Astrology, a captivating field where cosmic forces influence human existence, has woven a mystical connection with gemstones throughout the ages. These precious stones and crystals, also called “ratna” in India, such as yellow sapphires (pukhraj), blue sapphires (neelam), red corals (moonga), amethyst, topaz, white sapphires, etc. have long been adorned in jewellery and thought to hold metaphysical properties in the form of energies from the universe.
Perhaps this connection between gemstones and astrology is a cosmic one – but what is definitely up for debate are the numerous nuances of wearing gemstones for astrological purposes. Specifically, the debate over heated gemstones versus untreated or “natural” ones has set the stage for a passionate controversy. To delve into the heart of this debate, it's essential to first grasp the concept of gemstone treatments. These treatments, including heat treatment or thermal enhancement, are methods used to enhance the appearance and durability of gemstones. Heat treatment particularly involves subjecting gemstones to high temperatures to enhance their colour and melt inclusions to improve clarity, which has become a pivotal point of contention within the astrological community. Most gemstones in the world have flaws and inclusions and these inclusions are a natural part of the formation of any gem.
In this article, we embark on a journey to explore these contrasting viewpoints and provide a balanced perspective on a topic deeply entrenched in belief, particularly within the rich tapestry of Indian astrology and associated traditions.
Gemstones in Astrology: A Matter of Faith
Astrology occupies a unique space between science and religion, offering a pathway to faith and self-discovery. It doesn't adhere strictly to the empirical methods of science or the doctrines of established religions but instead provides a bridge for believers to connect with the cosmos, nurturing a deep sense of wonder and curiosity. While astrology isn't a religion, it shares common ground with the spiritual aspects of various faiths. Just as religious practices inspire believers to reflect on their actions and their connection to the universe, astrology encourages introspection and alignment with cosmic rhythms, serving as a bridge between science and faith.
Gemstones have been an integral part of astrology throughout history, and are believed to enhance specific qualities and mitigate planetary influences in one’s life. Whether or not science backs these claims, gemstones exemplify the intricate relationship between the natural world, human beliefs, and the quest for a deeper connection to the universe. Within astrology, a unique synergy emerges, beckoning us to explore the enigmas of the cosmos while seeking solace in the mysteries of existence. It reminds us that, in the grand scheme of the universe, we are indeed connected to the very stars that populate the night sky.
How Astrological Recommendations Work
At its core, astrology operates on the belief that celestial phenomena and the positions of celestial bodies have a profound influence on human experiences and destinies. This foundational belief underlies all branches of astrology, and each tradition approaches the practice uniquely while still focusing on the fundamental aspects of an individual's life to help them navigate particular problems and challenges. Due to differing cultures and belief systems globally, there are various types of astrology today, including but not limited to Vedic astrology, numerology, Western astrology, and palmistry. While these traditions may differ in their methods and approaches, they share a fundamental mission: addressing life's challenges and providing guidance to individuals.
Astrological calculations incorporate a variety of inputs such as an individual’s birth chart, date of birth, weight, etc.
Despite the diversity of approaches, all forms of astrology have a shared essence rooted in belief and faith – positioning astrology as a bridge between the empirical and the mystical, and offering individuals a unique lens to understand and navigate their lives. Broadly speaking, any astrological process will include the following steps:
- Data Collection: Astrologers begin by gathering specific data from individuals, including birth chart details, birthdate, age, weight, lifestyle, profession, personal goals, and problems to be addressed.
- Analysis: Once this information is collected, astrologers meticulously analyse the data to understand an individual's cosmic profile. They consider the positions of celestial bodies at the time of birth and align this data with the person's life circumstances.
- Personalisation: With a comprehensive understanding of an individual's unique astrological makeup, astrologers craft tailored recommendations. These can include gemstone prescriptions, career guidance, relationship insights, and more.
- Application: Individuals then apply these recommendations to navigate challenges or enhance specific aspects of their lives. These suggestions are designed to resonate with the individual's cosmic energy, promoting self-improvement and personal growth.
Heated Gems in Astrology: A Controversial Topic
The role of gemstones in astrology has ignited passionate debates, especially regarding their heated or treated variants. At the core of this debate is the assertion that treated or heated gemstones are fundamentally inferior for astrological purposes. It is argued that these treated stones, having undergone processes like heat treatment/thermal enhancement, irradiation, or others, lose the natural energy and alignment found in untreated gemstones. This natural energy is considered a vital element in the efficacy of gemstones within astrology. Proponents of untreated gemstones contend that these natural gems possess an intrinsic harmony and resonance with the universe, making them more potent for individuals aiming to tap into cosmic energies
Conversely, heat treated gemstones are seen as having their natural energies altered or disrupted by the treatment process, which some argue may diminish their astrological impact. It is imperative to acknowledge that a significant majority of gemstones in the market today have undergone some form of treatment, whether heat treatment or other techniques, further complicating the matter. Truly untreated or natural gemstones, those untouched by such enhancements, represent only a fraction of the total gemstone supply, adding layers of complexity to the ongoing discourse.
What one needs to be mindful is of the fact that there is no empirical or proven evidence to back this claim that “heated gems don’t work”. A lot of times, such strong sentiments are exhibited by snake-oil-salesmen-type astrologers and gem dealers – as a result of extreme dogmatic views, or motivated by greed given that untreated gems are a lot more expensive.
