Ratna (gemstones) [updated]

FRIDAY, 09 JANUARY 2009 00:00 VISTI LARSEN

Dear Chandan, Namaskar. Excuse me for not answering in full in my last mail, I realise no one learns if no one shares, so here is what I have learned and have to share. I have gathered the following rules reg. gemstones with time: Updates are given hereunder with reference to the teachings of Pt. Sanjay Rath from the Gemstone Workshop in California, 2009. Only partial clarifications from the lecture are here given, whilst for more information it is recommended to obtain the recordings from the gemstone workshop. The prescription of metals or gemstones belongs to the concept of Tantra, i.e. Tanu+Trayi meaning to protect the body. This is best to advise when a person may be making a wrong decision and you want them to stick to the right one. Just as one can advise gemstones to protect the body, there are gemstones which can remove the protection of the body, hence one should advise these wisely. Being associated with the body, the concept of advising gemstones is considered Tamasic, but if combined with mantras can lead to be more rajasic in nature, but never lead to sattva guna which mantras alone can do. Sanskrit word for gemstone is ratna but does not literally mean gemstone, but can also refer to treasure, jewel, precious stone, and is derived from the word r meaning a gift, goods, wealth or riches. (Monier-Williams) The word ratna specifically refers to nine types of treasure or jewels namely mukta (pearl), vajra (diamond),padmarga (ruby), pushparga (topaz), indranla (clear/stainless sapphire), marakata (emerald), vaidrya (cats eye), vidruma (coral) and gomeda (hessonite). For the same reason the word ratna also means nine in vedic numerology. Pushparga has been translated as Topaz by most, however the Garuda Purana (Suta, 2007, p. 174) does state that different colours of the pushparga can be regarded as equal to the indranla (sapphire) or padmarga (ruby). Therefore, among the indranla (Sapphire) we must infer that certain shades (i.e. yellow) can be regarded as giving the effects of pushparga (topaz). Hence, whilst all sapphires fall in the same group of indranla the colour of them being different also differentiates the effects of wearing them greatly. Details should be learned from the Garuda Purana in this regard. mukta:need not be a sea-pearl and can refer to ivory or other similar substances which are carved into shape. It was popular to take the ivory of the elephants skull and carve into a gem as this gives excellent memory, similarly pearls from the skulls of other beings is considered sacred. vajra: refers to lightning and the weapon of Indra. Can refer to commets or anything falling from the sky, or even gems formed by lightning-strikes padmarga: the song of the lotus. This is not a ruby but possibly a pink or reddish sapphire and is used as a Pancharatna. Ruby is used for Sun, but padmarga is not for the Sun. Similarly pushparga refers to a very soft gemstone and is not likely to be a Yellow Sapphire. indranla: is more like an aquamarine as it despite being from the corundum family only has a tinge of blue. This again is not for Saturn, but is one among the Pancaratna. vaidrya: more likely Lapiz, and certainly not cats eye. vidruma: any red stone, and the pravala is recommended. Red coral is not necessary. gomeda: possibly a yellow garnet, but must be light yellow in colour. The Deva are supposed to reside in the particle of a ratna which is clear, bright, without cracks or lines in it and has no unusual shades in it. Hence, the wearing of a ratna is for the sake of keeping a Deva next to you and protecting you. The problems in a gem are caused by the following Graha: Negative Mercury: Dullness Saturn: Opaque/curled

Mars: Spots/depressions Ketu: 2 or more studs Rahu: artificial colouring, bubbles

