Astrology and the Kuladevata

Introduction:

Whenever we hear the word ‘ kuladevata’ or ‘ kuladevi’, we are filled with curiosity , intrigue and fear. Who is this kula devta? Is he/she a spirit ,ghost or some old person?

Where can we find our kuladevata ?  Does he/ she get very angry?

This article attempts to address all these questions in a simple and non-complicated manner and also shows how kuladevata / kuladevis are connected with the stars.

Meaning:

The concept of the kuladevata or kuladevi  is a very old and ancient one.The word kuladevata is derived from 2 words kula and devata. Kula means clan and devata means deity.

Simply stated kuladevta is the deity worshipped by a particular clan.

The word ‘ kuladevata’ or ‘ kuladevi ‘ is  commonly referred to as  ‘Tutelary deity’ in other parts of the world.

The term Tutelary deity means a spirit or deity who is appointed as the guardian or protector of  a particular place , person , nation , culture or occupation.

 In India we also have the concept of the gram devata meaning deity of the village. Spiritual practitioners or sadhaks have the concept of ishta devata or your own person deity.

For eg in the South , Tirupati of Balaji is a common kuladevata.

But how is the kuladevata or kuladevi  connected with astrology?

Spheres of influence:

When we are born , we take birth in a family . That family is part of a larger family or kula and has its roots in some place . So we are automatically born into a kula whether we like it or not. Hence depending upon the kula , the role of the kuladevata  or kuladevi comes into play.

Hence even though the planets are critical in deciding the fate of the individual , the role of the kuladevata cannot be denied.

The kuladevata or kuladevi is extremely powerful by virtue of divine appointment .

Levels of power :

It is my basic hypothesis that an individual born in this world is governed by  many forces  apart from the stars at the time of his/ her birth.

These forces are:

1.   1.   Curse and blessings :

It is my belief that the power of curses and blessings overrides and in many cases suspends the effects of the planets.

We have read many instances of the power of curses destroying kingdoms and the potency of blessings turning a common man into a King.

2.      2. Kula devata or kula devi:

The job of the kuladevata is to protect and guard the members of his kula. Hence the kula devta is extremely proactive in providing support and positivity for kula members.

Hence the proper propitiation of the kula devata can be used for protection and safeguard.

3.       3.The Siddha  Guru:

It is my firm belief and understanding that no one is more powerful than a Realised Guru.

If you are lucky enough , to be the disciple of such a Siddha , the planets cannot touch you.

That is why:

"Guru brahma Guru Vishnu, Guru Devo Maheshwaray.

Guru Sakshat Parabrahma, Tasmay Shri Gurve Namah!"

The Siddha Guru is all powerful and will help you in  overcoming the adversities of  life.

                      

	LEVELS OF POWER

  

Connecting  the Kuladevta with astrology:

The kuladevata can play an extremely important role in alleviating our astrological problems. The blessings of the kuladevata give us prosperity and peace.

Examples:

1. Shani Sade sati:

    If you are undergoing a tough phase of the Sade sati ( saturn period) you are generally required to donate  black clothes , food to beggars as an astrological remedy.But try making a small discrete donation to your kuladevata temple for repairs and see the wonders it can work!

2    2. Appeasing Guru ( Jupiter ):

     Couples who have trouble in having children are recommended all sorts of remedies. These mostly relate to Guru , planet of progeny.

However i n my experience a visit to the kuladevata temple and a sincere prayer always does the trick!

Live examples:

I wish to share some live examples of my clients who have experienced the power of their kuladevta in their lives. ( names of the clients have been changed for their privacy. But names of kuladevatas have not been changed).

1. Hayyad Bapa:

       Mrs X approached me with a myriad of problems ranging from fights in the house to daughter not finding a proper job for the past 2 years.

After exhausting all available remedies,  i suggested a visit to their Kula devata ‘ Hayyad Kaka’ or ‘ Hayyad Bapa’ .

Hayyad kaka resides in small temple somewhere in Gujarat. He is an extremely powerful and jagrit ( means alive) devata and is concerned for the welfare of his children.

