The Five Gems of Panchtattwa Kawach

The Five Gems of Panchtattwa Kawach

Aquamarine

Aquamarine corresponds to the element earth, the densest of the elements taking the form of matter. In the hand, it relates to the mount of Venus—the physical body.

Esoterically, it represents the first, root chakra, called the Mooladhara. Ideally, the substantial nature of this element creates within us a sense of stability, confidence and trust. We are on solid ground with strong roots. An earth element reinforced, through Aquamarine, therefore, helps to build up our reserves of strength and courage, to move forward in life and to persist whenever faced with adversity.

Citrine

Citrine corresponds to the element water. This element relates to the mount of Jupiter—the ego, mind and ambition.

Water represents the second, Svadhisthana chakra, meaning sweet. The flowing nature of this element indicates flexibility—the ability to adapt and transcend personal limitations. Ideally, then, water represents the stirrings of greater awareness and sensitivity to our environment and to those around us.

As the rain enlivens the soil to provide a fertile environment for growth, the water element within us is nurturing, stimulating the imagination and the flow of ideas. Citrine resonates with the energy of water, spurring us on to become creative, sensitive and purposeful on our life path.

Amethyst

Amethyst relates to the element of fire, which can be interpreted as the flame of knowledge and transformation. Fire corresponds to the third, Manipura chakra, and to the mount of Saturn in the hand. It is here, through the fire of Saturnian discrimination, that the alchemical transformation from physical to spiritual begins. The third chakra performs a vital role as a bridge linking the lower elements of earth and water— the physical realm—to the finer vibrations of the fourth and fifth chakras of air and ether—spirit.

Amethyst, therefore, has a peaceful, calming effect on our minds that helps us to recognize that we function essentially as a trinity of body, mind and spirit.

Garnet

Garnet relates to the element air. This is the domain of the Sun mount in the hand. Air relates to the fourth, Anahata chakra, which is associated with the heart.

The higher vibration of this element expressed through this chakra is that of unconditional love. We communicate with the depth of our hearts—rather than the intellect of the ego. Liberated from a somewhat insulated, self-absorbed nature, characterized by the lower chakras, we recognize that there are no egocentric, self-imposed limitations or barriers between ourselves and others. The solar vibration of garnet reinforces this, realization, inducing within us an awareness of our soul force. Through increased magnetism and a more loving nature, we can guide our lives with conviction, self-reliance and moral fortitude.

Peridot

Peridot corresponds to the element ether. This rarefied element provides a vibratory medium, creating a threshold bordering mind and spirit. In the hand, ether relates to the mount of Mercury, the winged messenger of the gods. This is an appropriate description of Vishuddha, the associated fifth chakra, as the energy inherent in this etheric chakra manifests, ideally, as an intuitive and psychic nature. Mind becomes an impersonal tool, channelling the subtle dictations of the soul. Peridot helps release us from the bonds of mind, freeing us to access the unlimited nature of our deeper self, which is spirit.