Blue sapphire (Neelam)
Blue sapphire (Neelam) is the gem of Saturn in Vedic astrology. Thought the most powerful of the nine, it is worn on the middle finger on a Saturday, usually only after a careful chart check and a trial period.
Also known as: Indraneel, Shani ratna
Saturn stands for discipline, endurance, service, longevity and slow, lasting progress. Blue sapphire is believed to act quickly, for better or worse, which is why it has a reputation unlike any other stone and is never recommended casually.
By house lordship it is most often considered for Taurus and Libra ascendants, where Saturn is the yogakaraka, for Capricorn and Aquarius, where Saturn rules the ascendant, and for Gemini and Virgo, where it rules the 9th or 5th. Astrologers are usually wary of it for Aries, Cancer, Leo, Scorpio, Sagittarius and Pisces ascendants, where Saturn rules one of the 3rd, 6th, 8th, 11th and 12th houses.
Tradition advises a trial first: keep the stone with you, or wear it, for a few days and stop if you feel uneasy. It is set in silver or panchdhatu. Amethyst, blue spinel and iolite are gentler substitutes.
Blue sapphire is not suitable for everyone, and no gem promises results. Seek a qualified astrologer’s personal advice before wearing it.