Vedic Astrology

On Vedic Astrology

2007-02-24T01:04:00.000-08:00

For a beginner, learning Vedic astrology can be confusing as one of the first ideas presented is that Vedic astrology is referencing "nine planets": Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu.

A beginner can scratch their head and think, ok, Sun is not a planet, it is a star; Moon is not a planet, it is a satellite of Earth; Rahu and Ketu are not planets, they are points in space, the energetic spots where the Moons orbit is most "above" the Earths elliptic around the Sun (Rahu North Node) or where the Moons orbit is most "below" the Earths elliptic around the Sun (Ketu South Node).

So, if four of these nine "planets" are not really planets, whats up with that?

The Sanskrit word for these nine celestial energies is grahas, and this word conveys a better idea than the English word "planets." It is easier to understand all of these nine energies as "grahas." Graha carries a meaning "to seize" or "take hold of", and this indicates more clearly the active power of these celestial energies to seize our consciousness when we come under their influence or to take hold of what we focus on. The Sanskrit word captures the idea that these nine grahas are living energies which put out waves of energy. These waves of energy affect our awareness.

Patanjali, an enlightened sage who attained Samadhi in Rameshwaram wrote in the Yoga Sutras: "Yoga is the control of the thought-waves of the mind." The tremendous energetic waves of the nine grahas can strongly affect our own thought waves, and the divine law is "as we think, so we become."

Thus, to properly perform yoga and enter into deeper meditation, the ancient sages wanted to learn to control the effects of these grahas in their lives. They embarked on the study of astrology and made discoveries of how various combinations of grahas had certain results in the lives of people. They established "remedies" to help counteract these results when the predicted results were non-desirable.

Astrology is one of the branches of meditative arts as this tool can help one "control the thought-waves of the mind".

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Your BirthStar in Vedic Astrology : Swati

2007-02-19T09:13:00.000-08:00

Swati (6°40 to 20°20' Libra)
General Characteristics: Sweet, soft spoken, virtuous, compassionate, mild, quiet nature, controls passions and desires, skilled in trade, merciful, charitable.
Translation: The priest, the sword
Symbol: Coral - strong intuitive and psychic properties - A young sprout quivering in the wind.
Animal Symbol: Male Buffalo
Ruling Planet: Rahu
Nature: Deva (god-like)
Presiding deity: Vayu the demigod of wind, air, breath, and prana.

Favorable: Tender; moral; able in business - clever in trade and commerce; truth-seeking; studious; meek; truthful; humanitarian - cares about others; thinks before acting; accurate; reduces things to their simplest components; uncorrupted; friendly; positive outlook; disciplined; seeks harmony; generous; active in spiritual organizations or humanitarian causes; likes to be around religious or well integrated people; interested in scientific or philosophical thought; independent; traveler; persuasive communication.

Unfavorable: Do not know their limitations resulting in loss of money; status; and respect; creates debt due to high expenses; discontented due to lofty goals; restless; critical; fault finding; not concerned with family; shy; monastic; self isolating; secretive; hides their passions and sexual urges; gives too much away; absurd creative thinking; vulnerable to the whims of others; hot tempered.

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Your BirthStar in Vedic Astrology : Chitra

2007-02-07T10:35:00.000-08:00

Chitra (23°20 Virgo to 6°40' Libra)
General Characteristics: attractive, sociable, intelligent, and natural leaders.
Translation: The brilliant
Symbol: A bright jewel or pearl reflecting the spirit within us, or a shining light.
Animal Symbol: Female tiger
Ruling Planet: Mars
Nature: Rakshasa (demon)
Presiding deity: Tvashtar or Vishvakarma - the celestial architect of the universe.

Favorable: Attractive; artistic; great lovers; independent; natural leader who wants to make an impact on life; sociable; perceptive; high-spirited; elegant; conversant; dignified; judicious; business skills; happy; well dressed and well groomed; well read; drawn to philosophy and social thought; does well outside their place of birth or in foreign countries; handy; incline toward more physical expressions of art such as sculpture; printmaking; competent designer.

Unfavorable: Smug; conceited; easily bored; self centered; attracted to exciting yet negligent mates; quarrelsome; critical; too quick to challenge someone's point of view; corrupt; amoral; may not focus enough on saving money.

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Your BirthStar in Vedic Astrology : Hasta

2007-01-23T11:09:00.000-08:00

Hasta (10°00' to 23°20' Virgo)
General Characteristics: Purity of thought and deed as well as self-control, active habits, full of resources.
Translation: The hand
Symbol: A hand - open hand blessing humanity.
Animal Symbol: Female Buffalo
Ruling Planet: Moon
Nature: Deva (god-like)
Presiding deity: Savitar - the sun god who imparts creative and transforming energy.

