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Vedic Astrology

Vedic Astrology forms the base or the foundation of this entire science. It is believed that through one’s horoscope, it is possible to understand, identify and resolve various problems that an individual may have in the situational, physical, emotional, mental and soul level.

Vedic Astrology is the study of planetary bodies and their effect on human beings. It is an ancient science that has been practiced around the world in different forms across all major ancient and modern cultures.

Vedic Astrology is a science that is known to man for several thousands of years. Some of the oldest civilizations (such as the Mayan, Indian, Egyptian, Mesopotamian, Chinese, Babylonian, Greek etc. ) have left remnants of their knowledge of this science through literature, monuments, artefacts and apparatus.

Although evidence and the practice of this science can be found abundantly in many parts of the world, it has yet to acquire mainstream acceptance and awareness in contemporary society.

Vedic Astrology is also a highly misunderstood and misinterpreted science and it is important to seek a knowledgeable, trustworthy and credible astrologer when it comes to the application of this science.

What is the point of Vedic Astrology? Why do I need to know about it? And how will it help me?

Vedic Astrology is a science that can help you determine your purpose in life. It can also show you the path that will lead to the fulfilment and materialisation of that purpose. Moreover it provides solutions, for situational, circumstantial, physical, emotional, mental, spiritual and even cosmic problems.

Vedic Astrology can tell you why you are who you are, why you lead the life you lead, where your life is headed in this incarnation and what you can do to change it. It can provide tangible solutions for all your problems.

Often in life we are faced with difficulties for which we don’t have an explanation, we are faced with situations that we don’t anticipate or deserve (or so we feel). With Vedic Astrology one can find the reasons and the cures for these kinds of phenomenon.

Everyone in life is faced with situations where they have to make choices -- choices that can change their lives for good or bad. But often we don’t know which choice to make. That is where Vedic Astrology can help. It can help you make the right choices so that you are in sync with your purpose, it can help you recognise what is right for you and what isn’t, it can help you take the right decisions in life so you can lead a life that is fulfilling, meaningful and purposeful.

Really? Can Mars or Jupiter really help me get a better job or more money?

Yes and no. Unfortunately, most people who are aware of Vedic Astrology and its power, often seek materialistic gains from it. But there is a lot more to this science than just figuring out when and how rich, one can get. The sole purpose of this science is to help you discover your true purpose in this incarnation and what you can do to achieve it.

Yes, Mars, Jupiter, Venus or Saturn can get you a better job or more money, an ideal spouse/child etc. but that is not the point of this.

Aren’t Astrology and Astronomy the same thing?

No. Astrology is the study of planetary bodies and their effect on us while Astronomy is just the study of planetary bodies. Astrology as a science is several thousands of years old, while Astronomy is only a few centuries old.

How is Vedic Astrology different from Western Astrology?

Vedic Astrology and Western Astrology differ in calculating planetary positions, heliocentrism and the way their respective charts are prepared. Furthermore, Western Astrology lays emphasis on, and is limited to an individuals psychological nature. Vedic Astrology on the other hand focuses on a person’s Karma, and when certain Karmic tendencies are most likely to manifest.

The heliocentric centre in Vedic Astrology is the Moon hence it considers Moon signs, while in Western Astrology the heliocentric centre is the Sun, hence it considers Sun signs.

The ephemeris in the Eastern system was calibrated thousands of years ago and hence does not consider the time lag taken in the speed of rotation and revolution of the Earth. The Western ephemeris however do take this time lag into consideration, hence we have a discrepancyof 23 - 24 degrees. For example, suppose, according to Western astrology, your Sun sign is in Capricorn. In the Vedic system, it could be in Sagittarius. Your rising sign and the other planets might also be in unfamiliar signs. However, this does not mean that Vedic astrology is inaccurate. It simply calculates a horoscope differently. The interpretations are most often more precise than in Western astrology.

Western astrology emphasizes the psychological nature of the individual, but lacks reliability for predicting future cycles and events. Although Vedic astrology also defines a person’s psychological nature, it gives more focus to understanding when certain events are likely to take place and provides some sort of direction to an individual.

