Navaratnas - unleashedBy:Bina Shaji Kurup
It is the gem that is considered auspicious, influencing the destiny of a
person and has its basis in the existence of the "Navgrahas" or the nine
planets - this is the Navaratna.
In most Indian temples, the Navagraha is part of the Temple. The nine
planetary idols are placed in a particular order with the Sun (Surya) in the
center and Venus (Shukra), Moon (Chandra), Mars (Mangal), North node of the
Moon (Rahu), Saturn (Shani), South node of the Moon (Ketu), Jupiter
(Bhrihaspati) and Mercury (Budh) placed clockwise around the Surya. The
Navgrahas are worshipped in all the Hindu temples and circled nine times by
devotees. It is believed that going around the Navgrahas will improve the
destiny of a person. The concept of the Navgrahas gave rise to the
Navaratnas where nine stones are placed in a similar formation to make a
single piece of Jewellery - getting the maximum benefits from their ruling
planets.
Each gem has its own ruling planet and influences different facets of a
person's life - mental, emotional, physical, careers, fortunes, etc. Wearing
the Navaratna brings the positive benefits of each gem and its ruling planet
to the wearer providing all-round protection from negative vibrations cast
by planets, which are placed in the wrong place in an individual's
astrological chart. The nine stones which make the Navaratna are Diamonds,
Rubies, Emeralds, Corals, Sapphires, Garnets, Topaz and the Cat's Eye.
The typical Navaratna setting has a ruby, representing the Sun, in the
center, encircled by the other eight planetary gemstones (placed clockwise
from the top), diamond for Venus, pearl for Moon, red coral for Mars,
hessonite for Rahu (the Moon's ascending node), blue sapphire for Saturn,
cat's eye for Ketu (the Moon's descending node), yellow sapphire for
Jupiter, and emerald for Mercury.
These precious stones are expensive and Navaratna jewellery with good
quality, flawless stones can make it very expensive, making it affordable
only for the elite segment of the population. In order to make the Navaratna
accessible to everyone, alternative semi-precious stones have been suggested
based on the colors of the stones.
The Navaratna has 2 red color stones - Ruby and Coral, 2 white stones -
Diamonds and Pearls, one each of Blue (Sapphire), Green (Emerald), Yellow
(Sapphire), the others are a unique mix of colors - Hessonite -
Orangish-brown, Cat's Eye - Greenish-Yellowish Brown. This beautiful
combination of colors makes the Navaratna a colorful accessory, suitable for
all occasions and colors.
Given below is information on the ruling planets of the nine Navaratna gems
and the benefits of each gemstone.
1) SUN (SURYA) REPRESENTED BY THE GEMSTONE RUBY
Our solar system revolves around the Sun and thus it is considered the most
important Graha. The Sun is given the most important place in the Navaratna
- the Centre position from where it gives life-sustaining energy in the form
of heat and light. The color red is associated with the Sun since it is the
color of life, fire and energy. The Sun is presumed to rule the external
appearance and personality of an individual. A weak Surya graha in the
charts makes an individual lacking in confidence, low energy levels, with
bad leadership qualities and lack of charisma.
The Red Ruby helps improve a person's status in society and bestows them
with energy and power over others. The astral red vibrations of the ruby
help in curing diseases related to the blood, heart and other circulatory
problems. It also improves a person's learning abilities and is associated
with masculinity.
Other than the Ruby, the secondary gems which can be used in the Navaratna
setting are : Red spinel, Red garnet, Rubellite and Red Tourmaline other
natural dark pink or red gems
2) VENUS (SHUKRA) REPRESENTED BY THE GEMSTONE DIAMOND
Just as the Western world believes Venus to be a feminine planet
symbolizing beauty and attractiveness, so does the Eastern world associate
the graha Shukra with physical appearance and attractiveness. A weak Shukra
gives rise to vanity, sterility, lack of refinement and rapid aging. A
strong Venus in the astrological chart signifies sensuality, long-life, a
good marriage and luxury. Many people in entertainment - dancers, actors,
artists often have a strong Venus in their astrological charts. Sensual
energy - in every area of life - is conveyed strongly by this planet.
The gemstone Diamond represents this graha in the Navaratna. Indigo is the
celestial color transmitted by the Diamond and other white color gems
representing Shukra.
White (colorless) sapphire, white topaz, goshenites, zircons, colorless
quartz, quartz crystals and other colorless gemstones with clear
transparency are ruled by Venus. Some colorless gems having a tinge of other
colors like pink, yellow and blue - these are acceptable as long as the
primary color of gemstone is white or colorless.
