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Sri Surya Prakash Memorial Number
Inside
3
Deepavali
Jyotisha Chinta Nidhi
The Festival of Lights
6
7 Sun, Moon
9
& Eye Disease
11
Weather
Law of Karma & Law of Dharma
15
Conception & Its Importance The Libra Type
37
19
Lagna Table
The astrological emagazine
Cover Story
Ramayana, Mahabharatha & Vedic Astrology
13
32 November 2013 for You
November 2013
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Sri Surya Prakash Memorial Number
Jyothisha Chinta Nidhi p³eesefle<e ef®evlee efveefOe Yajnavalkya
Darkness at Daytime – 2*
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clipses of the Sun or Moon occur almost every year. Their number is limited to two, the least possible, in a calendar year. In such a case, both the eclipses could be only solar ones. There will be no lunar eclipse at all, for that year. Generally, the maximum number of eclipses possible to happen in a year is seven. The maximum number of solar eclipses per year is five, but this is quite a rare occurrence. The last year in which it happened was 1935 and the next will be in 2206. Technically, though it is possible to have more than seven eclipses in one calendar year, it has not happened so far. Twin eclipses, one of the Sun and the other of the Moon, both visible at a place, can occur within a span of a fortnight. Brihat Samhita contains many useful hints on eclipses. It says that it does not augur well for the country when two eclipses occur in the same month. It is stated the kings would perish, because of revolt in the army or bloody battles. We may have to interpret this as a possible political turmoil or change in the governments. All total eclipses start with a penumbral, followed by a partial eclipse, before they attain totality. Before they end, they become partial once again to be followed by another penumbral situation. In other words, the total eclipse will be in the middle, sandwiched between the pair of partial and penumbral situations. The penumbral phases of the eclipse will be a bit difficult to see while the partial and total phases will be observable. Solar eclipses must not be seen with naked eyes while that of the Moon can be done so. In contrast with partial or total eclipses, in a penumbral Lunar Eclipse, the Moon passes through only the penumbral shadow of the earth and does not enter the umbral shadow at all. During the normal partial and total lunar eclipses, a portion or the entire Moon passes through the umbral shadow of
Part 1 has appeared in the October 2013 issue of The AeM The astrological emagazine
the earth. Quite recently, during the lunar eclipse of the 18-19, October 2013, the Moon passed through only the penumbral shadow of the Earth throughout. A penumbral eclipse of the Moon is not to be taken as an eclipse of the Moon in the ordinary sense, as the Moon will not be covered by the real shadow of the Earth during such an eclipse. They are not reckoned for religious observances, as well. About 35% of lunar eclipses are of the penumbral type. Another 30% are partial, which are easy to see with the unaided eye. The final 35% are only the total ones and these will be quite extraordinary to behold. As explained earlier, a lunar eclipse can occur only at Full Moon, when the Moon passes through some portion of the shadow of the Earth. This shadow is actually composed of two coneshaped components, one nested inside the other. The outer or penumbral shadow is a zone where the Earth blocks part but not all of the rays of the Sun from reaching the Moon. In contrast, the inner or umbral shadow is a region where the Earth blocks all the direct sunlight from reaching the Moon. The eclipse of the Moon is caused by the entry of the Moon into the cone of the shadow cast by the earth. At the mean distance of the Moon, the diameter of the shadow could be approximately 9170 km and 1367650 km long, on an average. Totality can therefore last up to 1hr 44m. The Chaldean astronomers found in about 400 B.C., that eclipses occur at regular intervals of about 18 years. This cycle is called Chaldean Soros. The exact interval between two repetitive eclipses is 223 lunations or 6585.3 days. Employing the Saros cycle, eclipses can be predicted in advance by a simple calculation. These are called series and each one of the series last from 1250 to 1500 years. Intervals between two of these eclipses, in a series, will be 18 calendar years 10 days 7 hours and 43 minutes. This interval will be more by one day, if the period of 18 years contains 5 leap years instead of usual 4. This period of little November 2013
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Sri Surya Prakash Memorial Number
Sun, Moon & Eye Disease E. S. N.Moorthy*
S
un and Moon, the two royal planets are intimately connected with eyes. The ancient texts regard Sun and Moon as the two eyes of Virata Purusha. Bhagavad Gita XI-19 says:
DeveeefoceO³eevlecevevleJeer³e& cevevleyeengb MeefMemet³e&ves$eced ~ HeM³eeefce lJeeb oerHlengleeMeeJe$eÀced mJelespemee efJeéeefceob leHevleced ~~ 19~~
(Shashi Surya Netram)