But is it practical? Can I apply it to everyday life?

It is a well known fact that many ancient cultures and some modern ones used and continue to use astrological guidance for critical decision making in the everyday life as well as for major events/phenomenon.

In countries like India and China, Astrologers are often called upon when a child is born and consulted with, as the child grows through his/her life. Astrological advice is sought for mundane matters as well as life altering ones.

Vedic Astrology suggests lifestyle and mentality based changes that result in situational, circumstantial and even life-altering changes.

Medical Astrology and Ayurveda

Medical Astrology deals with the physical wellbeing of an individual. It incorporates the principles of Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Naturopathy and Allopathy (conventional western medicine) to create a fit, able, immune physical vehicle. An individual’s horoscope plays a key role here, and it is used to asses and diagnose health issues that an individual has (and is aware or unaware of) and is prone to develop in the future.

Ayurveda plays an important role in diagnosis and cure in this science, as it is the only healing science that is holistic and takes into account the individual’s physical, etheric, emotional, mental spiritual and astrological history.

Ayurveda uses various formulations to bring about a state of well-being in the above mentioned parts of a human being, moreover it places an emphasis on immunity building and focuses on making an individual free from disease and immune to diseases (physical, emotional and mental) rather than suppressing the symptoms.

What’s so great about Ayurveda? Why should I be interested in it?

The objective or purpose of Ayurveda is to create a vehicle, be it physical, etheric, emotional or mental, that is ready and fit for soul expression. For this purpose the science aims for perfection. In other words, Ayurveda focuses on clearing out existing diseases, disorders and malfunctions, making the body strong enough to ward of illnesses in the future and creating an environment (within the body) where one will lead a healthy life.

But how is that possible?

According to Ayurveda, everybody’s physical bodies comprise of 3 doshas (5 elements that group together in pairs to form 3 types of energies). When a human being is born, the 3 doshas are inherently in harmony. However as an individual grows up, the balance is affected, due to various reasons. This imbalance causes the body to become susceptible to diseases.

The fundamental approach of Ayurveda is to bring about a balance in the 3 doshas and the result of this balance will translate to a healthy life.

Really is it that simple?

Yes and no. Often it is not easy to bring about a balance, it takes time, a change in lifestyle and outlook, dedication, patience and more importantly an honest and knowledgeable Ayurvedic practitioner.

But is it effective?

Ayurveda uses mostly plant and mineral formulations to cure illnesses. Hence nearly all of its formulations do not have any side effects. In other words if it can’t cure you, it won’t harm you. There have been numerous instances where people have been cured of illnesses that conventional medicine cannot cure or treat. In countries like China and India, the use of traditional medicines (like Ayurveda) is very common. And many people rely solely on such kind of healing systems. While a Google search may result in many instances of cure, it is up to you to experience the efficacy of this ancient healing system yourself. However it is critical to choose an honest, knowledgeable and genuine Ayurvedic practitioner which is very rare to find, even in India.

An Ayurvedic treatment begins by studying the nature of the disease followed by a study of a person’s constitution and make up of the body.

Ayurveda has been misinterpreted, misrepresented and misused often in the west and more so in its country of origin. When you meet your practitioner do not hesitate to ask for his/her credentials.

I thought Ayurveda was only about massages, hand lotions and face creams, isn’t it?

Unfortunately, the western world has manipulated and distorted the real meaning and practice of Ayurveda. Most so called Ayuvedic practitioners in the west are either novices or are misinformed. In today’s materialistic world, it is very easy to learn only a fragment of a science and then use it for personal profit, which is exactly what has happened with Ayurveda, Yoga and Tantra in the west.

Astro Psycho therapy

This science deals with the emotions and the mind of an individual. It helps an individual understand his/her tendencies, inclinations, desires, complexities and thought patterns. It also helps identify and rectify psychological problems. This module too uses an individual’s horoscope to identify one’s mental and emotional nature, making it a rather accurate and dependable way to diagnose mental and emotional imbalances and disorders.

