The Vedas, which are the sacred Hindu scriptures, embody eternal knowledge. Vedic Astrology (known as "Jyotish" in Sanskrit), dates back to over 7000 B.C. and is considered as a "Vedanga" or the body of the Vedas. In the opening verse of the 5,000 year old vedic text, “Brihat Parasara Hora Shastra”, the ancient Sage, Maharishi Parasha, tells us that:

"The Unborn Lord has incarnated as the nine planets, (the Nava Grahas), to bestow on the living beings the result due to their karmas. He assumes the auspicious form of the Grahas (planets) to destroy the demons and to sustain the divine beings."

The great Sage then goes on to describe to us the eternal science of astrology and effect of the planets on the destiny of the incarnating soul. This work is said to be the fountainhead of Vedic astrology. The Vedas and the vast Vedic Literature, mankind's oldest body of knowledge, details the relationship between astronomy, astrology and human beings.

Vedic astrology is a powerful medium which can be used to understand ourselves through the study of the stars and the constellations. It predicts and offers remedies for mundane difficulties as well as guide posts to an individual's spiritual path.

As described by the American Council of Vedic Astrologers, Vedic astrology called Jyotish, the "Science of Light" has flourished in India for several thousand years. As one of the true ancient systems of astrology, Vedic or Hindu astrology is renowned for its spiritual depth and accuracy in predicting future events. Based on the sidereal zodiac, it reflects an astrologer's perception of the placement of the planets in the constellations. Through its practical application in daily life, Vedic astrology has made tremendous inroads into the Western astrological community in recent years.The uniqueness and strength of Vedic Astrology is its use of remedial measures such as prayer, chants (or mantras), yoga, meditation and offerings (yagnas) and gemstones. Thus, the astrologer is plays a role of part counselor, healer, priest, advisor, mystic, mentor and friend.

Across the world, prominent figureheads have used the power of stars to their benefit. Presidents, Businessmen and Scientists have enjoyed significant advantages by timing their actions and decisions. A few examples:

Astrology and the White House:

President Ronald Reagan, Nancy Reagan and the White House:

It is no secret that Mrs. Nancy Reagan consistently relied upon astrologers (Jeane Dixon, Carol Righter and Joan Quigley) throughout her and her husband's career at the White House. Apparently, the Reagan's were interested primarily in how astrology could guide them in the timing of specific events such as when to schedule press conferences, airplane flights, political meetings, and the affairs of state in general. Time Magazine carried an article on this subject in on May 16,1988. According to former White house aide Donald Regan, "Virtually every major move and decision the Reagans made during my time as White House Chief of Staff was cleared in advance with a woman in San Francisco [Joan Quigley] who drew up horoscopes to make certain that the planets were in favorable alignment for the enterprise."

Astrology and business:

J. Pierpoint Morgan, a very wealthy American financier at the turn of the century who used astrology for business timing purposes. He financed such companies as U.S. Steel Corporation and the Great Northern & Pacific Railroad, as well as the Boer War. His use of astrology for business made him a billionaire in the early part of this century when a million dollars was a vast fortune!

Walt Disney also used astrological cycles for business purposes. He chose his introduction and opening times for movies and the theme parks based on astrological cycles. He made millions using this timing tool!

The Wall Street Journal once wrote an article about 1400 businesses, which all started under the same astrological cycle, one that "randomly" occurs 2-3 times per week, and lasts from minutes or hours, to 2 days. The essential meaning of this cycle is "nothing will come of it", and all of them went bankrupt! That cycle is not actually random, but it’s not visible in the usual sense either.

Indian tradition states that Vedic Astrology is a divine science and it has come down to us on earth in the form of a dialogue between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

The foundation of Vedic Astrology is the strong belief in Poorva Janma (past birth) and Punar Janma (next birth). Interwoven with this belief is the Theory of Karma. The Law of Karma can simply be stated as: "As you sow, so shall you reap." The Law of Karma is another name for Newton's Third law of Motion: "For every action there is equal and opposite reaction."

Karmas are divided into four categories:

1. Sanchit:  A collection of Karmas.
2. Prarabdha: The ready to experience Karmas.
3. Kriyamana: Current Karmas.
4. Agama: Approaching Karmas.

Classification of any action into one class of karma or another is not always easy because the “cause and effect” relationship is essentially an inseparable unit. While all four types of karmas overlap each other & creating a partition of an indivisible whole into fictitious parts makes that whole easier to comprehend.

