The gems' singular usefulness rests in their ease and efficiency; no will power or effort is needed by the wearer to receive the gem's ability to help counteract weakened planetary energies. 

What Modern Science has to say about gems and crystals 
Quantum physics in its pursuit of finding the reality of matter has discovered the proton and the electron after slicing the atom. Then with further atom smashing, still finer particles called quarks were found. Perhaps these could well be dissected down if we had the available technology. Plato contended that the world was born out of invisible, perfect forms similar to geometric shapes. More and more, modern science seems to bear out his view and the much older Vedic scripts as it turns to "Virtual" particles and "energy fields." 

Dr. David Bohm, professor of physics at the University of London, in 1983 spoke of matter as "frozen light." Mass is a phenomenon of connecting light rays that go back and forth, freezing themselves into a pattern. So matter is condensed light, moving at average speeds slower than the speed of light. 

Seeing light as freezing itself into a pattern as a modus operandi for material formation is accentuated when that material form has a unique crystal pattern of perfect atomic alignment such as a crystal structure. Gems as intelligently grown crystal forms, share a unique patterned symmetry in their atomic lattice that structures billions of atoms in gemoetric alignment. This effectively allows for a greatly amplified flow of unencumbered and regulated frequency waves that can harmonize and strengthen the similar beneficial radiations that planets shower on the earth. One day when the right instruments are discovered, science will surely harness and transfer this potentized form of light manifestation for even greater energetic benefits. 

So perfectly stable is the natural frequency of the quartz crystal, that when interacting with an electronic circuit in a quartz clock it can maintain oscillation for a year with an accumulated error of less than 0.01 of second. Radios, clocks, lasers, radar, photo-electric cells, and computers are all based on the extrordinary power and stability of the electromagnetic properties of crystal applications. 

Samuel Hahnemann, the father of homeopathic medicine, with his extraordinary perception and foresight, was able to state in 1842: 

     "The dynamic forces of mineral magnetism, electricity and galvanism act no less homeopathically and powerfully      on our vital principle than medicines actually called homeopathic, which overcome diseases when taken by mouth rubbed on the skin or smelled . . . But we still know far too little about the right way of using electricity, galvanism and the so-called electromagnetic machine to put them to homeopathic use." 

Just as Einstein's E=mc2 proved that energy can be turned into matter, so it doesn't take much imagination to perceive the reverse also to be the case. The Karma Purana also explained that everything is composed of rays that create, maintain, and destroy. So the ancient rishis, as self-realized masters, comprehended the true nature of matter and were able to quietly perform miracles. It has been explained that all matter is a lower or higher vibratory condensation of God's consciousness, and that gems as the flowers of the mineral kingdom are especially unique with a transmittable consciousness via their geometric and colored crystal habit which can be imbued when in contact with the skin. 

A Description of the main gems and crystals used in Ayurvedic Healing 
 
Sun: Ruby, used by royalty to focus and sustain their ability to command and rule. It sustains our vitality and will. Traits that it enhances are leadership, independence, purity. Weakness or afflictions are sometimes demonstrated by a sense of helplessness, but very often it shows up as an unreasonableness, egotism or self absorption, which is a sign of a weak sense of self. A weak planetary ruler of the ascendant (see Rahu, below) can also cause these symptoms, and a weak Mars can cause similar problems as well, which is why they must also be looked at astrologically. The ruby, unless in a balanced multi-gem bangle, should be used with care by Pisces, Gemini and Libra Ascendants, and with companion gems, for every ascendant. Ruby is generally good for Leo, Aries and Sagittarius Ascendants. 

Moon: Pearl increases emotional stability, mental strength, friendliness and contentment. Weakness or afflictions are shown by anxiety, mental and emotional swings, worry, isolation or the inability to cope with relationships and people. An afflicted Mercury or Rahu can also cause some similar difficulties. Unless well balanced with other gems, consideration should be taken if the person is overweight, has high phlegm, congestion (Kapha) or for Taurus, Aquarius and Sagittarius Ascendants. Pearls are especially helpful for Cancer, Pisces and Scorpio Ascendants. 

Mars: Red Coral helps stimulate courage, energy, insight and ability to win over opponents.  Weakness is shown by lack of motivation, laziness, fear, passiveness, or inability to control their passions and/or temper. Care should be taken in the size of red coral used, if high sexuality, or fever (Pitta) is present. Gemini and Virgo Ascendants should be careful wearing red coral except with counterbalancing gems. Red coral is especially good for Aries, Scorpio, Cancer and Leo Ascendants. 

