Gemstones are among the most powerful types of remedies featured in Vedic astrology. When it comes to produce quick and significant results; they are second only to Vedic Poojas. Their use can be traced back to ancient history of many civilizations and countries. Kings, Queens and rich people used to wear gemstones to get benefits and cast away evil.
Even in the present times, many rich and famous people are wearing them. A good number of people believe that gemstones are capable of bringing them magical results though they don’t know how these gemstones bring about such magical results. So what is the force working behind the gemstones? Are they magic or are they purely scientific devices?
Gemstones are scientific devices and they work on the basis of transfer of energy from specific planets to the body of the wearer. In order to understand this concept in the best possible manner, let’s start with the basics.
The playground for all astrological entities is taken as circular; which includes movement within a range of 360 degrees. This playground is further divided into 12 zones which are called zodiac signs and each zone or zodiac sign owns 30 degrees. These zodiac signs keep appearing on the sky of a particular location, one after another, in cyclic motion. While one of these signs takes lead at a time; the others assume different positions or angles, according to a fixed pattern.
This way, each sign gets to be the leader for about two hours and a cycle is completed in about 24 hours. The sign which appears as the leader on the sky of a particular place at the time of birth of a native; represents the first house of his horoscope. Hence this sign becomes his ascendant or Lagna. Horoscopes are also divided into twelve houses with each house enclosing 30 degrees, just like signs. If Aries is the rising sign at the time of birth of a native, it is assigned to the first house, which means Aries becomes the ascendant in such horoscope.
The next sign Taurus is assigned to the second house and this process goes on, completing at the twelfth house being assigned to the twelfth sign Pisces. If the second sign Taurus is leading the equation at the time of birth of a native; Taurus becomes his ascendant. The third sign Gemini represents the second house, the twelfth sign Pisces represents the eleventh house and the first sign Aries represents the twelfth house.
At any given point in time, each planet among navagraha transits through a zodiac sign. The movement of these planets also happens to be cyclic, which means each planet among navagraha except Rahu and Ketu, generally moves from Aries to Pisces and then repeats this movement, based on its speed of movement. Rahu and Ketu move in retrograde motion, from Pisces to Aries and they also follow the same cyclic pattern. Once the sign representing the ascendant as well as those representing the other houses of a horoscope are found, the planets are assigned to various houses; according to their transits in various signs at that time.
For example, if in a horoscope with Aries ascendant, Saturn is placed in the seventh house in Libra; it means at the time of birth of such native, Saturn was transiting through Libra. Since Libra falls in the seventh house of such horoscope, Saturn is placed in the seventh house. For another native born after an hour or two at the same place, Taurus may become the ascendant. In such case, Saturn in Libra is placed in the sixth house since the sign Libra falls in the sixth house of this horoscope. At present, Saturn is transiting through Capricorn. It means if a native is born during such transit with Aries as ascendant, Saturn will be placed in the tenth house of his horoscope since Capricorn falls in the tenth house.
For a native with Taurus ascendant, Saturn is placed in the ninth house whereas for a native with Pisces ascendant, Saturn is placed in the eleventh house; as these are the houses represented by Capricorn in such horoscopes, respectively. If more than one planet is transiting through a particular sign at a time, two or more planets are placed in the house represented by that sign in a horoscope.
This is the bigger setup and there is a finer setup which works within this bigger setup. This finer setup is used to calculate finer results and this setup is represented by nakshatras. According to this finer setup, the playground is further divided into 27 sub zones called nakshatras, with each one of them claiming 13 degrees and 20 minutes; amounting to a total of 360 degrees.
Each subzone further contains 4 finer zones called four parts or padas of a nakshatra, with each one of them claiming 3 degrees and 20 minutes. This way, the playground is divided into 108 finer divisions, with 4 divisions for each one of 27 nakshatras. These 108 finer divisions once again add up to 360 degrees.
Since each sign contains 30 degrees, it means it contains 9 out of such 108 finer divisions called navamshas. The word navamsha literally means the ninth part of something, which in this context means the ninth part of a sign. Nine multiplied by 3 degrees and 20 minutes gives 30 degrees and 108 multiplied by 3 degrees and 20 minutes gives 360 degrees; which solves the equation perfectly.
As the planets are moving from one sign to the other, they are present in one of these signs as well as in one of these nakshatras at any given point in time. A native born with Aries rising has this sign assigned to the first house of his horoscope. The placements of these nine planets are then found in various signs and various nakshatras; and they are assigned to relevant houses in the horoscope.
For example, if Saturn is present in the sign of Taurus and in the nakshatra of Rohini at the time of birth of this native, it is placed in the second house of his horoscope since the sign of Taurus falls in the second house of his horoscope. Similarly, all other planets are also placed in their relevant houses and this way, the horoscope is drawn; giving us the exact equation of energy at the time of birth of this native.
This energy equation tells us how strong or weak, how positive or negative and how active or passive each planet, sign and nakshatra was at the time of birth of this native. Based on the strengths, nature and levels of activity of these planets, signs and nakshatras; as well as based on their mutual interactions, the net energy equation of the native is calculated. This equation is then used to draw probabilities related to different spheres of native’s life. The net equation at any point in time represents the aura of the native.