SANCHITA KARMA: Sanchit in Sanskrit means "Heaped Together." This is the sum total of past actions known and unknown that has been performed and that are saved in what is known as "Karmic Account". In other words, you come into this life with a balance sheet consisting of Good and Bad deeds that have been accumulated during your several past lives. It is assumed that one life span is not sufficient to enjoy or suffer the sum total of past karmas that you are born with.

PRARABDHA KARMA: This is that portion of Sanchit karma which is ready to be experienced by an individual during his/her life time, represents the current effects of past actions which appear as fate or destiny. In order to understand this we take an example of a woman who is simultaneously a daughter, a wife, a mother and a lawyer does not at any particular moment simultaneously experience all the result of the previous actions which created these roles. She is instead predominantly a daughter only with her parents, a wife only when with her husband, a mother only when with her children and a lawyer with her professional life alone. Similarly an entity does not experience all of its Sanchit Karma at Once; only that portion which has "become ripe" for experiencing will surface at any one point.

KRIYAMANA KARMA: This type of Karma is created by our daily present actions as we live our day to day lives. These actions lead to and create Kriyaman Karma in the present, which has the ability to over ride our past Karma i.e. Sanchit/Prarabdha Karma. Our Kriyaman Karma results from our free will and thoughts. Kriyamana Karma is total potential effect created by current actions. For example, even if Sanchit Karma may not have bestowed a person with superior intellect, one can study hard (and create Kriyamana Karma) for an examination and you pass with good grades / marks. Thus, the present positive actions and free will can help override past karma.

AGAMA KARMA: A person creates Agama Karma with his new plans that are contemplated as a result of one’s in-sight. Agama Karma represents your capacity to envision future actions. It is said that for success, you must plan your work and work your plan; the former is your Agama Karma, the latter is your Kriyaman Karma. Agama Karma is also that karma whose fruits may ripen and be available in your next birth.

Vedic Astrology has two parts: one is mathematics and the other statistics.
With the help of mathematics you determine the position of planets during the time of birth and prepare a chart known as horoscope. Horoscope is nothing but the snapshot of the planets (or a photograph of the Universe) at the time of birth in various positions. This photograph is represented in the form of chart known as “kundali” or horoscope: a horoscope is divided into 12 houses of 30 degrees each. (because a sphere has 12 x 30 = 360 degrees). Various planets are placed in the 12 houses to represent the horoscope of the individual.

The other part is the predictive part which is based on statistics and observations. Ancient Indian Rishis (or great sages) based on their insight; wisdom and actual observations have formulated certain rules on which the predictions can be given.  They have correlated combinations of planets by actual observations over millions of years to give particular results which subsequently became rules. Thus, Vedic Astrology can be described as a pure science, which has a set of rules for interpretation / analysis, and historical data to base the observations and predictions.

An Astrologer is someone who decodes the “program” made by God for an individual. The astrologer’s expertise depends upon his ability to decipher the horoscope, the number of years / experience, his own observations and the penance he undertakes to ensure that all his actions, thoughts, words and deeds are in line with the righteous life. Indian Rishis have also developed prophylactic measure for mitigating planetary afflictions which, in my experience of last 34 years, have proved to be correct and have benefited those who have followed it in a disciplined fashion.

I have written a few articles on vedic astrology and related subjects for the benefit of readers.

The Power of Mars

Mars is the planet of emotional excitability, which can become violence. Mars holds a very important place in our horoscopes, governing our action which is our ability to project emotions. Its nature is that of a brave warrior, one who is also ruthless.  A correct balance of Martian energy is the most desirable in all lives - but unfortunately, only a lucky few possess this dynamic balance.
Generally speaking, Venus is the planet of emotional sensitivity, which can become refinement while Mars represents the malefic side of our emotions.

On the positive side, a strong Mars is necessary to give us the energy, independence, will and self-confidence to carry out our endeavors. Without this we would have no real interest, passion or motivation to carry out anything to an end and accomplish its objective. On the negative side, the same aggression brings about competition, argument and conflict - which, if unchecked can lead
to domination, violence and injury.

Mars indicates premature death; as with loss of partner, particularly so when Mars is afflicted by "Kuja Dosha". This affliction of Mars in a chart commonly makes the horoscope to be known as a Manglik horoscope. It is caused by placement of Mars in the 1st, 4th, 7th, 8th, 12th house of a natal chart. There are of course conditions when this affliction of "Kuja Dosha" is reduced to some
extent.

