The Science of Astrology & Vedic Wisdom
JyotirVidya is a science that includes concepts in Astronomy & Astrology and was used for various purposes including predictions, selecting appropriate muhurtas for various occasions, marriage compatibility and so on.
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The world celebrates 21st June as International Yoga Day. The common man’s interpretation of the word “Yoga” is that of 
various physical exercises & postures for a healthy body & mind. While of course this is true, the word ‘Yoga’ has more to it than just the ‘asanas’.
Yoga is a much oft used word & has several meanings in different contexts. A direct Sanskrit translation of the word would show up as – “Yoga: Taken from the Sanskrit root – ‘Yuj’ or to yoke; also means union”. This translation is indeed also correct. In common parlance, Yoga would mean to beget something due to a union of luck or good fortune. In astrology, Yogas are formed when a kendra lord and a trikona lord unite in a house indicating good or bad strengths to the native’s horoscope. The Bhagavad Gita refers to Gnyana Yoga, Karma Yoga & Bhakti Yoga as paths to be followed for one’s liberation. So, as we see the word Yoga has several contexts to it depending on where it is used.
In the context of celebrating the World Yoga Day, here we really refer to the Indian philosophical science of “Yoga”. Yoga is one among the ancient Indian principal schools of philosophy. The science of Yoga was established in detail in Rishi Patanjali’s treatise on the subject – Yoga-Sutra. It is this ancient science that is really being celebrated here on the International Yoga Day. While Yogic practices have been well established even in the Vedic period, it was later that Patanjali systematized this knowledge into his popular book & that we are able to understand & use in our daily lives.
There are principally six Indian schools of thought or Philosophy, viz. Nyaya, Vaisesika, Samkhya, Yoga, Mimamsa & Vedanta. The subject, Yoga is thus a part of these series of Indian Philosophy and is often seen as a continuation of the Samkhyan school of philosophical thought. We often hear the word used along with Samkhya as ‘Samkhya-Yoga’. The Samkhya theory propounds the creation of the manifested universe due to the coming together of – Purusha, the conscious entity and Prakriti, the the unconscious principle & cause of the material world. The theory further states that the manifestation began with this union of Purusha & Prakriti, giving rise to “I”-ness (Ahamkara or Ego); Manasa (the Mind); the 5 Senses, the 5 Tanmatras and the Pancha-Mahabhutas.
The Yogic philosophical treatise continues to expound on the Samkhya theory that in order to live a peaceful, happy life and attain liberation, the Mind, Body and the Senses should be in a state of perfect harmony. It lays out a series of paths for a more harmonious, disciplined and contented life. The Yoga-Philosophy is therefore more than just bodily postures or asanas and has a much deeper and systematized knowledge, which one has to follow. Briefly, Yoga outlines an eight-fold path (Ashtanga Yoga) for a healthy living and liberation of the soul. These eight paths are:
The first four of the above is what is commonly practiced today as “Yoga” and Yogic exercises. A complete understanding of this vast subject matter can be gained from the The Yoga-Sutra of Patanjali, which is considered as the reference text which gives in great details the Eight-fold Path for a more fuller living. This and several other ancient Indian texts are a rich collection of the vast philosophical knowledge that we had developed in those times. The celebration of this World Yoga Day helps to highlight our rich Indian knowledge wealth to the world.
Wishing everyone on the occasion of International Yoga Day! Happy Living!
The planet Jupiter makes a move from his current position in the sign of Capricorn (Makara) to Aquarius (Kumbha) during the month of November ‘21. The transits of the slow moving Jupiter and Saturn are considered more important and is studied for their impact on the various Rashis. Jupiter is among the most benefic while Saturn may have malefic influences depending where he is positioned. Their movements across the Zodiac will most certainly bring changes to an individual’s life. While Jupiter moves a sign each year (every 12 months), Saturn takes about 2.5 years to move to the next Zodiac sign.
During November ’21, Jupiter transits from Makara to Kumbha. Makara is the sign where Jupiter is debilitated (Neecha) and hence at his weakest position. The move to Kumbha comes as a relief since he will move out of his debilitation. Although Kumbha is a sign ruled by Shani, the rashi can still be considered a better position compared to Makara since he will now be finally free from his debilitation sign.
Kumbha is the 11th sign of the natural zodiac and signifies ‘gains’. Being an airy sign, it represents philosophers and thinkers. Kumbha by nature upholds philosophical wisdom and the presence of the plant of wisdom, Jupiter, in this Rashi complements it further. Thus Jupiter’s move to Kumbha is generally good. The Kumbha Mela, one of the largest gatherings in the world, happens every 12 years, whenever Jupiter is in Kumbha along with certain other planetary positions (Read my earlier post on: Jupiter in ‘Kumbha’ & Vishu 2021).
