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PGA Patrons & Members PGA Codes of Professional Ethics & OFF-LIST PGA & PG Graduates PGA Web Awards PGA Articles PGA Voting Results PGA News PGA Complaints The 9 Gems Die neun Edelsteine Planets & Gems Gemstone Conflicts The Planetary Herbs Jyotish Gem Powers Natural Jyotish Pearls Gem Clarity Sidereal Astrology Your Planetary Gem Anukul/Pratikul Mani & Mantra Ratnarpana The PGs Dictionary PG Reference Material Book Reviews A Contemporary look at Planetary Gemology The PG Diploma ACADEMIC PGA Course Info Links ACADEMIC Featured Talisman PGA Cyber Books PGA Journal 2001 PGA Journal 2002 PGA Journal 2003 PGA Journal 2004 PGA Journal 2005-2006 (C) 1999 by Planetary Gemologists Association All rights reserved |
  All Seasons Place - Retail Center, 1st floor, 123-C All Season Place, 87/208 Wireless Road, Lumpini, Bangkok-10330, Kingdom of Thailand 02-252-1230 / 252-1231 • E-mail: sec@p-g-a.org During 2011 the PGA provided over 6.3 million page views  Former Thai Prime Minster General Prem visits one of Astral Gemstone Talismans many locations around Bangkok. H.E. was greeted by four AGT sales advisors, all PGAs. CLICK TO ENLARGE  Socially Responsible Information on gems and their use in Jyotish from Modern Astrology Magazine November, 2011 Letter and December, 2011 Reply SRI --- Socially Responsible Information on gems and their use in Hindu astrology or Jyotish from Modern Astrology Magazine Oct. 2011 Issue. Some common sense points, but not the entire picture. CLICK TO ENLARGE 
Royal Patronage & Recognition for Bangalore’s Guru Arnav Medhi and Gemstone Universe  Guruji Shrii Arnav and Maharaja Srikanta Datta Narasimharaja Wodeyar Bahadur in the Gemstone Universe Gem Gallery. His Highness, The King of Mysore and the scion of the royal family, Member of Parliament for 4 times and the present President of Karnataka Cricket Board, Maharaja Srikanta Datta Narasimharaja Wodeyar Bahadur graced the premises of Gemstone Universe in Bangalore, Karnataka, INDIA with his presence and visited their Gem Gallery of Fine, Natural and unheated gemstones. His Highness appreciated & admired the work being done by their organization towards development of planetary gemology and he viewed a sampling of their collection of rare and exquisite gemstones.  Welcome to the 21st Asian Astrologers' Conference February 4 - 5, 2012 (Saturday & Sunday) The Conference is being organized by the Indian College of Astrology & Astronomy, Kolkata, in joint venture with the Asian Astrologers' Congress (Dhaka), Bangladesh and the Centre of Astrological Study & Research for Public Welfare, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand. Note: Bangladesh is a different country outside of India but Jharkhand is a state within India and Kolkata is a metropolitan City within the State of West Bengal, India. This Conference is organized in Kolkata every two years. There is a big Airport named Dumdum Airport which has a Domestic Terminal and an International Terminal. Also there are two large Indian Railway Stations, one is Howrah & another is Sealdah. From all Over India all trains are coming & going through these two stations and there is also Metro Railway in Kolkata (Calcutta). The Conference location is 40 minutes away from the Airport, Indian Railway Stations & Metro Rail by car. Metro City Car is running generaly 40-45 Km/hr. The primary delegation Fee is Rs. 2000/-only in Indian currency. This type of delegate will be treated as Grade A, and the delegate will stay in our accomodation. He/she will get the conference kit, and we will arrange car for pickup from airport to hotel & from hotel to conference hall & vice versa. This will include all fooding & lodging at the conference hall & hotel premises . Hotel will be good class. Delegates will get all the facilities from 3rd February, 2012 starting at 11 A.M. to 5th February, 2012 till 11 A.M. If a delegate arranges all communication & food and lodging by themselves then they only have to pay Rs. 250/- in