Be fearless in pursuit of what sets your soul on fire

Monday, March 16, 2020

Classification of Gemstones



Howdy guys! as you can make it out by the heading, this post is in relation to the Classification of Gemstones. 
There are many classifications and approaches when it comes to suggesting or advising any gemstone to the person. In this post, I'll be covering the most used and comprehensive classification which is widely used and applied.

The Gemstones are broadly classified as :

1. Maharatna i.e. Astrological Gemstones.

2. Upratna i.e. Substitutes.

Further, there are 3 methods of defining the Maharatna i.e. Astrological Gemstones.

A. Method 1: PANCHA TATWA (THE 5 ELEMENTAL FORMS)
     
The five elemental forms of existence of all substances called Tatwa are used to define the Five Maharatna or Astrological Gemstones.

ELEMENT -- GEMSTONE

1. FIRE(Agni) -- RUBY
2. WATER(Jala) -- PEARL
3. AIR(Vayu) -- DIAMOND
4. ETHER(Akash) -- BLUE SAPPHIRE
5. EARTH(Prithvi) -- EMERALD

B. Method 2: SAPTARSHI/SAPTAGRAHA (THE 7 PLANETARY FORMS)

The seven planets from the Sun to Saturn represent the seven colours of the visible spectrum of light that lead to the creation of lives. The Rig Veda also advises the use of these seven gemstones for "CATCHING" the rays of the Sun. Thus the Gemstones which are chosen on this basis are called "LIFESTONES".

PLANET -- GEMSTONE

1. SUN -- RUBY
2. MOON -- PEARL
3. MARS -- RED CORAL
4. JUPITER -- YELLOW SAPPHIRE
5. VENUS -- DIAMOND
6. MERCURY -- EMERALD
7. SATURN -- BLUE SAPPHIRE

C. Method 3: NAVRATNA/ NAVAGRAHA (THE NINE GEMS):

This classification is based on the 7 planetary bodies and 2 shadowy planets i.e. the North and the South nodes in the universe. This together comprised of nine Grahas or Planetary bodies (planets and nodes that affect human life) from the Sun to Ketu.

PLANET -- GEMSTONE

1. SUN -- RUBY (MANIK/PADMARAGA) 
2. MOON -- PEARL (MOTI)
3. MARS -- RED CORAL (MOONGA)
4. MERCURY -- EMERALD (PANNA)
5. JUPITER -- YELLOW SAPPHIRE (PUKHARAJ)
6. VENUS -- DIAMOND (HEERA)
7. SATURN -- BLUE SAPPHIRE (NEELAM)
8. RAHU -- HESSONITE (GOMED)
9. KETU -- CAT'S EYE (LEHSUNIYA)


                      SUBSTITUTES ( UPRATNA )

As I mentioned in my previous posts, Substitute or Upratna are also gemstones but these are not the first choice for the astrological purpose. The ones who can not afford to buy the expensive gemstones can go for these substitutes which would give desired effects but not so profound as original gemstones. Some of these are:


  • GARNET

It is a hard, durable and brilliant stone, available in many colours (green, red, yellow, orange, orange-brown, brilliant wine red, red-purple, violet and pink). It can also be substituted for ruby in its red shade. Yellow coloured can be substituted for the yellow sapphire or topaz when Jupiter is in fall. In its deep red can be substituted for ruby for the Sun and in its reddish-brown shade goes to substitute Hessonite for Rahu.

  • AMETHYST


It is a beautiful transparent purple variety of quartz. It can cure alcoholism and drug abuse. If the circle of the Sun or the semi-disc of the Moon is engraved on it, it prevents death from the poison. Relatively hard with a fair amount of brilliance. May fade from heat and strong sunshine. Works relatively well as in pendant form.

  • AQUAMARINE

Symbolizes youth, hope and health. It is a member of the beryl family that includes Emerald but it is relatively less brittle and more durable than the latter. Colour ranges from light blue to bluish-green to deep blue. Deeper shade is recommended for meditation.

  • TSAVORITE

Member of the garnet family resembles emerald. Comparatively clearer, more brilliant and durable than the latter. There is also a rarer green garnet, called Demantoid, which is softer and has more fire. These gems offer fine alternatives to the person desiring a lovely green gem who can't afford the emerald.