All 12 energy centers in our body register, store and emit energies whether such energies may be positive or negative. This way, at the time of birth of a native, some energy centers register negative energies, some register positive energies and some of them don’t register any energy at all. The centers which don’t register any energy are shown as empty houses in the horoscope.
Depending on the nature of these planetary energies registered in various energy centers in the body of a native at the time of his birth, the planets function as benefic or malefic for that particular native. It means that a planet which has registered positive energy in any energy center of a native’s body may keep working positively for the native; unless specific negative activities are done by the native to change the nature of such energy. In the same way, a planet which has registered negative energy in any energy center of a native’s body may keep working negatively for the native; unless specific positive activities are done by the native to change the nature of such energy.
Depending on its placement in various signs, nakshatras and navamshas; a planet may be very weak, weak, average, strong or very strong in strength. The strength of a planet primarily means its ability to perform in most cases, and it doesn’t tell whether such planet is benefic or malefic in nature which is decided by the overall theme of horoscope.
Moving on, if a planet has registered positive energy at the time of birth of a native, it becomes a benefic planet for that particular native. However if due to its placement, affliction or some other reason, it has become weak, the native may not benefit from it properly. Such planet still may still remain benefic for the native but it may not give proper results as it is weak.
On the other hand, if a planet has registered negative energy at the time of birth of a native in any one of his energy centers, it becomes malefic for that native. Hence it may cause many types of problems for the native from time to time, by introducing various types of negative traits to the personality of the native. Such negative traits may encourage the native to engage in activities which may bring him losses or problems from time to time, and he may suffer.
If a planet is benefic but weak in a horoscope, it may not give proper benefits to the native due to its weakness; unless something is done to provide more strength to this planet. This is where the application of gemstones comes into the picture. Gemstones are very good when it comes to supply energy to a planet in a horoscope.
Gemstones work on the principle of absorption and transmission of some particular wavelengths of energy where each one of such particular wavelengths belongs to a specific planet. For example, a Ruby absorbs and transmits Sun’s energy into the body of the native wearing this gemstone. As this additional energy goes into the body of the native, the energy of Sun inside him increases.
Hence if Sun is benefic but weak for the native, it may gain energy through Ruby, it may become stronger and it may provide better results. Taking an example, suppose a combination of benefic Sun and malefic Ketu is placed in the third house of a horoscope in Capricorn. Sun represents the tenth house in this horoscope and this house deals with profession. The third house also deals with profession. Hence Sun may bless the native with professional success among other things.
However due to affliction from Ketu, Sun may not do this job efficiently. Hence the native may not witness good results in the field of profession; despite this good placement of benefic Sun. Depending on the placement of Sun and Ketu in various nakshatras and navamshas within the sign of Capricorn; such affliction may be strong or very strong. It means Sun may become weak or very weak.
Taking an example, if within the sign of Capricorn; Sun is placed in Leo navamsha ruled by Dhanishtha nakshatra and Ketu is placed in Taurus navamsha ruled by Shravana nakshatra; the affliction may not be serious. This is because Sun is strong in Leo navamsha and it does well in Dhanishtha nakshatra. On the other hand, Ketu is debilitated in Taurus navamsha. Hence the weakness rendered to Sun by Ketu through affliction may not be serious in this case.
However if within the sign of Capricorn: Sun is placed in Cancer navamsha of Shravana nakshatra and Ketu is placed in Pisces navamsha of Uttarashada nakshatra; the equation may change. Sun is weak in Cancer and Ketu is exalted in Pisces. Hence the affliction may be serious in this case. As a result, Sun may lose much of its strength due to navamsha placement as well as due to serious affliction from Ketu.
Likewise, Sun may be somewhat weak, weak or very weak; depending on the placements of Sun and Ketu in various nakshatras and navamshas within the sign of Capricorn. Sun and Ketu can form 81 combinations in various navamshas within the sign of Capricorn. Each sign contains 9 navamshas. Hence one planet can form 9 combinations; two planets can form 81 combinations and three planets can form 729 combinations within a particular sign.
Depending on how much strength Sun loses through such affliction; the native may witness significant, serious or very serious problems related to his profession. Since Sun is the general signifier of father; the native may also face problems related to his father’s health and wellbeing, among other problems. The state of affairs may continue like this; unless something is done to provide strength to Sun.
This is where Ruby comes handy. Hence the native may be recommended to wear Ruby where the recommended weight may vary; depending on how weak the Sun may be; due to such affliction. More weakness means more energy may be required to fight the affliction. Hence relatively more weight for Ruby may be recommended. Less weakness means less energy may be required to get out of affliction. Hence relatively less weight for Ruby may be recommended.
It should be noted that if a benefic planet gains much more than required strength through its gemstone; the native may face problems. A horoscope is all about balance and excess of even benefic energies may create problems. Considering the present case, Sun is a fiery planet. Hence it may render energy, initiative, courage, immunity, confidence, aggression and other likewise qualities to the native. The native may witness benefits due to such qualities, in many spheres of his life.