In Eastern philosophy the mind doesn't refer to the physical brain alone (the brain is considered the physical manifestation of the mind) but an amalgamation of one’s thoughts, feelings, memory, perceptions, instincts, experiences, extra sensory perceptions and transformational alchemy.

In the Western world, the same science is known as Psychology, Para-psychology, Psycho-analysis, and Psycho-therapy.

This science uses the combined understanding of the above mentioned sciences coupled with an analysis of one’s horoscope to ascertain, determine and suggest a cure for an individual’s psychological imbalances.

Why do I need to know about Astro-Psycho therapy?

The mind is the most important part of the modern human being, it is also the trickiest. It can create illusions and impediments so strong that an individual can spend an entire lifetime trying to overcome or see through them. Yet it can become a potent catalyst for man’s elevation from the material plane to the spiritual one.

This science deals with the conscious, sub-conscious and the unconscious. It deals with that part of our personalities that we are unaware of, yet are governed by.

The unconscious mind has the ability to store information and experiences from different lifetimes (incarnations) and different periods within one lifetime. These experiences and urges manifest in different ways in our lives. Often we spend our entire lives dealing with these manifestations and rarely overcome them.

Astro-Psycho therapy can help us work with different areas of our mind, in order to understand its manifestations (and hence teach us to react to them more constructively) and help us resolve conflicts that it creates in our path to knowing our true selves or self-actualisation.

Shouldn't I just see a shrink?

Astro Psycho therapy is a comprehensive science. It uses the amalgamated understanding of Psychology, Para-psychology, Psycho-therapy, Psycho-sexual analysis and Spiritual Psychology to examine an individual. The sole purpose of this science is to resolve conflicts and help you overcome the obstacles that your thinking-feeling mind creates for you, in your path to spiritual evolution.

This module takes into account your life experiences since the time you were born and even tries to ascertain your previous lives’ experiences and its impact on this life. This module is not just therapy; it is beyond that, it is therapy for the soul. The objective of this science is not to help you deal with your ‘issues’ but to make your mental and emotional bodies fit for the soul to express itself through them. However, your mental and emotional body has to be cleansed and made immune in order for it to become an instrument of your soul, in the process you will eventually deal with all your ‘issues’ and rectify them once and for all.

Ok, so what is this sub-conscious and unconscious? And why do I need to know about them?

Before we understand the meaning of sub-conscious and unconscious it is important to understand the meaning of consciousness.

Consciousness can be defined as awareness, of one’s physical surroundings, emotional state and mental thoughts.

Sub-conscious refers to that part of the mind that we are partly conscious of.

Unconscious is that which is beyond our conscious and sub-conscious. It is the knowledge and experience gained through the connection with higher consciousness.

The unconscious can be described as the bottom layer of a stagnant pond. It resembles all the sediment, dirt and mire that we accumulate through our lives. On top of this thick sedimentary layer floats another layer of murky water. This murky water is symbolic of our mental disturbances, but because it is murky we cannot see through it and hence cannot understand the constituents of our sub-conscious or the unconscious, as a result we get entangled in it and this results in a disturbed state of mind.

But in this unconscious (as described metaphorically) there exists a lot of dirt, and when you begin to walk the spiritual path, you begin to churn this pond, you begin to un-earth and unsettle years of sediment that you have buried in your unconscious. This can be difficult, yet it is essential for us to clean this pond so that we are purified and we can receive impulses from our soul.

Astro Relationship Therapy

This science deals with the intricacies of relationships. It examines an individual’s relationship with oneself, with other human beings (friends, spouse, family, extended family), with the physical body, mind, soul, energy systems (chakras), life and death, with one’s community, country and finally with one’s race or humanity as a whole.

Each of us are linked to one and another in a unique way. In most cases we are not aware of the impact of the relationships we have with others. This science deals with the impact of relationships on us. It also gives us tools to heal relationships, be it with our family or with the race of man.

There are two facets to this science, one deals with understanding the nature and kinds of relationships and the other deals in creating harmony in these relationships.