3) MOON (CHANDRA) REPRESENTED BY THE GEMSTONE PEARL
The faint pearly light of the Moon is reflected in the color of the gemstone
representing this graha. It has been proven scientifically that the Moon
affects water patterns on earth and even inside a person's body. The Moon is
a feminine vibration and is associated with romance, love, sentiment,
motherhood. A weak moon leads to problems related to water (or body fluids)
mental and emotional problems such as frequent depressive attacks,
over-sensitivity. The color white is associate with the Chandra graha.
Placing the Pearl in the Navaratna strengthens the mental faculties of an
individual, it also make a person emotionally stronger and stable and
wealthy. The Pearl is said to exude Orange color vibrations, which are
cooling in nature.
The Pearl is the primary gemstone in the Navaratna, but the other options of
gemstones are Moonstones and White corals, which can be used instead of
Pearls.
4) MARS (MANGAL) REPRESENTED BY THE RED CORAL
"Mangal" in Sanskrit means good. Although in an ill-balanced Mars can have
dire consequences - most people with a Mangal influence on their
astrological charts have a fiery temper and are prone to anger attacks at
the slightest provocation. Marriageable girls and boys with Mangal influence
get married either very early or after 29 years of age and most of them will
get married to a person who also has a Mangal influence in their
astrological charts.
The Mars planet is an intense energetic planet, which bestows great
energy, strength, courage, passion to the person. A balanced Mars makes a
person cultured having cordial relations with everyone and the planet makes
good soldiers, politicians and sportspersons. A negatively placed Mars will
impart an angry temperament, over reactive, impatient, aggressive nature.
The person tends towards violence and becomes prone to blood-related
problems ranging from boils to anaemia - depending on the severity of the
negative influence of the planet.
Mars is represented by the color Red and red color gemstones vibrate to
Yellow color in the astral chart. Red Corals are mounted in the Navaratna to
transmit the positive power of the planet Mars to the wearer.
The other red, pink or orangish-red stones also used in the Navaratna are
Carnelians, Red Bloodstones.
5) RAHU (NORTH NODE OF THE MOON) REPRESENTED BY THE GEMSTONE HESSONITE
The negative influence of this planet can be very strong and causes a range
of problems - from frustrations, supernatural influences, abuse to
contagious diseases and suicidal tendencies. On the other hand, the positive
power of Rahu can help in acquiring wealth and good fortune. This graha also
rules originality, inspiration and scientific temperament.
Orange and brownish-orange gems are associated with Rahu and they carry
positive vibrations of this graha to an individual's destiny and these gems
are assumed to transmit Ultra-violet rays.
Hessonite is the main gemstone placed in the Navaratna to channelise
Rahu's energy to the wearer, however other brownish-orange stones like
Orange zircon, spessartite and other orange garnets can also be used instead
of Hessonite.
6) SATURN (SHANI) REPRESENTED BY THE BLUE SAPPHIRE
The Blue Sapphire symbolizes the planet Saturn or Shani in the Navaratna.
This planet is said to bring bad luck for 7 to 14 years and if ill-balanced
in the astrological chart, it can cause nervous disorders, mental and
emotional imbalances. Since Saturn is a slow-moving planet, its negative
influences last for a long time and cause death also. All events and plans
get delayed if Shani is in a negative place. Shani governs death, suffering,
poverty and travel. A positive Saturn leads to a prosperous, virtuous
long-life with conscientiousness and common sense.
The Blue Sapphire and other blue stones are believed to transmit the
color Violet in the cosmic chart. Blue is the color symbolic of Saturn and
wearing the Blue sapphire can fortify the wearer's nervous system and
protect them while traveling. The Blue gemstone in the Navaratna helps
reduce the ill-effects of Shani.
The other blue or violet gems which can be used in lieu of the Blue
Sapphire are blue spinels, tanzanite, indicolite, blue tourmaline, iolite,
amethyst
7) KETU ( SOUTH NODE OF THE MOON) REPRESENTED BY THE GEMSTONE CAT'S
EYE
The Ketu graha is not a planet but a node of the moon like Rahu. Similar to
Rahu, it too exerts powerful influences on a person's destiny and if placed
incorrectly in the Astrological chart, it can lead to poverty, suffering,
cause life-threatening diseases likes cancers, gambling on a losing streak,
etc. This graha rules mysticism, religion and occult. A positive Ketu can
influence a person's spiritual life and grants intuitive powers. Some people
even benefit from gambling if their Ketu is favorable.
