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Saraswathi in Yoga and Jyotisha..

12/23/2012

SARASWATHI YOGA in VEDIC ASTROLOGY:

Lord Chandra, blesses is he, is married to 27 Nakshatras or constellations. ‘Naksha’ mean approach and ‘tra’ mean guard. According to Hindu Jyotisha, Lunar Mansions or divisions in the sky are identified by the prominent stars. The list of Nakshatras is found in the Vedic texts referred to in Atharva Veda 19.7, Taittiriya Samhita. Another list is found in Shatapatha Brahmana. The first astronomy text that lists them is the Vedanga Jyotisha of Lagadha.

According to Hindu mythology, Nakshastras were created by Daksha. Twenty-seven of them are personified as Daksha’s daughters. They are also minor deities in their own right. All of them end up as mythological wives of Chandra, the Moon God. There are various versions of the Nakshatra origins and one states that they are the daughters of Kashyapa, the brother of Daksha..

YOGA OF PLANETS:

Each of the nakshatras is governed as Lord by one of the nine graha in the following sequence. The are: Ketu - South Lunar Node, Shukra - Venus, Ravi or Surya - Sun, Chandra - Moon, Mangala - Mars, Rahu - North Lunar Node, Guru or Brihaspati - Jupiter, Shani - Saturn and Budha - Mercury. This cycle repeats itself three times to cover all 27 Nakshatras.

Each one of them covers thirteen degrees and twenty minutes of the zodiac. Each Nakshatra is the head of a particular group of stars. Zodiac is divided into 27 Nakshatra zones. Therefore, while traversing the zodiac, the Moon has to pass through one of the Nakshatra. The Lord of each nakshatra determines the planetary period known as the Dasha , which is considered of major importance in forecasting the life path of the individual.

TRIKONA:

Hindu Vedic astrology is based on Twelve Signs, Twelve Houses, Twenty Seven Nakshatras and Nine Planets. Thousands of different Yogas are formed depending on the position of planets. The twelve houses in a Kundali are known by various different names. The first house is known as Tanu Bhav, the second as Dan bhav, the third is known as Sahaj bhav and the fourth is known as Sukh Bhav.

The first house is believed to be Trikon. It is also considered to be Kendra. Thus, it is not so strong. The fifth house is the second Trikon house. This house is stronger than the first one. The ninth house is the third Trikon house and is stronger than the other two Trikon houses.

SARASWATHI YOGA:

Mother Saraswathi is the Divine Goddess of Learning in Indian mythology. Yoga with the same name makes a positive impact in respect to that on its native. Saraswathi Yoga in Hindu Vedic astrology, is related to education, development of the intellect. Mother is Goddess of Education Wisdom, Hence a person with this Yoga is blessed by Mother Saraswathi. This yoga enhances a person’s intelligence.

In Vedic strology, Saraswathi Yoga is said to occur when the planets Jupiter, Mercury and Venus are strong and are positioned either individually or in combination with each other in a Kendra house i.e. first, fourth, seventh or tenth house, or in a Trikona, that is first, fifth or ninth house or in the second house, with the Jupiter placed in his own sign or in its exaltation sign or in its friendly sign; this planetary combination leads to the formation of Saraswati Yoga in a Rashi.

It is claimed by Hindu astrology that the presence of Saraswathi Yoga in a person's Rashi results in making the native intelligent, clever, knowledgeable and skillful. One with this Rashi is under the influence of this Yoga is erudite with all forms of sciences, and holds gifted ability in music, writing and speaking. It is also believed that writers, speakers, speech writers, poets and those involved in the literary world have this Yoga in their Rashi. Apparently, his or her wealth is a result of skills that emanate fro Saraswathi Yoga.

Hara Hara Mahadeva
(draft Saraswathi Yoga Notes)
by Yogi Ananda Saraswathi

Bharani Nakshatra... ruled by Venus.. the photo is from the spacecraft Casini of Venus Transitting the Sun as taken from Saturn

12/22/2012

BHARANI NAKSHATRA:

Bharani is approximately translated as ‘She who bears’. It is a reference primarily to the femine side of nature and capacity to receive, hold, nurture and destroy. Bharani carries all these attributes. It is the second nakshatra in the constellation of 27 nakshatras.

Shukra, the planet Venus is he lord of this nakshatra. Bharani is seen as being under the domain of Lord Yama, God of Death or Goddess Kali. Yama is almost seen as the Lord of Dharma. When seen in the light of this fact, it is Yama’s duty to assign the life paths for the souls who have their earthly bodies, it becomes clear that he has to be well versed in the laws of Karma and Dharma.

If Bharani can be summarised in one word, then the essential nature and functioning of Bharani is ‘extreme’. Bharani natives are often strong characters who can understand the many turbulences which life has to offer. They do get down and moan and cry like infants sometimes, but nothing holds them down for too long.

