ! Let Almighty Love triumph on earth !

From the Center where the Heart of God is known
Let Love stream forth into the hearts of men
Let Love triumph on Earth !

Let us Love All, Serve All, Help Ever, Hate None and Hurt Never, thereby fulfilling the Jupiterian Law !

The Venusian Law ( Shukra Neethi )

2011-06-17T21:26:00.000-07:00

The Mosaic Law of Western Thought is known as Shukra Neethi ( Venusian Law ) in Indian Philosophy. The Jesusian Law corresponds to Brihaspathi Neethi, that is rising to a higher plane which returns good for evil !

Even though it is taught that lying is Sin and should be avoided, Shukra Neethi or the Venusian Law states that one can lie for virtue !

Kaliyil prana rakshakkum
Go brahmana hithathinum
Kanya Vitha rakshakkum
Poli Nindithamalledo !

In business, one cannot be trufhful all the time. There is a saying, Truth is ruinous, hence suppressio veriti, suggestio falsi ! In order to make profits, the biz man is given the licence to lie !

Milton said that Mammon was the first teacher of Man

By him first
Men also

The God and Mammon of Western Thought have their equivalents in

Brihaspathi or Jupiter - the Guru of the celestials and representer of the twelve positive sciences of the Vedas

Shukra or Venus - the Guru of the demons and representer of all modern sciences

Milton's " It is better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven " is Venusian or Shukra Neeti and is widely followed by politicians, mafia chiefs, the priesthood and the captialists !

In Mythology Indian, Venus or Sage Shukra was born to Bhrighu and Usana. He was born on the day of Freya or Venus, Friday. He was born in the constellation of Swathi. Freya is Venus in Norse Mythology and Freya's day became Friday. Shukravar is Friday and is named after Shukra. Shukra was sent to learn the Vedas from Angiras, who was partial to his son, Brihaspathi. However, Shukra learnt the Vedas from Gauthama. He later performed penance to Lord Shiva and obtained the Sanjeevani Mantra, a mantra which can resurrect the dead.

When Jupiter or Brihaspathi became the Guru of the celestials, Shukra competed and became the Guru of the demons ! He exhorted the demons to win the war against the celestials !

When King Bali was tested by Lord Vishnu in the form of the dwarf Vamana, Shukra immediately knew of the deceipt and warned King Bali. He sat in the spout of a vase, which was spotted by Lord Vishnu. Vishnu picked a straw from the ground and directed it on the spout, with the result Shukra became half blind !

Shukra corresponds to Machiavelli. Machiavelli opined that to be feared is better than to be loved. ( "Love is preserved by the link of obligation which men in their baseness break off at every opportunity for their own advantage, whereas fear preserves you with the dread of punishment which never fails " ). Machiavelli opined that men are base and ugly. ( " This has to be asserted in general for men, that they are cowardly, covetous, ungrateful, fickeminded and false and as long as you succeed, they are yours entirely"). Armed prophets had succeeded, whereas the unarmed had failed !

The Jesus and Machiavelli of Western thought, both dialectical opposites, correspond to Brihaspathi and Shukra of Indian thought !

Shukra in Sanskrit means brightness, clearness, purity. These mythological figures are planets and Vedic Symbolism was used by the Rishies. Astrologically, he represents the mundane arts and the mundane sciences, whereas Jupiter or Brihaspati represents the divine sciences and the divine arts.

The Ceylon Blue Sapphire gets good advertising

2011-04-30T22:18:00.001-07:00

Lankan gems are bonding with the world. When Kate Middleton wore a Ceylon Blue Sapphire on the royal wedding day. a glittering future was destined for the stone !

Lankan retailers are reporting an 800% increase in sales of the Ceylon Blue Sapphire. The Bue Sapphire's Ceylon's connections were publicised by Janaka Ratnayake, the Chairman of Sri Lanka Export Development Board.

"We missed the opportunity to link the gem with royalty when Diana wed Charles in 1981. We should have gone to town then, saying that the Sapphire in Diana's ring had been mined right here in Sri Lanka, but we let the event pass. When we learnt last year that Prince William had gifted Diana's ring to Kate, we were determined not to miss the bus again" says he.

Thanks for the media coverage of the royal wedding event, which had 2 billion viewers !

Jupiter in the 9th good for India !

2011-03-30T17:48:00.001-07:00

Providence ( Jupiter in the House of Fortune ) saved India yet again. Master Batsman Sachin Tendulkar got Man of the Match Award for his blistering 85, but then he had as many as six lives.

Four Paki fielders let him off, Misbah, Y Khan, Afridi and Akmal. He survived two close calls for lbw and stumping. Today was his day.

Let us see the astrological factors.

Yesterday was Dhanishta, his kshema tara or 4th star or Lucky Star. But Dhanishta, which ruled for 57 Nadis ( 23.5 hours ) or right throughout the day was not so good for India or Dhoni. For Dhoni, it was his vipat tara, or adverse star. Hence the nervousness of the Indian spectators and viewers !

For Sehwag, this was his sampat tara or favourable star. Even though he scored only 38, he hit the premier Pak bowler, Umar Gul, for five fours in one over. He hit Gul off his length !

When we analysed, we knew that some factors were adverse and we did remedial measures to overcome those adverse factors. We knew that the Transit positions of Jove and Saturn are benign and so ultimately India will triumph. ( As for me, I fasted in the afternoon, as I badly needed an Indian triumph. I indulged in prayers and meditation right throughout the day and relief came from tension at 1000 PM ).

For Pak, the transits of Jupiter and Saturn are not so benign. Jupiter in the Tenth is Dasame Darika Vadham or adverse for their Ego. Saturn in the 4th is also disconcerting and affected their batting performance in this WC. Not even one Paki batsman had scored a century and they were reckoned formidable because of their excellent bowling !

On 25th, Mars moved over to Pisces, ending some bad luck for India. After then Indian bowling became efficient and fielding improved. Indian fans were afraid that bowlers and fielders might put Sachin & Co down ! But in the QF and SF, Indian bowling and fielding rose to the occasion. The mighty Australians were restricted to 260 in QF and in SF, Pak were bowled out for 231 !

Panic not as Super Moon will not harm Earth !

2011-03-18T23:09:00.001-07:00

Now that Super Moon has already harmed ( the tsunami ), it will not harm
furthur !

Here we give the dates of the Super Moon from 1950 to 2050

November 10, 1954
November 20, 1972
January 8, 1974
February 26, 1975
December 2nd, 1990
January 19, 1992
March 8, 1993
January 10, 2005
December 12, 2008
January 30, 2010
March 19, 2011
November 14, 2016
January 2nd, 2018
January 21st, 2023
November 25, 2034
January 13, 2036

To make one revolution of the earth, the moon takes 27.3 days . Since, as the earth has motion and has moved in the heavens, it takes further two days to catch up with the earth. ( Full moon-new moon lunar cycle takes 29.5 days.

The moon's orbit around the Earth is elliptical, and its orbit is inclined at 5.14 deg to the elliptic (earth's path around the sun) with a substantial eccentricity of 5.49 percent (earth's is 1.67 per cent). The Moon at Super Full Moon will be at 217 K kms and at Apogee it is more than 300 K. A difference of more than 100 K kms. The Moon will be Full when it is near Perigee and will appear brighter. Yesterday Moon was a great sight in the heavens.

Jupiter in Pisces will see to that the Earth is not harmed. The Sun Moon
Opposition takes place in Pisces/Virgo and Jupiter is there, posited in
Pisces. Hence we dont see any devastation happening on the 19th in US and
20th in India !

Anyway the Gayathri mantra should be recited for the welfare of humanity !

Panic not as Super Moon will not harm Earth !

2011-03-18T23:05:00.000-07:00

Jove will save Earth !

2011-03-18T00:33:00.001-07:00

Should one worry about the Super Moon? NO!

The Super Full Moon occurs when Sun is in Pisces and Moon comes diametrically opposite at ( 180 degree from the Sun's longitude ) Virgo. This is the Full Moon, the Pournami of Indian Astronomy.

Now Jupiter in Pisces is the Redeeming Grace. Jupiter, the indicator of Divine Grace will save this planet from catastrophes.

Some devastation has already taken place, as the Tsunami hit Japan on the 11th. Still Japan is in a mess. Burning nuclear rectors , earthquakes and tsunamis ravaged Japan and Japan looks like a devastated area.

Jupiter is the divine planet, the wisdom planet and He will not allow this planet to be destroyed !

It will not be the end of the world, as some Doomsday theorists make out. Vedic Astrology does not support Doomsday theories. The sum total Energy in the Universe is a constant and cannot be destroyed ! So no end of the world !

One need not bother unnecessarily about this phenomenon. There were Doomsday theories that the world was going to end in 2000 ! ( There was one grand father of Pongo Twistleton in Wodehouse, who gave all his shirts and pants to a passerby, saying that the end of the world was coming at 1030 AM sharp ! ).

Super Moon, the cause of Tsunami ?

2011-03-11T19:36:00.001-08:00

JupMerSun		Ket
Mar	RASI
Ven	RASI	Moo
Rah		Sat

The Lunar Perigee ( when the Moon is closest to earth ) is called Supermoon and is believed to cause earthquakes and natural disasters.

That Moon causes tides is well known and Supermoon may affect tides.

On Mar 19, the Moon will be 221,567 miles from earth, the nearest point in 20 years.

There were Superomoons in 55,74,92 and 2005 and these years were characterised by extreme weather conditions.

Weatherman John Kettley said about the phenomenon on Mar 19th."A moon can't cause a geological event like an earthquake, but it will cause a difference to the tide. If that combines with certain weather conditions, then that could cause a few problems for coastal areas."

Astrologically, Sun will be at 334 degrees and Moon at 143 degrees.

As a remedial measure, the mantra of the Moon Om Saum Somaya Namah can be chanted. Also the Gayatri mantra, as natural calamities affect the psyche of universal humanity !

Om Bhoo Bhuvah Swah
That savithur varenyam
Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi
Dhiyo yo no prachodayath

Some astronomers, who decry Astrology, says there wont be much problem during this phenomenon of Extreme Super Moon.

We are giving the Anti Thesis ( to the Astrological Theory of Lunar Perigee) here, the opinion of Pete Wheeler of the International Centre for Radio Astronomy.

Wheeler stated, "(The Earth will experience) just a lower than usual low tide and a higher than usual high tide around the time of the event, but nothing to get excited about."

"Remember in the past, planetary alignments were going to pull the sun apart. It didn't. Astrologers draw a very long bow most times. Normal king tides are about all I would expect out of this Super Moon prediction," he added.

The Web world is in fact, influenced by the Super Moon phenomenon and this is very much evident in Google trends, a public facility of Google Inc, based on Google Search, that shows how often a particular search-term is entered relative to the total search-volume across various regions of the world, and in various languages.

Within a few day, the Earth could be headed for a big showdown. Some experts also claimed that huge storms, earthquakes, volcanoes and other natural disasters will occur on Saturday, Mar 19. On the very day, the moon will swing around Earth more closely than it has in the past 18 years.

Extreme Super Moon is the term coined by those who are well versed in the Art of the Nine Revolving Heavens ( Astrology ).

Rise in Sensex due to favourable Jove and Saturn !

2011-03-01T21:47:00.001-08:00

The Sensex rose, when the FM announced that FII investment is welcome in Mutual Funds. This will pave the way for billions coming in to the mutual funds sector.

The Sensex rose 623 points yesterday, an inordinate rise. Experts feel that more dollars will find its way into the Indian stock market.

The Budget was said to be populist, but it will not hurt Industry. It comforts the middle class man ( IT limit increased to 1.8 lk ) and Industry.

On the whole, an industry friendly budget and the initial euphoria has led to the inordinate rise of the Sensex !

The FM has done a balancing act, he has to please both Industry and the Common Man.

Ridham Desai, the MD, Morgan Stanley India, said that the move to allow global investors in mutual funds is very positive. Another positive factor is the infra spending of 27% more. He expects a positive impact of 50-60 bps on earnings. He expects the markets, Sensex and Nifty, to perk up by a furthur 20%.

"I think the budget was okay, there was nothing bad in the budget. I guess market expectations were a little bit on the lower side. So, I think there is a sigh of relief that there is nothing untoward in the budget.

I think he has done a decent balancing act. There were a lot of constituencies to serve. I think there is a bit of skepticism on the numbers, maybe the revenue side is a tad aggressive and on the subsidy side, he has been maybe a little bit too aggressive on the downside. So, maybe eventually he is going to have a tough fight on his hand to meet these numbers.

But apart from that, I think there were a few positive takeaways, which the market I don’t think has immediately paid attention to, I don’t see a lot of investors have paid attention to it. This whole thing about the Nandan Nilekani Committee is a very positive signal. The move to allow foreign individuals to invest in domestic mutual funds is positive.

I think there is a fair bit of infrastructure. If we look at the split of expenditure, he is budgeting for a 27% increase in infrastructure spending. Now, in a budget where overall spending is rising 3.5%, that is a huge skew towards a particular sector in terms of spending. Ofcourse the skeptics will come back and say but he didn’t do it last year, he had spending increased last year and he underdelivered. But the fact is that he has chosen to discriminate all his spending basket. He has picked out infrastructure for his spending, which I think is the key area where we need the spending.

So, he is doing the right things. Now, it is all down to execution. It is easy to stand up now and say, “They will not execute and be skeptical about it.” I think the other way of looking at it, which is my way of looking at it, is we will see we will wait and watch and give them the benefit of doubt right now and come back late to check whether the executions have happened or not. So, I am reasonably okay with the budget. I think it is pretty okay for the market."

"The market interest rates, to me, at various levels look like we are almost done. The only caveat here is what happens to oil. In 2008, when oil went up, we responded with the very sharp increase in rates. If oil does go up to USD 130-140 per barrel then that may have some implication on short-term rates. Otherwise, I think deposit rates we are mostly done, lending rates may go up a little bit. The RBI definitely needs to move a little bit maybe another 75-100 bps over the next nine-twelve months, but not a lot left on short rates. I think we are dealing with almost peak rates across various market interest rates."

We had said in our columns that India is running a good time, astrologically. Jupiter in the 9th and Saturn in the 3rd are both favourable. Period wise, India is running Sun Dasa/ Rahu Bhukthi. The ICTT Terminal at Vallarpadam became operational during this phase. Vibrant Gujarat mopped up 450 billion during this time. The Sensex is going up, thanks to the govt allowing global investors to invest in the mutual funds sector. Bullish news will come in during favourable times and during unfavourable times, bearish news ! The markets normally go down after budgets. But this time, due to the pragmatism of the FM, it is otherwise !

Jove in the 9th. Good news coming in !

2011-02-26T02:08:00.000-08:00

FDI in Retail has been advocated by the Economic Survey of 2011. There can be private participation in the social sector.

It is good that the farm sector has clocked in 5.4% growth. Forex reserves at $297 billion. The foodgrain production has gone up to 232 million tonnes.

With the financial planet, Jupiter, in the favourable House of Fortune, this good news has come in.

As food prices rise, there is an imperative need for immense investment in the agri sector. It is due to the good performance of the agri sector that the economy has clocked in 8.6% growth.

The survey calls for a second green revolution. As the world is undergoing a Food Crisis, the solution is to upgrade agriculture so that India becomes the granary of the world.

As far as the stock market is concerned, every correction is good.

Cricket Astrology and Mars

2011-02-23T20:19:00.001-08:00

In Cricket Astrology, Mars is the planet of Cricket and the 3,6,7 and 11 houses are very important.

The Third House signifies ability, courage, hands, energy, fitness, mental strength, intelligence. The Sixth House represents enemies, victory, action and competition. The Seventh House represents the opponent. The Eleventh House represents fame, gain, fulfillment of desire, ambitions, profits, wishes and desires.

Sagittarius represents ground playing games and the Signs which trine Sag like Leo and Aries also become significant. Aries is the natural Ascendant of the Cosmic Man or Kalapurusha and Leo, the sign of sports and games.

Mars represents the organising ability, administration, competition, determination and energy ( sathvam kujo ) . Mars is the most important planet in Cricket Astrology and you will find powerful Mars in the horoscopes of Cricketers. The power of 3,6,7 and 11 Houses also denote cricketing success.

Mars is in the 7th House in Aries, forming Ruchaka Maha Yoga, in the horoscope of Kapil Dev.

Mars is exalted in the horoscopes of Wadekar, Gavaskar and Tendulkar.

Mars is powerfully posited in Scorpio in the horoscope of the Wall ( Dravid ).

In Ganguly's horoscope, Mars aspects the 6th and 7th Houses.

Mars tenants the Ascendant in Srinath's horoscope.

Mars is powerfully posited in the 3rd in Sehwag's horoscope.

Mars aspects the 5th House, in Yuvraj's horoscope.

Mars is powerfully posited in own sign, in C K Nayudu's horoscope.

Mars is placed in the 5th, in Leo, in Bradman's horoscope.

Jupiter in Pisces augurs well for Indian Cricket

2011-02-01T22:27:00.001-08:00

JUP		KET

MARMER SUN
VEN RAH	MOO	SAT

Till May 6, Jupiter will be in Pisces, in the 9th. The World Cup, therefore, will take place when Jupiter transits the 9th. Saturn will be in the favourable third. The only negative factor is that Mars will be moving over to the 8th, on 20th March. So things are looking good for India ! There may be slices of bad luck after 20th March.

Jupiter was in the Fifth, a favourable house, in Scorpio when India won the 1983 World Cup.

Imran Khan, the former Pak skipper, was on TV yesterday contradicting Petersen's view that the WC longish schedule is negative.

On the other hand, it is positive, he feels. The greatest threat a team can face is injuries. He cited the example of the Pak defeat in the 1987 final, when their 3 major players were injured.

Now India is also smarting from injuries. Praveen Kumar is flying to England for treatment and Sreeshant may be roped in. Asked about Sreeshanth, Imran said that Sreeshant is not a bad replacement. His oustwingers are excellent.

About the Pak skipper problem, Imran said that Misbah does not have adequate experience. The World Cup will be fiercely competitive, and Misbah simply do not have the experience to handle tough situations, which may arise. Misbah did play well yesterday, scoring 93 no and winning the match for Pakistan.

Imran said India are favourites and Sri Lanka are second favourites. But he warned that Pakistan can be the dark horse. Pak may enter the semis, upsetting the theory that Sri Lanka or SA, Australia, England and India may reach the semis.

Dhoni said he will convert pressure into responsibility.

There is a theory that India in 1983 had nothing to lose, as they were written off as underdogs, and hence they performed well, as they played without pressure. They were not a star studded side, like the present one, and was a team of bits and pieces players. Bits and players players are players capable of taking one or two wickets, and can score 30/40 runs. Not people who score 200 not out !

The present Indian team is star studded, with a lot of watchwinners. Sachin is the top scorer in ODIs with 200 no against SA, we have Yuvraj who created a record in the T20s by hitting six sixes in an over ( overtaking Sobers' and Shastri's performances, which was only in county cricket ), an explosive batsman in Sehwag and a blitzkreig batsman in Y Pathan. More experienced is this team than the 1983 squad. The only enemy India will face is pressure. As Trevor Bailey used to say " It is the situation". It is pressure which will be the no 1 enemy. Look at Pathan's last innings. When India were 113/8, the game was almost over. And Yathan played without any pressure. When he scored a hundred with 8 sixes and 8 fours, then pressure crept in. There was a chance for India to win and then when pressure came, he got out, giving the match on a platter to the South Africans !

It is easy for Dhoni to say he will change pressure into responsibility. If Indian players do not perform well, they would have let the 1 billion Indians down. They are playing before a 100,000 crowd, watched avidly by miliions of cricket crazy Indians. There is tremendous pressure on all teams, but more on India. When everybody thinks that India is favourite, pressure becomes enormous. But then, India are on their home ground and home ground advantage can be benign !

India's strength lies in her spinning allrounders. Yuvraj, Pathan, Sehwag, Sachin, Raina all can bowl and they are fairly well experienced. Another factor in their favour is the position of the heavens. Jupiter in Pisces is in the 3rd in India's national horoscope. Saturn in the 3rd is a redeemer !

India is currently placed 2nd in ODIs, ICC Rankings. Retaining that spot brings in another pressure situation ! Complacency should be avoided at all costs and anything can happen in one day cricket. Most of the teams are more or less equal. Australia, England, South Africa and Sri Lanka can stage upsets at any time. They have better fast bowlers than India !. ( Allan Border is of the view that Aussies with three genuine fast bowlers will lift the Cup )

It is to be noted that this will be Sachin's last World Cup. He has created all records except one. He is not like, like Kapil Dev, a member of the WC victors ! What greater gift can be there than consecrating the WC to Sachin Tendulkar ?

NEM starts today !

2010-10-18T01:09:00.001-07:00

The Sun entered the first degree of Sidereal Libra, thus heralding the North East Monsoon or Thula Varsham, as per Astro Meteorology.

This is the Retreating Monsoon. Coming as a depression from the Bay of Bengal, it takes the moisture laden winds and then sweep down on the Himalayas and Indo Gangetic plains, and then pours over peninsular India ! Mainly caused by the heat generated by the overhead Sun on the Tropic of Capricorn. The places of the Indian Ocean becomes hot and the northern parts of India become cool. Cool winds from the Bay of Bengal cause this and the result is Thula Varsham !

Expected to rain till the end of the sidereal month of Vrischika or Scorpio, NEM is a boon to states like Tamil Nadu. Kerala gets both SWM and NEM !

A must book for Numerology Books !

2010-10-08T21:40:00.001-07:00

Numerology is the art and science of the influence of the power of numbers, which influence our lives. Numbers have vibrations and this is known to Numerology.

