*Cool News*
Planetary Gemology Goes 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

Winner of the PMA's “1996 Benjamin Franklin Award”--- this eBook App is available for both iPhone and iPad. The App contains special controls for adjusting font size, book-marking pages, leaving written or voice notes, etc. It can also be viewed in landscape mode for easy reading. Touching any picture brings it to full size. The eBook is filled with awesome color illustrations of gemstone talismans created and numbered by author and designer Richard Shaw Brown. This is the 2nd edition, with 8 additional chapters on everything from Kailash Shila to Lakshmi Conch. Get this book!

“Ancient Astrological Gemstone and Talismans by Richard S. Brown is a comprehensive study of ancient oriental wisdom vis-a-vis study of gemstones & their astral powers. The main attraction of this book is Talisman Jewelry 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 Dhanvantari 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 Nava-graha along with the rare photographs of the respective deities 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 is 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 and 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

*New Article*
Richard Brown replies to a "letter-to-the-Editor" of Modern Astrology (The NEW Astrological Magazine) edited by Smt Gayatri Devi Vasudev, who is also the "Chair-person" for the PGA's Managing Committee.
Subject GEMS: Question and answer.

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

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.

NEW ARTICLE ON OMENS

PGA Secretary Richard Shaw Brown is featured on Thai TV during opening of the Bangkok International Gem and Jewelry Show
Feb 25, 2009

News Article on Richard Shaw Brown

"Talk Presentation On Gemology and Planetary Gemstones"

PGA's New Home Base is:

Planetary Gemologists Association (In The Siam Society)
131 Soi Asoke - Sukhumvit 21 Road, Bangkok 10110, Kingdom of Thailand
Tel: (66) 2-661-6479 / (66) 2-661-6480 • Fax: (66) 2-260-2833 • E-mail: sec@p-g-a.org

NEW "PLANETARY GEMOLOGIST"

NOW: Ayurvedic Gem Therapy Course by Howard Beckman, PG

Sri Guru Arnav of Astro Journey recruits 8 New Graduate PGAs

FREE Planetary Gemology Course At Astromandir

Astro Journey, astromandir.com would be conducting classes on Planetary Gemology. These classes will be conducted by Guruji Shrii Arnav. Entire course will be completed in 15 sessions. To register please contact Mr. Shailendra Aragula at 9886469168 or Mr. Raghav ar 9844304967. You can also mail us your contact details. Course: Planetary Gemology/Navagraha Gemology. Eligibility: Desire to attain knowledge of the healing properties of gemstones and a sincere desire to help mankind with true undiluted knowledge without commercial motives. Course Fee: Nil. Successful candidates are expected to practice gemology with ethics and teach the acquired knowledge to other eligible indiviuals. Prerequisites: 1) True and Honest Heart. 2) Ability or desire to look inward. 3) Desire to help others. 4) Basic Understanding of the North Indian Diamond Chart. 5) Basic understanding of the 12 houses of the horoscope.

http://rudraksha.blogspot.com/2007/11/planetary-gemology-course-at.html

CLICK TO PURCHASE ON AMAZON.COM
A gripping and humorous autobiographical novel about the early life of Rick Brown, detailing the story of his 1960s era group, The Misunderstood, and their evolution from local garage band heroes to trailblazing psychedelic icons living in the heart of Swinging London. Read how the band's heart was ripped out on the eve of their success when Rick was drafted into the US Army, about his daring desertion from boot camp, his escape to a new life in a primitive ashram in North India, and his subsequent adventures as a hunted fugitive. Befriended by India's elite but forced from sanctuary as US authorities close in, he climbs the Himalayas, taking shelter in a secret ruby mine guarded by 115 year-old Kali Baba. Torn between the love of two competing gurus, as well as Kali Baba and beautiful Tanny, he is driven over the edge into the mysterious Asian underworld. Read a Synopsis of the book that details the modern-day discovery of Planetary Gemology in 1974.

“There's no disputing that it's an extremely entertaining read - and I can't wait to see the promised film.” (Phil McMullen, Terrascope On-line Reviews)

NEW "PLANETARY GEMOLOGIST"

The PGA is honored to welcome Mr. Dan Cooper, GG, PG - who is our 11th Planetary Gemologist
READ MORE ON DAN

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

Syamantaka Ruby OR Shyamantaka Sapphire?