The symbol of Bharani is the Yoni, a representation of the female sexual organ and feminine energy. People are influenced by their poised and caring approach. They give prime importance to love. The natives of Bharani form special relationships with opposite sex. They give prime importance to love. They are evergreen lovers.

This nakshatra is classified as a Cruel or Active nakshatra, meaning that, under electional astrological beliefs, works of a harmful or deceptive nature are best conducted while the moon is Bharani. A special trait of their character is that they cannot survive under domination. They have their own principles and don’t let an ear for advice and suggestion from their relatives even.

They are often seen to undergo huge transformations and radical changes throughout their lives. And all Bharani natives have a creative urge inside them. With their strong sense of adventure, it is seen that they can achieve their goals if they are under constant guidance from a more mature and wiser source.

The head and botton parts of the feet are related to Bharani nakshatra. Syllables attributed to this nakshatra are li,lu,le and lo according to the pada-quater of a nakshatra the moon was in at the time of birth.

VATAARANYAESRARAR TEMPLE:

People's whose Birth star sign is Bharani Nakshatra are traditionally advised to visit Vataaranyaeswarar Temple at Thiruvalangadu in Tamil Nadu. Lord Siva manifests as Lord Vataaranyaeswarar. The resident mother deity is Manonmani Ammai. One is also advised to spend quality time in the temple. It is best to visit the Temple in your Birth star or Nakshatra i.e visit the temple in Bharani Nakshatra.

Thiruvalangadu is one of the 5 Sabai’s where Lord Shiva has performed his cosmic dances.This place is called the Rathina Sabai or Gem Court. The other Sabai’s are as follows: Chidambaram (Sky) - Kanaga sabai, Thiruvalangadu ( Gems ) - Rathina sabai, Thirukkutralam ( Art ) - Chitra sabai, Thirunelveli (Copper ) - Tamira sabai and Madurai ( Silver ) - Rajatha sabai

MYTHOLOGY:

There was a domestic debate between Shiva and Kali as to debate on who is the best dancer. This thing goes on in the Kailash household just like what happens here. And the next day they make it. To conclude and make a decision a competition was arranged. This was witnessed by all the God’s and Goddess including sages. The dance performance started and each had their turn to demonstrate their talent and non are less competent.

During the tandava, Shiva’s ear ring falls down and in order to avoid any hindrance to the performance he uses his right leg to pick the ear ring wears it his ear. This is one version. Another version states that Shiva purposely lifted His leg to expose his genitals and manhood in direct challenge to Kali. This is depicted in temple sculptures also. Kali being women cannot raise her legs that high in front of crowd and thus gets defeated. Again, another version states She graciously did not want to challenge the husband’s manhood. Hence she is in his temple in her dancing pose.

Hara Hara Mahadeva.
(draft Nakshatras)
by Yogi Ananda Saraswathi

Panchanga.

12/19/2012

PANCHANGA –
THE HINDU ALMANAC
PANCHANGA:

Time is conceived as an unending flow that moves in great cycles. Atharva Veda 19.54 states: "Time creates the sky and the earth. Time creates that past and the future. By Time the sun burns, through Time all beings exist, in Time the eyes see. Time is the lord of all." This expresses the importance of time in Hindu culture.

In the Matsya Purana, time is referred to as ‘waters of time’. We know that waters move in a peaceful way, sometimes they move in great and chaotic way. Sometimes they are torrential. This movements are indicative of celestial time. The movements of the sun and the moon indicate time. Movement of other celestial bodies are also the indication of this flow of time. The passage of the sun across the atoms on this earth creates the reckoning of time: The Bhagavata Purana.

HINDU CALENDER:

The name for the Hindu calendar is a panchanga. It is the record of times. Along with other information, a panchanga especially records the movements of the sun and the moon. Traditionally no religious festival, family event, or even a civic affair is performed without first consulting a panchanga to know the favorable movements of these celestial bodies and flow of time.

In Sanskrit the word "panchanga" is made of two parts: pancha and anga. Pancha means five and anga means a part. Anga can also mean limb. The panchanga therefore constitutes five components: 1. Thithi – lunar day; 2. Vara – week; 3.Nakshatra – lunar mansion; 4. Yoga – luni-solar day and 5. Karana – half lunar day.

MEASURING THE SKY

‘A stone’s thrown away’ relates to distance and walking time. We calculate distance in miles or kilometers. Distance between two towns are marked in a road map by using km or miles. Astronomers measure the celestial sky by using degrees to show the distance between celestial objects. They do that by using the 360o of a circle. Ordinary people sometimes use the hand technique to approximately measure the sky. Ancient astronomers have also used this technique for thousands of years to make approximate measurements of the sky. This was how a common constellation was used to measure the separation between each star.

