Wearing a Gemstone: Which Stone, When, and What to Check First
In short
Each planet has an associated gemstone: ruby for the Sun, pearl for the Moon, yellow sapphire for Jupiter. A stone should never be chosen from the Moon sign alone, because if that planet rules a difficult house in the chart the stone can do harm rather than good.
Gemstone recommendation is the part of astrology most open to abuse, so it is worth being precise about how the tradition actually approaches it.
Each of the nine planets has an associated stone. The Sun has ruby, the Moon pearl, Mars red coral, Mercury emerald, Jupiter yellow sapphire, Venus diamond, Saturn blue sapphire, Rahu hessonite and Ketu cat's eye.
The principle behind wearing one is that a gemstone amplifies the energy of its planet. That is precisely why the choice cannot be casual. Amplifying a planet that rules a difficult house in your chart makes matters worse, not better.
This is the flaw in the common practice of recommending a stone by Moon sign. Two people with the same Moon sign can have entirely different ascendants, and therefore entirely different house rulerships. For one, Saturn may rule the ninth and tenth and be worth strengthening. For the other, Saturn may be the maraka. The same blue sapphire helps the first and troubles the second.
Blue sapphire deserves particular caution. It is the fastest acting of the stones and is traditionally tested for a few days before being worn permanently.
Where a stone is appropriate, the method is settled. It is worn on the weekday of its planet, in the waxing fortnight, in the morning, after being purified in raw milk and Ganga water, with the planet's mantra recited. The setting should let the stone touch the skin, and the metal should suit the planet.
It is worth saying plainly that gemstones are not the only remedy, or even the primary one. Mantra recitation, donation, fasting and service to others are prescribed at least as often, cost nothing, and carry no risk of making things worse.
Frequently asked questions
Is it right to choose a gemstone by your sign?+
No, and this is the commonest error. The choice must follow from which houses the planet rules in your chart, how strong it is, and which period you are running.
When is a gemstone worn?+
On the weekday of the associated planet, during the waxing fortnight, in the morning, after purification and mantra recitation. The stone should touch the skin.
Are there remedies that do not involve gemstones?+
Yes. Mantra recitation, donation, fasting and service are considered equally effective and carry none of the risk.
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