Colourful, structured and precious, gemstones are basically minerals found organically in Earth. From adorning crowns and robes to being fixed on beautiful jewels, gemstones also represent wealth and power—more so because they are durable and scarce. They hold immense value in cultures across the world. But when it comes to astrology, the definition and use of gemstones go much further. Since ancient times, gemstones have been used for their healing properties in astrology. This includes Indian as well as Western astrology, which is why you’ll find that people across the world wear them for their benefits.
If you are looking to know more about how gemstones are understood and used in astrology, and are wondering which one you need for your benefit, read on.
Gemmology and astrology
Gemstones have been mined and used as precious metals around the world, throughout history. According to the International Gem Society (IGS), gems have been incorporated into spiritual rituals across the world to restore energy fields, gain peace of mind, and to promote love and safety. In many belief systems and cultures, like in India, placing gemstones directly in contact with the skin can also promote healing.
However, as the IGS points out, not all gemstones are safe to wear. Some, like realgar and ekanite, can contain heavy metals or radioactive elements, and prolonged exposure to such gems can do more harm than good. This is the primary reason why it’s crucial that you consult an astrologer and reputed jeweller before wearing any gemstones, whether it’s according to astrology or to adorn your body.
When it comes to Western astrology, especially in history, there are a few gems that are more popular than others. The UK’s Orion School & Foundation for Astrology (OSFA) reveals that amber, amethyst, and blue sapphire, according to Greek astrology, have brilliant curing properties. The ancient Romans used coral to ward off evil spirits. The ancient Chinese used conch and oyster shells to do the same. So, the use of gemstones in astrology, especially for spiritual benefits and healing, has been widespread and cross-sectional.
Gemstones in Indian astrology
The use of gemstones in Indian astrology is rooted in the legend of a demon called Bali. Indra, the king of all gods, struck Bali on his head with his weapon, the Vajra. The demon shattered into millions of pieces of gems, which then fell from Indralok and scattered all over Earth. According to this legend, diamonds were born of Bali’s bones, pearls from his teeth, rubies from his blood drops, emerald from his gall bladder, blue sapphires from his eyes, lapis lazuli from his heart, karketan from his bone marrow, cat’s eye from his nails, rock crystal from his body fat, coral from his flesh, yellow sapphire from his skin, and bheesham from his semen. The legend goes further to explain that the Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu—all major heavenly bodies and ruling planets in Vedic astrology—laid claim to some of these gemstones. This is the reason why it is believed that wearing these stones can enhance the strength of these nine heavenly bodies and their beneficial effects on humans.
So, according to Vedic astrology, each of the 27 Nakshatras, which are governed by these nine ruling planets, have an associated gemstone. If a person is born under any of these Nakshatras, they are prescribed gemstones which they must wear according to their ruling planet:
• Ashwini, Magha, Moola are ruled by Ketu, and hence must wear cat’s eye.
• Bharani, Poorva Phalguni, Poorvashada are ruled by Venus, and hence must wear diamond.
• Krittika, Uttar Phalguni, Uttarshada are ruled by Sun, and hence must wear ruby.
• Rohini, Hasta, Sravana are ruled by Moon, and hence must wear pearl.
• Mrigshira, Chitra, Dhanishta are ruled by Mars, and hence must wear red coral.
• Adra, Swati, Shatabhishsha are ruled by Rahu, and hence must wear hessonite.
• Punarvasu, Vishaka, Poorva Bhadrapad are ruled by Jupiter, and hence must wear yellow sapphire.
• Pushyami, Anuradha, Uttar Bhadrapad are ruled by Saturn, and hence must wear blue sapphire.
• Ashyesha, Jeshta, Revathi are ruled by Mercury, and hence must wear emerald.
