THE ASTROLOGY OF THE SEERS



THE ASTROLOGY OF THE SEERS

CORRESPONDENCE COURSE

FINAL TEST PART III

1. List the twenty-seven Nakshatras. Ashvini, Bharani, Krittika, Rohini, Mrigashiras, Ardha, Punarvashu, Pushya, Ashlesha, Magha, Purva Phalguni, Uttara Phalguni, Hasta, Chitra, Swati, Vishakha, Anuradha, Jeshtha, Mula, Purva Ashadha, Uttara Ashadha, Shravana, Dhanishtha, Shatabhisha, Purva Bhadrapada, Uttara Bhadrapa, Revati.

2. What portion of the zodiac does each cover? Ashvini (00 00 Ari – 13 20 Ari), Bharani (13 20 Ari – 26 40 Ari), Krittika (26 40 Ari – 10 00 Tau), Rohini (10 00 Tau – 23 20 Tau), Mrigashiras (23 20 Tau – 06 40 Gmi), Ardha (06 40 Gmi – 20 00 Gmi), Punarvashu (20 00 Gmi – 03 20 Cnc), Pushya (03 20 Cnc – 16 40 Cnc), Ashlesha (16 40 Cnc – 30 Cnc), Magha (00 00 Leo – 13 20 Leo), Purva Phalguni (13 20 Leo – 26 40 Leo), Uttara Phalguni (26 40 Leo – 10 00 Vir), Hasta (10 00 Vir – 23 20 Vir), Chitra (23 20 Vir – 06 40 Lib), Swati (06 40 Lib – 20 00 Lib), Vishakha (20 00 Lib – 03 20 Sco), Anuradha (03 20 Sco – 16 40 Sco), Jeshtha (16 40 Sco – 30 00 Sco), Mula (00 00 Sag – 13 20 Sag), Purva Ashadha (13 20 Sag – 26 40 Sag), Uttara Ashadha (26 40 Sag – 10 00 Cpr), Shravana (10 00 Cpr - 23 40 Cpr), Dhanishtha (23 40 Cpr – 06 40 Aqu), Shatabhisha (06 40 Aqu – 20 00 Aqu), Purva Bhadrapada (20 00 Aqu – 03 20 Psc), Uttara Bhadrapa (03 20 Psc – 16 40 Psc), Revati (16 40 Psc – 30 00 Psc).

3. How do the Nakshatras differ from the signs in their qualities? While the 12 signs represent the outer forms of things, the Nakshatras represent their inner energies, most intimate aspects of their nature. The Nakshatras are significant in marriage compatibility readings and at esoteric and yogic side of Vedic Astrology.

4. What are the three main divisions of the Nakshatras? Each Nakshatra relates to one of the three gunas. It is affected by the gunas on several levels. The whole set of Nakshatras is divided into tree groups according to the three gunas. A) 0 Aries – 0 Leo, the Nakshatras from Ashvini (1) to Ashlesha (9) are under rajasic influence. Cardinal and rajasic are similar qualities, - dynamic outer projection of personality. B) 0 Leo – 0 Sagittarius, the Nakshatras from Magha (10) to Jyeshta (18) are under tamasic influence. Their concern is with developing form and substance, with materializing things. C) 0 Sagittarius – 0 Aries, the Nakshatras from Mula (19) to Revati (27) are under sattvic influence. They are concerned with creating balance and harmony, with completing, spiritualizing and negating things.

5. What are the qualities of Ashwini Nakshatra? This Nakshatra is ruled by Ashwin twins, suns of Surya (Sun), mystical doctors. This nakshatra brings their healing energy down to the earth. They bring light, happiness and bliss to everyone they touch. Ashwins has the power to quickly heal and reach things (shidhra vyapani shakti). The Ashwins can be invoked to bring about healing and rejuvenation of the body, mind and spirit. Ashwins are forces of prana, which is quick in its action to stimulate, help and initiate a new level of healing. Ashwini is a head of sacrificed horse, symbolic of the sun, which here initiates its journey into the higher worlds. It starts the mystic year, which symbolizes the unfoldment of the Purusha. Ashwins shows the work and sacrifice necessary to undertake new ventures. Ketu, the planet of doubt, negativity, knowledge and critical mind, rules this Nakshatra. Ketu casts its shadow on Mars, ruler of Aries, it gives lesson of doubt of martial and vital impulses and passions, which are quite strong at this point. Ashwini is a place of exaltation of Sun; the issue of identity comes up here. This Nakshatra is regarded as of vaishya varna, nature, - deva, animal symbol, - horse, gunas (on 3 levels), - rajas/rajas/rajas. It has a male quality and has dharma as a primary goal of life. It corresponds to a South direction. “Taittiriya Brahmana” describes the fruits of worship as “One who makes appropriate offerings to Ashwins and to Ashwini becomes possessed of good hearing and will not become deaf”.