However, if Sun becomes too strong in the horoscope; the same energy may start causing problems. The native may become short-tempered, impulsive, impatient, hot-headed, egoistic, over-confident and argumentative. As a result, he may face a wide variety of problems in various spheres of his life; due to such excess of Sun’s energy. Hence appropriate weights of gemstones should be used. It means the Ruby recommend for the native under consideration should render him confidence but not over-confidence, courage but not foolishness, aggression but not too much aggression, energy but not hot-temperedness; and initiative but not impulsiveness.
Therefore, a Ruby of suitable weight may be recommended to the native. As Sun gains strength through Ruby, it becomes stronger and more capable of fighting the affliction caused by Ketu. As a result, the native may witness better results related to profession, confidence, courage, father and other spheres represented by Sun.
It is like you’re deficient in iron and such deficiency is creating a number of problems. The doctor recommends an appropriate dosage of iron supplement to be taken regularly. You do so, the deficiency goes away and the problems caused by such deficiency also go away. Taking another example, suppose you’re deficient in insulin, which means you have high blood sugar. An appropriate dosage of insulin may be recommended on daily basis. Once you start taking such dosage; the deficiency as well as the problems caused due to such deficiency may go away.
However in both these cases; if the dosage is less than what you require, you may witness part relief only. On the other hand, if the dosage is more or much more than what you require; you may face problems due to excess of these supplements. In the first case; the iron levels in your body may become toxic and they may cause serious problems. In the second case, excess of insulin can make your blood sugar drop a lot; and you may suffer. Hence appropriate dosage is as important as appropriate supplement or medicine. Likewise, appropriate weight of gemstone is as important as finding the appropriate gemstone that you need.
Lets’ look at this equation from the opposite angle. If a planet is malefic in a horoscope, wearing the gemstone for that planet may create serious or very serious problems. This is because gemstones may only provide more energy or strength to their corresponding planets and they are not capable of changing the functional benefic or malefic nature of these planets.
Taking an example, suppose in the same case, the native is advised to wear Cat’s Eye which is the gemstone for Ketu. Since Ketu is malefic in the horoscope and it is afflicting Sun; thereby creating a number of problems; wearing Cat’s Eye may aggravate such problems. Cat’s Eye may transfer energy of Ketu to this native’s body or to be precise; to his aura. As Ketu gains strength, it may starting doing its job with more strength. Since it is creating malefic results in the horoscope by afflicting Sun; the affliction may become even stronger.
As a result, the number as well as the quantum of problems faced by the native related to his profession, father and all other spheres covered by Sun may increase a lot. Apart from that, the number and quantum of other problems caused by Ketu in such horoscope may also increase. For instance, malefic Ketu afflicts the third house in this horoscope, apart from afflicting Sun. Hence as Ketu gains more strength, the native may witness more problems related to the affairs of the third house. It means that the native may face problems related to his profession, siblings, courage, teammates, colleagues and a number of other problems. Hence gemstones should not be worn for malefic planets.
There are benefic planets in horoscope and then there are malefic planets in horoscope. However, a third category of planets also exists. These planets are partly benefic and partly malefic. They are called mixed planets in general. When a planet is a mixed one in a horoscope; the key to calculate the results given by such planet is knowing the percentage of benefic and malefic part of such planet. These percentages may be different in different cases and they are important in deciding whether or not the gemstone for such planet should be worn. Apart from that, the overall theme of horoscope is also an important factor.
Another factor which should be considered in case of mixed planets is the field of impact. It means the spheres of life where the benefic results may appear and the spheres of life where the malefic results may appear due to such mixed planets; should be assessed properly. After that, the particular requirement of the native under consideration should be considered. Only then, it should be decided, whether or not such gemstone may be suitable for the native.
Let’s take an example to understand this concept in a better way. Suppose Venus is placed in the seventh house of a horoscope in Aries. Libra rises in the ascendant and Venus rules the first as well as the eighth house. Venus is partly benefic and partly malefic in this case, though the benefic part is much higher.
The first thing to check is how benefic or malefic can it be. Within the sign of Aries, if Venus is placed in Ashwini nakshatra, it may be 60 to 70% benefic and 30 to 40% malefic; depending on its navamsha placements within Ashwini. If it is placed in Bharani nakshatra; it may be 70 to 80% benefic and 20 to 30% malefic; depending on its navamsha placements within Bharani. If it is placed in Krittika nakshatra, it may be 60 to 70% benefic and 30 to 40% malefic.
After that, the spheres which may witness benefic and malefic results should be checked. Venus represents the first house which deals with profession among other things. It is placed in the seventh house which primarily deals with marriage. Aries is a fiery sign and it is full of energy. Such energy may prove good for a sphere like profession as it may bless the native with the ability to do more in this field.
However, such energy may prove difficult for a delicate relationship like marriage since this relationship is not handled well with energy and aggression; and it is handled well with delicacy, care and emotions. Combining these factors; it may be assessed that the benefic effects of Venus may primarily appear in profession whereas the malefic effects may primarily appear in marriage.