Over 2000 years ago, Pythagoras, the father of Geometry, believed the key to understanding the universe was hidden in this mighty science of numbers. The past, present and future can be known via this vibratory science. Creation at it subtlest level is vibration. By identifying and interpreting their hidden meaning and symbolism of Numerology, one can gain insights into the past, present, and future.

The science of Numbers have their special place in our lives as birthdates, anniversaries are all based on numbers. The whole electronic world is based on numbers. In computers, everything is held in binary form, 0 and 1, which is off and on in the electronic representation. Nobody can live without numbers !

If you study your unique set of numbers ( your lucky numbers ), you have at your fingertips the tools to identify and examine the innate and powerful forces that influence your life and the lives of those around you. Through a fresh and exciting analytic/synthetic approach to this intriguing subject, famed numerologist and author Ruth A. Drayer has written Numerology a clear, brief guide for knowing and implementing this magnificent science.

Written for the novitiate as well as for the professional, the book begins with a history of Numerology, tracing its roots to ancient Egypt and Greece, if not India. The fundamentals of this science is explained elaborately, as she discusses the importance of free will, names, and birthdays along with the relevance of odd, even, and attainment numbers. Through the use of numerology charts and easy-to-follow instructions, she guides you into constructing your personal numerological chart.

Through the observation and understanding of your own unique numbers, you have the invaluable opportunity to gain greater insight into the nature of your personality and know your positive and negative aspects, the shortcomings as well as the qualities, with the objective of gaining control of your life. Numerology provides all of the tools you will need to achieve this goal. You can use the power of Numbers to impress people, superiors and achieve luck in whatever sphere you are in.

About the Author:

A professional researcher on the subject, Ruth A. Drayer has pursued the study of the Science of Numbers for over thirty years, and has taught thousands of others her professional & intuitive method of reading numbers. She counsels clients from all over the world, through her private practice. Ms. Drayer has served as a facilitator at conferences and workshops on this subject throughout North America, as she is a highly sought-after public speaker. She is a guest-expert on numerous television and radio shows and a world traveler, artist, and mother of four, Ms. Drayer lives in southern New Mexico.

Good monsoon and the bulls are back !

2010-10-03T20:34:00.001-07:00

Atham Njattuvela is good and it is raining well in Kerala. Other parts of India also received excellent rains.

Good monsoon means that the agriculturist's income will be up. They will be investing in farm equipments, which is good for such equipment manufacturing companies. As India is an agrarian economy, a good monsoon ensures good industrial growth. The GDP growth is expected to be 8.5%.

Jupiter in Pisces is favourable for India and the Sensex moved to 20.4 K on reports of good monsoon, an expected 8.5 GDP growth and surging car sales. The Index of Industrial Production has gone up. The market capitalisation has gone upto 71,22514 crores. This is a great Value Addition as far as investors are concerned. But then the small investors have booked profits and hence they could not exploit the current bull surge.

$19 b was invested by the FIIs so far in 2010 and the cash flow has triggered the surge in both Sensex and Nifty. In Sep end they invested 43107 crores. Simultaneoulsy the Indian Financial Institutions have sold their holdings, in order to book profits. We hope that furthur momentum will be maintained. Most brokers feel that the Sensex will create new record this Deepavali, the Festival of Lights. They maintain that the record 21.4 K level of the Sensex ( on Jan 10, 2008 ) will be surpassed within one month. Adverse factors like Global Recession and rising crude prices may halt the slide. On 10, Jan 2008, the market capitalisation crossed 72 lakh crores and this wil be surpassed easily.

On Friday, Nifty closed at 6143 and the Sensex 20,445 ! SBI and Infy crossed 3000 INR. L&T crossed 2000 !.

IIP will will the highest in these 18 months. This is another bullish factor. The good monsoon comes as a boon to consumer companies.

Not only is this phase good for the secondary market, the primary market is also rising. 4000 crores were mopped up within 2 weeks.

Machiavellis say that companies will collect about 4800 crores as IPOs and the market has been manipulated. Once the IPOs are over, the market may react sharply. More info at Stock Market Astrology

Jupiter will be moving over to Aquarius and this does not augur well for India. He will be in the 8th in India's national horoscope from Nov 1 onwards. So be careful !

Can marriages be affected by Astrology !

2010-10-03T07:53:00.000-07:00

That is true. Marriages are made in Heaven. But then they are effectuated here on earth.

To effect these Heaven made marriages, human intervention is necessary. We have dating sites in the West and matrimonial sites in the East.

In the Indian tradition, Astrology is indispensable for choosing partners. First the horoscopes are analysed and all the fifteen factors summed for Compatibility.

There are Astro Matrimonial Sites which do the job. My friend, Ranjith, started Guruvayur Matrimony, a dating site. For finding partners, anybody can register FREE.

FREE service is also at Zodiac Matrimonial Data Bank. There are more than 23000 profiles on Eastrovedica. Also on Astrologia Vedica.

These sites provide great service at nominal cost and so many marriages have been effected by these bureaus.

Dane Rudhyar, the Humanistic Astrologer

2010-09-29T20:38:00.000-07:00

Did you know that the 360 degrees of the Zodiac has 360 different symbols? These Sabian symbols (a set of astrological notations representing each degree of the zodiac ) can be used for divination. Discusses origins of the symbols. Learn from the great Dane Rudhyar, a Titan in the field of Astrology.

Rudhyar integrated Jungian Psychology with Astrology and called it Harmonic Astrology. He postulated that the stars do not cause the effects ( like Dante who said planets impel and they do not compel ) and that but were pictures synchronistically aligned to human beings. Detailing psychological forces working in individuals. He did not override human freedom in responding to these forces. His magnum opus "The Astrology of Personality" was published in Lucis Publishing.

Great Book for Creating Software

2010-09-26T04:46:00.000-07:00

If you want to calculate the longitudes of planets and create an Astro Software, then the best book for you is Laplace's CelestialMechanics. You can find out the mean longitudes of the planets, calculate the perturbations, the epicycles and then calculate the Heliocentric Longitudes of planets. You can use Laplacian equations to then reduce it to the Ecliptic Coordinates and then reduce them to Geocentric Coordinates, thus computing the true longitudes of the planets. A must for Astro software developers.

Kepler's Formulae

Kepler represents Old Astronomy. If you want to creat an Astro Software, you have to solve the Kepler problem. The Kepler Equation, M = E - e Sin E, may sound easy, but it is a transcendental equation and the most difficult amongst Kepler's equations. We can find out the True Anomaly of the planet, that is the angle between the planet and perihelion. The next step is to find the Argument of Perihelion, which is the angle between the Node and perihelion.

Laplace - Advanced Astronomy

Laplace's Celestial Mechanics is one of the best books ever written. If you read this magnificent book, you can handle Astronomy and Maths easily.

An informative book !

2010-09-20T20:50:00.001-07:00

Vedic Astrology, a guide to the fundamentals of Jyothish, is a great book by Ronnie Dreyer, for those hungering for the knowledge of Jyothish. Ronnie Dreyer has made the tough subject light by explaining in simple terms the mighty science of Astrology. Dreyer is well versed in Western Astrology, despite having profound knowledge of Jyothish. She can fathom the complexities, the pitfalls and the perplexities that veteran Western astrologer encounter while they deal with Jyothish. Throughout the book, there are warnings and hints that guide astrologers in the proper path, saving them from the interpretative calamities experienced by many astro savants.

Vedic Astrology is explained in simple terms to the student, without much technical jargon. Vedic Astrology is similar to Western Astrology and differs only by 23.5 degrees, which is the difference between the Zodiacs now.

Foreword is by James Braha, another veteran Vedic Astrologer.

This book is a must for the novitiate, as it contains immense information to the students of Evolutionary Astrology.

Lunar Mansions !

2010-09-19T06:27:00.000-07:00

Astrology has 108 lunar mansions. That is 27 constellations multiplied by 4. Each asterism or Nakshatra is divided into 4 quarters. Nine such quarters tenant a Zodiacal Sign. Beta Arietis ( Aswini ) 1,2,3 and 4, 41 Arietis, 1,2,3 and 4 and the first quarter of Peiades ( Karthika ) tenant the constellation of Aries.

The quarters of Nakshatras are then the lunar mansion and the Sidereal Zodiac has 108 lunar mansions.

The book "Nakshatras, Lunar Mansions of Vedic Astrology" is a great book by Dr Dennis Harness and Dr David Frawley. It deals with the Sidereal Zodiac and contains a wealth of information about Vedic Astrology. A must for the novitiate.

Both are great scholars of Astrology and can enlighten the students about the great stellar science which is Vedic Astrology. Once the concept of Lunar Mansions is understood, the student can easily grasp the structure of the Sidereal Zodiac, upon which Vedic Astrology is based.

Rahu's Hessonite !

2007-12-26T02:57:00.000-08:00

By Richard Shaw Brown

The Legend of Rahu

OURCE: Srimad Bhagavat Maha-puranam

The legend of Rahu (the eclipse): as it appears in the encyclopedia of Vedic history, the Srimad Bhagavata Maha-puranam: Canto VIII, Chapters 5-9 (circa 3,000 BC)...

First a brief background of this ancient history.

Cast of characters:

At the beginning of creation, Lord Vishnu, the eternal Supreme Being, entered His own unmanifested material nature (Prakriti); from His navel was born the first being, Brahma (the four-faced), who is the empowered material creator; from Brahma's third eye, in anger, appeared the great Lord Shiva (destroyer of the cosmos), along with the demigods (devas) and the demons (asuras).

At this time there was a great attempt by the demigods and demons to churn the ocean of milk (primordial soup) to obtain the nectar of immortality. Lord Vishnu incarnated Himself as Kurma-avatar (the tortoise incarnation) to act as support of the churning rod, which was the cosmic Mount Mandara (center of the Universe); and the celestial serpent, Vasuki, was to be the churning rope. The demigods, being humble by nature, took hold of the tail of Vasuki, while the demons, who are always proud, took the fiery head; and thus the churning began.

During the churning process many wonderful things were produced, until finally the "amrita" or immortal nectar appeared. Immediately there was a fierce struggle and the demons forcefully took possession of the nectar. At that time, to help the demigods, Lord Vishnu, expanded Himself into Mohini-murti, the most enchanting of all beautiful goddesses. The demons, who were completely love-struck, allowed the Goddess to have the nectar, which she began to distribute amongst the demigods.

At that time, the great demon, Rahu, disguised as a demigod, entered the line of eager devas, between the Sun and Moon gods. As soon as the nectar was tasted by Rahu, he was exposed by the Sun & Moon gods, and Lord Vishnu, in His Mohini form, immediately severed Rahu's head with His Sudarshan Chakra (discus). Because Rahu had tasted the amrita his head became immortal, while his body fell away dead. Seeing this wonderful event, Lord Vishnu, then awarded Rahu the exalted post of Graha (planetary deity) as the malevolent North Node of the Moon.

Rahu still hates the Sun and Moon gods for the destruction of his body from the neck down, and he attacks the Sun and Moon out of revenge, following a schedule of eclipses, which are predicted and recorded to this day by astronomers and astrologers.

Astrological Influence: Rahu is by nature a malevolent planetary influence which can cause personal frustration, sacrileges habits, abuse of alcohol and drugs, possession of ghosts and demons, and infectious diseases.

However, when located in a powerful spot in one's horoscope, Rahu can elevate one to positions of great wealth and power and confer public influence over the masses. Rahu is associated with serpents, fear, karmic retribution, and un-virtuous characters.
Persons with Rahu exalted are wealthy and fortunate. But those who have a weak or afflicted Rahu in their horoscope have a tendency to suffer from fear of supernatural phenomena and suicidal impulses.

ULTRA-VIOLET is the cosmic color transmitted by Rahu through hessonite and other orange gems. Ultra-violet color waves are the coldest of all the cosmic rays and should only be used for ailments caused by extreme over-heating, i.e., high fever, hyper-acidity, indigestion, hyper-sexuality, insomnia, and during child birth.

Rahu astral talismans may also help divert disasters, prevent insanity, counteract poisons, and protect one from demoniac influences. Rahu is particularly associated with scientific genius and the ability to deal successfully with people of lower status, such as servants, employees, and underworld characters.

Gemstones governed by Rahu include hessonite, spessertite, zircon (hyacinth), and other natural gems of golden-orange to brownish-orange hues. Only flawless (eye-clean) stones transmit beneficial Rahu energy.

Article Source : http://www.richardshawbrown.com/mysticarticles/rahu.html

The other Pearls

2007-12-26T02:46:00.000-08:00

By Richard S. Brown, Gemologist (G.I.A.)
Besides (natural) oyster pearls there are seven other types found in conch shells, wild boar heads, elephant heads, king cobra heads, bamboo stems, clouds, and fish heads.

Pearls from elephant heads, bamboo stems, boar heads, fish mouths, and conch shells are lusterless, even though possessed of other auspicious qualities. Pearls from conch shells are usually the size of a large kona (the large end of a drum stick), and they possess a color similar to their host shell.

Fish pearls are perfectly round and symmetrical. They possess a yellowish hue like the scales of the pathenam fish which often inhabit the mouths of deep sea whales.

Boar pearls are colored like a boar's tusks and are found only in remote parts of the world. Such pearls are auspicious symbols of the Varaha boar incarnation of the Supreme Lord, Sri Vishnu.

Pearls derived from bamboo appear like hailstones in color, and they are found only within bamboo that has grown in a region populated by religious people.

Pearls from the cobra's hood are perfectly round, like fish pearls, and they radiate a natural effulgence. By repeated washing, a snake pearl becomes as lustrous as a polished sword blade. Anyone possessing such a naga-mani attains piety, rare good fortune, and eventually becomes illustrious as a leader of men, complete with a great collection of all precious gems.

Upon acquiring such a snake pearl, the owner should have the rite of installation performed by a priest who is learned in religious formalities. After hearing from the owner how the pearl was obtained and conducting the benedictory ritual, the priest should formally install the jewel inside the owner's house. On such an auspicious occasion, the sky becomes filled with dark and heavy rain clouds, thunder, and flashing lightning, such as exhibited at the time of universal dissolution. A man in possession of such a snake pearl will never be troubled by snakes, demonic beings, diseases, or disturbances in any form.

Cloud pearls, being naturally effulgent like the sun, illuminate the sky in all directions and dispel the darkness of cloudy days. Glowing brighter than the combined light of the moon, the twinkling stars, and fire, a cloud-born pearl dissipates even the darkest night exactly like the sunrise. A cloud pearl is so priceless that the entire earth, with her oceans filled with countless jewels and covered in layers of gold, would not be equal in value. Cloud pearls rarely reach this earthly world, because they are usually taken away by the demigods.

Even a low born man would become supreme ruler of the entire world if, as result of some past pious actions, he were to come into possession of such a pearl. The appearance of such a man on earth who obtained a cloud pearl during his lifetime would bring good fortune not only to himself, but to the entire human race as well. No form of evil could even touch the land within an 8,000 mile radius of his birthplace.

Summary translation of Sanskrit texts from Sri Garuda-Puranam, Chapter 69 (Circa 2,500 BC)

Article Source : http://www.richardshawbrown.com/rsb-sacred-articles.html

WHAT ARE REAL NATURAL PEARLS?

2007-12-25T21:33:00.000-08:00

by Richard S. Brown, GIA, PG

Today 99% of the people we see using pearls are actually using CULTURED- pearls. These cultured-pearls are considered to have little astrological (Moon) influence, if any, because the main body of the so-called pearl is NOT PEARL, but some pre-formed shell-ball implant. That means it is not a natural complete unit, but just a thin covering of real pearl substance (called nacre) on the surface of a pre-shaped and pre-sized non-pearl bead. A cultured-pearl contains only a small percentage of pearl, most of the body is NOT PEARL.

In ancient Oriental and European histories we know that the "Pearl" they referred to was 100% natural pearl, because cultured-pearls were not known until recently. But at the present time practically everyone (except a learned gemologist) now thinks that the hollow "cultured pearl" pearl-imitations are the real thing. This is mass ignorance, and should be addressed by all cultured persons who care about the true nature of things.

Natural pearls are 100% 'pearl' or nacre. It is thought that natural pearls form under a set of accidental conditions when a microscopic intruder or grain of sand enters an oyster (mollusk) and settles inside the shell. The oyster, being irritated by the intruder, secretes the pearl substance called nacre to cover the irritant. This process is repeated for many years, thus producing a real pearl which may (or may not) be found by man. For a natural pearl to form with a nice round or oval shape, and be free of any flaws, is actually a real-life "miracle." The odds of a perfect natural pearl are 1 in a million.

Think about your knowledge of pearls... Did you know that 'cultured' pearls (nucleated and non-nucleated or tissue nucleated cultured pearls) and imitation pearls can be distinguished from natural pearls by X-ray examination? Nucleated cultured pearls are often 'pre-formed' as they tend to follow the shape of the implanted shell bead nucleus. Once the pre-formed beads are inserted into the oyster, it secretes a few layers of nacre around the outside surface of the implant before it is removed after six months or more. When you X-ray a nucleated cultured 'so-called' pearl it will reveal a different structure to that of a natural pearl (solid center with no concentric growth rings, compared to a solid center with growth rings). Many nucleated cultured pearls used in the trade today are in fact mostly shell bead nuclei with very thin to thin nacreous coatings over them. A natural pearl however is solid nacre or 100% pearl.

Any well equipped internationally recognized gem testing laboratory such as the GIA's Gem Trade Laboratory or the new AGTA Gem Lab (under super-vision of noted pearl expert, Kenneth Scarratt) is able to separate natural pearls from their counterparts viz., cultured pearls, non-nucleated cultured pearls and imitation 'pearls'.

One should NEVER purchase a natural pearl without a bona-fide gemological X-ray certificate. Some reasons being that good quality natural pearls are real, valuable precious jewels (cultured-pearls are not), and only NATURAL real pearls, in "single divine unit" emit auspicious Moon energy (cultured pearls are near-powerless). Although a real pearl is made of "nacre" still nacre in not a pearl. There fore a thin coating of nacre is NOT considered a real pearl. Ruby is made of red corundum, yet a coating of red corundum on a brick does NOT make a ruby; cultured pearl is the same principle.
If you were to take a department store mannequin and cover the doll with a thin layer of human skin, would that make a human being? A cultured pearl is the same process (follows a similar process), i.e., taking a shell bead nucleus and inducing an oyster to cover it with nacre to 'imitate' the formation of a natural pearl. But thanks to X-ray examination we can now separate cultured pearls, non-nucleated cultured pearls or imitation pearls from their all-natural counterpart.

I hope this small article has opened the eyes of some readers for a greater appreciation of one of nature's most perfectly blessed treasures, viz., REAL PEARLS, the sacred gem for the Moon (Chandra). Also known in Sanskrit as, "mukta-phala" or the fruit of liberation and "Shasi-ratna" or Gem of the Moon, fine natural pearls will always be treasured by real collectors and connoisseurs all over the globe. As it has always been.

Pictured is an extremely rare and flawless 3.41 carat round NATURAL PEARL hand-crafted in 18 kt white & yellow gold. Lunar Astral Gemstone Talisman piece number 3972, "Infinity" design by Richard S. Brown.

Ref. ©1995 Ancient Astrological Gemstones & Talismans

Article Source : http://www.p-g-a.org/pearls.html

Vedic Gemology Gets Organized

2007-12-25T21:31:00.000-08:00

BY HRSIKESANANDA DAS

THAILAND, Feb 19 (VNN) — PLANETARY GEMOLOGISTS ASSOCIATION
99/22 Soi 7 Lang Suan Road, Lumpini, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Tel. (662) 252-1230 Fax. (662) 252-1231

E-mail: info@p-g-a.org
http://www.p-g-a.org

"The Sun manifests his brilliance in a ruby although it is a gem." Sri Brahma-Samhita : 5.49

GEM: A natural pearl, coral, shell or mineral that is valued for its durability, rarity, portability, beauty, perfection or astrological influence.

GEMOLOGY: The study of gems.

PLANETARY GEMOLOGY: Ancient Vedic science of the relationship between 9 GEMS and 9 PLANETS recognised in sidereal astrology and ayurveda.

PLANETARY GEMOLOGIST (PG): A practitioner of Planetary Gemmology; one who knows BOTH the physical and metaphysical properties of gems.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE:

The "Graha-anukul ratna-vishesh-ajna parishad" or Planetary Gemologists Association (PGA), is a necessary regulatory and research group formed to help unite all genuine Planetary Gemologists around the world.

Purpose of the Planetary Gemologists Association is threefold,...

1) To bring order and positive worldwide attention to this ancient science, Planetary Gemology, which is one of the 64 Asian arts, associated with Vedic (sidereal) astrology, Ayurveda, and elite mineralogy;

2) To establish high standards of professionalism and expertise as requirements for membership, which will serve as a guarantee of integrity and excellence to the public;

3) To maintain a forum for deliberation into the subtle mysteries of "Planetary Gemology" and to present these findings and conclusions by publishing an annual Journal named the "Journal of the Planetary Gemologists Association."

For information about joining or supporting the Planetary Gemologists Association please contact: PGA's ACTING SECRETARY, Richard S. Brown, GIA, PG mailto:rsb@p-g-a.org

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Venus' Diamond - for Ascs Capricorn, Aquarius & Pisces

2007-12-20T05:47:00.000-08:00

Venus rules Poetics, Music and pleasures of the mundane. He is the Guru of the demons in Indian Mythology, in direct contrast to Jupiter, who is the Guru of the celestials. Venus, as the Asura Guru, rules over business, politics and in all areas where crookedness is involved. He is also the aesthetic planet. He also represent arts and sciences of the relative.