It is difficult for a human being to live in isolation. Each of us exert some level of influence on others, however large or small the number of people. In a situation like this where everyone is exerting influence on one another, it becomes vital for us to understand the nature of relationships so we can live in harmony, rather than be governed by it.

Why do I need to know about the science of relationships?

Life is a web of relationships. The age of isolation is long gone. Today we have to live in a dynamic world and discover fulfilment within it. As a result, interaction is inevitable. Hence it is imperative that we learn how to navigate through this web of relationships that we are born into. Be it with our family, friends, social circuit, work-life and even with ourselves.

Often in life, we fail to recognize the importance of this navigation and as a result land up with a broken relationship. Many a times, we regret our actions and decisions after the relationship is over.

Wouldn't it be helpful if we knew how to deal with relationships? Wouldn't it be ideal if we know how to navigate through them? Wouldn't it be perfect if we knew how to heal broken relationships?

This is the purview of Astro-Relationship Therapy.

Is this similar to marriage counselling/therapy?

No. Astro-Relationship Therapy goes beyond the restrictions of Psychology, Psychotherapy, Psycho-analysis etc. It deals with multiple facets of a human being by using various tools (like Astrology, Cosmic Ray therapy, Ayurveda, Vaastu etc.).

The ultimate goal of this science is to help you realise the importance of relationships in the larger scheme of things. It helps you realise the role that you play within the larger picture and gives you tools to play that role more efficiently and consciously.

So what is Astro-Relationship Therapy based on?

Astro-Relationship Therapy or the science of Relationships is based on three principles.

Psychological relationships (with oneself and others) Astrological relationships (with the cosmos and others) and Spiritual relationships (connection of one soul to another).

The more we understand ourselves, the more we will be able to understand others. When we understand the psychological makeup of our personalities, we can understand the psychological make-up of others, better. This understanding leads to a more refined way of dealing with others. It helps us create a more psychologically sensitive and well-developed approach to relationships with others and helps us make our communication more productive and healthy.

But then there are times when we have difficulties in interaction and find it hard to express our feelings, thoughts and emotions, which then creates misunderstandings. What could be the cause of this mis-understanding? What could be the reason behind a sour relationship? What makes these people think and feel in a certain way?

This is when Astrology provides an answer. Through this science we can get a clearer idea about people, who they are, what they like/dislike, why they react in a certain way etc. The intricacies of Astrology (zodiac signs, elemental connections etc) help us understand people in a deeper and efficient way. It helps us understand people’s core attributes and tendencies.

Astro Vaastu

Vaastu Shastra or Astro Vaastu is the science of space (time-space physics) and its effect on man. Vaastu studies a given space and the energy within that space to come up with the most efficient design that will be conducive to material and spiritual progress and provides a solution. This science is widely practiced in the East (a part of which is called Feng Shui in China) and is often the first thing one refers to when moving into a new home or office. The purpose of Vaastu is to create an environment that is conducive for you to connect with the soul. When one is rid of materialistic distractions one can focus on the soul. Astro Vaastu helps you create a dwelling space for yourself that will give you minimal or no material problems so you can focus on your spiritual inclinations.

As human beings we are bound by the time-space realm and most of our experience is limited to this realm. Hence it is necessary for us to understand the effect that the elements of this realm can have on us and our lives.

Astro Vaastu considers the existence of 10 directions, namely, North, South, East, West, North-East, South-East, North-West, South-West, Up and Down. Each direction has its own energy. This science studies a structure/space, the function of it as well as the energy within that structure or space. It then interprets this information and estimates the effect the space can have on the inhabitants of that space.

Why do I need to know about Astro Vaastu?

We all live in some space, be it our homes, offices, communities, cities or countries. Each of these spaces has energy and this energy has a certain effect on us. It is important to understand this effect as it can determine or change our life’s course.

The fundamentals of Astro Vaastu are based on the principle of auspicious directions. Some directions have a natural ability to attract positive energy into our lives or homes/spaces. While some have a tendency to attract the opposite. Some directions are conducive to progress and some impede it.