A small visit to his temple and her daughter finds a rewarding job, fights in home disappear and there are some unexpected gains!

Was it a fluke coincidence or the power of Hayyad Bapa?? I would confidently say the latter.

2. Khandoba:

 Mr Thakur met me 2 years back with the nagging problem of his sisters marriage. Inspite of being well qualified and good looking there were no marriage proposals.

I inquired about his kuladevata. He said he did not know who was their kuladevata.

On enquiry he was told that his kuladevta was ‘Khandoba ‘ and his temple is located in jejuri near pune in maharashtra.

Mr thakur was not keen to visit jejuri but on my insistence he  made the trip and returned a changed man!

His sister got married the next month. Now he visits jejuri at least once a month to meet his Master!

5 things you must know before you visit an astrologer

Introduction:

Generally speaking the process of visiting an astrologer is filled with fear,confusion,intrigue and secrecy. It should not be so.

Visiting an astrologer should be like visiting any professional. You should do your research well, have your questions ready and be sharp.

You must have at least some knowledge of the following:

1. Your birth chart or janma kundli:

This is the basic starting point for any astrological consult. Without the birth chart , an astrologer cannot begin.

Simply speaking the birth chart is the map of heavens at the time of your birth.

Your date of birth , time of birth and place of birth are required to construct the kundli.

Keep in mind-

A. Indian jyotish uses a square shaped chart whereas western astrologers use round circles as charts.
B. It is preferable to have a computerised chart as compared to hand written one.
C. Always carry your chart with you for the consult.

2. Type of astrologer:

Astrology has different schools of thought and application. For eg injyotish we have the traditional north indian schools, the south indian schools and the K P practitioners.

Depending on the type of astrologer you are visting one can orient oneself.

Even the types of charts required depends on the astrologer.

3. Different combinations in your chart:

Indian astrology or jyotish has certain common combinations which we may have heard of like 'Mangal dosh' , ' Kaal Sarpa Dosh' or 'Pitru dosh'.

These are classical astrological combinations which you may or may not have in your chart.

If you do possess anyone of them , please try to read about them . They are very well researched and talked about. Do not be ignorant

It helps if you are better prepared when you meet an astrologer!

4. Time periods or dashaas :

The basic predicive tool for jyotish is the dasha system based on the position of the moon at the time of birth.

Dasha actually means condition. However in jyotish each planet is given fixed time periods called dashas

Eg. Venus dasha lasts for 20 years , ketu for 7 years etc

However do remember-
A. There are different dasha systems like vimshottari, ashtottari, yogini, char dasha. Hence astrologer decides the dasha system to follow and makes predictions accordingly.
B. Western astrology does not use dashas. It uses primary and secondary progressions which are complex mathematical techniques.

All the predictions given to you are based on the dashas or progressions.

5. Beware of frauds or quacks:

Like in any field , astrology has more than its share of fakes and self- anointed quacks. Hence you must seperate the chaff from the wheat.

Pointers-

A. The person must exhibit certain amount of familiarity with astrological grammar like dashas, transits, planets or houses.

B. A proper astrologer must be able to explain things in the astrological parlance like Shani in 5 house aspecting 7th house.

C. Hence it most desirable to consult someone on someones recommendation or word of mouth.

It is quite possible that you are visiting a psychic who uses astrology but then you must know who you are visiting!!!!!


Conclusion:

If you keep the above mentioned 5 things in mind, your visit to an astrologer will be fruitful , informative and useful.

Match Making of charts : Myths and realities

Introduction:

With the advent of globalization and liberalisation, our lives and cultures have been put under enormous strain. Our cultural fabric is being torn apart , slowly but steadily. The first telling sign of this our MARRIAGE SYSTEM. Marriages are now facing tremendous pressure to succeed.

One of the integral parts of this system, is the often accepted ,but heavily believed MATCH MAKING OF CHARTS OF THE BRIDE AND BRIDEGROOM.

Can the match making process help make better marriages or does it in fact destroy happy and healthy to be marriages??

