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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 |
BANGALORE's VASANT MISTRY GRADUATES WITH HONORS The PGA is proud to welcome new member, Sriman Vasant Mistry, of Bangalore, India, who scored a perfect 100% on his PGA exam - something which rarely happens. For anyone wishing to take advantage of Vasant's astrological and gemological guidance his contact details are given below:
India's Vidushii Luthra Joins PGA PGA Ruling Committee Appoints New Members The PGA Ruling Committee has unanimously appointed two new members, Sriman Arnavji and Smt. Neetaji, as listed below. With these new additions the total number of Ruling Committee members is now 11. To contact the Ruling Committee please contact Secretary Richard Shaw Brown.
*New*
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. Planetary Gemology Goes Apple iPhone & iPad  Ancient Astrological Gemstones & Talismans II By Richard Shaw Brown, PG http://itunes.apple.com/in/app/ancient-astrological-gemstones/id379587410?mt=8 Description “A complete guide on gems in astrology”---The Astrological Magazine of India *HOT 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 *HOT New Article*
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.
Attention: All Planetary Gemology related news will be published here. If you have NEWS please send to PGA-NEWS   Jnanpith Award Ceremony for Prof Dr Satya Vrat Shastri - 19th August, 2009, New Delhi India. Shastri's former student, The Princess of Thailand, was Guest of Honor. Prof. Shastri, a PGA Founding Patron, is the first person to receive the Jnan-pith Award for Sanskrit. 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 & Registered Gemologist. Now he is also a Planetary Gemologist certified by the PGA. Congratulations!!! Australia's Jaye Walton interviews Richard Brown on Thai TV  Planetary Gemology on TV "Morning Talk" 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 Feb 25, 2009 
PGA Founder-Patron Prof. Satya Vrat Shastri conferred D Litt Degree, Honoris Causa from Deccan College, Pune, 2009 
New Article on Richard S. Brown in Look East Magazine 
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  GREAT NEW PAINTING OF LORD RAHU 
There
has never been seen a perfect picture of RAHU like this before. Watch
the picture carefully. Each and every thing from top to bottom has
a story. I WOULD
BE GLAD IF YOU SHOW THIS IMAGE OF RAHU ON YOUR WEBSITE. SITE : WWW.RAHU.WETPAINT.COM PGA WELCOMES 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 NEW Ancient Astrological Gemstones & Talismans II By Richard Shaw Brown, PG 
The 13 year anniversary, greatly-expanded, 2nd Edition of this
Award-Winning classic is published. Some VIP quotes "I am pleased to convey to you the Royal sincere thanks for
the kind presentation."---M.L. Thawisan Ladawan, His Majesty
the King of Thailand's Principal Private Secretary, March 22, 1995 "Their Majesties the King and Queen have commanded me to
convey to you their thanks and appreciation for the gemology book,
"Ancient Astrological Gemstones & Talismans."---Narendra
Raj Panday, Press Secretary to H.M. the King of Nepal. Sept. 1995 "Her Royal Highness thanks you for creating the most beautiful
and interesting book."---Mrs. Darunee Pulsup, Secretary to
H.R.H. Princess Galyani Vatana of Thailand, Feb. 13, 1995 "A commendable work that can well be used as a valuable reference
for future students."---H.E. Chuan Leekpai, Prime Minister
of Thailand. May 1995 "Insightful account of ancient Vedic science of Planetary
Gemology."---H.E. Sri S.R. Bommai, Minister, Human Resource
Development, India. Nov. 1997 "We in Sri Lanka also have a strong demand for astrological
gemstones to be worn to ward off planetary ill effects, but I do not
think that any author or gemmologist has gone to the extent that you
have done to publicize their great importance."---A E T Ellawala,
Chairman, National Gem & Jewellery Authority of Sri Lanka. Nov.
1997 "A complete guide on gems in astrology. Whether it is the
color plates of the eye-dazzling gemstones or the text that wins is
tough to decide but worth every bit of the price." ---The
Astrological Magazine (India). 1995 "A great book, both beautiful and auspicious. This book can
help you decide which gems are suitable for you. Read this book!"---Central
Premiere Magazine (Thailand) June, 1995 "The complete science of Planetary Gemology as taught in
the Vedas"---Yin Magazine (Thailand) May, 1995 "Researched and compiled by Brown himself, the book contains
an explanation of gemstones which possess astrological powers."---Bangkok
Post, "Bangkok Buylines" by Sinsap Amatyakul, June 24, 1995 "World renowned American gemologist, Richard S. Brown, has
written another magnificent book that provides a deep and convincing
insight into the science of gems, planets and sidereal astrology."
---Review by Don Mithun "Like a gem itself, so much filled with color joy and hope
for all who like to possess jewels"---Review in Mystic India,
April 1996 "Those interested in the astral aspects of precious gems
and how they relate to one's personal karma or destiny, will find
abundant food for thought in this authoritative book."---Review
in Bangkok Gems & Jewellery. May 1995 "Methodical."---Review in The Nation newspaper.
