Frequently Asked Questions

You mention that the bangle minimises or nullifies negative karma, what is your perspective on this?

Over fortyfive years ago a monk and I from SRF decided to get one made while I was resident at Hidden Valley Ashram.

Our decision was mostly based on the observation that a few senior monastics we knew had them and also that we had discovered that Swami Sri Yukteswar wore one and not the more well known three metal wire astrological bangle. And then we discovered that Paramahansa Yogananda also wore one and ofcourse Sri Daya Mata. I never dreamed 45 years later that the three metal astrological bangle would become more expensive than the much more powerful nine-gem astrological bangle but this has occurred in the last couple of years.

Of those that wore the astrological navaratna that we chatted too (mostly senior monastics) seemed to indicate that they were very happy they had one. And so the hunt for appropriate astrologically relevent gemstones began. It took over a year for me to find the correct gems and looking back I would be embarrassed if I made a collection of similar gems again but at the time, they were the best I could find. These days there are many well known treatments to enhance gemstone colors and to dissolve eye visible inclusions etc. Consequently even with great care most gem buyers do not get authentic natural clean crystal cut gems. That said, hopefully you have read enough pages on Astrogems.com and FAQ's to understand how I select the gems.

Also if you do decide to move forward I generally like to evaluate your horoscope with you on the phone and discuss certain Karmic issues to ensure that I can increase the gems size to compensate for added and possibly not recognised karmic issues. This confidential analysis of increasing gem sizes does not add extra cost to the original quote to the client. There are different ways to make a profit and the best of all is the karmic blessings of doing an effective job and hence I don't charge for making the astrological gemstones larger when we both agree and see the need. I cover in much more detail the reasons for this from questions on the extensive frequently asked questions page. While looking at the chart i also like to often suggest a puja or two when a weakness becomes obvious. I like to send clients to www.amritapuja.org and planetary pujas can be as little as $35 with the funds going to a charity that helps the poor in India.

Also if you have a moment i hope you may Enjoy my most recent video on "How Astrological Bangles can nullify negative Karma."

Please feel very welcome to give me a phone call with any questions you may have. I always enjoy chatting to old friends and acquaintances from past lives.!

Paramahansa Yogananda taught that about 75% of our life's circumstances are predetermined by past karma, while the remaining 25% can be shaped through the individuals free choice , descrimination and will power.

Understanding Karma and Free Will

Past Karma (Destiny): The majority of your outward conditions—including your birth, environment, and natural tendencies—are set by actions from past lives. Yogananda called this destiny, not rigid fate, meaning it can be altered.

Present Willpower: You have the immediate freedom to choose how you react to your current life circumstances. By using conscious effort, self-control, and meditation, you can strengthen your will and overcome past limitations.

Spiritual Freedom: Yogananda emphasized that the ultimate exercise of human free will is the choice to turn either toward God or away from Him.

This is a paradigm changing perspective for us to understand and brings to the fore the importance of any instrument or method for enhancing our karmic pattern. Hence when Swami Sri Yukteswar is quoted in the chapter "Outwitting the Stars" in the "Autobiography of a Yogi " as saying By a number of means - by prayer, by will power, by yoga meditation, by consultation with saints, by use of astrological bangles - the adverse effects of past wrongs can be minimized or nullified. For most individuals this profound relevence does not sink in.

Paramahansa Yogananda often referenced a specific breakdown of percentages regarding what it takes to reach spiritual liberation.

While he didn't call it a flat "75% rule" on its own, the number is the combined total of the two forces acting on your behalf once you have done your part. He broke down spiritual success into the following formula:

25% comes from the devotee's own effort and sincere practice of meditation.

25% comes from the Guru's effort, blessings, and spiritual intercession on your behalf.

50% comes entirely from the grace of God.

Together, the Guru's blessings and God's grace make up 75% of the heavy lifting required for spiritual attainment. However, Yogananda always included a vital caveat for his students: “Don't forget, however, that the twenty-five percent that is your part represents one hundred percent of your own effort and sincerity!” In other words, you have to give everything you have to fulfill your 25% before the remaining 75% of divine assistance steps in to carry you across the finish line. While remembering that we have to have our karma paid off or absolved it is believed that because a nine gem bangle can minimise or nullify some of our negative karma. Many Saints and Rishi's believe wearing a correctly made onoe can make the journey little shorter and a little easier.

Wishing you more light on your spiritual path.