Suicide and Astrology

Introduction:


Suicide is the act of intentionally causing ones own death. Risk factors include mental illnesses like depression , bipolar personality , schizophrenia etc.


Is is quite shocking to see the alarming rise in the number of suicides. It also affects all types of people from businessmen to children to boys, girls and housewives.


But why would a PERSON END HIS OWN LIFE??


Can the stars provide an answer to this intricate yet unaswered question?


Proneness to Suicide (Risk factors) :


After years of astrological practice, I DO NOT FEEL A PERSON IS FATED TO COMMITT SUICIDE. A person, due to certain combination of his stars, maybe prone to suicide.


Death maybe Fated but suicide is not!


It can definitely be prevented with a combination of mundane and spiritual remedies.


Astrological anatomy of Suicide:


Classical jyotish does not directly talk of suicide but does talk of death quite elaborately.


Hence the following are important in examining if a person is prone to or is at risk of committing suicide:


1. The Moon:


The foundation of jyotish and the most powerful and ephemeral entity on earth is the human mind. In jyotish , the mind is represented by the Moon or Chandra.


We all have swayed to the emotions of our mind sometimes happy or sad or angry or depressed.


Hence a weak or hyper sensitive Moon is a sure risk for suicide.


2. The Water signs:


The water signs are Cancer , scorpio and Pisces and are known for their emotional sensitivity.


The strength of these signs is their ability to feel extreme passion , emotion and swings . But it is also their biggest weakness which can lead them to a dark abyss.


Please do not THINK ONLY WATER SIGNS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR SUICIDE . BUT IT IS THEIR INTRINSIC NATURE THAT MAKES THEM MORE PRONE TO IT!


3. Mercury (budha):


Mercury ( budha )is representative of the human brain . It is the human faculty to think dispassionately , rationally and try to self preserve.


A weak brain or budha gives way to the idea of ending ones own life.


4. The 8th house :


The 8th house in astrology stands for death and the unknown. However with the 8th house we must also look at the 1st house and the 3rd house.


The 1st house stands for the Self. If the Self is very strong then a person would not contemplate suicide.
The 3rd house is 8th from the 8th and stands for courage and valour.


Hence a correlation  or confluence between the 1st, 8th and 3rd houses would be an indicator of suicide.


5. Rahu and ketu:


Rahu and ketu are illusory planets or shadow planets . They want you to believe in something that is not real or illusory.


Hence they are primarily responsible for desiring extreme happiness or fame or recognition or pain.


Rahu and ketu with the Moon in a chart is a strong influencer along with the other factors.


6. Uranus , neptune and pluto:


These outer planets are not recognised by classical jyotish.
But they are a higher octave of consciousness.


When associated with the Moon , uranus causes hallucinations or deep emotioinal swings . Neptune can give psychic ability but is very volatile and uncontrollable.


Possible Combinations for suicide:


1. Lord of 1st house in the 8 th and 8th house lord in the 1st house.
2. Weak debilitated Moon with cuspal mercury in the 8th house.
3. Ketu chandra in the 1st house and mercury in 8th with neptune.
4. Four or more planets in the 8th house and exchange of 1st and 3rd houses.


Mundane rememdies for proneness to suicide:


If the forthcoming transits are bad or the current dasha periods of a person are emotionally stressful,  one may undertake:


1. Do yoga and pranayama regularly.
2. Adopt a pet especially a dog as it understands your wavelength.
3. Talk to a therapist and counsellor.
4. Take up a new hobby.
5. Dont stay alone. talk to people.


Spiritual remedies for proneness to suicide :


1. Feed a cow every Monday. Helps cool the  Mind.
2. Worship Lord Shankara in any Form you like . eg visit His temple or read His 1008 names .
3. Work in an animal hospital. It helps us understand how precious human life is.


Conclusion:


Human life is very precious. We dont realise it.


In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna gives Arjuna the best advice possible :" You are your greatest friend and you are your greatest enemy"


Lets be our own friends forever!

How to face a volatile 2016 !

Introduction:

There has been an  overwhelming   response to my previous post 'Predictions for 2016 - Rough times ahead ' and people are clamouring for more.

But the most frequent question asked by the readers is HOW DOES ONE FACE SUCH A VOLATILE YEAR?

There is no point telling a person you are sick and then offering no medicine!

This article will try to provide some pointers on how to deal with a tough year.

Concept of  Remedies or Upayas:

At the very outset , let us be clear as to how  remedies or upayas are to be understood in the jyotish context.