Indian Currency. This delegate will be treated as local delegate, and will get the Conference Kit, plus Lunch & Tea at conference hall premises. Delegates are coming from different states all over India and also outside of India, i.e., Bangladesh, Srilanka , Nepal & others countries also. Smt. Beauty Chakraborty is the Advisor-in-Chief of this Conference Committee as well as being the President of INDIAN COLLEGE OF ASTROLOGY & ASTRONOMY, KOLKATA. I myself am the Vice-President of this College. For the last ten years we are organizing this Conference in Kolkata. We do believe all deligates will get satisfactory hospitality from us. For more information and booking please call me, Hiranmoy Bhattacharyya at Email: hiranmoyb@rediffmail.com or call my mobile +91-9831575611. We encourage your participation. Thank you. Healing Matrix Opens Rudraksha Centres Across India  Neetaji at the opening in Hyderabad Hyderabad: Mrs. Indira Gandhi wore them; so do Yehudi Menuhin, B. K. S. Iyengar, Amitabh Bachchan, Bal Thackery, Shammi Kapoor, Murali Manohar Joshi, Sri Sri Ravishanker, Mata Amritanandayi Devi, Tamil Actress Khusboo or for that matter Rajanikanth. Probably the best of the berries ever produced in the alternative therapies, is catching on like never before. Living has become tough. Problems are a plenty in life. The business of Counseling in India is too fragmented and operates in an unorganized manner. And it is mostly a fear based one. There are no corporate or individual sponsored franchisees or chain of retail outlets where people can go and seek solutions to their problems. Now, for the first time in India, Healing Matrix (www.HealingMatrix.com) is setting upIndia’s first retail outlet for Rudraksha in Hyderabad. Backed by credible business network of distributors in USA, Europe, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, UAE, Trinidad, Africa and Canada, Healing Matrix is going to change the whole gamut of Rudraksha business in India. Mumbai based Healing Matrix is an enterprise of Rudra Centre (first ISO 9001:2008 certified Rudraksha organization in the world), pioneers in Rudraksha business in the country, now wanted to change the way Rudraksha business is carried. Rudra Centre is the first firm in the world to have website for the Rudraksha. It has embarked on an innovative business model — Retail Chain of Rudraksha Science Therapy Outlets across the country, which nobody thought before. India’s first such retail centre is being inaugurated here in Hyderabad on Friday July 8 at Punjagutta, behind Joy Alukkas Showroom. Addressing a Press Conference Ms. Neeta, CEO of Healing Matrix informed that the new Centre is coming up at 800 sq ft area. Soon similar centers will come up in Chennai and Bangalore. We plan to open 6 centres by the end of this year. And will have 20 to 25 centers in next two years. Targeted at anyone who is above 18 years and needs counseling help to begin with, each centre will offer two packages. A shortened counseling package which is free or a paid counseling session with an experienced domain expert for a nominal fee, they give practical, logical recommendations that will help ease problems to lead a happy life, added Neeta. Neeta is involved in scientific research leveraging Rudraksha along with doctors and scientists so that the power of Rudraksha may be tapped to the maximum. She along with famous Andhra Cardiologist Dr. Nagendra Reddy practicing in USA devised a “Rudraksha Science therapy”™. Which we wanted to extend to Indian masses now she says. Rudraksha Science Therapy is a novel way of tapping the power of Rudraksha beads after identifying the pain points of the people and stringing Rudraksha in accordance to that. Nearly 20,000 people have experienced this therapy and are satisfied. Though there is no published data available on this business on a rough estimate it is found that nearly 4% of the population in this country uses Rudraksha. And we have about 100 unorganized small time and regional players in this business. Through this