6. What are the qualities of Purva Phalguni? Bhaga, the blissful form of Sun, deity of good fortune and prosperity rules this Nakshatra. Bhaga gives charm, charisma and ability to influence others, to draw them around us as a source of happiness and light. Purva Phalguni shows gravity towards the source of delight. Extrovert type of characters may become materialists, but introverts may become spiritual seekers. Shiva Lingam is one of the symbols of this powerful and creative Nakshatra (another two are swinging hammock and two front legs of bed). Purva Phalguni gives the power of creative procreation on all levels (prajanan shakti) and wealth in general. Venus, the planetary signification of beauty and delight, rules this Nakshatra. It gives power of inspiration, social recognition and prestige. This Nakshatra is regarded as of brahmana varna, nature, - manushya (human), animal symbol, - rat, gunas (on 3 levels), - tamas/rajas/tamas. It has a feminine quality and has Kama as a primary goal of life. It corresponds to a North direction. “Taittiriya Brahmana” describes the fruits of worship as “One who makes appropriate offerings to Bhaga, to the Phalgunis, gains the best portion among his peers”.

7. What are the qualities of Mula? Nirriti, the Goddess of calamity, falsehood, death and destruction, who lives in the kingdom of dead, rules this Nakshatra. She represents void but also a foundation. Nirriti has the power to ruin, destroy and break apart (barhana shakti). She is also called Alakshmi (denial of Lakshmi, devi of prosperity) and also depicted as a Kali with necklaces of sculls, representing the heads of ignorance. Mula means ‘the root”. This Nakshatra’s symbol is “tied bunch of roots” and the tail of lion (or scorpion). Mula is a Nakshatra of judgment, danger and transition, but on the highest level it relates to nirvana. It takes us to the prime roots of things and makes us examine them. Mula can make us profoundly perceptive or self-righteous depending on direction of this energy of negation. Ketu rules Mula and there is danger of coming under its negative influences, which can make person arrogant, but it arises from deep-seated doubt and insecurity. On other hand Mula provides deep powers of perception and capacity to go beyond things, even negate the world. Mula Nakshatra is a tikshna (sharp or dreadful), which can be related to a black magic, spells, exorcism and punishment. This Nakshatra is regarded as of butcher kasta, nature, - rakshasa (demonic), animal symbol, - dog, gunas (on 3 levels), - sattwa/rajas/rajas. It has a masculine quality and has Kama as a primary goal of life. It corresponds to a West direction (at some tantric traditions Nirriti’s direction is South-West). “Taittiriya Brahmana” describes the fruits of worship as “One who makes appropriate offerings to Prajapati, to Mula, gains the root of progeny”.

8. What are the qualities of Shatabhishak? Shatabhishak literally means “hundred healers”. It bestows gifts in the healing arts and it has power of healing (bheshaja shakti). Shatabhishak is also known as a “hundred stars”, which reflects the royal quality of this Nakshatra. It is said, that is a fortunate star of the king. Shatabhishak people can possess tremendous vital force and courage that will defeat their enemies. The blossom of inner potential and the full arousal of the life force of kundalini can be achieved here. The deity ruling this Nakshatra is Varuna, heavenly father, bestowed of wisdom, medicine, cosmic waters and rain. Here the issue of relationship with Divine Father comes up, along with issue of guilt and atonement, sin and redemption. It can cause us to feel very fearful or guilty, inferior, rejected and condemned. Or we our self can function as some father of judge of others or the world at large. It is a Nakshatra of catharsis and deliverance. It also relates to karma, judgment and retribution. It puts us into calamity of Devine wrath, as a way to seek divine grace to save us. Those who can’t open up to Divine grace under it remains underachiever and underworld figures. It exposes weak core of the ego. It is one of the most ambivalent, the most spiritual and the most worldly Nakshatras. Rahu, lord of Maya, rules Shatabhishak. It is here that we have to face the illusion both within our self and in the world. The Rahu or Maya can become the wisdom power of the great lord Varuna. This Nakshatra is regarded as of butcher kasta, nature, - rakshasa (demon), animal symbol, - horse, gunas (on 3 levels), - sattwa/tamas/sattwa. It has a feminine quality and has Dharma as a primary goal of life. It corresponds to a South direction. “Taittiriya Brahmana” describes the fruits of worship, as “Varuna desired, “May I be firm and not unsteady” One who makes appropriate offerings to Varuna, to Shatabhishak, becomes firm and not unsteady”.