The next thing to check is the requirement of the native in question. There may be a number of concerns that one such native may have. Let’s discuss one of them. Suppose due to the overall setup of the horoscope; the native is not able to achieve significant amount of success in profession. Suppose there are no other gemstones which may significantly help this native with professional growth. In this case, the gemstone for Venus, which is White Sapphire, may be considered though with due caution; and after analyzing the entire horoscope properly.
Depending on the fact that whether the native is married or unmarried; the malefic results given by White Sapphire may change. If the native is unmarried, wearing White Sapphire may delay his marriage and it may also cause one or more than one failed alliances or engagements. If the native is young or he otherwise doesn’t wish to get married for the next 3 to 5 years; such problems may not trouble him. Since the native is fine with not getting married or he may not be willing to get married for the next 5 years; this specific malefic result given by White Sapphire may not be a cause of concern in this case.
Hence White Sapphire of appropriate weight may be suggested. The native may witness better professional results after wearing this gemstone. The native may keep wearing it till the time he has no plans for marriage. Once he decides to get married and the search for a lover or bride begins; White Sapphire should be removed at the earliest. If the native keeps wearing it, he may not be able to get married. Apart from that; he may witness failed love affairs as well as failed marriage alliances or engagements. Therefore, the native may have to remove White Sapphire in order to get married.
As he does that, the professional graph may gradually begin to drop. This is because the additional energy supplied by Venus is gone. It is like you take daily supplement of insulin for 5 years and then you stop it one day. It is easy to guess that your blood sugar levels may go up and you may not be able to enjoy the same kind of health now.
It means White Sapphire comes with a price in this case. It can bless the native with better results in profession but it may spoil the sphere of marriage. Hence the application of this gemstone should be decided according to the demand of the situation.
Looking at another probability, suppose the native is married when he reaches an astrologer for gemstone recommendation; and he is especially interested in gemstones for professional growth. In this case, White Sapphire may bless him with professional growth but the price may be high to pay. If the native wears this gemstone; he may witness good results related to profession but in a year or two; his marriage may fail. Hence White Sapphire shouldn’t be recommended in this case.
Looking at another probability, suppose the native is married, divorced and not willing to get married again. Suppose the native is suffering from professional problems and he wishes to know which gemstones may help him achieve professional growth. The equation has changed again. Assuming that there is no other gemstone according to his horoscope, which may significantly help him with professional growth; White Sapphire may be recommended with due caution.
The native may witness better results related to profession; after wearing this gemstone. However, the sphere of marriage may suffer. It means the native may not get married as long as he keeps wearing this gemstone. Since the native is not interested in getting married; this malefic effect may not prove malefic for him. Good and bad are relative and they depend on a number of factors. The malefic effect is not bad or malefic for this native since he’s not bothered about it.
However, if the same native is divorced but he’s looking to get married again; White Sapphire should not be recommended. In this case, this gemstone may block a desired or highly desired objective of the native. Hence it may prove malefic for him. Though he may be willing to achieve professional growth, he may not be willing to pay the price through his marriage. Hence White Sapphire should not be recommended in this case.
We have discussed only one benefic aspect and one malefic aspect of Venus in this horoscope. In real practice, there may be many benefic as well as malefic aspects of Venus in one such horoscope. Likewise, there may be a number of benefic as well as malefic aspects of other planets among navagraha, in a horoscope. The number and type of such aspects may change; depending on a number of relevant factors in horoscope. The collection of such factors is called the overall theme of the horoscope, or the overall horoscope.
Taking an example for one such relevant factor; placement of Venus in Libra navamsha within the sign of Aries in the seventh house may create the least serious type of problems for marriage. On the other hand, placement of Venus in Aries navamsha within the sign of Aries may create the most serious type of problems for marriage.
Taking another example, suppose Saturn is benefic in this horoscope and it is placed in the first house in Libra; in its sign of exaltation. In this case, Saturn may stabilize Venus through direct aspect. It means the malefic effects of Venus may reduce significantly. Hence after carefully assessing the overall horoscope; it may be concluded that the native may wear a White Sapphire of appropriate weight along with a Blue Sapphire of appropriate weight. Venus may gain strength through White Sapphire and it may help the native with professional growth.
At the same time; Saturn may gain strength through Blue Sapphire and it may be able to keep a check on malefic effects of Venus. In this case; if White Sapphire is worn without a Blue Sapphire, the native may suffer on the front of marriage. Venus may overpower Saturn due to increased strength and Saturn may not be able to keep Venus’s malefic effects under check. Hence a Blue Sapphire of appropriate weight should be worn by the native; along with White Sapphire. The idea here is to increase the strength of both these planets, with Saturn having somewhat more advantage than Venus. Such added advantage may help Saturn keep Venus in check.