MOON:

As we begin to discuss the five elements of the Hindu almanac it is important to recognize the importance of the moon in Hindu culture. The basic calendar is primarily a lunar calendar. The lunar day, called a tithi, is all important in selecting a favorable time to begin a certain task. A person's name is often derived from the lunar position in the heavens called a naksatra. The reason for this is simple. In Hindu astrology the moon rules the mind.

TITHI - LUNAR DAY

Tithi or thithi is the lunar date. A lunar calendar is based on the moon’s rotation around the Earth. Just as the sun rises everyday in the east and sets in the west and we call the time between one sunrise and the next a "day," so the moon also rises in the east and sets everyday in the west and the time between one moonrise and the next is called a "lunar day." The Sanskrit word for this lunar day is tithi.

Thithi is a measurement of 120 of longitudinal separation between the sun and the moon. It is calculated by taking time as the longtitudinal 12o angle between the moon and the sun to increase by Each lunar month consists 30 thithi. Their starting of time and its duration vary.

SUKLA PAKSA:

There are 30 such lunar days in a lunar month and they are sequentially numbered starting from the new moon as well as the full moon. Thus, in the moon’s waxing phase, the first lunar day is called new moon or AMAVASYA.

Here the sun and moon are separated by zero degrees. As they begin to separate the first thithi begins when the sun and the moon are separated by 120. The next lunar day is called the second tithi when the sun and the moon have separated by 240 degrees. When they are separated by 36o, the third thithi begins. This continues to the 14th lunar day until the sun and the moon have separated 180o and the moon is fully and clearly visible.

The day after the 14th day is called the full moon day or PURNIMA.

It is also called POWRNAMI in Tamil. The first 15 thithis are waxing phases of the moon. In Sanskrit this is called the SUKLA PAKSA. In Tamil is is called VALAR PIRAI; ‘valar’ means ‘growing’ or developing and ‘pirai’ refers to partial moon or the bright side of the lunar month.

KRSNA PAKSA:

The numbering sequence starts all over again after Sukla paksa. These are the waning phases of the moon. Here the thithi begins again counting from one as the longitudinal separation between sun and the moon decreasing back to Oo. This is the dark side of the lunar month. Sometimes the sun and moon can both be seen at the same time. In the olden days people used the hand method to measure the longitudinal separation between the sun and the moon. In Tamil, this phase is called ‘THEI PIRAI’ where ‘thei’ indicates ‘decreasing’ or waning.

MASA:

Masa means lunar month. In Tamil it is ‘masam’ or maatham. The day after the full moon is the first tithi, the next day is the second tithi, and so on. The important difference being that the second set of tithis belong to the waning phase of the moon while the first set belongs to the waxing phase.

This cycle keeps repeating. The masa therefore is the cycle of thirty thithis making up a lunar month. In addition the five elements of the traditional Hindu almanac, the Masa is also taken into account in astrology. The Hindu year contains twelve lunar months named after the nakshatra in which the moon is full:

Chaitra (March - April)
Vaishakha (April - May)
Jyaishtha (May - June)
Ashadha (June - July)
Shravana (July - August)
Bhadrapada (August - September)
Asvina (September - October)
Karttika (October - November)
Margasirsha (November - December)
Pausha (December - January)
Magha (January - February)
Phalguna (February - March)

VARIATIONS:

In Hindu lunar calendar, there is geographical variation also. In some areas the lunar month begins from the full moon whereas other parts begin the month from the new moon. Notwithstanding for all instant and purposes of religious festivities, it is this lunar almanac that is relied upon. The difference between the modern solar calendar day and the Hindu lunar day causes confusion. In the solar calendar, the solar day begins at midnight. The lunar thithi, on the other hand begins at anytime of the solar day.

There seems to be a compromise here. For practical purposes, the thithi that is current at sunrise is taken to be the prevailing tithi for the day. This compromise purports that the thithi begins just after sunrise and end before the sunrise of the next day. This compromise is also possible because thithis can last between 19 to 26 hours due to the changing speed of the earth and moon in their orbits. However these factors also cause confusion between the Hindu lunar calendar and the modern solar calendar.

From the astrological perspective, auspiciousness of a particular day depends on the thithi. Generally sukla paksha thithis are considered positive days as they refer to the bright side or the ‘growing’ moon. That symbolically suggests increase. The beginning of any enterprise or business, bridal visits, marriages, house warming or conducting any religious ceremony is considered to be auspicious if done on these days. Even religious festivals are named after thithis. During the Hindu year, as in all religions, there are many religious days and nights that celebrate a particular Deity or religious event. These times are called festival days, utsavas.

Krishna paksha thithis are normally avoided for auspicious functions. Usually ancestor worship or ‘sriatha’ are held during this paksha. However there are exceptions to this general rule as the astrological charts of the candidates involved may favour a particular event. There are also religious days that fall during this paksha.