Cat's Eye, which transmits the cosmic color Infra-Red represents Ketu in the
Navaratna and its yellowish-brown color conducts the positive vibrations of
Ketu to the wearer. The cosmic color Infra-red also assists in preventing
and curing in illnesses such as Cancer, Paralysis, digestive problems etc.
Other secondary gemstones used to represent Ketu in the Navaratna are
Chrysoberyl, beryl, apatite, tourmaline and other similar yellow to
greenish-brown gems which display a strong "cat's eye" light reflection.
8) JUPITER (BHRISHPATI) REPRESENTED BY THE GEMSTONE YELLOW SAPPHIRE
Yellow is the color of Jupiter and the yellow gemstones transmit light blue
rays, which are very cooling. Bhrishpati is considered to be the teacher of
all mankind and this Graha governs religion and spiritualism. A strong
Jupiter in an individual's chart makes him religious, spiritually inclined
and a knowledgeable person. But a strong Jupiter also makes an individual
prone to anger, selfish behavior, egoistism, greed leading to unhappiness.
Jupiter is the most auspicious and beneficent planet. Wealthy and
influential individuals generally possess a strong Jupiter in their
horoscopes. Jupiter governs spiritual orientation, monetary gains, personal
happiness, and teaching.
The yellow gemstones in the Navaratna can reduce the negative effects of
a weak or badly-placed Jupiter. The Yellow Sapphire is the main gemstone but
yellow topaz, yellow beryl (heliodor) citrines, and yellow tourmaline too
are used in making Navaratnas that are not too expensive.
9) MERCURY (BUDH) REPRESENTED BY THE GEMSTONE EMERALD
This graha rules a person's intelligence and affects his education,
communication and oratory skills. It also enhances a person's ability to
learn languages and allows a person to multi-task. The color associated with
Mercury is Green - the color of youth, earth and nature. A well-placed
Mercury ensures a good education, a flair for communication and a person who
can use his hands skillfully for creative activities in addition to being
quick-witted and rational.
Gemstones governed by Mercury are green Emeralds (primary gemstone) and the
cosmic color radiated by the Emerald and all other natural green gems is
Green. Wearing the Emerald within the Navaratna improves learning ability,
memory and reduces problems related to Kidneys, intestines, liver etc.
Where Emeralds are too expensive, the Navaratna setting allows other natural
green gems like Peridot, green jade, green tourmaline, Diopside, Tsavorite
etc .
The study of the Navaratna is interesting and wearing the Navaratna has
altered the lives of its wearers for the better. The proportion of the
benefit conveyed by wearing the Navaratna is dependent on 3 factors :
- the Purity of the Stones
- the Size of the Stones
- the Will power and belief of the wearer
Gemstone Clarity or purity is of utmost importance to transmit the
vibrations of the gemstones to the wearer. The gems must be natural without
any treatments to enhance the color - no dyes, radiation, heat-treatment,
and no chemical treatment altering its natural crystal combination. Such a
gem is considered pure. It should also be free of any flaws like cracks,
impurities and other flaws. Powerful Navaratnas have high quality gemstones
which are expensive and free from flaws.
Larger stones are recommended to convey the maximum benefit to the wearer -
2 or more carat stones are ideal for the Navaratna. It is also preferred to
have single stones rather than having several tiny stones of the same color.
The mental make-up of the wearer is also important. If a person continues
a debauched lifestyle, wearing several Navaratnas will not help in improving
his destiny. If a person is serious about improving his destiny - hard work,
good habits, will-power and kindness will bring about a positive change in
the fortune's of the wearer of the Navaratna.
Finding primary gemstones with the purity, clarity and size required for
the perfect Navaratna can be expensive. In order to make the Navaratna
affordable for everyone, secondary gems are recommended, which may require
slightly larger gems than the primary gem size. These gems too must be pure
and clear without any alterations. The gems must be cut to reflect the color
to the maximum for optimum benefit. Most astrologers prefer using Navaratnas
with the secondary stones as it is easier to find high quality stones with a
good cut and polish and most importantly they are more economical than
Navaratnas with the primary gemstones.
Wear the Navaratna, allow the stones to touch your skin to allow the astral
vibrations of the planets reach your body, soul and spirit through the nine
gems. The Navaratna can be worn anywhere - as a finger ring, necklace or
armlet or even a waistband. The placement is not important. The fact is that
the gems enhance the positive benefits of the planets on your life - many
people swear by the Navaratna and its power to improve destinies.
Whether for good fortune or just for its colorful appeal, the Navaratna
is a piece of Jewellery every person should own.
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