9. What are the qualities of Krittika? Krittika literally means “the cutter” and its symbols are a flame, a razor, an ax or other edged weapon. This Nkshatra represents the power to burn (dahana shakti). Agni, the Vedic God of fire, particularly the sacred or ritual fire, spirit hidden in matter, rules it. Inwardly, this Vedic fire stands for the flame of awareness and mindfulness. It indicates fuel, fire, cooking food and purification Pleiades are located in Krittika and mark the feminine forces. It is here Scanda (great divine warrior), ruling deity the planet Mars, is born. Krittika is a womb of the fire god, located mainly in passive field of Taurus. It has capacity to nourish and give birth to the light. Devine Mother as mother of warrior is also figured here as Durga or Uma. Krittika is ruled by Sun. It shows light, creativity and personal growth, particularly as directed toward the material world, either to further manifestation or to bring Devine energy into it. Krittika is also the place of exaltation for the Moon. Here the lunar principal gives birth to the god of fire, the mind 9manas0 gives birth of deeper perception. Lunar qualities of perceptivity and openness work their best here, not for self-denial but to bring forth a higher power. This Nakshatra is regarded as of brahmana varna, nature, - rakshasa (demon), animal symbol, - sheep, gunas (on 3 levels), - rajas/rajas/sattwa. It has a feminine quality and has Kama as a primary goal of life. It corresponds to a North direction. “Taittiriya Brahmana” describes the fruits of worship, as “One who makes appropriate offerings to Agni, to Krittika, becomes an eater of foods for mortals”.

10. How do the Virgo qualities of Uttara Phalguni differ from those of Hasta? One of the main differences in qualities between those two Nakshatras, - ruling luminary. Uttara Phalguni is ruled by Sun and it is more centered on connection with Self (Atman). Self-consciousness gained in Leo becomes directed toward of practical work in the field of Virgo. Hasta, ruled by Moon, makes individual more centered in manas and attention is more directed toward outer material world. Second, very important difference, - different type of energy (shakti) transmitted by those Nakshatras. Bhaga, god of happiness, rules Uttara Phalguni. Its power is giving prosperity (chayani shakti) through marriage or union. Savitar, creative form of Sun god, rules Hasta. Its power is the ability to gain what we are seeking and place it in our own hands. It gives the ability to achieve our goals in complete and immediate manner.

11. How does the effect of Ketu vary as ruler of Ashwini, Magha and Mula? Ashvini in Aries, sign ruled by Mars, combines energy of Ketu with Mars energy. Quality of such blender of energies gives a more emotional and expressive character. It is also a healing energy. Magha in Leo gives a more personal energy, giving self-doubt and reflection on the past, like Ketu-Sun, that is why it relates to one’s ancestors. Mula in Sagittarius gives a more spiritual energy, Ketu-Jupiter, but also doubt and karmic reckoning. Fiery planets rule Ketu Nakshtras, including by Mars, whose nature Ketu follows. Ketu does well if placed in its own Nakshatras.

12. How does the effect of Mercury vary as ruler of Ashlesha, Jyeshta and Revati? Ashlesha in Cancer gives more emotional energy, like Mercury-Moon. Jyeshta in Scorpio gives a more vital energy and critical expression, like Mercury-Mars. Revati in Pisces has a more emotional and expensive energy, like Mercury-Jupiter. Generally, mercury doesn’t do well when placed in its own Nakshatras because there are all inimical and watery signs. However, the spiritual and intuitive side of Mercury can come out of them, as can the emotional and deceptive side.