AMAVASYA:

The 8th and 14th thithis, amavasya are also considered inauspicious. This is the same with the 1st thithi of the sukla paksa. Here again there are exceptions to the general rule. Those doing sraddha functions or post funeral rites prefer the lunar dark phase.

BARHMA MUHURTA:

There is a general practice nowadays to conduct weddings during BRAHMA-MUHURTA as it is considered to be auspicious part of the day. This is the time early in the morning, one and a half hours before sunrise. During this brahma-muhurta, spiritual activities are also recommended. It is during these hours that spiritual activities performed early in the morning have a greater effect than in any other part of the day: Bhagavata Purana 3.20.46. Brahma muhurta goes hand in hand with surya namashkar.

VARA:

Vara means week. In Tamil it is ‘varam’. It is the second element of the Hindu almanac,the panchanga. vara. In Sanskrit the days of the week are clearly named after seven of the nine major astrological influences used in Hindu astrology. This is connected the Nava Grahas. (posted earlier). The days in a week have astrological connotations. They are named after these celestial bodies because the influence of that celestial body is said to be prominent on that day.

RAVI VARA - Sunday, relating to the sun
SOMA VARA - Monday, relating to the moon
MANGALA VARA - Tuesday, relating to Mars
BUDHA VARA - Wednesday, relating to Mercury
GURU VARA - Thursday, relating to Jupiter
SHUKRA VARA - Friday, relating to Venus
SHANI VARA - Saturday, relating to Saturn

NAKSHATRA - LUNAR MANSION

Nakshatra is the third element. It refers to the lunar mansion. In vedic language, naksatra refers to any heavenly body or to the stars collectively is first mentioned in the Atharvaveda. The nakshatras of traditional Hindu astronomy are based on a list of 28 asterisms found in the Atharvaveda 19.7. This is also mentioned in the Shatapatha Brahmana. The first astronomical text listing out the nakshatras is the Vedanga Jyotisha. Nakshatra refers to lunar mansion in Hindu astrology. Each nakshatra is one of the twenty seven (sometimes taken as 28) sectors along the ecliptic. Each of their names relate to the most prominent asterisms in the respective sectors. The ecliptic is divided into each of the nakshatras eastwards starting from a point called Meshadi.

The number of nakshatras reflects the number of days in a sidereal month. The modern value of this is 27.32 days. Each nakshatra is governed as ‘lord’ by one of the nine grahas. The lord of each nakshatra determines the planetary period known as the ‘dasha’, which is considered of major importance in forecasting the life path of the individual in Hindu astrology.

Their sequence is as follows: Ketu - South Lunar Node, Shukra –Venus, Ravi or Surya -Sun, Chandra - Moon, Mangala - Mars, Rahu - North Lunar Node, Guru or Brihaspati -Jupiter, Shani - Saturn and Budha -Mercury. This cycle repeats itself three times to cover all 27 nakshatras.

Like thithi, nakshatra is also important in Hindu culture. Traditionally, one traces the nakshtra of a new born baby. His character and future is predicted by astrologers based on the nakshatra. In fact many babies names are based on the nakshatra. This is based on the belief that a person’s existence is tied by the movements of the planets. A person’s nakshtra is normally mentioned during sankalpa, meaning the opening statement during puja. Nakshtra also determines the compatibility of prospective marriage couple.

RASI:

This system of 27 naksatra was the original Hindu way of dividing the 360 degrees of the solar ecliptic. The system of the twelve signs of the zodiac, in Sanskrit called ‘RASI’, was a later addition to Hindu astronomy.

The list of the 27 nakshatras are:
1. Asvini
2. Bharani
3. Krttika
4. Rohini
5. Mrgasirsa
6. Ardra
7. Punarvasu
8. Pusya
9. Aslesa
10. Magha
11. Purvaphalguni
12. Uttara-phalguni
13. Hasta
14. Citra
15. Svati
16. Visakh
17. Anuradha
18. Jyestha
19. Mula
20. Purvasadha
21. Uttarasadha
22. Sravana
23. Dhanistha
24. Satabhisa
25. Purva-bhadrapad
26. Uttara-bhadrapad
27. Revat

CONSTELLATIONS:

The 27 nakshatras constitute group "types." Some are ‘fixed’ and some are ‘movable’. The fixed constellations are: Rohini, Uttara Bhadrapada, Uttra Phaluni and Uttara Ashada. The movable constellations are: Punarvasu, Swaati, Sharavana, Shatabhisha and Shravishtha. The ‘cruel’ constellations are Magha, Bharani, Purva Phalguni, Purva Shadha and Purva Bhadra. The mixed constellations are Vishakha and Krittika. These groupings too determine the auspiciousness of beginning a certain activity of event.

YOGA AND KARANA

These are important to astrologers. They refer to Yoga -Luni-solar year and Karana - half lunar year. Having to do with the relationship between the sun and moon, this aspect of the Hindu almanac is technical in nature. The Yoga is the period during which the combined longitudinal motion of the sun and moon amounts to 13 degrees and 20 minutes. There are 27 yogas.