Ratnakraka
Ratna comes under the various metals known as Dhatu. Moon, Mars, Saturn and Rhu signify the Dhatu and among them Moon rules over Ratna, whilst Mars rules over the earth, Saturn over the raw minerals such as oil and irons whilst Rhu rules over the rare metals such as Gold and platinum. Hence, Moon is Ratna kraka and divisional charts as Somanatha Drekkana and Somanatha Navamsha are the most important to judge the effect of gemstones. As specifically the Drekkana refers to ones karma and this is signified by ones hands, the Somanatha drekkana is apt to judge the effects of gemstones. Specifically this divisional chart shows ones ojas and how one uses it. Strong ojas can grant fame, and hence this divisional chart can be used to see ones popularity as well as sexuality where ones ojas is used. The Moon signifying all gemstones is also known as gunatmaka, i.e .the self in the form of guna or attributes. Hence to understand the effects of a gemstone vis-a-vis other gemstones we use the gunachakra. This is also used for other purposes and is an integral part of Vedic numerology. This will be explained further below. Which finger to wear the gemstone on can be understood from Vedic Remedies in Astrology, by Sanjay Rath. The four fingers represent moksha, artha, dharma and kma respectively for the index, middle, ring and little fingers. No gem is advised on the index finger as it risks blocking moksha and increasing ahamkara. The following table has been culled out of the same work. Whilst there are no restrictions as to which gemstones can be worn on, there are some very clear recommendations to avoid misery in a persons life. Whichever gemstone worn on the index finger will carry a persons anger and make the person force wealth from the indication of that gemstone. This is not recommended for anyone as despite initial wealth this will eventually cause great loss and denies moksha. Gems worn on the middle finger affect ones work. Mukta (pearl) on this finger causes excess emotion in work and is not recommended. Instead Markata (emerald), Vajra (diamond) Vidruma (Pravala/coral) and Nilam (blue sapphire) are recommended and can grant great wealth. On the ring finger dharma and intellect are affected. All but Nilam and Gomedha are allowed here as they will cause adharma. Diamond is great here as one follows dharma in relationships. Best is pushparaga (Jupiter). Gems worn on the little finger will affect relationships and children. Avoid malefics here, and emerald is only worn here for students and those who should be free from relationships, but not married people as then divorce or separation may occur. Gems of Sura grahas (Sun, Moon, Mars and Jupiter) should never be worn on the same hand with Asura Grahas (the rest). Exceptions are there for Sun & Venus, Sun & Mercury, Moon & Mercury and Jupiter & Mercury as they cause specific auspicious Devata Yogas (refer Gemstone Workshop handout). Table 2: Finger and Ratna (Rath) Finger Ratna Ruby Ring (3rd from index) Pearl Ring or Little finger (3rd or 4th from index) Coral Middle or ring finger (2nd or 3rd from index) Emerald Middle or little fingers (2nd or 4th from index) Ring (3rd from index) Yellow Topaz/Yellow Sapphire Diamond Ring (3rd from index) Blue Sapphire Middle or little finger (2nd or 4th from index) Hessonite Middle or little finger (2nd or 4th from index) Cats eye Middle or ring finger (2nd or 3rd from index) Garuda Purana states that gemstones can do great good for the human race and they have natural (Naisargika) characteristics which will benefit everyone. Example: a lady wishing to be a mother would benefit greatly from wearing a pushparga (topaz) or pokhraj (yellow sapphire). Similarly a person having cancer should wear a diamond

and recite mrtyunjaya mantra. These natural indications of gemstones can be applied to all the gemstones and the effects are given in Garuda Purana. Table 3: Ratna and Graha (Dikshita, 1992, p. 1.55) Graha Ratna Translation Tradition is everything when it comes to applying any Sun Padmarga Ruby advice and hereunder is some of the advice that I Moon Mukta Pearl have gathered from my teacher. Mars Vidruma Coral Mercury Marakata Emerald Ratna should be advised based on the first, fifth and Jupiter Pushparga Yellow Topaz ninth house lords in the Rashi (D1) chart. These are Venus Vajra Diamond Saturn Indranla Blue Sapphire the best gemstones and will support the native in Rahu Gomeda Hessonite their purpose of life. The first lord protects the head Ketu Vaidrya Cats eye

and intelligence, the fifth protects the hands and torso, whilst the ninth protects the legs, and hence the native will always select the best path in life if the gemstone of the ninth lord is worn. Thus the ninth lord is the most auspicious gemstone. This can also be used to advise the best gemstone for disease in particular parts of the body. Malefics placed in the ninth house cause misfortune, and in such cases reversal gems are advised. th Graha in 9 Gemstone advised Gemstones of the sixth, eighth or twelfth Saturn Ruby (pink ruby for ladies) house lords are inauspicious and cause strife, Rhu Yellow Sapphire or Yellow Topaz disease and loss respectively and should not be Ketu Gold ring worn. Mars Pearl To both the above there are exceptions which occur on account of Yoga.
For Ketu in the ninth house the Emerald for Mercury can be worn, or Sri Vishnu can be worshipped.

Yoga and Sambandha (refer Atri Classes)

The graha give their effects by affecting the four ayana or goals of the persons life namely dharma, artha, kma and moksha symbolised by the first, second, third or fourth pada of a nakshatra, or fiery, earthy, airy and watery signs respectively. When a graha is in parivartana yoga with another, then the other graha will affect all four ayana of the former graha. Therefore, if the ninth lord is in parivartana with the sixth lord the gemstone of the sixth lord should be advised. Similarly when a graha is yuti another graha it takes on three of the four ayanas of the other graha. Which three ayana depends on i) the particular grahas Navamsha sign ii) the two signs adjacent that particular sign. Example: If Sun is joined Venus then Sun will give the effects of Venus. In such a case should Sun be placed in the Navamsha of Capricorn then it would give the effects of Venus Artha-ayana due to being in an earthy Navamsha, and further as the Navamsha before is that of a fiery sign and that after being an airy sign, the Sun would give the effects of Venus dharma-ayana (fiery) and kma-ayana (airy) as well, but not the moksha-ayana (watery). If three or more graha join then the interchange of effects will be decided based on the natural benefic/malefic indications of the graha, viz. if Jupiter, Saturn and Mercury join then the highest malefic and highest benefic will interchange results, thus causing Saturn and Jupiter to interchange results whilst Mercury will give his own results. Similarly apply this to conjunction of more grahas.