13. How do the Nakshatras relate to the three gunas in their primary aspect? Primary level of gunas is more evident in the outer actions of Nakshatras. The first third of zodiac, from 0 degree of Aries to 0 degree of Leo (the Nakshatras from #1 Ashwini to #9 Ashlesha) are under a rajasic influence. The second third of zodiac, from 0 degree of Leo to 0 degree of Sagittarius (the Nakshatras from #10 Magha to #18 Jyeshta) are under a tamasic influence. The third part of zodiac, from 0 degree of Sagittarius to 0 degree of Aries (the Nakshatras from #19 Mula to #27 Revati) are under a sattvic influence.

14. How do the Nakshatras relate to the class divisions of society? Bramin Nakshatras: Krittika (#3), Purva Phlaguni (#11), Purvashada (#20), Purva Bhadra (#25). Kshatria Nakshatras: Pushya (#8), Uttara Phlaguni (#12), Uttarashada (#21), Uttara Bhadra (#26). Vaishya Nakshatras: Ashvini (#1), Purnavasu (#7), Hasta (#13). Farmer caste of Vaishya varna Nakshatras: Mrighashiras (#5), Chitra (#14), Jyeshta (#18), Dhanishta (#23). Shudra Nakshatras: Rohini (#4), Magha (#10), Anuradha (#17), Revati (#27). Butcher caste of Shudra varna Nakshatras: Ardha (#6), Swasti (#15), Mula (#19), Shatabhishak (#24). Mleccha (outcaste) Nakshatras: Bharani (#2), Ashlesha (#9), Vishkha (#16), Shravana (#22).

15. How do the Nakshatras relate to animal types? Nakshatras relates to an animal type, based upon the sign in which it is located. Aries (ram), Taurus (bull), Capricorn (goat) and first half of Sagittarius are quadrupeds. Leo is a forest dweller. Gemini, Virgo, Libra, Aquarius and second half of Sagittarius are human. Cancer and Pisces are aquatic. Scorpio is insect.

16. How are Rahu and Ketu important as karmic significators? Ketu (south node) indicates karma arising through paternal influences (the Sun) and Rahu (north node) that coming from maternal influences (the Moon). Ketu shows karma arising from social authorities, or yet more ancient authorities or traditional influences. Rahu shows influences from personal desires and emotions, including the force of collective desires. Ketu shows our individual karma and its patterns. Rahu shows were we are susceptible to collective karma ant its impulses. Ketu shows old karma and Rahu new karma born from desire. Ketu – completion of old karmic debts, Rahu indicate expansion of new karma based on desire, which keeps us in samsara. Rahu-Ketu axis is crucial in understanding personal karma. It indicates houses that require actions for completion old karma (house were Ketu resides) and issues related to house were Rahu resides, which should be worked out during current incarnation.

17. How do Rahu and Ketu relate to the Sun and the Moon in their power to afflict them? Rahu is particularly strong for eclipsing the Moon (significator of manas); Ketu is stronger for eclipsing the Sun (self, ahamkara). Most of Rahu actions – it’s causing of mental derangements, hallucinations, possessions by different type of grahas (avesha or unmada by bhutas, yakshas, pishachas, rakshasas and other entities), emotional fluctuations – can be explained by an eclipse of the Moon and the mind. Rahu shows karmic influences on the manas and Ketu on the ahamkara. There is corona of the Sun during solar eclipses. Ketu darkens the primary light of things, but allows their subtle inner light to be seen (astral perception). Rahu grants ability to transcendent mind, Ketu gives opportunity to transcendent ego function.

18. What are some of the negative karmic consequences of Rahu? Rahu calls subconscious darkness. It draws out the karmic latencies from within us, it’s heavy, tamasic forces and desires suppressed negativity. It alters our minds and makes us toys in the hands of collective sub consciousness and other entities. Rahu indicates addictions. Beside mental derangements mentioned above it can also give disease. It shows where we lose control of our faculties and are subject to disturbances in the regulatory systems of the body. Rahu means that which hides or obscure, - qualities of Mara (devata which binds us to samsara).