Gemstones as per your zodiac sign
The system of gemstones according to birth signs is much simpler when it comes to Western astrology, and definitely more popular because those are the birth dates and signs we usually go by. The major difference between Vedic and Western astrology is the absence of Rahu and Ketu as heavenly bodies, which is why there are only seven ruling planets applicable here. Here is a list of zodiac signs, the ruling planet and the associated gemstone:
• Aries, ruled by Mars, must wear red coral
• Taurus, ruled by Venus, must wear diamond
• Gemini, ruled by Mercury, must wear emerald
• Cancer, ruled by Moon, must wear pearl
• Leo, ruled by Sun, must wear ruby
• Virgo, ruled by Mercury, must wear emerald
• Libra, ruled by Venus, must wear diamond
• Scorpio, ruled by Mars, must wear red coral
• Sagittarius, ruled by Jupiter, must wear yellow sapphire
• Capricorn, ruled by Saturn, must wear blue sapphire
• Aquarius, ruled by Saturn, must wear blue sapphire
• Pisces, ruled by Jupiter, must wear yellow sapphire
As you can clearly tell, despite small differences, Vedic and Western astrology adhere to a similar system of prescribing gemstones according to zodiac signs or birth Nakshatras. The system, therefore, looks quite simple. And yet, depending on your birth chart or kundli, there may be gemstones apart from those associated with your zodiac or Nakshatra that you may need to wear. To better understand which one of these gemstones you need to wear, when to wear them, how to wear them (location on your body can vary from fingers, arms, necks to waist), and for how long, consult a reliable astrologer who can make a birth chart for you and provide accurate or customised prescriptions.
Here are some of the benefits of wearing gemstones according to your zodiac sign:
Aries (March 21 - April 19): Ruby is believed to bring courage and passion.
Taurus (April 20 - May 20): Emerald is thought to enhance love and prosperity.
Gemini (May 21 - June 20): Pearl may boost creativity and communication skills.
Cancer (June 21 - July 22): Moonstone is associated with emotional balance and intuition.
Leo (July 23 - August 22): Yellow Sapphire is believed to bring wisdom and fortune.
Virgo (August 23 - September 22): Emerald may enhance intellectual abilities and healing.
Libra (September 23 - October 22): Diamond is thought to bring balance and beauty.
Scorpio (October 23 - November 21): Red Coral is associated with courage and physical well-being.
Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21): Yellow Sapphire may enhance luck and prosperity.
Capricorn (December 22 - January 19): Blue Sapphire is believed to bring discipline and success.
Aquarius (January 20 - February 18): Amethyst is associated with clarity and spiritual growth.
Pisces (February 19 - March 20): Aquamarine may enhance intuition and empathy.
Commonly Recommended Gemstones
While gemstone recommendations can vary based on individual horoscopes, some gemstones are commonly associated with zodiac signs:
Fire Signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius): Ruby, garnet, and citrine are often recommended for their fiery energies.
Earth Signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn): Emerald, peridot, and jasper are believed to ground these signs.
Air Signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius): Aquamarine, lapis lazuli, and opal are thought to enhance air signs' intellectual qualities.
Water Signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces): Moonstone, amethyst, and aquamarine may heighten the emotional aspects of water signs.
Caring for Gemstones
Proper care is essential to maintain the brilliance and energy of gemstones. Here are some tips for caring for your gemstone jewelry:
Cleaning: Use a mild soap and warm water to clean gemstone jewelry. Avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners.
Storage: Store gemstone jewelry separately to prevent scratches. Consider using a soft pouch or a lined jewelry box.
Charging: Some believe that gemstones can benefit from exposure to sunlight or moonlight. Leave your gemstone jewelry in indirect sunlight for a few hours to recharge its energy.
Consultation: Regularly consult with an astrologer or gemstone expert to ensure you are wearing the right gemstone for your current phase in life.
The Personal Connection with Gemstones
While astrology and tradition play a significant role in gemstone choices, many people also develop a personal connection with their gemstones. The energy and symbolism of a gemstone can resonate with an individual on a deep level, making it a cherished and meaningful possession.
Customized Jewelry
Many individuals choose to have custom jewelry designed with their recommended gemstone. Customized jewelry allows for unique and personalized pieces that reflect one's astrological and personal preferences.
Cautions and Considerations
While many people believe in the astrological associations between gemstones and zodiac signs, it's essential to approach this practice with caution and consideration. Here are some important cautions and considerations when using precious gemstones according to your zodiac sign:
1.Individual Preferences: Personal preferences and connections with gemstones may differ from the astrological associations. It's perfectly fine to choose a gemstone based on what resonates with you personally rather than solely relying on astrological beliefs.
