Grahajoy
Graha means “heavenly body” and joy is simply joy. We believe in the inherent perfection and oneness of the Universe, all our work is based on the understanding that perfection is not only possible, but that it is the natural state of Divine Creation. The Creator doesn’t make mistakes, so it stands to reason that every person’s Astrological Chart contains the information necessary to attain the state of success, happiness and bliss.
Makar Sankranthi (Ponggal)
The transit of the Sun into the Cardinal Earth Sign Capricorn is celebrated in many parts of the world. In the Northern Hemisphere this transit is the beginning the 6 month “warming cycle” as the Sun progresses northwards, bringing warmer weathers. Other then its obvious agricultural significance, Makar Sankranthi is also a very powerful initiating power that can be used in all areas of life. Ponggal is the time for all “beginnings”, so whatever we decide to start during this transit is supported by this incredible pushing energy.
What is a Birth Chart?
The Vedic Astrology Birth Chart is done once in a lifetime. The Birth Chart itself is the same whether it is done for a 100 years old person or for a new born baby. The current age is completely irrelevant. The potential for opportunities, the changes, the prevailing energies of certain periods, which are the basis of the Forecast for each year, are calculated from the Birth Chart. So, while the Forecast highlights which energies (already present in the Birth Chart) are enhanced, emphasized, countered, blocked in a given time period, the Birth Chart itself is the same, containing the seeds of all possibilities, all positive and negative energies given at the time of birth.
Ketu (Cauda Draconis)
With planetary number 9 Ketu, is also known as the South Node of the Moon. Rejection, annihilation, and distraction are the energies of Ketu. In the Vedic worldview Ketu represents the things already accomplished and conquered in past lives, so wherever Ketu is placed in the Birth Chart we see talents and abilities, but no particular desire and drive to use them.
What is a House (Bhava)?
A House is a 30 degrees segment of the Zodiac. It is the same size as a Sign, but while Signs are fixed, Houses depend on the Ascendant. As the exact time, date and place of birth determines the Ascendant, whichever Sign this point falls becomes the 1st House. This is why the time of birth is so important, without the exact time, based only on the birth day a person could be literally any of the 12 Ascendants, making all Astrological predictions or analysis completely meaningless and useless.
The Water Signs of the Zodiac
The Water Signs of the Zodiac represent Water energies that are fluid, relatively slow moving and comforting. Water energy is extremely malleable for good and bad, this is the exact reason why it is so strongly linked to emotions and comfort. Water is a Feminine Energy, meaning that it is receptive and inward flowing unlike masculine energies that are “being spent” and outward directed.
Venus (Shukra)
With planetary number 6, Venus is known as the planet of beauty and love. Venus is the second closest planet to the Sun, so much like mercury, it can never be too far from the Sun in a Birth Chart. (This is why Venus can never receive the aspect of the Sun.) From the placement of Venus we can see how someone is going to relate to other people, what gives them pleasure and happiness
Upachaya Houses
Upachaya Houses are the 3rd, 6th, 10th and 11th Houses in every Birth Chart. As the actual Houses can only be determined from knowing the Ascendant (which depends on the exact time, date and place of birth) Birth Charts can only be done for people who have the exact time of birth. Upachaya Houses are the “improving” areas of life, they do need effort and work, but with age the Planets placed here become stronger, more active and more effective.
Trikona Houses
Trikona Houses are the 1st, 5th and 9th Houses in everyone’s Birth Chart. They are always the same energy (Fire, Earth, Air, Water) as the Ascendant. For example Capricorn people’s Trikona Houses are ALL Earth Signs, Aries people’s Trikona Houses are ALL fire Signs, etc.
The Magic of the Mutable Signs in Astrology
The Mutable signs of the Zodiac, Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces represent energies that are flexible, adaptable and communicative. Of course, each of these signs remains true to its element, but how this element is expressed is where we can see this Mutable quality.
The Importance of the Moon in Astrology
The Moon represents mental state, mind, emotions, imagination, our link to the subconscious and creativity. This is why in order to see life opportunities and obstacles in Astrology, one has to take the Moon Chart in consideration, as the true life path is determined how we will react to the situations encountered. The position of the Moon in the Chart is given by Nakshatras (Lunar Mansions) The ruling planet of the Moon's Nakshatra is very important, as the character of the Ruler will have a great influence on the person's nature.
The Importance of Mars in Astrology
Mars, the Warrior Planet is considered a Natural Malefic both in Vedic and Western Astrology. Mars's energy is hot, explosive and violent, hence the classification "malefic". There are many areas of life where this potentially destructive energy is not only beneficial, it is also necessary. Associating Mars with warfare is logical, because in battle, especially in old-fashioned battles where fighting was face to face and often one on one, this explosive, murderous energy coupled with physical strength and courage is the primary force.
The Sheer Idiocy of the “Sun Sign” Horoscope
The word “horoscope” comes to us from Greek, the exact meaning being “the observation of the hour”. NOT the observation of the month, NOT the observation of the year, the observation of the HOUR. So, when pop astrology bases the horoscope on the month of the birth (as the Sun transits each Sign in about 30 days) obviously we have a problem. I am baffled by the wide acceptance of such “monthoscopes” because the word itself gives obvious clues “horo” is cognate with the French word “heure”, the Spanish word “hora”, the English word “hour”, and of course “scope”, the second part of the word horoscope is known to all of us alone and also as part of composite words such as telescope, microscope, etc. always meaning observing, looking at.
Zodiac Systems (Vedic versus Western)
The Tropical Zodiac (also known as the Western Zodiac) was not originally meant for astrological use. It was a calendar system best suited for higher latitudes where agricultural production depends on the seasons. In preindustrial times the beginning of spring was truly the most important "event" that needed to be correctly defined.
The Correct Navaratna
The so-called Golden Age mentioned with longing and nostalgia in one form or another in every culture is in fact at our fingertips. Perfection IS possible. In fact bliss and harmony are the default settings of the Universe, all we have to do is shake off the incorrect false worldview with the disdain it deserves and wholeheartedly embrace harmony.
Sun (Surya)
With the planetary number 1, the Sun is the center of our Solar System. It is completely irrelevant which is the celestial body orbiting the other from the vantage point somewhere outside the Solar System. Just for clarification, in reality neither the Sun orbits around Earth, nor Earth orbits around the Sun.
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