Sir. So glad that you have brought up something very close to my heart. Astrology (jyothish) is a passion for me-but with a scientific approach. The people that I know including me who read birth charts develop the knack through practice, practice and more practice. There is a definite link between the birth chart and what the future foretells. Days and months of reading charts along with possible permutations and combinations along with relating in to the sanskrit scriptures such as the Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra (bible on Jyothish) can help one gain proficiency in this science-something which I am still striving towards.
The important thing about Jyothish is that it gives you an 'indication' of what is about to happen. But unfortunately, a motley greedy group of people have made this into a pseudo science with an underlying assumption that fate itself can be changed-it cannot. To illustrate, if one performs a homa for pacifying a planet, instead of Rs. 100 which he may have lost-he would lose 30-40 Rs. or may be protected from the loss to the best extent possible.
I am providing a link to Mr. P.V.R.Narasimha Rao's website which contains a wealth of information on Jyothish including a free handbook titled 'Astrology-An integrated approach' which is designed case studies and analysis akin to an engineering textbook. This also contains a 'Do it yourself Homa manual' which completely negates the requirement of priests and elaborate preparations. Have a host of other materials which I can provide if you are interested.
Have been at this for close to 11 years now with a foundation in numerology. Still waiting for that Eureka moment like people I know in this field who can glance a birth chart and pointedly and accurately mention the pitfalls and advantages. It will take time.
Interestingly, Jyothish also has a basis in astronomy which in turn dates back to the Indian concepts of the earth revolving around the sun way before the Europeans did. I can go on and on about this subject-very passionate about this. To illustrate. 1 January which is the Gregorian New Year is patently wrong as a date to usher the new year-the Sun during first January would be in the sign of Dhanus (this is according to the Indian calendar or Panchangam). Technically, April 14 which most of India celebrates as new year is accurate since the Sun which is the signifactor of the soul would be exalted in Mesha at its peak. To correlate, one can see the charts of most world leaders and trend setters (not generalising) but if the sun is well placed in an auspicious bhava it gravitates them to the centre of power.
Will stop here :-). Can keep writing for pages together.
Please feel free to reach out if you want any birth chart analysis done. Have got very advanced softwares also for this. Cheers.
Thank you Pras for an unmistakably well researched piece on astrology practices. The links you have provided will no doubt help, those inclined, to further research into those practices and its origin etc. Thank you for taking the pain in providing the links.
While on the subject, I know of many Christians like me, who still observe practices like Rahu Kalam etc (wherever possible).
Our church ( the church I belong to) does integrate many local belief and practices into our rituals. I must first preface that I have not done any research on the subject and so I may be wrong, but as proof I would like to point practices like tying the mangalsutra at weddings or the fact that at most orthodox churches you will find a typical Kerala style lit lamp among various other similar practices.
Western weddings also do have some practices that are not backed by scientific evidence, For example, the practice of the bride throwing the wedding bouquet over their shoulders into a group of single women ( not practiced at orthodox churches) is supposed to mean that the lady who catches the bouquet could be walking down the aisle next. There are some practices which are still followed, whose origin may have had a valid reason back in those days. For example the practice of having the bride stand to the left of the groom during the wedding ceremony. I understand the origin may be traced back to the time in England when this ensured that the groom could have his bride’s hand in his left while leaving his right hand free to draw their sword on anyone who tried to steal their lady. Certainly not valid in today’s time and age but practiced nevertheless.
I, for one, agree that astrology is based on calculations and could have influence on one’s life. Thank you Pras. Will need to go through your links when time permits.
Wow! You have really taken a lot of pains and add to to what has been said. Some of them are revelations for me. I too need to look up some of the aspects that you mention. It is intellectually stimulating to read your comments. Thank you Bro.
Someone’s just pointed out to me that at our church weddings, the bride stands at the right of the groom. I also understand Jewish wedding also follows that practice. Any connection or reason? I assume it’s just a historical practice the reason for which most don’t know. That’s the crux of what I was trying to say by quoting the said example.
Many memories and thoughts crossed my mind reading your 24th edition of FC. I foresee that the subject is likely to flood your response column with your reader’s personal experiences about their own funny and not so funny stories. I must confess that even to this day I don’t miss reading the weekly ‘What the stars foretell this week” every Sunday. How much of it comes true is anybody’s guess !
I recall Kushwant Singh, the grand old man of Indian journalism. His comment on astrology when he was the chief editor of the once famous ‘The Illustrated Weekly’ during the 70s. And what he did when the astrologer meant to write the weekly column on predictions left the job. For the next three years he did not fill the post and wrote the column himself by recycling the old ones and nobody knew ! And there I was devouring all that the Sardar ji said and living my life accordingly. Saaala !
For those of us born during the 50s will surely recall the famous song by Connie Francis titled ‘Everybody is some body’s Fool’ whose lyrics read …
'Cause everybody's somebody's fool
Everybody's somebody's plaything
And there are no exceptions to the rule
Yes, everybody's somebody's fool
Thanks Pras for cheering my Sunday. I dare say it will be a great day 😊
Forgot to post the link in the previous message:
https://vedicastrologer.org/articles/astro_books.htm
https://vedicastrologer.org/homa/download.htm
Sir. So glad that you have brought up something very close to my heart. Astrology (jyothish) is a passion for me-but with a scientific approach. The people that I know including me who read birth charts develop the knack through practice, practice and more practice. There is a definite link between the birth chart and what the future foretells. Days and months of reading charts along with possible permutations and combinations along with relating in to the sanskrit scriptures such as the Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra (bible on Jyothish) can help one gain proficiency in this science-something which I am still striving towards.