Favorable: Creative; pleasant; humorous; skilled in the arts; charming; practical; attractive; wealth late in life; many relationships; generous; unattached; intelligent; persuasive; cordial; weighs their words to avoid expressing anger; self-motivated; in control; focused on acquisition; good at defending and promoting their own interests; understands the value of social rituals and courtesies; skilled in providing service; thick-skinned; takes advantage of opportunities in new areas or in foreign lands; dexterous; determined; industrious worker; easily changes.

Unfavorable: Likes competition and conflicts; restless - want spiritual experiences; changeable; con artist; self interest; emotionally unsettled; need to control lower self; unabashed; mistrustful; overindulgence in pleasuring themselves; nasty; mechanical in dealing with those who provide them no advantage; abuse of drugs; controlling; alcohol; and/or food to cope; critical when under stress; suppressed; health issues.

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Your BirthStar in Vedic Astrology : Uttara Phalguni

2006-12-31T00:42:00.000-08:00

Uttara Phalguni (26°40' Leo to 10°00' Virgo)
General Characteristics: Emphasis on healing others. Earn money by their learning, liked by all, live a life in comfort and luxury.
Translation: The latter red one or a fig tree
Symbol: A bed or 2 rear legs of a cot.
Animal Symbol: Male Cow (bull)
Ruling Planet: Sun
Nature: Manushya (human)
Presiding deity: Aryaman rules leadership, honor, nobility and rules society.

Favorable: Popular; hard worker; ambitious; benefits from those in power; good communicator; successful; friendly; reliable; focused; happy nature; loves luxury and comfort; material desires are fulfilled; capacity for enjoying life; liberal yet has fixed principles; balanced leader; happy; socially adept; generally fortunate; generous; kind; compassionate; courage; endurance; spiritual and mental advancements.

Unfavorable: Promiscuous; over-giving; egotistical; restless; inconsiderate of others feelings; obstinate; disdainful; bossy; vain; arrogant; takes too much for themselves; stubborn; critical; resentful; a social climber; may be sad or angry under a happy smile; lack belief in their own power.

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Your BirthStar in Vedic Astrology : Purva Phalguni

2006-11-28T04:38:00.000-08:00

Purva Phalguni (13°20' to 26°30' Leo)
General Characteristics: sweet speech, generosity, a habit of wandering, government service.
Translation: The Former Red One or A Fig Tree
Symbol: Swinging hammock - rest and restoration, front legs of a bed, or a post.
Animal Symbol: Female Rat
Ruling Planet: Venus
Nature: Manushya (human)
Presiding deity: Bhaga - the god of good fortune and prosperity.

Favorable: Creative; intelligent, active; charming; sincere; leadership skills; carefree; focus is on the body; physical approaches to healing; open minded; sweet speech; generous; wants fame and attention; faithful to issues and those they believe in; mystical nature; spokesperson; aristocratic; cultured; refined; gifted in the fine arts; youthful; exuberant; loving; good relationships.

Unfavorable: Vanity; indulgent; impulsive mind; severe; promiscuous nature; narcissism; reckless; focused on getting what they want; spends carelessly - creates debt; addictive personality; hates being uncomfortable; needs stimulation; becomes depressed if do not get what they want; vindictive; lack of planning; unmotivated.

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Your BirthStar in Vedic Astrology : Magha

2006-11-28T04:34:00.000-08:00

Magha (0°00 to 13°20' Leo)
General Characteristics: Has numerous servants, inclination to worship gods and ancestors, engagement in important work
Translation: The Mighty One
Symbol: Palanquin the royal seat upon which the king was carried through his towns, royal throne room
Animal Symbol: Male rat
Ruling Planet: Ketu
Nature: Rakshasa (demon)
Presiding deity: Pitris - Fathers of Humanity guardian angels that give protection in the event of calamities.

Favorable: Clear; intelligent; many admirers; positive; conservative; balanced; respectful to others; kind; helps others; love life and parties; dependable; likes to be honored for accomplishments; respectful of traditions; enjoys ceremonies; follows chains of command; does well when praised; likes to be served and given attention.

Unfavorable: Arrogant; hot tempered; prejudiced; jealousy; severe nature; resentful; has a strong dislike for those who dislike them or who treat them with disrespect; discontented when fail to meet goals; too high standards; susceptible to flattery; cruel to those who don't show them respect; racial superiority; sensuality can create problems.

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Your BirthStar in Vedic Astrology : Aslesha

2006-07-22T10:38:00.000-07:00

9 Aslesha (16°40' to 30°00' Cancer)
General Characteristics: Motivated by dharma represents the kundalini or serpent fire located at the base of the spine.
Translation: The entwiner - to embrace
Symbol: coiled snake, circle, or wheel
Animal Symbol: Male Cat
Ruling Planet: Mercury
Nature: Rakshasa (demon)
Presiding deity: Ahi - the naga or serpent of wisdom

Favorable: Philosophical; intelligent; versatile; clever; independent; has a number of different jobs; entertainer; learned; leadership qualities; can accomplish much when motivated; good income; mystical; puts great energy into things that interest them; seductive nature; benefit from spiritual work.

