Who Cannot Wear Green Onyx: Understanding Its Limitations and Considerations

I remember a friend, Sarah, who was absolutely thrilled to get a beautiful green onyx ring for her birthday. She’d always been drawn to its rich, verdant hue, believing it would bring her peace and prosperity. However, within weeks of wearing it constantly, she started experiencing persistent headaches and an unsettling feeling of being drained. Initially, she dismissed it as stress from work, but the symptoms lingered. It wasn’t until we were discussing her new ring that I started to wonder if there was more to it. Could the stone itself be a factor? This experience, and others like it that I’ve encountered or heard about, sparked my curiosity about who *cannot* wear green onyx, or more accurately, who might want to approach wearing it with caution.

Understanding Who Cannot Wear Green Onyx: A Comprehensive Guide

When we talk about “who cannot wear green onyx,” it’s important to clarify that for most people, wearing green onyx is perfectly safe and potentially beneficial. The notion of who *cannot* wear it stems more from an understanding of individual sensitivities, astrological considerations, and specific energetic interactions rather than outright danger. This article will delve into these nuances, providing a detailed exploration of individuals who might wish to exercise caution or seek alternative gemstones, and why.

The Energetic Properties of Green Onyx

Before we explore who might not be a good fit for green onyx, it’s crucial to understand what this gemstone is all about. Green onyx, in its purest form, is a variety of chalcedony, a microcrystalline quartz. Its captivating green color often comes from the presence of various mineral inclusions, such as chlorite or serpentine. Energetically, green onyx is often associated with:

• Growth and Renewal: Its color naturally links it to nature, new beginnings, and personal growth.
• Abundance and Prosperity: Many believe it can attract wealth and success.
• Emotional Healing and Balance: It’s thought to soothe emotional turmoil, calm the mind, and foster inner peace.
• Connection to Nature: It can help ground individuals and deepen their connection to the natural world.
• Self-Confidence and Courage: Some traditions suggest it bolsters self-esteem and the courage to face challenges.

However, like any potent energy source, these properties might not resonate positively with everyone or in every situation. My own observations and research suggest that understanding these energetic connections is key to discerning potential contraindications.

Individuals Sensitive to Earth Energies

Green onyx is a stone deeply rooted in the earth’s energies. While this is often a grounding and stabilizing influence, for individuals who are already highly sensitive to earth energies, especially those who experience overstimulation or feel overwhelmed by grounding forces, green onyx might prove too intense. These individuals might:

• Feel heavy or sluggish when wearing it.
• Experience increased anxiety or restlessness.
• Find their existing sensitivities exacerbated.

For instance, someone who naturally feels “rooted” or “heavy” might find that wearing green onyx intensifies this sensation to an uncomfortable degree, leading to a lack of motivation or a feeling of being stuck. It’s akin to drinking a very strong cup of coffee if you’re already wired; the intended pleasant effect becomes unpleasant. In such cases, a lighter, more airy stone, like clear quartz or amethyst, might be a better choice.

Astrological Considerations and Planetary Rulership

In Vedic astrology, gemstones are often associated with specific planets, and their wear is recommended or discouraged based on the wearer’s birth chart and the planet’s influence. While there isn’t a universally agreed-upon planetary ruler for green onyx in the way that diamonds are linked to Venus or sapphires to Saturn, certain traditions associate green stones with Mercury or Venus. However, a more common association for green onyx, particularly in relation to its earthy and grounding qualities, might lean towards planetary influences that govern growth and stability.

If your birth chart indicates a challenging influence from the planet associated with green onyx (or if you are advised to pacify or avoid the energies of that planet), wearing the gemstone might not be advisable. For example, if one were to consider green onyx in relation to the planet Mercury (Buddha), which governs intellect, communication, and adaptability, and if Mercury is in a difficult position in their chart, wearing green onyx might amplify those challenges. It’s always best to consult with a qualified Vedic astrologer to understand specific planetary influences and gemstone recommendations.

My experience has shown that while general gemstone associations exist, personalized astrological readings are paramount. A stone that brings immense benefit to one person might create subtle energetic disruptions for another, precisely because of the intricate planetary alignments in their birth chart.