Upaya is a  systematically constructed psycho-spiritual apparatus that helps strengthen the image of the planet in our psyche.

In simple words , the remedy helps you better connect with the living energy of the deity or planet.

For eg, Rahu is represented by snakes and if you wish to connect with Rahu then you can help snakes , rescue snakes etc.

Similarly each planet has a -

1. Gemstone
2. Mantra
3. Donation
4. Fasting regimen

Hence to deal with the energies of any planet , one must work with any of its representations.

( In order to better appreciate this article please read the previous post - "Predictions for 2016)

A. Remedies for the Chandala Yoga from January to August 2016:

As explained in the previous article , a combination of Guru and Rahu causes the Chandala yoga. The primary effect of this yoga is to cause confusion and chaos.

This yoga also makes to take wrong decisions based on immoral considerations.

The Rahu shadow makes you question your own faith and underpinnings and TEMPTS you to DECEIVE!

Remedies:

a. Save snakes :

One of the easiest ways of reducing the effect of Rahu , is to save and protect His beloved snakes and reptiles.

As far as possible , DO NOT KILL SNAKES !

b. Donate books and teach children:

Books and teaching are Guru Maharaj's department and He is easily appeased with donations and teaching.

Strengthening Guru's image helps you PRESERVE AND STRENGTHEN YOUR FAITH!

B. Remedies for retro Mars and retro Shani in Scorpio:

Retro Mars and retro Shani combination will create more trouble for people running their Sade sati and mostly Aries and Scorpio ascendants

Remedies:

a. Provide services at a crematorium

b. Give medicines to homes for aged people

c. Try and help handicapped people.


C. No Angarki Chaturthi for this year:

Lord Ganapati is our Vighnaharta ( Remover of Obstacles )  and hence we are enjoined that must first remember Him before we commence any activity-

Vakratunda Mahakaya Suryakoti Samaprabha ,
Nirvighna KuruMe Deva ,
Sarvakaryeshu Sarvada!!

We bow to you Oh Lord Almighty and your Name shall ensure Success in every endeveaour!

Lord Ganesh is very receptive and forgiving by nature and hence easy to approach for His blessings.

Ways to propitiate Ganapati:

a. Save the Elephant:

There is no better way to please Him than by saving his dear Gaja !

b. Adopt an Elephant:

Many zoos across the country are now putting up various animals for adoption.
You can adopt an elephant . Meet him and feed him!

c. Read the Atharvah-shirsha:

One of His favourite hymns is the Atharva-Shirsha which sings the praises of Lord Ganesh and extolls His virtues.

Try and read the Atharvashirsha every Tuesday for one year and it will help !


Conclusion:

I am sure the above remedies will help you navigate the rough waters of 2016!

Predictions for 2016 : Rough times ahead !

Introduction :

At the beginning of every new year , we are all curious and anxious to know what the coming new year holds for us. 

Is it going to be a fruitful new year or one with trials and tribulations?

From the point of view of jyotish , 2016 presents itself with very many powerful combinations and unusual occurrences that tend to portend to an OMINOUS NEW YEAR!

Let us examine some of these formations :

1. Formation of Chandal Yoga ( Guru + Rahu ) from 9th January 2016 to 10th August 2016:

Chandal yoga is a classical combination or yoga that occurs when Guru or Jupiter and Rahu are together in one sign or nakshatra.

Chandal  refers to a filthy , mean or low person.

Jupiter or Guru stands for the principle of Morality , goodness or righteousness in society or in the world at large.

He is your teacher , mentor and guide for doing the right things in life.

Rahu or the North Node is actually not a planet but an eclipse point that stands for the principle of greed, lust and deceit in society.

He is the Prime Motivator for temptations , deceit and taking short cuts in life.

Rahu is totally devoid of any morality.

Hence when they both come together :

                -  there is a fall in the moral levels of the society and

                - goodness is eclipsed by the forces of greed and power.

This Chandal yoga is special because :

A. Guru is retrograde from 9th January to 9th May2016 which makes the yoga more ominous and powerful because it has a retrograde Guru and Rahu.

B.  This yoga takes place in Leo which is the sign owned by the Sun. It is said that Rahu swallows the Sun during an eclipse.

Hence GREED WILL ECLIPSE GOODNESS!

Hence during this period of the Chandal yoga , we can expect:

- There will be  a tremendous spike in the attacks on religious installations. 

- Very well known and advanced nations will bear the brunt of the attacks.

- Large economies and institutions will be tarnished and blown away.

- Since Guru signifies children, there can be mass killing of children

- The established stock markets will swing wildly and bankruptcy will become a norm.