For Capricorn Ascendants, Diamond is generally recommended. Venus is a functional benefic as he owns the 5th and 10th houses. Saturn, the ruler of Aquarius and Capricorn, is a friend of Venus.

For Aquarius Ascs, wearing a Diamond will bring boons. Saturn is friendly to Venus and Saturn happens to be the lord of Aquarius. Venus becomes a great functional benefic, as he owns the 4th and 9th houses.

For Pisces, Diamond should never be worn, as Venus owns the adverse 3rd and 6th houses.

Venus' Diamond - for Ascs Libra, Scorpio & Sagittarius

2007-12-17T07:37:00.000-08:00

Venus rules mundane pleasures and sensory enjoyments. He rules Poetry and Rhetoric. Music is also represented by this fair planet.

For Libra, Diamond should not be used, as Venus is the 8th lord. But a good gemologist can sometimes take a risk and prescribe Diamond, as Venus is the Ascendant lord also, provided Venus is powerful in Sthana Bala.

For Scorpio, Diamond should not be used, as Venus is the 12th lord and the lord of the seventh and hence tainted by Angular ownership. I have never prescribed Diamond to any Scorpian.

For Sag, normally Diamond is not recommended, as Venus is the 6th lord. But if Venus is powerful enough to cause Raja Yogas or Malavya Yoga, Diamond can be recommended

Venus' Diamond - for Ascs Cancer, Leo & Virgo

2007-12-13T20:27:00.000-08:00

Venus is a lovely planet which imparts love for the mundane.

Venusian significations are Poetry, Aesthetics & Rhetorics ( Kavya Komala Vagvilasamathulam ). Venus's blessings are needed for succes in Business, in Music, in Poetry and the Arts. Also for cooperation from the opposite sex.

For Ascendant Cancer - Diamond is not generally recommended for Cancerians. Reasons are simple. Venus is a functional malefic for Cancer, as he owns the 4th ( Kendradhipatya Dosha ) & the 11th ( Badhakadhipatya Dosha ). Exception to the rule - it may be recommended during the periods/subperiods of Venus.

For Asc Leo - An emphatic no for Leoians, as Venus is the 3rd Lord and the 10th lord. Exception to the rule - it may be recommended during the periods/subperiods of Venus.

For Asc Virgo - An emphatic Yes for Virgoians, as Venus is the lord of Dhana Bhava ( 2nd ) & 9th house ( Bhagya Bhava ).

Venus' Diamond - for Ascs Aries, Taurus, Gemini

2007-12-12T19:53:00.000-08:00

Venus rules sensory enjoyments and life-partner. Love, romance, beauty, poetics, rhetorics - all these are ruled by this fair planet that hearteneth to love. Material prosperity and wealth are conferred by this Guru of the demons, if properly positioned in the horoscope. Vehicles, homes and luxuries fall under significations. Artists, painters and musicians are ruled by him.

In Astro Gemology, he is represented by Diamond, the queen of all gems. Let us see how Diamond fares for different Ascs.

For Aries Ascendant - As Venus is a functional malefic for Aries, Diamond is not generally recommended. The exception to the rule is during the subperiods/ periods of Venus' period of directional influence.

For Taurus - Yes, Diamond can be worn, as Venus is the Ascendant lord. By virtue of ownership of the First House, Venus becomes a benefic for Taurus, irrespective of the fact that he owns the adverse 6th.

For Gemini - Again, yes, Diamond can be worn, as Venus is the lord of the favourable 5th ( a Lakshmi Sthana ) & 12th. The 5th is considered to be a Hosue of Wealth.

Mercury's Emerald - for Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces

2007-12-09T02:00:00.000-08:00

For Capricornians, Emerald can be recommended. Mercury is the 9th lord or the lord of the House of Fortune. Saturn, the ruler of Capricornus, is a friend of Mercury. Business luck is generally increased by wearing Emerald.

For Aquarians, Emerald is highly recommended for wearing. Mercury becomes the owner of the Lakshmi Sthana, the 5th House, the House of Fortune from the House of Fortune. Not only material fortune, but also spiritual tendencies are increased.

For Pisceans, Emerald is not suitable. Main reason is that Mercury is a functional malefic, owning the 4th and 7th houses.

Mercury's Emerald - for Cancer, Scorpio, Sag

2007-12-09T01:53:00.000-08:00

For Cancerians, Emerald should not be worn, as Mercury is a functional malefic for Cancer. He owns the 3rd and 12th houses for Cancerians. Exception to the rule are when Mercury is posited in either Virgo or Gemini or during his periods/subperiods of directional influence.

For Scorpians, Emerald should not be worn. Mars is the Lagna lord and Mars and Mercury are enemies. Mercury rules the 8th house, the most dreaded house in a horoscope. Although some astrologers say that as the 11th lord he may give good effects, we are against using Emerald for Scorpians.

For Sagittarius, Emerald should not be worn. Mercury is a functional malefic as he owns the 7th and 10th houses, tainted as he is by Kendradhipatya and Badhakadhipatya doshas. Exception to the rule is when he tenants the 9th and 10th houses, or during his periods/subperiods of directional influence.

Mercury's Emerald - For Leo, Virgo & Libra

2007-12-09T01:44:00.000-08:00

Mercury is the planet of academic education and lack of green cosmic rays is responsible for failure in studies, lack of concentration in studies etc.

For Leoians, Mercury is the lord of the House of Wealth and the 11th lord, another Wealth House. So Emerald will increase business fortune. Great gains and acquisitions can also be had.

For Virgoaians, Emerald is highly auspicious fof wearing. Increase in professional status, wealth and social status. Mercury owns the 1st and 10th houses and there will be an increase in the 1st house significations ( fame and personality ) & 10th house significations ( professional enhancement ).

For Libraians, Emerald is good for wearing. Mercury is the 9th lord and can give Fortune. So Emerald increases business luck and also spiritual tendencies.

Mercury's Emerald - For Asc Aries, Taurus, Gemini

2007-12-09T01:37:00.000-08:00

Mercury is the academic planet and hence he should be strong in the Natal Chart for a person to be intelligent and literate. He rules over our communicative abilities. Teachers, astrologers, lecturers, writers, artists, entrepenauers, managers-must have a powerful Mercury in their horoscopes to be effective

Emerald is the gemstone of Mercury. It emanates green cosmic rays and will reduce the negativities caused by the lack of these rays.

For Aries, normally Emerald is not recommended. Exception to the rule are when Mercury is Gemini or Virgo, well aspected, or in the periods/subperiods of Mercury.

For Taurus, Emerald is highly auspicious for wearing. It will enhance business luck, wealth and dealings with students.

For Gemini, Emerald is highly recommended, as Mercury is the Lagna lord. He also owns the 4th house. Emerald will increase the 4th house significations ( education, conveyances and house ). Also the First House significations ( Fame and personality )

Rahu's Hessonite II

2007-12-09T01:13:00.000-08:00

If Rahu is badly positioned in one's chart, the native will be insenstitive to the suffering of others, irrational and will be self-centered. Drug addictions and fear-proneness is rampant.

If Rahu is in Capricorn, Hessonite should not be worn. Some negative traits may be increased, even though, Rahu is friendly to Saturn, the ruler of Capricorn.

If Rahu is in Aquarius, the same result. Two malefics, even though friendly to each, can generate a lot of negative traits. Great care must be exercised while recommendig Hessonite.

If Rahu is in Pisces, Hessonite becomes auspicious for wearing. Jupieter rules Pisces, spiritual qualities will be enhanced by wearing this gem.

Rahu's Hessonite

2007-12-09T00:39:00.000-08:00

Hessonite is represented by the North Node, Rahu. Rahu is a natural malefic. All sorts of chaos is generated by Rahu. He creates enmity with others. He can be a giver of financial prosperity, but he will take away mental peace. Rahu rules terrorists, revolutionaries and criminals. If he be strong in one's natal chart, he can give immense wealth and impart great fame, influence and power over others.

If Rahu is in Aries, Hessonite should not be worn. In Taurus, he is exalted and hence wearing Hessonite is highly auspicious. In Cancer, Hessonite is not recommended. In Leo also, no for wearing Hessonite.

In Virgo, Rahu is strong and Hessonite can increase prosperity. In Libra, Hessonite is recommended. In Scorpio, Hessonite should never be worn. In Sag, Hessonite is highly recommended and good effects can be experienced, particularly during his periods/subperiods of directional influence.

Jove's Yellow Sapphire - for Asc Capricorn, Aquarius & Pisces

2007-12-08T23:55:00.000-08:00

For Capricornians Yellow Sapphire is not generally recommended, as Jupiter is the lord of 3rd and 12th houses, both malefic. Exception to the rule - when Jupiter is in Pisces or Sagittarius, or during his periods/subperiods of directional influence.

For Aquarians, Y S is not recommended, as Jove is the lord of the second and eleventh houses. Exception to the rules is when Jupiter tenants Pisces or Sagittarius or during Jove's periods and subperiods.

For Pisceans, Y S is highly recommended, as Jupiter is the auspicious Lagna lord. Y S will foster fame and prosperity as well as professional enhancement

Jove's Yellow Sapphire - For Ascs Libra, Scorpio, Sag

2007-12-08T23:47:00.000-08:00

For Libra - Generally Y S is not recommended for Librains, as Jupiter is a functional malefic for Libra. Exceptions to the rule - If Jove is in Sag or Pisces,or during Jupiter's periods of directional influence.

For Scorpio - Yellow Sapphire is generally recommended for Scorpians, as Jupiter is the Lord of Fortune. Yellow Sapphire or the secondary stone of Jupiter, Golden Topaz, will foster fortune and spirituality. It will also enhance education & financial prosperity.

For Sagittarius - Y S is highly recommended for Sagittarians, as Jupiter rules the 4th & 1st houses. Y S will increase the 4th house significations like vehicles, house and education and the 1st House significations like fame and personality.

Jupiter's Yellow Sapphire - for Ascs Cancer, Leo & Virgo

2007-12-08T23:38:00.000-08:00

For Cancer - For Cancerians, Yellow Sapphire is very auspicious. Jupiter owns the 6th and 9th houses and his 9th lordship makes him very benign. Yellow Sapphire will foster spirituality, increase fortune and give lucky breaks. Not only spiritual but materials benefits also increase.

For Leo - For Leoians, Jupiter is the favourable 5th lord, the lord of Lakshmi Sthana or Prosperity. Yellow Sapphire, when worn, will increase investments, prosperity and learning.

For Virgo - Yellow Sapphire is generally not recommended for Virgoians, as Jove owns the 7th and 4th houses. He is afflicted by Angular ownership of the 4th and Badhakadhipatya of the 7th.

Jupiter's Yellow Sapphire - For Ascs Aries, Taurus & Gemini

2007-12-08T22:24:00.000-08:00

Knowledge, both worldly and divine, is the prerogative of Jupiter. He is the greatest benefic in the astrological hierarchy and is the indicator of Divine Grace.

Let us see how his gemstone - the Yellow Sapphire - can be recommended for different Ascendants.

For Aries - Mars is the ruled of Aries and cordially disposed to Jupiter. Furthur, Jove rules the 9th House, the House of Fortune, which is considered to be the most important house. The 12th House, a materially negative but spiritually positive house, indicates renunciation and occult power and hence wearing a Yellow Sapphire is therefore recommended

For Taurus - Jupiter is the negative 8th lord, as well as the 11th lord. 8th House is considered to be the worst house. Hence Yellow Sapphire is not generally recommended for Taurians. Exception to the rule - during Jove's periods/subperiods.

For Gemini - Mercury is the lord of Gemini and is inimical to Jupiter. So Yellow Sapphire is not generally recommended. Exception to the rule - if Jove is in his own sign and during his periods/subperiods.

Moon's Pearl for Ascs - Capr, Aquarius & Pisces

2007-12-08T07:01:00.000-08:00

For Capricorn, Moon is the enemy of its ruler, Saturn, and hence Pearl or Moonstone is not recommended. Exception to the rule is when Moon is posited in his own house, or during his periods/subperiods of directional influence.

For Aquarius, Moon is the 6th and hence Pearl or Moonstone should not be worn at all. Furthur, he is inimical to Saturn, the lord of Aquarius. Exception to the rule is during Moon's period of directional influence.

For Pisces, Moon is the benefic 5th lord and hence Pearl or Moonstone can be worn. Moreover, the ruler of Pisces is the wisdom planet, Jupiter, who is Moon's bosom friend. Increase of intellectual abilities, happiness of children, improved financial position.

Moon's Pearl for Ascs - Libra, Scorpio & Sag

2007-12-08T06:53:00.000-08:00

For Libra, Moon is the benign 10th lord and hence Pearl or Moonstone can be worn, despite Venus, the lord of Libra, being inimical to Luna. Pearl will foster professional skill and enhancement. One rises professionally, in status, in reputation.

For Scorpio, Moon is the favourable 9th lord. Wearing Pearl or Moonstone will increase Fortune, mental stamin, peace of mind and generally wealth.

For Sagittatarius, Moon is the unfavourable 8th lord and hence Pearl or Moonstone should not be worn. Exceptions to the rule are when Luna is in Cancer, in the 8th house, or during his periods/ subperiods of directional influence.

Moon's Pearl for Ascs - Cancer, Leo & Virgo

2007-12-08T06:03:00.000-08:00

For Cancer , Moon is the Lagna lord and hence wearing Pearl or Moonstone is very beneficial. Moonstone or Pearl should be worn throughout one's life.

For Leo, Moon is the lord of the 12th and hence wearing Moonstone or Pearl is not recommended. Exceptions are when Moon is in its own house, in Cancer, or during his periods/subperiods of directional influence.

For Virgo, Moon is the Eleventh lord and Pearl can be worn. During Moon's periods of directional influence, also Pearl can be worn.

Moonstone is the secondary gemstone of Moon. Moonstone is generally used, when genuine Pearls are difficult to get.

Moon's Pearl for Ascs - Aries, Taurus & Gemini

2007-12-08T05:56:00.000-08:00

For Aries, Moon is the lord of the Fourth House and is very auspicious. Mars, the lord of Aries, is a friend of the Moon. Hence wearing a Pearl is considered auspicious for Aries. Pearl or Moonstone will increase the 4th House significations like happiness, vehicles and house.

For Taurus, Moon is the negative 3rd lord. Moreover, Venus, the lord of Taurus, is Moon's enemy. Hence Pearl or Moonstone should not be worn, except when Moon is in his own house in Cancer and during his periods/subperiods of directional influence.

For Gemini, Moon is the second lord which is not considered auspicious. Pearl therefore is not a good recommendation. Exceptions are when the Moon is in Taurus, where he is exalted.

Sun's Ruby for Ascs - Sag, Capri, Aqu & Pisces

2007-12-08T04:05:00.000-08:00

For Sagittarius, Jove is the ruler and he is friendly to the Sun. The Sun is the most benefic Lord of Fortune and hence Ruby can be worn for fostering fortune.

For Capricorn, Ruby should not be worn, as Sun is the negative 8th lord and he is inimical to the ruler of Cap, Saturn. However, if Sun is in the 8th, which makes him powerful, Ruby can be worn. ( This is an exception to the rule ).

For Aquarius, Saturn is the lord and inimical to Sun, even though the 7th House, owned by the Sun, is considered auspicious. So Ruby is not generally recommened. Exception to the rule is when the Sun is in Leo, in the 7th.

For Pisces, the lord is Jupiter, but Leo happens to the 6th House. Hence, except when Sun is in Leo, Ruby should not be worn.

Sun's Ruby for Asc - Virgo, Libra & Scorpio

2007-12-08T03:57:00.000-08:00

Virgo is ruled by Mercury, a friend of the Sun, but Sun becomes the 12th lord, as he rules Leo. Hence Ruby is not generally recommended for Virgoians. But if the Sun is powerfully posited in Leo, or during his benign planetary periods, Ruby can be worn.

Libra is ruled by Venus, a planet inimical to the Sun but Sun is the ruler of the 11th House, a benign and auspicious house. 11th is considered to be one of the best houses in a horoscope, as it is the Sarvabheeshta Sthana or the House for the fulfillment of all desires. So Ruby will foster increase of wealth, increase longevity and strengthen the immune system.

Scorpio is ruled by Mars, who is friendly to the Sun. The Sun is the auspicious 10th lord and hence a big benefic. Hence Ruby will improve one's status, fame and reputation. Increase in one's socio-economic position and power.

Sun's Ruby for Ascendants Gemini, Cancer & Leo

2007-12-08T03:27:00.000-08:00

Gemini is ruled by Mercury, who is the bosom friend of Sun. But Leo, which is ruled by the Sun, happens to be the 3rd house, a negative house. Since Ruby is the gemstone of the lord of the 3rd house, it is not generally recommend for Gemini Ascs. But if the Sun is strong in Leo or Aries, it can be recommended.

Cancer is ruled by the Moon and he is a friend of the Sun. The Second House is the House of Wealth and hence there is no objection to recommending Ruby for Cancerians.

For Leo Ascs, Sun is the lord of the Ascendant and hence Ruby is highly beneficial for wearing. The significations of the Asc, like fame and personality will be enhanced by Ruby.

Sun's Ruby for Ascendants Aries & Taurus

2007-12-08T02:40:00.000-08:00

For Aries, Sun is the 5th lord. The 5th House rules progeny and punya or divine merit. Being the 9th from the 9th, it is considered as Lakshmi Sthana or the House of Prosperity. So the 5th is a house of Wealth, along with 2nd, 9th and 11th.

For Aries Ascendants, the Sun is the benign lord of the Fifth. Hence Ruby can be recommended. Ruby for Aries Ascs will foster education, prosperity, wealth and happiness from children. Mars, the lord of Aries, is friendly to the Sun.

For Taurus, since Venus is the Asc ( Ascendant ) lord, Ruby is not generally recommended, as Venus is having an inimical relationship with the Sun. However in specific cases, Ruby can be worn ( when the Sun is tenanting the 10th house or during its periods of directional influence).

Ultra Viloet Cosmic Rays - Rahu - North Node - Hessonite

2007-12-06T03:30:00.000-08:00

This is the coldest ray of them all.It corresponds to the North Node of the Moon, which is a shadowy planet. The corresponding Gemstone is Hessonite.

Caution must be exercised while recommending Hessonite. Rahu is a dangerous planet ( as he causes eclipse ) and can increase criminal propensities in an individual. If wrongly worn on wrong advice, Hessonite may increase angst or anxiety, frustration and suffering. On the other hand, it has wonderful healing powers if the patient has excess heat within the body.

Loss of appetite or digestive disorders can be remedied by Hessonite.

Violet Cosmic Rays - Saturn - Blue Sapphire

2007-12-06T03:22:00.000-08:00

Originating from the element Air, Violet cosmic rays correspond to the Melancholy planet, Saturn and the corresponding gem is Blue Sapphire.

Air moves not only in the enviroment, but within our bodies. Vata or air moves the other Ayurvedic humours, Kapha and Pitta and hence it is considered as the force of harmony within the body physiologic.

Lack of violet rays will create disorders and disease. Skin eruptions are natural. The nervous system will be affected.

Blue Sapphire can heal many skin diseases, as the skin's cosmic color is violet.

Violet rays deficiency gives paralysis, sciatica, nervous disorder,
arthritis, gastric ulcer, mental illness, hysteria, headache, earache, brain disorders etc. Nerve hunger is satisfied by Saturn's gem, as Saturn rules the nervous system. Chronic Lecoderma can be cured by Blue Sapphire and its violet rays.

Great caution must be exercise while recommending Blue Sapphire. It should be recommended only is Saturn is a functional benefic in one's chart.

Indigo Cosmic Rays -Venus - Diamond

2007-12-06T03:10:00.000-08:00

Originating from the element Water, Indigo rays correspond to Venus, the fair planet that hearteneth to love. These rays are needed for prosperity and abundance. They are the bringers of love and beauty. Materials luxuries and sexual gratification are increased by these rays.

Lack of these makes a person unfriendly. Those who lack this ray experience difficulty in expressing love. They become loners and become unsociable. Indian Holistic Medicine says that Diamond contains all the Six Tastes of Ayurveda - sweet, bitter, astringet, salty, sour and pungent and a Diamond can bring balance between the three humors of Bile, Phlegm and Wind ( Vata, Pitta & Kapha ).

Deficiency of this color gives diseases of the private parts, diabetes, impotency, sore throat, venereal diseases ( the word " Venereal " derives from Venus veneris ), eczema, uterine diseases and skin eruptions.

Orange Cosmic Rays - Moon - Pearl

2007-12-04T03:45:00.000-08:00

The Moon radiates the orange cosmic rays and these rays are contained in the element water. If the Moon is afflicted in the natal chart, emotional weakness and a consequent lack of mental peace is indicated. There is a lack of the Orange rays which nurture and cool us & wearing Pearl, which is the stone of the Moon, can cure emotional weakness.

The Moon rules Mind ( Manasthu Hinagu ). Hence if afflicted, there can be hypersensitivity, black holes of depression and Pearl or Moonstone are ideal for Astro Therapy.

This afflicted Moon can be a deterrent in marital life. Mental tension can wreak havoc on the psyche. Pearls cool the body and mind and therefore sooth both physique and psyche.

Deficiency of this color gives diseases cough, cold and fever. Uterine ailments and mental debility are other disease caused by deficiency of this color. Chronic asthma, bronchitis, wet cough, phlegmatic fever, rheumatism - all these can be cured by orange rays.