  • TOURMALINE


It is a modern times gem that comes in various colours and has a fair amount of hardness and brilliance. It is affordable and beautiful. Can be worn by suitable wearer according to his/her eligibility as per the above criteria. can be worn as bicolour tourmaline (half red and half green) and tricolour tourmaline (red, blue and green thirds each).

  • CITRINE

It is yellow, amber, to amber brown and often called Quartz Topaz, Citrine Topaz or Topaz- but all these are incorrect. It is different from all these. Durable, softer and less brilliant than the precious Topaz stone. Lacks the subtle colour shading. Should never be treated as Topas as the latter one is precious an imperial technically.

  • PERIDOT

A Transparent yellowish-green to deep chartreuse stone. Aids in friendship building and getting rid of any envious thoughts. Acts as a combination of emerald and topaz, aids in curing diseases such as dropsy and that of the liver. Not a hard stone and can get scratches if used roughly.


Above- mentioned are few of the various substitutes. Whether it is an original astrological gemstone or substitutes, none should be wear without proper consultation from a learned astrologer and gemologist.

STAY BLESSED!!

XOXO...





Reference: Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra.

Thursday, January 30, 2020

The Life - As it should be.....


We humans have been blessed with so much intelligence, wisdom and senses. But are we really putting all this into something worthy, aren't we? 
Often we end up being gripped into so much of negativity and unnecessary floods of emotions that take a toll on our mental peace and our ability to think wise. 

In such times, we lose our decisiveness and try to incorporate others' life patterns and choices into ours. Forgetting that each one has different life choices based entirely on their wishes, desires, type of environment they have been into or they are in, circumstances and finally what they want out of their respective lives. 

I am not against trying new things in life which are inspired by others. But my point is to indulge yourself in things that really excite you. Things that keep you motivated and drive you crazy. Things which you feel attracted to and not the ones that are namesake and you just wanna do it because others are doing it and probably are successful in that.

Success in what measured by others while what you feel and is quantifiable from your own perspective is the level of contentment and satisfaction you fetch by achieving something you always wanted. Life is never busy or hectic or complicated. We make it by over-analysis and being over-critical about things. Life is meant to live not to be wasted by over-analysis.

Worrying about petty issues has become a habit and then people complain that they don't feel happy and contented. One would never feel so if he/she continues being like this. Your happiness is in your hands. Nobody else could provide it for you. And as long as your happiness and peace are people-dependent, you gonna lose it as per their way. And you can't blame others for that as nobody is responsible for another's happiness. 

We commonly hear people saying WHY ME? Why am I suffering? I never did wrong to anyone but I am the only one on the worst receiving end all the time. And curse that almighty to have granted you with miseries and sorrow.
But I have never come across a single person getting so much good in his life and is prospering, saying WHY ME? He/ she would never thank God to have received so much from HIM. Rather such souls are unsatiated and always want more and more. 

As diamonds are cut and given frictions to achieve brilliance and radiance in these, as Gold is made to go through fire to give that blazing golden brightness, similarly each and every experience of life is worthy of making and shaping the person as he is in his life. Every bitter moment of your life is worthy of making you a better person. The only cost it demands is your faith and patience. One who passes the bad face surely comes out wiser. It is the law of nature, even the Moon has phases- Waxing and Waning. And since we are nature too, the good and bad times in one's life also alters. Thus our experiences are like teachers taking trials and tests first and the lessons and rewards later.

Never seek solutions to your problems outside as it leads you nowhere. Rather it leaves you perplexed and bewildered. Contemplating the situations wisely by looking inside and searching the answers within yourself is enough to get the true solutions. Remember your eyes provide the sight while your heart gives you the way.

Nobody in life is a complete failure or absolutely perfect. Each one comes with one's own set of flaws. So in difficult times when you feel low, always try to look how far you have come from the past and how much you have achieved. This exercise is far better and stress-lowering than thinking about what all you have to achieve in the future and how far you still have to go. Counting on your blessings is so much important and essential than to ponder on what you are missing. 

So to live a wonderful and happy life as it should be, without any negativities like jealousy, envy, hatred, remorse and frustrations, follow the word 
RED.

R: Remember your past without any regrets.

E: Embrace your present with confidence and faith.

D: Deal with the worries pertaining to your future by preparing for it without any fear.