- People will lose faith in GOODNESS!

2. Formation of Kal-Sarpa Yoga from 3rd October 2016 to 11th December 2016:

Kal - Sarpa yoga is formed when all the planets fall on one side of Rahu and Ketu.

It resembles a snake that has eaten all the planets and hence called Kal Sarpa.

Kal Sarpa yogas are rare and very powerful especially because they signal a shift in world order and society.

We can expect-

a. The birth of an extremely evolved spiritual soul that will bring world peace.

b. Rebalancing of powers between the weak and powerful nations.

3. Four major planets( Guru, Mars, Shani , Mercury) being retrograde at the same time from 28th April 2016 to 9th May 2016:

Every year all the planets excluding Sun and the Moon stay retrograde for varying periods of time . Hence retrogression of planets is not a new thing.

But this year all 4 planets are retrograde at the same time which is rare and very powerful . Also do note Shani and Mars will be retro in scorpio, Guru will be retro in Leo and mercury retro in Aries which are mostly enemy signs.

Expect this period to be very volatile for the commodity markets and painful for the weather patterns.

4. Retrograde Mars and retrograde Saturn in scorpio from 17th April 2016 to 18th June 2016:

Mars and saturn are sworn enemies who are very uncomfortable with each other.

Scorpio is a water sign owned by mars which stands for secrets , war and deceit.

Hence when a retro mars comes together with a retro shani in scorpio , there will be unrest and tumult!

We can expect -

a. Huge swings in the oil and commodity markets as saturn stands for oil.

b. there can be air and water skirmishes between small nations

c. there will be a spike in sexual attacks on women all over the world.

5. Not a single Angarki Chaturthi during 2016:

Technically speaking angarki chaturthi is the krishna paksha chaturthi( 4th day) in the Hindu lunar calendar falling on a tuesday.

Sankashti chaturthi is an auspicious day dedicated to Lord Ganesha that falls on the 4th day of the dark half of the moon cycle every month.

When this sankashti falls on a Tuesday , it is extremely auspicious and desirous for worshipping Lord Ganesha. 

Lakhs of devotees visit Ganpati temples on Angarki Chaturthi.

It is my belief that the benevolent Ganpati protects us from obstacles and troubles ( hence called vighnaharta) and thus absence of a single angarki this year means the year 2016 will test us and our faith severely!

There will be injustice and falsehood all around and we will doubt our faith !

How to find a lucky name for your child

  Introduction:

 The birth of a child is one of the most important and life changing events in a couple's life. The parents always want the best for their child. Best food, best clothes and best education. So why not begin with the most important factor; best name for the child?

A  name which is lucky for your child,  would propel him to greatness and achievement. The great Indian Rishis by virtue of their Meditation and Sadhana , discovered that the first alphabet of a person’s name did make a significant difference to a person's luck and destiny. So they have, in the form of Jyotish, devised a system for the proper naming of your child.

 The Basic grammar:

 Although we all know, that the Earth revolves around the Sun in an elliptical orbit, we as observers from Earth, feel that the Sun appears to move around the Earth. This apparent motion of the Sun around the Earth is called the ‘Ecliptic’.

 The nine planets used in Jyotish , are generally confined to a band in the heavens which extends approximately 8 degrees to both the North and the South of the ecliptic as seen from the earth. This imaginary band in the sky is called the ZODIAC, which for the sake of convenience and mathematical use is divided into 360 degrees.

 The 12 Rashis and their alphabets:

 The zodiac of 360 degrees is further sub-divided into 12 equal divisions of 30 degrees each. Each division is commonly called a ‘Rashi’. There are 12 rashis and are not to be confused with the 12 sun signs. Under Hindu or vedic astrology , they are called rashis and under western astrology they are called signs.

(Refer to the rashi chart below)

Rashi no	Hindu name	Western name	Alphabets
1	Mesha	Aries	A, L,E
2	Vrushabh	Taurus	B,V,U
3	Mithun	Gemini	K,CHA
4	Kark	Cancer	D, H
5	Simha	Leo	M,T
6	Kanya	Virgo	P, TH
7	Tula	Libra	R, T
8	Vrischik	Scorpio	N, Y
9	Dhan	Saggitarius	BHA, DHA, F
10	Makar	Capricorn	KHA , J
11	Kumbha	Aquarius	G , SHA
12	Meena	Pisces	D ,CH,

Naming your child:

How does one go about selecting the best name for one's  child?

Well, Jyotish tells us that it is the first alphabet of the name which is the most important.