Unfavorable: Mental instability; worrisome; depressed nature; deceitful; non caring attitude; impolite; tactless; unpopular; lacks social skills; rule breakers; hoarding mentality; possessive; secretive; talkative; lacks appreciation; scattered and unproductive; reckless; disconnected; temperamental; lie to serve their needs; vindictive; introspective; reclusive; ungrateful; blunt.

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Sun Moves into Aries

2006-04-11T01:33:00.000-07:00

In the third chapter of the Bhagavad-Gita there is a story about the origin of the fire ritual. The fire ritual was co-created with the human beings. The human beings were told to co-exist with Gods who are in Heaven. The human beings would contact the Gods through the fire ritual. In the fire ritual itself, you invoke the divine beings like Siva, Lakshmi, Kubera, and feed them with ghee, rice, fruits, etc. The Gods accept these offerings and thrive on them. The more you feed them, the more powerful they become. Being satisfied with the food, they bring in whatever things are desired by the human beings.

The primordial and powerful act, if there is one like that, it is the fire ritual. If you have a lot of work to do for the day and although the tasks may be very important and pressing, (you should) give importance to the performance of fire-ritual. It is this primordial act that can bring you "fruits" without fail. Fire ritual is a divine technology. It is all about feeding. You can feed animals, humans, and Gods. Feeding Gods must come first.

Once you feed Gods, the Bhagavad-Gita says you will have "good rain". This means water. You may underestimate water, but without water plants will die and so will the humans and animals. Water is food and life. The rain brings water. Fire rituals are instrumental in bringing water to the world.

I can go on writing endlessly about the benefits of fire-ritual, but that is not necessary. Nevertheless, I want to emphasize one point, gold is fire too. Intense heat in the middle of the earth turns the soil into gold. Gold is not human law. It is divine law. This is why all of the countries and banks have accepted gold as the only true money.

In 2006 the Tamil New Year truly represents the "New Year" since it is based on the movement of the Sun into Aries (Aries is the first sign and the natural first house of the zodiac). This year on April 14th when the Sun moves into Aries, there will be a special energy coming into the Earth plane.

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Crown Lotus - The Seventh Chakra

2006-03-30T00:57:00.000-08:00

In ancient Vedic texts, it is the crown chakra that reaches its tendrils toward the infinite cosmos to help us become integrated with the greater field of consciousness that exists everywhere. This chakra, located at the crown of the head, is the energy vortex through which all thought, consciousness, and wisdom originate. Also known as the seventh chakra, the crown chakra is associated with the mind. All wisdom must pass through the crown chakra before it can be used to manifest blessings through the lower chakras. In Sanskrit, the crown chakra is called "Sahasrara," which means thousand-fold because it is represented by a lotus blossom with 1,000 petals. It is through this chakra's many petals that we receive inspiration, transcendent thoughts, and experience feelings of synchronicity and interconnectedness with the universe.

The crown chakra can be visualized as a lotus flower that is an intense violet or gold in color. The crown chakra is associated with the diamond and amethyst gemstones. A weakness or imbalance in the crown chakra can lead to an undefined sense of frustration, migraine headaches, feelings of abandonment, difficulty making decisions, and a deep lack of joy. However, a balanced seventh chakra is the key to unlocking the secrets of the mind, experiencing unconditional trust in the self and the universe, and living in the present moment. This chakra is also a wonderfully potent source of protection. It allows us to access only the information that we are physically and emotionally capable of receiving at the time. When the crown chakra is entirely unblocked, no thought or feeling is unavailable to us.

To cleanse the seventh chakra, light myrrh incense and meditate while firmly grasping an amethyst in your hand. If you wish to open your crown chakra, visualize a beautiful lotus flower slowly blossoming. There are no limits to the wisdom the seventh chakra can bring into your life. By nurturing it and ensuring that your crown chakra stays balanced, your mind can open to the vast consciousness of the universe.

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Your BirthStar in Vedic Astrology : Pushya

2006-03-29T06:41:00.000-08:00

8 Pushya (3°20' to 16°40' Cancer)
General Characteristics: In control of passions, well liked, learned in various subjects, rich and fond of doing charitable acts.
Translation: To provide nourishment
Symbol: The udder of a cow, Flower, a circle, an arrow
Animal Symbol: A ram
Ruling Planet: Saturn
Nature: Deva (god-like)
Presiding deity: Brihaspati, the planet Jupiter, lord of sacred speech and prayer

Favorable: Hard working; creative; tolerant of pain; intelligent; learned; liked by many; spiritual; intuitive wisdom; helps others; make good advisors and public servants; independent; interested in education and humanitarian causes; philanthropic; socially adept; make people feel wanted; selfless; good finances; respected; moderate; have spiritual practice; passionate and defensive about the things they believe in.

Unfavorable: Stubborn; selfish; arrogant; overly talkative; dogmatic; fundamentalist; overly sensitive; doubtful of their worth due to what others say about them; devotion can turn to victimization; get defrauded by believing in the wrong people; insecurities inhibit growth.