Trust me! Life has so much good to offer you, the only way you could enjoy it is when you know how to live it.

As I always believe that- You live only once, but if you do it right, once is damn enough guys!! 


STAY BLESSED AND HEALTHY!

XOXO... 







Wednesday, January 22, 2020

Gemology and Gemstones- Part 2







Hello everyone! I am back with part 2 of my previous post on Gemstones. As mentioned in that, we gonna talk about the five basic characteristics of the authentic and original astrological gemstones i.e. The 5 C's of Gemstones.


The value and effect of the gemstones are supremely dependent on these five features. Understanding about this is of great significance as anyone can be scammed in the name of original gemstones. People who want to get results often overlook the importance of this and buy any fake stones in a hurry. They forget that wearing wrong or fake gemstones is of no beneficence. Rather it renders negative and harmful effects to the wearer.



So if you are planning to buy it or have already bought it, no worries! 

Let me quickly jot down these basic 5 characteristics that are going to sift the wheat from the chaff and let you recognize the original gemstone. 

1. CARAT WEIGHT




Carat is a weight that is equivalent to one-fifth of a gram. This means that one carat equals 200 milligrams in weight. The word 'carat' derived from the word 'carob'- denoting carob beans which were used in earlier times to weigh the gemstones. With the hand-held balance scales having two pans, gems were in one pan and carob beans in other. Today we have electronic digital parameters to weigh the gemstones.


One-hundredth of a carat is called as a point. For gemstones under one carat, each carat is divided into 100 points. And since each gemstone mineral has a different density, therefore, two gemstones of similar size, diameter and shape will probably have different carat weight.


In earlier days, inaccuracy and imprecision in weight measurement were a little acceptable. But In today's time, such inaccuracy is unacceptable. This is because now the gemstones are priced in relation to a carat. Carat weight must be specified to the point.



One more unit of weighing gemstone is Ratti, which is quite popular in India. One Ratti equals to 0.91 Carat. 

But it is always advisable to buy your gemstones according to Carat and not other units to fetch maximum accuracy.

2. COLOUR




Colour is of great value when it comes to measuring the authenticity of the gemstones. It is the most critical factor which not only affects its effects but the prices as well. It gives identity to any gemstone. 
It has three main components (HST) - Hue, Saturation and Tone.

  Hue: This is how the colour is perceived by us. The name of the colour such as Red, Blue, Green, Yellow, etc. Sometimes the hue can be mixture or amalgamation of two colours such as Greenish-blue hue, Orangish-red hue, etc. 

Saturation: It is referred to as the intensity of the colour. How much intensified the colour is. The price and authenticity of the gemstone depend on how bright and saturated the colour of the gemstone is. 

  Tone: It is what we call the value of the colour. It tells us how dark or light the colour is. The lighter tone of the colour known as the Tint and the darker one is called Shade


In general, too pigmented or dark as well as too light gravitate towards fakeness. A gemstone with proper hue, saturation and tone embark its authenticity.


3. CLARITY




It refers to the internal surface and how clear a gemstone appears to be when seen with the naked eye. It comprises of various types of inclusions such as mesh, networks, hazy lines and dots, etc. 
Such as blemishes, abrasions, gas bubbles, liquid-filled pockets, internal fractures, cleavages, etc. Some inclusions are natural as the stones are made by Mother Earth-these can be seen as the tiny particles of the crystals forming the mineral of the gemstone. While there are many inclusions which can be seen in man-made and treated stones as the by-product of impurity in artificially made stone.




One has to take due care when buying gemstones when it comes to clarity as more the inclusions, higher the impurity and less the originality of the stone. Likewise, the gemstones with higher clarity content have price towards the higher end. This further denotes that the price elevates with the degree of transparency of the stone. 
However, grading scales vary for different gemstones. And there are no fixed grading systems for coloured gemstones as well. 
In short, lesser the inclusions, more the transparency, rarer the gemstone and more expensive it is.

4. CUT




The cut (of the gemstone) is another aspect which has a lot of significance. It refers to the shape of the gemstone The cut brings out the best in a gemstone and it all lies in the perfection of the experienced lapidaries' hands. 
The potential quality and beauty of the gemstone are measured by how well it allows the light hitting its surface, to get absorbed and reflected back to the eyes of the viewer. The proportion of the various parts of the gem, the facet relationships and the polish, finally.