The important thing about Jyothish is that it gives you an 'indication' of what is about to happen. But unfortunately, a motley greedy group of people have made this into a pseudo science with an underlying assumption that fate itself can be changed-it cannot. To illustrate, if one performs a homa for pacifying a planet, instead of Rs. 100 which he may have lost-he would lose 30-40 Rs. or may be protected from the loss to the best extent possible.
I am providing a link to Mr. P.V.R.Narasimha Rao's website which contains a wealth of information on Jyothish including a free handbook titled 'Astrology-An integrated approach' which is designed case studies and analysis akin to an engineering textbook. This also contains a 'Do it yourself Homa manual' which completely negates the requirement of priests and elaborate preparations. Have a host of other materials which I can provide if you are interested.
Have been at this for close to 11 years now with a foundation in numerology. Still waiting for that Eureka moment like people I know in this field who can glance a birth chart and pointedly and accurately mention the pitfalls and advantages. It will take time.
Interestingly, Jyothish also has a basis in astronomy which in turn dates back to the Indian concepts of the earth revolving around the sun way before the Europeans did. I can go on and on about this subject-very passionate about this. To illustrate. 1 January which is the Gregorian New Year is patently wrong as a date to usher the new year-the Sun during first January would be in the sign of Dhanus (this is according to the Indian calendar or Panchangam). Technically, April 14 which most of India celebrates as new year is accurate since the Sun which is the signifactor of the soul would be exalted in Mesha at its peak. To correlate, one can see the charts of most world leaders and trend setters (not generalising) but if the sun is well placed in an auspicious bhava it gravitates them to the centre of power.
Will stop here :-). Can keep writing for pages together.
Please feel free to reach out if you want any birth chart analysis done. Have got very advanced softwares also for this. Cheers.
Wow what an excellent elucidation. Thank you for supplementing my article.
Thank you Pras for an unmistakably well researched piece on astrology practices. The links you have provided will no doubt help, those inclined, to further research into those practices and its origin etc. Thank you for taking the pain in providing the links.
While on the subject, I know of many Christians like me, who still observe practices like Rahu Kalam etc (wherever possible).
Our church ( the church I belong to) does integrate many local belief and practices into our rituals. I must first preface that I have not done any research on the subject and so I may be wrong, but as proof I would like to point practices like tying the mangalsutra at weddings or the fact that at most orthodox churches you will find a typical Kerala style lit lamp among various other similar practices.
Western weddings also do have some practices that are not backed by scientific evidence, For example, the practice of the bride throwing the wedding bouquet over their shoulders into a group of single women ( not practiced at orthodox churches) is supposed to mean that the lady who catches the bouquet could be walking down the aisle next. There are some practices which are still followed, whose origin may have had a valid reason back in those days. For example the practice of having the bride stand to the left of the groom during the wedding ceremony. I understand the origin may be traced back to the time in England when this ensured that the groom could have his bride’s hand in his left while leaving his right hand free to draw their sword on anyone who tried to steal their lady. Certainly not valid in today’s time and age but practiced nevertheless.
I, for one, agree that astrology is based on calculations and could have influence on one’s life. Thank you Pras. Will need to go through your links when time permits.
Wow! You have really taken a lot of pains and add to to what has been said. Some of them are revelations for me. I too need to look up some of the aspects that you mention. It is intellectually stimulating to read your comments. Thank you Bro.
Someone’s just pointed out to me that at our church weddings, the bride stands at the right of the groom. I also understand Jewish wedding also follows that practice. Any connection or reason? I assume it’s just a historical practice the reason for which most don’t know. That’s the crux of what I was trying to say by quoting the said example.
I need to research this. Thanks for giving me food for thought.
Dear Pras,
Many memories and thoughts crossed my mind reading your 24th edition of FC. I foresee that the subject is likely to flood your response column with your reader’s personal experiences about their own funny and not so funny stories. I must confess that even to this day I don’t miss reading the weekly ‘What the stars foretell this week” every Sunday. How much of it comes true is anybody’s guess !
I recall Kushwant Singh, the grand old man of Indian journalism. His comment on astrology when he was the chief editor of the once famous ‘The Illustrated Weekly’ during the 70s. And what he did when the astrologer meant to write the weekly column on predictions left the job. For the next three years he did not fill the post and wrote the column himself by recycling the old ones and nobody knew ! And there I was devouring all that the Sardar ji said and living my life accordingly. Saaala !
For those of us born during the 50s will surely recall the famous song by Connie Francis titled ‘Everybody is some body’s Fool’ whose lyrics read …
'Cause everybody's somebody's fool
Everybody's somebody's plaything
And there are no exceptions to the rule
Yes, everybody's somebody's fool
Thanks Pras for cheering my Sunday. I dare say it will be a great day 😊
Wow! What a meaningful and contextually relevant post. Thank you 😊