2.Scientific Validity: The associations between gemstones and zodiac signs are not scientifically proven. They are based on cultural, historical, and metaphysical beliefs. Don't expect specific outcomes or guaranteed effects from wearing or using a particular gemstone.
3.Professional Guidance: If you are considering using gemstones for healing or spiritual purposes, it's advisable to consult with a trained and reputable practitioner who has expertise in crystal therapy or gemstone healing. They can provide guidance tailored to your unique needs.
4.Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may be allergic to certain metals used in jewellery settings or to the gemstones themselves. Be mindful of any allergic reactions and choose settings and materials that are safe for you.
5.Gemstone Quality: The quality of gemstones can vary significantly. Ensure that you are purchasing authentic and ethically sourced gemstones from reputable sources. Lower-quality or counterfeit gemstones may not provide the desired benefits.
6.Belief and Intent: The effectiveness of using gemstones can be influenced by your beliefs and intentions. If you believe in the power of a specific gemstone and use it with a positive intent, it may have a placebo effect that contributes to your well-being.
7.Avoid Dependency: While gemstones can be used for various purposes, it's important not to become overly dependent on them for solutions to life's challenges. They should complement, not replace, other forms of self-care and personal development.
8.Ethical Considerations: Be aware of ethical and environmental considerations when using gemstones. Some gemstone mining practices can be harmful to the environment and to local communities. Consider supporting fair-trade and ethically sourced gemstones.
9.Balancing Practices: If you use gemstones as part of a holistic wellness or spiritual practice, remember that balance is key. Avoid overreliance on any single gemstone and explore a variety of gemstones that resonate with your needs.
In summary, while the use of gemstones according to zodiac signs can be a personal and meaningful practice, it's important to approach it with an open mind, skepticism, and a well-informed perspective. Always prioritize your personal preferences, ethical considerations, and the guidance of experts when using gemstones for their potential metaphysical or healing properties.
The Future of Gemstones and Astrology
As more people explore the intersection of gemstones and astrology, it's likely that this field will continue to evolve. The combination of tradition and personal belief in the power of gemstones is expected to remain a fascinating aspect of astrology for years to come.
Conclusion
The world of gemstones in astrology is a captivating blend of ancient wisdom and the beauty of precious stones. Whether you believe in the mystical properties of gemstones or simply admire them for their aesthetics, there's no denying the cultural significance and historical intrigue they hold. Gemstones and astrology create a fascinating world where tradition, symbolism, and personal belief converge. Whether you embrace them for their astrological significance, their cultural and historical importance, or simply their intrinsic beauty, gemstones continue to be a source of intrigue and connection for people around the world.
FAQs
1.Do gemstones have scientific benefits, or is it purely based on beliefs?
A-The benefits of gemstones in astrology are based on traditional beliefs and folklore rather than scientific evidence. They hold cultural and symbolic significance.
2.How can I choose the right gemstone for my zodiac sign?
A-Consulting with a qualified astrologer or gemstone expert is the best way to determine the right gemstone for your zodiac sign based on your birth chart.
3.Can wearing a gemstone really influence my life and luck?
A-Believers in astrology and gemstones think that wearing the right gemstone can bring positive energy and improve one's luck, but results vary from person to person.
4. Are there any side effects of wearing gemstones according to astrology?
A-While gemstones are generally considered safe, it's essential to ensure the quality and authenticity of the gemstone and consult an expert to avoid any adverse effects.
5.How can I verify the authenticity of a gemstone?
A-Seek out reputable gemstone dealers or jewelers who can provide certification and detailed information about the gemstone's source and quality.
6. Can I wear multiple gemstones for various aspects of my life?
A-Some people wear multiple gemstones to address various aspects of their lives, but it's crucial to consult with an expert to ensure compatibility and balance.
7. Do gemstones have an expiration date, or can I wear them indefinitely?
A-Gemstones are considered timeless, and you can wear them for as long as you feel connected to them. However, it's advisable to periodically consult with an astrologer to assess if they are still beneficial.
8. Can I combine gemstone jewelry with other religious or spiritual practices?
A-Many people combine gemstone jewelry with their spiritual or religious practices, as long as they find harmony and meaning in the combination.