When we welcome positive or constructive energy in our lives we live fulfilled lives. When we attract the opposite we live distracted lives, and hence we find it hard to focus on our purpose in life.

The objective of Astro Vaastu is to create a space that is in harmony with your purpose in life. It strives to create a space that will reduce or eliminate materialistic impediments to spiritual expression.

You mean to say my house can have an impact on my life?

Absolutely. Have you ever wondered, why sometimes, a perfect marriage crumbles, or why a perfectly happy family turns dysfunctional, why at times highly intelligent and hard working people find it hard to make ends meet. There is a lot more than meets the eye. There is a lot happening under the surface, that we often don't know about and hence don't know how to deal with it.

So can I buy a book and figure out how to arrange/design my house?

Vaastu has suddenly become a fad, in India as well as in western countries. As a result, many people want to study the science, with the sole purpose of practicing it for personal profit. But this science was not developed for personal profit (like all other Eastern esoteric sciences). And a result this science too has been misinterpreted and misused by certain people. Vaastu can never be studied or practiced in isolation. It is imperative to understand the basics of Vedic Astrology before one begins the study of Vaastu. But this can be very lengthy and difficult. So most practitioners today choose to skip the Vedic Astrology bit, or do a crash course in it and then jump to the study of Vaastu. This is in a way similar to an art student jumping to painting on canvas without learning how to sketch with a pencil.

Astro Numerology

This is the study of numbers and their effect on man. Everything in life is constructed with the help of numbers, from the tiniest cell or atom or the largest planet. Astro Numerology helps us understand the role that numbers play in our lives (and in the universe) it helps us understand how we can use this science to create certain facilitative conditions in our lives. It can help us take better (more spiritually aligned) decisions and can help us lead a life with direction.

The numbers 1 to 9 are the building blocks of almost everything. Numbers play a critical role in our lives, we cannot escape the influence of numbers, from our birth date, to our age, from our health

reports to our bank accounts, numbers are everywhere. Understanding them can help us understand various mysteries and secrets of our lives.

Isn’t Numerology about finding out your lucky number?

In recent times Numerology has been made famous by Cheiro, however there is another side that is absolutely secret, the esoteric side of Numerology.

Every number carries with it a certain energy, it is this energy that determines and guides our lives. If we can understand these energies, we can streamline them in a favourable way so we can be true to our purpose in life. There is no such thing as a lucky number, it is just that some numbers manifest certain effects in our lives, favourable or untoward, and we may choose to prefer or eliminate certain numbers in our mundane life.

Does this mean I have to change the spelling of my name?

Every number contains certain energy, each of these energies manifest in different ways in different people’s lives. Astro Numerology tries to understand how certain numbers impact and manifest in certain individuals lives. This is done by studying the horoscope of the individual. Changing the spelling of one’s name will make no difference to his/her destiny. Instead understanding the role of numbers in an individual’s life and navigating through them is what will be beneficial.

Esoteric Yoga

The word Yoga (correct pronunciation being Yog) essentially translates to union. It refers to the union of the personality (comprising of the physical, etheric, emotional and mental body) with the soul. Esoteric Yoga is the science of union, life, death, initiation and evolution, it is the study of a soul’s journey, from the point of creation, through various incarnations, up till the point of union with the point of origin. This science deals with individual lives, the life of the human race (and how they are intertwined), the life of the planet earth or the ‘Planetary Logos’ (and how it influences everything within it) and the life of the solar system or the ‘Solar Logos’

This sounds pretty advanced, why should I know about Esoteric Yoga?

We all get submerged in our everyday busy schedules and other chores of daily life but at the end of the day we often wonder, ‘Who am I?’ ‘Where do I come from?’ And ‘Where do I go from here?

Esoteric Yoga aims to answer these questions for you and also helps you get a better understanding of your purpose in life. Moreover, it gives you a sense of direction for your spiritual journey. It tries to explain your point of origin (‘you’ refers to the soul here and not your present incarnation. A soul can have multiple incarnations) and tries to help you gauge your destination.

