Hindu astrology from a Vedic worldview
differs sharply from western astrology in its predictive
capacity. It is this predictive capacity that gives rise to the
various upayes or antidotes for planetary affliction, which are
designed to reduce the affects of a malefic planet or in some
cases, change its nature entirely. The use of gems to alleviate a malefic or
enhance a benefic falls under the category of remedial measures.
Mantras, yagyas and the kavach are other forms of remedial
measures, which can also be used to achieve the same effect.
However, because of their ease of use and availability gemstones
remain the most popular choice of remedial measures.
