Do Gemstones Really Work?

The grand ruby is unanimously hailed as the King of Gems that can bestow kingly status by different cultures.

The undeniable beauty of gemstones has caught humanity's attention throughout history. Blessed with vivid colors, with some varieties that sparkle and others that shine, these are gifts of nature that are full of charm and visual delight. However, the mystical powers of gemstones is a surreal topic that ignites even more interest than their beauty and value, with numerous legends talking about how these objects of priceless allure can bless the wearer with anything from good luck to a life of luxury and glitz.

Legendary Powers of Gemstones

The supposed mystical properties of precious gemstones have been described in various cultural and religious legends in different parts of the world. While one can reason it's natural to mysticize any exotic, beautiful product to be carrying mysterious powers, one can see consistency in these stories even though they have been from distant regions. Furthermore, complex metaphysical traditions like Vedic Astrology have an entire system to approach and benefit from the wonderful powers of these gemstones. If used properly, these exquisite crystals can help one heal physically, strengthen and support psychological health, and gain new inspiration and insights that can lead to good financial, spiritual, professional, and personal well-being changes.

References to Gemstone’s Mystical Powers

Classic Vedic scriptures like Agni Purana, Garuda Purana, Jataka Parijata, etc, elaborate upon various gemstones and their beautiful powers that can benefit whoever wears them. Many gemstones that even exist today are described in detail with a discussion of how each of these gems has specific powers. Many Middle Eastern, Native American, and other historical civilizations also state the same about gems.

But Do Gemstones Really Work?

Simply put, natural gemstones that haven't been artificially treated or enhanced are said to carry metaphysical powers. The emphasis has to be duly laid on the gem being utterly natural without any tinge of artificial treatment. Such natural gemstones are said to be verily alive and carry enormous positive force, which is hurt and even completely destroyed by artificial treatments.

Modern spiritualists have developed various theories about how gemstones work. Some state that gems have "special" vibrations, while others say that gemstones can act like cosmic antennas that catch and transfer specific energies to the individual upon wearing. However, there can be differing views on such explanations, so it's important to take shelter of millennia-old traditions that have been using gemstones.

Vedic Astrology offers the simplest explanation: Gemstones are mere triggers that can activate certain events in the wearer's life. In Vedic Astrology, the navagrahas (nine planets) are said to "symbolise" all aspects of creation. Each graha has various aspects of the universe under its portfolio, and these aspects can be anything—colors, objects, energy chakras, people, and even certain categories of actions, ideas, and emotions.

The Say of Vedic Astrology

For example, Children are "signified" by Mercury (Budha), while old people are signified by Saturn (Shani). Teachers are signified by Jupiter(Guru), while army personnel come under Mars (Mangala). Selfless emotions of love and nurturing are associated with the Moon (Chandra), while all pleasures of the senses, including good food, music, sex, etc., are ruled by Venus (Shukra). Associating with things signified by a planet also triggers other events ruled by that planet.

• Diamond and can bring the wearer luxury, beauty, and refinement." />

Venus rules the Stunning Diamond and can bring the wearer luxury, beauty, and refinement.

Therefore, wearing specific colors, consuming certain food, associating with certain people can actually invite that graha more and more in one's life. And among all these, a gemstone is said to be a heavily concentrated source of the planet's energy which can readily trigger various events in one's life.

This is the reason why, upon wearing a White Sapphire or Opal, one expects to find themselves gravitating towards luxury and art and start associating more with women as luxury, art, and the feminine gender is symbolized by Venus. Similarly, wearing a Yellow Sapphire or any of its substitutes can bring more opportunities to grow financially, converse with learned and intelligent people, or come across events that offer the correct wisdom and answers, often translated as "good luck." All these aspects of wealth, fortune, and knowledge are said to be signified by Jupiter.

What About Non-Astrological Gemstones?

There are nine primary astrological gemstones known as Maha-Nava-Ratna (great nine gems) that can act as absolutely concentrated beacons for each of the nine planets. Substitute gemstones are more readily available and cost-effective alternatives. Though these aren't as intense reservoirs of energy as the Maha-Ratna, they are significantly capable of carrying one particular planet's energy, like Iolite for Blue Sapphire (Saturn) or Citrine for Yellow Sapphire (Jupiter).

Then there are healing gemstones, which are often said to be non-astrological gemstones that can benefit the individual's overall health and can be worn without consulting astrologers. These healing gemstones can be immensely colorful and beautiful and are, in fact, also carriers of planetary energy but in much lower quantities. Interestingly, many healing gems are ruled by more than one planet. A beautiful Fire Agate is said to signify both the Sun and Mars together, and the Serene Aquamarine carries the pleasant, energetic mix of Moon and Venus.

The delightful Aquamarine is called “Sailor’s gem” and is ruled by the watery planets Venus & Moon

How To Get Real Benefits From Gemstones?

Among all considerations, the three most important points to benefit "completely" from a gemstone are choosing the right gemstone, selecting the right time to wear it, and getting it sanctified before wearing it.

1. Sometimes, an individual's birth chart may not allow any gemstone or show more than one compatible option. An expert astrologer can suggest the best option for the given needs and circumstances.
2. Finalize a gemstone that is entirely natural without any artificial enhancement.
3. Ask your priest to bless the gemstone, initiate it in your name, and then wear it at the right time (muhurta) so that it imbibes maximum spiritual virtue.

How to Best Use Gemstones?

Now, gemstones do work, but how do they keep these energetic reservoirs working at their best? The answer is - regular cleansing and charging. Below are a few pointers that can help:

1. First and foremost, like all reservoirs, gems can also get depleted of their energy. Lucky for us, these can be recharged using sunlight and, in some cases, the moonlight. All gemstones can be replenished by sunlight, but some crystals can be photo-sensitive, making them lose color; therefore, gentle moonlight should be used.
2. Due to constant exposure to unhealthy and negative environments, gemstones can become spiritually weakened. It's important to imbibe spiritual virtue monthly or at least every three to six months. One can ask a priest from one's faith to bless the gemstone. Those following the Vedic path can request the priest for "Ratna-shuddhi."

It's important to be out in the sun, or at least keep the gem in sunlight for 10-15 mins daily. One can readily feel the difference between a sun-bathed gemstone and another piece that hasn't seen light for days.

Conclusion

Almost all sciences of divination and metaphysics will always invite sincere questions from people. And amidst all the criticism and cynicism that topics like these have to bear, the answer is still yes: the gemstones really work.