By Richard Shaw Brown

This legend is derived from the 10th Canto of the great Bhagavata Maha-purana : Book 10, Chapter VII. Over 5,000 years ago, at the end of the Dvarpara-yuga or the "Copper Age," the 8th Incarnation of Lord Vishnu appeared on the Earth as Lord Krishna. During the latter part of His sojourn on this planet Krishna was involved in a misunderstanding over a wonderful ruby known as the Syamantaka gem.

There was a King named Satrajit who was a devotee of Surya, the Sun-god. After many years of worship King Satrajit was finally blessed by the Sun-god who gave him a fabulous ruby as a reward for his dedication. This ruby was named "Syamantaka" and it had the power to produce one hundred seventy pounds of gold daily for it's owner. Such was the great brilliance of this gem that people mistook King Satrajit to be the Sun-god himself where ever he wore the jewel. One day Satrajit went to visit Lord Krishna on His island Kingdom of Dvaraka. Krishna, understanding Satrajit's inflated ego and attachment, asked him for the gem. When Satrajit refused, Krishna relented and said nothing further about the matter. But the devoted denizens of Dvaraka were surprised and soon gossip spread throughout the Kingdom.

Later, the brother of Satrajit, Prasena, borrowed the gem and went boldly into the forest to hunt. Unknown to anyone, Prasena was killed by a great lion who was in turn killed by Jambavan, the King of Bears, who took the Syamantaka jewel into his cave and gave it to his child to play with. Soon the news of the gems disappearance turned into ugly rumors that perhaps Krishna was responsible for the theft. Sensing the people's doubt, Lord Krishna ventured out to search for the gem accompanied by a large group of followers. Later they found the dead bodies of both Prasena and the lion. Finally they came to the cave of Jambavan and Krishna entered the cave alone, leaving his associates out side. Seeing Krishna and not knowing his true greatness, Jambavan engaged Him in mortal combat. After the fighting had continued unabated for over 14 days and nights Jambavan began losing strength while Krishna was still strong and getting stronger. At this point Jambavan realized Krishna's true identity and offered Krishna the jewel and his daughter in apology. When Krishna returned triumphantly to Dvaraka the truth became known and the Lord returned the Syamantaka gem to King Satrajit. The legend of the gem continues, but the most memorable part of the legend involves Lord Krishna.

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.

Navaratna-Gems Collection Dedicated To the King of Thailand “Mangala – Royally Auspicious – Collection, 2007” The definitive collection of the “Thai King’s Official Symbol” Sri Navaratna, the Nine Sacred Gems – was finally revealed to the world on December 1st, 2006 at the Four Seasons Hotel’s Grand Ballroom in Bangkok. Astral Gemstone Talisman’s (AGT’s) designer Richard Shaw-Brown II just completed his 9th collection of precious jewelry – Mangala – Royally Auspicious – 2007. He created this collection as an accolade to 9 generations of the Chakri Dynasty and specifically dedicated it to Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama 9 Maharaja).

Thai Super Star Naamthip at the Mangala Party	Chief Brahmin Priest of Thailand Pt Vidyadhar with Richard
Richard greets VIP guests at the Mangala Party	Richard's Mangala Party Sales Team

Sri Gomeda in Shastra The ideal color for hessonite is an intense orange hue appearing like a mixture of honey, blood and moonlight with a brilliant copper-colored sparkle. Hessonites which are flawed, lack luster, or white or bluish in color are considered inferior and inauspicious. Hessonites of poor quality are common, while fine peaces are so rare that the ancients considered them the most blessed of all gems in the world. A pure hessonite sparkling with internal fire and set in a golden ornament is the ultimate talisman, capable of increasing the life span, the progeny, and the happiness of its owner. It can also remover evil thoughts and motives from the owner's mind. Any man possessing such a praiseworthy hessonite, even if only for ornamental purposes would surely become wealthy and famous in this lifetime. --- Sri Garuda Puranam: Chap. 75

GENUINE LAKSHMI SHANK

Lightning WHELK

Flawless Red Garnet

Flawless 13 cts Hessonite

PEARLS??? Like, GET "REAL"!!!

