Sri Nava Ratna

There are nine foremost gems which are known as the Nava-ratna. This quote attributed to the Sanskrit `Brihat Jatak" or Vast Production, reads as follows:
Manikyam dinanayakasya vimalam muktaphalam shitagoh
maheyasya cha vidrumam marakatam saumyasya-garutmakam
devejyasya cha pushparagam sura-achryasya vajram shaneh
nilam nirmalamanyayoshcha gaditegomeda –vaiduryake
Translation: The Sun's gem is pure ruby, Moon is (natural) pearl, Mars is red coral, Mercury is emerald, Jupiter is yellow sapphire, Venus is diamond, Saturn is blue sapphire, Rahu is hessonite, and Ketu is cat's eye

A slightly different version of this ancient Sanskrit verse is also quoted in the "Mani-mala" page 575, verse 79 by S. M. Tagore (1879), and also in the ancient "Jataka Parijata," chap. 2, sloka 21 compiled by Sri Vaidyanatha Dikshitar (son of Venkata-dhari), and reads in Sanskrit as follows:
Manikyam taraneh sujatyamamalam muktaphalam shitagoh
maheyasya cha vidrumao nigaditah saumyasya garutmakam
devejyasya cha pushparagam asura-achryasya vajram shaneh
nilam nirmalamanyayoshchagaditegomeda-vaiduryake

Translation
1.Ruby for the Sun,
2.Pearl for the Moon,
3.Coral for Mars,
4.Emer ald for Mercury,
5.Yellow sapphire for Jupiter,
6.Diamond for Venus,
7.Blue sapphire for Saturn,
8.Hessonite for Rahu (the ascending node of the Moon)
9.Cat’s eye for Ketu (the descending node of the Moon), these gems must be high-born (top quality) and flawless

In this important sloka the words, "sujatyam-amalam" (sujati=high born, and amala=completely pure or Mess) are very significant. According to bona fide Vedic authority only clean top quality gems are considered to be auspicious.

Sidereal Astrology

Men's first scince was the study of the stars aided him to order his life,improve his harvast and so on. Over thusands of years of observetion many initiates began to realize the power of the stars over the fate of earth and man and many different systems of astrology evolved.

Sidereal Astrology
"Learned astrologers can indicate what may take place in the future.
Only the creator can say what will definitely happen."

The Astrological Magazine of India
The use of planetary gem therapy described in this book is based upon theEastern or Sidereal system of astrology. Therefore, it is important that the reader first understand this ancient science and realize how it differs from the modern "Tropical" system.The practice of "Jyotish" (LIGHT of GOD) or Sidereal astrology has been in continuous use in India for thousands of years and in recent years has become increasingly popular in the Westas well. This method gives clear indications about one's personality and personal proclivities,and also uses predictive methods which are useful for short or long range planning in one's life.



The study of the twelve houses of the Sidereal horoscope reveals one's destiny in all areasof life. For example, the first house and the Sun in one's chart will indicate the health of the person. The second house and Jupiter reveal one's karmic destiny in the area of finances.Similarly, Saturn and Mercury represent one's profession and business, the ninth house represents religious pursuits, and there are even formulas for understanding the past and future lives of the soul.

The Sidereal or Eastern system of astrology is based on the position of the belt of fixed stars and constellations in the heavens, whereas the Tropical zodiac or the Western astrological system is based upon the position of the Sun in relation to the Earth. The first degree of the Sidereal zodiac is measured from a point 180 degrees opposite the star Spica, whereas the first degree of the Western zodiac occurs when the Sun reaches the position above the equatorknown as the vernal equinox, on or about the 22nd of March each year.

Originally, the first degree of the zodiac was common to both systems. Due to the peculiaritiesin the Earth's orbit, however, the belt of stars and constellations appears to shift in relation to the Tropical zodiac. As a result, the two zodiacs are drifting apart. This is called the "procession of the equinoxes," and today the difference between the two systems is calculated at about 23 degrees. Thus, if a person is born on January 1, he will have the Sun in Capricorn according to the Western system, but according to the Sidereal system the Sun will be at approximately 16 degrees Sagittarius.

By practical experience, and in light of the advice of the great sages of India, the use of the Sidereal method is preferable. It is mathematically more correct, and it also penetrates into the subtle elements of nature, such as mind, intellect, and spirit to present a more completepicture of our soul's sojourn in the realm of time and space.The Sidereal astrological system notes the strengths and weaknesses that a person will experience in life, and also recommends remedial measures for improving our future.

The karma or destiny which we are born with has been accrued by pious and impious activities in previous births. The spiritual astrology of India opines that karma is not eternal and can be changed. There are several ways to strengthen our planetary karma.The easiest method is to wear gemstones which attract the pure vibrations of the planets.According to a person's birth chart gems can be recommended to counteract negative influences, strengthen auspicious planets, or, according to a person's particular desire, a gem may be worn to help fulfill a certain ambition. A good astrologer should beconsulted for particulars.