Objectives of Match Making of charts:

The match making process has been primarily designed for the following reasons:

-To help find the right couple who are mentally and physically compatible

-To ensure that the family would be happy and prosperous

-To see that the couple would be able to produce offspring and give birth to their own family.

The procedure of Match Making:

The process to be followed in math making is as follows:

1.Evaluation of the individual charts

2.Computation of the Gunas or points obtained by the couple

3.Mangal Dosh.

The flaws and objections to the match making procedure:

The current system as enumerated above suffers from the following objectionable flaws :

A.Too much emphasis given to Mangal dosh :

The current procedure followed is too biased towards ‘Mangal Dosh'.

A person is said to have Mangal Dosh, if Mars is posited in the 12th, 1st ,4th , 7th or 8th house in the horoscope.

A person who has the above placements of Mars is also called a ‘Manglik'.

People are generally scared to death with regards to their son or daughter being a Manglik and gloomy predictions are made with respect to their marriages.

B.Lack of individual evaluation of the individual charts :

The individual charts offer more information and insight with respect to the proposed marriage.

Let us look at the 2 scenarios that emerge from the point of view of the BRIDE AND BRIDEGROOM.

From the point of view of the Bride the following are important and can be assessed from the horoscope:

-Does the boy have any vices like drinking , womanising etc?

( would depend on the position of Venus and the 5th, 8th and 12th houses in the boys'chart)

-Are the boy's financial prospects bright ?

( evaluation of the 2nd , 9th ,10th and 11th houses)

-Does the boy have an intolerant nature or a very foul temper? ( which can result in violence)

( domination of Fiery signs and placement of Mars in the 8th and 12th house )

-Has the boy had any broken affairs or engagements?

( Proper examination of the 7th house and 7th house lord and Jupiter)

-Does the boy have any serious medical problems like impotency?

( dominance of Barren signs , a weak Venus and the 6th house )

From the point of view of the Bridegroom the folllowing are important and can be assessed from the horoscope:

-Is the girl having a good character?

( examination of the 4th house and Venus and Jupiter )

-Has she had any previous affairs that she has not revealed?

( the 5th ,8th and 12th house)

-Has she had a broken marriage or engagement that have not been revealed?

( the 2nd, 7th house with Jupiter and Venus )

-Does she have any serious medical problems?

( overall examination of ascendant , 6th , 8th and 12th house )

The following questions need to be answered:

A.Would you get your son married to a girl with whom :

the Mangals match perfectly and

the point are 31out of 36

BUT WHOSE CHART REVEALS THAT SHE HAS HAD SEVERAL PREVIOUS AFFAIRS?

B. Would you get your daughter married to a boy who:

has a perfect mangal match

the points are 35out of 36

is extremely rich

BUT WHOSE CHART REVEALS :

he is an alcoholic

has a very foul temper

and has numerous sexual relations with other girls?

ADVANTAGES OF MATCH MAKING:

1.Insight into a person’s personality:

The horoscope helps reveal the entire personality of an individual in a very unbiased manner. For example the horoscope will reveal :

2.The person’s intellectual level

3.The person’s sex drives

4.The person’s attitude towards life

Hence the examination of horoscope would reveal wealth of information about the prospective bride or bride groom.

5.Horoscopes help find the right personality matches :

6.Potential offspring problems:

One of the other benefits of match making is that it informs the couple about their capability and problems in childbirth.

This is done through a proper assessment of the 5th house and position of Jupiter in both the charts.

IT IS ALSO NOW DESIRABLE TO HAVE THE BLOOD SAMPLES OF THE COUPLES CHECKED PRIOR TO MARRIAGE AS COUPLES WITH THE SAME RH FACTOR HAVING TROUBLE WITH OFFSPRING.

How do pujas help your home?

Introduction:

Have you ever asked yourself , why is it necessary to perform pujas or havans in the house? Why the compulsory aartis in certain households? Why the dhoop in the evening?

Well , the answers to these questions lie in the art and craft of space clearing.

Meaning:

Simply stated , space clearing is the ancient art of clearing the energy of a space of all it's negative and dull vibrations.