franchise business model we wanted to corporatize the business. There is a huge potential. On a rough estimate, Rudrakshas worth Rs 300 crore are being sold across the country every year. The business is growing at the rate of 15% every year. The market is flooded with fake beads. And the customers are taken for a ride. Healing Matrix an enterprise of Rudra Centre sees a huge marketopportunity and a big social responsibility. Rudraksha are also known as “Tears of Lord Shiva”. Rudraksha trees are found in sub-Himalayan region of Nepal, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Malaysia. Bihar is the home of the best Rudraksha trees in India. Biharis have always been fond of Rudraksha. About 90 per cent of the total Rudraksha beads available in the world are 5 mukhi and most Rudrakshas used in the mala come from Indonesia and Malaysia. Coupled with the strength of Rudra Centre which has an envious track record with over 250 exhibitions across the world, present in over 25 countries and has distribution network in more than 40 countries like USA, Europe, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, UAE, Trinidad, Africa and Canada, soon it will emerge a major player in the country. It has another feather in its cap. Over the years of work, Neeta came in contact with experts from TM foundation in USA, Deepak Chopra institute, Master Charles of Synchronicity Foundation, David Frawley (famous Gemologist), Thomas Ashley Farrand (Author of Healing Mantras) and Richard Shaw Brown (famous Gemologist from Bangkok) who impressed with her knowledge on Rudraksha, joined in her cause and some even became distributors in their countries. It has added to its credibility. Neeta, a post Graduate in Computer Sciences, a software developer, senior teacher, restaurant owner turned entrepreneur has wide knowledge of Rudraksha. She lived in Indonesia for 10 years and returned to India in the year 2000. She has carried out extensive research on Rudraksha. She wants to leverage this knowledge experience to the benefit of her country men and women. Rudrakshas are always part and parcel of our life from ages. Our ancient literature and Shastras confirm the same. Due to increasing popularity of Rudraksha with the general popularity in India, scientific studies have been undertaken in recent years to determine whether there is any real significance in the Vedic literature regarding the healing powers of Rudraksha or not. And the research confirmed that the healing powers of Rudraksha beads work scientifically. Scientific research proved that Rudraksha bead consists of Magnetic, Electric Inductive properties. Depending on the polarity and intensity of this induced magnetic field, Rudraksha beads transmit electrical and inductive impulses with opposing polarity and intensity. The human body is a complex bio-electronic circuit comprised of the Central Nervous System and the organs and functions it regulates. This property of Rudraksha makes it capable in stabilizing and anchoring the Bio-electric current. The values are measured in units of Farad. This property is very helpful in controlling hyperactivity, palpitations of heart, streamlining heartbeat etc. Due to stress when there is increased physical activity heart beats faster and the overall activity of hormones and nervous system increases. This causes increased energy levels or increase in potential difference. As a result of this the magnitude of the Bio-electric Current increases. Rudraksha beads acting as Dielectric, store this excess Bio-electric Energy, thereby streamlining the overall activity to Normalcy, added Neeta. Ref. http://apnnews.com/2011/07/07/healing-matrix-embarks-on-retail-chain-of-rudraksha-science-therapy-centres-across-several-cities-in-the-country/ PGA Ruling Committee Appoints New Members The PGA Ruling Committee has unanimously appointed two new members, Sriman Arnavji and Smt. Neetaji
Heal your mind, body and soul with Gem Therapy and Ayurveda-Balance the tridoshas of the body with Ayurveda Gemstone Therapy.