Individuals Experiencing Excessive Grounding or Feeling “Stuck”

This is a crucial point that often gets overlooked. Green onyx, with its strong connection to the earth, is primarily a grounding stone. For most people, this is a positive attribute, helping to anchor them, reduce anxiety, and provide a sense of stability. However, if you are already someone who feels overly grounded, perhaps to the point of lethargy, inertia, or a general lack of dynamism, wearing green onyx might exacerbate these feelings.

Consider someone who is naturally a homebody, prefers routine, and finds it hard to initiate change or step outside their comfort zone. While green onyx might offer them comfort, it could also, inadvertently, reinforce their tendencies to stay put, making it even harder to embrace new experiences or pursue ambitious goals. It’s like trying to encourage a plant to grow upwards by burying its roots deeper; sometimes, you need to encourage upward growth by providing sunlight and space, not more earth.

If you find yourself in this category, you might notice:

• A persistent feeling of tiredness or a lack of energy.
• Difficulty in making decisions or taking action.
• A sense of being stuck in a rut, with little desire for change.
• An increased preference for staying home and avoiding social interactions.

In such scenarios, lighter, more stimulating stones like citrine (for energy and motivation), clear quartz (for amplification and clarity), or even carnelian (for creativity and courage) might be more suitable. It’s about finding a balance in your energetic needs.

People with Specific Health Conditions or Sensitivities

While green onyx is not known to cause direct physical harm, individuals with certain pre-existing health conditions or heightened physical sensitivities might react to its energetic vibrations. This is a less common, but not impossible, scenario. For example:

• Individuals with severe energy sensitivities: Some people are so sensitive to energetic influences that even common gemstones can cause subtle discomfort. This might manifest as mild headaches, nausea, or a feeling of being overwhelmed.
• Those with conditions exacerbated by grounding: While rare, some medical conditions are thought to be negatively impacted by excessive grounding. However, this is highly speculative and usually discussed within alternative healing modalities.

It’s important to approach this with a balanced perspective. For the vast majority of people, green onyx is a beautiful and beneficial stone. However, if you have a history of extreme sensitivities to energies, natural or artificial, it might be wise to test the waters by wearing a small piece for short periods and observing any reactions. If you experience any discomfort, it’s always best to consult with your healthcare provider, especially if the discomfort is significant or persistent.

From my own interactions, I’ve heard of individuals who feel a distinct energetic ‘hum’ from stones, and for some, this hum can be jarring if it’s too low-frequency or intense. Green onyx, with its earth connection, often carries a lower, more grounded frequency. While this is grounding for most, for the highly sensitive, it might feel like an uncomfortable vibration.

Individuals Seeking Quick and Dynamic Change

Green onyx is a stone of gradual growth, steady progress, and deep-rooted development. It’s not typically the stone for those seeking immediate, dramatic shifts or rapid acceleration of events. If you are looking for a gemstone that will instantly catapult you into a new reality or bring about overnight transformations, green onyx might feel too slow or subtle.

For instance, if someone is in a dire financial situation and hopes green onyx will magically produce a windfall tomorrow, they might be disappointed. Its influence is more about cultivating the inner resources and external conditions for long-term abundance to flourish naturally. It encourages building a strong foundation before constructing a towering edifice. I’ve seen people grow impatient with stones that don’t offer instant gratification. If that’s your mindset, you might find green onyx’s steady influence less appealing.

If your aim is rapid manifestation or forceful change, you might find stones like pyrite (known for its quick attraction of wealth) or carnelian (for energizing and action) to be more in line with your immediate goals. Green onyx is more about nurturing seeds and watching them grow, not conjuring a fully-grown tree instantly.

Those Who Dislike the Color Green or Its Symbolism

This might seem obvious, but it’s worth stating. Our personal preferences play a significant role in how we connect with any gemstone. The color green is strongly associated with nature, life, renewal, and sometimes, envy or inexperience. If you have a personal aversion to the color green, or if its symbolism clashes with your current life phase or beliefs, wearing green onyx might be energetically dissonant.

For example, if someone associates the color green with sickness or unpleasant past experiences, the constant presence of a green stone might be a subconscious trigger for negative emotions. Conversely, some people are drawn to colors that represent their aspirations. If your aspiration is for vibrant, energetic change, and you associate green with stagnation, then green onyx might not be your ideal companion.