This illustration shows how REAL and bogus pearls look in an X-ray or cross section

New Mega Book on Vedic & Buddhist Sacred Objects in the works SACRED GEMOLOGY Natural Hallowed Objects of Asia Compiled by Richard Shaw Brown, Pt. S. P. Tata, and various Authors (Note: Does not include sacred by-products such as Milk, Honey, etc, nor cremation relics, nor grains like rice, etc. A sacred object is here defined not as a sacred article or ingredient of worship, but as an object of worship presided over by a Deity or associated with a Deity that inspires it's meta physical potency - a power source or over-lord)

PGA Directory 2006 The New PGA Directory & Journal is a combined 2005-2006 double issue. 80 pages from cover to cover this issue was graciously sponsored by Thailand's Astral Gemstone Talismans, and contains no advertisements, ONLY valuable information written by learned scholars and astrologers. Members: Your free copy is in the (surface) mail. If you do not receive your free copy, or if anyone wants a free copy please send your name and mailing address to: info@p-g-a.org CLICK FOR ON-LINE CYBER VERSION

WORLDS MOST FAMOUS & HISTORIC RUBY ...IS A RED SPINEL If you try to find the most famous ruby in the world that would be in the UK Crown Jewels, named Black Prince's Ruby, it was worn in battle and the black prince was struck by a sword directly on the gem, but it didn't break and saved his life. Before the British it was in India named the Timur Ruby by the Muslims who stole it from the Hindu Rajas, before that it was (said by some historians as) the Maharaja Ruby, and before that it might have been the Syamantaka Gem given by Suryadev to Satrajit. The interesting thing is that 60 years ago modern science discovered that it is a Red Spinel, not a ruby. But still it is called the most famous "ruby" on Earth. Never underestimate the powers of red spinel to attract Suryadeva.

CLICK PIC TO LEARN MORE

HPHT TREATED DIAMOND 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

Mani Mala by S. M. Tagore (C) 1879 Translation of sloka 79: Procedure for Gifting Gems for Retrograde Planets: Faultless ruby of good quality for Sun, pearl for Moon, coral for Mars, emerald for Mercury, yellow sapphire for Jupiter, diamond for Venus, the faultless blue sapphire for Saturn and for the others (obviously Rahu and Ketu) garnet and cat's eye gem. Translation of sloka 80-81: Procedure for Taking (wearing) Gems for Retrograde Planets: If the Sun were to be retrograde it is cat's eye gems which is considered auspicious, if it were the Moon, it is blue sapphire, if it is Mars, it is ruby, if it is Mercury, it is ruby, if it is Jupiter, it is pearl, if it is Venus, it is diamond, if it is Saturn, it is blue sapphire, if it is Rahu, one should wear garnet and if it is Ketu, one should go in for emerald. This information does not necessarily represent the views and policies of the PGA.

+ sri gurave namah + Dear All, I have been sincerely following the Anukula school for a long time and strongly advise the gemstone of lord of dharma (9th house) and lagnesha. So kindly follow this as it is a *no risk* method and enhances the good qualities and sattva guna. With best wishes & warm regards, Yours truly Sanjay Rath

Ninth "PG" (Planetary Gemologist) Graduates with Honours John Richard James Scott, BSc, DVM, CH, FGA, FCGmA, CAHP, RA, PG, 1502-1450 Chestnut Street, VANCOUVER, BC V6J 3K3, CANADA, had outstanding PGA test results earning an A+. This makes Mr. Scott the 9th bona fide Planetary Gemologist on Earth. Note: A "PG" is BOTH a PGA Graduate "Planetary Gem Advisor" (PGA) and also a Certified (mundane) Gemologist. This is a very rare combination. We welcome Mr. Scott as a respected member of the Planetary Gemologists Association Global.

Planetary Gem Advisor, Sri Kiran Kothare from Mumbai (on right) recently visited PGA Founder Richard Shaw Brown at the PGA Head Quarters and Sri Navaratna Museum in Bangkok, Kingdom of Thailand.