The basic components of the conventional facets of cut are- crown(the upper part), pavilion(the lower portion) and the girdle(divides the crown and pavilion). 
To achieve maximum brilliance from a gem, the slope should be cut to the critical angle degrees. The gemstone with good critical angles and proportions exhibit better brilliance as it prevents unnecessary leakage of light hitting its surface.
Cut analysis and evaluation depend on the type, shape and quality of the cut. Below mentioned are some of the same aspects:

Type of Cuts: Round-cut, Emerald-cut, Mixed-cut, Cabochon-cut, Radiant-cut, Princess-cut, Checker Board-cut, etc.

Shapes: Round, Cushion, Octagon, Pear, Square, Oval, Baguette, Heart, Rectangle, Triangle, Half moon, Marquise, Hexagon, Trillion. Kite, Fan-shaped, Pentagon, etc.

Quality of Cuts: Poor-cut, Average-cut, Excellent-cut, etc.

5. COST




Last but definitely not least is the cost factor. As the saying goes, the more the sugar, the sweeter the dish. Similarly, the real and authentic gemstones are a bit steep when it comes to the cost per carat. You may sometimes think that you are paying it through the nose for this small precious stone but trust me, it is always better to go for original gemstones even if it is slightly expensive. 
Remember you wear the stone for some specific purpose which is priceless so never compromise with the quality for few bucks!

- As the carat increases, cost increases.

- The cost gets increased when the gemstone has the perfect colour with optimum hue, saturation and tone.

- As clarity increases, lesser inclusions, and higher transparency, the cost gets increased.

- The more defined and brilliant-cut gemstones are always on the higher price end.

This is because of the fact that when the gemstone comprised of the above characteristics, the probability of occurrence of such gemstone naturally becomes lesser as these are rare. And the cost incurred in its mining and treatment increases proportionately. Therefore the cost of the final gemstone becomes a way higher.

This is the reason such gemstones are more effective in relation to the duration one wears these. 

Likewise, the gemstones of lower quality or even one used as substitutes, fail to give the required results in the given period of time. Hence, the wearer has to keep patience in this case as it takes time for such stones to give desired effects which are lesser than what it is expected out of good quality and authentic gemstones.


I can understand that not all of us could afford high-quality precious gemstones which can really burn the hole in our pockets.
So, in this case, we have a range of substitutes in the market that correspond to the respective original gemstone. 
As mentioned above, these are able to give results but not so profound and that too a bit later than the original one. But it is not wise to say that these wouldn't give results at all. In this case also, one has to be cautious as these are not so pricey yet one might get scammed by the sellers in the name of original ones. 

Each gemstone has a certain range of refractive index and hardness which could be checked along with other characteristics in the various Gemology Authentication labs in the respective countries.

Always buy the lab certified gemstones before wearing it be it for any purpose.

Be aware and cautious of the scammers who do the monkey-business out of these.

Stay happy and blessed!!

Until next post!

XOXO...












Wednesday, January 8, 2020

Gemology and Gemstones - its Significance in Astrology (Part - 1)




Hola guys! This post marks the beginning of my next brand new series of gemstones and its significance in astrology.
Gemology is the science of using gems and stones for the astrological as well as medical purpose. The gem is embedded in a ring, pendant or bracelet such that the bottom is open allowing it to touch the body surface.

Whether one believes in astrology or not, yet many are seen wearing gemstones or precious stones. When asked about the reason behind it, usually an answer comes to like- "I don't know, Mum asked me to wear it" or "I love the colour of the stone so I wore it" so and so forth.

Many of you ignore and skip this kind of questions. This is because such people don't want to be judged for the fact that they believe in astrological gemstones and its effects. 

Nevertheless, the use of gemstones is not restricted to any caste, sex, religion, etc. Gemstones are being used since ages and have a special significance in the Vedic astrology. You might have noticed a majority of the actors, actresses, businessmen, etc. wearing one or the other gemstones. Some of whom have also escalated their body of work with the passage of time. 

Gems have intrigued mankind since time immemorial. In ancient times, the kings and the people of higher authority had access to these gemstones. But today, the prevalence of wearing the gemstones amongst the people of every stratum has grown rapidly. It is not only kept as the rich possession but is also used to enhance the quality of life.