Red Cosmic Rays - Sun - Ruby

2007-12-03T07:56:00.000-08:00

As they correspond to the element Fire, red cosmic rays are heat-producing. They impel cosmic fire in the body physiologic,which is necessary for digestion and for our sight to function properly. The digestive Fire is called Pachaka Pitta in Ayurveda. Without fire, the body would shut down, as cold will paralyze us, and there wont be any activity in the body. Cosmic red rays, the primary color of the Seven rays, are essential for Life.

There are about 20 types of diseases caused by excessive cold and these can be treated by Ruby. Eye problems can be solved by the red cosmic rays, as also the diseases caused by intense cold.

When we find that the Sun is afflicted in a horoscope, we can discern that the native is deficient in the red cosmic rays. Lack of energy, a malfunction of the nervous system and listlessness - all these caused by a malign Sun can be treated by Ruby, which will enhance red cosmic color.

Deficiency of this color causes indigestion, diminished vision, headache, loss of healthy glow, physical debility, mental trouble etc. Red color is helpful in healing wounds and hence the use of red blankets in surgical wards. Patients suffering from small pox will get quick relief if they use red blankets and paint their walls red.

A native with weak digestion can be treated by Ruby. The red cosmic rays increase blood circulation. The Vedic Scriptures affirm that the Sun, not only represents the body and the inner Will, but is a symbol of the Absolute Self. If the Sun is weakly posited, the native will not have the determination and the Will power to become successful. Red cosmic rays will impart the sufficient Will Power and determination and the native will have a changed life !

Blue Cosmic Rays - Jupiter

2007-12-01T06:39:00.000-08:00

Born of the original element, ether, the blue cosmic rays emanate from mighty Jupiter ! It is called Akasha or space and is the color of the sky above. It is said the Life Force emanates from the same cosmic blue ! Radiating blue cosmic rays can revive a person whose Life Force is at a low ebb. Sound is related to the Cosmic Blue.

This Cosmic Blue is important to having prosperity and abundance in life. It is a bringer of good fortune and influence when Jove is strong in the Natal Chart. This color is peaceful and many wise men paint their bedrooms blue to have peaceful sleep at night. Lack of blue makes one nervous and it cures emotional disorders. It is a bringer of harmony and peace in life. When one lacks these rays, he becomes pessimistic and without enthusiasm. A weak Jove makes one uncompassionate in regard to others, may lack a good spouse and will be unhappy regarding children.

Deficiency of blue can cause goitre, laryngitis, cholera, plague, apoplexy, palpitation, jaundice, diarrhoea etc. Blue rays are essential for curing these disorders.

Cosmic blue can help jaundice,arthritis, lung problems. Man headaches, body inflammations, tootaches and stings can be remedied by using the blue cosmic ray.

Infrared Cosmic Rays - Cat's Eye - South Node - Ketu

2007-11-30T19:39:00.000-08:00

The Infrared cosmic ray is the hottest of them all. It is radiated by the shadowy planet, the South Node or Ketu or Dragon's Tail. The South Node is always 180 degree away from the North Node, Rahu. Its ray is opposite to that of Rahu's, which is ultra-violet. Both the Nodes move in retrogression or backward motion.

As Ketu is the shadowy planet involved in causing eclipse, wearing it on the body as a ring or amulet is dangerous. Special care must be exercised while recommeding Chrysoberyl Cat's Eye, which is the gemstone of Ketu.

For some it can increase one's psychic cognition. Great care must be taken in its recommendation. If found suitable, it may increase one's ability to acquire the knowledge of the Absolute. Clairvoyants and psychics may find their abilities increased, specially their insight into the astral causes of disease.

There are some who think that Cat's Eye is a " Gambler's Stone". but there is no proof that it is as such.

M A R S A S T R A L G E M S T O N E, Red Coral

2007-11-14T19:27:00.000-08:00

The astrological treatise the Jataka Chandrika assigns Coral for Mars. Mars is known as Tiv
in Norse Mythology and Tiv's day came to be called as Tueday.

Cosmic Colour to be enhanced - Yellow
Recommended GemStone - Red Coral
Alternate Gemstone - Cornelian
Solar/Lunar Metal to be used - Gold
Alternate Metal - Silver
Herbal Ashes to be used - Couch Plant
Cosmic Number to be used - Nine
Most Auspicious Day - Tuesday
Most Auspicious Month - September
Hand to be worn on - Right
Affected Element - Fire
Affected sense - Sight
Affected Bodily Organ - Genitals
Affected Anatomical System - Bone Marrow
Affected Chakra - 7th Muladhara
Day of Invocation - Tuesday
Time for Invocation - 1 hr after
Sunrise

Gemological Characteristics of Coral

Species Coral
Transparency Translucent
Color Red
Refractive Index 1.486 - 1.658
Specific Gravity 2.65
Crystal System aggregate
Dispersion 0.038

Red Coral should be set in a ring of Gold mixed with copper.
The weight of the stone should not be less than 6 carats.
It should be worn one hour after sunrise in the ring finger
of the right hand.

Secondary Gems or Upa Ratnas (Substitutions)
--------------------------------------------

Red Coral is not a costly stone and we should recommend that
its substitutes are Red jasper Carnelian and Sang Moongi.
Carnelian as the best substitute is cheap and easily available.

Important: Emerald Diamond Blue Sapphire Gomedha and Cat's Eye
and their substitutes should never be worn with Red Coral and its
substitutes.

Sloka

Dharanee Garbha Sambhootam
Vidyut Kantha Samaprabham
Kumaram Shakthi Hastham cha
Mangalam Pranamamyaham

S A T U R N A S T R A L G E M S T O N E, Blue Sapphire

2007-11-14T19:26:00.000-08:00

The astrological treatise the Jataka
Chandrika assigns Blue Sapphire for Saturn. ( SANER NEELAM)
Saturn's day came to be called as Saturday. The number 8
has been assigned to him numerologically.

Cosmic Colour to be enhanced - Violet
Recommended GemStone - Blue Sapphire
Alternate Gemstone - Blue Spinel
Solar/Lunar Metal to be used - Gold
Alternate Metal - Iron
Herbal Ashes to be used - Prosopis
Cosmic Number to be used - Eight
Most Auspicious Day - Saturday
Most Auspicious Month - August
Hand to be worn on - Right
Affected Element - Air
Affected sense - Touch
Affected Bodily Organ - Skin
Affected Anatomical System - Nervous
Affected Chakra - 4th Anahata
Day of Invocation - Saturday
Time for Invocation - 2 hrs 40 mins
before Sunset

Gemological Characteristics of Blue Sapphire

Species Corundum
Transparency Transparent
Color Blue
Refractive Index 1.762 - 1.770
Specific Gravity 4.00
Crystal System Hexagonal
Dispersion 0.018
Flourescence moderate to strong pink

Blue Sapphire should be got set in a ring of steel ( if that is
not possible Ashta Dhatu should be used) on a Saturday.

The ring should be worn on the middle finger of the right hand
two hours before sunset. The Blue Sapphire should not be less
than 5 carats.

Secondary Gems or Upa Ratnas (Substitutions)
--------------------------------------------

The substitutes for Blue Sapphire are Blue Zircon Amethyst
Blue Tourmaline Lapis Lazuli Blue Spinel and Neeli.

Important : Ruby Pearl or Yellow Sapphire should never be worn
along with Blue Sapphire.

Sloka

Neelanjana Samanabham
Raviputram Yamagrajam
Chaya Marthanda Sambhootham
Tham Namami Sanaiswaram

The South Node's Gemstone- Cat'e Eye

2007-11-14T19:24:00.000-08:00

The astrological treatise the Jataka
Chandrika assigns Cat's Eye for Ketu. Ketu is the Dragon's
Tail known as Caput Draconis. Ketu resembles Mars and Cat's
Eye has the ability to increase the transmission of Cosmic
Colours of a wellplaced placed Ketu in the horoscope.

The Stone - Cat's Eye
Most Auspicious Day - Tuesday
Most Auspicious Month - July
Colour you should wear - Red.

Cat's Eye should be set in a ring of Gold mixed with copper.
The weight of the stone should not be less than 6 carats.
It should be worn one hour after sunrise in the ring finger
of the right hand.

SUBSTITUTES
-----------
Cat's Eye is not a costly stone and we should recommend that
its substitutes are Red jasper Carnelian and Sang Moongi.
Carnelian is the best substitute is cheap and easily avail-
able.

Important: Emerald Diamond Blue Sapphire Gomedha and their
substitutes should never be worn with Red Coral and its subst-
itutes.

Sloka

Palasa pushpa sankasam
Tharakakara Vigraham
Ugrascha Vividhakara
Tham Ketum Pranamamyaham

V E N U S A S T R A L G E M S T O N E, Diamond

2007-11-14T19:23:00.000-08:00

The astrological treatise the JATAKA
CHANDRIKA assigns Diamond for Venus ( Asuracharya ca vajram)
Venus is known as Freya in Norse Mythology and hence Freya's
day came to be called as Friday.

Cosmic Colour to be enhanced - Indigo
Recommended GemStone - Diamond
Alternate Gemstone - White Sapphire
Solar/Lunar Metal to be used - Silver
Alternate Metal - Platinum
Herbal Ashes to be used - Ficus Glomerata
Cosmic Number to be used - Six
Most Auspicious Day - Friday
Most Auspicious Month - June
Hand to be worn on - Both
Affected Element - Water
Affected sense - Taste
Affected Bodily Organ - Lymph Glands
Affected Anatomical System - Sperm
Affected Chakra - 3rd Vishudhi
Day of Invocation - Friday
Time for Invocation - Sunrise

Gemological Characteristics of Diamond

Species Diamond
Transparency Transparent
Color Colourless
Refractive Index 2.417
Specific Gravity 3.52
Crystal System Cubic
Dispersion 0.044
Flourescence inert to very
strong bluish white

Diamond is a very expensive stone. It will do if a Diamond of
minimum weight of 1 1/2 carats is used. It should be set in
platinum or silver ring and worn on the little finger of the
right hand.

Secondary Gems or Upa Ratnas (Substitutions)
--------------------------------------------

Its substitutes are White Sapphire White Zircon and White
Tourmaline. The cheapest substitute is white Rock Crystal
(Spatik). This stone if worn should be of 11 carats.

Important: Diamond should never be worn along with Ruby Pearl
Red Coral and Yellow Sapphire.

Sloka

Himakunda mrinalabham
Daityanam Paramam Gurum
Sarvashastra pravaktharam
Bharghavam prnamamyaham

M E R C U R Y A S T R A L G E M S T O N E, Emerald

2007-11-14T19:21:00.000-08:00

The astrological treatise the Jataka
Chandrika assigns Emerald for Mercury ( Marathakam Saumyasya
Garuthmakam). Mercury is known as Woten in Norse Mythology
and his day came to be called as Wednesday. Numerologically
the number 5 was assigned to Mercury.

Cosmic Colour to be enhanced - Green
Recommended GemStone - Emerald
Alternate Gemstone - Green Jade
Solar/Lunar Metal to be used - Gold
Alternate Metal - None
Herbal Ashes to be used - Achyranthes
Cosmic Number to be used - Five
Most Auspicious Day - Wednesday
Most Auspicious Month - May
Hand to be worn on - Right
Affected Element - Earth
Affected sense - Smell
Affected Bodily Organ - Nose
Affected Anatomical System - Flesh
Affected Chakra - 1st Sahasrara
Day of Invocation - Wednesday
Time for Invocation - 2 hours after
Sunrise

Gemological Characteristics of Emerald

Species Beryl
Transparency Transparent
Color Green
Refractive Index 1.577 - 1.583
Specific Gravity 2.72
Crystal System Hexagonal
Dispersion 0.014
Flourescence inert to weak green

Secondary Gems or Upa Ratnas (Substitutions)
--------------------------------------------

It should be set in a silver ring. Its weight should not be less
than 3 carats. Since Emerald is expensive those who cannot
afford to buy can use any of the substitutes - Aquamarine
Peridot green Zircon green Agate or Jade; but the Jade which
is sold in the market for Rs 1 or 2 a piece is of no use.

Important : Emerald and its substitutes should never be worn
with Red Coral Pearl and Yellow Sapphire and their substitutes.

Sloka

Priyangu Kalika Shyamam
Roopena Prathimam Budham
Soumyam Soumya Gunopetham
Namami Shashinam Sutham

endtext

The North Node's Astral Gemstone, Hessonite

2007-11-14T19:20:00.000-08:00

The astrological treatise the Jataka
Chandrika assigns Hessonite (Gomed) for Rahu. ( RAHU GOMED)
Rahu resembles Saturn as per the dictum "SANIVAD RAHU". Rahu
is known as Dragon's Head or Cauda Draconis. It is a shadowy
planet which can give crores.

The Stone - Hessonite
Most Auspicious Day - Saturday
Most Auspicious Month - April
Colour you should wear - Orange
Yellow.

Hessonite or Gomed should be got set in a ring of steel ( if that is
not possible Ashta Dhatu should be used) on a Saturday.

The ring should be worn on the middle finger of the right hand
two hours before sunset. Gomed or Hessonite should not be less
than 5 carats.

SUBSTITUTES
-----------
The substitutes for Hessonite are Amethyst Blue Tourmaline Lapis
Lazuli Blue Spinel and Neeli.

Important : Ruby Pearl or Yellow Sapphire should never be worn
along with Hessonite.

Sloka

Ardhakayam Mahaveeram
Chandradithya Vimardhanam
Simhika Garbha Sambhootam
Tham Rahum pranamamyaham

Jupiter Astral Gemstone, Yellow Sapphire

2007-11-14T19:18:00.000-08:00

The astrological treatise the Jataka Chandrika
assigns Yellow Sapphire for Jupiter ( Devejyasya Pushyragam)
Jupiter is known as Thor in Norse Mythology and Thor's day
came to be called as Thursday.

Cosmic Colour to be enhanced - Light Blue
Recommended GemStone - Yellow Sapphire
Alternate Gemstone - Golden Topaz
Solar/Lunar Metal to be used - Gold
Alternate Metal - None
Herbal Ashes to be used - Ficus Religiosa
Cosmic Number to be used - Three
Most Auspicious Day - Thursday
Most Auspicious Month - March
Hand to be worn on - Right
Affected Element - Ether
Affected sense - Sound
Affected Bodily Organ - Ears
Affected Anatomical System - Fat
Affected Chakra - 2nd Ajna
Day of Invocation - Thursday
Time for Invocation - One hour
before Sunset

Gemological Characteristics of Yellow Sapphire

Species Corundum
Transparency Transparent
Color Light-yellow
Refractive Index 1.762 - 1.770
Specific Gravity 4
Crystal System Hexagonal
Dispersion 0.018
Flourescence colorless sapphire -
inert to strong reddish

Secondary Gems or Upa Ratnas (Substitutions)
--------------------------------------------

The substitutes for Yellow Sapphire are Yellow Pearl Yellow Zircon
Yellow Tourmaline Citrine (Quartz Topaz) & Golden Topaz

Important: Diamond Blue Sapphire Gomedha and Cat's Eye should
never be worn with Yellow Sapphire.

Stotra

Devanamscha rishinamscha
Gurum kanchana sannibham
Bandhubhootam trilokesam
tham namami brahaspathim

M O O N A S T R A L G E M S T O N E , Pearl

2007-11-14T19:16:00.000-08:00

Cosmic Colour to be enhanced - Orange
Recommended GemStone - Pearl
Alternate Gemstone - Moonstone
Solar/Lunar Metal to be used - Silver
Herbal Ashes to be used - Butia frandosa
Cosmic Number to be used - Two
Most Auspicious Day - Monday
Most Auspicious Month - February
Hand to be worn on - Left
Affected Element - Water
Affected sense - Taste
Affected Bodily Organ - Tongue
Affected Anatomical System - Blood
Affected Chakra - 6th Swadhistana
Day of Invocation - Monday
Time for Invocation - Evening

The astrological treatise the Jataka Chandrika
assigns Moostone or Pearl to the Moon ( Vimalam Mukthaphalam
Sheethagau). The colour white has been assigned to the Moon.
Moon's day is Monday. Numerologically the number 2 has been
assigned to the Moon.

Gemological Characteristics of Pearl

Species Natural Pearl
Transparency Tranlucent
to Opaque
Color White
Refractive Index 1.530 - 1.686
Specific Gravity 2.7
Crystal System aggregate
Flourescence long wave -
inert to strong

Secondary Gems or Upa Ratnas (Substitutions)
--------------------------------------------

Those who cannot afford to buy a Pearl can wear Moon-stone. White
Sapphire is also advised as a substitute by some authorities. The
ring should be worn on the ring finger of the right hand.

But be careful. The Pearl or its substitutes should never be worn
with Diamond Emerald Blue Sapphire and Cat's Eye and their sub-
stitutes.

Sloka

Dhadhi Shankha Thusharabham
Ksheerodharnava Sambhavam
Namami Shashinam Somam
Shambhor Makuta Bhooshanam
endtext

S U N A S T R A L G E M S T O N E, RUBY

2007-11-14T01:06:00.000-08:00

Cosmic Colour to be enhanced - Red
Recommended GemStone - RUBY
Alternate Gemstone - Red Spinel
Solar/Lunar Metal to be used - Gold
Alternate Metal - Copper
Herbal Ashes to be used - Milk-weed
Cosmic Number to be used - One
Most Auspicious Day - SUNDAY

Most Auspicious Month - January
Hand to be worn on - Right
Affected Element - Fire
Affected sense - Sight
Affected Bodily Organ - Eyes
Affected Anatomical System - Bone
Affected Chakra - 5th Manipura
Day of Invocation - Sunday
Time for Invocation - Sunrise

The astrological treatise the JATAKA CHANDRIKA
assigns RUBY for the Sun. (Manikyam Dinanayakasya). Its colour is Red. The number 1 has been assigned to the SUN. Its day is Sunday.

Gemological Characteristics of Ruby
Species Corundum
Transparency Transparent
Color Red
Refractive Index 1.763 - 1.770
Specific Gravity 4.00
Crystal System Hexagonal
Dispersion 0.018
Flourescence long wave weak to strong red

Energisation
-------------------

It should be worn on the finger on a Shukla Paksha Sunday after chanting the mantra OM GHINIH SURYAYA NAMAH in a state of mental & physical purity
WEIGHT

The Ruby to be worn should at least be 2 1/2 carats in weight. It is important for all gemstones that before wearing them they should be kept immersed for sometime in unboiled milk or Ganges water. Afterwards these stones should be worshipped with flowers and incense and the Mantras of the planets should be recited.

Secondary Gems or Upa Ratnas (Substitutions

The ring should be worn in the ring(third) finger. The Ruby is
a very expensive gem and those who cannot afford to purchase Ruby can use any of the following substitutes - Red Spinel
Star Ruby Pyrope Garnet Red Zircon and Red Tourmaline.

It should however be noted that Ruby or its substitutes
should never be worn with Diamond Blue Sapphire Gomedha and
Cat's Eye and their substitutes.

The Positive Method in Gemology

2007-10-25T23:27:00.000-07:00

The Positive Method of Gemology first identifies functional benefics and prescribes the gem for them

Functional Benefics

Any planet who owns a quadrant and a trine is considered to
be a functional benefic. Functional benefics are the planets
which can do immense good to the native

Natural benefics are the Moon Jupiter Mercury and Venus

Temporal benefics are the friendly planets of the Ascendant
lord.

Trinal lords are also considered as they are powerful to confer
fortune.

Trinal lords are considered to be benefics in Vedic Astrology.
After all the trines are defined as moral triangles. The Ninth
lord is the lord of Fortune the fifth lord is the ninth from
the ninth ( fortune) and the First Lord or Lagnadhipa the most
important planet as it rules the greatest of all wealth Health.

The Seven Rays Theory

2007-01-30T07:09:00.000-08:00

Scientific Research done - The Seven Rays Theory

The seven primary colours of the spectrum and the two secondary colours correspond to the nine revolving heavens.(VIBGYOR & infra- red and ultraviolet.

The nine colours are understood to be the cosmic matrix and the very essence of the nine planets and it is through these colours
that the planets radiate their energy and influence. When the
visible colored lights are measured infra-red exhibits the long-
est wave length and ultra-violet the shortest. The wavelength
of colored light emanating from the planets are found to match
those radiating from each planet's corresponding gemstone(s).
Researches show that the wavelength of light emanating from
the Sun is identical to the wavelength of light emanating
from Ruby - Red.

Among all the elements in nature gemstones constitute the most
condensed form of concentrated color. Gems therefore provide
an inexhaustible source of cosmic color rays.

Here we give the Cosmic Colour and the Gem corresponding to the
Nine revolving heavens.

The term 'planet' used in Sidereal Astrology refers to cel-
estial bodies or mathematical points. A star(Sun) the two ma-
thematical points where orbits of the Sun (Earth-in-reflex)
and the Moon intersect - viz the North and South Nodes of the
Moon - ( Rahu & Ketu ) are referred as planets.)

No Colour Planet Gemstone Element Chakra

1 Red Sun Ruby Fire Manipura
2 Orange Moon Pearl Water Swadhistana
3 Light Blue Jupiter Yellow Sapphire Ether Vishuddhi
4 Ultra-Violet Rahu Hessonite Air Anahata
5 Green Mercury Emerald Earth Sahasrara
6 Indigo Venus Diamond Water Ajna
7 Infra-red Ketu Cat's Eye Fire Muladhara
8 Violet Saturn Blue Sapphire Air Anahata
9 Yellow Mars Coral Fire Muladhara

In the Kurma Purana Chapter 43 verses 1 and 2 it is stated that
omnpiresent are the rays that compose His body and illumine the
illimitable worlds of this Universe. Amongst them seven are the best
as they from the original cores of the seven planets. From this
we can ascertain that these seven rays are supreme among all the
rays which form the Universe. These rays emanating from the Supreme
carry out the functions of creation maintenance and destruction in
conformity with Divine Will and the movements of eternal Time. The-
refore all things are composed of the seven rays and their inherent
radiating energies. All sounds and forms in this material Universe
can be said to originate within the seven rays.Through a clear glass
equilateral prism you can view the world & you will find that every-
thing is permeated by the seven rays.