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Your BirthStar in Vedic Astrology : Punarvasu

2006-03-29T06:35:00.000-08:00

7 Punarvasu (20° Gemini to 3°20' Cancer)
General Characteristics: Intellectual and spiritual wisdom, material prosperity, good natured, quiet, patient, devout, lives in comfort.
Translation: Good Again
Symbol: Bow and a quiver of arrows
Animal Symbol: Female Cat - sensitivity and need for independence
Ruling Planet: Jupiter
Nature: Deva (god-like)
Presiding deity: Aditi tends the ground on which healthy seeds can bear fruit. Earth Goddess

Favorable: Caring; loving; nurturing; easily contented; friendly good natured; simplistic life; lives in the moment; generous; shares with others; religious inclinations; interested in spiritual writings and philosophies; potential in the communications field - can be good writers and inspiring speakers; profound imagination; purifies self to make spiritual progress; ability to connect with others; successful projects.

Unfavorable: Simplistic approach to life interpreted as a lack of intelligence; lack of material drive due to focus on spirituality; lack of foresight gets them into complications including frequent moving; unstable relationships; and multiple jobs/careers; fickle nature; indecisive; frequently ill; critical; over intellectualize life; gets bored too easily in life.

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Your BirthStar in Vedic Astrology : Ardra

2006-03-17T11:53:00.000-08:00

6 Ardra (6°40 to 20°00' Gemini)
General Characteristics: Emphasis on the mind or thinking capacity - deep feeling along with passionate thinking - motivated by desire.
Translation: The moist one
Symbol: The human head
Animal Symbol: Female Dog
Ruling Planet: Rahu
Nature: Manushya (human)
Presiding deity: Rudra the god of the storm and destruction

Favorable: Curious mind; hunger for knowledge; quick in action; good memory; prefers physical work or work involving the body; good at getting support from the government or authorities; great communicator; truthful; have a transformative point in life at which point they drop many of their bad traits; compassionate towards those in pain.

Unfavorable: Arrogant; abuses power; lusts after material attainments; ungrateful; mischievous; reckless; physically oriented jobs; anti-social; mean streak causes pain to others; self-serving; dishonest; stubborn; critical; impolite; untruthful; poor financial planning; excessive indulgences; cause pain or agony to others; violent; complaining.

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Your BirthStars in Vedic Astrology : Mrigashira

2006-03-09T04:50:00.000-08:00

5 Mrigashira (23°20 Taurus to 6°40' Gemini)
General Characteristics: Spiritual intelligence and research abilities - primary motivation spiritual liberation, lack firm or fixed views, capable yet timid, good speech, active habits.
Translation: Having the face of a deer
Symbol: Antelope's head
Animal Symbol: Female serpent - sensual seductive nature
Ruling Planet: Mars
Nature: Deva (god-like)
Presiding deity: Soma the moon god

Favorable: Strong individuality; sharp intelligence; natural leader; action oriented; witty; curious; seeks new knowledge; perceptive and sensitive; likes good clothing and accessories; gains many pleasures in life; enjoys singing, writing, talking, and speaking; creative; articulate in a number of subjects - enjoys debates and arguments; enthusiastic; youthful; clever; curious; hopeful; rapid learning ability; focus is more mental than physical; friendly; fun; have a number of friends and romantic interests; sensual; hard workers; affluent.

Unfavorable: Impulsive; flirtatious; fickle; needs constant attention; multiple partnerships; craves sensation; not committed; burns out from seeking too much excitement; bores easily; scattered; critical; biting conversation; helpless; suspicious; unbalanced; sensitive to criticism.

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Your BirthStars in Vedic Astrology : Rohini

2006-03-07T09:28:00.000-08:00

4 Rohini (10° Taurus to 23°20' Taurus)
General Characteristics: Emphasis on spiritual liberation, truthful, not covetous, clean in habits, sweet of speech, firm of views, good looking
Translation: The red one
Symbol: An ox cart/chariot
Animal Symbol: A male serpent - spiritual power and wisdom
Ruling Planet: The Moon
Nature: Manushya (human)
Presiding deity: Brahma - creator of the universe

Favorable: Lovely appearance; charismatic; good communicator and listener; attractive; inner strength; affects others; strong public life; gentle manner; comforting; truthful; moral orientation; smooth talker; sharp; balanced mind; fixed in purpose; well educated; does well financially; dutiful to the family; responsible; helps others; gifted in the arts; healthy; non-envious.

Unfavorable: Indulgent; materialistic; takes advantage of others through manipulation and deception; sexually or sensually indulgent; critical of others; possessive of individuals or ideology; jealous; overly sensitive; changeable; addictive; indecisive.