By Guru Arnav New PG book in Malayam by Sivaraam Babu Kumar
A new "Planetary Gemology" book, "NAVARATNA VISHESHANGAL" (in malayalam) was released in the full day astrology seminar conducted by M/s Astrovision. The release was done by Binod Hariharan and Astrologer P.G.Nambiar in the presence of learned astrologers Sri. Kanipayyur Narayan Namboodiri, Sri. R. G. Thuravoor and Sri. Hari Menon at Bharat Tourist Home, Ernakulam on 25th September 2010. Around 400 astrology lovers (practicing astrologers and astrology students) participated in the function and the author presided over the function. *Cool News*
“A complete guide on gems in astrology”---The Astrological Magazine of India *New Article* *NEWS* NEW ASTROLOGICAL MAGAZINE: MODERN ASTROLOGY  NEW ASTROLOGICAL MAGAZINE: MODERN ASTROLOGY The NEW ASTROLOGICAL MAGAZINE which was started as a successor to THE ASTROLOGICAL MAGAZINE founded by Dr.B.V.Raman and which was edited by his daughter Gayatri Devi Vasudev after his demise in 1998 until her resignation from the Editorship in June 2007 now comes to you as MODERN ASTROLOGY. As with its predecessor, MODERN ASTROLOGY has been widely welcomed by the astrology community as well as by the lay readership and now has an international readership. Annual subscription rates in India Rs. 360. For other Asian countries --Sri Lanka, Burma, Pakistan, etc., it is Rs.1200/- (necessitated by the high postal charges), USA & EUROPE US$ 55 Payable Agrany Publications, 56, ITI Layout IV East Main Road, Banshankari III Stage, Bangalore 560 085 India Prof. Shastri Honored with Padma Bhushan
 For those not familiar with the highest National Awards of India, the award "Padma Bhushan" is very lofty in deed. I'm proud to attach this new letter from Govt of India, informing my dear friend, Prof Dr Satya Vrat Shastri, of his being awarded, "Padma Bhushan" (He has already been awarded "Padma Shree" years ago). So far his awards in Sanskrit, including recent "Jnanapith", bring his total of awards in Sanskrit to 67. It's another proud day for all Indians. Do Gemstones Work-No They Don’t for 90% of the People. Alteration of Karmic Life Map is a Herculean Task
By Guru Arnav
Amazing ultra-rare "Lakshmi Conch" Collection  © Picture courtesy of private collector in the Kingdom of Thailand PGA welcomes new "PG" Planetary Gemologist John F. Stampfli  John F. Stampfli is the Founder and President of The Stampfli Group. His background includes management positions with Ernst & Young, LLP and KPMG, LLP where he was a subject matter expert in international trade. John was also the Manager of Logistics for Unisys Corporation where he had direct responsibility for import/export operations, regulatory compliance and international and domestic transportation. John received a BA in History from California State University, Fullerton. In addition, he holds Professional Designations in International Business Management and International Trade from the University of California, Los Angeles and is a Certified and Registered Gemologist. He is only the 13th person to achieve this PG Diploma. The PGA is honored to welcome Mr, Stampfli, PG. Australia's Jaye Walton interviews Richard Brown on Thai TV  Planetary Gemology on TV "Morning Talk" NEW: Kampeer Krungpradap-Koobharamee Color eBook  GREAT NEWS FOR THAI READERS, Richard Shaw Brown's Benjamin Franklin Award winning classic, "Ancient Astrological Gemstones & Talismans - 2nd Edition since 1995 with 8 additional Chapters and full color improved design, is now available in Thai language as a a full-color, large-format eBook. Online Password Protected Download - 8 MB Price: 400 Baht or US$ 11.40 PURCHASE ON LINE PGA
Secretary Richard Shaw Brown is featured on Thai TV during opening of
the Bangkok International Gem and Jewelry Show PGA Founder-Patron Prof. Satya Vrat Shastri conferred D Litt Degree, Honoris Causa from Deccan College, Pune, 2009 
More Honors & Awards for PGA Honorary Founder Patron Prof. Dr. Satya Vrat Shastri, Padma Shree 
2009 People's Collection by Astral Gemstone Talismans In view of the economy AGT has started creating numbered talismans in Sterling Silver and 18k Gold Trim that are affordable to the general public. Below are four examples. For more information contact www.agt-gems.com.
