Gemstones in Jyotish

Prescription of Gemstone is one of the most important aspects of remedies in Jyotish
Shastra. The use of Gemstone is also endorsed by shastras such as Garuda Purana which
gives elaborate description of the nature of the gemstones and their use. Even though
gemstone use is one of the most popular source of remedies for all ills of the material
world, may it be health, wealth or fortune, it is fraught with many misconceptions and
erroneous notions of their selection and prescription. This article envisages providing
consistent principles which would help the Jyotishas and laymen to select the right
gemstones.

GEMSTONES OF YOGAKARAKAS

Since the gemstones enhance the influence of the planet in the life of the person, the
gemstones for the planets giving yogas should always be chosen. To know the yoga
givers or the yoga-karakas in a horoscope, studying classics such as Brhat Parashara Hora
shastra should be studied. However, I shall provide here some guidelines which can help
in choosing the gemstones.
Lagna lord is the first and foremost yoga karaka in a horoscope, since is the owner of
both Kendra (Quadrant) and Kona (Trine). He is protector of the Lagna, which represent
health, vitality and the controller of the whole horoscope. The placement of the Lagna
lord is extremely important for the overall strength of the horoscope and its gemstone can
help a person overcoming all difficulties in life.
The lords of two trines fifth and ninth are equally important. They are the two important
houses which control the financial wellbeing of a person. If they are badly placed in the
horoscope, then the person might suffer financially in life. Thus their strength is
extremely important in addition to the lords of second and eleventh, who signify Wealth
and Income.

Each planet can give results on the following basis.

1. Lordship,2. Placement, 3. Natural Karakatva (Significations),4. Yoga (Exchange,
Conjunction, Aspects)
Hence it must be remembered that a good planet (lords of Lagna, 5th and 9th) / Yogakaraka
if placed in a dusthana (6th / 8th/ 12th), they can also give malefic results in
addition to their inherent benefic nature to do good. Similarly if the yogakarakas are
involved in other bad yogas, they can give bad results, while their gemstones are worn.
Whenever there is a conjunction or exchange of two planets, their inherent and functional
nature is greatly modified. When a benefic planet comes into association with a malefic
planet, then the benefic nature of the planet is corrupted and it starts giving malefic
results, however the malefic planet gains out of the company and gives good results. Such
subtle effects should always be kept into consideration, while suggesting a gemstone for
Jyotish remedial purposes.
Exception to this is that, if Saturn becomes the Yoga-karaka and is placed in a dusthana,
then its ability to do good increases. It is advisable to wear Neelam, Saturn’s stone for
such cases.

GEMSTONE OF WEAK PLANET

If a yoga-karaka (or any good planet in the horoscope, lords of any houses other than 6th/
8th or 12th) is debilitated, they must be strengthened. One of the ways is to wear the
stone of the debilitated planet. However, the more effective way is to find the planet who
is causing neecha-bhanga to the debilitated planet. If the neecha-bhanga is happening
with respect to the Moon, then Mantra would be a good remedy, however, if it happens
with respect to the Lagna, then wearing the gemstone of the planet causing the neechabhanga
would make the debilitated planet come out of the state of debilitation.
When there is no cancellation of debility of other weaknesses then the gemstones for the supporters of the debilitated planet can be prescribed for causing cancellation of debility
or for enhancing the life-forces that are being destroyed due to the debility. For example,
the Moon is debilitated in Scorpio (8th house of natural zodiac) and is said to be
MARANA KARAKA if placed in the 8th house from Lagna. Weakness of such Moon, in
any chart is not good for longevity. Hence a blue sapphire is used for enhancing the lifeforce.
The information regarding this is given at the detail section for each planet and
their gemstones
It must be noted that debilitation of some planets are desirable in a horoscope. They are
the lords of the Dusthanas (6th/ 8th/ 12th). If the lords of the Dusthanas are placed in
other Dusthanas in debilitation, then it confers Vipareeta raja yoga, whereby the native
gains due to the loss of natural and functional significations of the planet causing the
yoga. For example, if 8th lord Moon is involved in Vipareeta Raja yoga, by its
debilitation in the 12th house, the native might enjoy rise in life, but the Mother (natural
signification of Moon) and the marriage (8th house is the longevity of marriage) might
suffer simultaneously. To enjoy the fruits of Vipareeta Raja yoga, the native must not
strengthen such debilitated planets that confer the yoga.

VIPAREETA RATNA (OPPOSITE GEMSTONE)

Vipareeta means opposite or gemstones used for weakening the effects of some planets in
certain houses. If any house is occupied by an enemy of its Karaka, then the
significations of the house suffer. Keeping this principle in view, the first house to be
checked in any chart is the ninth house of fortune and Dharma with Jupiter & Sun as the
significator. Rahu and Saturn are the enemies of these significator and if they are placed
in the ninth house, they shall damage fortune and Dharma. The remedy is to strengthen
the concerned Karaka by wearing its gemstone in the ring finger. Suka Nadi states that if
Rahu is in the ninth house, then the native has good fortune after wearing a Topaz. The
same principle of Vipareeta Ratna (Opposite Gemstone) has been used here. Rahu is the
enemy of Jupiter and since it is placed in the ninth house, the use of a Topaz (gemstone
of Jupiter) removes the misfortune caused by Rahu. Similarly, if Saturn is in the ninth
house, then the person may suffer from poverty/ failure in the homeland after 36 years.
To remove this evil, a ruby, the gemstone of the Sun (Saturn’s enemy) is worn.