Looking at another variation; if the weight of Blue Sapphire is more or much more than required; it may cause different types of problems. Venus may bless the native with forward drive and initiative required to achieve growth in profession. However, such tendencies may become too much at times. Hence Saturn may reduce them in a way that they are maintained at healthy levels. It is like Venus is the accelerator in a vehicle and Saturn serves as breaks in the same vehicle. Too much accelerator without applying breaks when needed; and the vehicle may crash. Too much of breaks without accelerating when needed; and the vehicle may not move much.
Life as well as horoscope is all about balance. A wise astrologer may not put primary emphasis on strengthening any planets he can or the ones he finds are benefic in a horoscope under consideration. He may rather put primary emphasis on restoring balance in the horoscope, so that the native may not have to witness bad results in another sphere of life; in order to get better results in one sphere of life. Likewise in this case, the ratio of the energies of Venus and Saturn should be maintained in a way that none of these planets may negatively affect the working of the other one; and they may complement each other.
Apart from these; there may be a number of other relevant factors in a horoscope and such factors may be different for different horoscopes. For example, Saturn may be partly malefic in a horoscope with Libra rising; though such malefic part may not be high in most cases since Saturn has strong tendency of being functionally benefic in horoscopes with Libra ascendant. However, it may turn slightly, significantly or highly malefic in some cases; depending on the overall horoscopes. The concept of malefic planets turning into benefic planets and benefic planets turning into malefic planets has been explained in the chapter ‘Vipreet Rajyoga’ in the revised edition (2020) of the book ‘Important Yogas in Vedic Astrology’ as well as in the revised edition (2020) of the book ‘Pitra Dosh – Ancestors are Calling’.
If Saturn is partly malefic in one such horoscope, Blue Sapphire should not be recommended. Just like Venus, Saturn may also produce malefic results along with benefic results, in this case. Hence these gemstones may end up making the overall equation more complicated.
Therefore, the first step to be taken is to assess which planets are benefic in a horoscope under consideration; which ones are malefic and which ones are mixed ones. In order to do so, the placements of all planets among navagraha should be checked in various houses, signs, nakshatras and navamshas. Apart from that, the influences of benefic and malefic planets on each planet as well as the overall theme of the horoscope should be checked properly.
Once this is done, it should be seen which gemstones may be duly suitable for the native. In general, gemstones are most suitable for planets which are benefic, stable and which tend to create balance in horoscope. After that, gemstones for such planets may be suitable; which are benefic and which may be capable of producing specific benefic results asked by the native; though such planets may disturb stability or they may go against the overall theme of the horoscope.
In the next category, the gemstones for such planets may be recommended, which are mixed in nature and the benefic part is much higher than the malefic part. However, such gemstones should be recommended only when no other gemstone is available to improve a specific sphere of native’s life, where he may wish to see improvement. Such gemstones should be recommended with caution and their use should be limited to requirement. It means that once the native achieves his objective; such gemstones should be removed. Prolonged use of such gemstones may create serious problems in various spheres of native’s life.
Finally, there are planets which may be malefic or which may be mixed but the malefic part is higher than the benefic part. In both these cases; gemstones for such planets should be avoided, since they can cause serious problems if worn by the native. Only in some specific cases; their use may be recommended with extreme caution; for short periods of time.
Let’s see what may happen when benefic planets don’t promote stability and overall balance in horoscope. Let’s consider a horoscope in order to understand this concept in a better manner. Suppose Saturn is placed in the first house of a horoscope in Aquarius, a benefic combination of Venus and Rahu is placed in the ninth house in Libra and malefic Ketu is placed in the third house in Aries. A combination of benefic Sun and Mercury is placed in the eleventh house in Sagittarius, benefic Jupiter is placed with malefic debilitated Moon in the tenth house in Scorpio and benefic Mars is placed in the seventh house in Leo.
Suppose Venus is placed in Taurus navamsha of Vishakha nakshatra in Libra and Saturn is placed in Aries navamsha of Poorvabhadrapada nakshatra in Aquarius. Sun as well as Mercury is placed in Poorvashada in Sagittarius. Jupiter is placed in Anuradha in Scorpio and Mars is placed in Aries navamsha of Magha in Leo. Moon is placed in Sagittarius navamsha of Jyeshtha nakshatra within Scorpio.
In this case, we have five planets which are benefic or highly benefic; Venus, Jupiter, Sun, Mars and Rahu. Out of them; Venus is the most benefic planet in this horoscope by virtue of its placement in sign, nakshatra and navamsha. Hence it may seem that White Sapphire is the most suitable gemstone for this native. However, it may not be so in reality. Though Venus is the most benefic planet in this horoscope; its gemstone may not be the most suitable one for the native. Let’s find out why.
Venus rules the fourth and ninth house in this horoscope and it is placed in the ninth house. It is joined and hence boosted by benefic Rahu. Both Venus and Rahu are highly materialistic in general. Venus is placed in Vishakha nakshatra which is an ambitious, indulgent as well as materialistic nakshatra and Libra is also an indulgent sign. The eleventh house deals with ambitions, desires and greed among other things. Both Sun and Mercury are indulgent planets and Poorvashada is an indulgent nakshatra which loves engaging in materialistic pleasures, when occupied by suitable planets.