Please remember, the name could be anything, but it is the FIRST ALPHABET that matters the most.

 Having prepared the birth chart of your child , search for 2 important bits of information:

1. Janma rashi or birth rashi
2. alphabet corresponding to rashi as given in the table above.
   Step 1:
   Find the childs Janma rashi.  The Janma rashi, is the rashi occupied by the Moon at the time of your child's birth. The Moon stays in 1 rashi approximately for 2 days and this information is readily available in the birth chart.
   Step 2:
   Having found the Janma rashi, refer the table above and look up for the alphabets that belong to that particular rashi.
   Examples:
   1. If your child’s rashi is Leo or Simha, the alphabets are M and T.
   Hence your childs name should begin with M or T like Madhava , Manas, Mansi  or Mahi
   Lets take another example:
   If your childs rashi is Scorpio or Vrishchik, then his/her name should commence with N or Y like Nikhil, Neel , Narayan, Yamini or Yasmita.
   NOW, THAT WAS VERY SIMPLE !
   YOU HAVE ALREADY TAKEN THE FIRST STEP TOWARDS A BRIGHT FUTURE OF YOUR CHILD BY GIVING HIM A POWERFUL NAME!

Shani Maharaj : The Grand Master of your Destiny

Introduction:


Whenever we hear the word Saturn or shani , we are filled with fear and dread. The astrologer informs us that we are doomed! We are destroyed?


Jyotish or Vedic astrology also treats Saturn with great fear and respect. If your shani is bad or going to turn bad , be warned! Life will become topsy turvy!


Who is Shani Maharaj and why so much fear and awe surrounding him?


Is He really that bad and scary or is it just mis-information?


Let us meet Shaniji and try to understand him.


Who is Shani?


Saturn is one of the nine planets in astrology who is considered the most powerful of them all. By nature , Saturn is one of the slowest moving planets in the zodiac and hence most potent!


Saturn takes 2.5 years to traverse one sign as compared to 1 month for the Sun and 2.25 days for the Moon.


Jyotish has sepecial affinity for Him and names Him Shani derived from the word " shanay" meaning slow. He is considered to be the Son of the Sun or Surya dev and hence the name 'suryaputra shani dev'. His Mother is Chaya or shadow , the wife of the Sun.


Shanidev is considered to  have a broken leg and limps while walking . This is why He is the slowest in His movement. There are some stories that attribute Him with a black tongue and misfortune.


What does Shaniji represent?


All 9 planets in astrology have an archetypal representation and elemental subset. eg Moon stands for the mind , the Sun for the Soul.


Shaniji stands for karmic justice and repayment. He is the Judge and executor of our karmic balances and sees to it that we pay for our acts and deeds.


His job is to ensure that we learn our lessons and remember that ' every action will have and an equal and opposite reaction'.


The Sade - Sati:


Sade- sati basically means 7.5 year period and is very widely and commonly used in Jyotish.


It consists of 3 phases of 2.5 years each, when Shani Maharaj transits , the 12th sign from your natal Moon , the sign of your Moon and the 1st sign from your natal Moon.


Astrologers mostly scare people saying ' your sade sati has begun. your life will be ruined. do this remedy or that remedy'.


The sade sati is a 7.5 year period that generally affects the Moon in your chart and is not necessarily bad and destructive.


It gives you an opportunity to re-examine your life and relationships. Do remember what is happening is PAYBACK FOR  WHAT YOU HAVE DONE. SO DONT BLAME ANYBODY ELSE!


Simple remedies for the Sade sati:


If you are having a tough sade sati , these are simple remedies you can try:


1. try feeding a beggar for at least 8 weeks.
2. make donations of food at old age homes.
3. try and volunteer at a cemetery or crematorium. Shani maharaj is fond of death and its purveyors.
4. give medicines to hospitals.


Most importantly , RESPECT PEOPLE and Shani maharaj ( your fate ) will be benevolent!


Shani Mahatmya:


The Shani Mahatmya is a important book which illustrates the nature of Shani and how He afflicted King Vikramaditya . It is available in most languages and reading it is a remedy in itself.


The best translation of the same is THE GREATNESS OF SATURN by Dr Robert Svoboda.
If you really wish to understand Shanidev , please read the Shani Mahatmya.


Conclusion:

Shani  Maharaj basically stands for the old Sanskrit axiom ' gahano karmani gati' meaning, the wheels of fate turn mysteriously and slowly.
 Shani Maharaj is the Master of our Fate and we must Respect Him

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.