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Supernatural power of birthstones
By Esther Williams
Wearing a blue sapphire is believed to bring you fortune and love - such is its mysterious power. Wealth, power, health, fame and even release from prison are virtues ascribed to other gems. But is there any truth in the superstitions linked with birthstones?

Birthstones are precious and semi precious gems associated with particular calendar months of the year and considered lucky to people born in those months. Some scholars attribute the origin of this tradition to the breast plate of Aaron (Brother of Moses from the Old Testament) while others to the ancient Vedic period.

Originally, they may have been worn each month by everyone since the powers of the gemstone were heightened during its month, Managing Director of popular jewellery firm Mallika Hemachandra Jewellers, Chamindri Hemachandra says, adding that people in this country usually gift birthstones to newborns or on a birthday. However, the concept, she points out, is a western tradition.

In Sri Lanka, it is common for both Buddhists and Hindus to have horoscopes drawn up by their priests or astrologers. The horoscope charts are based on the time of birth showing the location of planets at that specific moment. Day-to-day life of people, they predict, is affected by planetary movements.
The very same chart is used to foretell good and ill-fated periods in life and to tide them over the difficult years, specific gems are recommended. From a family of jewellers herself, Chamindri currently wears a yellow sapphire to offset complications that may occur at present.

“When the sun’s rays fall on the stone, its properties will be absorbed by my body to support, heal, bring luck and motivate me, and in that process change bad vibes into good vibes,” she says.

However, the young designer considers the Navaratne to be a more sought after jewellery setting that both men and women seem to prefer. Comprising nine stones in various colours corresponding to each of the planets, wearing the auspicious piece of jewellery can offset any misfortune, Chamindri says.
“It certainly works when you have faith in them,” agrees Managing Director of Lalitha Jewellery Mart Ltd., Sellakumar Kandasamy. He has come across many customers for whom precious stones have had a positive influence. A certain businessman claimed to have had immense success in his business owing to the power of a natural precious stone he had in his possession. Many others go to their outlets for pure, untreated gems.

At times there are requests for stone settings at specific angles, which present other challenges. However, he warns that the stone should be flawless and of good quality for it to work.

On the impact of gems on all aspects of human life, a researcher who wishes to remain anonymous has a wealth of knowledge. Depending on the constellation or star a person is born into, he/she is ruled by different planets during his/her lifespan that can bring fortune or misfortune. “We resort to gems to either amplify luck or neutralize the bad effects of stars,” he says.

The individual then wears that particular stone ensuring that it touches the skin for the duration of time when he is ruled by that planet, its weight depending on the intensity of the problem. Stones, the researcher says emanate rays and vibrations that have beneficial effects.

Further, stones can also help in the healing process of afflictions like cancer, heart disease and other ailments that affect organs in the body. Talking about the science that originated in the Vedic period in India, he says that Kings in the ancient days would carry gems to win battles, children for better examination results and childless women in order to conceive. “Stones definitely have a therapeutic power,” he concedes.

The beautiful, cold, hard stones are believed to provide supernatural powers that would protect the wearer from illness, misfortune and danger. Saturn for instance is considered the planet of sorrow or death. Those under the influence of the planet are recommended to wear a blue stone to alleviate suffering. Similarly, a person under the influence of Mercury is urged to wear a green stone.

However, the researcher warns that a negative effect is possible if the stone is flawed. The Navaratna on the other hand can balance all effects. “It is like a multi-vitamin that gives all round protection.” “Gem therapy is all about bringing peace of mind and fortune while at the same time counteracting evil. Nonetheless, we cannot defy karma, we can only minimise the effect,” he admits.

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