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Vedic Astrology Information on Gemstone Therapy

This section provides some very basic and fundamental facts on Gem Stone Therapy , as used in Vedic Astrology.

Gem Stone Therapy

The science of use of astrology gems and stones for medicinal and astrological purposes is known as Gem Stone Therapy . According to Varahamihir, the author of the classical text Brihat Samhita, a gem having a good luster, pure and clean color and no flaws ensures good luck and protection. He however warns that Gem stones with flaws can bring disaster.

There are two popular theories on the use of gemstones for astrological purposes, as a therapeutic measure. The first, sanctioned by the Rig-Veda advises the use of seven gems to capture the visible spectrum in the rays of the sun. The second theory, though of unknown origin, is today more popular. It states that gems are cosmic filters that disallow particular vibrations from causing harm. We prefer to follow the traditional Vedic prescriptions for astrological Gem Therapy.

Astrological Gem Stone Therapy is prescribed on two bases – one long-term and the other short-term. The gemstones used for the long-term (entire life) are known as Fortune Stones while those that are use for the shorter-term or temporary periods for providing relief during period of distress are known as Problem Area.

According to Vedic Astrology, gemstones can be classified into three types:

Element Gem Stone Indian Name Substitute
Fire (Agni) Ruby Manik Brown Tourmaline
Water (Jala) Pearl Moti
Earth (Prithvi) Emerald Panna Berly
Air (Vayu) Diamond Heera White Sapphire
Ether (Aakash) Blue Sapphire Neelam Amethyst

The seven planets from Sun to Saturn represent the seven colours of visible light that lead to creation.

The Rig-Veda advises use of seven gemstones for capturing the rays of the sun:

Element Gem Stone Indian Name Substitute
Sun Ruby Manik Brown Tourmaline
Moon Pearl Moti
Mars Red Coral Moonga
Mercury Emerald Panna Berly
Jupiter Yellow Sapphire Pukhraj Citrine
Venus Diamond Heera White Sapphire
Saturn Blue Sapphire Neelam Amethyst

The nine planets, including Rahu & Ketu (the North and South nodes of Moon) each have a representative gemstone:

Element Gem Stone Indian Name Substitute
Sun Ruby Manik Brown Tourmaline
Moon Pearl Moti
Mars Red Coral Moonga
Mercury Emerald Panna Berly
Jupiter Yellow Sapphire Pukhraj Citrine
Venus Diamond Heera White Sapphire
Saturn Blue Sapphire Neelam Amethyst
Rahu Hessonite Gomedh Red Garnet
Ketu Cat's Eye Lahasunya

Vedic Astrology lays down very strict rules for the finger on which a Gemstone can be worn.

The index finger, known as the Tarjani, is considered very inauspicious. It is the finger for expression of anger. Each of the four elements, Fire, Earth, Water and Wind/Air, are associated with each of the four fingers on our hand, (the thumb is not considered) and this in turn dictates the choice of finger for wearing a given gemstone.

The following table gives the information about the relationship between planets, gemstones and the fingers on which the same are to be worn.

Element Gem Stone Indian Name Substitute
Sun Ruby Ring Gold
Moon Pearl Ring or Little Silver
Mars Red Coral Ring or Index Gold/Silver
Mercury Emerald Little or Middle Gold
Jupiter Yellow Sapphire Index Gold
Venus Diamond Middle or Little Gold
Saturn Blue Sapphire Middle Gold
Rahu Hessonite Middle Silver
Ketu Cat's Eye Middle Gold