Planetary transits of Jupiter & Saturn will varyingly impact every Rashi sign in a positive or negative way:
For the Rashis (Moon Signs) of Mesha, Rushabha, Mithuna, Vrischika & Kumbha Guru’s transit will be generally favorable
For the Rashis (Moon Signs) of Karkata, Tula, Dhanusha, Makara, & Meena Guru’s transit is not so favorable
For Simha & Kanya Rashi the transit is neutral and will have mixed effects.
In any case this year is an exception. Usually, as mentioned here above, Jupiter transits to the next rashi, every 12 months. However, this time, he will remain in Kumbha only uptil April 2022, ie. about 5 months only and will then move into Pisces. Hence the transit effects are much shorter. Guru’s move into Pisces (Meena Rashi) is even more beneficial since its his own sign and we will study the effects that this transit will have, when it happens in April next year.
Lastly, we should carefully note here that although each transit will give certain generic influences to each Rashi, the final result or impact on each person should be delicately studied by examining the native’s horoscopes at birth.
The Indian Festival of Lights
In Indian culture, every Pournima (Full Moon Day) holds a special significance and each Pournima is associated with a festival or a religious significance (Read the article on Pournima). Diwali, however, seems to be an exception.
The Diwali is perhaps the only major Indian festival to be celebrated on an Amavasya (New Moon Day). The Sun & the Moon are also called the ‘Luminaries’, or the providers of light. However, on the Diwali day, astrologically, they are probably not at their best positions. Not only is it an Amavasya festival, it is also the time when the Sun is debilitated in the sign of “Tula” or Libra and the New Moon joins him. As a matter of fact, it appears strange that the Festival of Lights is celebrated when the giver of Light, viz. Sun is at the sign of his debilitation and therefore weak & on a day when the nights are the darkest (No Moon night).
Why is it then that we chose these days to celebrate and why do we then call it the festival of lights? The rationale here seems to be that the universal soul or the ‘Atman’ is ever shining and is not affected by these temporary worldly occurrences. Besides, it is up to each one of us, to make the effort & strive to remove the darkness & ignorance and lighten up our lives. Diwali signifies that no matter how long the darkness lasts, truth and enlightenment always wins. This fact is supported by various myths & stories of Diwali – the return of Sri Rama from 14 years of Vanavaas, or the victory over the evil Narakasura and several other stories.
We therefore light up our homes and the cities with lamps, diyas, lanterns signifying that truth and enlightenment eventually wins over darkness and ignorance.
HAPPY DIWALI
May this Festival of Lights brighten our lives with Happiness & Peace!
In Indian astrology, Jupiter holds prominence over all the planets, not only because he is generally a benefactor, but also because he is regarded as the Guru or Teacher and is known to impart knowledge and wisdom. Jupiter moves slowly along the Zodiac, and progresses by one sign each year. This year Jupiter makes a move to the sign of Aquarius temporarily in April where he will remain for a few months. Jupiter’s transit to the sign of Aquarius has great astrological importance in India.
Aquarius, or ‘Kumbha’ represents the pot. The pot is a carrier of water. In Indian mythology when the Samudhra Manthan was done, the Goddess brought forth the Amrita or ‘nectar of immortality’ in a pot (Kumbha). Thus Kumbha is of particular significance and variously represents the carrier of nectar, water or of other important things for the benefit of mankind. Thus when the planet of wisdom, Jupiter, moves into Kumbha, it is given importance since it implies that this pot of knowledge is available to those who are seekers. Thus also the myth, that when Jupiter moved into Aquarius, the nectar spilled from the pot into different places in India.
The Kumbha Mela is held once every 12 years, each time when Jupiter moves into Aquarius and the Sun is exalted in Aries. Sun represents the soul, so when the Sun is in Aries and exalted, and Jupiter is in Kumbha, the soul is fully open to receive the knowledge and get enlightened. The Kumbha Mela historically was an occasion when the Kings would meet his subjects and donate gifts and valuables. It was also an occasion when people would gather at the Ganges to wash away the sins and start afresh on spiritual learning and enlightenment.
Jupiter has already crossed over to Aquarius during April, while Sun moves into Aries on the Vishu day (Tamil New Year). Thus, this year’s Vishu is special. The Sun shines in Aries and the Jupiter transits to Aquarius. Inline with our tradition, lets wash away our past sins, all our troubles and start afresh on a journey and quest for spiritual knowledge and wisdom.