Saturn is partly malefic in the horoscope and it is placed in Poorvabhadrapada which may prove to be an indulgent, destructive and difficult to handle nakshatra. The placement of Saturn in Aries navamsha renders some weakness to it. Mars is strong in Leo and within Leo, it is very strong in Aries navamsha of Magha since Mars loves the energy of this nakshatra. Magha is a fierce nakshatra ruled by Ketu. Both Saturn and Mars cast direct aspects on each other though the aspect of Mars is stronger than that of Saturn. Mars is placed in the seventh house which deals with marriage and indulgences of various types; especially indulgence in women. Jupiter is afflicted by Moon and hence it is not strong.
Combining these facts; we get the result that the overall horoscope is more inclined towards indulgence; especially in woman and other pleasures like alcohol or occasional drug use. Since Venus and Rahu are benefic; they may not make the native a drug addict. When it comes to put a check on indulgence; Saturn and Jupiter are good at doing this job. Saturn may do this job by rendering discipline and self-control whereas Jupiter may do this job by giving an elevated sense of right and wrong.
Let’s look at the impact of planetary periods called Mahadashas in general. Planetary periods are decided on the basis of birth nakshatra which is the nakshatra of placement of Moon in the birth chart. If a native is born with Moon in Ashwini nakshatra, the planetary period of Ketu is in effect since Ketu rules Ashwini. Likewise, if a native is born with Moon in Bharani, he’s born under Venus Mahadasha since Bharani is ruled by Venus.
Planetary periods repeat in fixed cyclic pattern and one cycle takes 120 years to complete. Ketu Mahadasha lasts for 7 years, followed by 20 year Venus Mahadasha, followed by 6 year Sun Mahadasha, 10 year Moon Mahadasha, 7 year Mars Mahadasha, 18 year Rahu Mahadasha, 16 year Jupiter Mahadasha, 19 year Saturn Mahadasha and 17 year Mercury Mahadasha. This gives us 120 years. At the end of Mercury Mahadasha; Ketu Mahadasha begins again.
Due to placement of Moon in the first quarter of Jyeshtha, the native is born under Mercury period with about 15 years left; since Jyeshtha is ruled by Mercury and Moon is placed in the first quarter. Each nakshatra has four quarters and the planetary period is equally distributed among these quarters. It means that in case of nakshatras ruled by Mercury, each quarter claims about 4 years of its 17 year period. Since Moon is placed in the first quarter of Jyeshtha, only about 2 years of Mercury period may have passed at the time of birth of the native.
Hence the native has 15 years of Mercury period left, followed by 7 year Ketu period and then followed by 20 year Venus period which may rule the timeline between native’s age of 22 and 42 years. These are the years when materialistic tendencies and indulgence are at their peaks in general. When a planet rules the running time, it gains extra strength as long as the running time is in effect.
Since the overall horoscope is benefic; the native may achieve very good amount of professional success during Venus period. Such native may achieve success in movie industry, fashion industry or some other likewise industry which deals in creativity, glamour and indulgence. Venus is not afflicted by any planet in this horoscope and on the contrary, it is boosted by benefic Rahu. Hence the indulgence aspect of the native may become higher during this period. As a result, he may engage in women, alcohol and other pleasures of senses; more or much more than usual.
It can be seen that though Venus is the most benefic planet in this horoscope; it is strong and it is supported by the overall horoscope. When the running time of Venus is in effect; it may become even stronger. Therefore, if the native wears White Sapphire; especially between his age of 22 and 42 when Venus period is in effect; the native may lose more than he may gain.
As Venus gains more strength through White Sapphire, the indulgence aspect of Venus may increase even more. Hence the native may start engaging more in materialistic pleasures; than in profession. This may affect his profession as well as health in negative manner. As a result; the net results given by White Sapphire may be more malefic than benefic.
Venus is good at blessing a native with money and wealth among other things; when it is benefic and strong in his horoscope. At the same time; it is good at making the native desire for more and more materialistic pleasures. It should be noted that among these two types of tendencies; the second one is the primary tendency exhibited by Venus. It means Venus may bless you with money and wealth; so that you may enjoy a lot. Venus on its own doesn’t support saving money and spending it wisely; in most cases. Such tendencies are rendered by other planets; Mercury and Saturn in most cases.
When it comes to Rahu; it is the most indulgent planet among navagraha. Hence it may create strong tendencies for indulgence in materialist pleasures, even when it is benefic. Apart from that; Rahu may not care about moral values; even when it is benefic in a horoscope. It means that though the benefic combination of Venus and Rahu may bless the native with very good amount of money and success through profession; it may make him more indulgent. Hence the native may spend a lot of money and time to enjoy materialistic pleasures.
Jupiter rules the second house in this horoscope and this house deals with financial management, saved money and wealth among other things. Jupiter is afflicted by Moon and hence it may not be able to protect its significances in the best possible manner. Apart from that; Jupiter renders good sense of separating right from wrong. Hence strong influence of Jupiter in appropriate signs and nakshatra may bless the native with wisdom. Scorpio is well suited for Jupiter and Anuradha is a wise nakshatra. Hence Jupiter may do well here; if the affliction from Moon is taken care of.