In order to understand space clearing, we must examine some of it's basic underpinnings:

Energy or chi:

It is a basic belief of most ancient cultures that every space ( which may be a house or open playground ) has an energy of it's own.

This energy is called Prana in Hindu scriptures and Chi by the Chinese.

The chi of a space tends to either positively or negatively affect it's inhabitants, which are mostly humans.

Hence space clearing tries to positively charge spaces to enhance their productivity.

The building blocks of energy:

Many of the scriptures state that ,what surrounds us consists of :

Water

Fire

Air or ether

Hence every space would also consist of the above mentioned elements.

Space clearing utilises each of the above elements with some other elements to bring about a positive Chi in the space.

Techniques of space clearing:

Our ancient Vedic Seers were masters at the art and craft of Space clearing. They performed havans or big pujas which generally consisted of :

the Sacred Fire ( Fire element )

Water was sprinkled ( Water element )

Incense was burnt ( Ether)

The recitation of Mantras and intonations.

Sound is another important element which influences the Chi or energy of any space. The use of bells and Mantras is to enhance the sound element.

Some tips for simple space clearing:

Though we cannot perform elaborate pujas and havans in the house everyday , some tips can be used:

Use of incense daily in the house keeps the house light and nice

It is desirable to light a diva in the morning in the house to appease Agni Dev.

The use of dhoop is recommended once in 15 days at least.

A simple puja can be performed every morning to charge the atmosphere of the house.

Symptoms of weak energy in the house:

Perpetual sickness in the house

Loss of appetite of the family members

Continuous stress and tension in the house

The desire to stay away from the house or space.

Example :

On a Vaastu visit to one of my clients home , it was found that the Vaastu was perfect but the Chi of the place was extremely weak.

I advised certain space clearing procedures to be performed continously for 3 months.

The client reported drastic improvements.

Conclusion:

Space clearing is a powerful practical tool that can be used by us to improve our living spaces.

Selection of houses using Feng Shui

Introduction:

The house is an important part of a person’s life as it provides you with shelter and protection.

However according to Feng Shui( the art of placement), the house is much more than this. The house is a living person who can bestow upon you wealth and prosperity or problems and illnesses as the case maybe. Hence the selection of a new house is a very important decision which one makes.

Feng Shui comes to the rescue of people in such cases by providing certain guidelines which can be adhered to while selecting a house. Feng Shui is simply the art of harmonising oneself with the environment.

This article will deal with the following scenarios that may emerge:

1.Buying a new house in a complex that is yet to be completed (that is under construction houses).

2.Buying a new house that is ready for possession.

3.Buying a house that is / was occupied by someone else and is being offered for sale.

A. UNDER CONSTRUCTION HOUSES:

Houses that are yet under construction or are yet to be completed pose a special problem as the house is not yet in front of the eyes.

In such cases the external feng shui plays a much more important role. The following factors would merit consideration:

How many buildings are there in the complex? Is there enough space between two buidings?

How is the pathway or route from the gate to the entrance of your building?

What is the view from the window of your house? Is it blocked or obstructed?

From a feng shui perspective, a clear open view is desirable.

Is your building close to the highway or electricity poles?

A combination of the above mentioned factors would help in choosing a favourable place for the client. In most cases however, it is recommended to see at least 7 to 8 flats and give them a rating of 1 to 10. The house with the highest rating wins.

B . HOUSES READY FOR POSSESSION:

Houses that are ready for possession pose a slightly lesser problem than under construction houses. But in selection of a ready flat the above mentioned factors also must be kept in mind.

The additional factors that merit consideration:

What is the shape and structure of the house? Is it regularly shaped or is it irregular in shape?

Irregularly shaped houses pose special problems from a feng shui perspective.

In which direction is the main door of the house located?

Where is the toilet of the house located?

Does the house present any structural leverages?

Ready flats are far more easier to chose than under construction flats. As is apparent form the above discussion, in case of the under construction houses , the stress is on the external feng shui and in case of the ready flats the emphasis is on the internal feng shui.

