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Navaratnas and their influence |
It has been an accepted belief since times immemorial, that gems
influence man's fate. It is reinforced by the belief that
gems possess curative
and prophylactic powers. The prominent among the group of gems are the Navaratnas.
Navaratna is a Sanskrit word meaning "nine gems". Each gem is associated with a
particular planet or the ruler. All the nine gems associated with a ruling planet.
According to astrology the nine planets in one's horoscope, influence an individual’s
course of life. Wearing the Navaratna is believed to balance the influence of the
planets and ensure a general well being. They are worn as an accessory with the
nine gems set in a particular order. Each gem has certain specific attributes and
healing properties. So they are worn as a single adornment like a ring a neck piece
or a bracelet.
Astrology believes that the vibrations in our body correspond to that of the influence
of the planets. The planets are represented by gems and each gem has a specific
color. The color corresponds to the energy points known as Chakras in our bodies.
When the vibrations within a gemstone are in harmony with the particular vibrations
of the wearer, they complement each other. This then ensures a state of well being.
Navaratnas and their associated planets are as follows..
| Gemstone |
Associated Planet |
| Ruby |
Sun |
| Pearl |
Moon |
| Coral |
Mars |
| Emerald |
Mercury |
| Yellow Sapphire |
Jupiter |
| Diamond |
Venus |
| Blue Sapphire |
Saturn |
| Hessonite |
Rahu, the ascending lunar node |
| Cat's Eye |
Ketu, the descending lunar node |
Wearing the Navaratna (a Sanskrit word meaning "nine gems") brings
the positive benefits of the
gemstones and their
ruling planets. Indian astrology uses the navaratna to enhance the good effects
of the nine planets in different facets of an individual's life, like physical,
mental and emotional, thereby providing an overall protection to the wearer. Each
gemstone in the Navaratna
with its ruling planet has a specific role to play; in influencing the life of an
individual.
The Sun which is represented by the gem Ruby denotes power and fame. The sun represented
by Ruby determines the personality of the individual and his social standing.
The Moon is represented by Pearl and denotes security and stability. Moon also determines
an individual’s mental strength. Pearl in the Navaratna helps in strengthening the
mental faculties of an individual.
Mars is represented by Coral and denotes conjugal happiness. Planet Mars is an intense
energetic planet, which bestows great energy and passion to the individual.
Planet Mercury is represented by Emerald and denotes knowledge. This planet influences
a person's intelligence.
Jupiter is considered to be a beneficial planet. It denotes luck and fortune. It
is represented by yellow Sapphire. This planet is believed to govern the individual's
wealth, knowledge and spiritual orientation.
Venus is represented by Diamond. It denotes an individual's sensuality, physical
appearance and luxuriousness.
Saturn is represented by Blue Sapphire. Saturn governs an individual's conscientiousness
and prosperity in life. Since Saturn is a slow moving planet, the delays in life
are caused by the affects of Saturn.
They are points where the Moon is in alignment with the Sun and the Earth. Their
influence plays an important part in the enfolding of individual consciousness.
Rahu is the north node of the moon while Ketu is the south node.
Rahu is represented by Hessonite. It denotes originality, inspiration and fulfillment
of ambition. Ketu is represented by Cat's Eye. Ketu influence's a person's spiritual
life and intuitive powers.
The positions of planets keep changing. Astrology believes the malefic effects of
planets can be balanced by the effect of benefic planets when wearing Navaratna.
Above all the effects of the
gemstones is determined
by the intensity of belief in its abilities by the wearer. Like in all spheres of
life, a positive belief, brings about positive results. |
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Zircon A Diamond Substitute |
Zircon Gemstone is one of the most brilliant gemstones, after diamonds. Zircon resembles the diamond and is often used as a substitute for a diamond. Though lesser in value than diamonds, they possess the brilliance of the diamond.
Natural zircon crystal occurs in a wide range of colors like earthy brown, yellow, green. The most beautiful and rare are the deep red zircons. But the most popular is the colorless variety, which looks more like diamond.
Zircon's are of two varieties, one is called High Zircon and the other Low Zircon. They are differentiated by their physical properties, by gemologists. Natural untreated zircon crystals are very rare and most of the zircons available are heat-treated.
In the Hindu mythology, Zircons were part of the Kalpa tree. The tree is a symbolic of a wishing tree that provided everything one wished for. It represented a glowing ensemble of precious stones which included diamonds, sapphires, rubies and zircons which represented the leaves.
The main regions where zircons are sourced are Thailand, Cambodia, Srilanka, Myanmar, and parts of Australia.
Zircon Trivia
- Zircon crystal is one of the heaviest gemstones, which looks smaller in size than other gemstones of the same weight.
- An important identification mark for Zircons is a strong double refraction which can easily be seen under the loupe at the facet edges.
- Due of its doubly refractive property genuine zircon gemstone can be easily distinguished from a diamond.
- It was believed that wearing a zircon would protect travelers from catching the plague.
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