This is where personal intuition is key. If you look at green onyx and feel a pang of dislike or unease, it’s probably not the right stone for you, regardless of what its supposed properties are. Trust your gut feeling. I’ve always believed that the most potent connection with a gemstone comes from genuine attraction and resonance, not just adherence to tradition or popular belief.

Individuals Who Need to Embrace Change and Dynamism Over Stability

Green onyx is a champion of stability, grounding, and steadfastness. While these are admirable qualities, they are not always what everyone needs at every moment. If your life’s current calling is to break free from old patterns, embrace radical change, foster adaptability, and encourage constant movement and evolution, a stone that prioritizes stability might feel like it’s holding you back.

Imagine someone who has been in the same job for 20 years, living in the same town, and needs to shake things up significantly to find new purpose. While green onyx can help them feel secure during this transition, its inherent grounding nature might subtly resist the kind of chaotic, dynamic energy needed for a complete upheaval. In such cases, stones that encourage flexibility and forward momentum, like lapis lazuli (for truth and wisdom), blue lace agate (for calm communication and flow), or even clear quartz to amplify the intention for change, might be more appropriate.

The key here is understanding your current life phase and what kind of energy you need to cultivate. Do you need to be firmly planted, or do you need to set sail?

Those Undergoing Intense Spiritual or Energetic Cleansing

During periods of intense spiritual or energetic cleansing, individuals often become more porous and sensitive. Their energy fields are in flux, shedding old patterns and integrating new ones. While green onyx can be a supportive stone for grounding during such times, its inherent earthiness might, for some, feel too dense or heavy when the body and spirit are striving for lightness and purification. It can be like adding extra weight when you’re trying to shed it.

My personal experience with energy work has taught me that during deep cleansing phases, gentler, more ethereal energies are often preferred. Stones that facilitate swift release, like selenite or clear quartz, or those that encourage spiritual expansion, like amethyst, might be more suitable. If you’re deeply detoxifying your energy, and green onyx makes you feel more “stuck” or dense rather than supported, it might be best to set it aside temporarily.

Specific Circumstances and Personal Beliefs

Beyond general categories, individual circumstances and personal belief systems can also influence whether green onyx is a good fit. For example:

• Pregnancy: While not inherently harmful, some women prefer to avoid deeply grounding stones during pregnancy, opting for those that support lightness and energy.
• Medical Treatments: If undergoing certain medical treatments that impact energy levels or require specific energetic support, it’s always wise to discuss any gemstone use with your healthcare provider.
• Personal Aversions: If you have a deeply ingrained personal negative association with the color green or the properties of onyx, no matter how beneficial they are reputed to be, the energetic dissonance might be too significant.

I always emphasize the importance of listening to your body and intuition. If a gemstone, regardless of its supposed benefits, doesn’t feel right, then it’s likely not right for you at that particular time.

How to Determine If Green Onyx Is Right for You

So, how can you discern whether green onyx is a suitable gemstone for you? It’s a process of self-awareness and observation. Here’s a practical approach:

1. Self-Reflection and Intention Setting

Before even considering a gemstone, take time to reflect on your current life situation, your goals, and what energies you feel you need more of. Are you seeking stability and growth, or are you looking for rapid change and dynamism?

Action Steps:

• Journal about your current challenges and aspirations.
• Identify the dominant energies you feel you need: grounding, energizing, protective, uplifting, etc.
• Clarify your intention for wearing any gemstone. What do you hope it will help you achieve or embody?

2. Observe Your Reactions to the Color Green

Pay attention to how the color green makes you feel. Do you gravitate towards it, or do you shy away? This is a foundational indicator of your personal resonance with green onyx.

Action Steps:

• Surround yourself with the color green in different shades and textures.
• Note your emotional and energetic responses.
• Consider if there are any negative associations you have with the color.

3. Energetic Testing (Dowsing or Muscle Testing)

For those familiar with energy testing techniques, you can use them to gauge your body’s response to green onyx.

How to Perform Muscle Testing (Simplified):

1. Stand upright, hold a piece of green onyx (or a picture of it) in one hand.
2. Extend your other arm straight out to the side, parallel to the ground.
3. Have someone gently try to push your extended arm down. Your arm should feel strong.
4. If your arm weakens significantly, it may indicate an energetic incompatibility.
5. Repeat this process with a stone that is generally considered beneficial for you (e.g., clear quartz) to establish a baseline of “strong.”