The five elements of earth - water - fire -air and ether are also
condensations of these same cosmic colors.

Cosmic Green condensed is the Earth Principle
As Ether is the densification of Cosmic Blue !
Water Element is the condensation of Cosmic Indigo
Air Principle is Cosmic Violet densified
Cosmic Yellow condensed is the Fire Principle !

The five subtle essences corresponding to the Five Great Elements
have their individual colors as well;sight is due to the vibration
of the red cosmic ray - smell is due to green -the sense of touch
is within the violet colour - sound vibration is blue & taste
sensation is orange. The sense organs utilized to experience the
five senses are also colored by these same individual rays. If one
looks through a prism the eyes will show the red color -the nose
green - skin violet - tongue orange & the ear holes will exhibit
blue cosmic colors when viewed in this way. The human organism is
composed of cells that form groups & are the building blocks of
the body. The cells themselves are composed of the seven rays and
these must be in balance to maintain them in a healthy condition.

Furthur researches in Gemology has discovered that gems
increase the transmission of Cosmic Colours radiated by the
planets which is absorbed by our etheric or astral body thus
satiating "Colour Hunger " and eliminating disease. This is
the rationale of Gem Therapy.

Normally the gem correpsonding to one's Birth Number is to
be worn on a Shukla Paksha Thursday in a state of physical
& mental purity to enhance fortune and combat disease. But
this should be confirmed by checking with a bonafide side-
eral astrologer & Gemologist.

Basic Sloka for Planetary Gemology

2007-01-29T09:02:00.000-08:00

It is Ruby for the Sun; Moonstone for Luna, Coral for Mars
Emerald for the young Mercury, For Jupiter, Yellow Sapphire;
Diamond for Dion ( Venus ); Blue Sapphire represents Saturn;
Hessonite for the North Node & Cat's Eye for the Node South !

Translation of the sloka in the Jataka Parijata

Manikyam Dinanayakasya Vimalam Muktaphalam Sheetagau
Mahedrasya Vidrumam Marathakam Soumyasya Garutmakam
Devejyasya cha pushyaragam, Asuracharyasya Vajram
Sanair Neelam; Nirmalamanya gadithe Gomeda Vaiduryakai !

Planetary Herbs

2007-01-29T07:11:00.000-08:00

By Richard Shaw Brown, www.p-g-a.org

Information and herb samples are courtesy of the Nepal Ayurveda Association

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A Kavacha or "talisman" is not only the gem, which represents the earth element. A real Astral Talisman is composed of all 5 elements, i.e., gem for earth, herb for water, metal for fire, symbol for air, and cosmic number for space. This process of "Pancha-amrita" astral talisman making is the most bona fide. Even the Western alchemists are known to use herbs as the "water" ingredient in an Astral Talismans. These herbs have been ritually turned into "bhasma" or sanctified ashes. Therefore, one may understand that the gem alone is not the complete kavacha or talisman, the gems are only for one of five elements, viz., earth
The philosopher Agrippa has nicely described in Three Books of Occult Philosophy the basic preparation of astrological rings as follows:

"When any star ascends fortunately we must take a stone and HERB that is under that star, and make a ring of the metal that is suitable to this star, and in it fasten the stone, putting the herb or root under it, not omitting the inscriptions of images, names and characters, as also the proper suffumigations."
In 1974 Dr. Mana Vajracharya, Chairman of the Nepal Ayurveda Association, informed us which are the ancient bona fide "bhasma" herbs for each planet. He prepared nine different herbal bhasmas which should be sealed into tubes that are part of a jewelry talisman. It took one week for the Dr. to prepare the 9 herbs and transform them into ashes or Bhasma. At that time he also provided rare samples of the actual herbs. We witnessed part of the process which involves indirect fire to heat the herb until is stops smoking and has transformed entirely into ash. Planetary mantras are recited during this heating process.

All nine herbs are available in Nepal (Himalaya) and some are quite rare even in India where they sometimes substitute because of lack of the actual herb). ---Respectfully submitted by the Richard Shaw Brown.

Herb of the Sun
Influence of Milk Weed or Arka-bhasma

If Sun is well placed in the horoscope:
The influence will be toward nobility, dignity, power, leadership and confidence. One will be well-read, pious, strong, compassionate and untroubled.

If Sun is ill placed in the horoscope:
The influence will be toward low self esteem & energy, lack of confidence, rebellious, i.e., negative results may be expected.

Herb of the Moon
Influence of Butia Frandosa or Palasa-bhasma

If Moon is well placed in the horoscope:
The influence will be toward sensitivity, good habits, stability and health. One will be wealthy, industrious and respected.

If Moon is ill placed in the horoscope:
The influence will be toward depression, overreaction, hypersensitivity and stress, i.e., negative results may be expected.

Herb of Mars
Influence of Couch Plant or Khadira-bhasma

If Mars is well placed in the horoscope:
The influence will be toward positive energy, strength, courage, passion, and aggression. One will be active, have great energy, be learned, well-known and regal.

If Mars is ill-placed in the horoscope:
The influence will be toward anger, irritability, instability, impatience, and aggression. One becomes prone to violence and physical problems such as high blood pressure, anemia, and impurities in the blood.

Herb of Mercury
Influence of Achyranthes or Apamarga-bhasma

If Mercury is well placed in the horoscope:
The influence will be toward being rationality, wit, skillfulness and dexterity. One will be educated, happy, fortunate and highly respected.

If Mercury is ill placed in the horoscope:
The influence will be toward aloofness, lack of concentration, difficulty with communications, and slowness. One becomes prone to speech and hearing impediments, deceptive behavior, and lack of vitality.

Herb of Jupiter
Influence of Ficus Religiosa or Pippala-bhasma

If Jupiter is well placed in the horoscope:
The influence will be toward humanitarianism, caring, spiritualism, optimism, faith and good judgment. One will be powerful, respected, and a leader of men, although susceptible to anger.

If Jupiter is ill-placed in the horoscope:
The influence will be toward being greedy, uncaring, selfish, negative outlook, personal unhappiness, egotism, selfishness and sloth. One will be uncaring and unhappy.

Herb of Venus
Influence of Ficus Glomerata or Audumbara-bhasma

If Venus is well placed in the horoscope:
The influence will be toward attractiveness, refinement, grace, elegance and longevity. One will be refined, humanitarian, and possess many positive qualities.

If Venus is ill-placed in the horoscope:
The influence will be toward vanity, lewdness, sensual corruption, lack of taste and refinement.
One becomes vulnerable to loss of libido, impotence, sterility, and premature aging.

Herb of Saturn
Influence of Prosopis or Shami-bhasma

If Saturn is well placed in the horoscope:
The influence will be toward discipline, responsibility, realism, durability and humility. One will be long-lived, charitable, proficient and an affectionate mate.

If Saturn is ill placed in the horoscope:
The influence will be toward depression, anxiety, fear, loneliness and disappointment. One becomes vulnerable to headaches, neuralgia, and other disorders of the nervous system.

Herb of Rahu
Influence of Cynodon Dactylon or Durva-bhasma

If Rahu is well placed in the horoscope:
The influence will be toward originality, inspiration, insight and uniqueness. One will be exotic, wealthy and fortunate.

If Rahu is ill placed in the horoscope:
The influence will be toward mental disease, addiction, illusion, and trouble. One will have a volatile nature, and a tendency to suffer from fear and suicidal impulses.

Herb of Ketu
Influence of Sacrificial Grass or Kusa-bhasma

If Ketu is well placed in the horoscope:
The influence will be toward spiritualism, intuition, universality, subtleness and sensitivity. One will be wealthy and protected from evil.

If Ketu is ill placed in the horoscope:
The influence will be toward eccentricity, explosiveness, fanaticism and emotional problems. One becomes prone to compulsive gambling and fatal diseases such as cancer.

The Healing Powers of Gems

2007-01-29T07:10:00.000-08:00

by Richard S. Brown, PG

The healing powers of gemstones are derived from the special cosmic influences of their associated ruling planets. This is called the “piezoelectric” effect. Late Prof. B. Suryanarain Rao states that "Men are continuously subjected to the influences of Planetary rays." These planetary rays are radiated as gravitational, electrical and magnetic energy fields which are transmitted as light waves. These light waves can be measured from their smallest part as fractional parts of a millionth of an inch, to ones which are millions of millions of miles in length. Each of the nine planets (nava-graha ) influences us according to it's nature. Therefore, a knowledge of these planetary influences is essential to any understanding of gemstones and their healing powers.

The ancient gemological texts of India explain that white light is actually composed of seven primary and two secondary colours blended together. The seven colours are red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet; the other two colours are ultra-violet and infra-red. The seven primary colours become visible in the form of a rainbow whenever white light is defracted through a prism or rain drops; but the two secondary colours always remain invisible.

These nine colours are understood to be the cosmic matrix and very essence of the nine planets; and it is through these colours that the planets radiate their energy and influence. When the visible colored-light waves are measured, infra-red exhibits the longest wave length and ultra-violet, the shortest. It is important to note that the wave length of colored-light emanating from the nine planets is believed to match those radiating from each planet's corresponding gemstone(s). For example, the wave length of light emanating from the Sun is identical to that exhibited by a ruby---both are red. Although, not all gems exhibit their “cosmic colour” such as white pearls, whose cosmic colour is orange, or red coral, whose cosmic radiation is yellow, etc.

Among all the elements in nature, gemstones constitute the most condensed form of concentrated colour. Gems provide an inexhaustible source of cosmic colour rays.

The following is a list of the special healing influences exerted on human affairs by each of the nine planets along with the particular powers ascribed to their corresponding gemstones.

1. SUN (Surya)

If the Sun is exalted in your horoscope you will be well-read, pious, strong, compassionate and untroubled. But if the position of the Sun in one's horoscope is weak or afflicted then contrary results may be expected. RED is the cosmic colour transmitted by rubies and other natural red gems. Red colour waves are hot and therefore useful in curing diseases caused by excessive cold and moisture in the body, viz. cold, flu, anaemia, low blood pressure, heart and circulatory problems, as well as foolish behaviour and learning deficiencies. In addition, Solar gemstones confer courage, eliminate sadness, moderate excess sensuality, and help elevate one's status in society.

GEMSTONES ruled by the Sun are natural ruby, red spinel, red garnet, rubellite and other natural pink or red gems with crystal clear transparency. In order to properly transmit solar energy, Sun stones must be flawless (eye clean) and should be set in gold.

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2. MOON (Chandra)
If the Moon is exalted in your horoscope you will be wealthy, industrious and respected. But if the position of the Moon is weak or afflicted then contrary results may be expected. Diabetes, alcohol and drug abuse, and all types of emotional distress are also associated with debilitated Lunar energy. ORANGE is the cosmic colour transmitted by pearls and other Lunar gems. Orange colour waves are cold and therefore useful in treating diseases of the bodily secretions and blood caused by excessive heat in the body. Fine Moon jewels are known to be helpful in cases of mental derangement's caused by an excess of heat in the heart and brain. Moon astral talismans will also enhance all mental faculties, pacify emotions, induce tranquility, and improve artistic creativity.

GEMSTONES ruled by the Moon are natural pearl & moonstone. Flawless (eye clean) stones are required in order for Moon astral talismans to properly transmit beneficial Lunar energy.

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3. JUPITER (Brihaspati)
If Jupiter is exalted in your horoscope you will be a leader of men, powerful, respected, although susceptible to anger. But if the position of Jupiter in a person's horoscope is debilitated Jupiter can cause personal unhappiness, egotism, sloth, and legal problems. LIGHT BLUE is the cosmic colour transmitted by yellow sapphires and other natural yellow gems. Light blue colour waves, being very cold, relate to the ethereal nature and are helpful in curing diseases of the glands, the fat system and bodily cavities. Jupiter astral talismans are known to enhance spiritual understanding, facilitate pregnancy and childbirth, improve marital relations, increase one's fortune, and help balance the endocrine system. Jupiter jewels are known to be especially favourable to women by increasing their happiness and contentment.

GEMSTONES: Jupiter's energy is transmitted by natural yellow sapphires, topaz, citrine, heliodor, and other flawless (eye clean) yellow gems.

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4. RAHU (Moon's North Node)
Persons with Rahu exalted in their birth chart are wealthy and fortunate. But those with a weak or afflicted Rahu in their horoscope have a tendency to suffer from fear of supernatural phenomena and suicidal impulses. ULTRA-VIOLET is the cosmic colour transmitted by hessonite and other orange gems. Ultra-violet colour waves are the coldest of all the cosmic rays and should be used for ailments caused by extreme over-heating, i.e., high fever, hyper-acidity, indigestion, hyper sexuality, insomnia, and during child birth. Rahu astral talismans may also help divert disasters, prevent insanity, counteract poisons, and protect one from demoniac influences. Rahu is particularly associated with scientific genius and the ability to deal successfully with people of lower status, such as servants, employees, and underworld characters.

GEMSTONES governed by Rahu include hessonite, spessertite, zircon (hyacinth), and other natural gems of golden-orange to brownish-orange hues. Only flawless (eye clean) stones transmit beneficial Rahu energy.

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5. MERCURY (Budha)
If Mercury is well-placed in your horoscope you will be educated, happy, fortunate and highly respected. But if Mercury occupies a weak or harmful position in one's horoscope, one becomes prone to speech and hearing impediments, deceptive behaviour, and lack of vitality. GREEN is the cosmic colour transmitted by emeralds and other green gems. Green colour waves relate to the earth element and are cold by nature. This colour, being heavy, influences the heavy organs of the body such as the flesh, liver, kidneys and intestines. Mercury astral talismans are also known to enhance psychic powers, improve memory and learning, strengthen the nervous system, and provide protection against snakes and envious people.

GEMSTONES governed by Mercury include emerald, peridot, tsavorite, chrome tourmaline, chrome diopside, green jade and other natural green gems of flawless (eye clean) quality.

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6. Venus (Shukra)
When Venus is exalted in the birth chart one will be humanitarian, long-lived and possess many good qualities. But if the position of Venus in one's horoscope is weak or afflicted, one becomes vulnerable to loss of libido, impotence and sterility, venereal (lit. of Venus) complaints, and rapid ageing. INDIGO is the cosmic colour transmitted by diamonds and other colourless gems. This colour influences all watery elements in the body, especially mucous and sperm. Venus astral talismans are known to induce purity of body and mind, confer artistic talent and worldly happiness, strengthen the bones, and improve the quality of all bodily secretions, such as mucous, hormones, and semen.

Venus transmits its cosmic energy through diamonds, quartz crystals, zircons, goshenites, white topaz, white sapphires, and other colourless gemstones with clear transparency.

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7. KETU (The "South Node" of the Moon)
If Ketu is exalted in your birth chart you will be and wealthy and protected from evil. But if Ketu appears in a weak or harmful position in one's horoscope, one becomes prone to fatal diseases of a mysterious nature as well as compulsive gambling. INFRA-RED is the cosmic colour transmitted by cat's eye gems. Infra-red colour waves are the hottest of all the cosmic rays and are known to be useful in many chronic and terminal illness such as cancer and all forms of paralysis. Infra-red colour also aids digestive problems and skin diseases. Ketu astral talismans can also enhance psychic powers, confer protection from hidden enemies, and avert dangers such as drowning, intoxication, and criminal punishment.

GEMSTONES ruled by Ketu include Cat's eye chrysoberyl, beryl, apatite, tourmaline and other yellow to greenish-brown gems which display a strong chatoyant "cat's eye" light reflection on the surface and often within the crystal when cabochon cut. These gems should also possess a high degree of transparency in order to properly transmit beneficial Ketu energy.

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8. SATURN (Shani)
When Saturn is exalted you will be long-lived, charitable, lavish, proficient and an affectionate mate. But if Saturn is weak in your horoscope, then you become vulnerable to headaches, neuralgia, and other disorders of the nervous system, as well as epilepsy, stupidity, and fainting. VIOLET is the cosmic colour transmitted by blue sapphires and other natural blue to violet gems. Violet colour waves are related to Saturn, the planet which governs suffering and poverty. Saturn also rules the entire nervous system. Therefore, most diseases of the nerves, such as neuroses and nervous tension may be caused by an afflicted Saturn. Saturn being the slowest planet also causes diseases of a chronic nature and can cause delays if ill-disposed. Saturn Astral Talismans are known to help strengthen a person's nervous system. They also repel envy from others, avert demoniac influences, provide protection against dangers during travel, make one more serious and far-sighted, and induce mental tranquility. Saturn transmits its cosmic energy through blue sapphires, blue spinels, tanzanite, indicolite, iolite, amethyst and other natural blue to violet gems with transparent clarity. Only flawless gems possess the capacity to properly transmit positive astral energy from Saturn.

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9. MARS (Mangala)
When Mars is exalted in the horoscope one has great energy, is learned, well-known and regal, But if Mars is located in a weak or afflicted position in one's horoscope one becomes prone to boils (due to impure blood), unstable blood pressure, anaemia, and violence. YELLOW is the cosmic colour transmitted by coral and other ochre coloured gems. Yellow colour waves are related to the lymph nodes, bone marrow, blood, and head. Mars astral talismans may help to strengthen these vital elements. They also help avert violence and warfare, moderate lust, improve finances, and reduce mental depression

Gemstones ruled by Mars include natural coral and red carnelian. As always, the use of fine quality gems, free of defects, is imperative for transmission of auspicious astral energy rays.

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It is never advisable to use planetary gem therapy without also taking full advantage of a doctor licensed to practice medicine in line with the medical profession.

Contact the author>>>Richard S. Brown, GIA, PG, www.p-g-a.org, www.agt-gems.com

Visit Astral Gemstone Talismans WWW site for much more complete information on Vedic Gemology

The Importance of Gem Clarity

2007-01-29T07:08:00.000-08:00

"Pure, flawless gems have auspicious powers which can protect one from demons, snakes, poisons, diseases, sinful reactions, and other dangers, while flawed stones have the opposite effect."

GARUDA-PURANAM: Chapter 68, Verse 17

"A gem free from all impurities and radiating its characteristic internal luster should be looked upon as an escort of good luck. A gem which is cracked, fissured, devoid of luster, or appearing rough or sandy, should not be used at all."

AGNI-PURANAM: Chapter 246, Verse 7 & 8

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That gems have powers that can effect one’s life for better or worse is stated in the above quotes as well many chapters of the Sri Garuda Puranam, such as the following quote on rubies by Sri Suta Goswami, "A ruby, although genuine, should not be worn if it has strong color banding, excessive inclusions within like numerous internal cracks, a sandy appearance, a rough surface, or is dull and lusterless. Anyone using such a flawed ruby, even out of ignorance, will suffer from disease, or loss of fortune."

Gemstones are the Earth’s natural conduit for piezoelectric energy waves radiated from the Nine planets recognized by the Vedic science of "sidereal" astrology. It is both common sense and the traditional Vedic recommendation that only "clean" gems will receive and transmit "undisturbed" astral energy waves

Since there were no microscopes to detect flaws in those ancient times, clean to them meant eye-clean.

At present, the gem trade has lost much of its integrity because of the widespread treatment of natural gems to conceal or change imperfections. The oiling of flawed emeralds as a routine proceedure is an obvious example of such treatment. The oil enters the gem through internal cracks which break the surface of the stone. After a period of time the oil drys and the flaws are again visible.

A clean and auspicious emerald cannot be oiled because it has no internal cracks breaking the surface. There is no way for oil or anything to enter into a fine, ‘intact’ non-cracked “single unit” gem crystal of auspicious health.

Flawed gems are far less beautiful and can be a source of misfortune. Most people will not buy torn clothes or a new car with obvious defects. Almost no one uses cracked eyeglasses. Isn’t it odd that almost everyone uses flawed gems?

A good way to think about gem clarity is to mentally compare the location and seriousness of flaws in a gem to similar defects in your own body. If there are minimal flaws in either a gem or your body, there is life and power. But if the defects are too severe, there is neither life nor power. Vedic texts state clearly that only “amala,” CLEAN gems are acceptable for use by thoughtful humans.

Beside the Navaratana, or 9 primary gems, there are many other natural gemstone choices based on color. If one cannot afford the cost of a clean precious gem, one can choose an upa-ratna, or secondary gem. For example: Instead of selecting emerald for the planet Mercury (Budha-graha), one can also use tsavorite (green grossularite), chrome-green or green tourmaline, chrome-green or green diopside, green peridot or green jade. Jade, being an "aggregate" (made up of tiny crystals all fused together) is less preferable thanthe other Mercury gems which are "single unit" crystals.

What is the difference between Jyotish quality gems and commercial junk stones???

There ARE eye-clean, beautiful unburned precious gems on this planet, but they are scarce and costly. Rather than select a flawed primary gem, it is far wiser to choose a flawless upa-ratna, or secondary gem. These upa-ratnas are less expensive than their precious counterparts, and yet conduct the same astral energy of their associated planet. They are also easier to find without flaws or treatment.