C. HOUSES WITH PRIOR OCCUPANTS:

In case you are buying a house that is or was occupied by someone else, the following are important:

Predecessor Chi:

This means that one must find out why the person selling the house is selling. Is it because of financial problems or bankruptcy or better prospects?

This is the most important facet of selecting a pre-occupies house as the predecessor Chi influences the new occupant of the house.

Apart from the predecessor Chi, all the points as mentioned in the selection of the ready made house are to be taken into consideration before selecting the house.

CONCLUSION:

Feng Shui is one of the most potent tools that can be used for selection of houses as the house is an all integral part of one’s life.

Mangal Dosh and Match Making

Introduction:

 With the advent of the marriage season, there is a great demand for one person- The Astrologer or Panditji. This is because he will Match the horoscopes and pass judgement as to whether a prospective bride or bridegroom is marriageworthy. If he finds something wrong in the chart , the marriage does not take place and if he gives the green signal the marriage is solemnised. So , what is this match - making of horoscopes?

Meaning:

 Match making is the process by which the prospective bride's and bridegroom's horoscopes are assessed for:
- physical ( sexual ) compatibility
- mental compatibility
-their combined ability to give birth to an offspring and
- Mangal Dosh.

 This process is carried out by :
1.Computation of Gunas or Kutas ( points):

 The minimum gunas that must be obtained is 18. If the gunas are less than 18, the match is considered unfavourable.

2. Evaluation of the Mangal Dosh:

 Meaning of Mangal Dosh: A person is said to have Mangal Dosh, if Mars is posited in the 12th, 1st ,4th , 7th or 8th house in the horoscope. A person who has the above placements of Mars is also called a ‘Manglik'.

 Importance of Mangal Dosh: It is said that a Manglik must get married to a another Manglik or a person with Shani ( Saturn ) in the above mentioned positions.

 MYTHS SURROUNDING MATCH MAKING OF CHARTS :

 Having understood the basic grammar of match making , let us examine some of the myths and misconceptions surrounding match making:

1. If a Manglik marries a non-Manglik , the person who is a non-Manglik will die:

 This is one of the most encountered and most baseless myths about Mangal Dosh. For a person to die after marriage the following factors would come into play:
-The person is fated to die only after marriage.
-The person should have a short life .
-The lady getting married to such a person should be fated for widowhood.
- The person should be fated for no married life .

It is only if all these factors come into play simultaneously, then would the person die. Can only one Mangal Dosh cause death??!! Seems illogical.

2. A Manglik will either have a late marriage or a broken marriage:

 This is another falsity about Mars. We must understand that Mars is only 1 of the 9 planets that form part of the horoscope. Late marriages or broken marriages can be caused by Rahu, Ketu and Shani also. If a non-Manglik marries a Manglik ,then that person's fate and progress are stalled: This argument is mostly put forward by men who unknowingly marry a Manglik girl. Just because their horoscope is weak and they are not able to achieve in life , the blame is put on the wife's chart and the Mangal dosh. The reality is that every persons individual chart is the most important.

 Yes it is true that your spouse's stars will influence you, but they cannot alter your fate.

ADVANTAGES OF MATCH MAKING:

 Though match making is plagued by some false myths , there are some merits to it:

1.Insight into a person’s personality:
 The horoscope helps reveal the entire personality of an individual in a very unbiased manner. For example the horoscope will reveal -the person’s intellectual level , person’s sex drives, person’s attitude towards life .
Hence the examination of horoscope would reveal wealth of information about the prospective bride or bride groom.

2. Horoscopes help find the right personality matches : 

This can be explained with the help of few live examples:

 A lady client of mine wished to get married to a prospective bridegroom. Form her chart I knew she was:
- Very aggressive
-Business minded Independent and
-Wanted to continue working after marriage.

 The boy’s chart revealed that he was:
-Slightly orthodox -
-Business minded Not very aggressive
- Obsessed with having a child.

I revealed these observations to my client , who did not get married as their personalities did not match. ( Their gunas were 24 and their Mangals matched!!)