Karana can be considered to be the final aspect of the Hindu almanac. Karana is calculated to be 6o of longitudinal separation between the sun and moon. Karana is half a thithi, so one thithi makes up of two Karanas. Eleven karanas rotate through the 30 thithis that make up the lunar month.

The Panchanga is a technical subject. Indeed it is a science that calls for specific knowledge. These notes are put together to formulate some basic information on the subject. Om

Yogi Ananda Saraswati

Rahu

12/14/2012

Om Rang Rahuvae Namaha /

I don't know what you are feeling but if intensity is the word it is because Rahu the head of the snake, a shadow Graha who does not own any land is at 0 27 right on the border between Scorpio and Libra always traveling slowly backwards.

If you feel like you are waiting at a border, crossing into an intense country perhaps Somalia or Pakistan and you do not know what will happen because you have no land to stand on, no ground underneath you, if the fear rises and falls, this is where we are at in this very moment as Rahu crosses a delicate point into Libra joining an exalted Lord Shani (Saturn) in Libra.

These are interesting times for anybody running a Rahu or Saturn time period, there will be many changes to come. Some of these changes may be sudden because Rahu is sudden unexpected and shadowy, so you may not see the event coming or it may be a really tricky hidden underneath event.

New Karma's are being downloaded now, do you feel them, perhaps you sense something stirring underneath?

Do you see that head Kali holds, that is Rahu she is the only one who can control Rahu sometimes, Durga and Kali in certain circumstances, but only the brave will do Kali mantra because she breaks things apart with her love of your soul, she knows what is best for you, whether you like it or not.

Jai Maa
by Trishula Das

Footnote: this is a very sad day as the horrific shooting of some 20 children and 7 adults have been shoot in Connecticut shocking, sad, horrific... hard to even comprehend how this can happen. I found out about the shootings after I wrote this.

Prayers to the children and their families a huge tragedy, these were little kids.

http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/12/14/connecticut-school-shooting-2012/

Chandra Moon

12/14/2012

CHANDRA IN THE NAVAGRAHAS:

Chandra is a lunar deity. Surya, Chandra, Angaraka, Budha, Guru, Sukra, Sani, Rahu and Ketu are nine important Navagraha deities representing the nine planets. The English equivalents of the first seven being are the Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn. The last two are unique to Hindu astrology and they are Rahu and Ketu explained by mythology. These deities are commonly found in Hindu temples and it is part of temple worship. Often, bhaktas are given to have their navagraha deity inscribed on copper plates placed in the puja room. In Hindu belief, the grahas determine the course of one’s life. They are repellents of evil that may visit a person or family. They also bring blessings.

Chandra is also called Rajanipati, The Lord of the Might or Kshuparaka, One who Illuminates the Night. Chandra’s chief consorts are Rohini and Tara. But he goes on to marry, 27 nakshatras, all being daughters of Daksha. His vahana is a chariot pulled by an antelope or by ten white horses. He is also called Nishadipati, Nisha meaning night and Adipathi means Lord. His guna is Sattva and represents the Mind.

Chadra, despite being blessed with 29 wives, suffers a series of love affairs. His first lover was Tara, then the wife of Brihaspati, the planet Jupiter. Tara becomes pregnant and gives birth to Budha another navagraha deity. Budha hates Chandra for causing his illegitimacy. Brahma banishes Chandra for the illicit affair and child born out of wed-lock. The blame is shifted to intoxicants. He then takes Daksha’s daughters as wives on condition that there will not be favouritism. Now, Chandra failed in this and gets cursed by Daksha that he would lose his luster. This accounts for the moon’s waxing and waning.

GRAHAS:

In Hindu thoughts, Grahas are connected to one’s karmas. They are the markers of influence that indicate karmic influence. This impacts a person’s behaviour and well being of his family. While one cannot run his or her life with intellect alone, the grahas put him to notice of divinity’s role in enforcing the laws of karma. Humans may not be causative elements of his current life. So grahas can be said to be similar to traffic signs and signals.

PRASNA MARGA: Grahas are not restricted to the nine navagrahas. There are various other spiritual entities. Other than the navagraha nine, these entities are said to have been born out of the wrath of Lord Rudra and Siva. These spirits or grahas are malefic in nature.

JYOTISHA:

There were no sophisticated observation stations during the ancient times. But Indian seers, by analysis and profound insight compiled extensive information on astronomy and astrology. This became the science of jyothisha. They collected date from various sources on planetary movements and human affairs. Therein they found remarkable coincidences and concurrences within repetitive cyclic patterns that made them predictable.

This knowledge was codified to form composite knowledge of astrology. Jyotisha became part of Hindu way of life. To any Indian, intellectual or otherwise, it was significant to their lives. Nothing was commenced or continued without recourse to jyotisha. Indeed it was given the status of Vedanga, a limb of the Vedas. As such, Navagrahas occupied the minds of millions in India over the millenia. They have been celebrated and worshipped in sloka and stotra, in sculpture and music.