1996 "The ultimate hand-book on the subject, with superb photography."---Review
in Expression (AMEX) magazine. Feb./March 1995 "Wonderful book of Vedic gemology."---H.E. Sundar
Nath Bhattarai, Nepalese Ambassador to Thailand. July 1995 "Ancient Astrological Gemstone and Talisman by Richard S. Brown is a comprehensive study of ancient oriental wisdom vis-à-vis study of gemstones & their astral powers. The main attraction of this book is Talisman Jewellery with classical sidereal astrology of India. The contents of the book itself speaks about the invaluable treasure of knowledge possessed by the author. The glimpse of Vedic knowledge gained by the author, by dedicating himself to his divine grace Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada , is also seen in this book at various places like in one of the chapters named Pearls he mentioned .."The process of cleaning pearls was taught by the great Vyadhi where Vyadhi refers to the name for Lord Vishnu , most probably his Dhanvantri incarnation , in which form Lord revealed the medical science to mankind, out of his compassion for the learned and virtuous". Such description itself reveals the fact that author is blessed with the gem of knowledge. The description about the Navgraha along with the rare photographs of the respective deity is fantastic. The Gemstone Narratives is one of the excellent chapters in his book, where various stories and facts are written in such a interesting manner that it encapsulates the mind of the reader fully. Best part of this book that it rules out superstitions about Indian astrology. Last but not least, the Appendage on Planetary Mantras, Charity & Fasting is amazing, where a reader could find charity, fasting & the mantra for respective deities. It serves as an invaluable guide to the user. I think Mr.Brown has taken the birth on this planet to complete the unfinished task of promoting planetary gemology & playing the lead role for the same. He is the precious gift of lord on the earth." ---Dr. Shekhar Vashishtha, B.Sc.(Hons.), M.Sc.Applied Geology, B.R., S.S., P.G.D.J., Ph.D., C.C.F.S., F.G.S., G.G (U.S.A), F.G.A..(U.K.), P.G.(THAILAND), SECRETARY GENERAL, MINERAL CLUB OF INDIA 
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/ Astral Gemstone Talismans Opens New Location
Astral
Gemstone Talismans at All Seasons Place-Retail Center  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 Academic Background: High School graduate 1972, Coconino High School, Flagstaff, AZ Graduate, Albuquerque School of Jewelers Arts, Albuquerque, NM, December 1st, 1976. Graduate, Gemological Institute of America, Diamond Grading and Evaluation Course, April 28th, 1981. Graduate, Gemological Institute of America, Stone and Gem Identification Course, June 29th, 1984. Graduate Gemologist, Gemological Institute of America, December 4th, 1984. Fellow, Gemmological Association and Gem Testing Laboratory of Great Britain. (Gem-A.) Granted Diploma in Gemmology, November 9th, 1987. Accredited at Level 5 with the UK Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA), the equivalent of a UK foundation degree. The Gemmological Association is a UK Government recognized Awarding Body. Appraisal Information Network, since 1998. (Continuing education & networking) (Not current.) Accredited member, International Society of Appraisers. Core Courses in Appraisal Studies: Reviewed & Approved by UMUC (University of Maryland University College) Continuing Education Unit. Module I and II including Course 101: Ethics, Business Practices, Communication; Course 102: Identification & Authentication, Research, Technology, Report Writing; Course 103: Legal Aspects of Appraising, Case Studies, Expert Witness, IRS Report Writing etc. (Not current.) Student, Jiva USA, Jagannath Institute of Vedic Astrology, 2007 (current) Subscribes to numerous jewelry, gemological, and valuation publications. Professional Background Director, Albuquerque School of Jewelers Arts, Albuquerque, NM 1978 thru 1981. State approved, jewelerís trade school teaching goldsmithing, diamond setting, lost wax casting, wax model making, rubber mold making, and jewelry repair. Owner Jewelers Trade Shop, Albuquerque, NM 1978 thru 1981, relocated to Belen, NM 1981 thru 1991. Wholesale work to the jewelry trade, jewelry repair, stone setting, wax model making, casting and fabrication. Owner Golden West Jewelry and Loan, Belen, NM 1981 thru 1998. Retail pawnshop and jewelry store. Engaged in pawn loans, retail jewelry sales, custom jewelry design, manufacture, buying and selling diamonds, colored stones and jewelry. Appraisals since 1984. Owner The Ringmaster, Diamond and Goldworks, Belen, NM 1998 to 2006. Retail jewelry store specializing in while you wait jewelry repairs, custom orders, and fine jewelry appraisals. Buying and selling diamonds, colored stones and jewelry. Owner Ringmasters, Jewelry Appraisal Services, Belen, NM 2002 to 2006, specializing in fine jewelry, diamond and gemstone appraisal services (insurance, estate, federal) offered exclusively through select fine jewelry stores. Owner Ringmasters, Custom Vedic Talismans, 2006 to present. Accredited member, International Society of Appraisers. (Not Current) Fellow, Gemmological Association of† and Gem testing Laboratory of Great Britain. (Gem-A).(Current) Memberships Gemmological Association of Great Britain.(Current) Website
Astrojeweler.com, under