Mercury: Emerald gives mental alertness, memory, communication skills, discriminative intellect and mental control. When Mercury is weak or afflicted, a mental dullness, immaturity or poor memory retention may be evident. The logical part of the mind is not functioning in a normal way, which may cause daydreaming, anxiety, fantasies or an irrational outlook on the world. As mentioned, the Moon or Rahu can cause somewhat similar complaints, but Mercury is specifically the planet of intellect and communication. Emerald is generally pretty safe, unless the person is already overly mental. Aries and Scorpio Ascendants may find that it boosts their impulsiveness or egoism. It is especially favorable for Gemini, Virgo, Taurus and Libra Ascendants. 

 
Jupiter: Yellow Sapphire enhances the qualities of Jupiter, such as wisdom, judgment, expansiveness, compassion, joyfulness, enthusiasm and faith. When Jupiter is weak, we feel contracted, without purpose in life, moody, pessimistic or having self pity. There may be financial problems, as generally this planet more than any other, has to do with prosperity. Too strong a Saturn can cause similar complaints. Jupiter is the best benefic and so is safe to strengthen, although it can be a source of some difficulties for Taurus and Libra Ascendants. It is particularly beneficial for Sagittarius, Pisces, Aries and Scorpio Ascendants. 

Venus: Diamond helps increase attractiveness, artistic quality, grace, and charm. When Venus is afflicted we may feel trapped in a sensuous life style, sexually obsessive, or a creature of comfort. When weak, one may be coarse, crude, or aggressive. There may be troubled or inappropriate romances. It may be difficult to express love or other emotions in a positive way. A very strong Mars may appear to be a weak Venus and a weak or afflicted Mercury may make personal expression difficult. Diamonds, if of good quality, are relatively safe, because Venus is a benefic planet. It is especially good for Taurus, Libra, Capricorn and Aquarius Ascendants. 

Saturn: Blue Sapphire helps bring balanced detachment, calm, practicality, and endurance. When weak or afflicted, it brings troubles, weakness, disease, vulnerability or anxiety. It can cause financial hardship, lack of drive, or insomnia. A difficult Saturn may cause manifestations similar to a weak Jupiter, Sun or Mars. Blue Sapphire should be used with great caution, unless in a navaratna, and even then the size and purity should be watched. It may cause problems for thin people, those having dry skin, or those remote from the world or already overly detached (Vata). It is a difficult planet for most, but is especially favorable for Capricorn, Aquarius, Taurus and Libra Ascendants. 

Rahu and Ketu are the north and south nodes of the moon. They are invisible energy fields where eclipses occur and are considered secondary planetary influences. 

Rahu: Hessonite Garnet is the gem for the shadowy planet Rahu, called the North Node in the West. In this age of media, electronic devices and electro-magnetic radiation, Rahu is very much affecting the world in general. It helps to balance the influences of media like television, it aids a sense of clarity, of knowing one's own mind, and general popularity in society. When weak or poorly placed, it causes strange reactions, imaginings, occult influences, fear, agitation, addictive behavior, drugs, lack of sense of self, lack of regard for society's norms or dissipation. Therefore, Hessonite Garnet, also known in ancient India as cinnabar, is obviously a very good gem to wear in a Navaratna during this age. 

Ketu: Chrysoberyl Cat's Eye is the gem of Ketu, called the South Node in the West. When weak, it causes doubt, uncertainty, poor discrimination, poor concentration or lack of insight. It is the planet of ultimate spiritual awakening. It causes tendencies that appear to be like a weak Ascendant. But as a weak Rahu brings lack of clarity and a clouding of perception, a weak Ketu brings doubt and questioning. The gem should be used with caution if the person is high in Pitta, as under the description for Mars, or if Ketu is in a sign of a planet that is weak or afflicted. However, if included in a Navaratna, this should be resolved by balancing both Ketu and the planet ruling the sign it falls under. 

More Information on Gems and Crystals and their use in Ayurveda 

Nick Hodgson 
Ayurvedic Astrological Jewelry 
1106 Second Street, Suite 101 
Encinitas, CA 92024 
Phone (760) 753-6071 
Fax (760) 753-3355 

email:  astrogems@yahoo.com 
website: http://astrological-jewelry.com/ 

Ayurvedic Astrological Jewelry is the first company in the western world to be specializing in crafting customized navaratnas full time.