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Comments and Consultations

28 Jan

Comments and Consultations

Of late I am being bombarded with so called ‘Comments’ but 90% of them are personal problems which have no bearing on the article in question. The very purpose of this Blog, as the main Tag line says, is to educate students and to interact with them for clarifications as a part of propagating Vedic Astrology.
 
I have clearly stated that if you need personal attention, please contact me directly by emailing me or over the phone. The details of contact particulars are available under ‘Contact Me’ page.Remember that consultation would involve money and get this clarified in the beginning itself.
 
Therefore I would request all my readers to be careful in what you  write in the comment column. If the so called comment turns out to be personal problem, I am afraid the same will not be answered / published.
 
Take Care
 
Jyothishi
 

Retrograde Planets

14 Sep

Retrograde Planets

I have been asked by many people as to what Retrogression means for them and how retrograde planets affect their life. Finding a retrograde planet in a chart is as common as having Budha-Aditya yoga in most of the charts. Almost every second person will have one or more planets classified as ‘Retrograde’ in his chart.   
 
For this we have to understand a bit of Astronomy. Retrogression is an ‘apparent’ phenomenon and planet themselves never go back. Because of the complexity of planets orbit around the Sun, their varying speeds and their distance apart creates an illusion that a planet is Retrograde. For an observer on the earth a planet which is seen in the background of Gemini may appear in Taurus after sometime thus creating an impression that the planet has travelled back. This is due to the fact at that moment the earth is going in a straight line and other planet has reached its turning point to go round the Sun. After it is stabilized, it will appear normal.
 
The subject of Retrogression has thrown up a multitude of interpretations by a number of learned astrologers. Some of them are listed below:
  • Retrograde planets become powerful
  • They give the effects of previous house.
  • Retrogression in exalted sign gives negative result and in debilitation sign gives positive results.
  • Benefic getting retrograde will act as Malefic and vice-versa
  • If more than one planet is retrograde, then the planet with most number of degrees in its sign will affect the person most.
  • Planets owing Trikonas if retrograde will be helpful to native.
 Well so much for the interpretations and explanations. I for one do not subscribe to any of the above simply because I believe that there is no change in the motion of planet and its visual representation is because of our perception. Nothing physically has changed and therefore the effect the planet has on the native remains the same. Planets turning retrograde / direct are natural physical phenomenon and can be accurately predicted. This happens as per Laws of Physics.
 
My studies of numerous charts with retrograde planets have brought out  the following conclusions.
  • Retrograde planets give erratic / unpredictable results. There is a deviation from the normal.
  • Whatever little changes that happen will be to the Karakatwas of the planet.
  • Mars is Yogakaraka for Cancer & Leo Lagnas and Saturn for Taurus & Libra Lagnas. For the rest they have to show their inherent malefic nature and expecting them to turn Benefic if they are retrograde is absurd.
  • Whatever retrograde nature there is, it will remain same whether in exalted or debilitated sign.
  • Two or more retrograde planets will weaken the chart since their behavior is unpredictable.
My studies also show that likely changes that may happen for different planets turning retrograde can be quantified as follows.
  • Primarily it will be behavioral changes that will affect one’s life.
  • Mars may turn the native into a beast and uncontrollable rage and destruction.
  • Mercury may lessen ones interest in studies, lose concentration, lack of communication etc.
  • Jupiter can give extremes as becoming sanyasi / detachment or rejection of religion / God.
  • Venus can cause less interest in opposite sex, loss of marital happiness or turn one into a sex maniac.
  • Saturn can turn native into a workaholic or complete neglect of one’s profession.
  • All the above happens only when the planet Dasha / Bhukti operate.
In conclusion I want to reassure readers not to unnecessarily get worried if they have retrograde planets in their charts. Carry on with your life as if all planets are direct. In extreme cases, please modify your behaviour according to circumstances to correct any aberrations that may crop up.
 

Rishi Panchami – ऋषिपंचमी

2 Sep

Rishi Panchami –ऋषिपंचमी

 Rishi Panchami is celebrated on the Panchami of Shukla Paksha in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada. It is the day after Siddhi Vinayaka Vrata. In 2013 Rishi Panchami falls on Tuesday, 10th September. In fact this is not a festival but a Vrata or Pooja mainly performed by women.

The purpose of observing this ritual is twofold:

1. To express respect, gratitude and to remember the great deeds of those ancient Rishis, who devoted their life for the welfare of mankind. Also to introspect and correct oneself by falling in line and obeying /respecting Rishis orders. To keep us reminded about great Rishis, a star constellation (Ursa Major – The Big Bear / The Great Bear / Big Dipper) is named as “Sapta Rishi Mandala” representing greats such as Atri, Kashyapa, Bharadwaja, Gautama, Vishwamitra, Jamadagni and Vashista. Rishi Panchami is mainly dedicated to these Rishis.