Your BirthStars in Vedic Astrology : Krittika

2006-02-24T13:01:00.000-08:00

3 Krittika (26°40' Aries to 10° Taurus)
General Characteristics: Determined and tenacious will to achieve greatness; sharp; cutting and penetrating by nature.
Translation: The Cutter
Symbol: Axe, sharp edge, or flame, razor
Animal Symbol: Female Sheep
Ruling Planet: Sun
Nature: Rakshasa (demon)
Presiding deity: Agni - the god of fire

Favorable: Famous within their group; handsome appearance; self motivated; determined achiever; materialistic - acquires many possessions; bright; strong appetites - likes food; goal oriented; goes for what they want; dignified; takes pride in what they do; good leader; honors commitments; confident; courageous; straightforward; peaceful nature; ambitious.

Unfavorable: Unstable mind; changeable; vacillating; stubborn; dissatisfied; impatient; responds too strongly to challenges; sets goals or expectations too high; burns out their health by constant activity; nervous; excitable; aggressive; passive-aggressive; fighting nature; difficulties with food and eating; gluttonous; motivated by desire; child-like nature.

Your BirthStars in Vedic Astrology : Bharani

2006-02-05T07:50:00.000-08:00

2 Bharani (13°30' - 26°40' Aries)
General Characteristics: Success in work, capable, truthful, and free from diseases & grief.
Translation: Cherishing, supporting, & nurturing
Symbol: A Yoni, the organ of female reproduction
Animal Symbol: The Elephant
Ruling Planet: Venus
Nature: Manushya (human)
Presiding deity: Yama - the god of death

Favorable: Clever and able to do tasks fast; desires new experiences; spontaneous; dutiful; loyal to family and friends; courageous attitude; good health/longevity; talented in career; satisfied; leader - does well in public life; creative; artistic; materialistic.

Unfavorable: Over burdened; has too much to do; restless; amoral; fickle; too clever; resists control and restraint; stubborn; childlike; vulnerable; vigor bothers others; don't pace themselves; needs discipline; irritable; impatient; potential to burnout; sexually indulgent; vane; moralist; judgmental.

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Five Actions - Panchakarma

2006-01-30T01:20:00.000-08:00

"Panchakarma," a sanskrit word meaning "five actions," describes a series of gentle, natural therapies that boost the body's ability to detoxify and rejuvenate. As an essential part of Ayurveda, India's ancient holistic system of medicine, it is used to maintain the body's balance to prevent illness or as the first step in holistic treatment. Panchakarma's incredible purification improves healing throughout the body, mind, and spirit, clearing the way for the body's healing intelligence to flow freely.

Today, an oil massage, steam baths, and a special diet prepare your body for several days of relaxing, healing therapies at a spa-like medical clinic. A precise sequence of soothing treatments is then applied in such a way that brainwaves are stimulated and synchronized, creating deep relaxation and an expanded state of consciousness. At the same time, herbal therapies help flush toxins from the body's systems and tissues while massage soothes the body and balances its energy. Profoundly rejuvenating, Panchakarma can increase energy and mental clarity. It has even been known to slow the aging process and heal diseases previously thought to be incurable according to Western medicine.

Depending on the needs of the particular individual, a series of five basic therapies are used: Vaman purges toxins from the sinuses, lungs, and stomach; Virechan flushes toxins from the small intestine; Vasti removes toxins from the colon; Nasyam is herbal therapy applied through the nose for head and sinus conditions. The fifth therapy can be one of three methods: Rakta Moksham removes the excess toxins in the bloodstream, while Shiro Dhara uses a hot-oil head massage. A second form of Vasti can also be applied. Along with a relief of symptoms and improvements in physical disorders, many people, after experiencing Panchakarma, feel lighter, more energized, and look younger. The body's ability to heal itself is deeply enhanced with the techniques of Panchakarma. By embracing its methods, we eliminate obstacles to complete balance in our bodies and allow the powerful flow of our healing energy to restore our health, our natural glow, and our zest for life.

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Your BirthStars in Vedic Astrology : Ashwini

2006-01-25T08:35:00.000-08:00

There is 27 BirthStars in Vedic Astrology. We will teach you one at a time.

1 Ashwini (0°00' - 13°30' Aries)
General Characteristics: Good looking appearance; gentle personable manners; intelligent; skilled in work
Translation: Possessing horses, the horsewoman
Symbol: A horse's head
Animal Symbol: A male horse
Ruling Planet: Ketu
Nature: Deva (god-like)
Presiding deity - Ashvini Kumaras, the golden armored horse headed twins of ancient Vedic lore who performed many miracles as physicians of the celestial gods.

Favorable: Competent worker who performs above average on the job; intelligent; self sufficient; natural healer; helps others; moderate habits; dresses well; good finances; attractive; powerful; intuitive; idealistic; spiritually inclined; adventurous; independent; strong; powerful; charming; playful nature; nurturer; traveler; loves family.

Unfavorable: Hastiness in action compromises efficiency; impulsiveness; desire to pursue new experiences in life causes a weakness in finishing things; aggressive; stubborn; wants to do things their own way; disappointed when things do not go as planned; dissatisfied; arrogant; lack of mental quietude; over passionate.