Back to the White Sapphire, this gemstone may create problems due to over-indulgence in materialistic pleasures. Hence it should not be recommended; especially during Venus period. The native should rather wear gemstone or gemstones for those planets; which may help in bringing stability to this horoscope.
Likewise, the native should not wear gemstone for Rahu since it may also cause problems similar to those caused by White Sapphire. However, the number and quantum of problems may be higher in case the native wears Hessonite; since Rahu is more indulgent than Venus and it generally doesn’t care about right or wrong.
Sun is strong in Sagittarius and it may not need more strength since that may create problems for Mercury. Due to placement of Sun and Mercury in the same nakshatra; Mercury is combust. Apart from that, Sun is stronger than Mercury in Sagittarius. Hence giving more strength to Sun may weaken Mercury through combustion. Therefore, Ruby should also be avoided.
Mars is strong in Leo and stronger in Magha. It is placed in the seventh house which deals with marriage, partnerships, indulgence and sexual acts among other things. Apart from that, it is casting direct aspect on Saturn. It means that Red Coral may promote benefits through business partnerships and it may help the native get married sooner. However, it may increase the indulgence part, it may create problems in marriage due to extra energy; and it may reduce the ability of Saturn to control and stabilize things.
It should be noted that Mars is benefic in the horoscope. Hence it doesn’t form Manglik Dosh and it may not break native’s marriage on its own; unless its energy is enhanced a lot. Hence Red Coral may prove beneficial in some aspects but it is not an overall good choice.
This leaves us with Yellow Sapphire. Jupiter rules the second and eleventh house. The eleventh house deals with making more money and the second house deals with saving money and building wealth. Jupiter is placed in the tenth house which deals with profession. It is placed in Anuradha which is a wise, patient and persevering nakshatra; ruled by Saturn. Jupiter represents wisdom, fortune and fame in general. It is afflicted by Moon, which may create problems related to finances, reputation, litigations and court cases among other things; since Moon rules the sixth house.
Hence Yellow Sapphire which is the gemstone for Jupiter; becomes the best suitable gemstone in this horoscope. Jupiter is benefic but weak due to affliction. As it gains strength through Yellow Sapphire, the horoscope may start becoming more balanced. The native may now be better focused on making name, fame, recognition and money through profession; and then converting such money into wealth. The native may still enjoy a lot as Venus is strong and it rules the planetary period.
Apart from that, Jupiter in general is not opposed to pleasures; and it rather gives a sense of separating right from wrong and moral from immoral. Hence the native may enjoy a lot. However, he may know how much is too much and which boundaries are not to be crossed. Hence Yellow Sapphire becomes the first choice for gemstone in this horoscope.
Between native’s age of 48 and 58; when the planetary period of Moon strikes him; he may be in dire need of Yellow Sapphire. This is the time when Moon may cause maximum damage to Jupiter as well as to the tenth house. Hence Yellow Sapphire may prove very useful during the 10 year Moon period. Apart from that; Red Coral and White Sapphire may also be worn during this period; if required.
Mars rules the tenth house. Hence wearing Red Coral may help the native when it comes to reduce the quantum of problems caused by Moon in the tenth house. In general; aggression is significantly reduced by the age of 48 and it may keep reducing after this age. Looking at marriage; the native may be well settled in his marriage by that time and the extra energy provided by Red Coral may not be too much to handle; provided appropriate weight is recommended for Red Coral.
It should be noted that as a general tendency; Mars and Venus keep losing strength after 35 years of age whereas Jupiter and Saturn keep gaining strength after this age. This is why youth is represented by Mars and Venus whereas age, wisdom and experience are represented by Jupiter and Saturn. Hence after the age of 48; the native may witness reduction in strength of Venus and Mars; and he may witness increase in strength of Saturn and Jupiter.
Though most people may tend to enjoy more and more materialistic pleasures during their twenties and thirties; such tendencies may start reducing in forties. Most people may witness significant decline in these tendencies after the age of 45 and they may decline further after the age of 50. These are the times when planets like Mars and Venus may take back seats and planets like Saturn and Jupiter may take front seats; especially Saturn.
Hence based on the need of situation; the native may also wear White Sapphire during Moon period. Doing so may help with the overall luck factor which is represented by the ninth house. Though White Sapphire may increase the indulgence aspect; such increase may not be much at this age and in these circumstances. Hence the native may wear Yellow Sapphire and Red Coral during Moon period; and White Sapphire if required. It means that if the native still feels the need for more positive energy after wearing Yellow Sapphire and Red Coral; White Sapphire of appropriate weight may also be worn.
There are some beliefs that gemstones for Jupiter and Venus; Jupiter and Mercury; Sun and Saturn; and for other likewise pairs of planets which may be generally opposed to each other; should not be worn at the same time. There are also some beliefs that the second and seventh house deal with death and their gemstones should not be worn. We’ll deal with these topics, in the chapters ‘Gemstones for Opposing Planets’ and ‘Gemstones for House Lords’.