Sapta Rishi Mandala

2. Rishi Panchami is generally celebrated by women, particularly in North India. This Vrata holds a deep and moral significance among Hindu women. It is believed that any ill deeds committed / mistakes done by women can be washed off by doing this Vrata. This is particularly so of any infringement of rules pertaining to observance of social conduct during menstrual periods.

In some Community this day is also observed as “Bhai Panchami”. On this day women who belongs to this community tie Rakhi on their brother’s hand and pray for their long life, prosperity and happiness in their life. They also observe fast and break the fast after tying Rakhi on their brother’s wrist.

Pushkara Navamsha and Pushkara Bhaga

26 Jul
Pushkara Navamsha
Push means to boost / nourish and Kara means who does or what causes. Pushkara is a special energy that nourishes. Navamsha is the most important Varga. Planet positions in their Navamsha finally decide whether they are strong or weak in the chart. Therefore Pushkara Navamshas become very important. They are specific areas in charts that nourish and give planets the capacity to fortify themselves. This special Navamsha allow the personality to flourish and its qualities become replenished. It is always the Navamsha ruled by the same signs within the same elements that become Pushkara.
                    Pushkara Navamsha Table by Signs and Elements
 

Elements Signs

Pushkara °s

Pushkara Navamsha
Fire : Aries, Leo, Sagittarius

20° to 23° 20′

26° 40′ to 30°

Libra

Sagittarius
Earth: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn

06° 40′ to 10°

13° 20′ to 16° 40′

Pisces

Taurus
Air: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius

16° 40′ to 20°

23° 20′ to 26° 40′

Pisces

Taurus
Water: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces

0° to 03° 20′

06° 40′ to 10°

Cancer

Virgo
 
Pushkara Navamsha can be classified through Nakshatras Padas as follows:

3rd Pada Libra of Venus Nakshatras- Bharani, Purva Phalguni, Purva Ashada
1st Pada Sagittarius and 4th Pada Pisces of Sun Nakshatras- Krittika, Uttara Phalguni, Uttara Ashada
2nd Pada Taurus of Moon Nakshatras- Rohini, Hasta, Shravana
4th Pada Pisces of Rahu Nakshatra- Ardra, Swati and Satabhisha
2nd Pada Taurus and 4th Pada Cancer of Jupiter Nakshatras- Punarvasu, Visakha, Purva Bhadra
2nd Pada Virgo of Saturn Nakshatra- Pushya, Anuradha, Uttara Bhadra
Note: The following do not have Pushkara Navamsha
Ketu Nakshatras (Ashwini, Magha and Mula)
Mars Nakshatra (Mrigasira, Chitra and Dhanista)
Mercury Nakshatras (Aslesha, Jyeshta and Revati).
 
Important Observations:
  • While there are two Pushkara in each sign, they do not fall in Aries, Gemini, Leo, Scorpio, Capricorn, and Aquarius Navamshas
  • Aries, Gemini, Leo and Aquarius are male signs and their Navamsha may use up all the energy available to them to regenerate the planetary qualities.
  • Scorpio and Capricorn are female signs but these are complex areas within signs. Scorpio creates sudden transformation and Capricorn makes planet feel much burdened, even if they are well placed.
  • The rulerships of the Navamshas are by benefic planets.
  • Jupiter and Venus rules nine Pushkara each, one in fire, earth and air elements, whereas Moon and Mercury rule one each in Water elements.
 Pushkara Bhaga
Pushkara Bhagas are specific degrees where planets become auspicious to do good. The exact degree becomes very powerful agent for being positive, whereas the Navamsha is still powerful but not as intense as the degree.
 
Jataka Parijata, Adhyaya 1 Shloka 58 gives the following degrees:
21º Aries (Libra Navamsha)
19º Leo (Virgo Navamsha)
23º Sagittarius (Libra Navamsha)
These three fall in Venus Nakshatras and Fire signs
14º Taurus (Taurus Navamsha and Vargottama- Moon Nakshatra),
9º Virgo (Pisces Navamsha- Sun Nakshatra),
14º Capricorn (Taurus Navamsha- Moon Nakshatra)
Above Three are in Earth signs
18º Gemini (Pisces Navamsha- Rahu Nakshatra),
24º Libra (Taurus Navamsha- Jupiter Nakshatra),
19º Aquarius (Pisces Navamsha- Rahu Nakshatra)
Above three are  in Air signs
8º Cancer (Virgo Navamsha)
11º Scorpio (Libra Navamsha),
9º Pisces (Virgo Navamsha)
Above three are in Saturn Nakshatras and Water signs
Note: Pushkara Bhagas are not found in Ketu, Mars and Mercury Nakshatras
 