construction.  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 Over the last decade in Europe, Russia and the United Kingdom pioneering work has been carried out on vibrational healing. During this time Howard Beckman and his wife Jennifer have brought together a concise and conclusive system of Ayurvedic Gem Therapy. Together with the help of their team of scientists and staff, they have produced the Balaji GL108 Navaratna Gem Lamp. The GL108 enhances the individual gem cosmic rays even further using innovative science on the cutting edge of modern technology. The gem lamps have been used to treat everything from burns, infections and sprains to depression and neurological disorders. All with outstanding results. The Balaji GL108 Navaratna Gem Lamp consists of an electronic instrument encased in steel with a front control panel to set the desired frequencies and times of treatments. It has been certified by US government approved testing laboratories to meet all required specifications for such a device to be sold in the US, Canada, the United Kingdom and Europe, which makes it also approved for most all other countries in the world. It is supplied with 2 gem lamps made of heat-resistant materials that can never become hot to the touch so as to cause burning in any case instances. A set of 9 natural, untreated gems and 9 specialty color filters are also supplied with the gem lamps, as well as 2 tripods to support the lamps' use. Healing with Color/Gem Therapy The human body is composed of vibrating groups of cells. These cells are in turn made up of the seven cosmic rays in varying degrees. To remain in a healthy state the rays within the cells should be in a state of equilibrium. Disease occurs by the outward and inward actions of the individual. The body's natural defense manages to adjust when up to two cosmic rays are disturbed and through proper maintenance it can right itself. But when three or more cosmic rays are disturbed, the body will succumb to disease. Certain gemstones are recognized to be storehouses of the individual cosmic rays. The ancient Greeks, Egyptians, and Judaic cultures used gems for healing, but it was the Vedic culture of India that gives the most comprehensive practice of gem therapy. Particular gems were connected to specific cosmic rays; Ruby - red ray, Pearl - orange ray, Red coral - yellow, Emerald - green, Yellow Sapphire - blue ray, Diamond/White Sapphire - Indigo and Blue Sapphire - violet. These in turn are connected to specific energies or doshas within the body and mind. Gem therapy is usually administered by gem tinctures, ayurvedic gem medicines or rings and amulets. Only natural gems are used, as their vibration is the same as the corresponding rays. Glass and synthetic or heated gems do not vibrate at the same specific level and therefore will not give the same results. The gems we provide for use with the lamps are transparent except for the pearl, red coral and crysoberyl cats-eye (which are never transparent) and are of beautiful natural color. The Balaji GL108 Navaratna Gem Lamp: * easy to use * outstanding results * innovative technology * restores balance * invaluable investment * fully warrantied * live tech support * correspondence courses * intensives/workshops * ...and best of all, NO SIDE EFFECTS! 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" 
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) Pt. Sanjay Rath, Paramaguru, SJC w Sri Jagannath Centre w 15B Gangaram Hospital Road, New Delhi 110060 w +91 11 25717162 w http://srijagannath.org Academic Director, JIVA w Jagannath Institute of Vedic Astrology w P.O. Box 538, Aromas, CA 95004, USA w http://jiva.us Editor, The Jyotish Digest w http://thejyotishdigest.com w Chairman, SJCERC w SJC Education & Research Center Academic Director, JIVA w Slavic Institute of Vedic Astrology, Novi Sad, Serbia w http://siva-edu.com 
Thai Superstar Naamthip and Richard Shaw Brown at the launch party for Richard's 9th Designs Collection held in Bangkok on Dec 1, 2007
Excellent meta tags, coding and information worthy of the PGA's highest Web Award
 Richard Shaw Brown Launches 8th Talisman Designs Collection 
Ancient Astrological Gemstones & Talismans II Richard Shaw-Brown's 1996 Benjamin Franklin Award winning classic on Planetary Gemology is now published in 2nd Edition with 6 additional chapters. The cyber-version is on-line FREE to read. Click HERE to read the updated book. Click Planetary Gemology to join the group.
PGA Warning: Common Lightning Whelk WRONGLY sold as fabled Valampuri Lakshmi Conch DON'T BE FOOLED!!! 
 New PGA Book Published - in the mail. If you are a PGA member and do not receive this book please write or contact the PGA to get your free copy.
Preview Richard Shaw Brown's "Sri Chintamani" Talismans Collection for 2005 NEW PGA FEATURE: LISTING OF PGA GEM SUPPLIERS
The Sanskrit name for the PGA was composed by HONORARY PATRON Prof. Dr. Satya Vrat Shastri, Padma Shri |
Vasant Mistry
Ms Neeta
Dr. K. Venkatesan
Pandit S.P.Tata
American College of Vedic Astrology
Florida Vedic College
Vedic Astrology Institute of Central
Texas
India's 
Carol
Levy GG, PG, is the 6th Planetary Gemologist to be recognized
by the PGA. Her contact information is in members or graduates 
Dr.
Badri Raj Joshi, Ph.D., PGA, the son of Nepal’s Royal Astrologer
and senior PGA Patron Prof Mangal Raj Joshi, has become a new
PGA member and PGA graduate. His contact information is also
found inside.