See below fora list of all natural gems and their associated planets:

1) RUBY, Red spinel, red garnet and red tourmaline (rubellite) are ruled by the Sun;

2) NATURAL PEARL, Moonstone, white coral and natural (death) ivory are ruled by the Moon;

3) YELLOW SAPPHIRE, Yellow topaz, yellow beryl (heliodor), and yellow tourmaline are ruled by Jupiter;

4) HESSONITE, Orange zircon, spessartite, malaya, and other orange garnets are ruled by Rahu;

5) EMERALD, Tsavorite, green tourmaline, diopside, peridot and jade are ruled by Mercury;

6) DIAMOND, White (colorless) sapphire, white topaz, zircon and colorless quartz are ruled by Venus;

7) CHRYSOBERYL CAT'S EYE, Beryl, apatite, fibrolite, and tourmaline cat's eyes are ruled by Ketu;

8) BLUE SAPPHIRE, blue spinel, indicolite (blue tourmaline), iolite and amethyst are ruled by Saturn;

9) RED CORAL, Carnelian and all-red bloodstone are ruled by Mars

REMEMBER: Whatever gem(s) you use should be flawless, because according to ancient Vedic wisdom only "eye-clean" gems are helpful and attractive, while visibly flawed gems are defective and disturbing!

By Richard Shaw Brown, www.p-g-a.org
www.agt-gems.com

Vedic View On 'Flawless' Gems

2007-01-29T07:06:00.000-08:00

BY HRSIKESANANDA DAS

EDITORIAL, Jul 1 (VNN) — Some points Krishna & Baladev learned about Gemology during one entire day with Sandipani Muni

Important Shastric quotes on Gems spoken by Sri Suta Goswami

compiled by Hrsikesananda das

"The fine, auspicious stones can counteract poison, snake venom, diseases, and other dangers." (Ref. Garuda Purana: Chapter 68)

"The potency of a flawless ruby is such that even an ignorant person living a sinful life and surrounded by deadly enemies is saved by wearing such a gem. Anyone wearing such a naturally effulgent ruby would be freed from diseases caused by any imbalance of the bodily functions." (Ref. Garuda Purana: Chapter 70)

"A large, round white pearl with effulgent luster and with a clean, even hole drilled through its center, which charms even a person who is not even interested in pearls, should be considered as possessed of a rare, good quality. The owner of such a pearl will never suffer any form of ill fortune." (Ref. Garuda Purana: Chapter 69)

"A pure hessonite sparkling with internal fire and set in a golden ornament is the ultimate talisman, capable of increasing the life span, the progeny, and the happiness of its owner. It can also remover evil thoughts and motives from the owner's mind. Any man possessing such a praiseworthy hessonite, even if only for ornamental purposes would surely become wealthy and famous in this lifetime." (Ref. Garuda Purana: Chapter 75)

"Anyone possessing a fine, flawless quality emerald of any of these shades of green is blessed with great good fortune." (Ref. Garuda Purana: Chapter 71)

"But the fine emeralds of these areas possess mystical powers, even to neutralize the poison of a king cobra." (Ref. Garuda Purana: Chapter 71)

"Emeralds should be mounted in yellow gold, and worn, both by the doctor and patient, during the treatment of any disease, especially those caused by poison or an imbalance of the body's vital airs." (Ref. Garuda Purana: Chapter 71)

"Flawless, high-grade diamonds confer good fortune upon their wearers." (Ref. Garuda Purana: Chapter 68 b)

"If one owns a rough diamond with a well-shaped crystalline formation, high transparency and brilliancy, and devoid of any blemished or visible inclusions, he acquires the following virtues: prosperity, longevity, marital happiness, children and livestock, and a good harvests." (Ref. Garuda Purana: Chapter 68 b)

"Auspicious diamonds help protect the wearer from attack by poisonous serpents, tigers, thieves, and deadly poisons. They protect his possessions from fire and flood and cause his complexion to become lustrous." (Ref. Garuda Purana: Chapter 68 b)

"A well polished, bright coral with rich, soothing dark-red colors and without flaws is considered most auspicious. It possesses power to increase the riches and wheat supplies of its wearer and also removes obstacles and dangers." (Ref. Garuda Purana: Chapter 80)

"As with rubies, flawless garnets colored like the petals of the red lotus are considered the rarest and most beautiful and possess the mystic virtue of increasing both the wealth and progeny of their owners." (Ref. Garuda Purana: Chapter 77)

"Among all gems, fine, flawless quality jade has the greatest ability to remove negative karmic reactions." (Ref. Garuda Purana: Chapter 79)

"Any one respectfully wearing a pure quartz crystal set in gold will attain good fortune in this life and be protected from dangerous animals such as tigers, leopards, wolves, elephants, and lions. Pure quartz is also an amulet giving the wearer extraordinary sexual prowess. Wearing quartz while offering libations to departed ancestors insures them lasting happiness. It is also a talisman against drowning, burning and theft. These attributes pertain to pure flawless quartz only." (Ref. Garuda Purana: Chapter 79)

"Bloodstones of fine quality increase the wealth and followers of one who wears them." (Ref. Garuda Purana: Chapter 78)

"A gem free from all impurities and radiating its characteristic internal luster should be looked upon as an "escort" of good luck." (Agni Purana: Chapter 246)

Vedic Gemology Gets Organized

2007-01-29T07:05:00.000-08:00

BY HRSIKESANANDA DAS

THAILAND, Feb 19 (VNN) — PLANETARY GEMOLOGISTS ASSOCIATION
99/22 Soi 7 Lang Suan Road, Lumpini, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Tel. (662) 252-1230 Fax. (662) 252-1231
E-mail: info@p-g-a.org
http://www.p-g-a.org

"The Sun manifests his brilliance in a ruby although it is a gem." Sri Brahma-Samhita : 5.49

GEM: A natural pearl, coral, shell or mineral that is valued for its durability, rarity, portability, beauty, perfection or astrological influence.

GEMOLOGY: The study of gems.

PLANETARY GEMOLOGY: Ancient Vedic science of the relationship between 9 GEMS and 9 PLANETS recognised in sidereal astrology and ayurveda.

PLANETARY GEMOLOGIST (PG): A practitioner of Planetary Gemmology; one who knows BOTH the physical and metaphysical properties of gems.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE:

The "Graha-anukul ratna-vishesh-ajna parishad" or Planetary Gemologists Association (PGA), is a necessary regulatory and research group formed to help unite all genuine Planetary Gemologists around the world.

Purpose of the Planetary Gemologists Association is threefold,...

1) To bring order and positive worldwide attention to this ancient science, Planetary Gemology, which is one of the 64 Asian arts, associated with Vedic (sidereal) astrology, Ayurveda, and elite mineralogy;

2) To establish high standards of professionalism and expertise as requirements for membership, which will serve as a guarantee of integrity and excellence to the public;

3) To maintain a forum for deliberation into the subtle mysteries of "Planetary Gemology" and to present these findings and conclusions by publishing an annual Journal named the "Journal of the Planetary Gemologists Association."

For information about joining or supporting the Planetary Gemologists Association please contact: PGA's ACTING SECRETARY, Richard S. Brown, GIA, PG mailto:rsb@p-g-a.org

Standardize Vedic Gemology

2007-01-29T07:03:00.000-08:00

BY HRSIKESANANDA DAS

EDITORIAL, Feb 10 (VNN) — Attn: Devotee Astrologers

From the Graha-anukul ratna-vishesh-ajna parishad or Planetary Gemologists Association (PGA)

Dandavats. Two day ago I was approached by an Iskcon devotee wanting a flawless ruby for his wife. The ruby was prescribed by a devotee astrologer. We checked her janma-patri and Sun, the lord of ruby, was debilitated or giving "maximum harm;" Sun was the worst planet in his wife's horoscope and yet she was advised to use ruby!? Practically all devotee astrologers advise gems for the devotee's BAD planets, and thus they inflict harm on them. I hope this appeal will save the devotee astrologers from misleading those devotees wanting to benefit by wearing auspicious Vedic gems.
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“According to B.V. Raman, India's leading astrologer, "A planet in it's own sign is rendered powerful to do good. A planet in its sign of exaltation is rendered even more powerful to do good than in it's own sign.”

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SUBJECT: Standardization of the Vedic Science of Planetary Gemology.

I would first like to address the question of how gems should be chosen and what their effects will be. One group opines that gems should be used to "pacify" harmful planets; another group believes that gems should be used to "strengthen" weak planetary influences; while yet another belief is to "boost" beneficial or auspicious planets.

I GEM COLOR (planetary associations):

According to B.V. Raman, India's leading astrologer, "A planet in it's own sign is rendered powerful to do good. A planet in its sign of exaltation is rendered even more powerful to do good than in it's own sign. A planet in it's sign of mulatrikona is rendered powerful to do good similar to when in exaltation." Planets that are in an enemy sign or which are debilitated usually have a harmful or inauspicious influence. Thus Professor Raman also states that planets which are debilitated give results opposite of when they are in strong sign position - in other words, bad results. (Ref. Astrology for Beginners.

IBH Prakashana, Fifth Main, Gandhinagar, Bangalore 560 009, India. 1983)

When using any planet's gem, the result will depend on the condition of the planet in one's horoscope (as per the above conclusion of Prof.

Raman). Gems DO magnify the energy and influence of a planet, but gems DO NOT change the angle or position of a planet in one's horoscope. The idea that gems will strengthen weak planets (like those in an enemy sign or sign of debilitation) and thereby make them auspicious is, in my opinion, an incorrect understanding.

This conclusion, which I believe to be erroneous, leads to the belief that wearing the gem of a BAD (weak) planet will move the planet into a good position or angle in one's horoscope. This makes no sense. Stronger yes, but in a different angle, condition or position, how is this done?

I believe that a gem WILL increase the influence of it's ruling planet, FOR BETTER OR WORSE, depending on the position or angle that a planet is placed in one's horoscope. To make a BAD planet stronger will only increase its bad influence.

For example, whenever people ask me what [gem] is good for them (according to their janma-patri) I CANNOT point out their debilitated Mars and say that Coral for Mars is good for them. It is common knowledge that having any planet in debilitation is NOT GOOD! Prof.

Raman says that it would be a BAD influence on the person.

No one has ever shown nor even referred me to any Shastric evidence stating that gems should be worn to pacify or strengthen bad or ill placed planets.

In 1982 and again in 1988 I published a book called "Handbook of Planetary Gemology." In this book I also advocated the negative idea that gems should be chosen for bad (weak) planets to strengthen their weakness. In fact, I actually practiced this negative method of gem selection for clients from 1975 to 1990, and now I can understand why my first 15 years were so discouraging. I was not giving people what was GOOD for them; rather I was dispensing the very worst gem they could use.

An illustration of this concept can be taken from one of my own experiences with gem therapy. Saturn in particular is a krura-graha, or cruel planet, and its position in my horoscope is even worse. Still, I was advised by most sidereal astrologers to use a blue sapphire, the gem for Saturn, in order to "pacify" Saturn's harmful influence on me.

After a long search I found a flawless, unburned, top color Burmese blue sapphire weighing just over 7 carats. I bought the gem, had it set into a special gold ring, and on Saturday, two hours and forty minutes before sunset (during the waxing Moon), and I installed the ring after reciting the appropriate mantras to Shanideva.

I began having ill fortune as soon as I started wearing this most auspicious and completely flawless blue sapphire, and the bad influence was totally of a saturnine nature. I started getting frequent headaches and my business started slowing down along with my energy level. Almost everything I did was beset with obstacles and delays.

Finally, after using the gem for almost a year, I took it off in frustration. And slowly I began to feel relief (Note: Our research has shown that the influence of blue sapphire for Saturn takes about 30 days to wear off). So the blue sapphire didn't 'pacify' my cruel Saturn, it didn't strengthen my so-called weak Saturn; rather it increased Saturn's evil influence on me according to its bad position in my birth chart.

Later I had the opportunity to show my birth chart to Pandit Vidyadhar Shukla, the current Chief Brahmin Priest and leading Vedic astrologer of Thailand, who confirmed that Saturn was indeed a bad influence for me. He further suggested that as the blue sapphire had made matters worse, this was a good case against the theory that gems "pacify" harmful planets.

In my chart Sun is exalted in Aries in the 9th house as lord of my lagna, Leo. Pandit Vidyadhar suggested that I should wear a ruby to "strengthen" the Sun in order to counteract or overpower Saturn's harmful influence. Panditji also told me to "donate" a blue sapphire in order to mitigate Saturn's harmful influence. Since following this advice I have experienced much better effects on my health, business and attitude.

II GEM DONATIONS (using gems to pacify harmful planets)

Gems CAN be used to 'pacify' bad or ill-placed planets, but the method is to sacrifice or DONATE the gem(s) for one's bad planet(s), not to wear the gem oneself. For example: To propitiate an evil (ill-placed) Rahu in one's horoscope, it is recommended that one should DONATE a fine hessonite (gomeda) gem to a leper on Saturday evening during the waxing Moon. This is the recommendation for using gems to PACIFY bad or ill-placed planet(s) in one's horoscope.

III GEM CLARITY (Is a gem dead or alive?)

According to Shastra only EYE-CLEAN gems (free of visible flaws) are auspicious and flawed gems "should not be used at all!" Ref. Chapter 246 of the Sanskrit classic "Agni-Puranam"...

"A gem which is cracked, fissured, devoid of luster, or appearing rough or sandy, should not be used at all."

Or consider this bit of gemological advice spoken by Paramahansa Sripad Suta Goswami in Chapter 69 of "Sri Garuda Purana"...

"A ruby, although genuine, should not be worn if it has strong color banding, excessive inclusions within like numerous internal cracks, a sandy appearance, a rough surface, or is dull and lusterless.

Anyone using such a flawed ruby, even out of ignorance, will suffer from disease, or loss of fortune."

Over and over the Shastras repeatedly order, "No flawed gems!" For instance, here is another quote from Sri Garuda Purana about the use of ordinary colorless quartz (Bishma-ratna),

"These [before mentioned auspicious] attributes pertain to pure flawless quartz, and knowledgeable gemologists advise that flawed varieties that are included, fractured, or discolored should be completely avoided!"

The required quality standard for Vedic Planetary Gemology is quoted in Sanskrit as "sujyam-amalam" or top color (sujati=high born) and flawless (amala). This is the only good standard and all else would be, by definition, sub-standard or even worthless; I ask who wants to wear a 'flawed' gem if it is deemed harmful?

IV CONCLUSION (Harness the pure power of your lucky stars)

My conclusions are based on Vedic scripture, common sense, and a 25 year study of over 5,000 persons using gems for their strong or good planets, as well as others using gems for their bad or weak planets.

Gems related to good planets produced good results, while gems for bad planets produced BAD results.

I think that some of today's Kali-yuga astrologers are doing a great disservice to the public by prescribing gems for BAD planets, and also telling people that it is OK to use FLAWED gems, in complete contradiction of the Shastras. Some are even so foolish as to advise that synthetic (lab-created) gems are "real," i.e., that they have the same real power of a natural gemstone.

And I have observed that whenever I tell most Indian people what I do, viz., Planetary Gemology, their immediate thought is of a beggar sitting in the gutter and selling people their CHART, their GEM PRESCRIPTION A-N-D their GEMSTONE, for Rs.100 (around $ 3.00). I think this is a disgrace and it is proof that the evil Kali Yuga is gaining momentum. It is really unfortunate when an ancient and exalted Vedic science like Planetary Gemology becomes so degraded as at the present time.

If it is true that bad planetary gems can harm a person and flawed gems are actually inauspicious, then those who recommend such inferior quality of stones are guilty of inflicting harm on fellow human beings.

V PRICE (Are flawless gems only for the rich?)

The question may be raised, "If only flawless gems are good luck, does that mean that good luck is only for the rich people who can afford the price of a flawless gem?" The question can be expanded: "Flawed, common gems are available to every one, rich and poor alike, but flawless, CLEAN gems are very expensive. Only the wealthy people can afford flawless, top quality gems, and that leaves nothing for the masses. If only CLEAN gems are auspicious, where does that leave the middle and poor classes? Are flawless gems only for the rich?"

---Suppose a person is advised to use a Sun jewel because of the Sun's being posited in an auspicious sign in their horoscope. If their budget (the amount a person can spend) is only $100 then they are poor (for totally poverty-stricken persons there is no question of gemstones); if the amount is $1,000 then they are middle class; if the budget is $10,000 or more then they are rich. But in every case they can have a flawless, natural Sun gem, because Nature has provided a number of natural alternative gems. So, in this case, everyone, the poor, the rich, and the middle class could all be happy by purchasing either a...

1) Flawless red garnet for $100. (Poor) 2) Flawless red spinel for $1,000. (Middle), or 3) Flawless red ruby for $10,000. (Rich)

Along with the Navaratna (viz., Ruby, pearl, yellow sapphire, hessonite, emerald, diamond, cat's eye, blue sapphire, and red coral.) or nine primary gems, there are many other natural gemstone choices based on color. These "upa-ratnas" are less expensive than their precious counterparts and yet they conduct the same astral energy of their associated planet. They are also easier to find without flaws or treatment.

Here is a list of the foremost upa-ratna (semi-precious gems) known to man, along with their ruling planets:

-(RUBY) Red spinel, red garnet and red tourmaline (rubellite) are ruled by the Sun;

-(NATURAL PEARL) Moonstone & (natural-death) Ivory and white coral are ruled by the Moon;

-(YELLOW SAPPHIRE) Yellow topaz, yellow beryl (heliodor) and citrine are ruled by Jupiter;

-(HESSONITE) Spessartite, orange zircon and other orange garnets are ruled by Rahu (North Node of the Moon);

-(EMERALD) Tsavorite, green tourmaline, diopside, peridot and jade are ruled by Mercury;

-(DIAMOND) White (colorless) sapphire, topaz, zircon, beryl and quartz are ruled by Venus;

-(CAT'S EYE CHRYSOBERYL) Beryl, apatite, fibrolite and tourmaline cat's eyes are ruled by Ketu (South Node of the Moon);

-(BLUE SAPPHIRE) Tanzanite (blue zoisite), blue spinel, iolite and amethyst are ruled by Saturn;

-(RED CORAL) Carnelian and bloodstone are ruled by Mars.

If one cannot afford the price of a flawless ruby or diamond, they may opt instead for a flawless but far less expensive red garnet or colorless quartz crystal. All of the Sidereal astrological planets have several varieties of gems that transmit they're cosmic energies, beginning with the primary, most precious gems and followed by secondary, less expensive gems. It's better, for example, to wear a flawless red garnet than a flawed ruby. People interested in enhancing their lives through the auspicious cosmic energies transmitted by planetary gemstones should select only flawless specimens. It is in fact better to wear no gems at all than to wear flawed stones. But since every planet offers a variety of gems from "first class" to "economy class," one may easily pick a flawless gem that suits one's individual budget as well as one's horoscope.

VI REQUEST FOR STANDARDIZATION:

In conclusion I would like to suggest that the editors of the highly regarded authority, the Astrological Magazine, recruit the world's leading astrologers to standardize the system of Vedic Planetary Gemology. This standardization will help to eliminate some of the current fraudulent practices of crooks and deluded astrologers so that this ancient science can benefit the population at large.

Thank you for reading this message and considering our opinion. Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated. Please contact me by rsb@p-g-a.org or write care of PGA, 99/22 Lang Suan Soi 7, Lumpini, Bangkok 10330, Kingdom of Thailand. http://www.p-g-a.org

Respectfully,

Richard S. Brown, GIA, PG Ref.

http://www.agt-gems.com/AGTbook/AGTrsb.html
Acting Secretary: PGA - http://www.p-g-a.org - rsb@p-g-a.org

Nava-Ratna The Nine Sacred Gems In The Vedas

2007-01-29T07:02:00.000-08:00

BY HRSIKESANANDA DAS

EDITORIAL, Apr 21 (VNN) — SRI NAVA RATNA - A flawless collection of the 9 Vedic gems:

Sri "Nava Ratna" ring set with nine perfect gems. In the center is a flawless (loupe clean) "red lotus" colored Burmese RUBY surrounded (clockwise from the top) by flawless diamond, flawless natural pearl, flawless red coral, flawless hessonite, flawless blue sapphire, flawless cat's eye, flawless yellow sapphire, and flawless emerald.

"The Sun manifest his brilliance in a ruby although it is a gem." Sri Brahma-Samhita: 5.49

Respected Krsna bhaktas,

Please accept my dandavat. All glories to Sri Sri Guru & Gauranga! Sri Sri Radha-Krishna-abhyam namah!! It has come to my attention that a question of the validity of astrological gemstones (Jyotish-ratna) as a Vedic science has arisen within the Vaishnava community. As I have done considerable research on this subject I beg you to kindly consider the following bone fide references:

Our Adi-guru, Srila Suta Goswami, has spoken the following words in the ancient Garuda-puranam, chap 70, regarding the dawn of creation:

"The blood of the great demon Vala was taken by Surya, the Sungod, who then fled into the blue vastness of space....Ravana attempted to block Surya's flight like a solar eclipse....Appearing afraid of Ravana, the Sungod dropped the demon's blood, which fell down in the deep pools of ancient Bharata (which included Burma, Siam, India, and of course Sri Lanka)....Beautiful and effulgent rubies, in all shades of color, possessing manifold virtues, originated on these shores....The rubies from these fragrant lands are found in a variety of hues....Some are like human blood, etc.....Being illuminated by rays of the Sun, this crystal species shines forth with wonderful color and brilliancy."

NOTE: Here is a direct bona fide link between Surya and rubies.

In chapter 69 it is further stated by Suta Goswami:

"The teeth of the demon Vala....fell like stars into the oceans below and became seeds for a species of gems with the luster of full Moon beams. Entering into the shells of oysters these seeds became pearls."