Astrologically the Sun and Moon denote the right and left eye respectively. The 2nd and the 12th houses signify the right and left eye respectively. Venus is considered for a pair of lovely eyes if well placed. When the Sun and Moon are afflicted and Venus has a connection with the 2nd and/ or 12th house, eyesight is likely to suffer.The luminaries in 6th, 8th or 12th from ascendant or Venus also indicate problems of the eye. Let us take the following charts for our study. Chart 1: Female born on 4th June 1971 in Mumbai at 7.20 am Venus
Rahu Mars
Mercury Sun Saturn
Rasi Blindness Chart 1 June 4, 1971 7:20:00 (5:30 east) 72 E 50, 18 N 58 (Jupiter)
Ascendant Ketu
Sun Ketu Saturn Mercury
Moon
Ascendant
Navamsa Blindness Chart 1 June 4, 1971 7:20:00 (5:30 east) 72 E 50, 18 N 58
Mars Moon Rahu (Jupiter)
Venus
1. Ascendant is Gemini and its lord Mercury is in the 12th with malefic Saturn. Jatakalankara tells us such a combination indicates ill health but not specify the eyes. *Jyotisha Visharada, Ex Chairman, ICAS, Delhi Chapter-II The astrological emagazine
2. Sun/Moon in the 12th affects right or left eye. Jataka Tatwa also tells us that malefics in 1st or 12th eyesight will be bad. The Sun is in the 12th and though the indication is the right eye will be affected, the native of this chart was blind in both eyes. 3. The Moon, signifying left eye is not afflicted. The 12th house has the benefic aspect of Jupiter from the 7th house. Yet the native was blind in both the eyes 4. Saravali, Ch. 10, Sloka 157 says that malefics in 6th or 8th is indicative of blindness. We find Mars and Rahu are posited in the 8th from ascendant in the sign of Capricorn. This means Mars is in the exaltation sign while Rahu is in his friend Saturn’s house. We find that Mars is also dispositor of Venus in Aries and has the 4th aspect on Venus. Does such a combination indicate damage to the eyes, let alone blindness? 5. Saravali, Ch. 10, Sloka 61 tells us that Moon in the 2nd, Sun in the 12th and malefics in 6th or 8th indicates blindness. The Moon, in this chart, is not involved and there is the benefic aspect of Jupiter. 6. Saravali, Ch. 30, Sloka 13 says the Sun in the 12th indicates defective limb and defective eye. Here both eyes are affected. 7. Jataka Tatwa tells us that the Sun with malefics in the 12th gives lusterless eyes. In this chart Sun is with Saturn (his son and enemy). 8. Jataka Tatwa tells us 2nd lord in 6th/8th/12th from Venus is indicative of eye disease. Here 2nd lord Moon is in 6th from Venus. Both are in own respective nakshatras. a. We have to note here there is benefic aspect of Jupiter on both 2nd and 12th houses. b. From the Moon 2nd and 12th houses are free from affliction as Venus aspects 2nd which is his own house c. Exalted Mars aspects 12th 9. Jataka Tatwa tells us that the Sun, Moon, Mars or Saturn in 6th, 8th and 12th deprives eyesight. Here
November 2013
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Sri Surya Prakash Memorial Number
Weather
Forecasting Agastya
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EATHER Forecasting had always been a favourite subject with the ancient Hindus. They recognised, centuries before Europe knew the a, b, c of Meteorology, that weather is dependent, mostly if not solely, on planetary influences. If Sun's rays act upon watery surfaces and convert water into vapour, and if vapour is condensed by cold blasts of wind and falls as rain, then it is clearly evident that the Sun is at the bottom of all weather vagaries. Just because Modern Science refuses to recognise this fundamental fact of nature, out of ignorance or prejudice, it does not mean that the fact as such does not exist. A dispassionate seeker after truth must note two things carefully. First, all wisdom, scientific acumen and spirit of enquiry are not and cannot be the sole monopoly of the modern, i.e., the Western type of educated men. Second, the ancients,â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Hindus, Egyptians and Chinese, being faced with more or less similar problems as we have been, have certainly discovered great truths pertaining to all branches of knowledge, some of the principles being couched in terminology that may seem rather ludicrous, when seen through glasses colored by our pet theories and prejudices- We must first of all therefore free ourselves from such prejudices and prepossessions. The modus operandi employed by the ancients might have been quite different from those used in modern times. But nevertheless their conclusions cannot be dismissed as savouring of superstition. Most of the principles of Astrology, Astronomy and Meteorology have been propounded by The astrological emagazine
sages solely for the good of humanity and they were never actuated by any selfish-motives. The sages were not only men of keen observation and great intellectuality, but they had developed that remarkable power of intuition which enabled them to perceive the reality of things in their -true nature and not rely on indirect evidence as the modern scientists do. Some of our big men have been harping frequently on the need for developing a ' scientific outlook'. It is as it should be. But ' scientific outlook ' should not mean intellectual arrogance leading to an outright condemnation of all the grand discoveries of ancient seers. It is still a fashion with some of the up-to-date Meteorolgists to refer to the astrological system of weather forecasting disparagingly, as if the methods employed by the Meteorologists themselves