Gems and Astrology

Since ancient times many people have believed in the power of gemstones. In particular the Vedic tradition of astrology in India ascribes great power to gemstones and encourages their use as talismans against bad luck.

Vedic astrologers invoke the power of Hindu gods and the planets to predict the future and help people avoid potential ill effects caused by planetary activity in all aspects of their lives. These astrologers believe that certain gemstones can inhibit or promote planetary influences, and that by wearing the appropriate stones, people can direct the power of the planets to achieve success and maintain good health.

Jyotish GemsThe appropriate gem for a particular person at a specific time depends on the forces that emanate from each planet. These forces affect each person differently according to their zodiacal sign and the position of the planets in their horoscope. Sometimes the effect is desirable, but at other times planetary conditions may change and have a negative effect. In this case astrologers can advise a gemstone to wear in order to counteract the negative alignment of the planets.

Gemstones used for astrology must not only be of a particular type, but for optimum results, the gem must also be clean and free from defects such as cracks or flaws. In addition, most astrologers would insist that an astrological gem be no less than two carats in weight.

Vedic astrology associates astrological entities and activity with different gemstones, which are often known as Jyotish gems, as follows:

Sun: Ruby. Acceptable alternatives include red spinel, rhodolite garnet, red tourmaline and almandite garnet.

Moon: Natural pearl. Acceptable alternatives include tissue-nucleated pearl, South Sea pearl and moonstone.

Mars: Red coral. Carnelian is an acceptable alternative.

Mercury: Emerald. Acceptable alternatives include green tourmaline and peridot.

Jupiter: Yellow sapphire. Alternatives include other yellow stones such as topaz, beryl or citrine.

Venus: Diamond. Less expensive alternatives include white sapphire, danburite, phenakite, white topaz and white zircon.

Saturn: Blue sapphire. Alternatives are tanzanite or amethyst.

Rahu: Hessonite garnet. Alternatives are orange zircon or spessartite garnet.

Ketu: Chrysoberyl or cat's eye.

These last two, Rahu and Ketu denote the two points of intersection of the paths of the sun and the moon as they move across the sky. These are the points at which solar eclipses occur. In Hindu mythology, Rahu (also known as the north lunar node) is the head of the demon, which causes the solar eclipse when the sun, moon and earth align in a common zodiacal longitude. Ketu (also referred to as the south lunar node) is believed to have a major impact on human lives and the whole of creation alike. In Vedic astrology, Ketu represents both good and bad karma, spirituality and also the supernatural.

So if you have been feeling as if your life is not quite going according to plan, or that some ill fortune is dogging your every move, you can consult a Vedic astrologer and buy a gemstone to protect you. It will look beautiful too.