But why should I be interested in knowing about this?

Every individual who decides to live a more spiritual life, or in other words every disciple- is restless. It is these questions (where do I come from and where am I headed) that make him restless. The objective of this science is to try to answer these questions, for the disciple, so that he is no longer bothered by this thought and can focus clearly on his spiritual goals.

Where do these answers come from? What is the source of this science?

Like most other sciences, Esoteric Yoga too has its origins in the books of the ancients. This module is an amalgamation of knowledge based on the broad spectrum of teachings, ranging from the ancient Eastern Sacred texts to modern and contemporary occult and sacred writings.

Tantra

Tantra is the science of energy (and matter). All that has manifested in our world comprises of energy (and matter).
Tantra is the study of this manifestation. It is also the study of the dynamics within manifestation and the use or manipulation of energy and matter for the purpose of manifestation.

Why should I be interested in Tantra?

Everything in our lives is a result of manifestation. Our personalities too are a product of manifestation. Tantra helps us understand the nature of these manifestations and gives us tools to transform them.

What kind of transformation are we talking about here?

Tantra helps us transform the 3 fold vehicles of our personality, namely our physical, emotional and mental vehicles.

The transformation refers to the changes that can be brought about in these vehicles so they are suitable for the expression of the soul. In order to be eligible for soul expression each of these bodies must be cleansed of any impurities, strengthened from within and made strong enough to ward off any future harm.

In other words we need to be physically, emotionally and mentally sound and in the peak of health for them to become a vehicle of the soul. Along with the 3 fold personality, changes or transformation will come about even within the immediate environment of an individual as a by-product.

But how will this transformation come about?

Tantra will give you tangible tools that can help you transform. It works with the energy centres of the body, the flow of energy within our bodies and with energy and matter in the external world.

We can use these tools in our day-to-day life to bring about a transformation in our lives.

Isn’t Tantra black magic, or related to sex?

Unfortunately, Tantra (like Yoga and other Eastern sciences) has been mis-understood by the west, especially due to certain misinterpretations by some influential people. Tantra has nothing to do with black magic, if anything it is far from it. It has nothing to do with sex either, Tantra only deals with the energy centre or chakras. Tantra is a tool given to us by the ancients to help us accelerate our spiritual growth.

Ok, where can I learn about these tools?

Most of the tools are widely available in many ancient books (or interpretations/translations/commentaries on them). However it is important that you understand the consequences of using them before you begin your practice. More importantly you must also pay close attention to the correct and appropriate use of these tools.

If you would like to know more about these tools and the rightful incorporation of them in your daily life, you may request for a discourse on the same.

Cosmic ray therapy

Every planet in our solar system (due to their energy levels) has the inherent and potent capacity to affect the rest of the bodies in the solar system and the constituents of those bodies (for example the earth and all that lives on and within it).

These planets (as all other planetary bodies) emit rays. They are called Cosmic Rays. Because the rays from these planets are so potent they have been identified and have been studied for eons. The study of the effect of these rays on human beings is the premise of the science of Astrology.

In order to harness the power of cosmic rays, one needs to wear a certain gemstone. The way a gemstone works is very scientific. From a spiritual standpoint, gemstones (and crystals) are the most evolved citizens of the mineral world. They have the gift of radiation (due to centuries of evolution).

All natural and real gemstones emit certain rays. And these rays (depending on the kind of gemstone) have the ability to create an impact on a human being’s electromagnetic field (or Aura). The gemstone family like all other families in nature, is very hierarchical in nature. There are some stones that sit on the top and are marked by their brilliance and ability to radiate, and there are others that are less brilliant and have a lower degree of radiation. As one goes further down, in the hierarchy of gemstones, one will encounter various semi-precious and non-precious gemstones, further which lies the crystal family.