19. What are some of the positive karmic consequences of Rahu? Rahu is a head of serpent and thus gives the wisdom of serpent, which rules over our mental functioning. Rahu can make us aware of these forces in the world and can teach how to use them. Rahu, in its positive manifestation, can show karmic opportunity. It shows harmony with collective trends that can give great worldly power and success. It projects much glamour. Rahu’s success can undo us at the end and seldom gives contentment.

20. What are some of the negative karmic consequences of Ketu? Ketu is a serpent’s body without head. This explains Ketu as indicating death, destruction, drugs, losing one’s head, loss of will suicide. Ketu indicates compulsions. It separates us from people and from ourselves by making us too doubting, lacking in faith, trust and confidence.

21. What are some of the positive karmic consequences of Ketu? Ketu indicates completion of karmic cycle, hence, liberation. Ketu means perception, illumination. The south node is regarded as giving strong perceptive faculties, even of occult or spiritual nature. Ketu is regarded as giving strong imaginative sensitivity, which may also function as spiritual method at tantric sadhana with visualization of ishta-devata’s mandala and a like.

22. How do Rahu and Ketu relate to the Kundalini? Rahu and Ketu represent our serpent force, the Kundalini Shakti, in its functioning under duality of ignorance. To integrate the forces of the two nodes in the chart is to raise the Kundalini. Rahu stands for the base of spine. Ketu stands for the top of head. Rahu shows energy potential in the lower chakras. Ketu indicates the perceptive powers in the higher chakras, ajna-chakra in particular. Rahu shows those factors, which keep us asleep in lower chakras. Ketu shows those, which distort the powers of the higher chakras. Rahu can activate Kundalini but generally in an unwholesome way. Ketu can activate subtle perceptions but there is always the danger that they are used in a personal way, inducing, so called, “ego-trip”.

23. What is Horary astrology? Sanskrit name for Horary astrology is “Prashna Tantra”. “Prashna” means question and “Tantra” means teaching or science (or more precisely “continuum”). This branch of Astrology is used for answering questions, which can be of any type. They are usually concerned with whether a person will achieve success in particular venture.

24. Why is it so frequently used? This branch of astrology is much more popular in India, then natal astrology. There are several reasons for that. First, it is a science, which allows to manage attunement of human activities with cosmic law. Achievement of this harmony allows to be successful in all actions on different levels. Second, it is more specific then natal astrology. Any number of horary readings can be done for a client, while natal readings are usually done once. Third, this type of reading can be done even without information about client’s time of birth.

25. How is palmistry regarded in Vedic Astrology? It is considered to be a brunch of Jyotish, known as a Has Jyotish (palmistry). It is a part of more broad system known as a Ang Vidya, which consist from 3 major parts: Has Jyotish (palmistry), Paad (Feet) Jyotish and Mukha (face) Jyotish.

26. What is Astrological forecasting (Muhurtara)? “Muhutra” means a moment of time. Muhurtara (“Electional Astrology”) is concerned with choosing right time to do things. It focuses most especially on Time (Kala), rather then on actual horoscope. In the “Vasishta Samhita” it is stated: “Time itself is a God and God is Time. The knower of God can only be the knower of Time.” Studying Muhutra reveals the effect of Time, which can also be applied with grate advantage in the context of natal astrology. There are a few texts that give the effect of time on nativity such as “Jataka Parijata”, “Hora Ratnam” and “Jataka Bharnam”.

27. What is a Panchanga? What are its five parts? Panchanga (“having five parts”) is a set of 5 factors related to Vedic astrological forecasting and timing of actions. It composed of: 1) Tithi (lunar day); 2) Vara (solar day); 3) Nakshatra (lunar constellation); 4) Yoga (combinations relative to the Sun and Moon); 5) Karana (half of Tithi).

28. Why is it important for a Vedic astrologer to have a Panchanga or yearly sidereal almanac? Almanac presents Panchanga on daily basis, which would be very complex and time consuming to calculate on one’s own.