 A typical case came to me where the boy and girl were madly in love with other. However , THEIR MANGALS DID NOT MATCH AND GUNAS WERE 14. The parents were highly reluctant to go ahead with the marriage as they were told that one of them would die.

The charts revealed that they were made for each other and there was no problem whatsoever. I managed to convince the parents for the marriage. They are happily married with 2 children!!!

 Other important matters of concern:

 The examination of charts can also help reveal:
- Is the person suffering from any chronic sickness?
-Has the person had any affairs in the past? -
-Is the person addicted to smoking or drinking or any other bad habits?
- Is the family under any sort of debt or indebtedness?

IT IS ALSO NOW DESIRABLE TO HAVE THE BLOOD SAMPLES OF THE COUPLES CHECKED PRIOR TO MARRIAGE AS COUPLES WITH THE SAME RH FACTOR HAVE TROUBLE WITH OFFSPRING.

 CONCLUSION: It maybe concluded that match making is a tool that must be used judiciously for mutual benefit.

Drug addiction and astrology

Meaning of drug addiction:

 Drug addiction maybe defined as a condition characterised by compulsive drug intake, craving and seeking, despite what the majority of society may perceive as the negative consequences associated with drug use. Drug diction has begun to raise its ugly head with alarming regularity targeting today's younger generation with cocaine, LSD, crack , ganja,and other addictive substances. How is one to fight this beast?

 Astrology can throw some light on the psychological mechanism at work and help in early detection of drug addiction.

Astrology and drug addiction:

 The above definition may be broken down into the following components for better understanding:

1.compulsion craving and seeking
2. complete lack of fear as to the consequences of the drug intake.

 The horoscope is a map of an individuals propensities and mental makeup. It gives us an insight into the personality and distinctive traits that define an individual. If an individuals chart does possess propensities or exhibited tendencies towards compulsion or pleasure seeking , he is more prone to getting into drug addiction.

 Astrological ingredients for drug addiction:

 The following planets would provide the receipe for addiction:

1. Rahu:

It would be pertinent to understand here that rahu is actually not a planet but a shadow planet. Rahu's job is to "cloud your judgement". Rahu puts a veil of darkness on your consciousness which makes you blind to the consequences of your drug abuse.

2.Venus:

Venus is basically the pleasure seeking element . Venus makes us crave and desire for pleasure . venus makes us hedonistic and takes us on a thrill seek.

3.Moon:

 Our ancient yogis were smart enough to understand that the mind plays a pivotal role in our lives. Hence jyotish considers the moon to be more important. Only a weak mind can get addicted and seek compulsion. The mind has the power to override the brain and still get back to a drug inspite of its negative effects.

4. Pluto:

 Pluto is one of the outer planets that always adds fuel to the fire. Many call it a ‘ticking time bomb'. It is the planet of extremities and higher consciousness . pluto can give you a ‘HIGH'after a shot of cocaine or heroine. It seeks newer and bolder mental experiences.

Astrological combinations for drug addiction:

 One must always take the entire chart into consideration before passing judgement. However the following combinations are potent for drug addiction:

- Combination of moon , venus and pluto in the eight house of the chart makes one prone to indulge in secretive pleasure seeking drug or other types of addictions -

- Venus , rahu and pluto together in the 12th house of the chart with a very weak jupiter can make one very susceptible to addictions.

- Rahu , moon and pluto together generally indicate a propensity for seeking newer and bolder experiences. If this combination occurs in the 5th house , the drug addiction will originate at a party or disco or friends house.

 How to fight drug addiction ?

Along with proper therapy and medication from doctors , the following can help fight addiction:

1. Wearing rudrakshas has shown to be effective in curbing desire for drugs.

2. A daily dose of pranayam or yoga can be extremely effective in fighting addiction along with proper therapy like alcoholics anonymous or narcotics anonymous.

3. There are special medicines called Bach Flower Therapy which work very well for drug addiction under a homeopath's supervision.

 Conclusion: 

In case of drug addiction prevention and early detection is better than cure. Astrology can help detect propensities that may lead to drug addiction as planets only incline but do not compel us.