These are:

• Mars in 1st House is in Aries
• Mars in 4th House is in Scorpio
• Mars in the 7th House is in Capricorn or Pisces
• Mars in the 8th House is in Cancer
• Mars in the 12th House is in Sagittarius Apart from this for Cancer and Leo ascendant Mars is an yoga Karaka planet and hence in those horoscope Kuja Dosha does not take place or is treated as an exception.  When Mars is aspected by Jupiter then also the Kuja Dosha is mitigated. The best is to consult a good astrologer for this.

The very obvious and only means to cancellation of "Kuja Dosha" or malefic effect of a Manglik horoscope is that the person with such a horoscope marries another with a similar affliction. Recourse to divinity, especially to Lord Hanumaan is said to be an effective amour against malefic effect of "Kuja Dosha". Recitation of Mantra for Mangal also wards off the evil effect.

The Mantra is as Under: "Dhani garbha Sambutam, Vidhyut Kaanti Samprabham; Kumaaram Shaktihastam, Tam Mangalam Pranmaamyaham."
 

The Mystery of Rahu & Ketu

Rahu and Ketu are not planets. They are actually the intersection points of the orbit of the Moon and the elliptic. The intersection points in the north is called Rahu or the north node or the dragon's head and the intersection points in the south is called Ketu or the south node or the dragon's tail. Indian rishis have given them the status of planets since these points have great influence on the lives of individuals and are called Karmic planets.Rahu and Ketu are responsible for certain bad yogas in the horoscope of individuals. These yogas are as under:

Kaal Sarpa Yoga: Whenever all the planets (Uranus, Neptune and Pluto are excluded) are between Rahu and Ketu axis, this yoga is formed. General interpretation of such a yoga is obstruction in the path of progress and at times sudden reversals.

Shrapit Yoga: Whenever Rahu and Saturn (Shani ) are together this yoga is formed. This yoga also gives tremendous difficulty in life and the whole life goes without any meaningful progress. 

Pitru Dosha: This yoga is formed when Rahu and Ketu are with any of the Luminaries and are placed in the 6th, 8th and the 12th house. Many a times, this yoga is also formed in the 5th house and if other planets do not show any beneficial aspects, this yoga does not allow a person to progress at all. There can be hospital stay and / or confinement.

Indian rishis suggest poojas (rituals) to be performed to ward off the evil effects of these yogas. One of them is Narayan Nagbali Pooja. This pooja gives relief to a great extent. This pooja is performed at a few prescribed Indian locations such as: (1) Trambakeshwar in Nashik, (2) Chandod near Vadodara in Gujarat, (3) Kala Hasti in Tamil Nadu and at (4) Haridwar. 

It is very important to note that these poojas have to be performed at the places mentioned. Trambakeshwar has the pride of place as mentioned in our Puranas. The priests available at Tranbakeshwar are highly organised and perform the pooja very nicely. The Pooja lasts for 3 days.  It is stated in the ancient text that Pitru Dosha occurs if any ancestors up to the 7th generation on the father’s side and up to the 4th generation on the mother’s side have expired at an early age or have had an unnatural death. If such is the situation, my humble request would be that this Pooja should be performed. This pooja has given relief to many and I have first hand experience in this effect.
 

Brief History of Rahu / Ketu:

In the Hindu Mythology it is stated that DURING SAMUNDRA MANTHAN or Churning of the Ocean when nectar came out of the ocean and was being distributed by Lord Vishnu in the form of Mohini, Rahu realized that the Rakshashas will not get the nectar and it will get over before their turn comes. He therefore disguised himself as Deva and sat in their company and drank the Nector/Amrut. The Devas i.e. Suryadev and Chandradev recognized Rahu and informed Lord Vishnu who used his weapon, Sudershan Chakra to cut off  Rahu's Head.  However since Rahu had drank the Nectar, he was immortal and then from that time onwards the head is known as Rahu and the tail is known as Ketu. Indian sages-Ancient Rishes have woven this fact in the mythology to give a meaning that Rahu gives, but at a cost of losing the body. Ever since that time onwards Rahu and Ketu are bitterest enemies of Sun and Moon. This mythology gives us the knowledge that whenever these Chhayaa Graha are with Sun or Moon, they give inauspicious results. There are exceptions, but those are assessed by experienced astrologers.