29. How are the Nakshatras used in Astrological Forecasting? Moon location in different Nakshatras is favorable for different activities and it is one of the most important factors in Muhurta. The Nakshatras can be divided into seven groups according to general qualities of their nature: 1) Dhruva (FIXED), - Rohini, Uttara Phalguni, Uttarashada, Utthara Bhadra; 2) Tikshna (HARSH), - Ardha, Ashlesha, Mula, Jyeshta; 3) Ugra (FIERCE), - Bharani, Magha, Purva Phalguni, Purvashada, Purva Bhadra; 4) Kshipra (QUICK), - Ashwini, Pushya, Hasta, Abhijit; 5) Mridu (SOFT), - Mrigashiras, Chitra, Anuradha, Revati; 6) Mridu-Tikshna (MIXED), - Krittika, Vishakha; 7) Chara (MOVEABLE), - Punarvasu, Swasti, Shravana, Dhanishta, Shatabhishak. Another factor to consider is the day Nakshatra relationship with the birth Nakshatra (the Nakshatra of the Moon at birth). For this, we count from birth Nakshatra to the daily Nakshatra (counting the birth Nakshatra as one). We subtract multiples of nine from that amount and consider the remainder. If the amount is less than nine, we take that. Below is a list of relationships between day and birth Nakshatras (based on calculation described above): 1. “Janma” (birth), - indicates danger, particularly to the body, generally unfavorable. 2. Sampat (gain), - gains and accomplishments, favorable; 3. “Vipat” (loss), - losses, dangers and accidents, generally unfavorable; 4. “Kshema” (prosperity), - security and safety, favorable; 5. “Pratyak” (opposition), - difficulties and obstacles; 6. Sadhana (accomplishment), - success, achievement and realization of our goals and desires; 7. “Nidhana” (danger), - generally unfavorable. 8. “Mitra” (friend), - help and alliances; 9. “Paramamitra” (supreme friend), - great help. The difficulty given by 3, 5 and 7-th positions is said to be less if it occurs at 12, 14 and 16-th Nakshatras from birth Nakshatra. It is only slight if it occurs at 21, 23 and 25-th from it. Hence, it is better if the daily Nakshatra is behind the birth Nakshatra in Zodiac then in front of it. In addition the 27-th Nakshatra to the one’s birth Nakshatra is often not favorable. Hence, even if Nakshatra is generally favorable, it may not be so if we look at its relationship with birth Nakshatra of a person. It is better to have Nakshatra that is favorable in both ways.

30. What are some auspicious Nakshatras for performing actions? The most favorable Nakshatras for performing actions are Pushya (8) and Swasti (15). Very favorable are Rohini (4) and Punarvasu (7). Generally favorable Nakshatras are Ashvini (1), Mrigashiras (5), Uttara Plaguni (12), Hasta (13), Chitra (14), Anuradha (17), Uttarashada (21), Shravana (22), Dhanishta (23), Shatabhishak 924), Uttara Bhadra (26), Revati (27).

31. What are some inauspicious Nakshatras for performing actions? The most unfavorable Nakshatras for performing actions are Bharani (2), Magha (10), Purva Phalguni (11), Purvashada (20), Purva Bhadra (25). Generally inauspicious Nakshatras are Ardra (6), Ashlesha (9), Jyeshta (18), Mula (19).

32. What are the qualities of Pushya Nakshatra for performing actions? Pushya is considered to be the most favorable Nakshatra as a whole for all auspicious actions (Jupiter is exalted here). It grants fearlessness and success. It resembles Ganesha in what it can do for us. The only exception, - it is unfavorable for marriage.

33. What are the qualities of Bharani Nakshatra for performing actions? Bharani is generally unfavorable as it is ruled by Yama and has an active, aggressive and sometimes impulsive energy that cannot always be trusted. Impulses and desires happening under its influence are likely to be impetuous or misleading. It is favorable for activities listed below: harsh actions (abhicharuka rituals), competitive ventures, things related to fire, deep meditation, Self-discipline and yogic and ascetic practices including Hatha and Raja Yoga, purification actions of various sorts, fasting and mauna, driving out negative energies.

34. What are the qualities of Rohini Nakshatra for performing actions? Rohini is creative and favorable Nakshatra, which is most loved by the Moon. It gives much enjoyment but can create much karma. It is ruled by Brahma or Prajapati, it is favorable for his worship. Krishna was born under this star; it is good for his worship and has a similar energy of devotion and joy. It is favorable for activities listed below: Putting new clothes and gemstones, taking new name, healing, practices of longevity and rejuvenation, gardening, marriage, sexual activity, performing religious rituals, initiations, empowering sacred objects, learning languages, building houses and temples, entering new house, legal matters, financial gain, acquiring fixed items.