According to the science of Astrology (both eastern and western) man is a part of the universe. And as a result he is affected by what the universe throws at him (Cosmic Rays). Because of their highly evolved state, real gemstones have the ability to attract rays. The frequency of certain gemstones are conducive to the frequency of rays emitted from certain planets. Certain gemstones have a natural affinity towards the rays of certain planets. As a result they attract these cosmic rays emitted from some planets and store them. Over a period of time they become reservoirs of these rays, and also begin to reflect these rays.

Does this mean that I can get rich, famous and marry my soul-mate by wearing a gemstone?

In many cases yes, however the focus is on a building a life with fewer or no obstacles by helping you understand your purpose in this lifetime and by helping you accelerate your progress on that path. This could be done through the use of gemstones. However the objective and goal is spiritual evolution not material excesses.

But there are so many different kinds of gems, how do I know which one is right for me and which one is real?

The market today is flooded with different types of stones that are misrepresented as real gemstones. It is not easy to identify a fake or treated gemstone and neither is it easy to distinguish a real gemstone from a fake or treated one. Most so-called real gemstones available today are in actuality anything but real. Most of them (almost 99% of them) fall in the following categories.

Synthetic gemstones

These gemstones are produced in a laboratory. With advanced research and technology scientists have understood and studied the molecular structure of gemstones. After having done so, they have been able to replicate the chemical composition of a gemstone in a laboratory, thus producing a gemstone in a laboratory. These gemstones have little or no resale value. And from an astrological standpoint they have no effect on a human’s electromagnetic field.

The earth’s surface invests huge amounts of energy, pressure, heat and time (spanning centuries) in a tiny stone. It is this investment of energy and the absorption of cosmic rays from a certain planet that causes a gemstone to radiate and as a result holds the potency to change one’s life. A stone produced in a lab lacks this investment as well as the quality of radiation.

Treated gemstones

These stones are made in a laboratory too. Herein, real gemstones of inferior quality are melted at very high temperatures. After melting, the impurities are removed and colour or glass is added to it. After it has cooled it resembles a flawless gem. But in actuality has no value whatsoever. By heating the original stone, it loses its property of radiation and by adding external substances to it, the morphology of the stone changes as well. Moreover, a very low grade stone is ‘primmed’ to look like a high value stone, hence it is deceptive and in no way possesses the properties of a real gemstone. Moreover, most laboratories use other stones from a certain family to create a gemstone. For instance, the Ruby belongs to the corundum family, the corundum family happens to be very vast and consists of stones of different colours, ranging from black and gray to yellow, pink, orange, brown, blue, red and even white.

A red corundum is qualified as a ruby, a blue one is qualified as a blue sapphire and a yellow stone is qualified as a yellow sapphire. The rest are not considered precious stones. But some gemstone manufacturers take these very non precious stones (of different colours), melt them, colour them and then sell them in the market as rubies, blue sapphires and yellow sapphires. Hence these stones have no resale value and have no astrological benefit whatsoever.

It takes a trained eye to distinguish between a treated stone and a real gemstone. And often times, even a trained eye fails to spot the difference. Hence it is best to test your stone before you purchase it. A stone must be tested at a laboratory of repute like the Gemmological Institute of India or the Gemmological Institute of America, else the result will be false or untrue.

Substitute stones, Semi precious stones or Duplicate stones

Many a times, when an individual may not be able to afford a real gemstone, he is recommended a substitute stone. It is believed that since these stones resemble the appearance of a real precious gemstone they may also mimic the characteristics of the same. This is untrue and baseless. As mentioned earlier, precious gemstones are highly evolved mineral compounds, it is due to this evolution that they possess certain characteristics. Semi precious or substitute gemstones are not as highly evolved and neither do they possess similar characteristics as their precious counterparts. Hence buying a semi precious or substitute gemstone for astrological reasons is futile. They have negligible or no resale value and are only cosmetic in nature. Often amateur astrologers recommend substitute stones to their clients.

Many a times merchants peddle substitute stones as real gemstones to an unsuspecting client. Unfortunately a lot of people buy these duplicate stones innocently and as a result lose faith in the potency of Astrology and gemstone therapy due to their ignorance and bad experiences.

The following table lists the various precious stones and most of their semi precious look-alikes.