                     


There are many reasons one opt for gemstones, the common ones have always been for the purpose of good health, education, business, profession and wealth, etc. No single gemstone can provide aid to many aspects of life. And which stone is apt for which purpose, can only be accurately suggested by looking into your natal/birth chart.

There are so many misconceptions in relation to gemstones and many arguments when it comes to choosing one. But what really holds the upper hand is your faith and purity of the gemstone. According to me, Only natural precious stones provide the effects you expect out of it. While people who go for substitutes (Up-ratan), don't get the desired results in the required period of time.

There are mainly two theories behind the working of gemstones for the astrological purpose:

  • The First Theory is based on the principle of enhancing a particular ray or colour effect in which the gemstone acts like an Amplifier. [This has the sanction of Rig-Veda where we are advised to use the seven gems to catch the (visible spectrum-VIBGYOR) rays of the sun. This is the foundation of Colour Therapy]. 
  • The Second Theory (a popular one) is that the gemstone acts like a cosmic filter preventing the ray or particular vibration from affecting the user. Diseases are caused in the body due to deficiencies and the use of certain gemstones "enhance" or "supplement" the deficiency that results in the improvement of health, mood and hence the life-force.
There are many gemstones out there but not every gem is the astrological gemstone. It is referred to as Astrological or Jyotish Gemstone only when it a natural, untreated, unheated gemstone and excels on all 4C's i.e. Cut, Clarity, Color and Carat.

We will deal with Five Basic Characteristics of an Astrological Gemstone in the next post i.e. Part 2 of this post.

Till then Take Care!!

XOXO...



Disclaimer: Gemstone enhances your own creativity, capabilities and talents. It helps in clearing your vision to see the opportunities that come your way. Boosts your confidence and courage to trust your guts and start working on your set goals. It doesn't work like a genie in a bottle so much so that it alters your life upside down. It is wise to take the help of gemstones in order to synergise your efforts with its positive effects to get the desired results. But it is equally foolish on your part to stop putting efforts and rely totally on its usage. Nothing in life comes without your own hard work so believe in yourself first and then keep your faith in the use of gemstone. And remember only wearing of gemstones doesn't work like magic. It is mainly your efforts which are going to fetch you the fruits of success and good health. So never get totally dependant on gemstones or any such astrological aid solely. Keep working towards your goals and have faith in the almighty !! 

Saturday, December 21, 2019

The 12th House in Astrology


With this post, we come to an end with the series of Significance of Different Houses in Astrology.
This house is also very misunderstood (as with 8th house) by many people as it is one of the three 'Trik Bhava' or Evil Houses along with 6th and 8th house.

The 12th house becomes very important when it comes to Salvation and hence it is also known as 'Moksha Bhava' i.e. House of Salvation. Together with 4th and 8th houses, this house makes the Moksha or Spiritual Trine in astrology.

Since it marks the end of the series of the houses, it thus completes the cycle of life and its end. This is why this house deals with solitude, detachment and final emancipation. Also deals with enlightenment, attainment of spirituality, renunciation, life after death, hidden practices, taboos, defame, mental illness, grief, past life curses, aloof and abandoned places, occult and black magic practices, etc.

The 12th house primarily deals with the expenditure and sudden losses of the native, hence it is also called as 'Vyaya Bhava' i.e. House of Expenditures and Losses. Impediments, restraint and limitations, waste and extravagance, debts, expenses whether good or bad, investments, donations and charity, etc. is what this house deals with.

This house is of utmost importance to monks, sages, saints, and spiritual healers. Hermits and priests and people who go to foreign lands for spiritual healings,  philanthropists, etc. also have strong 12th house influences.

Misery and misfortunes, sorrow and sin, secret enemies, involvement in any scandal, disgrace and insults, deception, spies, intuitions, subconscious mind, imaginations, etc. come under the domain of this house. If afflicted, one can suffer from imprisonment and frequent visits to the hospital (other things are also taken into consideration in the native chart). 

Other aspects dealt by this house are- long-distance travels, foreign settlements, bed pleasures, body disfigurement, business dealings and activities in foreign lands, disgrace in the eyes of the public, endings, departures, karmas, old age, etc. Also represents the paternal uncle (father's brother). 

Being the last house, it is naturally ruled by sign #12 i.e. Pisces. The natural planetary ruler is Jupiter. The natural significator of this house is- Saturn.