Rudraksha
Jagat-Guru Sri Kamal Narayan Seetha becomes PGA Honorary Patron
 Kamal Narayan Seetha, Rudra Centre, Shop No 9, Emerald Complex, Near Imax Adlabs, Bhakti Park, Anik Wadala Link Road, Wadala (E) Mumbai-400037 Maharashtra, (INDIA), Tel: (0)-(91)-22-24046611, 24046655, E-mail: RudraCentre@hotmail.com "Talk Presentation On Gemology and Planetary Gemstones"  Planetary Gemologist Tan Kah Yeow gave a "Talk Presentation On Gemology and Planetary Gemstones" on 24-08-2008 (Sunday) at 4pm to 6pm, at Nyonya Baba Association in Penang, Malaysia. WORLD'S BEST BOOK ON RUDRAKSHA REPUBLISHED By leading expert Sri Kamal Narayan Seetha, founder of Rudra Center in Mumbai  NEW "PLANETARY GEMOLOGIST"  Tan Kah Yeow, RGA, RG, PG, AJP, No. 90, Argyll Road, 10050 Penang, Malaysia. Mobile: (006)017-4786365 Tel/Fax: (006)04-2634472, E-mail: mp_gemologist@yahoo.com 
NOW: Ayurvedic Gem Therapy Course by Howard Beckman, PG Balaji Gem Instruments Develops GL108 Balaji GL108 Navaratna Gem Lamps, Natural Gem Therapy Instruments...Rapid Results With No Side Effects!  The Balaji GL108 Navaratna Gem Lamps have been used to treat everything from sprains and burns, depression and neurological disorders to simply rejuvenating the mind and body...all with outstanding results! For More Information Visit http://www.balajigl108.com/  Sri Guru Arnav of Astro Journey recruits 8 New Graduate PGAs FREE
Planetary Gemology Course At Astromandir LIKE, MISUNDERSTOOD Exciting new MOVIE-BIO of PGA Co-Founder Richard Shaw Brown Published in USA 
CLICK TO PURCHASE
ON AMAZON.COM NEW
"PLANETARY GEMOLOGIST"
The PGA is honored to welcome Mr. Dan Cooper, GG, PG - who is our 11th Planetary Gemologist READ MORE ON DAN  Ms Neeta, Director Rudra Centre, and Shree Rajeev Krishna Dasa, Director Shaligram.com Visit PGA Secretary, Richard Shaw Brown, PG, in Bangkok recently NEW
"PLANETARY GEMOLOGIST"
 The PGA is honored to welcome Mr. Loren Minner, GG, FGA, PG - who is our 10th Planetary Gemologist READ MORE ON LOREN  Jyotish expert Mrs. Nanda Arambewela and the Honorable Education Minister of Sri Lanka pictured with PGA Acting Secretary Richard Brown in Bangkok recently. BALAJI GL108 NAVARATNA GEM LAMP  Modern Science and Ancient Wisdom For more information on how to take advantage of this cutting edge innovative technology, please call Balaji Gem Instruments, 505.757.6194 or send an e-mail to balaji@vedicworld.org AGT Wins *5 Stars* OTOP Award, "2006 Product Champion of Thailand" BLUFF STONES!?? Here is an "insiders" knowledge of gem quality. What most people buy are junk (bad) gems, or bluff stones. Only real expert collectors can decern the REAL "gem" (good) quality of a gem and amongst them is the shared understanding that the top quality are very rare and high cost. Imagine: There are 3 kinds of gems 1) Jyotish (good) Quality 2) Doshi (bad) quality... and 3) Bluff (???) quality. ---Bluff means a stone or gem that looks free of problems, but these are hidden in the cutting and setting, as much as possible. These are defective gems that are not in the category of GOOD, nor bad. They are kind of useless, not good, not {totally) bad!??-- kind of "blah!!!" The trick is to buy the defective stone at a really cheap price because it's bad quality, then recut the gem and create a setting to hide the major or minor flaws...this looks like "jyotish" quality and sells for top quality prices, or even discounted prices, still the biggest profit margin is in bluff gem jewelry. And that includes "cultured" as a BLUFF "pearl" So, bad is bad, and bluff is so so, but jyotish quality, such as "natural" pearl, clean emerald, etc., is the most rare and most expensive. Such top quality gems hold a very small profit margin because starting costs are so extemely high (compared to common bluff stones) that they cannot be marked up like ordinary jewelry (bluff stones). It requires a high level of sophistication to identify true quality and values. A person advised to wear a 5 carat emerald is a fool if they spend Rs. 500-5000 for a 5 carat emerald, because in that price only very low (bad) quality is available. A person of knowledge knows that such a perfect 5 carat flawless gem is available, but cost is anywhere from US$3,000-$6,000 per carat, meaning minimum price would be over $15,000. If poor people can't afford jyotish quality, then they should go for "uparatna" in jyotish quality. Such as clean peridot in place of bad emerald. It is not an irony that healthy people are not seeking the "cure"---In this manner we understand that wealthy people (who can afford the best) are not interested in talismans. The irony is that those who cannot afford Jyotish gems are usually the only ones seeking them. And what they usually get, at best, is BLUFFED!!!  