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What
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By
Swami Sada Shiva Tirtha, D. Sc.
Jyotish
is the Vedic astrological system, of which Ayurveda
was once a part. This astrological system notes that gems are related to the
various planets and produce a balancing effect to counter specific diseases.
It is a primary method of a Jyotish astrologer's therapeutic measures to heal
physical, mental, and spiritual situations, based on one's astrology chart indicators.
It is known that planets produce effects on humans. For example, the full moon
not only causes high tides, but also affects the emotions of some people. The
gemstones were studied and used to neutralize these effects.
Energy
Waves
The ancient Ayurvedic researchers studied healing properties of gems, and found
that different stones created different effects in the human body. The planets
were seen to have corresponding colors. The color or vibration of the gems affects
the human body. They absorb and reflect (like a filter) the planetary rays or
vibrations. Thus, gems relate to specific energy waves. It was found that the
gems associated with each planet have varying wavelengths. [see
table]
The planetary vibrations are negative, while the radiation of the stones is positive. When the positive and negative vibrations are combined, they are neutralized. Just as an umbrella or sunscreen protects one from the sun, so gems protect one from the influence of the planets.
Healing
Powers
In ancient Vedic texts, like the Brihat Samhita, the origin and healing
powers of various gems are discussed. Persons may use substitute stones instead
of the more expensive gems. Red garnet can replace ruby; moonstone can replace
pearl; jade, peridot, or green tourmaline can replace emerald; and yellow topaz
or citrine can replace yellow sapphire. [see table]
Jyotish suggests wearing gems, and ingesting them internally (after a long heating process to make them safe), or as gem tinctures. Stones worn as rings and pendants are mounted so as to touch the skin. Pendants should touch the heart or throat chakras, and rings with different gemstones should be worn on various fingers, as the elements dictate.
Gem
Tinctures
Gem tinctures are prepared like herb tinctures. Gems are soaked for some time
in a 50%-100% alcohol solution. Diamonds or sapphires (hard gems) are soaked
from one full moon to the next full moon (one month). Opaque stones — pearls,
coral (soft stones) — are soaked for shorter time periods or in weaker
solutions.
Special Ayurvedic preparations exist in which gems are burnt into ash. This removes their harmful effects, enabling them to be ingested. Traditionally, gems were crushed and/or burnt in long processes to make ash. Sometimes they are taken alone, sometimes they are mixed with herbs. Gem ash (bhasma) is more costly than herbs, but healing is quicker. Currently, they are not imported into the United States due to the lack of understanding of their safety.
5
Fingers, 5 Elements
Each finger is related to one of the five elements. The pinky is earth, the
ring finger is water, the middle finger is air, the index finger is ether, and
the thumb is fire. The planets correspond to this system as well: Mercury —
earth, the sun or moon — water, Saturn — air, Jupiter — ether.
No specific planet rules the fire. Precious gems are worn as rings in 2-carat
(minimum) and 5-carat pendants. Substitute stones are worn as rings in 4-carat
(minimum) and 7-carat pendants. Determinations of planetary therapies are made
differently than in Western Astrology.
Next Page >> History & Origin of Gemology >>
ABOUT
THE AUTHORSwami Sada Shiva Tirtha, is Doctor of Science, Ayurvedic Medicine & Research, and author of Ayurveda Encyclopedia. He founded the Ayurveda Holistic Center in Bayville, Long Island, New York. He has conducted a research study on "Therapeutic Cost Comparison: Ayurvedic -vs- Allopathic." He has also developed a 2-year certification program on Ayurveda.
