Decoding the auspicious practice of 'Vrat'

Man is a treasure of many hidden powers. But due to external appearances and pressures of the outside world, many of these powers remain debilitated. Consequently, he is constantly is surrounded by either some illnesses or troubles in life. In order to get rid of these troubles in life, add to the balance books of his good deeds and/ or in his quest to attain salvation, man takes help of 'vrat' or fasting.

There are a number of benefits of this practice called 'vrat'. A systematic and careful practice of keeping a 'vrat' ensures that a person comes face to face with many uplifting and energising spiritual and metaphysical experiences. By doing this, he not only gets entitled to a number of worldly and spiritual gains, but also gets the energy to face the struggles and challenges of life with a renewed zest and confidence.

This practice of 'vrat' purifies the human soul. Man becomes wiser and there is a definitive escalation in his will-power. His thoughts get purified and he can even achieve atonement and penance from God. Such a person tends to become more inclined towards religion, spirituality and mythology, and many other similar changes take place for good. One may enjoy his/her professional as well as personal life with more vigour by religiously doing 'Vrat'.

However, one needs to make sure that all the important regulations of fasting are taken well into consideration, to obtain maximum benefit out of the 'vrat'.
Measures/ regulations to be kept in mind and follow while observing a 'vrat':

• 'Vrat' is incomplete without taking an oath, or keeping in mind a definite resolution. Thus, it is important to have a clear-cut reason and time period for the 'vrat'. Taking an oath about this is crucial before you begin a 'vrat'.
  
• Do consider an auspicious time or 'muhurat' before you observe or plan to observe the 'vrat'; this would help in completion of the 'vrat' without any hurdles or obstacles.
  
• Avoid anger and criticism on the day of 'vrat'. Also, compulsorily practice celibacy on this day or during this time period.
  
• It is advisable to take/ seek blessings of your elders of the family, parents and Guruji.
  
• Practice 'vrat' as per the ancient wisdom or scriptures. You cannot make adjustments as per your requirements, even if necessary.
  
• In case of a birth or death in the family, one will have to begin the entire 'vrat' all over again.
  
• Do not count the day when a woman starts menstruating if she is already observing the 'vrat'. Do observe a fast, but don't worship God on that particular day.
  
• To achieve fruitful results after observing the 'vrat', one needs to finish the 'vrat' systematically, following the ancient wisdom of scriptures.
  
• It becomes mandatory to practice forgiveness, truth, mercy, charity, and spirituality during the period of the 'vrat'.
  
• If there is no fixed deity for a particular 'vrat', then you can remember and worship your chosen deity.
  
• Do not forget to remember your ancestors on the day of 'vrat'. This way, you will be able to get their blessings, and will be able to accomplish the motive of your 'vrat', swiftly, perfectly and successfully.
  
• In case you experience any hurdles or obstacles in your 'vrat', first of all atone for the inadvertent mistakes that you may have made in your 'vrat'. After that, you may begin the 'vrat'.
  
• The relation of fast and 'vrat' is like that of a body and soul; both compliment each other, and none can exist alone. So, it is important to observe fast on the day of 'vrat'.
  
• Keep your diet simple, pure, light and nutritious on the day of 'vrat', this will make you feel healthy and light. Avoid food that contains onion, garlic, egg, flesh and alcohol. Also don't consume food which is stale, heavy, fried & oily or any food, which may lead to constipation.

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Pandit Lokesh Jagirdar
Celebrity Astrologer
The Ganeshaspeaks Team

What has Cupid in-store for the new brides?

Aries:
All the Rams for whom the wedding bells are soon-to-ring this year will surely gain a lot from their marriage, feels Ganesha. But because Nodes are in square with your sun sign, you may have to fly across seven seas and settle there. This may make you homesick initially. Also, since Saturn's hard transit is likely to happen soon, you may have to face some teething problems at the marital front.


Taurus:
Bulls may have to fight it out really hard for good compatibility with their partners, if they are getting married this year. Still, you may need a little time to know and understand each other, and make the relationship work. Give it its due! Ganesha advises you to be calm and patient; love and care will act as healing balms to soothe ruffled feathers of your spouse.
 