Another aspect that should be paid attention to is the primary concern or concerns for which the native may want to wear a gemstone. Some natives may simply ask for suitable gemstones for them whereas some others may have specific spheres where they may wish to witness growth through gemstones. In the first case, the horoscope should be analyzed properly and suitable gemstone or gemstones should be recommended.
However in the second case, different approach is required. Though a suitable gemstone may give benefits to the native; it may not give all types of benefits. The primary effects of a benefic planet may reflect through the house it is placed in; as well as through its general significances. After that, the secondary benefits may reflect through the houses it rules. After that, it may produce benefic results through the planets it may cast direct aspects on. If what the native wishes to achieve can be achieved with the help of a gemstone; only then it may be specifically suitable for the native. The term ‘specifically suitable’ refers to specific benefic results required by the native.
For example, in the recently discussed case; the native may face problems related to marriage. Such native may not witness delay in marriage but he may face problems after marriage. This is because Sun being the lord of the seventh house is placed with Mercury which is partly malefic. Strong Mars is placed in the seventh house which may not help in reducing problems. The combination of Venus and Rahu in the ninth house is an indulgent combination.
As a result; the native may primarily face two types of problems related to his marriage. Due to the combination of Sun and Mercury as well as due to placement of Mars; the native may have differences of opinion with his wife. Hence the couple may disagree on a number of things and they may end up engaging in heated arguments, every now and then. Apart from that, the indulgence aspect of native can make him susceptible to extramarital affairs or causal encounters with women. This too may create problems in marriage.
The next important factor is the horoscope of native’s wife. If her horoscope also shows significant problems related to marriage; the equation may aggravate. Hence in this case; the native may specifically want a gemstone or gemstones which may fix problems in his marriage. White Sapphire may do this job very well when Venus is benefic in a horoscope; in most cases. However in this case; Venus may already have a role to play in spoiling the marriage of this native.
Hence different approach needs to be taken. White Sapphire should not be recommended if extramarital affairs of the native are causing problems in marriage; since this gemstone may aggravate such problems. Red Coral should not be recommended since it may increase the frequency and quantum of arguments between the native and his wife. Yellow Sapphire doesn’t directly affect the sphere of marriage in this case, due to its placement in the tenth house as well as due to the houses it rules.
This leaves us with Ruby alone. Sun represents the seventh house in this horoscope and Sun does well in Sagittarius. Hence a Ruby may help with marriage in this case. However at the same time; the additional strength gained by Sun may render more weakness to Mercury through combustion. When that happens; the native may start facing problems related to the general as well as specific significances of Mercury in his horoscope.
Looking at some of these problems, the native may become more impulsive and instead of using intellect ruled by Mercury, he may use aggression and dominance ruled by Sun; in many cases. Instead of taking calculated risks (Mercury) in most spheres of his life, he may start taking bold and risky decisions based on confidence or over-confidence (Sun). Likewise, many other significances of Mercury may be diminished due to additional strength gained by Sun. Hence Ruby may provide some relief in affairs related to marriage; but such relief may not last long. Apart from that; Ruby in this case may create a number of other problems; though the quantum of such problems may not be high since Sun is benefic.
It means that ideally; there is no gemstone which may directly as well as significantly help the native with affairs related to marriage. Some benefits may be witnessed by wearing Yellow Sapphire as stronger Jupiter may render wisdom to the native and such wisdom may help him in most spheres of his life; including marriage. However, Yellow Sapphire in this case is not a targeted gemstone for marriage; though it is a targeted gemstone for profession. Hence no gemstone may directly help this native with marriage; without creating problems.
However, if this is the horoscope of a female native; the equation changes. Jupiter is the general signifier of marriage as well as husband in case of females. Since Jupiter is afflicted by Moon; this native may face significant or serious problems related to marriage. Hence a Yellow Sapphire may be a very good choice in this case. Yellow Sapphire may help this female native with marriage as well as with profession.
Looking at a different horoscope for a male native; suppose benefic Venus is placed in the fourth house of a horoscope in Taurus along with malefic exalted Moon. Suppose malefic Rahu is placed in the first house of this horoscope in Aquarius and malefic Ketu is placed in the seventh house in Leo in Magha nakshatra. In this case, the native is likely to face serious problems related to marriage. Moon is exalted in Taurus and Ketu is strong in Magha nakshatra. Hence the native may not get married till his age of 35 or more; or he may witness more than one broken marriage; depending on the rest of his horoscope.
In this case; White Sapphire is an ideal choice for improving the sphere of marriage. As Venus gains strength through White Sapphire; it may fight the affliction caused by exalted Moon in a better manner. As a result; the native may witness better results related to marriage. Therefore, gemstones for specific benefits should be recommended after considering all relevant factors in a horoscope under consideration.
Though every horoscope may dictate its own rules and accordingly; the application of gemstones may change; the general guidelines mentioned in this chapter may still help; while preparing gemstones recommendations for a native.
Himanshu Shangari