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Vedic Astrology is Star Based or Sidereal --- Western is Season Based or Tropical

2006-01-22T01:20:00.000-08:00

It is important to know that Vedic astrological calculations are different from what most of us have seen in the Western systems. Vedic Astrology is sidereal or based in reference to the stars. All its calculations are constantly adjusted for a back slipping motion of the earth called precession. The earth's axial spin retards or moves back about one degree or one day every 72 years, in relationship to a fixed star. The astronomy of the sky that you observe each night in our modern times is nearly matched to the zodiac constellations used in Vedic Astrology calculations.

In Western astrology, the planetary positions presented in their Zodiac do not represent today's astronomical positions. They tend to focus more on the seasons as markers of time. The Tropical zodiac remains unchanged from what was seen in the skies almost 2000 years ago by the ancient Greeks, Egyptians and Babylonians. The two systems are about 23 days apart (called the "ayanamsa") from where they mark the first point of the sign of Aries, which is the start of the circle of the zodiac (you have to start a circle somewhere). Again, this is due to that slow precessed, backward slipping of the earth. What this means, astrologically, that unless you were born somewhere between the 15th and 20th of the month, your Sun sign will most likely move back one sign in Vedic Astrology.

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The Age of Truth (Satya Yuga)

2006-01-07T06:02:00.000-08:00

The year 2006 marks the transition period between this current Age of Suffering (Kali Yuga) and the Age of Truth (Satya Yuga).

Everything in our solar system is governed by the planets. Besides the planets, there are 27 (birth) stars in Vedic Astrology. They can help a lot to predict the future. Two days ago I was conversing with one of the topmost astrologers in India who is being sought after by celebrities in business and politics. He made a statement that "rang a bell" in my heart. Astrology is called "Jyotish" in Sanskrit. "Jyothi" means Light. Astrology is called light because it shows the way to a person who does not know about his future and is groping in darkness. In other words, astrology is like a lighthouse for a boat lost at sea.

Life is full of mystery. No one knows what is going to happen to him/her in the near future or the distant future. The mind can know only certain things. There are arenas loaded with unknowable reality.

You should understand the difference between the unknown and unknowable realities. What was once not known is known now. What is unknown today will be known some time in the future. However, the unknowable will remain unknown forever for the human mind. The unknowable belongs to the divine realm. You have to have unknowingness in order to know the unknowable.

Vedic astrology can help somewhat - not fully though. Based on the position of Mars, Saturn and Jupiter, it is predicted in the ancient Hindu tradition that there will be a wide-spread disaster across India. There will be calamities of different sorts: earthquake, fire, tornados, flood, terrorist attacks, diseases, war, etc. One third of India will undergo intense suffering. The disaster however is not confined to India alone. It will shake the entire world. It will appear as though it is the end time.

Mars in Aries, Saturn in Cancer, and Jupiter in Libra is the worst combination. There is a great deal of rivalry between Mars and Saturn to destroy the world. Mars has been sitting in Aries for nearly 5 months. He moves out of Aries on February 5, 2006. Major devastations are likely to occur before February 5th.

Not that February 5th is the end of the bad things that are to happen. Disasters will continue to happen until 2012, which is the beginning of the Age of Truth. By 2012 the photon light that comes out of the conjunction of the Sun, the Earth and the star Alcyone will transform the entire earth plane. By this time, people will become spontaneously good and happy. Evil, negativity and diseases- all will be under control. Some evolved human beings will turn their bodies into light and leave the earth plane. It is a heart-warming thing to know that there will be something for everyone across the board.

Between now and 2012 we will witness a lot of happenings that will spiritualize the world. There will be more understanding between races and religions. Jews will love the Muslims, and the Muslims will love the Hindus. Love will rule the world. This will be the nature of the Satya Yuga. I am very happy to welcome this Satya Yuga, but at the same time I am pained by the suffering that the world has to go through before the major change.

The stars Arudra, Ashlesha and Magha will do the major devastations. Punarvasu and Pushya will also usher in destruction.

Arudra
Symbol: teardrop, diamond, a human head
Deity: Rudra the storm god, "the howler" and god of destruction, another form of Shiva.

Ashlesha
Symbol: serpent, a curled-up or coiled snake Deity: Sarpas, or the Nagas, deified snakes Mythology: The serpent is the symbol of great wisdom, found in the occult sciences such as astrology or psychology. The snake has been referred to as the kundalini energy that rises through the spine in bringing spiritual enlightenment and magical powers.
(rules January 15th, 2006)

Magha
Symbol: royal throne Deity: Pitris, family ancestors, "The Fathers" Mythology: This is the constellation believed to be where our ancestors dwell and await their opportunity to reincarnate back with their families on earth.
(rules January 16th, 2006)

Punarvasu
Symbol: bow and quiver (case that contains the arrows) Deity: Aditi, the mother of the gods, she is boundless, vast and limitless, goddess of abundance
Stars: Castor and Pollux the Gemini twins. Castor was the mortal twin known for his skill in horsemanship. Pollux the immortal twin is known for his skill in boxing.
(rules January 13th, 2006)

