Gemstones are believed to have healing properties because of the unique influences of their associated ruling planets. This is known as the “piezoelectric” effect. The late Professor B. Suryanarain Rao stated that humans are constantly affected by planetary rays, which are transmitted as gravitational, electrical, and magnetic energy fields, as well as light waves. These light waves can range in length from a tiny fraction of an inch to millions of miles and are measured accordingly. Each of the nine planets, or nava-graha, influences us according to its own unique nature, making an understanding of these planetary influences essential for comprehending the healing powers of gemstones.
According to ancient Indian gemological texts, white light is comprised of seven primary colors and two secondary colors that are blended together. The primary colors include red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet, while the secondary colors are ultra-violet and infrared. When white light passes through a prism or raindrops, it refracts into the seven primary colors, forming a rainbow, while the two secondary colors remain unseen.
According to belief, the nine colors that make up the cosmic matrix represent the essence of the nine planets and are the means by which they radiate their energy and influence. Infra-red has the longest visible colored-light wave length, while ultra-violet has the shortest. It is worth noting that the wavelength of colored light emanating from each planet corresponds to the wavelength radiating from its associated gemstone(s). For instance, the light waves emanating from the Sun and ruby are identical because they are both red. However, not all gemstones exhibit their “cosmic color,” such as white pearls, whose cosmic color is orange, or red coral, whose cosmic radiation is yellow.
Gemstones are the most concentrated form of color in nature and offer an infinite source of cosmic color rays. Each of the nine planets has unique healing influences on human affairs, and their corresponding gemstones have particular powers ascribed to them. Here is a list of these influences and powers:
- Sun (Surya) –In astrology, having an exalted Sun in your horoscope is believed to make you well-educated, religious, strong, empathetic, and serene. However, if the position of the Sun in your horoscope is weak or afflicted, opposite outcomes may arise.
The cosmic color associated with the Sun is red, which is transmitted by natural red gems such as rubies. Red color waves are hot and therefore beneficial in healing illnesses caused by excessive cold and moisture in the body, including cold, flu, anemia, low blood pressure, heart and circulatory problems, as well as foolish behavior and learning deficiencies.
Solar gemstones also boost courage, alleviate sadness, regulate excessive sensuality, and help enhance one’s social status.
Gemstones that are ruled by the Sun include natural rubies, red spinel, red garnet, rubellite, and other natural pink or red gems with transparent clarity. For Sun stones to effectively transmit solar energy, they must be flawless with no visible inclusions (eye clean) and should be set in gold.
- Moon (Chandra) –In astrology, having an exalted Moon in your horoscope is believed to bring wealth, industriousness, and respect. However, if the position of the Moon in your horoscope is weak or afflicted, opposite outcomes may arise. A debilitated Moon is also associated with conditions such as diabetes, alcohol and drug abuse, and various emotional distress.
The cosmic color associated with the Moon is orange, which is transmitted by lunar gems such as pearls and moonstones. Orange color waves are cold and are therefore useful in treating diseases of the bodily secretions and blood caused by excessive heat in the body. High-quality Moon gems are known to be helpful in cases of mental derangement caused by an excess of heat in the heart and brain. Moon astral talismans can also enhance mental faculties, calm emotions, induce tranquility, and improve overall well-being.
Gemstones ruled by the Moon include natural pearl and moonstone. Flawless (eye-clean) stones are required for Moon astral talismans to properly transmit beneficial Lunar energy.
- Jupiter (Brihaspati) –According to astrology, having a strong Jupiter placement in one’s horoscope can indicate leadership abilities, respect, and power, although it may also make the person prone to anger. Conversely, if Jupiter is weak in one’s horoscope, it can lead to personal unhappiness, laziness, egotism, and legal problems.
The color light blue, which is transmitted by yellow sapphires and other yellow gems, is believed to have a cold and ethereal nature that can aid in the treatment of gland-related illnesses, the fat system, and bodily cavities. Jupiter astral talismans are thought to enhance spiritual understanding, improve marital relations, increase fortune, aid in pregnancy and childbirth, and balance the endocrine system. These talismans are especially favorable to women, increasing their contentment and happiness.
The gemstones that transmit Jupiter’s energy include natural yellow sapphires, topaz, citrine, heliodor, and other yellow gems that are flawless in clarity.
- Rahu (Moon”s North Node) –As per astrology, an exalted Rahu placement in one’s birth chart can bring wealth and good fortune. However, those with a weak or afflicted Rahu placement in their horoscope may experience a fear of supernatural phenomena and suicidal tendencies.
Hessonite and other orange gems transmit the cosmic color ultraviolet, which has the coldest wavelength of all the cosmic rays. This color can be used to treat ailments caused by excessive heat, such as high fever, hyperacidity, indigestion, hypersexuality, insomnia, and during childbirth. Rahu astral talismans are believed to divert disasters, prevent insanity, counteract poisons, and protect against demonic influences. Rahu is also associated with scientific genius and the ability to deal with people of lower status, such as servants, employees, and those involved in the underworld.