Dowsing with a Pendulum:

1. Hold a pendulum over the green onyx.
2. Ask your higher self or the universe to guide the pendulum to indicate “yes” (e.g., clockwise swing) or “no” (e.g., counter-clockwise swing) for compatibility.
3. Establish your pendulum’s “yes” and “no” movements beforehand.

These methods are subjective but can offer valuable insights for those who trust them.

4. Wear a Small Piece and Observe

If you are unsure, start small. Wear a small green onyx pendant or a ring on a less prominent finger for a few hours at a time. Pay close attention to how you feel physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Checklist for Observation:

• Physical Sensations: Do you feel any unusual heaviness, fatigue, headaches, or discomfort?
• Emotional State: Are you feeling more calm, grounded, anxious, or irritable?
• Mental Clarity: Is your mind clearer, more scattered, or foggy?
• Energy Levels: Do you feel more energized, drained, or stagnant?

If you notice any persistent negative reactions, it’s a sign to re-evaluate. If you feel neutral or positive, gradually increase the duration of wear.

5. Consult with Experts

For personalized guidance, consider consulting with professionals in related fields.

• Gemstone Therapists or Crystal Healers: They can offer insights into energetic compatibility.
• Astrologers: Especially those who specialize in Vedic astrology, can determine gemstone recommendations based on your birth chart.
• Energy Workers: Practitioners skilled in subtle energy bodywork might provide assessments of your energetic field’s interaction with the stone.

When to Consider Alternatives to Green Onyx

If, after careful consideration, you determine that green onyx might not be the best fit for you, or if you are looking for alternative energies, here are some gemstones that offer similar or complementary properties, or entirely different energetic supports:

For Growth and Renewal

• Green Aventurine: Often called the “Stone of Opportunity,” it’s known for luck, prosperity, and encouraging growth and optimism. It’s generally considered lighter and more dynamic than green onyx.
• Emerald: A more powerful and precious stone associated with love, rebirth, and good fortune. It’s believed to foster wisdom and stimulate the heart chakra.
• Peridot: Known for its vibrant green hue and association with new beginnings, abundance, and purification. It can be quite uplifting.

For Abundance and Prosperity

• Citrine: A potent stone for attracting wealth, success, and abundance. It’s also known for its energizing and uplifting properties, making it a good choice for those who need a boost.
• Pyrite: Often called “Fool’s Gold,” it’s a powerful manifestation stone for wealth and abundance, and it’s known for its quick, stimulating energy.
• Green Jade: Highly revered for promoting prosperity, wisdom, and harmony. It’s also associated with good luck and longevity.

For Emotional Healing and Balance

• Rose Quartz: The ultimate stone of love, compassion, and emotional healing. It soothes the heart and promotes self-love.
• Amethyst: Known for its calming properties, stress relief, and spiritual connection. It aids in mental clarity and emotional balance.
• Blue Lace Agate: Offers gentle, calming energy, helping to soothe anxiety and promote inner peace and clear communication.

For Grounding and Stability (if green onyx feels too intense)

• Hematite: A highly grounding and protective stone that helps to absorb negative energy and provides a sense of strength and stability. It’s often considered more metallic and less “earthy” than onyx.
• Black Tourmaline: Excellent for protection and grounding, it’s known for absorbing and transmuting negative energy.
• Smoky Quartz: A grounding and cleansing stone that helps release tension, negativity, and emotional blockages, promoting a sense of calm and well-being.

For Dynamism and Embracing Change

• Carnelian: A vibrant stone that boosts creativity, motivation, sexuality, and courage. It’s great for taking action.
• Garnet: Known for its passion, vitality, and energy. It can invigorate the spirit and encourage self-confidence and action.
• Orange Calcite: Enhances energy, creativity, and emotional intelligence, promoting a sense of optimism and joy.

The world of gemstones is vast and deeply personal. What one person finds incredibly beneficial, another might find challenging. The key is to approach each gemstone with respect, awareness, and a willingness to listen to your own inner guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wearing Green Onyx

How do I know if green onyx is energetically compatible with me?

