Rubies, with their vibrant red hue and captivating allure, have been treasured gemstones for centuries. Adorning oneself with a ruby can symbolize passion, vitality, and power. However, before slipping that ruby ring onto your finger or donning a ruby necklace, there are crucial steps to consider. Proper preparation ensures that you not only showcase the gem’s beauty but also safeguard its integrity and amplify its energetic properties. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the essential steps to take before wearing ruby, allowing you to fully embrace its timeless allure and mystical significance.
Understanding the Significance of Ruby
Before delving into the practical steps of preparing to wear ruby, it’s imperative to grasp the significance of this majestic gemstone. Ruby, a variety of the mineral corundum, is renowned for its rich red color, derived from the presence of chromium. Throughout history, rubies have held profound cultural and spiritual significance. Ancient civilizations revered rubies as symbols of protection, prosperity, and passion. In many cultures, rubies were associated with royalty and power, adorning crowns, scepters, and ceremonial regalia.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, ruby is believed to possess metaphysical properties that can influence one’s energy and well-being. According to gemstone lore and various holistic traditions, ruby is associated with vitality, courage, and love. It is said to stimulate the heart chakra, promoting emotional balance and vitality. Whether you approach rubies from a spiritual perspective or simply appreciate their natural beauty, understanding their significance adds depth to the experience of wearing them.
Selecting the Right Ruby
The journey of preparing to wear ruby begins with selecting the right gemstone. Whether you’re purchasing a ruby piece for yourself or as a gift, several factors should influence your decision:
1. Quality: Assess the ruby’s quality based on the “four Cs” – color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. Look for a deep red hue with minimal inclusions, a well-proportioned cut that enhances brilliance, and a size that suits your preferences and budget.
2. Origin: Consider the ruby’s origin, as certain locations are renowned for producing superior-quality rubies. For example, Burmese rubies, particularly those from the Mogok region, are highly coveted for their intense color and exceptional clarity.
3. Treatment: Inquire about any treatments the ruby may have undergone. While heat treatment is common and generally accepted within the gemstone industry, other treatments such as fracture filling or diffusion can affect a ruby’s durability and value.
4. Setting: If purchasing a ruby piece, examine the setting to ensure it complements the gemstone and provides adequate protection. Whether it’s a ring, pendant, or earrings, the setting should securely hold the ruby while allowing light to enhance its brilliance.
By carefully selecting a high-quality ruby that aligns with your preferences and intentions, you set the stage for a meaningful and enjoyable wearing experience.
Cleansing and Energizing Your Ruby
Before wearing a ruby for the first time, it’s beneficial to cleanse and energize the gemstone to remove any stagnant energies it may have accumulated and enhance its vibrational properties. There are several methods for cleansing and energizing rubies:
1. Water and Salt: Submerge the ruby in a bowl of lukewarm water mixed with a tablespoon of sea salt. Allow it to soak for several hours or overnight. Rinse the ruby under running water to remove any residual salt.
2. Sunlight and Moonlight: Place the ruby in a spot where it can absorb sunlight during the day and moonlight at night. Both sunlight and moonlight are believed to cleanse and recharge gemstones, revitalizing their energy.
3. Smudging: Pass the ruby through the smoke of burning sage, palo santo, or other cleansing herbs. Visualize the smoke purifying the gemstone and releasing any negative energies it may hold.
4. Sound Bath: Place the ruby near a singing bowl or tuning fork and activate the sound vibrations. The harmonious frequencies can clear and revitalize the gemstone’s energy field.
Choose the cleansing method that resonates with you and your beliefs, and perform it with intention and mindfulness. This process prepares the ruby to attune to your energy and intentions as you wear it.
Setting Intentions
Before wearing your ruby, take a moment to set clear intentions for its use. Intentions are like energetic blueprints that guide the gemstone’s influence and amplify its effects. Whether you seek courage, passion, or abundance, infuse your ruby with your desired intentions through a simple ritual:
1. Quiet Reflection: Find a peaceful space where you can focus without distractions. Take a few deep breaths to center yourself and quiet your mind.
2. Visualization: Hold the ruby in your hands and visualize your intentions as if they have already manifested. Imagine the ruby radiating with vibrant energy, amplifying the qualities you wish to embody.
3. Affirmations: Speak aloud or silently repeat affirmations that align with your intentions. For example, if you seek courage, affirm, “I am fearless and empowered to overcome any challenges.”
4. Gratitude: Express gratitude for the blessings and opportunities that your intentions bring into your life. Feel a sense of appreciation and receptivity as you prepare to wear the ruby.
By setting clear intentions, you establish a conscious connection with your ruby and activate its potential to support and empower you on your journey.
Caring for Your Ruby
Once you’ve prepared your ruby for wearing, it’s essential to care for it properly to maintain its beauty and energetic properties:
1. Regular Cleaning: Clean your ruby regularly using a soft brush, mild soap, and warm water. Gently scrub the gemstone to remove any dirt or oils that may dull its luster.
2. Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Avoid exposing your ruby to harsh chemicals, including household cleaners and chlorine bleach, which can damage the gemstone’s surface and clarity.
3. Store Properly: When not wearing your ruby, store it separately from other gemstones to prevent scratches and abrasions. Consider keeping it in a soft pouch or jewelry box lined with fabric to protect it from dust and scratches.
4. Periodic Recharging: Periodically recharge your ruby’s energy by placing it in sunlight or moonlight, or by performing a cleansing ritual as described earlier. This helps maintain the gemstone’s vitality and effectiveness over time.
By adopting these simple care practices, you can preserve your ruby’s beauty and energetic resonance for years to come.
Final Thoughts
Wearing a ruby is not merely about adorning oneself with a beautiful gemstone; it’s an opportunity to connect with its timeless symbolism and tap into its energetic potential. By taking the time to select a quality ruby, cleanse and energize it, set clear intentions, and care for it lovingly, you honor the essence of this precious gemstone and invite its blessings into your life. Whether you wear a ruby as a personal talisman, a symbol of love, or a statement of style, may its radiant energy inspire and uplift you on your journey.
FAQs
How do I activate ruby before wearing?
Activating your ruby gemstone involves cleansing it to remove any negative energies it may have accumulated. You can do this by placing the ruby in a bowl of clean water mixed with sea salt overnight. Alternatively, you can leave it in the light of the full moon or sunlight for a few hours to recharge its energy.
What are the rules for wearing ruby?
Ruby is associated with the Sun, and wearing it on a Sunday is considered auspicious. It is recommended to wear ruby on the ring finger of the right hand for maximum benefits. Before wearing, it’s advised to recite a mantra dedicated to the Sun, such as the Gayatri mantra, to enhance its positive effects.
What should you not wear with ruby?
Avoid wearing ruby with diamonds, emeralds, or blue sapphires as they can counteract its energy. Additionally, wearing ruby with metals like iron can diminish its effects. It’s also suggested not to wear ruby while performing activities involving harsh chemicals or heavy physical labor.
How do I know if ruby is working?
The effects of wearing ruby can vary from person to person, but you may notice an increase in confidence, vitality, and enthusiasm. Additionally, you might experience improved clarity of thought and a sense of empowerment. Pay attention to any positive changes in your life, relationships, or career, as these could indicate that the ruby is indeed working its magic.