UNDERSTANDING GEM STONES
Vaastu and Feng Shui contain the secret key to realigning the home or office in accordance with cosmic principles and natures forces. The effect of solar energy, movement of the celestial spheres influence of the planets, magnetic field of the earth, gravitational forces and the effect of sun and moon have a strong bearing on the well being of the individual.
Apart from the application of mathematics in calculating the sectors, dividing the plot, and aligning the building with regard to the compass directions and nature’s forces, Vaastu also has a strong influence due to the planetary positions, transit and its impact on the occupants of the home. Like In Feng Shui where annual afflictions, monthly stars, daily starts and hourly stars can influence the building and affect the animal sign of the individual, Vaastu also gets affected due to celestial changes and has an influence on the occupants.
When adapting a very traditional school of Vaastu while designing homes, quite often the horoscope of the owner of the property is also taken into consideration to decide on the auspicious time for commencement of work, to calculate the most favourable main door position, good and bad sectors in the plot, house warming and moving in time.
To get to know the relationship between Vaastu and the celestial bodies, it would be even better to have an insight into Indian Vedic astrology, basics of astronomy and the relationship between planets in the solar system. The planetary system, which is also known as the solar system or “Surya mandala” ( Surya= sun, mandala= encircle) consists of the Sun and other planets held by the gravitational power of the Sun and they revolve around it and the period of revolution differs according to the size, distance and speed of the planet. When planets move from one direction to another it brings about changes in the well being and fortune of the individual. There are nine major planets which are of significance in Indian astrology as per the Surya mandala and these are called “Nava Grahas” (nava= Nine, Grahas= planets). The term “Navagraha” denotes the nine celestial bodies which are central to astrological calculations but are different from the nine planets as they appear in astronomy.
Out of Nine planets, seven of them exist and two happen to be the nodes of the moon known as “Rahu” and “Ketu”. These 2 nodes of the moon are the two points at which it crosses the ecliptic, the band of constellations or zodiac against which the sun appears to move. The nodes were so important in calculations that they were given the status of “half planets”.
In Vedic astrology the planets are named as Ravi for Sun, Chandra for Moon, Mangala for Mars, Budha for Mercury, Guru as Jupiter , Shukra as Venus and Shani for Saturn and the two nodes as Rahu and Kethu which contribute towards invisible influences. The path of the planets movement is elliptical. Out of the nine planets, five of them are said to have a direct effect on terrestrial events and they are Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. The Stone for Rahu is Gomedh or Hessonite a planet considered as the ascending node of the moon. Rahu generates unnecessary worries and strained relationships and causes unpredictable and sudden changes. Similarly the stone for Kethu is Cat’s Eye, a planet considered as the descending node of moon that influences thinking, asceticism, relationship and wisdom. Cat’s Eye is a precious gem, which harmonizes Ketu. In the advanced school of Vaastu the planets not only have a bearing on the occupants but also influence the design element in terms of layout and décor. They also radiate the type of energy which aids specific activity of a sector in a building.
The planet Sun is the King of all planets, having a purifying male energy and a stable and selfless nature. This planet rules the east and resides at the Northeast quadrant of the home and hence in Vaastu the Northeast sector is set aside for spiritual knowledge, meditation and worship as sun also represents the inner or true self. The gem stone for planet Sun is Ruby. The stone enhances overall success in life, improves the leadership qualities and puts a person at the forefront. Since centuries, it was worn by battlefield commanders to protect themselves from the enemy. It improves intellectual capabilities and concentration. Therefore, it is used to drive away various stress related problems like insomnia, hysteria etc
The Moon is considered as life giving or mother energy and relates to the subconscious and instinctive activities. The moon signifies rejuvenation, renewal, refreshment and signifies the bathroom in a home layout. Pearl is the stone for planet Moon. It gives calm and vibrant feeling, improves memory as well as the confidence for the interaction with people when worn.
Jupiter the largest planet known as “Guru” represents wisdom, learning, knowledge and is also said to be the planet to dispel darkness. Guru also means Teacher and is even referred to as “Teacher of the assembly of Gods”. This planet represents the Library and study sector of the home. Placing valuables like jewellery, in the North sector of the house which represents guru is considered auspicious. Yellow Sapphire
is the stone for Jupiter it gives material wealth, prosperity and status and overall growth. Mercury
the smallest planet is the closest to the sun and is the planet for communication and is a messenger but is said to be restless too. Vedic astrology refers this as Budha which is derived from the Sanskrit word “Buddhi” or intellect. This planet is said to be very active when a living or dining room is in this sector and activates the social life. Emerald is the stone for Mercury, the planet representing wisdom and voice, It improves decision making capability, reasoning power and presence of mind.
Venus is the brightest and radiant planet and is known as Shukra in Vedic astrology and governs the romance side of the human nature, passion, beauty and arts. This planet governs the bedroom and the dress area and is often complemented with colours like pink, peach, chrome yellow and at times light blue. The stone for Venus is Diamond and is said to be the king of precious gemstones. It represents the Venus planet or Shukra, which is regarded as the third brightest planet. Venus is also the ruling planet of Taurus and Libra. Diamond gemstone increases the positive influences of Venus such as stamina and wealth. It also provides blissful marital life and good health.
The planet Mars also known as Red planet is called Kuja in Vedic astrology and it can be seen with the naked eye in the night. This planet relates to war, fire, and instability and is destructive hence this planet governs the Kitchen sector. Red Coral is the stone for Mars. This deep red coloured gemstone bestows upon a person self-confidence and administrative abilities
The planet which is slowest moving, darkest and relates to element metal is Saturn known as Shani. It is the darkest planet and corresponds to all dark places like cupboards, basements, lofts etc. Blue Sapphire or Neelam is the stone for Saturn. This bright blue colour stone is an extremely powerful stone that provides protection from the evil influences of Saturn. This gemstone provides protection from misfortunes, accidents and unforeseen dangers.
Vaastu and the celestial influence enables us to understand and design a layout of a house according to the function of each room, rotation of the earth and the position of the sun throughout the day. The ancient sage (monks) believed that the mind and body have different activities depending upon the time of the day and designed and orientated the various components of the house to harmonize the movement of the sun and the daily human cycle.