Chandra is given an equal status to Surya in Jyotish. In Jataka Paarijaata by Vaidyanatha, he states that Chandra is king amongst planets alongside Surya. However the learned commentator of Brihat-Jataka says that Chandra is queen in the planetary cabinet. The second proposition seems to hold water as Chandra and his brilliance on Purnima-full moonlight gives a pleasing and cooling feeling unlike Surya who causes sweat from his heat.

Chandra rules over the Karta-cancer sign while he is exalted in Vrishbha- Tauras rasi. His all is in Vrishika-scorpio rasi. Chandra is lord of three nakshatras or lunar mansions being Rohini, Hasta and Shravana.

CHANDRA AND SOMA:

Chandra is also known as Soma and identified with a group of lunar deities. Hence, Monday, dedicated to Chandra, is called Somavara. Soma was the milky fermented liquor produced from the soma plant. It was an integral part of Vedic sacrifice. It was drunk by priests as a token of appreciation. Soma is also amrita, the product of churning of the milk ocean. It was a matter of dispute between gods and demons. Those who had the blessings of Soma where elevated even above Indra. Thus Soma became an independent deity also and started absorbing other deities.

Chandra was the god of the Moon. He was the source of fertility. He was absorbed by Soma and there was a coincidence in that both were born from the churning of the ocean. This account is given in Matsya, Vushnu and Vayu Purana. It was then found fitting that although considered independent, he should also become another name, Soma. But every night he rose anew from the ocean. Vedic myths compound the issue. While establishing Surya to be the greatest of the Gods, he is said to have fathered Soma and Chandra. In such myths, Surya is the original creator of amrita which he passed to Soma and Chandra. The implication here is Surya being the original source for Soma.

SIVA PURANA:

Parvathi - Sati is excluded from Daksha’s yagna. Lord Siva is variously insulted in the presence devas and the gods. Brahma and Vishnu, the supremacy race contenders are there as special guests. From strands of Siva’s hair spring Virabhadra and Bhadrakali and hundreds of demi-gods. Daksha’s guests were all whacked out of shape. It is said that Indra was trampled; Saraswati’s nose was cut; Mitra’s eyes were pulled out; Agni’s hands were cut off and finally, Chandra had to go to the dentist – his lost his teeth.

Then Daksha admitted to Shiva’s supremacy. Just then Vishnu seized Siva by the throat and forced him to desist and acknowldege him as master. The end line in the Shiva Purana was that the Mahavishnu was not spared. He earned Rudra-Siva’s wrath, earns some physical abuse at the hands of Siva’s weapons and finally submits to Lord Siva.

VEDIC ASTROLOGY:

In the Purusha Sukta is a famous verse ‘ chandrama manso jata’ meaning ‘Moon was born from the mind of the cosmic man. Writings link this to incidents of insanity and mental asylums show statistical support.

Moon is the presiding deity of the water element. The sphere of the Moon is the reservoir of rainwater and thus Moon is the ruler of plants and the vegetable kingdom. It represents Feminine Principle that energy creates and preserves.

The color of moon is white.

It rules peace of mind, comfort and general well being. The moon gives illumination, sense of purpose, intuitive nature, sensuality, taste, youth and love for literature. It is said to show influence around twenty four years in man’s life. It also makes us moody, emotional and sensitive. The moon is auspicious for those born in the ascending Moon cycle and malefic for those who were born in the descending Moon cycle. The gemstone related to Moon is pearl.

KIRTANAS OF DIKSHITAR:

Muthusamy Dikshitar's Navagraha Kritis deals with Vedic astrology, as well as fine music. There is one kriti for each of the classical nine planets. He emphasies the Indian view that name and form, colour and sound, are but manifestations of the Divine. The following is a translation of a kriti dedicated to Chandra.

“Oh mind! Let us sing in praise of the Moon, the very heart of the pious.

Who is worshipped by Indra and other rulers of the worlds; the spouse of Tara; who has sixteen Kalas (phases); the creator of night, the brother of Indira, the producer of the Nectar; let us constantly sing his praise.

He who is the ornament of the Lord Siva's crest; possessed of cool rays; who has four arms and Cupid for his parasol; the creator of night; the very eyes of Venkatesa; born of the mind of Virat, known as Vidhu; friend of the water lily; with the face of Brahma and Guruguha; with the figure of a hare; who receives both the curses and blessings of Brhaspati; who has a white body shining like the rays of the autumn moon; who wears a wristlet, armlet, garland and a crown; who is hostile to the lotus; and who is the darling of Rohini.”

TEMPLE:

The Navagrahasthalam associated with Chandra, the moon god, called Thingai in Tamil, is located in the Kailasanathar temple at Tingaloor near Thanjavur in Tamilnadu.