GEMSTONES VS. DASAS

Hands in which the gemstones are worn to be chosen on the basis of certain criteria. The
right hand is ruled Jupiter and the left hand by Venus indicating increase (right hand) or
decrease (lift hand) of life force.
Thus, if gemstones have to be prescribed to decrease the evil effects of a malefic planet,
its gemstone should be used in the left hand. Such use should be temporary covering the
dasa-bhukti of the planet.
When the planet is a malefic for the horoscope, the maleficence of the planet can be
reduced by wearing a counter gemstone temporarily during the Dasa-bhukti of the planet.
If instead a gem is to be worn for the main Dasa planet itself, then it should be worn in
the left hand. For example, if Rahu is malefic then during its period a Yellow
Sapphire/Topaz/Citrine can be worn in the right hand ring finger or Hessonite/Brown
Tourmaline etc can be worn in the left hand middle finger.

FLAWED GEMSTONE

A genuine gemstone of good quality should never be used with an imperfect or flawed
gem or with one that is astrologically incompatible with it. Suta Goswami (Garuda
Purana) advises “not to wear a gem that is of inferior quality or incompatible even if it is
set together with the divine Kausthuba Mani of Vishnu. Just as the best of saints lose
their merits by bad company, similarly, an imperfect/inferior or incompatible gemstone
can ruin the beneficence of other good gems.

GEMSTONES AND LAGNA LORD

For determining compatibility of gemstones most astrologers go by the Naisargika
Sambandha (natural relationship) of other planets with the stone of the principal/ruling planet. The Ruling Planet is the strongest one in trines to the Lagna or in the seventh
house (1,5,7 & 9 houses), and if none are there, then the Lagna lord is chosen. Thus if the
ruling planet is the Moon, then all planets are compatible with it, but if it is the Sun, then
only Jupiter, Mars & Moon are compatible and their stones can be chosen.
Since the Lagna is the controller of the Horoscope, the impact of the Gemstone ultimately
falls on the Lagna (more so, since Lagna is the controller of the physical body, where the
gemstone is worn). The planets, whose gemstone is worn, should be a friend to the Lagna
lord as per the naisargika sambandha. If any planet is inimical to the lord of Lagna, the
use of its gemstone can damage / endanger the concerned people related to the house
owned by the planet. For example if the lord of the fifth house is inimical to the Lagna
lord, then the use of a gemstone of the fifth lord can endanger the life children. Hence
utmost caution should be used in prescribing gemstones.
Naisargika Sambandha of Planets
Some astrologers also use Tatkalika Sambandha (Current relationship) between planets in
a chart as this also takes the individual horoscope into focus. Here, the planets that are
Param Mitra, Mitra or Sama to the ruling planet are chosen for supportive gemstones.
Among all the methods of judging the suitability of a Gemstone namely, the naisargika
sambandha, tatkalika sambandha and other sambandha, the best and most beneficial
gemstones are those of the planets involved in a beneficial Yoga. If the tenth and ninth
lord are involved in a Dharma-Karmadhipati Yoga, then their stones should be used
together to augment the effects of the Yoga. Gemstones of planets involved in Duryoga
and other malefic combinations or where benefits accrue if the planets are weak and
afflicted like the Vipareeta Rajyoga, should never be used.

GEMSTONES OF MUTUALLY INIMICAL PLANETS

Gemstones of mutually inimical planets should never be used simultaneously as they
shall prove to be very adverse. Many astrologers give gemstones of mutually inimical
planets such as Hessonite (Rahu) with Ruby (Sun) or Yellow Sapphire (Jupiter) or Red
Coral (Mars). Such combinations can be extremely dangerous for the native. The natural
fight between the owners of the gemstones can be visible in the life of native, where we
can witness; the native is caught between many undesirable circumstances without his
fault. The table shown below shows the natural relationships between the planets.

FINGERS AND GEMSTONES

The index finger is called Tarjani and is considered very inauspicious. In mantra
recitation the beads should never touch this finger, even while turning the rosary (when
we finish one circle of 108 beads). It rules the “Ahamkara” and is the finger of “fall” or
expression of anger. The Gyana Mudra has all fingers except this index finger stretched
out with the index finger (of anger) being in touch with and controlled by the Akasha
Tattva of the Thumb. Normally for people who are spiritual / worship their Guru,
gemstones should not be used in this finger. Some astrologers prescribe Ruby / Yellow
Sapphire for Power / Wealth respectively, for use in the index finger. However these
gemstones have been found to give better results of stable power and gradual stable
growth in finance in the ring finger. Tatwa in Palmistry
The gemstone of a planet placed in a house should be worn according to the quadrant
(Kendra house) is whose trines it is placed. Thus a planet in the ninth house influences
the Dharma Trikona and its gemstone should be worn in the ring finger. Gemstones of
planets in Moksha Trikona (4, 8, 12) should not be prescribed as then they would be worn
in the Tarjani (Index finger). Instead mantra of these planets should be advised.
Further gemstone cannot be worn in the finger of inimical elements. For example, if a
Red Coral is to be worn for Mars placed in the seventh house, this cannot be prescribed
for the little finger due to Mars ruling Agni Tattva (fire element), which is opposed to the
Vayu Tattva (Air element). Thus a Coral can only be worn in the ring finger (Agni Tattva
/ Fire) or middle finger (Prithvi Tattva / Earth). Just as the thumb is different from the
other four fingers and in conjunction with them does all work, the Akasha Tattva (Ether
element–symbolized by the Thumb) permeates all signs of the other elements and is the
driving force / Dhi Shakti.