Body parts ruled by this house - left eye, feet, lymphatic system, immunity, etc.

Stay Blessed!!

XOXO...






Friday, December 20, 2019

The 11th house in Astrology


The 11th house in astrology also referred to as 'Labha Bhav' ie. House of Gains. It is considered one of the most auspicious houses in astrology. It indicates your gains, earnings, profits, income, wealth, prosperity, etc. It also represents your dreams, aspirations, desires and probability of its fulfilment which is why it is also called the  'Kama Bhav' i.e. House of Desires.

It deals with the incoming gains and money you acquire both through your profession (seen by 10th house) and through other sources such as lotteries, gambling, secondary profession or side-business, inheritance or by means of any social group, etc.

This house also refers to your social associations. Type of friends you tend to bond with. It also deals with the kind of relationship you'll have with your friends- will it be strong, casual, selfish, mutually benefitting, taken granted of, dependant, etc. Hence, this house is also called as 'House of Friendships'. It rules friendships, groups and other organizations with which the native is associated.

The fourth conception of the child, the Stepchildren, the children you adopt and the elder brother also come under the sphere of this house. And whether that would bring gains to you or not is also seen by this house.

It represents our connections of the workplace also. Are these connections for our betterment and gains or if they are not benefitting at all can be analysed by this house. It shows the actual well-wishers, flatterers, admirers, supporters and true advisors of the native. The everlasting friendships and bonds. Also how much inclination you have in humanitarianism.

Foreign dealings and gains, speculations, higher studies, litigation, writers, health and much more. This house is also one of the 'Upachaya houses' i.e House of Growth along with 3rd, 6th and 10th. This means that these houses grow with time for the betterment of the native. And this house is the stronger growing house than the other three.

This house is naturally ruled by sign #11 i.e Aquarius and hence the natural planetary ruler is Saturn. The Natural significator of this house is- Jupiter.

Body parts ruled by this house are- calves, blood circulation, teeth, ankle, left ear, left arm, ankle, right leg, shanks, etc.

These are some of the facts in relation to the 11th house in general.


Have a beautiful life!!

XOXO...







Thursday, December 19, 2019

The 10th House in Astrology


The tenth house in astrology is one of the most significant houses when it comes to Kendra/Angular houses. It is also called as 'Karma House' i.e. House of Deeds. Primarily this house deals with your karmas you perform in terms of your profession and career. Thus this house is also referred to as 'House of Profession'. 

A profession is one of the most important aspects of one's life. It supports you and your loved ones with regards to your livelihood and sustenance in the world. Having a strong 10th house and its lords is boon for your profession and it may take you to heights in building a strong career.

#Note: This house is also referred to as 'The House of Father' as this is directly opposite to 4th house which is 'The House of Mother'. Your relationship with father and type of profession he is into can also be analysed by analysing this house.



It tells you a lot about the type of job profile you would be in. Type of work you do. How successful or unsuccessful you'll be in your career. Your gains and losses in terms of profession. Whether you work as a service-man working under somebody or own a business and make others work for you. How many good or bad connections you'll make in your professional arena. 




It not only tells about the profession you are pursuing but also about the desires you own for reaching a certain point in your life where you'll ultimately feel contented. It shows your earning capabilities and fame you receive by others. How much respect you will earn by your karmas is particularly seen by this house.




It represents your ambitions, goals, hard work, work ethics and your vitality to pursue what fetches you money, fame and respect. That is why this house is also known as the 'Artha House'  i.e House of Economy. How much determined or lazy you are as a person to follow your career. Will your job profile gives you satisfaction or will it be a burden for you, questions such as these come under the domain of this house.




It deals with your honour, dignity, public esteem, power and prestige, credit and recognition, authority, high posts, success and status, permanence or transition of jobs, promotions, advancement in career, job opportunities, etc. It also shows if a person will get a government job and honour from the same source.




This house is naturally ruled by the sign # 10 i.e. Capricorn and natural planetary ruler is Saturn as it is the sole in charge of your karmas. This is a very important Kendra house and its significators are- Sun, Mercury, Jupiter and Saturn.




Body parts ruled by this house are- knees, joints, bones, etc.


See you guys soon until my next post.



Stay blessed!




XOXO...