Determining energetic compatibility with green onyx, or any gemstone, involves a multi-faceted approach that combines self-awareness, intuition, and sometimes, external guidance. Firstly, reflect on your current life circumstances and your intentions. Are you seeking grounding, stability, and steady growth, which are the primary energies associated with green onyx? Or are you looking for something more dynamic, fast-paced, or that encourages rapid change? Your personal resonance with the color green and its symbolism is also a significant factor. If you find the color pleasing and its associations align with your desires, that’s a positive sign. Many people also find success using intuitive methods like muscle testing or dowsing with a pendulum, where you gauge your body’s physical or energetic response to the stone. A simpler, yet often effective, method is to wear a small piece of green onyx for short periods and pay close attention to how you feel. Notice any physical sensations, emotional shifts, or changes in your energy levels. If you feel comfortable, grounded, and uplifted, it’s likely compatible. If you experience discomfort, fatigue, or a sense of being weighed down, it might not be the best fit for you at this time.

Are there any specific astrological placements that make someone a “who cannot wear green onyx” candidate?

In astrological gemstone recommendations, the suitability of a stone often depends on how the associated planet influences your birth chart. While green onyx doesn’t have a single, universally agreed-upon planetary ruler like some other gemstones, its earthy and growth-oriented properties might be linked to planets governing these aspects. In Vedic astrology, for instance, gemstones are meticulously matched to planetary strengths and weaknesses indicated in an individual’s birth chart (kundli). If green onyx is believed to be associated with a planet that is currently in a challenging or detrimental position in your chart, or if wearing it might amplify an already difficult planetary influence, then an astrologer might advise against it. For example, if a particular green stone amplifies an aggressive planetary energy in a chart where aggression needs to be tempered, it would be discouraged. Conversely, if a planet is well-placed and its energies need enhancement, wearing the associated gemstone could be highly beneficial. It’s crucial to consult with a qualified Vedic astrologer who can analyze your unique birth chart to determine specific astrological contraindications. Without a personalized chart reading, it’s difficult to definitively say which astrological placements make someone a “who cannot wear green onyx” candidate, as these considerations are deeply individualized.

What if I feel drained or heavy when wearing green onyx?

Feeling drained or heavy when wearing green onyx is a significant indicator that the stone’s energy might be too intense or not aligned with your current needs. Green onyx is a grounding stone, and while this is beneficial for most by promoting stability and anchoring energy, for some individuals, particularly those who are already prone to feeling heavy, lethargic, or energetically overwhelmed, this grounding effect can become burdensome. It might be that the stone is grounding you *too* much, effectively dampening your natural energy flow. This can happen if your body’s energetic system is sensitive, or if you are in a phase of life where you need to cultivate lightness, dynamism, and upward movement, rather than deep anchoring. Another possibility is that you are experiencing an energetic reaction due to a personal sensitivity or an astrological contraindication. If you experience these sensations, the most practical step is to remove the green onyx and observe how you feel. If the draining or heavy feeling dissipates, it strongly suggests that the stone is not compatible with you at this time. You might then consider wearing it for very short durations, or exploring alternative gemstones that offer grounding without excessive density, such as hematite or smoky quartz, or stones that promote lightness and energy, like citrine or peridot.

Can green onyx interfere with my body’s natural energy flow?

Yes, in some cases, green onyx can potentially interfere with your body’s natural energy flow, although this is not a common experience for most people. Our bodies have intricate energy pathways (often referred to as chakras and meridians in various traditions) through which life force energy, or prana, flows. Gemstones, with their unique vibrational frequencies, can interact with and influence this flow. Green onyx, being a grounding and stabilizing stone, typically aims to harmonize and strengthen the earth elements within our energy system, particularly the root and heart chakras. For individuals who are already well-balanced or whose energy needs gentle stimulation, this interaction is usually positive. However, if someone has an imbalanced energy flow—perhaps their lower chakras are already overly dominant, leading to stagnation, or their upper chakras are blocked, causing disconnection—the potent grounding energy of green onyx might either exacerbate the imbalance or feel dissonant. For example, if you have a tendency towards feeling stuck or unmotivated (indicating a potential imbalance in lower energy centers), green onyx could theoretically reinforce that stagnation rather than help to gently shift it. This interference isn’t typically a physical ailment but rather a subtle energetic disruption. Listening to your body’s subtle cues is paramount; if you feel that your natural energy flow is being hindered rather than supported, it’s a sign to reassess your connection with the stone.

Is it possible that green onyx is not suitable for me due to my personality type?