GEMSTONES AND ARUDHA LAGNA

Since the gemstones are taken for fulfilling the material pursuits in the life than anything
else, the arudha lagna plays a very vital role in selection of the gemstones. Arudha Lagna
shows the image in this world or in other words, the perception of the world related to the
native. This is the material manifestation of the existantial reality of a person. Maharishi
parashara says that planets in the twelfth of Arudha Lagna (AL) can show the sources of
expenditure, while that in the 11th from the AL show the sources of Income. Even though
the promise of the wealth can be seen from different dhana yogas in the horoscope and
the strength of the 2nd, 11th and the trines, the sources and the quantum of the gains or
losses can be seen from the Arudha.
Thus, it is very important to consider the placement of Planets with respect to the Arudha
Lagna for final selection of an Gemstone. The following guidelines can help in such
judgement:
1. If a planet is placed in or aspecting the 12th from the Arudha Lagna, the gemstone for
such planet can increase the expenditure of the native. Malefics are well placed here as it
confer rajayoga while placed here in addition to the expenses shown. However one must
remember that planets placed here shows the persons who would secretly oppose the
native in various activities. So the gemstones of such planets to be chosen after careful
consideration of all factors involved.
2. The gemstone of a planet placed in or aspecting the 11th from Arudha Lagna shall give
income from the sources indicated by the planet. The sources can be known by judging
both the functional as well as natural significations of the concerned planet.
3. The 2nd and 7th house from the Arudha Lagna are the houses of sustainance of the
Image. They should be occupied by benefics or exalted planets. If they are occupied by
malefics, the gemstones of such planets can cause fall of image and troubles in career and
various other troubles. In addition the planets in the 7th from Arudha lagna shows the
persons who would openly oppose the person in various activities, and this is more true
with respect to the Malefics. Thus if benefics are placed in the 7th from the Arudha
Lagna, their gemstones can be given, provided the native can withstand the opposition
shown by the concerned planet.
4. The planets in the Arudha Lagna shows how the world perceives the native. The
presence of Moon or Jupiter in the Arudha Lagna gives long lasting fame. They should otherwise be placed with benefics or exalted planets and gemstones of such Moon,
Jupiter, benefics or exalted planets can be beneficial to the native, otherwise it can be
harmful.
Similarly the lord of the Arudha Lagna should ideally be well placed in either exaltation,
mulatrikona, own house or friends house. If gemstone of such planets is worn, it would
benefit the native by uplifting his image. If such planet is in fall or unfavourably placed,
then the gemstone of the planet, countering the evil has to be worn (please refer to
relevant section for more information on this)
5. Malefics in the 3rd or 6th gives material success whereas benefics in these places
makes the person spiritual, unless they are debilitated. Thus wearing the gemstones of the
malefics placed in 3rd or 6th can help in fulfilment of objectives and gaining over all
odds. However, malefics in the 3rd from AL can be detrimental to the health and
longevity, thus while prescribing the gemstones, one need to consider this factor as well.
6. The eighth house is also very crucial in a way that it controls the longevity of the
person. Malefics placed over there can harm the health of the person and also the image.
Stones of such malefics placed there should never be worn.
7. All planets either be benefics or malefics give good results and financial gains while
placed in the 9th house from the arudha Lagna. Unless any other adverse yogas exist,
gemstone of such planet would be beneficial to the native.
8. 10th house shows the impact of a planet in the native's career. Benefics are best suited
here and malefics are prohibited. For example, if Saturn is placed in such 10th, then the
career becomes a bed of thorne for the native.

DETAILS OF GEMSTONES

RUBY is the precious stone that occurs as a red, transparent variety of the mineral
corundum. It is symbolic of excellent health, vigor, love and passion, an aid to firm
friendship, and believed to ensure beauty. It strengthens the heart and blood circulation,
makes one bold and courageous and eliminates depression, sadness or sensuality.
Increase name and fame. Its color ranges from purplish red (called Pigeon Blood) or
bluish red to a yellowish red. When cut into a cabochon (a non-convex) form, some
specimens of ruby exhibit asterism i.e. a six-rayed star can be seen in the interior of the
stone. These are called star rubies and are very highly prized. Burmese rubies are
considered the finest. The ruby is a very brilliant, hard, durable, and wearable stone.