Ceremony & Tradition

Jewelry: The Power of Gemstones and Precious Metals

Published on September 2, 2016

Article by Deborah Kagan for Bodhi Tree

As evidenced by the LED lights, rhinestones, crystals, feathers and silk flowers adorning the gowns and headdresses of celebrities and trendsetters at this year’s Met Gala in New York, draping oneself with jewelry, a trend present throughout the ages, is not going away. Often worn as a status symbol, the use of jewelry often has a deeper meaning that can enhance the wearer’s energy, such as protection, appealing to gods and goddesses, help with healing physical ailments, aligning one with a higher power, and more.

Whether coveting it for personal or healing power, jewelry is much more than surface beauty. According to Canadian cultural anthropologist Shelley Rabinovitch, PhD, “Ceremonial jewelry [has been] worn by women and men. The significance of a given piece may be seasonal, elemental, planetary or even a sign of devotion to a particular god and/or goddess.”

The Power of Gemstones and Precious Metals

In our modern-day culture, many wear their birthstone as a symbol of good luck and even personal power. Interested in balancing your chakras for optimum results? There are gemstones associated with each chakra and ways to use them to get the energy flowing. One of the most popular is rose quartz for heart-chakra enhancement. A lesser-known and more striking option is tourmaline (pink, green or watermelon). Ready to open your third eye and increase your psychic abilities? Lapis lazuli will be your go-to choice. Again, a lesser-known but stunning option is labradorite.

In addition to gemstones, the use of precious metals dates back as far as 7,000 years and has even deeper significance. “When used for jewelry, gold can be associated with fire, the sun, the gods and masculine energy more generally, while silver is usually associated with water, the moon, the goddesses and feminine energy,” says Rabinovitch. Take this into consideration when purchasing jewelry for a desired outcome in life.

The Use of Jewelry in Vedic Traditions

One culture that continues its conscious sacred use of jewelry is the Hindu Vedic tradition of India. The spiritual classic Autobiography of a Yogi states, “Just as a house may be fitted with a copper rod to absorb the shock of lightning, so the bodily temple can be protected in certain ways.… One little known fact is the proper [use of] jewels, metals, and plant preparations.”

Presently, it’s common for Indians and those who follow Vedic traditions to consult a Vedic astrologer in order to decipher what are the most auspicious gemstones, metals and crystals to wear. This kind of astrological gemstone jewelry, whether in the form of multi-gem bangles, rings, bracelets, pendants or necklaces, when made and worn correctly, can potently benefit a person’s psychological tendencies, physical health, business affairs and relationships, while helping to minimize the impact of a wide range of negative conditions and situations.

How to Enhance Your Energy with Jewelry

Wearing pearls enhances the connection with the moon and it’s said a pearl of at least four carats brings fortune, recognition and fame to its wearer. Yellow sapphires make Jupiter do a happy dance. Wearing a faultless, unheated yellow sapphire of at least one and a half carats is said to bring money and wealth as well as a healthy marriage and childbirth in the case of a married woman. Emeralds are the special sauce to bring Mercury on your side. Wearing an emerald of at least one and a half carats is said to boost success in all business and trade activities.

“Some of our customers come in looking for something to enhance their own energy, while some are not sure what they are looking for, but they know it when they feel it,” says Robin Banchik, a jewelry designer, certified graduate gemologist and owner of Crystalarium in Los Angeles, “It’s a deeply personal experience and one that empowers our customers.”

When you think of the jewelry you wear, begin thinking about it with a possible deeper meaning. What is it you want to empower? From that place, see what sparks your interest. Greatly influenced by Vedic philosophy, inventor and engineer Nikola Tesla said, “If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency and vibration.” Every piece of jewelry has its own. What will you choose to wear?

EXPLORE HEALING JEWELRY

Published on: September 2, 2016

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