35. What are the sixteen Kalas or portions of the Moon? Moon contains 16 portions or Kalas. The thixteens Kala is unchangeable and represents the basic power (shakti0 of Moon, through which it is able to continually to renew itself in the cycles of time. Number of the other Kalas increases and decreases with the waxing and waning of the Moon. On the day of the new moon, the Moon is reduced to only one Kala. Then it gains one Kala every day approximately until reaching the full sixteenth on the day of the full Moon. The increasing and decreasing of the portions of the Moon shows the fluctuations of the mind, as the Moon represents manas in general.

36. What are the Tithis? Tithis are lunar days, which measure the Kalas or positions of the Moon. Each lunar day or Tithi average a little shorter than one solar day, - 23 hours and 37 minutes. There are 371 Tithis in a normal year. The Tithis, however, are irregular in length because Moon’s rate of motion is irregular. It varies from 11 to 15 degrees a day. This means that an actual Tithi may be a little longer or shorter than a day. When the Moon’s rate of motion is fast, there may be 2 Tithis in 1 day. A Tithi may therefore be skipped in the calendar (called “kshaya” Tithi in the Panchanga). When the Moon’s rate of motion is slow, which is more rare, the same Tithi may occur on 2 consecutive days (“vriddha” Tithi). There 15 types of Tithis, divided into two groups relative to the waxing and waning Moon, creating a total of 30.

37. What are some auspicious Tithis? Tithis, which belong to group “Purna”, are generally very favorable (except the day of the new Moon). They allow maximum development to occur. This group consists from Panchami (fifth), Dashami (tenth), Purnima (fifteens). Those, which belong to “Nanda” (1, 6, 11) and “Bhadra” (2, 7, 12) groups, are considered as generally auspicious.

38. What are some inauspicious Tithis? Tithis, which belong to group “Rikta”, are generally inauspicious, and are not to be used for any important actions. This group consists from Chaturthi (fourth), Navami (ninth), Chaturdashi (fourteens). Also day of new Moon and day after new Moon (the first) are generally unfavorable. Many astrologers also reject sixth, the eight in particular, and the twelfth days for important actions. Tithis starting with the twelfth (Dvadashi) of the dark half of the Moon are generally avoided for important actions as they are generally regarded as unfavorable.

39. What are the qualities of the fifth and tenth Tithis? Panchami (fifth) Tithi is a very favorable day for all good actions: travel, gaining wealth and giving gifts, performing religious ceremonies and practices, putting on gemstones, meditation, study, gaining occult knowledge, fasting, healing. Good for worship of Shiva and Shakti, as they wear the crescent Moon on their heads. Also good for learning and the worship of Sarasvati. Not favorable for negative actions or actions requiring force such as punishment. Dashami (tenth) Tithi is very favorable. Good for travel, putting on gems or new clothes, marriage, ceremonies and parties, income, vehicles and houses, study and learning, all healing actions, and for visiting important people. The bright Tithi (the tength0 is perhaps the most fortunate of all Tithis and is good for all expansive ventures. At this point the cosmic masculine energy (Shiva) reaches its strongest power. On the dark Tithi (the 25-th), the cosmic feminine power (shakti0 is strongest, and is good for the worship of the Devine Mother.

40. What are the qualities of the day of the New Moon (Amavasya)? Amavasya (New Moon, 30-th) Tithi is favorable for religious rituals and meditation, study, ascetic practices, for making offerings to those departed, and for giving gifts. Not good for heath, but can be an important time for bringing a new healing energy to those who are sick, particularly chronically ill. Unfortunate for most things, including putting on gemstones, travel, sexual activity. Generally a good day to remain introverted and inactive.

41. What are the qualities of the day of the full Moon (Purnima)? Purnima (full Moon, 15-th) Tithi is favorable for all good actions: building houses, putting on gemstones, and for career gains. However, better for religious rituals, fasting, contemplation and meditation. Excellent for worship of Goddess, who is the ruling deity of the Mon. generally a time when we experience the fruit of our actions during the month, and brining things to completion, but not so useful for starting new ventures. Unfavorable for travel.

42. What are Karanas? Karana means, “instrument”. Each Tithi is divided into 2 Karanas. In total there are 11 Karanas, which are named according to different animals.

