Jyotish Gemstones

Jyotish Gemstones

Fire and stone worship were practised since ancient times across all religions and cultures. Fire was the symbol of purity, divine presence and power. Stones contain the energy from the earth since time immemorial. Thus, they are said to have latent or divine power.

Ancient Indian astrology puts great emphasis on the power of gemstones to enhance our quality of life: they, therefore, recommended their usage for bringing good luck, banishing evil spirits and witchcraft, finding love and for maintaining or inducing good health.

Vedic religion which is the oldest religion on Earth believed in the power of the planets and the gods who presided over them. They studied these planets for thousands of years and used this knowledge to see and predict the future and help people in avoiding the bad influences of each planet that could cause bad luck, ill health, poverty and even death.

In Vedic astrology, these 9 planets are the 7 actual planets (Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Saturn, Jupiter and Venus) and 2 shadow planets (Rahu and Keto). Each planet resonates specific energies and color spectrum. These corresponds with the gemstones. Depending on the position of the planets, the time and day of birth may have either favourable or negative repercussions on the person. Gemstones are used to either reflect or absorb these planetary energies, acting as “filters” depending on what the body needs. By wearing specific gemstones close to the body, they help bring about significant changes over time.

Great importance is placed on the personal astrological and natal chart at birth. A gemstone is then assigned to the person. There are a number of aspects or guidelines to ensure the effectiveness of the Jyotic gemstone. It must not have flaws such as cracks or be unevenly cut.

“If anyone wears a gem of many flaws even out of ignorance, then grief, anxiety, sickness, death, loss of wealth and other evils will torment him” -(Garuda Purana, 70.19)

"Since a jewel (gem) endowed with good characteristics ensure good luck, prosperity and success to kings, and one with bad ones, disaster and misfortune, connoisseurs ought to examine their fortune depending on jewels (gems)" (Brhat Samhita, 80.1-3).

Jyotish is derived from the Sanskrit JYOT meaning Light, and ISH meaning God. Thus, the Light of God. In other words, Jyotish refers to the Science of God.

Jyotish gemstones must be 100% natural and untreated. It must have a lovely and fine color. Clarity is very important in a Jyotish gemstone. It must be transparent or have at least 85% clarity. However, some natural inclusions that distinguished it from synthetic materials or identifying inclusions of country of origin are acceptable.

The gemstone must be cut with precision that allows its maximum displays of the brilliance, dispersion and color of the gemstone.

And no matter how fine a gemstone is, if it does not satisfy all of the above criteria, it will be rendered useless as a Jyotish gemstone.

According to Vedic astrology, these are the nine main gemstones that are associated with the nine planets.

Sun: Main stone is Ruby, also known as the Manik stone. Red Spinel, Rhodolite Garnet, Red Tourmaline and Almandite Garnet are secondary (alternative) stones.

Moon: Main stone is natural pearl, also known as the Moti stone. Alternative stone is Moonstone.

Mars: Main stone is Red coral or Moonga stone. Carnelian is the alternative stone.

Mercury: Emerald or Panna stone. Green tourmaline and peridot are the alternative stones.

Jupiter: Yellow Sapphire. Yellow Topaz and Citrine are the alternative stones.

Venus: Diamond. White Sapphire, Danburite, Phenakite, White Topaz and White Zircon are the less expensive alternative stones.

Saturn: Blue Sapphire also known as Neelam. Tanzanite or Amethyst are the alternative stones.

Rahu: Hessonite garnet or Gomedh stone. Orange Zircon or Spessartite Garnet are the alternative stones.

Ketu: Chrysoberyl Cat's Eye

Rahu and Ketu are the two points of intersection where the sun and the moon meet. Thus, these are the points where solar eclipses occur.

Rahu is known as the north lunar node and represents the head of the demon that causes solar eclipses when the sun, moon and earth align. It symbolizes shadowy matters like ghosts, violent pressures, black magic, laziness, delays and hurdles.

Ketu is the South Lunar Node and represents the tail of the demon. It was noticed by Vedic astrologers that this alignment has a deep impact not only on the lives of human beings but also of all creation. It symbolizes poverty, religious beliefs, spiritual enlightenments, mental strength, scars, injuries, troubles, black magic and or the supernatural.