are fool-proof. They seem to forget that the vast sums spent by ' Civilised ' Governments all over the world in maintaining these weather bureaus, are a sheer waste compared to the practical achievements of these weather prophets. The astrologer, inspite of all the odds and disadvantages he has to encounter, can give more reliable forecasts affecting longrange weather than what the Meteorologist does with all, the patronage he receives from the State. I shall make a reasonable suggestion to the Central Government in India. Form a Committee of scholars who are well-versed in astrometeorology and entrust them with the task of making investigations into the methods of weather forecast propounded in ancient works, providing such a body of scholars with sufficient financial aid, for a periodâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;say three years. November 2013
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Sri Surya Prakash Memorial Number
Law of Karma & Law of Dharma Dr. Bangalore Sureshwara Dr. Bangalore Sureshwara has been involved in the study of the application of Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagavad Gita and Vedic Astrology in modern life. His lectures and writings on Ramayana, Mahabharatha, Bhagavad Gita, Hinduism, Vedic Astrology, “Ramayana, Bhagavad Gita and Management” have been well received. Dr. Sureshwara studied Vedic Astrology under his illustrious father Dr. B.V. Raman. He was the principal speaker on Vedic Astrology at The Second Parliament of the World’s Religions held in Chicago in August-September 1993. Dr. Sureshwara successfully predicted the victories in the USA Presidential Elections of President Bush (2000 and 2004) and President Obama (2008 and 2012). He has been a distinguished contributor to The Astrological Magazine, Asia’s leading Vedic Astrology journal. Dr. Sureshwara obtained Master’s and Doctorate in Engineering from the University of Notre Dame, USA. He has taught various subjects of Civil, Structural and Mechanical Engineering at undergraduate and postgraduate levels at various universities in USA. His varied and extensive industry experiences cover Civil, Structural, Mechanical, Fire Protection and Aerospace Engineering.
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brief reference was made in a previous article covering the dates of Ramayana and other Hindu or Sanatana Scriptures. The objective is not to generate needless controversies, and thereby side stepping the main subjects of interest, which are Sri Rama and Ramayana. The ironic thing is that when some modern astronomers say that the universe is more or less billion years old, practically no one among us questions the basis for arriving without acceptable scientific proof at such a conclusion. In fact, many may not even comprehend what a billion is! We are often awed and intimidated by modern science, that we tend to agree with many conclusions that are at best rough-estimates or calculated-guesses and for most part, possibly numbers pulled from thin air, “ridiculous” and/or scientifically unsubstantiated conclusions. One must have the courage of conviction not to accept any half-truths that are sometimes vaguely presented in the guise of “scientific” information. Our yardstick for evaluating dates of Hindu scriptures must be also fair. Some modern writers have alluded to the possibility that Ramayana as written by Sage Valmiki may include, in addition to real facts, some fables. They have offered no substantiated proof or valid reasoning to justify their conclusions. Many modern writers love to create sensations to attract public attention and thereby generate publicity for themselves. The sensations created for getting the ears and eyes of the public-at-large are often based, unfortunately, not on truth or facts. Synthesis of Karma and of Dharma A constant reminder throughout our discussion of Ramayana is to be aware of the fact thatthe effects and the synthesis of the Law of Karma and the Law of Dharma are ingrained in Ramayana. Sage Valmiki’s early life was a purely The astrological emagazine
materialistic life with very little Dharma in it. In fact, he was said to be a person who way-laid people travelling through a forest. By his Adharma, he was supporting his family. His meeting with Sage Narada was not a chance or accidental meeting as some may believe it to be. The Law of Karma is not based on chance or accident. The Law of Karma is both a natural and neutral law. It neither favors the rich nor fears the powerful. It does not discriminate. It is a Law that has no loose ends. It is a time bound mechanism that unfolds in everyone’s life, regardless of whether one is ready to face or understand it. The Law of Karma is a divine ordained law for the protection and preservation of Dharma. The Law of Karma applies even to those whose lives are almost spiritual-perfect. The extreme physical sufferings in the form of cancer experience by Sri Ramakrishna Paramhamsa and Sri Ramana Maharishi further exemplifies the effects of Prarabdha Karma or the fructifying component of total accumulated Karma. The early low life of Valmiki was the result of the Prarabdha Karma. A glimpse into the Law of Karma complements our understanding of the lives of Sage Valmiki and others. The divine Law of Karma, propounded by our ancient rishis or sages, is based on their observations generated by centuries and centuries of cumulative experiences. The Law of Karma identifies three key components. They are Sanchita Karma, Prarabdha Karma and Agami Karma. Sanchita Karma is the total accumulated Karma. Agami Karma is the Karma generated in the present life over which the individual soul has complete control. The Prarabdha Karma is that element of Karma that is unfolded at birth and has to be experienced during life. It is the Karma for which the individual pays the dues.It is this Karma that one refers to as “destiny” or “fate”. November 2013