Gemini:
Anything you take up may seem challenging initially, but applying the right formula may soon help you find solutions to any of your problems. Similarly, the initial downpour of responsibilities may create confusion for you. Just follow your instincts and do your duty. Stop being judgemental, and stay away from uncalled for discussions. As Ganesha says, unconditional love sans arguments is the perfect recipe for a happy marriage!


Cancer:
Life is not a bed of roses, and that's what you realise during the first year of your marriage. You may face some difficulties due to adverse transit of Nodes. Learn to adjust, and let go of petty issues, which may take an ugly turn, if not handled prudently. Don't bog down your beloved with a whirlpool of over-powering emotions. Adjusting as per the now changed domestic environment may take a little time, but will come to you eventually. According to Ganesha, patience is the key to all life's locks.


Leo:
As you begin a new chapter of your life this year, you may face some financial problems, initially. However, few years down the line you may realise that it was a blessing in disguise, and you and your spouse have been able to save a good amount of money. Relationships are fragile, and come with an invisible note of 'handle with care', especially when egos are at work. Keep the special surprise element alive in your married life by inviting friends and throwing parties, every now and then.


Virgo:
It's important for you to know that honeymoon period is meant to be brief. It can't continue forever. Enjoy it while it lasts, but then understand that life will have to be dealt with more seriously. According to Ganesha, you will have to be more organised and plan for the future. Implementing a flexible approach towards new people, and places will make things easier for you. Life can be happier, if you apply the correct formula, which lies in adjustment and compromise.  


Libra:
Physical and material comforts shall be on the cards, if you are planning to get married this year, predicts Ganesha. Both of you may share a sizzling chemistry in bed. Besides great compatibility, you may even share common ideas like buying a dream house or relocating to a better place, post marriage. Yet, within three years of happy and healthy married life, you may feel a deep need of rejuvenating your love life; this may invite some important decision like extending a family.


Scorpio:
Ganesha advises you to avoid dominating your partner; this may only make a good marriage go bad.  Reserve power plays only for the boardrooms! At home, instead, try to understand your spouse's needs and support him. Think twice before taking up anything new. Give a warm welcome to guests or family members; this may improve your equations with the near and dear ones. There may be some delay in childbirth; be patient.


Sagittarius:
You may often feel that marriage is a bond, which has nearly cut your wings of freedom. Despite this nagging feeling, you may have a strong emotional and physical bonding with your partner. Soon after the marriage, you may see a new member in your family, playing and babbling in your lap. Great wisdom comes with great experiences, and you may exactly follow this idea to overcome the challenges of life.


Capricorn:
Spending quality time with your partner and heart to heart communication are the vital components of a happy and healthy marriage. They not only nurture this bond, but also give you a serene state of mind. Let your spouse know that you value your relationship, and are happy to spare time for him. It is also important for you to realise that every relation comes with responsibilities, so do not treat it as a burden. According to Ganesha, managing these duties and responsibilities have a joy of their own. Enjoy the lovely transition from being single to married!


Aquarius:
The Water-Bearers will have to act with extra caution, especially while dealing with their partners. Disillusioned and lost is how you may feel sometimes. No two individuals are same, and there are chances of differences. However, it can be sorted out gracefully by speaking up rather than playing the blame game. As Ganesha says, try and put yourself in your partner's shoes to view the situation objectively. Marriages are celebrated as two people come together; let the world know that you are happy to be with each other!


Pisces:
All you Fishes who are tying the knot this year, may feel that you are sacrificing a lot for your family. At the same time you may also feel that your compromises and adjustments for the sake of the family are going unnoticed. Materialistic needs like gifts and gold are a part of marriage,and you'll be loaded with them, but your emotional demands or needs may remain unfulfilled. Be calm and patient. Try to understand your partner's nature and needs, after which you may find it easier to come to terms with the changes in life.


With Ganesha's Grace,
Bhavesh N. Pattni
The GaneshaSpeaks Team

Will Britney regain balance with Jupiter Dasha?

From sharing passionate on-stage kisses with pop diva Madonna to bungling her marriage with Kev Fed, Britney Spears has been through one roller coaster of  life. Just like any celebrity, the pop star's affairs have been subjected to intense media scrutiny, one that brought the artist nearly to a psychological breaking point. While the last few years have seen the pop sensation recede into and emerge from a plethora of personal and public issues, Jupiter promises a much required change of tide. While a lot would depend on her personal efforts, new opportunities and projects provide important platform and assist the transit. For all practical reasons Britney better find no reason to say oops I did it again!