Absolutely. Personality type can play a significant role in gemstone compatibility. Green onyx is often associated with nurturing, steady growth, deep-rooted stability, and a calm, grounded demeanor. If your personality is already characterized by these traits—you are naturally patient, resilient, enjoy routines, and prefer gradual development—then green onyx can be a wonderful amplifier. However, if you have a personality that thrives on dynamism, rapid change, constant intellectual stimulation, and quick adaptation, the very stability that green onyx promotes might feel like a constraint. Imagine someone who is naturally restless, always seeking novelty, and driven by quick wins; they might find the slow, steady energy of green onyx to be frustratingly passive. In such cases, their personality might clash with the stone’s inherent essence, leading to a feeling of misalignment rather than support. It’s not that green onyx is inherently “bad” for such personalities, but rather that its energetic signature might not resonate with their dominant disposition. For individuals who are highly active, intellectual, or entrepreneurial, stones that encourage adaptability, communication, and forward momentum might be a more natural energetic fit. Ultimately, the goal is to find gemstones that complement, rather than contradict, your core personality and current life requirements.

What are the long-term effects of wearing green onyx if it’s not compatible with me?

If green onyx is not compatible with you and you continue to wear it long-term, the potential effects are generally subtle energetic disturbances rather than severe physical harm. As discussed, the primary issue would be the exacerbation of existing imbalances. For instance, if you are already prone to feeling lethargic or stuck, long-term wear of a stone that emphasizes grounding and stability could deepen these tendencies, potentially leading to increased inertia, lack of motivation, or difficulty in initiating change. Conversely, if you are highly sensitive and the stone’s energy is too intense, prolonged exposure could lead to chronic, low-level discomfort, such as persistent mild headaches, an underlying feeling of anxiety, or a general sense of energetic depletion. It’s also possible that a persistent energetic dissonance could manifest as emotional irritability or a feeling of being out of sync with your surroundings. These effects are typically reversible once the incompatible stone is removed. The key here is that the body and energy system will often try to adapt, but this adaptation can come at the cost of feeling less vibrant or more burdened. Therefore, paying attention to subtle cues and not forcing a connection with a gemstone is important for long-term well-being.

Could pregnancy be a reason for someone to avoid green onyx?

Yes, some individuals may choose to avoid green onyx during pregnancy, although it’s not a universal contraindication and is largely a matter of personal preference and energetic inclination. Pregnancy is a period of profound energetic shifts within the body, and women often become more attuned to subtle energies. While green onyx is a grounding stone, which can be beneficial for stability and comfort, some pregnant individuals prefer to focus on energies that promote lightness, vitality, and a sense of flow during this time. The deep earth energies of green onyx might, for some, feel too heavy or constricting when the body is nurturing new life and undergoing transformation. Instead, many expectant mothers gravitate towards stones that are believed to support emotional balance, offer gentle energy, or promote clarity and well-being. For example, rose quartz for its loving energy, moonstone for its connection to feminine cycles, or clear quartz for its amplifying and purifying properties are often popular choices. Ultimately, the decision to wear or avoid green onyx during pregnancy is highly personal. It’s advisable to listen to your body’s intuition and consult with trusted healthcare providers or experienced energy practitioners if you have specific concerns.

When is it advisable to consult an astrologer about wearing green onyx?

It is advisable to consult an astrologer about wearing green onyx, or any gemstone for therapeutic or personal growth purposes, when you are seeking a deeper, more personalized understanding of its energetic impact on your life. Specifically, if you are interested in the astrological associations of gemstones and how they might relate to your birth chart, an astrologer is the best resource. This is particularly true if you are considering gemstones within the framework of Vedic astrology, where planetary influences and gemstone correspondences are a significant aspect of practice. If you have had previous negative experiences with gemstones or are particularly sensitive to their energies, an astrologer can help identify any potential astrological contraindications based on your unique planetary placements, dasas (planetary periods), and other chart factors. Furthermore, if you are facing significant life challenges or transitions and are looking for gemstone support, an astrologer can guide you on which stones, including potentially green onyx, might best harmonize with your current astrological transits and internal energetic needs. They can provide a comprehensive view, integrating the gemstone’s properties with your soul’s journey as mapped in your birth chart, thus offering a tailored recommendation that goes beyond general advice.