Planetary Gemology - A monthy investigation of the metaphysical quality of gemstones

Recently, while looking for something to read, I stumbled across The Handbook of Planetary Gemology which is written by Richard S Brown and dedicated to His Divine Grace Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.  I have always held a certain amount of fascination for astrology, horoscopes and birthstones and their influences on our lives.  I have therefore decided to give you some insight into the mystical powers of gemstones and how they can influence the well-being of their owners.

Yellow Sapphire

Each month, I will write a short blog on the power of it's birthstone.  Just like an astrological horoscope charts the location of the planets at your time of birth to determine your birth sign, each planet rules over one or more gemstones and these auspicious gems can help remove obstructions in various areas of our life by appeasing the destructive forces that these planets have on us.

I will provide a short translation of the Vedic Text which is a description of how the gem seeds were formed from the body of the demon Vala which is basically the standard by which the ancients established the value of a gemstone, it's identity and talisman properties.

Citrine

The astrological properties for Citrine and Imperial (Golden ) Topaz is the same as Yellow Sapphire, so the following planetary and astrological characteristics are for Yellow Sapphire.

PLANET	Jupiter
SIGN	Sagittarius
HERB	Ficus Religiosa
NUMBER	3
SYMBOL	2+
COSMIC COLOUR	Light Blue
ELEMENT	Ether
SENSE	Sound
BODY ORGAN	Ears
COSMIC FORCE	Neutral
ANATOMICAL SYSTEM	Fat
CHAKRA	2nd, Ajna
DAY	Thursday
TIME	One hour before sunset
SPECIAL INFLUENCES	Promotes general wellbeing and spirituality. Helpful in pregnancy, childbirth and marriage. Prevents jaundice and liver disease

Characteristics of the ruling planet:  Jupiter

Jupiter is positive so individuals will display grace and tact during their Jupiter period.  They acquire inner grace which radiates as confidence in order to attain their goals.  As Jupiter rules Sagittarius(fire) and Pisces (water) respectively, the constant journey seeking a spiritual home makes individuals prosperous in material things.  Jupiter is incompatible with Mercury and Venus.

Citrine, Golden Topaz and Yellow Sapphire should not be used with emerald or diamonds.  Specifically designed talismans and accent stones are an exception to this principle.

Colours in relation to social divisions:

Pale/colourless:  intellectual or priestly division
Orange overtones: administrative or military division
Yellow overtones: trade or farming division
Green overtones: clerical or labouring division