We begin the year with the first Sankatahara Chaturthi of 2021. It is thus relevant to recall the legend associated with the place and the significance of the Ganesha idol of Vatapi.
Vatapi is a place in Karnataka and the capital of the kingdom of the Chalukyas. The place derives its name from the story of the asura having the same name (Read: The Story of Vatapi).
A Ganapati temple was soon after established here and the idol that originated from this place, is referred to as Vatapi Ganapati and is said to have been once worshipped by Sage Agastya, the slayer of the demon, Vatapi.
In the latter years, the region around Vatapi was ruled by the Chalukya dynasty and the Ganesha deity gained prominence thereafter as a remover of obstacles & bestower of boons. It is believed that this Ganesha idol was subsequently brought to the temples of Tamil Nadu from Vatapi after a conquest of the Chalukya kingdom. The idol now resides in a temple in Nagapattanam, Tamil Nadu.
This particular idol of the elephant headed God has four hands, holding a sugar-cane in one of his hands, and a broken tooth in another (with which he slayed Gajamukhasura) among other objects. The lord in this form is known as a remover of obstacles & is revered by both Agastya and Lord Vishnu.
It is said that the legendary Sri Muthuswamy Deekshitar was so enamoured by the idol and composed a song in the praise of the Lord Ganapati of Vatapi. The song bears the reference – “Vatapi Ganapatim Bhaje”, which literally means, I pray to the Lord Ganapati of Vatapi. The song is one of Muthuswamy Dikshitar’s most prominent compositions and is very frequently sung at Carnatic music performances.
With this first Sankatahara Chaturthi of the year, we hope and pray the year 2021 is the year when all the obstacles facing us are removed and we have a peaceful and healthy year ahead.
HAPPY NEW YEAR, 2021!
It is said that on the day of Vaikuntha Ekadasi, the doors of Vaikuntha (Vishnu’s abode) is thrown open. In other words heaven is open for the common man. There are many stories associated with Vaikuntha Ekadasi. In general, Ekadasi in any month, is considered as a time for contemplation, prayers and fasting. What is the reason behind this tradition of observing fast and quietude on this particular day?
Of course its hard to pin point one reason behind this age old tradition. However, one may notice that an Ekadasi day is always partly ruled by ‘Vishti’ Karana. A Karana is one of the five components of the Hindu Panchanga and is taken as half of a ‘Thithi’ (in simpler terms, one half of a day).
Vishti Karana is ruled by Yama (& the planet Saturn) and is considered poisonous and malefic in terms of any deeds undertaken on this day. Since every Ekadasi has Vishti Karana, doesn’t it make sense that you fast on this day. You also digress into prayers to avoid doing any major tasks this day. This is just a thought and possibly one among a plethora of reasons behind the traditions of Ekadasi.
Science is the study of the world outside,
Swami Chinmayananda
Philosophy is the study of the world within!
The human race has forever been in a quest to understand the cause behind all creation. This quest to unravel the mystery of creation has in effect led to our exhaustive study of our universe, all living beings and the laws that govern it. We understand this exhaustive study as ‘Science”. Science has in turn diversified into various branches; from Biology, Chemistry, Physics to Geography, Cosmology, Medicine and so on. We have invested a lot in the deeper understanding of the outside world hoping that we can someday unravel the mystery and cause of all creation.
However, the ancient books of the Vedas have a different view. The ancient Rishis however realised that the mystery cannot be solved by conventional methods of study and research. They understood that the ‘Truth’ is within and the way to realise this truth, the existential reality is to turn our focus inwards.
Thus most of the Vedas teach a path of contemplation and meditation as the practical way to turn our thoughts inwards, within us and realise the ‘consciousness’. This ‘consciousness’ is what the Vedas and the Upanishads teach is the Supreme reality and the cause behind all creation.
This is the difference today between what we study as conventional knowledge of the material world through various subjects. The Vedic knowledge on the other hand is unique and is probably the only available literature to direct our thoughts towards realising our ‘CONSCIOUSNESS’, the truth within ourselves. Even the study of the mind or psychology is in reality only an understanding of our superficial thoughts and worries and doesn’t really delve into the deeper realms within ourselves.
While we should be proud of the richness of this unique literary wealth we treasure, the Vedic knowledge should also be studied & appreciated by our generation.
