In recent years, occult talismans of quartz crystal have become increasingly popular throughout the Western world. Believing that such crystals provide a panacea for all ills, an infinite source of cosmic energy, and absolute protection against evil spirits, people wear them in rings, necklaces, bracelets, pendants, and key-chains, without taking into consideration their intrinsic gemological quality or their astrological side-effects. Furthermore, they mistakenly believe that only quartz crystals (also known as "rock crystals") provide the desired power and protection.
The fact of the matter is that clear quartz crystals are only the most common variety among many different types of gem crystal. All precious gemstones, except for those composed of organic matter such as coral and pearl, belong to one of six major categories of natural crystal, and almost all gem crystals are far more rare than the common clear quartz variety. Many precious gems are actually natural quartz crystals structurally fused with various trace elements that add color to the stone. For example, amethyst is actually purple quartz, and citrine is simply yellow quartz.
As discussed in previous chapters, all of the ancient gemological teachings of the East place prime importance on the color and the quality of gem crystals. The color determines which of the nine planets rules the gem, and the quality determines whether a gemstone transmits the positive or negative energies of it's associated planet. Clear colorless gems such as diamond and quartz crystal, for example, transmit the energy and astral influence of the planet Venus, while red gem crystals such as ruby and garnet attract the energy and influence of the Sun. However, it is the tone of the color and the gemological quality of the crystal which determine how well a particular gem functions as an astral talisman. Even colorless quartz must be "crystal clear" and free of flaws in order to conduct the auspicious energy of Venus to the person who wears it.
The ancient Vedic texts of India ascribe the mythological origins of clear quartz crystals to the semen of Vala, and therefore this sort of colorless gemstone governs sexuality and the entire realm of sensual activity. It is interesting to note that the planet Venus, which is associated with colorless crystals, has always been regarded as the planet of love and sex in both Eastern and Western astrology.
The current fad for talismans of quartz rock crystal has given rise to the popular misconception that only colorless quartz has the capacity to transmit auspicious cosmic energy. Not only is this a fallacy, it can also bring great misfortune to people by attracting the wrong type of energy into their systems. One should only wear gems which transmit the planetary energies appropriate to one's individual horoscope. Diamonds, for example, have always been regarded as "a girl's best friend" in the Western world, but according to Vedic reference, diamonds bring nothing but misery to most women. The Western view is based entirely on commercial considerations, while the Eastern view is rooted in ancient esoteric teachings that have withstood the test of time, as illustrated in the true stories presented in the previous chapter.
After selecting the appropriate type of gem according to its color and planetary association, the most important factor to consider when purchasing a gem is its crystal clarity. The importance of flawless clarity in gems cannot be overemphasized, for only the finest quality crystals transmit the positive energies of their associated planets. Flawed stones work in reverse, i.e., they transmit flawed energy and therefore bring misfortune rather than auspicious influences. Note the fate of the Indian smuggler who sported the flawed diamond in flagrant disregard for the advice of the ancient sages.
If you cannot afford the price of a flawless ruby or diamond, you may opt instead for a flawless but far less expensive garnet or quartz crystal. All of the astrological planets have several varieties of gemstone which transmit their cosmic energies. These are all listed in this book under each planet, beginning with the primary, most precious gems and followed by secondary, less expensive types. It's better, for example, to wear a flawless garnet than a flawed ruby. People interested in enhancing their lives through the auspicious cosmic energies transmitted by planetary gemstones should select only flawless specimens. It is in fact better to wear no gems at all than to wear flawed stones. But since every planet offers a variety of gems from "first class" to "economy class," one may easily pick a flawless gem which suits one's individual budget as well as one's horoscope.
AUM TAT SAT!
Ancient Astrological Gemstones & Talismans index, Astral Gemstone Talismans main directory.