Pushya
Symbol: cow's udder (milk producing), the lotus, an arrow and a circle Deity: Brihaspati, or Jupiter, the priest of the gods Mythology: Brihaspati is the guru or teacher of the gods and is the lord of speech and prayer. Shiva made Brihaspati into the planet Jupiter. Brihaspati had his wife Tara stolen by Soma, and she bore a child from this affair (Buddha). Brihaspati was taken by the charm of this child and raised it as his own.
(rules January 14th, 2006)

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Universal Feelings

2006-01-04T00:53:00.000-08:00

Everything Is Relative

Every day we hear stories of personal suffering and loss that far exceed our own. When we compare our situations to those of people living in war-torn countries or those who have lost their homes and livelihoods to natural disasters, it is tempting to minimize our own experiences of suffering. We may feel that we don't have a right to be upset about the breakup of a relationship, for example, because at least we have food to eat and a roof over our heads.

While awareness of the pain of others in the world can be a valuable way to keep our own struggles in perspective, it is not a legitimate reason to disregard our own pain. Disparaging your feelings as being less important than other people's emotions leads to denial and repression. Over time, an unwillingness to experience your own feelings leads to numbness. It is as if our internal systems become clogged with our unexpressed emotions. This in no way helps other people who are suffering in the world. In fact, it may do just the opposite because when we devalue our own sorrow, we become impervious to the sorrow in others.

Fully experiencing our own hurt is the gateway to compassion toward other human beings. Feelings of loss, abandonment, loneliness, and fear are universal, and, in that sense, all feelings are created equal. Regardless of what leads us to feel the way we do, our comprehension of what it means to be human is deepened by our own experiences. Our personal lives provide us with the material we need to become fully conscious. If we reject our emotions because we think our experiences are not dramatic or important enough, we are missing out on our own humanity. We honor and value the human condition when we fully inhabit our bodies so we can experience and feel life fully. Accepting our emotions and allowing ourselves to feel them connects us to all human beings. Then, when we hear the stories of other people's suffering, our hearts can resonate with understanding and compassion-for all of us.

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Tools to Improve

2006-01-01T02:03:00.000-08:00

Vedic astrology is linked to other Vedic systems, such as Ayurveda for health, Vastu for dwellings (like Feng Shui) and other philosophies. Vedic Astrology is part of a holistic, integrated knowledge system and its effects can be bolstered by interoperating with its "sister" sciences. The Vedic Astrology system is kind in that not only is a person told what might happen, but they are presented a list of potential remedies or corrective actions to offset the quantity and quality of karmas that are returning to them, as seen in the birth chart. After all, it is held that the natal chart is a list of the karmas or previous actions that we have brought into this life. The chart, called a Janma Kundali in India, represents our starting point in this life and where our pluses and minuses lie throughout our lives. These fortifying practices, which should only be accepted from very qualified Vedic astrologers, include such measures as gemstones, mantras, balancing rituals called yagyas, and small acts, called Shantis, used to propitiate or soothe the impact associated with unfavorable planetary positions.

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Karmas in Vedic Astrology

2005-12-27T11:15:00.001-08:00

The astrologer reads the prarabdha karmas, the portion of sanchita karmas that we are destined to experience in this present life. The chart reveals the positive and negative aspects of our prarabdha karmas. All of us must experience our prarabdha karmas. The moment of birth determines the prarabdha karmas. These karmas can be either sattvic, rajasic, or tamasic, depending on the nature of the planets involved. In addition, these karmas can have different levels of intensity, and here we have the following three classification:

· Dridha Karmas - these karmas are extremely difficult to change and are represented in the chart by serious afflictions or impediments caused by the poor placement of house lords and the influence of malefic planets. An example of this would be the level of wealth of poverty in an individuals life or the level of success in his/her career.

· Dridha/Adridha Karmas - These are less serious and can be changed only through determined effort, especially through spiritual practices such as meditation, yoga, and sincere devotion to God(ess) and charitable contributions for a good cause.

· Adridha Karmas - these can easily be changed by cultivating good attitudes and through good actions.

Astrology is a deep and penetrating subject and it can have wonderfully healing effects in helping us understand the meaning of life and the experiences we are destined to have in this world. My astrological work with clients over the past several years has shown me that people are often relieved when they discover the reason why certain areas of life seem to bring on endless challenge and suffering. We tend to be obsessed or preoccupied with the areas of our chart that promise those challenges and proper astrological guidance can put it all in proper context. Remedial measures can be prescribed or our attitudes can be redirected to other areas, while not entirely neglecting the areas of challenge.

To neglect the areas of challenge in life would be akin to cheating ourselves out of some important life experiences, but astrology has the unique capacity to help us differentiate the real from the unreal and to tone our expectations so that we are able to see that we are the creators of the very complexity that we too often project onto the world, to those around us or even to our God(ess).