In Tamil, the word Thinggal refers to Monday.

The shrine here is dedicated to Chandran. According to the temple authorities, a visit to this temple is said to grant a comfortable and long life. In astrology, Chandran is the planet that rules the mind.

A strong and well placed moon in the horoscope gives a strong mind - Chandra Bala.

When the moon is debilitated or afflicted by evil planets like Rahu, it leads to an unstable mind, sorrow, mood fluctuations etc.

Offering pooja to Chandra here is an excellent parihara for chandra dosha and can help mitigate its adverse impact. The benefits of offering a puja to Chandran are happiness, strength of mind, clarity of thought, mental health, freedom respiratory diseases like asthma and long life.

TANTRIC MANTRA FOR MOON:

Om shram shreem shrom saha chandra mase namah

Hara Hara Mahadeva
(draft Gods, Goddesses, Minor Deities and Sages)
Yogi Ananda Saraswathi

Rohini

12/14/2012

ROHINI NAKSHATRA:

Rohini is the consort of Chandra Deva. But either Chandra deva was hyper-active or there are some mythological explanations of him bagging another chief consort in Tara and a further 27 of Daksha’s daughters, is your truth finding. The 27 daughters that Daksha gave away in marriage are all nakshatras. Rohini is also step mother to Tara’s illegitimate son, Budha, (not Gautama Buddha) born out of wedlock when Chandra was given to intoxication.

SHIVA PURANA:

The name Rohini is derived from Rohan which means ‘to rise or to bring into existence’. When Daksha gave away his 27 daughters, he got an undertaking that Chandra would not show favouritism towards any of his wives. This may not be a very practical promise to make, would it? Soon enough, Chandra is drawn to Rohini. Some lighter writings suggest Chandra Deva being horny and it was Rohini in dakini style that satiates this business. Daksha comes to know of Chandra Deva spending more time with Rohini. So he repeatedly warns and reminds him of the pre-nupital undertaking. Finally Chandra deva gets cursed by Daksha.

But Chandra was a Shiva bhakta. But he goes to Lord Brahma first and sought advice. Brahma told him that the only rescourse was to pray to Shiva. Chandra went to Prabhasa tirtha and made a linga on the banks of the river Sarasvati. He prayed to Shiva for six months. At the end of the tapasya Shiva appeared before Chandra and offered to grant him a boon. Chandra explained what the problem was. Lord Shiva tells that Daksha’s curse cannot be entirely ignored. So there was a compromise. During Krishnapaksha Chandra would wane. And during Shuklapaksha, the bright part of the lunar fortnight, Chandra would wax. TThis explains the waning and waxing moon. All thanks to Rohini.

Everyone would have some perception about polygamy. Some would have direct joyful or bitter experience. Decades ago, we used to mock about polygamy mitigation “My Lord, please have mercy on my client; he had to put up with two mother-in-laws!” If the judge was a polygamist then the client may not suffer being crushed by the wheels of judiciary. Anyway let us get back to Rohini’s story. There is some romance going on here despite Chandra favoring Rohini. Puranic legends have it that Rohini the favourite wife of Chandra. Of all the 27 Stars-all wives of Chandra-Rohini is said to have been fond of fine dress, cosmetics and decore and was the most beloved of Chandra. So there you have the Rohini group of stars, nakshatras considered to be the cause of a taste for fine dress, perfume, and other articles of toilet.

Anna yoga states that creation continues to exist mainly on the basis of annam or food. Now, Rohini is said to be the nakshtra that overseas the cause of food. But , the direct and immediate cause of food is Agni and Brahma the remote cause. From this we derive a few Jyotish principles. In view that the God who gives food, that is Agni, he is rightfully the spiritual principle of Rohini Group of Nakshatra. Now, Lord Brahma being the remote cause of food, thus logically is the Devata of Rohini. Agni and Brahma’s range of influences over the Rohini group of nakshatras runs over the whole gamut of the visible and invisible animal world. So it is no surprise that Chandra favored Rohini.

ROHINI CONSTELLATION:

Rohini Nakshatra: These are compiled notes. Rohini nakshatra extends in the Vrishabha Rashi from 10 degree to 23:20. It is also belieed to be the birth nakshtra of Lord Krishna. The lord of Rohini is Sukra, the symbol a Cart drawn by Cows. The Devata is Brahma, the prime creator of all things living, from the meanest insect to Man, the beauty of the weird, the paragon of animals. Rohini- group therefore encompasses everything that comes within the range of creation–beasts, birds, animals etc. It would also connote the process of growing, begetting, birth, production etc, in brief production, birth and creation. Rising means process of ascending, that is to say the creative evolution, the cultivation and the improvement.

