They say, when the going gets tough, the tough gets going. But what do you do when tough time seems unending — like the present times, where every sector is badly hit by the global meltdown? Among many solutions that people are resorting to, one that is catching up fast is the gem therapy. Hit by the economic slowdown, many are turning to gemmologists and astrologers for getting their stars under control through their lucky stones.

Twenty-four year old Rupali Phadtare, has done her MCA and is looking out for a job. At first her luck didn't favour her and to make the matter worse job market was adversely affected by economic downturn. Says Phadtare, "My friend advised me to consult an astrologer, who guided me to wear a Zircon ring, which I am wearing since last two weeks." Although still jobless, Phadtare is hopeful that her stars will change for better.

Rahul Kawade, branch in-charge, Sales, Destination Resorts Private Limited was advised by an astrologer to wear Ruby, also known as Manik. Says 28-year-old Kawade, "Professionally I was going through a very bad phase post September. There was lot of instability and insecurity. That's when I consulted an astrologer. I have been wearing Manik since December and I can see that the gem therapy is definitely working for me. I feel more confident and stable. My astrologer also advised me to wear a diamond but as of now I can't afford it, but I plan to wear it as soon as possible."

Gemmologist, astropalmist, numerologist and vastu consultant Promod K Nandkishore Sharma informs that stones like Sapphire (Neelam) and Zircon (Gomed) are the ones he advises his clients to wear. "These days I have a lot of businessmen coming here and most of them have suffered huge losses in their businesses because of the recession. According to astrology, it's the Shani that causes such situations. In such cases, gem therapy works wonders."

Similar are the views of Yogitta Wani, an astro-vaastu, numero, gemmo and pranic-reiki healer. Her clients are well aware that recession is here to stay, at least for next six months. But they request her to suggest a stone, which will help them to cope-up with this period with confidence. Says she, "I have been witnessing many such cases, most of them being freshers or who have joined some company just few months back. As the economy is slipping into recession, their fear is aggravating. All they want is that the source of income should go on. Recession has shaken the confidence of many people. Gems like Emerald, Yellow Sapphire and Zircon remove the negative energy from their lives and help them in handling situation in a better way."