43. What are the main inauspicious Karanas? The first (Lion [Bhava]) and last 3 (Cattle [Chatuspada], Snake [Naga], Worm [Kimstughna]) are fixed in nature. The fixed Karanas and Vishti Karana are considered to be generally unfavorable in nature and actions should not be done during them.

44. What are Yogas in Astrological Forecasting? Yoga means union. For Muhurta purposes Yoga refers to the union of the Sun’s degrees and moon’s degrees. Depending upon which Nakshatra this sum falls in, a particular Yoga will be running. The first yoga begins at Pushya. Each of the Yogas runs approximately one day, and is thus called the Dina Yoga, or Yoga of the Day. Calculation of Yoga; Sin’s degree + Moon’s degree + 93degree and 20 minutes. Each of the Yogas holds Muhurta together through some quality indicated by its name.

45. What are the main inauspicious Yogas? Vishkamba (10), Ati-Ganda (6), Shula (9), ganda (10), Vyagata 913), Vajra (15). These Yogas have a destructive nature. They are favorable for destructive rituals like Abhicharuka and alike.

46. What are generally favorable days of the week for action? Days ruled by benefic planets – Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday – Moon, Mercury, Jupiter and Venus – are good for most actions. Thursday and Friday are the best, as Jupiter and Venus are the most auspicious planets.

47. What are generally unfavorable days of the week for action? Days ruled by malefic planets – Sunday, Tuesday and Saturday – Sun, Mars and Saturn – have some unfavorability. Tuesday and Saturday are worse in this respect.

48. What actions are good to do on Tuesday? It has a marsian quality of energy. So it is good for physical activities, sport and especially martial arts. Work with metals, mechanisms. This day is good for worship warrior-like deities; Skanda, Chandika

49. What actions are good to do on Thursday?

50. What is considered to be a high number of points or bindus for a planet to have in the Ashtakavarga of the sign in which it is located in the chart?

51. What is Sarvashtakavarga?

52. How many Ashtakavarga points are considered to be high for a sign to have in total from all the planets?

53. What results with the Moon tend to give if it has only one or two points in its Ashtakavarga?

54. What results will Mars tend to give if it has seven or eight points in its own Ashtakavarga?

55. What are the eight divisions of the sign according to Ashtakavarga?

56. How can Ashtakavarga be used with Planetary Periods?

57. How can Ashtakavarga be used with Transits?

58. Why does Vedic Astrology emphasize transits from the Moon?

59. What kind of results does the Sun give transiting the Moon sign?

60. What kind of results does Mercury give transiting the seventh from the Moon sign?

61. What kind of results does Rahu give transiting the sixth from the Moon sign?

62. What kind of results does the Sun tend to give transiting a sign in which it has a high number of Ashtakavarga points?

63. What kind of results does Saturn tend to give transiting a sign in which it has a low number of Ashtakavarga points?

64. What actions are good to do when Jupiter transits a sign in which it has its highest number of Ashtakavarga points?

65. Define the scope of Vedic Astrology according to your understanding?

66. By what factors should we measure our success as an astrologer?

67. What sort of information should we seek from a client when giving a reading?

68. What are the advantages and limitations of doing a reading for someone whom one does not know or consult with personally?

69. Why are several astrological readings often required?

70. What is a general life reading?

71. Why should we explain the background of Vedic Astrology briefly to our clients?

72. What is the background energetics of the birthchart?

73. Why does Vedic Astrology emphasize sattva guna?

74. Why is the ascertainment of the ruling planet so important in chart readings?

75. Why do we always examine planetary periods in chart readings?

76. Why do we give so much emphasis to remedial measures in Vedic Astrology?

77. Which astrological factors relate to the mind and psychology?

78. Which astrological factors relate to work and career?

79. Which astrological factors relate to health and the body?

80. Which astrological factors relate to spirituality?

81. What do you think is the key to attempting Vedic Astrology readings?

82. How do you plan to continue your study of Vedic Astrology?

83. How do you plan to orient your practice of Vedic Astrology?

84. Do you have any suggestions for improving the course?

85. Do you have any suggestions for material for an advanced course?

86. How do you think that the profession of Vedic Astrology can be promoted in the modern world?

87. What are some of the standards you would like to see for Vedic astrologers?

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