Those born in the star Rohini are agriculturists, experts, well behaved, handsome, good speakers and poets. They are stable minded, respected, enjoyers and interested in love making. They are of sweet-speech, intelligent, capable and bright. They are long-lived and perform accepted jobs, religious, truthful and help those who have helped them. They are respected by kings. They respect gods and brahmins and know the science of metres and metaphors. They are able servants of their lords and determined. They are endowed with good looking hands and wide forehead, handsome, independent, loved by their children, experts, wealthy with respect to corns and money, have desire to wear new clothes, suffer from eye diseases, little feared and play with women.

NAKSHATRA KONA:

Chandra is said to be exceptionally and emotionally sensitive, intuitive, absorptive, reactive and pragmatic. They are affectionately attached to Mother. When Chandra is in Rohini nakshatra he is said to have a profound and self-defining core need for emotional security, which expresses via physical attractiveness and wanting to appear as an agent of wealth and sensual luxury - Shukra. This is a splendid placement for mothers who enjoy being the central figure in their family. Also, curators of values-collections such as natural resource managers, luxury providers, wealth-bankers, or asset managers.

Hara Hara Mahadeva
(draft Gods, Goddesses, Minor Deities and Sages)
Rohini Nakshatra
Yogi Ananda Saraswati

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Trishula Musings:

Jyotish also called Vedic Astrology, Indian Astrology, is an ancient science and art of Light.

Jyotish is the astrology of Yoga, Tantra, Ayurveda, Sanskrit, Indian Culture and Indian Philosophy!

If you cut the roots off the tree , the tree of Jyotish will die. This then is a Cultural Genocide.

Jyotisha is the eyes of the Veda's, Upanishads, Puranas and Tantra's and Indian Culture.

If one is a sincere student of Yoga, and Tantra it is a must to practice Jyotisha.

Yoga is not just about physical exercise, it is a deep study that takes many years of intellectual study before one teaches.

From Various Authors
and many by Yogi Ananda Saraswathi

You can read more at https://www.facebook.com/yogi.anandasaraswathi

Jyotisha is a holistic sacred healing system, it must be helpful to others.

Jyotisha is a Tantra, the deep many lifetime study of karma, time and reincarnation.

It is a practical mystical tool and practice.

Remedies are used to remove obstacles, to understand who we are in the universe.

What will be our dharma, how we will make money, and enjoy this life which hopefully will lead to moksha or freedom, Vedic Astrology deals with all aspects of life including Health & Relationships.

Jyotish was revealed to the Rishi's in order to set the prisoners free not to hold them hostage to their karma's or enslave the individual to what is seen as malific in a chart.

It was never meant to be fatalistic. Yes we have fate and free will and there is a remedy for every problem, Grace of God or Goddess is the biggest remedy.

There is always hope we always need to try and fight our way.

A Jyotishi is a guide a seer and points the way, a Jyotishi never traps anybody by giving a fatalistic negative reading making people feel hopeless and in despair.

The earth is the place of suffering a Jyotishi's gift is to find a solution to bring light to the situation.

Thus Jyotish is the science and art of Light.

Jyotish is about understanding the bigger questions a Yogi or Yogini asks,?

Why am I here??

What is going on and what is next??

How do I proceed?

Jyotish is about understanding Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (phenomenal realm of matter) how it is all woven together?

Jyotish is a Tantra a technique.

Jyotish is a sadhana it keeps the mind awake and aware and with the help of Lord Ganesha it helps us categorize life into a workable deeper understanding.

Thus Ganesh is the Lord of Jyotish, Saraswati helps us understand and gives Wisdom. Dakshinamurti helps us put it all together. Then one would have an istata devata (favorite God or Goddess). Then worship of the 9 planets.

Jyotish is a Path.

October 2012
Jupiter
-Rahu
-Nakshatra Shakti's
-Vastu
-September 2012
-36 Tattva's of Sankhya Philosophy
-planets and body parts
-Nakshatra's & Vishnu Shasranmam Strotram
-Vishvakarma Chitra Deity
-Sun's Day.. Sunday
-Lord Soma (Chandra) Moon
-Picture of Lord Chandra
August 2012
-Deities of the Planets
-Adhika Maasa
-Yamaraj
-Jyotish Update
-Saurn Lord Shani
-Sanskrit names for the planets.
June 2012
Kriyamana Karma
May 2012
Solar Eclipse
Video
Shani Dev Katha Video
Shani
Navagraha Strotram
Solar Eclipse Lineup
April 2012
Mars In Leo
February 2011
Jupiter Guru
Lord Ganesha
September 2011
Panchanga
Jyotisha Reading
January 2011
Lord Shani
Why me??
FEBRUARY 2011
The Date Mahabharata War

Saraswathi in Yoga and Jyotisha..

Bharani Nakshatra... ruled by Venus.. the photo is from the spacecraft Casini of Venus Transitting the Sun as taken from Saturn

Panchanga.

Rahu

Chandra Moon

Rohini

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