Once we have overcome the human habit of blaming others for our own shortcomings, we are well on our way to self-understanding and the development of those enviable human traits such as generosity, kindness, and selflessness. Astrology gives us a connection to the soul’s intention for us and in this sense it can helps us develop a relationship with the spiritual dimension. It can help us overcome spiritual impoverishment and a sense of meaninglessness in life that the dry religions are often unable to address.

Combined with yoga, ayurveda, and spiritual practices, it offers us access to a world of hidden and mysterious influences that helps us master our relationship with mind, body and spirit - a world that transcends the so called normal scope of human intelligence, a world that brings an awareness of the Divine energies that penetrate our soul and personality in our daily walking.

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Vedic Astrology - November Monthly Advisor

2005-11-12T09:15:00.000-08:00

You can find Here some dates of important upcoming astrological happenings for November 2005. If your birth star (nakshatra) is the same as on one of these auspicious events, it will be a day of particular power for you. All dates and times listed are per EDT.

Don’t know your birth star? To find out your birth star, simply send me your email adress with your birth date and I will send it back to you.

Vedic Astrology is not fatalistic

2005-11-06T10:40:00.000-08:00

It is also important to know that good Vedic astrologers are not fatalistic, but point to useful and actionable indications or probabilities that certain behaviors might emerge or that specific events could take place over time. In spite of the debate about whether we have free will or not, it is important to know that the effects seen in an astrological chart are not required to happen as they stand. A motivated, sincere person, under the competent guidance of an experienced Vedic astrologer, or other self-improvement mentors, can make effective changes in their lives. Nature is basically benevolent and changes can be made for the better.

The Purpose of Vedic Astrology

2005-11-01T05:54:00.000-08:00

The purpose of Vedic Astrology is to avoid problems before they arise. The aphorism, "Pull weeds early" describes a major purpose of astrology. Another quote from India states, "If you want to get rid of a snake, get rid of it when it is really small". In fact, Patanjali, a famous Indian philosopher who wrote the "Yoga Sutras", stated that it was important to know how to "avoid the danger which has not yet come". A good astrologer uses the tools of Vedic Astrology to forecast the times to promote events in one's life or to pull back, recognizing the indications point to some obvious serious risk.

In the traditional Indian or Hindu culture there is a high reverence for Gurus, or enlightened Masters. The trust is so high that the word of the Guru and ancient scriptural tradition is accepted with little doubt. This tradition has predisposed Indian followers of Vedic Astrology not to inquire much into psychological matters, but to focus more on when things might or might not happen. Many Western astrologers are disposed to focus on analysis of behavior, with less emphasis on forecasting. Such is the choice of the Western, analytical world. Many modern Vedic astrologers, however, recognize a Westerner's desire to analyze and have in recent years adjusted their approach for Western clients, to include more psychological analysis, along with predictive work. All good astrological work ultimately takes into account the context and cultural variables of the client or event being considered.

The Fundamentals of Vedic Astrology

2005-10-28T02:24:00.000-07:00

The fundamentals of Vedic Astrology were believed by ancient philosophers to have been instituted by Brahma, the creator. This knowledge was then passed down to various Rishis and to man. Vedic Astrology, in its current form, is thought to have been written several thousand years ago by Maharishi Parashara, although, following India's concepts of repeating time cycles, the work could have even have existed several thousand years more prior to that in oral form. Parashara's book, "Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra" is the primer on Vedic Astrology and most scholars view Parashara today as the father of mainstream Vedic Astrology.

What Is Vedic Astrology?

2005-10-26T15:40:00.000-07:00

Vedic astrology is the chief form of astrology currently practiced in South Asia. It is derived from the same source as Western astrology (although what source that is - India or Babylon - is disputed), and the two systems share most basic concepts such as the signs, planets, and houses, as well as their general interpretive meanings. The fundamental difference between the two lies the measurement of the zodiac. Vedic astrology uses the sidereal zodiac (the stars are considered to be the fixed background against which the motion of the planets is measured), whereas most Western astrology uses the tropical zodiac (the motion of the planets is measured against the position of the Sun on the Spring equinox). The most obvious effect of this difference is that about 80% of planets in a Western chart will move to the previous sign in a Vedic reading of the same chart (i.e. if you're Western Sun sign is Leo, in Vedic your Sun sign is probably Cancer). Vedic astrology has developed separately from Western astrology for thousands of years, and has evolved a uniquely rich and powerful system of interpretation and prediction. It also incorporates truly Vedic elements not found elsewhere, such as the system of Moon signs (called nakshatras).

The term "Vedic astrology' is itself something of a misnomer, introduced by American astrologers in the 1980s and 1990s. 'Vedic' refers to the Hindu holy texts, known as veda. However, there is very little, if anything, recognizable as astrology in these texts. A more accurate term would be 'Indian astrology' or 'Hindu astrology.' In the end, however, all of these words are English. In the ancient Indian language of Sanskrit, 'Vedic astrology' is referred to as jyotisha, which means the 'science of light.'