Syamantaka Ruby OR Shyamantaka Sapphire? By Richard Shaw Brown Of course most devotees and Indologists already know this story, but a mispronunciation in English has lead to the mistake of spelling wrongly as "Shyamantaka" which has caused the incorrect idea that Syamantaka was a blue sapphire (Saturn's gem). Even Amar Chitra Katha comic books in India, as well as Hindu artists make this mistake, and they misspell as Shyamantaka and show the Sun God is giving a blue sapphire to Satrajit. This is completely incorrect. If anyone looks at the Sanskrit they will see it is not spelled Shyamantaka, the real spelling is "SYAMANTAKA" which means the Ruby (Sun's gem) after which this story is named. The story also describes how the people mistook King Satrajit "as the Sungod" whenever he wore the gem, so it was surely not a blue sapphire (Saturn's gem). The PGA hopes this is clear and the misconception, mistaken spelling, and wrong depiction can be corrected VIP Astrological Guru Pandit Sanjay Rath is new PGA Honorary Patron 
Planetary
Gemologists Association,
C3 Building, Lumpini Night Bazaar, 1875 Rama 4 Road, Lumpini, Bangkok 10330, Kingdom of Thailand Kind Attn: Mr. Richard Shaw Brown, PG Dear Richard, We acknowledge with pleasure, the efforts made by you and the Planetary Gemnologists Association in promoting awareness about Jyotisa Quality gemstones and their proper use. Specifically, the information, documentation and proof about the following is very much appreciated. 1. The continuing debate on anukula (favourable, risk free) and pratikula (unfavourable, appeasement) gemstones. In principle, we strongly support the use of anukula gemstones and would recommend a pratikula gemstone only if it was involved in a strong favourable yoga in a kendra (quadrant). 2. The nava-ratna or nine principal gemstones of the navagraha, their definitions of quality including colour, clarity etc. All the nine gemstones are ideally used with the ruby in the centre surrounded with the other eight gems in an eight-petal heart lotus formation, as a pendant. We have been admiring your beautiful creations. 3. Discussion on gemstone conflicts are interesting and in principle we have found them to alter the strength of the principal gemstone in a negative manner, provided they do not form a part of any yoga. 4. Bogus and Genuine Lakshmi Shanka information at the website http://www.p-g-a.org/index1.html is very helpful and we hope to see your continued efforts in this direction in the future as well. We acknowledge and accept with thanks, your offer to be an Honorary Patron of the Planetary Gemologists Association. With best wishes, Yours truly, (Sanjay Rath) Sri Mangala Party...Richard Brown launches 9th Designs Book in style
 The Mystery of Rahu By gaya sar'nath <aghorabhairav@yahoo.com.au> Red
Coral – The Gem of Mars
by Guruji Sri Arnav  The
gemstone representing the positive powers of the planet Mars according
to Vedic astrology and Navagraha gemology is Red Coral.
BOGUS & GENUINE LAKSHMI SHANK INFORMATION
GEMSTONE PURITY
"A gem free from all impurities and radiating its characteristic internal luster should be looked upon as an escort of good luck; A gem which is cracked, fissured, devoid of luster, or appearing rough or sandy, should not be used at all." PEARLS???
Like, GET "REAL"!!!
 This illustration shows how REAL and bogus pearls look in an X-ray or cross section
Interesting Information from Mani Mala on Planetary Gemology
VIP ASTROLOGER PT. SANJAY RATH PROPOUNDS ANUKULA-VAD
 Richard Shaw Brown Launches 8th Talisman Designs Collection
 Natural Sacred Objects Collectors-Sellers-Connoisseurs Welcome
The Sanskrit name for the PGA was composed by HONORARY PATRON Prof. Dr. Satya Vrat Shastri, Padma Shri |