Ganesha, with the help of Vedic astrology, finds out what is in store for this pop diva.

Britney Spears
2 Dec 1981
1-20 am
Kentwood, Louisiana, USA

Astrological Observations

• Britney will be under the influence of major and sub period of Jupiter till 18th June 2012.
• Currently she is under the influence of Rahu Ketu half return (Rahu is transiting over Natal Ketu and Ketu is transiting over Natal Rahu).
• In last week of August 2010, Saturn will transit over Ascendant's degree.
• In October 2011 Saturn Return will take place.
• Once Jupiter enters Aries, it will oppose Natal Jupiter.
• From September 2010 to March 2011 Venus will transit over Natal Jupiter through the second house of finances.

Astrological Predictions

• Britney is born with such a fate that she is constantly under the limelight, whether intentionally or not. Jupiter Dasha has begun for her and Jupiter is in the second house of finances. So although she would be gaining a lot of money while Jupiter Dasha operates, there may be some problems that she is likely to face.
• Rahu Ketu half return are affecting both her career as well as domestic affairs. She may feel unrest while at home while her career may also remain unstable till May 2011.
• Britney will experience great depression/frustration while Saturn transits over Ascendant's degree. Sickness/health issue could also be a bother. This negative period operates from last week of August to first week of September 2010.
• September 2010 to March 2011 is the period during which she will earn lots of money and may also remain in the limelight. She will come across new opportunities or she may even launch new projects during this period.
• Post May 2011, she may experience smoother sailing, feels Ganesha.
• Her emotions will require lot of control during next one year, else she may face legal issues.

Ganesha wishes good luck to Britney Spears.

With Ganesha's Grace,
Bhavesh N. Pattni
The GaneshaSpeaks Team

Do you have 'Raj Yoga' in your Kundali?

Chasing happiness is man's daily affair; everyone tries to get maximum happiness. But happiness is a relative term. How much happiness you are entitled to, depends on your fate. A person's joys and sorrows can be assessed by the positions of planets and Yogas in his/her Kundali. One such Yoga is the Raj Yoga, which is formed by the combination of auspicious planets in a Kundali. To know if a planet is auspicious or not, we go by their functional nature. But, the natural auspiciousness or otherwise of the planets concerned also plays a role in determining how you get the good things in life, (either lawfully or unlawfully, either by love or by force etc.). It is important to know the relationships between Navamsha and Dashamsha as it will show how long the good things would last. The final seal of approval is given in the natal chart by good Houses getting connected to good Houses in the Bhava chart.  For example, if the 2nd House gets connected to the 11th House, luck factor may not play a big role, but friends or strangers will go out of the way to help the native. Astrology says, that Moon in its various placements has a huge impact upon the Yoga. If the Trine or Kendra Houses have the aspect of Venus or Jupiter, then Raj Yoga gives its full results, and the native gets power and position, which can be compared with that of the king.

There are a number of combinations of Raj Yoga with various degrees of results. It is not correct to assume that just the existence of this Yoga in the Kundali will make the person like a king. There are many other positive and negative factors that can play a role in how lavish the person's lifestyle would be. Goddess Lakshmi is the epitome of triangle and Lord Vishnu is the epitome of the Kendra House. A combination of these two provides amazing fortune to its native. This Raj Yoga gives wealth, fame and prosperity. If a woman has Rajya Poojit Raj Yoga in her Kundali, her husband will be a respectable and affluent personality in the society.

If you are interested in knowing about the various Yogas present in your chart and their significance, you can use the 'Ask a question' service at ganeshaspeaks.com.

R. Sakuntala
Celebrity Astrologer
The Ganeshaspeaks Team

A new way of Match-Making

The Kundali matching or match-making in general is done through various ways. Some people even use numerology for appropriate match-making. In practice, astrologers tally an Ascendent relation between

Mars & Venus,
Sun & Moon and
Jupiter

Further, they refer Navmansha Kundli as well as the Dashas. They also study the Moon signs. These studies make it easier for the astrologers to find out who will be more dominant of the two and so they can guide their clients accordingly. As per my study, we have to find out whether a horoscope is positive or negative.