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Sri Surya Prakash Memorial Number
Conception & Its Importance B. Lakshminarain Rao
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ATTERS about sex form a separate literature and the number of books is simply voluminous. In spite of the fact that prudery and decency are words which are omitted from the present-day sex-literature, the question arises as to how far the knowledge of sexual matters has improved the production of a nobler generation of human beings, who are superiors in every sense of the word to the present generation. Has sex knowledge resulted only in one's sensual enjoyment and contraception methods to prevent conception or has it resulted in awakening the couple to a sense of their responsibility in giving to the world a being of a higher intellect and nobler character? Alas! what sins we are committing in not, knowing when to have sex-relations and what farreaching results these unions have, provided the couple know the results of their lustful embraces. We are not responsible for the soul in the body. The soul either of a great man or a small man, enters the house built up by the union of the husband and wife and if a decent and good house is built, a great soul or Mahatma enters and the parents who created the dwelling for the soul to enter will have the satisfaction of seeing a great soul in the body they have produced ; but if a rotten house (body) is constructed, then a beggar, or a maimed soul, an alpatma will enter that body. It is just like decent and well furnished houses being occupied by rich, influential and powerful men* while low, dingy and ill-ventilated houses occupied by the poorest people. Hence it behoves every couple to build up a splendid house (body) and invite great souls to occupy them. Sometimes great souls after finishing their term of enjoyment in the higher regions come down and if they do not find a decent body, occupy one which is vacant at the time and vacate it as soon as they are able to secure a better house. That is how and why some children who appear very bright and precocious in infancy, but whose parents do not appear as if deserving them, die in their infancy. This has been very beautifully expounded in the Sesha karmas, a treatise on what happens after death. It therefore becomes imperative that both the husband and the wife The astrological emagazine
should have a very clear idea of when to unite sexually to .get the best desired results not only physically, but morally and spiritually. The story of Salivahana illustrates this aspect. The father of Salivahana was a Brahmin who as soon as he learnt that his wife was mature and fit for conception, tried to find out a ascendant (a proper time) for his union with her, so as to secure a son who would be a Saka Purusha (Lord of an Era). He was able to find out one which would occur after a few years. He wrote to his father-in-law that as the time was a long way off, he would visit all the shrines in India and go to his wife's place two days prior to the Garbadhana (sex-union or seed-throwing) ceremony. He went on a tour and came two days prior to the neighbouring village which was separated from his father-in-law's village by the river Godavary. He had to cross the river to go to his wife's place, but the river had swollen and in full floods, and the boatmen flatly refused to cross to the other side. The poor man felt utterly disconsolate and did not know what to do. All his plans ware frustrated. He was losing the opportunity of begetting an Era or Epoch-making son by his sheer ill-luck. A potter who saw the misery of this pious Brahmin on the banks of the Godavery, felt pity for him and in gentle words persuaded him to tell him his story. After hearing all the particulars he said, " Sir, I am sorry that you have been very unlucky; but if you have no objection, you please marry my daughter who has had her menstrual bath 3 days ago, and have a child by her according to Gandharva rites as you are a Brahmin and can marry among all the castes, just as Govind Bhagavat Padacharya had Bhartruhari by a Sudra wife. I will have the satisfaction of seeing my grandson (Dowhitra) an Emperor." So the poor Brahmin married the potter's girl and uniting with her at the auspicious moment, made her to conceive the future Salivahana â&#x20AC;&#x201C; whose Era we are having in Southern India now. Time of Conception The time of conception plays a very important part. No doubt every sexual act cannot be" taken as a conceptive act but every conception takes place after a sexual act. Since November 2013
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