As we celebrate Guru Poornima, it would be nice to understand the Astrological significance behind the day. Jupiter is widely regarded as the Guru of the Devas and being the Teacher for all, He is the one responsible imparting traditional knowledge and showing the path of righteousness to one and all. Jupiter owns the houses of Sagittarius and Pisces (read the article on Horoscope Basics). Sagittarius is also the 9th house from Aries, the beginning of the natural zodiac, and stands for Guru or the Teacher. Being the 9th house and being owned by Jupiter, the teacher himself, the sign of Sagittarius holds a lot of significance when it comes to one’s Teacher and receiving wisdom & knowledge from him.
Guru Poornima is celebrated during the months of July / August on a Poornima day (read the article: Celebrating Pournami), when the Full Moon is in Sagittarius & the Sun in Gemini. The Moon represents one’s mind and a therefore a full moon in the sign of Sagittarius would mean the mind is fully open and receptive to the teachings and wisdom from one’s Teacher due to the facts we explained earlier.
While the full Moon in Sagittarius is celebrated as Guru Poornima, 2020 is unique. This is because Jupiter himself is also currently in the sign of Sagitarrius along with the Full Moon making it even more auspicious. Here the Teacher himself is closely associated to the mind.
The lockdown presents a golden opportunity to utilize one’s time in learning new skills and wisdom and what can be better day to start than this Guru Poornima!
Keep Learning and importantly lets seek blessings from our Gurus!
We have scores of theories on the astrology behind the Covid-19 pandemic and a multitude of opinions that relate the positions of the planets to the global calamity. And much has been written about the conjunction of Jupiter, Saturn and Ketu in the sign of Sagittarius. This conjunction is no doubt a significant event and Ketu being in its own Nakshatra of Moola, does badly afflict Jupiter. On the other hand, an exalted Rahu casts its aspect from the sign of Gemini. Jupiter is thus cornered by a combination of Saturn, Ketu in the sign of Sagittarius and Rahu aspecting from Gemini. Jupiter is a priestly graha and easily succumbs to this malefic combination as what we see in the world today.
However, what is also missed is a peculiar event that seems to have triggered the pandemic. The roots of the current pandemic seem to lie in a very unique and rare event that occurred on 26th December, 2019. As we can see in the astrological chart cast for the December 26th 2019 we have six grahas, all of them ensconced in the sign of Sagittarius, viz. Jupiter, Saturn, Ketu, Sun, Moon and Mercury.
This is undoubtedly a rare celestial incidence. To add to this, Dec 26th also was the day of a solar eclipse. Too many rare incidences to occur on the single day. In all probability, this is the trigger behind the global worries and the Ju-Sa-Ke-Ra combination only worsens the issues. Incidentally, the pandemic also began around this time in Wuhan, China.
It cannot be ascertained accurately when such a unique position occurred in the past. A rough, back of the envelope calculation indicates that such a combination would have probably occurred about 60 years ago, around the time of the World War II. That does say a great deal of the sheer magnitude of this malefic combination and how it impacts the world harmony.
Later this year, by September Rahu-Ketu will transit backwards into Taurus & Scorpio respectively, thus breaking the chain. Jupiter will continue to be with Saturn as it will transit into Capricorn and will be debilitated. Nonetheless, it will still not be a very comfortable situation for the world harmony, but the Ra-Ke transit may break the chain of events into a more progressively peaceful one.
Let us all hope and pray for global peace in these months to come…
Aries (Mesha Rasi) is said to be the first among the Rasis (Zodiac Signs) and the entry of the Sun in Mesha signifies the beginning of a New Samvatsara (a fresh cycle of the revolution of the Sun). Also, Aries is the point of exaltation of the Sun (according to Indian Astrology) and holds significance.
For these reasons, the Sun’s entry into Mesha signifies the start of the Tamil / Malayalam New Year.
Mesha (Aries) + Aadi (Beginning); implies the crossing over of the Sun into the beginning of Mesha which typically occurs in the mid of April.
April 14th 2020 will be celebrated as The New Year or Vishu in South India. We enter into Shaarvari Samvatsara this New Year
The Vishu Konna flowers (in the photo) are yellow colored flowers that typically bloom around this year and is considered auspicious and on display for the Vishu Kanni.
The Indian culture has several calendar systems. With The Lunar calendar system, every Pournima or in some cases, Amavasya, marks a new month. However in the South, the Solar calendars are prevalant and here a new month begins whenever the Sun crosses into the next Zodiac Sign & the Sun crossing into Aries indicating a new year.
BEST WISHES FOR THIS VISHU!!