The power of gem stones

Ancient Indian texts have demonstrated the power and efficacy of gem stones in astrological and medicinal applications. Popularly know as RATNA CHIKITSA, gem therapy has been in use since several hundred years in India. In ancient times, astrologers used to advise Kings and royal families to wear gems. This would help the royalty to increase wealth, power, status and popularity and for averting diseases and disasters. Charak Chikitsa, an ancient Indian medicinal text, often termed as the bible of natural medicine (Ayurveda) quotes several examples where gems have been effectively used to cure illnesses. Astrologers have studied the various aspects and the effects of different gem stones and concluded that different gemstones created distinct reactions in the human body. Different gem stones have different refractive indices and thereby absorb the different colors of the sun rays and allow only certain colors to pass through. This ability to filter light of certain wavelengths helps in producing the desired results. Depending upon the positions of the planets and their cause-effects, different gems are recommended to augment or neutralize the effects. As in medicine, the doctor prescribes antibiotics along with the vitamins.  Gem therapy similarly uses a combination of gems for the best results. The difference between an astrologer and a Doctor is that the Doctor can prescribe medicine AFTER the symptoms appear -- the astrologer can predict the effects so that one can take preventive steps. The accuracy of diagnosis as well as the quality / purity of the medicines play an important part in the efficacy of any healing – likewise, in gem therapy the accuracy of interpretation as well as quality / source of gem stones are important.

Vedic astrology states that there are nine gems which are assigned to nine planets i.e. Ruby, Pearl, Coral, Emerald, Yellow Sapphire, Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Hessonite and Cat's eyes are assigned for Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, The Dragon's Head and The Dragon's tail respectively. Indian ancient texts give ample details of their efficacy along with details of 84 other gems stones. In my experience of last 34 years, I have experienced that these Gems, when used properly, have produced desired result. To get the desired results, the gemstone should be purchased on a particular day and time (Nakshatra) and should be worn with proper procedures, only after completing appropriate rituals to energize the gems. Please feel free to contact me with any questions on this subject.

The Power of Rudraksha

Rudraksha seed (botanical name 'Elaeocarpus Granitrus') holds special significance for its healing properties as well as deep rooted connections in Indian vedic mythology. The seed has several clefts and the number of clefts on the seed determine its properties as well as its vedic astrology significance. The seed typically has anywhere from one to twenty clefts. In Hindi, the clefts are known as “mukha” which roughly translates to “face”. The seed is typically a size of a walnut and is also referred to as bead, as it is worn extensively in India in form of a necklace.

The scientific explanation of the benefits of wearing Rudrakshas is very illustrative and educative. We can keep our body healthy as well as our stress--prone mind peaceful by wearing the Rudrakshas. It is imperative that we should feel Rudrakshas as an essential part of our body to keep it fit. The beneficial powers of Rudraksha are by virtue of its Electrical and Magnetic Properties.

Stress and its impact on human body

Electrical properties are defined as the ability to send out subtle electrical impulses & inductive vibrations and act as a dielectric as in a capacitor to store electrical energy.  The human body, Central Nervous System, autonomous, sympathetic & para-sympathetic nervous System and various other organ systems can be considered a complex bio-electronic system.  Constant pumping of blood by the heart, blood circulation, the transmission of various impulses -Touch, Noise, Smell, Sight, Taste to the brain and the continuous movement of neurons and neurotransmitters in the brain and nervous system generates electrical impulses. This is termed as Bioelectricity. This flow of Bioelectricity facilitates movement of information from the brain to various parts of the body and back to the brain. What we feel, think, hear, taste and perceive depends on the subtle flow of this bioelectric current. This flow of Bioelectric current is occurs due to the existence of potential differences or the different energy levels between different parts of the body.

As long as the flow of bioelectricity is smooth, the body functions normally and we have the feeling of being in control. But there is a third element that plays a key role between the body and brain Bio-electronic circuit interface - the ever-restless human mind.  Any activity that can produce stress or maladjustment can throw the electronic circuit of the Body& Mind out of gear. Human beings, as all living beings, are prone to stress in the ongoing fight for survival and prosperity.  In modern age with intense competition at all levels, the stress levels have increased tremendously. Almost every individual has problems of stress and stress related ailments like insomnia, alcoholism, depression, maladjustments, heart diseases, skin diseases etc. Medical research can confirm that almost 95% of the ailments are psycho-somatic or stress related (i.e.) originating from Mind.  Stress affects the Central Nervous Systems as there is an increased activity or abnormal of Neurons and Neuro transmitters. The magnitude of change will depend on the cause and specific case. Prolonged stress leads to disruption of electrical signals in the Mind-Body interface and it makes us feel uncomfortable. Thus, we are un-able to act with our full efficiency. Our blood circulation is affected and as a result, various illnesses creep up. 
 