NOTE: Another direct link that matches the nine planets (Graha-devas) with associated gems, viz., natural pearl for Chandra, the Moon.

There are nine foremost gems which are known as the Nava-ratna. This quote attributed to the Sanskrit "Brihat Jatak" or Vast Production , reads as follows:

Manikyam dinanayakasya vimalam muktaphalam shitagoh
maheyasya cha vidrumam marakatam saumyasya-garutmakam
devejyasya cha pushparagam sura-achryasya vajram shaneh
nilam nirmalamanyayoshcha gadite gomeda-vaiduryake

Translation: The Sun's gem is pure ruby, Moon is (natural) pearl, Mars is red coral, Mercury is emerald, Jupiter is yellow sapphire, Venus is diamond, Saturn is blue sapphire, Rahu is hessonite, and Ketu is cat's eye.

A slightly different version of this ancient Sanskrit verse is also quoted in the "Mani-mala" page 575, verse 79 by S. M. Tagore (1879), and also in the ancient "Parijataka," The Tree of Paradise, chap. 2, sloka 21 compiled by Sri Vedyanath, son of Venkata-dhari, and reads as follows:

Manikyam taraneh sujatyamamalam muktaphalam shitagoh
maheyasya cha vidrumao nigaditah saumyasya-garutmakam
devejyasya cha pushparagam asura-achryasya vajram shaneh
nilam nirmalamanyayoshcha gadite gomeda-vaiduryake

Translation:

1) Ruby for the Sun,
2) Pearl for the Moon,
3) Coral for Mars,
4) Emerald for Mercury,
5) Yellow sapphire for Jupiter,
6) Diamond for Venus,
7) Blue sapphire for Saturn,
8) Hessonite for Rahu (the ascending node of the Moon),
9) Cat's eye for Ketu (the descending node of the Moon),

In this important sloka the words, "sujatyam-amalam" (sujati=high born and amala=completely pure or flawless) are very significant. According to bona fide Vedic authority only flawless top quality gems are considered to be auspicious.

To further support this important yet mostly over-looked dictate I will quote the following slokas:

In the "Garuda Puranam," chap. 68, verse 17 it is stated by Sri Suta Goswami,

"Pure, flawless gems have auspicious powers which can protect one from demons, snakes, poisons, diseases, sinful reactions, and other dangers, while flawed stones have the opposite affect."

Again we quote from the ancient "Agni Puranam" chap. 246, slokas 7 & 8:

"A gem free from all impurities and radiating its characteristic internal luster should be looked upon as an escort of good luck"

A gem which is cracked, fissured, devoid of luster, or appearing rough or sandy, should not be used at all."

This point is also made in many chapters of Sri Garuda Puranam, such as this quote on rubies by Sri Suta Goswami,

"A ruby, although genuine, should not be worn if it has strong color banding, excessive inclusions within like numerous internal cracks, a sandy appearance, a rough surface, or is dull and lusterless. Anyone using such a flawed ruby, even out of ignorance, will suffer from disease, or loss of fortune."

All these nine gems are considered equally sacred, and they only differ according to the astral influence of their ruling planets. In essence the table of Vedic Birth stones is as follows:

The Nine Gems, Nine Planets & Vedic Zodiac

GEMSTONE RULING PLANET ZODIAC MOON SIGN

Ruby Sun Leo
Pearl Moon Cancer
Coral Mars Aries / Scorpio
Emerald Mercury Gemini / Virgo
Yellow Sapphire Jupiter Sagittarius / Pisces
Diamond Venus Taurus / Libra
Blue Sapphire Saturn Capricorn / Aquarius
Hessonite Rahu* N/A
Cat's eye Ketu* N/A

* NOTE: According to the ancient science of Thai or Asian "Sidereal" Astrology, Rahu and Ketu do not rule any of the 12 zodiac signs. Being aprakasha or "shadow planets," they reflect the qualities of the lord of the sign they occupy. Example: If Rahu is located in Virgo, a sign ruled by Mercury, you should look to the position of Mercury in the chart and predict similar results for Rahu.

The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Krishna & Lord Balarama, also learned everything about Vedic Gemology (Ratna-Shastra) , which is one of the 64 Vedic arts, from the blessed Acarya Sandipani Muni; and They Personally use gemstones, eternally.

And I would like to mention His Divine Grace Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, who obtained and is still wearing a blue sapphire for his exalted Saturn influence, as advised by his personal Jyotishacarya in Sridham Vrindavan. (Ref. Tamal Krishna Goswami Maharaj who was Srila Prabhupada's personal secretary at the time, and Prabhupada's letter to me in this regard).

I sincerely hope that there is no more doubt about the Ratna-Shastras being a valid Vedic science.

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The Most Sacred Gem in the Vedas

2007-01-29T06:59:00.000-08:00

BY HRSIKESANANDA DAS

USA, Mar 5 (VNN) — The Most Sacred Gem in the Vedas

Sri Salagrama Sila

Pictured is an exceptionally perfect and very rare "Vamana" Salagrama Sila adorned with the sacred Chakra of Lord Sri Visnu. Origin: The Krsna-Gandaki River in Nepal. According to the Gautamiya Tantra a stone from any place other than the Gandaki River in Nepal can never be a Salagrama Sila.

Merely by touching a genuine Salagram Sila one becomes free from the sins of millions of births, so what to speak of worshiping Him. By puja of Salagrama Sila one gains the direct association of Lord Hari. The Skanda Purana states that a genuine Salagram Sila is directly a manifestation of the Supreme Lord Visnu and does not require any installation.

It is further stated that the sale or purchase of a Salagram Sila is strictly prohibited. Anyone who attempts to determine the material value of a Salagrama Sila will live in hell until the end of the universe. The area within a radius of twenty-four miles from where a Salagrama Sila is worshiped is considered a holy place (tirtha). Anyone who sees, bathes, worships, or bows to a Salagrama Sila will receive the same piety as doing millions of sacrifices and giving millions of cows in charity.

Without having accumulated pious activities, it is very difficult to find a Salagrama Sila in this world, especially in the age of Kali-yuga. In the Padma Purana it is stated that if a devotee who is properly initiated in prescribed mantras does the puja of Salagrama Sila, he will attain the Supreme Lord's spiritual abode without a doubt.

Servitor: Hrisikesananda das

Photo: Adisorn Wattanavanich

Sastric evidence from Sri Hari-bhakti-vilas translated by Sri Padmanabha Goswami, Sri Radha-ramana Temple, Vrndavana, U.P., India.

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Mani Mala by S. M. Tagore (C) 1879

2007-01-29T06:51:00.000-08:00

Translation of sloka 79: Procedure for Gifting Gems for Retrograde Planets:

Faultless ruby of good quality for Sun, pearl for Moon, coral for Mars, emerald for Mercury, yellow sapphire for Jupiter, diamond for Venus, the faultless blue sapphire for Saturn and for the others (obviously Rahu and Ketu) garnet and cat's eye gem.

Translation of sloka 80-81: Procedure for Taking (wearing) Gems for Retrograde Planets:

If the Sun were to be retrograde it is cat's eye gems which is considered auspicious, if it were the Moon, it is blue sapphire, if it is Mars, it is ruby, if it is Mercury, it is ruby, if it is Jupiter, it is pearl, if it is Venus, it is diamond, if it is Saturn, it is blue sapphire, if it is Rahu, one should wear garnet and if it is Ketu, one should go in for emerald.

Note: This information was translated into English by Prof. Dr. Satya Vrat Shastri, Mahamahopadhyaya - Vidyavachaspati - Padma Shri, and differs in the use of the word "viguna-graha"; Prof. Shastri has translated as "retrograde" planets, while Tagore has said "ill" and "evil" planets.

This information is presented for reader interest only and does not necessarily represent the views and policies of the PGA. These three verses are Slokas 79-81 of Mani Mala by S.M. Tagore, published in 1879.

WORLDS MOST FAMOUS & HISTORIC RUBY ...IS A RED SPINEL

2007-01-29T06:47:00.000-08:00

If you try to find the most famous ruby in the world that would be in the UK Crown Jewels, named Black Prince's Ruby, it was worn in battle and the black prince was struck by a sword directly on the gem, but it didn't break and saved his life. Before the British it was in India named the Timur Ruby by the Muslims who stole it from the Hindu Rajas, before that it was (said by some historians as) the Maharaja Ruby, and before that it might have been the Syamantaka Gem given by Suryadev to Satrajit.

The interesting thing is that 60 years ago modern science discovered that it is a Red Spinel, not a ruby. But still it is called the most famous "ruby" on Earth. Never underestimate the powers of red spinel to attract Suryadeva.

Sri Gomeda in Shastra

2007-01-29T06:43:00.000-08:00

The ideal color for hessonite is an intense orange hue appearing like a mixture of honey, blood and moonlight with a brilliant copper-colored sparkle.

Hessonites which are flawed, lack luster, or white or bluish in color are considered inferior and inauspicious. Hessonites of poor quality are common, while fine peaces are so rare that the ancients considered them the most blessed of all gems in the world.

A pure hessonite sparkling with internal fire and set in a golden ornament is the ultimate talisman, capable of increasing the life span, the progeny, and the happiness of its owner. It can also remover evil thoughts and motives from the owner's mind.

Any man possessing such a praiseworthy hessonite, even if only for ornamental purposes would surely become wealthy and famous in this lifetime.

--- Sri Garuda Puranam: Chap. 75

A life of cosmic proportions, written in the stars.

2007-01-29T06:36:00.000-08:00

By Nick Davis

With an early introduction in life to fame and some fortune, Richard Shaw Brown was for a time the lead singer in The 1960s band ‘The Misunderstood,’ a band that was breaking new ground and making musical history for its time. For a while, everything seemed to be going right for Richard and his other band members including Drummer Rick Moe, Steel Guitarist Glenn Ross Campbell, Guitarist Tony Hill from the UK, and Steve Whiting on Bass. Bizarre twists and turns in Richard’s fate took him away from the band, to India then eventually to Thailand where he has established himself as an internationally recognized astral gemologist with Bangkok’s Sri Navaratna museum at Suan Lum Night Bazaar. Richard is soon to be back in the spotlight with the upcoming release of a dramatization the band’s and Richard’s life.

Back in 1963, originally called ‘The Blue Notes’ a group of American teenage musicians underwent a few changes in their band member line up and eventually settled on ‘The Misunderstood’ The chemistry between the band members was powerful enough to propel their musical careers on to the fast track in a relatively short amount of time. By the mid 60’s, The Misunderstood were thrilling audiences in America with their psychedelic brand of progressive anti-war Rock. The band’s next step in the world of music recognition, at the urging of British DJ Sir John Peel, was to be seen and heard by London audiences. The British music scene opened its arms to this new, energetic band with a style and stage presence that predates some of the imagery that later gained popularity with bands like Pink Floyd or Hendrix.

The band’s romance with the British public was cut short though as the military action in Vietnam intensified and troops were being drafted by the US Government. Even though the band was in England at the time, Richard received his draft notice and had to fly back to the states, hoping he would be able to explain the situation with the band’s current roller coaster ride to success and get back on a plane to the UK fairly soon. Once back in the states though, it soon became apparent that Richard’s position as a lead singer in a famous band was not enough to keep him from contributing to the war effort and despite his pacifist ideals, Richard was subsequently packed off to boot camp. The band was devastated to be losing their front man. Coupled with fact that the other American band members were having visa problems in the UK and had gotten to the point where they were just going backwards and forwards on the ferry between Dover and Calais, trying to renew their visas. The misunderstood conceded defeat, split up and faded out just as their future was starting to shine brightly.

During the brief period between basic training and being sent into combat on the other side of the world, Richard was able to make arrangements to get himself smuggled out of America and eventually to India, where he sought refuge in an Ashram in the North. It was here, with no real possessions or money that Richard began a seven-year period of spiritual discovery in which he learned to read, write and speak Sanskrit, becoming a member of the Vaishnava sect of Hinduism. This period of self sacrifice and enlightenment was especially hard for Richard, being someone who had had a financially secure childhood and then rocketing to stardom where money was not an issue made his life of poverty in India that much more traumatic. As Richard had happily spent his life munching on American food, including good old beef burgers, he was considered an ‘untouchable’ by the Indians who consider the killing and eating of a cow, a sin. The transition to a vegetarian diet, meditation and studying the ancient text brought Richard to a closer level of acceptance in the community. His efforts in devoting his energies to raising funds for constructing two schools also helped ensure good future karma. During our discussion, Richard picked up a drum, tapped out a rhythm and chanted some verses in the world’s oldest language, proving his commitment to memory of the Sanskrit texts. In 1974, Richard moved to Southern India where joined a friend who had uncovered a ruby mine. Here, Richard’s knowledge of Sanskrit, passion for the ancient Indian astrology and his deepening knowledge of gemmology led him to develop a range of gem stones set in rings and talismans, based on the writings of Vedic texts.

These ancient writings refer to the legend of Vala, a mythical demon who overpowered the king of heaven, Indra, becoming a tyrannical ruler. Eventually, oppressed demigods were able to slay Vala through trickery. His dismembered body scattered over the world turning into the seeds of precious gems, falling to earth in oceans, rivers, mountains and forests. Theses seeds are said to have created the gem mines that are still worked to this day.. The foremost species of these gems stones include ruby, emerald, blue Sapphire, cats eye, yellow Sapphire, diamond, pearl, hessonite, coral, bloodstone, quartz, jade and red garnet. These different gems are said to be originally born from different parts of the Vala’s shattered body: His teeth became pearls and his skin rained down as yellow sapphire. Diamonds were bone fragments and emerald was his bile. Each stone is said to channel the astral powers of 9 related planets and their universal influence over people’s lives. To ensure positive effects of the energies, the stones must be flawless. If they contain impurities or are cracked, the effects can be negative; bringing bad luck and misfortune to the wearer. Contemplating the qualities of a radio crystal can make a good analogy of how this works. The crystal picks up the invisible radio waves that are all around us and transforms them into sound with its resonance. The same thing happens with invisible cosmic energy, which the gems receive as infrared or ultra violet light.

Although, at first glance, the Western horoscope and astrological teachings seem similar to the ancient Vedic system; indeed they use the same terminology like Cancer, Leo and Pisces, the two are quite dissimilar. Although the names of the zodiac signs are the same, the Vedic system follows a different pattern of dates to the western astrological system. In fact, many people who go to the second paragraph in the horoscope section of a newspaper, looking for their Pisces prediction for the day, might well be better off reading what’s in store for Aquarians’ Also different is that the Vedic system’s nine planetary influences include the sun, the moon and two ‘shadow planets’ Ketu and Rahu. Along with mercury, venus, mars etc. Pluto and Uranus though, are not considered to have a powerful enough influence to be included. in the equation. Depending on the planetary positions in an individual’s birth chart, their life will be influenced by the strength of certain planet’s powers at their time of birth. Richard’s astral gemstone talismans are designed to enhance good influences and counter the bad. To ensure the correct balance of astral energy in one’s life is not as simple as going out and buying a gemstone that represents wealth and power or one that corresponds to one’s birthstone but an analysis of the planetary alignment at the time and place of birth is essential in finding out what the best combination of stones is or which stones should be avoided. One piece though, the Nava Ratna (Nine planetary gems), is considered safe for most wearers as it creates a perfect balance of energies by incorporating all nine gems in one talisman

Mars and its associated properties, for example, are a represented by red coral. The moon is associated with natural pearl.: Ketu is located as the South Node of the Moon and Rahu is located as the North Node.. These two ‘Nodes’ are opposites; Rahu being the dragon’s head, while Ketu is its tail. Either of these aspects may be good or bad influences in a person’s life depending on where the planets are positioned on their birth chart.

Ironically Bangkok’s full-length name includes the words ‘Nava-Ratna,’ in part, meaning ‘city of the nine gems.’ Demonstrating Thailand’s strong connection with ancient India and Sanskrit. On a more profound note, many European languages contain mutations of Sanskrit; especially in the way numbers are spoken or written.

Since bringing his astral knowledge to Thailand, Richard has designed and produced over six exclusive collections of astral gemstones and talismans, which are all on display in the Nava Ratna Museum in the Lumpini Night Bazaar. The two storey, glass fronted museum shop literally sparkles with the rows of perfect gemstones set in gold and silver. Visitors are welcome to wander around the museum and learn something about their own planetary influences with a free reading. Just tell them your birth date, time, and place of birth. One of the staff will explain the intricacies of your planetary alignment and which stones are good or bad.
There’s no pressure to buy anything, in fact, the decision to buy a piece is one that needs a lot of thought. The pieces are intended to be worn permanently and designed to last for life, hopefully an extended one with the help of cosmic powers. Richard seems to be doing all right; just as he assimilated into the Indian culture while he was there, here in Thailand, Richard has had the honour of presenting a special Talisman to the Queen of Thailand, Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, in 1993, where Richard presented her with a gold talisman containing the Navaratana gems.

Richard Shaw Brown is easy to find on the web; a search of his name will bring up a number of links to various web sites inviting you to visit the online Sri Nava Ratna boutique or read about The Misunderstood, perhaps buy one of their albums. http://www.themisunderstood.com Information is also available concerning Richard’s future return to the public eye as the feature film, ‘ Hrisikesh,’ prepares for production. The screenplay is available for viewing on line here:

http://www.hrisikesh.net/index.html

http://www.richardshawbrown.com will also provide more extensive information about Richard’s other adventures.

Planetary Gems – Qualities and Defects

2007-01-29T06:30:00.000-08:00

According to western interpretations, astrology is derived from “aster” – a star, and “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.

Table 1. showing the relationships between Gems and Planets

No. / Planets / Colour / Metal / Gemstones
1 Sun / Red / Gold / Ruby and red spinel, red garnet
2 Moon / Milky / Silver / Pearls, white coral and moonstones
3 Mars / Orange / Copper / Red corals, and red carnelian
4 Mercury / Green / Gold / Emerald, green tourmaline and tsavorite
5 Jupiter / Yellow / Gold / Yellow sapp. yellow topaz, tourmaline
6 Venus / Indigo / Platinum / Diamond, white sapphire and quartz
7 Saturn / Violet / Iron / Blue sapphire, iolite, indicolite
8 Rahu / Reddish / Alloy / Hessonite-Spessertite, orange zircon.
9 Ketu / Mixed / Alloy / Cat’s eye chrysoberyl, fibrolite

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.

Table 2. Displaying Zodiac signs and recommended gems according to eastern concept...

No. Signs / Lords / Recommended Gem
1 Aries / Mars / Coral
2 Taurus / Venus / Diamond
3 Gemini / Mercury / Emerald
4 Cancer / Moon / Pearls
5 Leo / Sun / Ruby
6 Virgo / Mercury / Emerald
7 Libra / Venus / Diamond
8 Scorpio / Mars / Coral
9 Sagittarius / Jupiter / Yellow sapphire
10 Capricorn / Saturn / Blue sapphire
11 Aquarius / Saturn / Blue sapphire
12 Pisces / Jupiter / Yellow sapphire

Navaratna or nine primary gems:

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)

(b) Chief Characteristics of the ruby:
The ruby has four semi jewels such as Laal (Jaram or jarad ), Mysorean ruby (singlee), Garnet(Taamrha), and suryakanta (sun ruby). The Padmaragmanhis or rubies have a smooth skinned glow, fresh red tinge, rays radiating from the centre , sometimes deep red.

(c) The qualities:
A real ruby would give the cool if put on the eyes, in real rubies, the cut will not shine or glaze, it will be simple, natural and irregular and rather zigzag, however a glass made or imitation of the ruby would soon become warm.
The specific gravity of the real ruby is higher than the imitation piece of the equal weight.
If bubbles are seen or the gem weights light, then it should be an imitation piece.
If the piece of the ruby has a whitish spot in it, and that is bluish and not moving, then it has to be an imitation product.
In the glass made of imitation ruby, the point will be generally round, rough, and white and sometimes yellow. In a real ruby, that would be of the same colour but never round. Such a spot is seldom in the real gem. But in the real ruby the layer is straight. This is the important point of the difference. But in a piece of real ruby, the flesh is smooth and colourful.
The best quality ruby is beautiful like red lotus petals, pure, round, with uniform length, refreshing in look and shining. The layer in the imitation piece would generally be half circle. In the imitation piece, the gems also contain some kind of fire in the flesh, which is whitish and round.

(d) The defects:
There are various defects in the rubies. They are Shineless, milky white, dual coloured, crisp or crunchy, opaque or less transparent, having nets or cobweb impression or opacity, crack, blemished in colour, smoky in colour, blackish or white spotted, honey coloured or having honey coloured spots, bluish, broken, having holes, mud, stones etc not beautiful and depressed stone. These rubies are considered inauspicious according to Vedic astrology.

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.

(b) Characteristics of natural pearl and the qualities:
There are two semi – gems of for natural pearl: shinning Oyster and Chandrakanta (moon stone). According to Varahamihira, the oyster shells were derived from the bodies of the elephant, snakes, conch-shells, fish, boar, bamboos and the sky.

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.

(c) The defects of pearls:
The pearls, which have cracks, should be avoided.
Those having fissures should also be avoided.
Joined pearls - These pearls look like joined, should be avoided. Such pieces have lines all around the body of the pearl.
Roughness pearls – such pearls having rough surface should not be effective.
Some pearls have marks as if the pocked. These should be avoided.
Full of blisters should be avoided.
Blotted ones should be avoided.
Those which are soiled having soil inside the pearls are actually defective pearls.
Some pearls have wood like hardness in the core. These are defective pearls. Hence should be avoided.

(d) Substitutes of pearls: moonstone and white coral

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.

(b) Characteristics of the corals:
Coral is generally opaque but also found as semi transparent. The corals are found in red, white, pink, orange, and black colours.