The Problem with Rejecting Heated Gems in Astrology
If you are uncertain about whether to use a treated or untreated gemstone for astrological purposes, it is advisable to consult an astrologer who maintains a balanced and open-minded perspective. It is important to avoid extremist or dogmatic beliefs in this matter. While numerous articles on the internet claim heated gemstones are flawed or ineffective for astrological purposes, we present an alternative viewpoint below to contribute to a more balanced discussion on this topic.
- Budgetary Hurdles: Untreated gems often come with a price tag that is significantly higher than their treated counterparts, creating a substantial price discrepancy that can reach two to three times. This financial gap can pose a significant barrier for individuals seeking astrological solutions while adhering to a budget. There are also numerous astrologers and gem traders in the market today, that recommend unheated gemstones to clients solely out of a greed to earn more - as these untreated gems are considerably more expensive and profitable.
Picture here are 2 blue sapphires of similar colour & clarity grades - but one is thermally enhanced & one is not. The one on the right costs almost 2x of the one on the left.
- A Blame Game: There is an unfortunate trend today, where astrologers and gem dealers often refrain from accepting responsibility when a recommended gem fails to deliver the desired results. The complexity of astrology, rooted in belief and faith, makes it challenging to actually validate the effectiveness of gemstones. What compounds this issue is the practice of blame-shifting, particularly in cases involving heated or treated gemstones. Instead of acknowledging the inherent uncertainties in astrological practices, most astrologers readily place the blame on their clients. For instance, if a client has acquired a heated gem, astrologers often chastise them and attribute the absence of effects solely to the use of a heated stone based on their own dogmas, without providing a logical or reasoned explanation. Conversely, if a client has invested in an untreated gem, alternative excuses such as not wearing the gem right, may be employed to shift the blame. Such practices erode trust in astrology.
- Financial Greed: In astrology, there exists a nuanced and at times contentious topic that merits investigation: the matter of gemstone recommendations. Due to the substantial difference in cost between untreated and treated gemstones, there is frequently a self-serving incentive at work among astrologers, gemologists, and vendors when offering gemstone suggestions. These individuals may often advocate for unheated gemstones primarily driven by financial considerations, given their elevated market value, rather than proposing options that may genuinely benefit their clients.
- Faith Not Fact: A primary issue also revolves around the dogmatic beliefs held by some astrologers and gem traders. They steadfastly claim, almost as an indisputable truth, that heated gemstones are entirely devoid of effectiveness. However, it's crucial to understand that these claims lack a solid foundation in empirical evidence or established scientific principles; rather, they are firmly rooted in dogmatic belief systems. Astrology is something that, by the essence of its nature, cannot be “proven”. So such claims, that a lot of gem traders and astrologers make and use as absolute facts, are simply ill-judged. These convictions can be motivated either by deep-seated dogma or the desire for financial gain.
The Precious Earth Perspective
It is worth noting that not all gemologists and gem dealers share the strict belief that only unheated gemstones hold astrological significance. At Precious Earth, we are committed to providing a more balanced perspective. Our guiding principle is to prioritize the client's budget and preferences when suggesting a gemstone for astrological purposes. While the widespread belief suggests that only heated gemstones “work” in astrology, it's essential to recognize that there is no overarching authority or factual basis to support this claim.
To illustrate, advising someone to wear only unheated gemstones in astrology is exactly like a priest insisting that only worshipping the marble idols of a god will bring blessings, and worshipping a wooden or granite idol is wrong or ineffective. The point of prayer is to achieve a sense of spirituality and faith, irrespective of whether it is directed to a marble idol, a wooden animal, or the open sky – there is no one-size-fits-all.
There is no “one-size-fits-all” in astrology
Furthermore, the evidence of whether or not a gemstone is “working” is strictly anecdotal. At Precious Earth, we've had the privilege of working with clients who have experienced positive outcomes while wearing heated stones, as well as those who have chosen untreated stones and felt that the results were less impactful. Therefore, we encourage an open and non-judgmental approach, ensuring that clients are not dissuaded or criticized for opting for treated gemstones, whether driven by budget constraints or other reasons. The golden principle is simply that you should purchase a gem that resonates with you, and makes you feel elevated.
The undeniable reality, as we see, is that, despite the strong convictions and dogmatic beliefs held by some astrologers and gem dealers, there is no conclusive evidence or authority to exclusively validate the efficacy of unheated gemstones in astrology. From our point of view, it is advisable to exercise caution when engaging with individuals who uphold such extreme, dogmatic views.
Conclusive Reflections
The interplay of astrology and gemstones mirrors the diverse landscape of belief systems, where differing viewpoints should harmoniously coexist. Much like religion, astrology welcomes a variety of approaches to gemstone use. However, those seeking astrological guidance should approach this subject thoughtfully as the financial aspect of this debate is crucial. Unheated gemstones often come at a significantly higher price, making them unattainable for many. Therefore, embarking on the astrological journey using lab certified gemstones requires a pragmatic consideration of budget constraints. Furthermore, it is essential to steer clear of astrologers and gem dealers who resemble snake-oil salesmen in their revenue-driven motivations. A genuine astrologer should be open-minded, considerate of your budget, and genuinely invested in your well-being, rather than their financial gain.
Whether you’re looking for precious gems such as a blue sapphire (neelam stone), yellow sapphire (pukhraj stone), red coral (moonga stone) or semi-precious stones such as topaz, or amethyst – we invite you to browse through our collections of gemstones at Precious Earth.
