Astrology and Gemstones

The correlation between astrology and gemstones is perhaps the most misunderstood, least used and most often ignored area relating to crystal healing and the metaphysical uses of gemstones.

The founding proponents in gemmology, herbalism, alchemy and practically all areas of the esoteric arts-related, understood and explained their work in terms of planetary rulership. Why? Because the adepts understood that the material creation is a complex, conscious "school", and the principal planets are extremely significant in providing the energy to deliver its lessons. Newton's third law of motion, for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction translates to human experience in terms of karma. The popular saying "what goes around, comes around", Biblical statement "as they sow, so shall they reap" and the numerous references in all Eastern traditions, point to the reality of karma. 

This phenomenon was first recorded by the rishis, (translates from Sanskrit as "seers"), sages of ancient India, headed by Srila Vyasadeva. Over 5000 years ago they understood the correlations and underlying unity of all things through Divine revelation and mystic vision. Something for the understandably sceptical among us to consider is that they recorded the original Vedic astrology, requiring complex calculations and the precisely plotted orbits of the planets, long before modern telescopes and astronomical data existed. 

In a nutshell, karma is delivered and understood by the position of the planets at the precise moment of birth. Vedic* astrological gemmology has very little to with daily horoscopes and requires a competent and learned astrologer. As the planets rule and resonate with all crystals gemstones (see below), knowing which planets are giving favourable karma, and which are presenting challenges, is essential in choosing beneficial gemstones for healing or personal development. This is the reason crystals and gemstones can affect different people in vastly different ways.

Planetary rulership of the gemstone and how well that planet is positioned in our personal chart is the primary indicator of that gems effect on us. Wearing or carrying the appropriate, quality gem of our most favourable planets will considerably enhance its areas of influence.

The planets, stars and moons, the gems they rule and their areas of influence

The Sun - Ruby, garnet, pink tourmaline, red spinel.

The Sun is the natural planet to look to when you want further information on your physical body, your father, and males in your life in general. A strong sense of self-worth, social prestige and the determination to succeed are dependent, not solely but in generous part, on a well-positioned Sun.

The Moon - Pearl, moonstone.

The Moon is the natural planet to look to when you want further information on your psychology, your mother, and women in your life in general, as well as your chance of finding happiness, material comfort and mental peace. For a woman, this planet plays a huge part in determining whether she will become a mother and whether the experience will be a fulfilling one.

Jupiter - Yellow Sapphire, golden topaz, citrine, heliodor.

Jupiter is said to be the most beneficial planet of all. We look to this planet in order to find out how good karma is to be reaped in this lifetime. Jupiter has influence over finances, luck, children, religion, guru, legal affairs, intelligence and the ability to teach. A strong Jupiter generally imparts wisdom and strong spiritual inclinations.

Rahu - Gomed (hessonite garnet), orange zircon, spessartine.

In Western astrology, this subtle planet is known as the North Node of the Moon (the South Node is Ketu). Challenging by nature, this planet tends to cause great longing as well as the frustration of desires. What shape the desires and frustrations take depends on where Rahu is placed in the birth-chart, what planets and/or houses he aspects, and what aspects are made to him from other planets. During Rahu’s planetary period you come face to face with yourself. If Rahu is in a strong position according to sign, house and aspect he can award great material power and achievement.

Mercury - Emerald, peridot, green tourmaline, green jade, diopside, tsavorite.

Mercury is the planet governing intelligence, learning and communication. From the position of this planet, we can deduce whether or not you will find it easy to take in information and whether you will be able to apply that information in a practical way. Memory is also governed by this planet, as is manual dexterity.

 Venus - Diamond, white sapphire, clear quartz, clear topaz, clear zircon.

Venus is also a very beneficial planet when well placed. Wherever this planet is placed you will tend to seek or reap enjoyment and sweetness in that area of life. This planet represents the spouse, usually more so for a man, whereas the Sun and Mars are stronger indicators for a woman. It also represents the quality of married life for both sexes, and whether fulfilment will be found in one to one relationships in general. Its strength or weakness offers information as to how able you are to give and receive love, as well as forgiveness. It also represents all of life's material luxuries – delicious food, nice clothes, jewellery and adornments in general. A strong Venus awards charisma, creativity, artistic ability, and also grace.

Ketu - Cat's eye chrysoberyl, tigers eye, cat's eye apatite, chatoyant tourmaline and beryl.

The other subtle planet, Ketu always sits directly opposite Rahu. If Rahu inhabits the seventh house then Ketu sits in the first house, and so on.

While Rahu represents your very apparent material desires, Ketu represents your more subtle desires – those aspects of your nature that you are not always aware of. This planet governs the unexpected, and Ketu’s aspect tends to have a distorting effect on the planet in question, causing the energy of that planet to manifest in an almost compulsive way.

If Ketu is powerfully positioned then, rather than creating confusion and distortion, the planet allows you to see through deceptions, particularly those created by the material world, and awards spiritual realization and longing for real spiritual liberation.

Saturn - Blue sapphire, amethyst, indicolite, blue spinel, lapis.

This planet tends to bring you challenges and restrictions even when very well placed although then you tend to have the necessary maturity required to overcome and succeed. Sometimes referred to as ‘the great teacher’, Saturn tends to have a hand in delivering to you your tough karma. Whichever area of life, indicated by house position, that Saturn arrives in it is there that you will learn some of your toughest lessons and be required to work hardest.

Saturn governs the length of life, work, employment, and employees. Sometimes the planet gives an indication as to what type of work you will do. Saturn also rules the older members of your family and elderly people in general.

When well placed Saturn awards humility, wisdom, devotion, compassion, determination, and an excellent attitude toward serving others.

Mars - Coral, carnelian, bloodstone.

Mars is the natural planet to look to for further information on physical stamina, motivation, courage, sexual strength, passion, brothers and sisters, and whether you are likely to use your energy constructively or destructively.

*VEDIC REFERS TO THE OLDEST WRITINGS & PHILOSOPHY IN EXISTENCE, SANSKRIT TEXTS DATED AT OVER 3000 BC.