(c) The qualities:
The auspicious corals are round, or elongated, or straight, smooth and spotless and voluminous coloured like vermillion. There are also some corals white in colour and brilliantly shinning and considered auspicious. Owing to its attractive glow and the colour the coral has been included in the navaratna , though it is not precious stone.

(d) The defects of corals:
The corals should not be spotted, white dotted, pierced, split, double coloured and with any depression.

(e) Substitutes of corals: Carnelian, Bloodstone,

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.

Its colour is generally white. It is a representative of hard carbon. However, in the nature seven coloured diamonds are found mostly pure and transparent. They are white, blue, red, black, light red, and yellow.

The natives born in the Taurus and Libra have this gem as their principal gem for life.

(b) Characteristics of the diamond:
Among the jewels and gems, the diamond is the hardest or it can not be broken by anything, brightest, transparent and the most precious. Varahamihira has termed the diamonds as vajarmani and defined its characteristics as the jewel which is as severe and hard as bajra , that radiates rays when put into a shallow water and the rays float, which is as pure and genuine as electricity, which ensures happiness to all, like the rainbow and fire does naturally.

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.

(c) The qualities of the diamond:
As the diamonds are the hardest, no object can scratch or broken through its mass. (Its refractive indices are the highest, which is why the rays that penetrate its mass very easily can return in total after some time and the effects in its dazzling power is the greatest among all other gems.) or It can be floated like rays in swallow water, clear, like thunder, fire and rainbow. The radiation power in the diamond pieces are so great that if you look down from its peak into the depth of the jewel the entire vibgyor or the sun would be easily visiable in full colours. According to Garud puranas, if the sides of a piece of diamond are broken yet there remain some points and lines and the rings of rainbow still visiable, that piece is auspicious enough to bless the native with prosperity and heirs.

(d) The defects of the diamond:
The gemologists have identified many demerits which should enlighten the native about the authenticity of a diamond piece. There are paleness, yellowishness, lined, full of depressions in the mass, oily, glazeless, extremely hard, dotted with black bubbles, having white dots, and having the sign of a crow’s claws. also the diamond piece having red dots are highly injurious.
Spots – The diamond pieces with spots like water marks made the piece defective. If the spots are red that must always be rejected.
Black signs – If the diamond pieces would have the black stamps like the cluth of a crow, that is said to have been as inauspicious as the life takers.
If the diamond pieces were having the island type imprints on their masses, which could be of four colours such as white, yellow, red and black were considered inauspicious. However, those which used to have white spots on them were acceptable any how, though the others were not.
If the diamond pieces had acquired many unwanted elements in their sides, cones and middle of their masses, those were considered inauspicious.
The lines – If there were any of the four types of lines such as i) lines going through the left side, ii) lines going through the right side, iii) crossing the line or iv) crossing the line and going upwards then of these four the first one is considered of good quality.
Others –apart from these, the pieces with oiliness, yellowish paleness, grayness, depression on the masses, cracks, lack of shine, and high roughness are all considered defective diamonds.
v) (some marks in the diamond, there is a line like a hair, mix with metals and soils or mud, possible to scratch by stones, irregular angels visible in the diamond, can be destroyed by fire, not emitting lights, no sparkles, not attractive to eyes. Broken like water holes in the front, flat surfaces, long length size.)

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.

(b) Characteristics of the yellow sapphire:
These Yellow Sapphires are also found in a few other colours such as gray, slate, light blue or light green. However, one cannot get the red or pink Sapphires from the nature.
The glow of the Yellow Sapphire is an essential scientific quality that determines its originality.
Its outer shape and form is equal to its inner shape and forms as this metamorphic crystal does not have any different identity from its inner core.

(c) The qualities:
There are five very highly esteemed qualities of the Yellow Sapphire. They are just like the guru Jupiter always thinks of every body’s welfare and actually embarks upon changing every person’s bad times into good, it exudes good results to all, for the benefic and welfare of the native and all. The gem induces the native to do religious things and think religious only, unites the estranged lovers, tender conjugal bliss among the couple, ensures heirs, and thus is considered as the most pious gem world over.
It has felt heavy when put on one’s palm.
Its look must be smooth, transparent, there should be no spot on it.
It should have uniform surface that means there should be no layers in it.
It should be graceful like a blossomed flower exuding many hues and when touched it must give the sense of smoothness in it.
It should sharpen its shine all the more after being rubbed against a piece of a touch stone.

(d) The defects:
1. The Yellow Sapphire piece, whose shine does not bloom its beauty.
2. It gives sand like roughness when touched.
3. Coarseness dominates.
4. Blackish tinges of bubbles are seen amidst its yellow colour.
5. It gives uneven surfaces - high and low
6. It has different hues and colours such as red yellowish or like a large current fruit, pale like yellow and white things.

(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.

(b) Characteristics of the blue sapphire:
The blue sapphire as a stone is actually a compound of aluminium and oxygen. There is a small compound of cobalt mixed in the compound that gives it the blue colour. These are found comparatively more in numbers than any other star gems. These are found as burning, mixture and step and kebecone.

(c) The qualities:
It shines other by its own rays and does not borrow others and found in the same colours.
Must be very smooth
Must have special force of its own
Must have transparent shine
Have a mass which is well built
Gives soothing feel when touched by skin, and
Which have rays emerging from its core.

(d) The defects:
The defective Blue Sapphire are generally those which have various tinges, stripes, milky white, cracked, double hued, burnt, depressed, blemished and having windows.

(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.

(b) Characteristics of the Emerald:
According to the records cultured over a span of about one decade, it has been found that the gems are given very careful and delicate cuts, polishes and calibration for proper identification and use.

(c) The qualities:
Emeralds, if defectless, always catch one’s heart by its look.
Emeralds are one of the rarest groups of the precious gems of the beryl family, especially known for their rich green colour.
If the piece is looked at through the Chessus filter, the piece would appear pink in case of Emerald.
The Emerald has paleness and fibrous residues.
Emerald have shinning like Pigeon, leaves of bamboo, banana and the flower of Siris tree.

(d) The defects:
It has thick watery content.
Micaceous shines. Its transparency is generally very low.
Cracks.
Two colours.
Eterised or stillness.
Black or yellow spots.
Golden tinge, rough, shineless, and easily breakable.

(e) Substitutes of emerald: Tsavorite, Green tourmaline, Diopside, Peridot, Jade.

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.

(b) Characteristics of the Hessonite:
According to Jatakatatva, the hessionite is the colour of the Rahu. It is one of the two most dangerous planets that cause irreparable injuries to a native’s life. Though it has a mathematical presence in Astrology, yet it does not have any figure. The planet does not have any particular choice gem or jewel of its own. According to Western Calculation, those who are born in August get the hessionate as their birth stone. It is said that the Uranus too has the hessonite as its choice gem.

(c) The qualities:
According to the contents of Ratna Prakash, that stone looks transparent like the urine of a cow, smooth, having uniform mass, does not have any layer in a piece, soft in touch and shinning is a high quality.
High grade zircons are generally popular as hessonites. Its surface is four angled. Its double coloured look is very prominent, can be discerned even in naked eyes. It cannot be cut easily. It has unique rays, just a little lower than a diamond’s.

(d) The defects of Hessonite:
It should not be rough, have blisters, depression, or cracks, spots, double hues, red and white dots, fibres or corneal opacity or opaqueness in the mass.

(e) Substitutes of Hessonite: Orange zircon, Spessertite, other Orange Garnets,

9. Cat's Eye:

(a) In Sanskrit, it is called as Vaidurya, Hemavaidoorya, Keturatna, Vidooraja, Vidalaksha and in English, is called as 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.

According to Jataka Paarjaata, “ kaitu rvaadooryakey” or the cat’s eye is a stone favoured by the Ketu.

(b) Characteristics of the cat’s eye:
In astrology, it does not have any imaginary existence like the other planets. Nor does it have any sign under its dictates. As it is a shadow planet, it enters well with almost all the planets; hence to appease it one should wear the gems after consulting a learned astrologer for guidance. The stone has become very attractive and popular.

(c) The qualities:
It is one of the hardest among the gems and jewels.
The Hem Vaidoorya is generally found transparent.
The stone has become very attractive and popular.
The Cat’s Eyes with yellow tinge, whitish thread of natural rays are considered of very good quality, more straight the thread the better the quality.
It is a very soft encabomone cut stone.
It has natural greenish or natural green and gray mix look.

(d) The defects:
It would be depressed, cracked, micaceous, burnt, dotted, and a sort of paleness as if etherized.

(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

Cultured Pearls?? Stop kidding yourself!!!

2007-01-29T06:22:00.000-08:00

A ruby that is not "all ruby" is NOT a ruby. A Pearl that is not "all pearl" (nacre) is not a pearl. They do not create Cultured pearls from grains of sand. If they did - and the nacre was covered in the circular formation of natural, then I would call that as natural.

In fact they use large pre-formed non-pearl balls which are covered in a thin skin of nacre. But 98% of the body of most cultured pearls are NOT made of pearl, only 2-5% is the nacre cover. So the gem labs Xray like a cross section and natural shows "0" nucleus and has formed of nacre entirely and uniquelly round circular from surface all the way to the center...ALL Pearl. A sacred single unit right to the heart. That is what a REAL pearl is. A precious GEM.

Please see above diagram. Using cultured pearls is an illusion and when the Vedas mention "Mukta" they mean "Natural Pearl." Cultured pearls are NOT pearl on the inside. Like a plastic doll is covered with human skin that doesn't create life. Cultured pearls are an illusion, and that's why thet're so cheap. They're dirt cheap, and you get what you pay for.

A REAL pearl is a PRECIOUS GEM. And the REAL Natural pearls are so hard to get (for most people who don't look) that they advise imitation, just to full fill a demand. Cultured pearls are the lazy man's Planetary Gemology. And the wearers are fooled into thinking they have a precious pearl. Precious!!! =$2 ??? Is a $5 cultured pearl the same as a $5,000 natural pearl? FYI real pearls are expensive, about the same price as blue sapphires (unburned) and are available in Bahrain (Persian Gulf). Where the government has their own X-ray lab and certifies.

Stop kidding yourself. If you're doing Planetary Gemology then don't tell people the lie that "Cultured pearl is a REAL pearl." That is fraud! Go to Bahrain and stock up on REAL pearls. Do your clients a favor and stop selling cheap imitations. As to your results, people have lives regardless...

If you don't believe me then just ask GIA or any Gemologist in the whole world and they will all tell you that "cultured pearls" are not REAL pearls. Only cicular formation all nacre pearls, where the shape forms by nature (not preshaped implant) that are described in the Shastra are Pearls.

For more information click PEARLS

Best rgds,
Richard Shaw-Brown, PG
www.p-g-a.org
www.agt-gems.com

Introducing the Planetary Gemologists Association, www.p-g-a.org

2007-01-29T06:09:00.000-08:00

A global organisation to safeguard the interests of the public, Net based, was founded in Thailand.

PGA Codes of Professional Ethics

1) PGA Members shall not sell nor promote the use of synthetic gemstones to any customers who are purchasing gems for jyotish prescription.*

2) PGA Members shall not sell nor promote the use of very flawed gems to customers purchasing for jyotish prescription.*

3) PGA Members shall always be open and honest as to the possible treatments or enhancements of any gems they sell for jyotish prescription.

4) PGA Members shall not recommend gems to clients which are astrologically harmful to the client for jyotish gem prescription.*

5) PGA Members shall not violate any copyrighted material or design, text or graphic, with out lawful consent of the copyright holder.

6) PGA Members may not represent themselves as official spokespersons of the PGA without PGA President Pandit Vidyadhar Sukul's written authorization; Likewise, no one may represent themselves as a PG (Planetary Gemologist) or a PGA (Planetary Gem Advisor) without official certification by the Planetary Gemologists Association. Click here to view the official list of PGA and PG Graduates.

Anyone can join the PGA. This is its address

Planetary Gemologists Association, C3 Building, Lumpini Night Bazaar, 1875 Rama 4 Road, Lumpini, Bangkok 10330, Kingdom of Thailand
Tel. (662) 252-1230 Fax. (662) 252-1231
E-mail: info@p-g-a.org

Cobra Pearl ( Naga Mani )

2007-01-29T06:08:00.000-08:00

Pearls from the cobra's hood are perfectly round, like fish pearls, and they radiate a natural effulgence. By repeated washing, a snake pearl becomes as lustrous as a polished sword blade. Anyone possessing such a naga-mani attains piety, rare good fortune, and eventually becomes illustrious as a leader of men, complete with a great collection of all precious gems.

Upon acquiring such a snake pearl, the owner should have the rite of installation performed by a priest who is learned in religious formalities. After hearing from the owner how the pearl was obtained and conducting the benedictory ritual, the priest should formally install the jewel inside the owner's house. On such an auspicious occasion, the sky becomes filled with dark and heavy rain clouds, thunder, and flashing lightning, such as exhibited at the time of universal dissolution. A man in possession of such a snake pearl will never be troubled by snakes, demonic beings, diseases, or disturbances in any form.

Ref. Sri Garuda Puranam: Chap. 69

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Conflicting Systems

2007-01-28T02:34:00.000-08:00

Planetary Gemology: Conflicting Systems
by Richard Shaw Brown, PG
GEM: A natural pearl, coral, shell, seed, tooth, or mineral that is valued for its durability, rarity, portability, beauty, perfection, or piezo-electric energy.

GEMOLOGY: The study of naturally occurring gems.

PLANETARY GEMOLOGY: (Ratna-vijnana or Ratna-para-vidya) Ancient Vedic science of the relationship between 9 (categories of) GEMS and 9 (categories of ) PLANETS recognized as most important in Sidereal astrology. Based on the "Navaratna" philosophy of Asian Birthstones.

Some people might wonder about Planetary Gemology... But among those who KNOW, there is conflict. The Planetary Gemology World is divided into two (2) opposing philosophies, viz., Anukul-vad v/s Pratikul-vad.

ANUKULA-VAD: A Jyotish Gem will act "SAME" as it's planet - So gems should be chosen for Anukul (favorable) grahas

PRATIKUL-VAD: A Jyotish Gem will act "OPPOSITE" of it's planet - So gems should be chosen for Pratikul (unfavorable) grahas

Anukul Planet's gem choosing method for resorting to or harnessing one's auspicious (Anukul) planet(s) (exalted, mulatrikona, own sign, benefic, great friend, good house, owner of good house, etc.) based on the concept that lucky planet = lucky gem! In Jyotish there are basically two broad categories of planetary position, viz., favorable (to the chart) (Anukul) OR unfavorable (to the chart). One should avoid their weakness and cultivate their strengths. "Ratna-anukul" means the auspicious gem of strongest most desirable planet. Example: One has Leo Lagna - their lagna lord is Sun, who is exalted (100% strength) and posited in the 10th house which is all very auspicious. That person would be advised to use a fine ruby, the Sun’s gem, to attract or harness his auspicious influence. On the other hand if a person had Saturn debilitated (0% strength) and in the 8th house they would be advised to avoid Saturn’s gem blue sapphire and all other Saturnine things or activities. And better still they could donate a blue sapphire to pacify Shanideva. The followers of Anukul-vad believe that the pratikul-graha color is the unlucky color, and to magnify that bad color will simply increase the problems caused by that unlucky Planet. Both methods believe that gems increase cosmic colors of their planets, thus for an Anukuli (follower of the Anukul system) it is considered to be suicide to increase a pratikul-graha's color. In Anukul there is never a case where a Pratikul (harmful to the chart/native) planet's gem should be worn as it will surely increase the ill fortune; but such gems for a Pratikul planet can be used by DONATING them - giving them AWAY - according to Shastric directions. A pure anukuli believes that a pratikul-gem is NEVER good to use; it is increasing the cosmic poison, and ill fortune (a person's bad cosmic vibes) should NEVER be increased. Anukul means a planet that is beneficially disposed either by being strong in own sign, good house, ruler of houses which will bring positive results, or otherwise not ill disposed nor inclined to produce evil influence. A planet which is good for the chart either naturally or by house ruler ship yet somewhat weakened by placement may be strengthened through the gem, or a planet which already is strong and giving benefic influence may be further strengthened for gains in particular areas of life by wearing the gem.

Pratikul Planet's gem choosing method for changing a weak or evil planet, based on the misconception that a 'pratikul' (inauspicious) planet is strengthened by wearing it's gem and there by it changes from being inauspicious (pratikul) to become auspicious (anukul). ILLOGIC: By providing the gem for a malefic planet, benefic results will follow. Example: A person has Jupiter debilitated and a malefic which is inauspicious or pratikul, but by wearing Jupiter's gem, yellow sapphire or another yellow Jupiter jewel, it is believed that the 'weak' (troublesome) Jupiter gets strengthened and REVERSES to become auspicious. Some persons opine that a harmful planet means that the planet's "cosmic color" is weak. The gems for the planets are concentrated essential cosmic color rays; so by wearing the gem for the weak, Pratikul (harmful) color that weak color is strengthened, and when the weak color is stronger then the harmful influence will be REVERSED, removed or mitigated. Pratikul means a planet that causes evil influence or suffering to the native as seen through the horoscope. This may be a debilitated planet who is in a dusthana and enemy of the lord of the lagna, or otherwise disposed that the influence simply causes suffering.

Before describing the most popular methods, let me first say that choosing gems which are favorable (Anukul for the native's chart) as well as clean (amala) and auspicious, these two are a MUST in planetary gemology. Of the 6 PGA CODES the prohibition against astrological use of synthetics is the least of all PG evils as synthetics have no harmful effect because they have NO effect whatsoever. The most important considerations are Anukul-graha gem choosing and flawless gems - 100% loupe clean down to 80% loupe clean is an acceptable range in our experience. Always exercise CAUTION with any gem that has clarity below 80% loupe clean. Very flawed gems are dead due to serious life-ending defects, and according to Shastra, "If anyone wears a gem with many flaws (even) out of ignorance, then grief, anxiety, sickness, death, loss of wealth and other evils torment them."--- Sri Garuda Purana:1.70.19

When choosing gems we must add up the pluses in a chart. For example, one chart has Venus exalted in a good house but a malefic for the Lagna and lord of a bad house, so on the surface we have two pluses and two minuses or "+ + - -" , i.e., a good sign placement, a good house placement, but it is unfavorable by nature for the native, and is lord of a bad house. Another chart might have a debilitated planet as lord of their Moon sign, that is a benefic for the Lagna, and in a good house, and lord of a good house, so that means a "- + + +" In the first example we could rule the planet as borderline unfavorable (pratikul); but the 2nd case has the planet mostly favorable (anukul) - so that weak, beneficial planet could be made stronger. A strong anukul planet can also be made even stronger to attain certain goals, like making an exalted Sun even stronger because the native desires fame or increase in stature (provided the native HAS the karma to achieve that, because we cannot do BETTER than our karma).

Taking this further one could see house ownership, functional nature, periods in motion, movements of Saturn, Yogini-dashas, as well as aspects, navamsa positions, etc. to first of all conclude if the planet in question is FAVORABLE - OR - UNFAVORABLE for the chart, all things considered. It doesn't matter if a planet is strong or weak, it only matters that the planet is judged as favorable (anukul-graha) or unfavorable (pratikul-graha). An anukul-graha can always be strengthened, but a pratikul-graha should never be strengthened

That gems for Pratikul-grahas may be DONATED or GIVEN AWAY in a form of Vedic charity to achieve Graha-shanti is another subject known as, "Ratna-arpana." Using gem donations is he ONLY time an UNFAVORABLE planetary gem should be used by the native - by giving it AWAY. The native should be informed what planets are most FAVORABLE for them and then the native may choose from among their Anukul-graha-ratnas or favorable planetary gems.

Adding the plus and minus points to determine which planets are most favorable to the native enables us to proceed further.

Here is an ultra-simplified version of the Asian Sri Navaratna Astrological Birth Stones system based on one’s Lagna or Rising Sign Lord – the Planet ruling one’s Rising Sign (the zodiac sign in the 1st house of a horoscope). Thus if a person has Simha-lagna (Leo Rising) then their Rising Sign birthstone would be Ruby, which is the gem of the Sun the planet ruling the sign of Leo:A list of the primary rising sign gems is given as follows:

RISING SIGN (Lagna)
RULING PLANET
GEMSTONE
Aries
Mars
Red Coral
Taurus
Venus
Diamond
Gemini
Mercury
Emerald
Cancer
Moon
Pearl
Leo
Sun
Ruby
Virgo
Mercury
Emerald
Libra
Venus
Diamond
Scorpio
Mars
Coral
Sagittarius
Jupiter
Yellow Sapphire
Capricorn
Saturn
Blue Sapphire
Aquarius
Saturn
Blue Sapphire
Pisces
Jupiter
Yellow Sapphire
Richard Shaw Brown is a pioneer in reviving the ancient system of Planetary Gemology. His first book on the subject was published in 1975. He is a founder member of the Planetary Gemologists Association Global – http://www.p-g-a.org Richard is Bangkok’s “cutting edge” jewelry fashion designer, and founder of Thailand’s Own Astral Gemstone Talismans – http://www.agt-gems.com

PHOTO: Sri Noppa-ratana or Sri Navaratna – the Nine Planetary Jewels designed and created by GIA Graduate and Designer Richard Shaw Brown

Planetary Gemology Blog

2007-01-28T01:47:00.000-08:00

Gemology is the integration of the science of the Heavens ( Astrology ) & the science of gems ( Gemology ). The Nine Revolving Heavens correspond to the Nine Primary Gems of Gemology. This is a magnificent science, whose potential is still untapped by mankind