 Uses of Pushkara Navamsha and Pushkara Bhaga
 Jataka Parijata says that Pushkara should be used in Natal, Mahurtha and Prashna scenarios.
 Natal
  • Lagna, Lagna lord, and 10th lords in Pushkara give great strength and good luck to the birth chart. More planets in Pushkara, the stronger the chart.
  • Any planet / planets in PN or PB strengthen the chart. Lagna Lord in PN/PB will elevate the whole chart whereas the Karaka of a particular House will boost that House.
  • If the Dasha lord is in Pushkara or the lord of Bhava Madhya that are Pushkara, it will give special results in relationship to its significations.
  • Yogakaraka and Yogas formed in Pushkara will give excellent results during their periods.
  • Planet in an exact degree becomes much stronger. If you have Sun exalted in 21º Aries, it is in Pushkara Navamsha and Bhaga. But this is also the debilitated Navamsha of the Sun. Pushkara will make Sun strong instead of weak.
  • If Lagna lord is Pushkara in your partner’s chart or vice versa means that you have the ability to understand each other and your marriage will be fulfilling and lasting. The karakas Venus and Jupiter in Pushkara degrees help make partnerships good.
  • If a woman has Jupiter in Pushkara, then she will have good partner and children.
  • Planets transiting Pushkaras generally give good results or will reduce their malefic effects if adversely placed.
Mahurtha
  • There are 24 Pushkara Navamsha and 12 Pushkara Bhagas. Therefore every hour a Pushkara Navamsha rises and every two hours a Pushkara Bhaga rises.
  • When you need to find an auspicious time, you can chose a Pushkara Navamsha or a Pushkara Bhaga. Some degrees reflect both the Navamsha and degree of Pushkara. In Taurus, the Pushkara Navamsha and the degree are Vargottama; therefore that particular position is extremely strong.
  • While planning a Mahurtha, it would be good to choose a Pushkara degree or Navamsha rising. This protects the chart and enhances its benefic quality.
  • To have the benefic planets, Lagna lord, 9th Lord, 5th Lord as well as the Lord of the house for which you are performing the Mahurtha to be in Pushkara Navamsha will further fortify the chart.
Prashna
  • If the Prashna ascendant falls in Pushkara or the Karaka for question falls in Pushkara, there will be a positive answer.
  • If the Karaka for the question is placed in an evil House, namely 8th House even though in a Pushkara Navamsha, we may predict that the objective will not be achieved.
  • Since it is a Pushkara Navamsha, there are some underlying factors that will make this negative aspect positive and we may interpret that the objective will be achieved but with difficulty.
 Author’s Note
In Classical texts there is very little information on this subject and Jataka Parijata and Chandra Kala Nadi dwell somewhat in a concise manner. Sri CS Patel’s book ‘Navamsha and Nadi Astrology’ gives different Pushkara Bhagas than what is in Jataka Parijata. I use only the latter and hence CS Patel’s version is not given. Students can refer the book for more information. Ms Komilla Sutton has done extensive research on this subject and many aspects described above are credited to her. Students can access her research papers Pushkara Navamsha and Pushkara Bhaga Part I and II for some more information.
 Always remember Pushkara Navamsha is 3°20′ arc of a sign while Pushkara Bhaga is a specific point in space or specific degree in a sign.
 

Akshaya Tritiya

10 May

Akshaya Tritiya

 

                                                       

Akshaya Tritiya

Akshaya Tritiya falls on the third day of the Shukla Paksha of Vaishaka month, when the Sun and Moon are in exaltation, which happens only once every year.   In this Samvatsara, the date of Akshaya Tritiya is Monday the 13th May 2013.

It is widely celebrated in all parts of India by different sections of the society irrespective of their religious faith and caste. Akshaya Tritiya, also known as “Akha Teej”, is traditionally the birthday of Lord Parasurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. People conduct special Pooja on this day, bathe in holy rivers, donate to charity and worship Lord Ganesha & Goddess Lakshmi.

The word “Akshaya” means imperishable or eternal – that which never diminishes. Initiations made or valuables bought on this day are considered to bring success or good fortune. Buying gold is a popular activity on Akshaya Tritiya, as it is the ultimate symbol of wealth and prosperity. Gold and gold jewelry bought and worn on this day signify never diminishing good fortune. Indians celebrate weddings, begin new business ventures, and even plan long journeys on this day.

Hindus believe in the theory of “Mahurtha” or auspicious timings in every step in life – be it to begin a new venture or making an important purchase. Akshaya Tritiya is one such momentous occasion, which is considered one of the most auspicious days of the Hindu Calendar.It is believed, any meaningful activity started on this day would be fruitful.

It is also believed that this day marks the beginning of the “SatyaYug” – the first of the four Yugas. In the “Puranas”, there is a story that says that on this day of Akshay Tritiya, Vedavyasa along with Ganesha started writing the great epic Mahabharata. Ganga or Mother Ganges also descended to earth on this day.

It is further believed that people born during this time excel in spiritual life and their name will be eternally remembered. Those born during this period include Basaveshwara, Ramanujacharya, Adi Shankaracharya, Swami Chinmayananda and Buddha. If you look at May Panchanga, in the month of Vaishaka, all their Jayanthis are celebrated.

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