Power of Rudraksha: Anchor for the mind

Rudraksha beads act as a stabilizing anchor for the human mind. Rudraksha beads' electrical property can be broadly categorized into

1. Resistance - There is continuous and subtle flow of bioelectrical signal throughout the body due to potential difference between parts of the body. Rudraksha beads of particular Mukhis or facets have a definitive Factor of Resistance. Electric resistance is measured in Ohms. When these beads resist the flow of bioelectrical impulses, a specific ampere of current flow is generated depending on the factor of resistance. This acts in tandem with heartbeat, streamlining it and sending out specific impulses to brain. These impulses stimulate certain positive brain chemicals, thus making us feel better, more confident, poised and more energetic. It has been observed that specific Mukhis or Facets of Rudraksha beads send out specific signals acting on a particular brain chemical and thereby by effecting specific positive changes in personality. It is well proven that the state of mind and our personality is governed largely by the brain functioning and that of Central Nervous System.
2. Capacitance or the Dielectric Properties - Rudraksha beads act as dielectric (i.e.) as a storage of electrical energy. This property of Rudraksha makes it capable in stabilizing and anchoring the Bioelectric current. Capacitance is measured in units of Farad. This property is very helpful in controlling hyperactivity, palpitations of heart, streamlining heartbeat etc. Due to stress when there is increased physical activity, heart beats faster and the overall activity of hormones and nervous system increases. This causes increased energy levels or increase in potential difference. As a result, the magnitude of the Bioelectric Current increases. Rudraksha beads acting as Dielectric, stores this excess bioelectric energy, thereby streamlining the overall activity to bring to normal levels.
3. Inductance - Rudraksha beads by it have permanent magnetic properties. They have been observed to send out Inductive vibrations with frequencies measured in units of Henry (Volt Seconds/Ampere). This perhaps is the reason why people have felt better, even when Rudraksha beads do not touch them physically.
4. Magnetic Properties - Rudraksha beads have both Paramagnetic and Diamagnetic with the most important property of Dynamic Polarity We all are most probably aware of the beneficial healing properties of magnets. Magnetic healing is becoming extremely popular and is gaining wide acceptance. Rudraksha beads retain most of the properties of magnets, but it is unparallel in one aspect, that of the ability to change it's polarity or the property of Dynamic Polarity. 

 
When the passage of arteries and veins, which carry blood to and from heart to the body is blocked, various illnesses creep. Blood carries oxygen and energy to various parts of the body and cleanses it. Any disruption of the blood circulation is bound to cause illnesses. Every cell in the blood as well as the arteries and veins are charged either positively or negatively. Magnets have Positive (+) and Negative (-) poles. When magnets comes in contact with various parts of the body, the opposite poles of the magnets and that of cells get attracted and there is an expansion of the passage .The arteries and veins open up to facilitate streamlined blood circulation. When there is a streamlining of blood circulation, most of the illnesses get healed and we feel better and rejuvenated. However, the magnets has a fixed polarity. When magnets are brought near a particular part of the body, it opens up only those sections of veins and arteries where there is a matching of polarities. We experience healing and feel better, but we can accomplish a lot more with dynamic polarity of Rudraksha beads.

Rudraksha has the ability to change it's polarity – i.e. exhibits dynamic polaritydue to its Diamagnetism properties. Diamagnetism is termed as the ability of any material to acquire temporary magnetic property in presence of an external magnetic field. The polarity of the charge induced is opposite to that of the external field inducing the charge. Blood circulation and heart beat automatically induces a magnetic field around the body and particularly the region near the heart. Bioelectricity gives raise to Bio-magnetism depending on the polarity of the induced magnetic field. Rudraksha bead acquires a polarity that is opposite of the inducing field. As a result of this opposing force, the opening up the passages of arteries and veins is far better than that of magnets, leading to healing and rejuvenation. Various ancient literatures also mention of powerful anti-aging properties of Rudraksha beads. Rudraksha effects on different parts of body are as follows:

The following table shows the number of clefts (or mukhas) on Rudraksha seed and the primary impact on human body:

Rudraksha can be prescribed as per individual’s spiritual aspirations, health problems or planetary positions. Each Rudraksha can deliver specific results. Please contact me for suggestions.