The two remaining Sambandha, viz. Samdristi and Parivartana dristi are not taken into account for this purpose as they only affect two or one ayana among the full four ayana of a graha, yet are still applied when timing events.

Never wear the gemstone of malefics associating with the ninth house or lord. Sun is an exception here as it never goes against dharma.

Avoid wearing the gemstone of the fifth house/lord as there is a possibility that this is inimical towards the lagna, and in the worst case this may cause the death of children. Never wear the gemstone of malefics in Kendra, instead wear those of benefics. However, if the benefics are joined malefics then wear the gemstone of the malefics as they will do the job of the benefics they join. Apply the scheme of most malefic/benefic given above in case of multiple conjunctions. Only take natural malefic/benefics into account.

If the benefics which one wishes to strengthen are lords of the sixth, eighth (or twelfth if negative) then special care should be taken to wear the gemstone in question on the left hand.

The sixth and eighth houses are always evil if grahas join them, whilst the second and twelfth are neutral and can sway to good/bad houses. They are named 'Parashraya'. In case of grahas lording a good house (kendra/trikona) and one of the Parashraya, then wearing its gemstone makes it extremely beneficial, provided its also a benefic. Benefics in second or twelfth should be strengthened if they also lord good houses and will give shubha yoga

The sixth house does have some exceptions: i) a benefic lord of the sixth can be worn, but a malefic lord cannot. Malefics in the sixth house can be worn, but only a single, unjoined, unafflicted benefic in the sixth can be worn. Lords of sixth/eighth should be worn on the left hand and not the right.

Vrachakra
Table 4: Varachakra # Graha 1 Sun 2 Moon 3 Mars 4 Mercury 5 Jupiter 6 Venus 7 Saturn 8 Rhu 9 Ketu

In some cases the gemstones of the sixth, eighth or twelfth lords needs to be given to as those graha are causing excessive problems to the native. This occurs when another graha is causing an eclipse on that graha and thus denying it of its positive effects. I.e. Sri Kashinatha Rath was recalled to have given the advice of wearing Ruby to a Pisces Lagna, as Sun was in the sixth and Rhu was placed in the tenth. In that specific scenario the native was suffering on account of repeated legal battles. The reason being on account of Rhu. This is further explained as: when a graha occupies the Simhasana bhavas (10th, st th 1 or 5 in that order) that graha causes an eclipse on the third graha in the order of the Varachakra. Viz. in the order of weekdays the third graha from Rhu is the Sun, hence when Rhu is in the tenth house the native will have problems on account of the house placement and lordship of the Sun in their life. Similarly if among the Simhasana Bhava only Mars is placed in the fifth house then the placement and lordship of Jupiter will be hampered. The Varachakra has many uses in matters of Jyotish, and this is the logic behind many principles in the Brighu Sutras.

Gunachakra
Table 1: Gunachakra # Graha Guna 1 Sun 2 Moon Satva 3 Jupiter

4 5 6 7 8 9

Gunachakra is applied somewhat differently than the Varachakra. Rajas If a Graha is inauspicious then we can choose to lock or unlock its indications using the fourth or seventh graha in the gunachakra respectively. Example: cancer and tumours are caused by a Tamas malignant growth of cancer-cells in the body and is signified by an afflicted Jupiter. In the Gunachakra the fourth graha from Jupiter is Venus who can block the spread of cancer. Thus to remedy such a disease wearing diamond is advised along with Mrtyunjaya mantra. Similarly Mars can cause nervous system issues such as Parkinsons and the likes, and to block this issue a gemstone of Jupiter is advised along with the Mrtyunjaya bijas. Should a graha already be blocking the native in one aspect of life, then the unlocker (7th graha) is required. I.e. if for Taurus lagna the lord Venus is placed in Libra, the native will be bothered by constant disease on account of wrong application of intelligence. Therefore the intellect can be deemed as locked and wearing a Yellow Topaz/Sapphire is advised. Similarly if Moon is very badly placed and has no ncha bhanga then a Blue Sapphire is advised as Saturn is the seventh graha from the Moon in weekday order and can unlock these negatives.

Rhu Mercury Venus Ketu Saturn Mars

Somanatha Drekkana
Having ascertained the gemstone as per the Rashi chart it is worthwhile to check the Somantha Drekkana. Herein graha lording the second house is a mraka to the ojas in the body and will curtail health and sexuality. This gemstone is therefore not advised, and neither is the lord of the twelfth as this is the sixth lord from the seventh house causing celibacy to the partner. Similarly the sixth and eighth lords affect the partner in a similar fashion and those gemstones should preferably also be avoided. Advising the third lords gem can increase the persons libido significantly and advising this gemstone should be done thoughtfully. The gem of the lagna lord is the best and ensures good health and fame. Apply this advice intelligently.