The gemstones governed by Rahu include hessonite, spessartite, zircon (hyacinth), and other natural gems with golden-orange to brownish-orange hues. It is essential to choose flawless (eye-clean) stones to transmit the beneficial energy of Rahu.
- Mercury (Budha) –According to astrology, a strong placement of Mercury in one’s horoscope can lead to a happy, fortunate, and highly respected life. On the other hand, a weak or harmful placement of Mercury can result in speech and hearing impediments, deceptive behavior, and a lack of vitality.
Green is the cosmic color that is transmitted by emeralds and other green gems, and it is related to the earth element, with a naturally cold wavelength. This color can have an impact on the heavy organs of the body, such as the flesh, liver, kidneys, and intestines. Mercury astral talismans are believed to enhance psychic abilities, memory, and learning, strengthen the nervous system, and provide protection against snakes and envious individuals.
The gemstones governed by Mercury include emerald, peridot, tsavorite, chrome tourmaline, chrome diopside, green jade, and other natural green gems of flawless quality. It is crucial to select gems that are flawless or eye clean in order to transmit the beneficial energy of Mercury.
- Venus (Shukra) –Astrology suggests that a well-placed Venus in one’s birth chart can lead to a long and humanitarian life, possessing many positive qualities. However, if Venus is weak or afflicted in one’s horoscope, it can lead to problems such as loss of libido, impotence and sterility, venereal complaints, and rapid aging.
The cosmic color transmitted by diamonds and other colorless gems is indigo, which has a particular influence on watery elements in the body, especially mucous and sperm. Venus astral talismans are believed to induce purity of body and mind, confer artistic talent and worldly happiness, strengthen bones, and improve the quality of bodily secretions such as hormones, mucous, and semen.
Venus transmits its cosmic energy through diamonds, quartz crystals, zircons, goshenites, white topaz, white sapphires, and other colorless gemstones with clear transparency. It is important to choose gems that are transparent and colorless to receive the full benefits of Venus energy.
- Ketu (The “South Node” of the Moon) –Having an exalted Ketu in one’s horoscope is said to bring wealth and protection from evil, while a weak or afflicted Ketu can lead to fatal and mysterious diseases and compulsive gambling tendencies.
The cosmic color associated with Ketu is infra-red, which is transmitted by cat’s eye gems. Infra-red color waves are the hottest of all cosmic rays and can be beneficial for chronic and terminal illnesses such as cancer and paralysis, as well as digestive and skin problems. Ketu astral talismans can also enhance psychic abilities, protect against hidden enemies, and prevent dangers such as drowning, intoxication, and criminal punishment.
Gems ruled by Ketu include cat’s eye chrysoberyl, beryl, apatite, and tourmaline, which display a distinctive chatoyant “cat’s eye” light reflection on the surface and within the crystal. These gems should be transparent and flawless to properly transmit the beneficial energy of Ketu.
- Saturn (Shani) –If Saturn is in an exalted position in your birth chart, you will have a long life, be generous, successful, skilled, and have a loving partner. However, if Saturn is weak in your horoscope, you may be susceptible to headaches, neuralgia, and other nervous system disorders, as well as epilepsy, intellectual disability, and fainting.
The color violet Is associated with Saturn, and it is transmitted through blue sapphires and other natural blue to violet gems. Since Saturn governs suffering and poverty, most nervous system diseases such as neuroses and nervous tension may result from an afflicted Saturn. Saturn astral talismans are reputed to strengthen the nervous system, repel envy, provide protection during travel, increase one’s seriousness and foresight, and induce mental calmness.
Saturn’s cosmic energy is transmitted through blue sapphires, blue spinels, tanzanite, indicolite, iolite, amethyst, and other natural blue to violet gems with transparent clarity. Only flawless gems have the ability to properly convey positive astral energy from Saturn.
- Mars (Mangala) –If Mars is exalted in one’s horoscope, it indicates high energy levels, wisdom, fame, and royal status. However, if Mars is placed in a weak or detrimental position, it may cause skin problems such as boils, fluctuating blood pressure, anemia, and aggressive behavior.
The color yellow Is associated with coral and other ochre-colored gems, and its cosmic waves affect the lymph nodes, bone marrow, blood, and head. Wearing Mars astral talismans made of these gems can strengthen these vital organs, prevent violent tendencies, reduce lust, improve financial prospects, and alleviate mental depression.
Mars is governed by natural coral and red carnelian, and the use of high-quality gems without any flaws is essential to properly receive positive astral energy from Mars.
According to Astrological studies in the East, the color and quality of gemstones are crucial factors in determining their effectiveness. The color of a gemstone indicates which planet it is associated with, while the quality of the gemstone determines the level of positive or negative energy that can be transmitted from the planet. Therefore, the ability of a gemstone to function as a healing agent is dependent on the intensity of its color and the quality of the gemstone crystal.