To find out the same, we have to work in the following way:

(1)Find out how many male planets are in male Rashi. Give them one point each.

Male planets are:- Sun, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus & Pluto.
Male Rashis are:- 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 &11.

(2)Find out how many female planets are in female Rashi. Give them one point each.

Female planets are:- Moon, Venus & Neptune
Female Rashis are:- 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 & 12.

(3)For Mercury:- If it is placed with a male planet, consider it as a male; if it is with a female planet, consider it as a female.

(4) For Rahu & Ketu:- Consider them as per the Rashi Lords.

If there is any male planet in female Rashi, give it a zero point. Same rule is applicable for a female planet when it is placed in male Rashi. Now, calculate the points and find out who scores more – male or female. If the points of both the candidates are the same, then refer the Ascendent i.e. it is a male or female Rashi. This will indicate whether the Horoscope is positive or negative. Thus, while match-making, we will get any of the four combinations, which are as under:

(1)Boy positive & Girl positive
(2)Boy positive & Girl negative
(3)Boy negative & Girl positive
(4)Boy negative & Girl negative

The positive will have an ego & hence will try to rule the spouse. The negative will have an understanding nature & hence try to compromise, whenever there are differences. Thus, though the Horoscope is matching very well, condition no.2 & 4 are much more acceptable. In, condition no.1, both will be fighting a lot due to their individual egos & may go for separation. In condition no.3, husband may not like his wife ruling him; however, he may try to compromise & adjust to some extent.

I personally feel, that this way of match making can help the prospective candidates.

Click here to ask a question to our celebrity astrologer.

Santosh Deuskar
Celebrity Astrologer
The GaneshaSpeaks Team

Stars behind Amitabh Bachchan's starry career

Amitabh Bachchan, the Shehenshah of Bollywood, is not only a national icon, but a well-known international personality as well. Besides the filmdom, he has an unmatched fan following across the globe. He was born on 11th October, 1942 at 16.00 hrs. IST Allahabad, India Ascendant Aquarius at 21.41 degrees. We will go through the basics, in a nutshell. He is born with the intellectual zodiac sign Aquarius rising as the Ascendant, ruled by Saturn. The Ascendant or Saturn was placed in the 4th House of the Horoscope at the time of his birth. Jupiter is placed exalted in the 6th House. The Nodes - Ketu is placed in the Ascendant or the 1st House, while Rahu is placed in the 7th House. The Moon is placed in the 9th House. Sun, Mars, exalted Mercury, and debilitated Venus are placed in the 8th House. With four planets situated in the 8th House, which is considered an evil House in Astrological parlance, how did he manage to achieve an illustrious career in the film industry and reach the heights no one in the industry has reached?

The answer is provided by the study of the horoscope through the Krishna Murthy Paddhaty of India, which is astrology of the constellations and not just astrology of planets placed in the 12 Zodiac signs.

Jupiter is in its own constellation 'Punarvasu', which gives him the results of the 5th and the 11th House. These are the best Houses for fulfilment of desires and gains through the significations of the 5th House, which include drama and acting. He chose his career in the Mahadasha of Jupiter, around 1969.

He rose to stardom from 1973 onwards with the dawn of the Mercury period. Mercury represents the 7th, 2nd and the 10th House where the 7th House stands for contacts with the masses, the 2nd House for wealth creations and the 10th House for professional achievements, name and fame. Note that Mercury is placed in the Nakshatra 'Chitra' or the Star 'Spica', which is the luckiest star for one to have in his horoscope connected to a planet rising. Also note that the Sun too is placed in the same constellation in his birth chart.

In 1982, he suffered an injury while shooting for his film 'Coolie' and his injury became a reason for sorrow and worry for the entire nation. Note that he was running the period of the Moon, which represents the 6th and 8th House; they denote injury and ill health. The Moon is placed in the constellation Swati, owned by Rahu – The Southern Node of the Moon or the Dragons Tail, which causes Lunar Eclipse.

Till 1987, he suffered few adversities including financial, due to evil planetary influences. From 1989 onwards he once again entered into the influence of the planet Mercury, and regained his lost glory and prominence of being a super star. We have already discussed that Mercury is placed in the fortunate star of Spica.

In the last twenty years, we have seen him ruling the roost, and he is one of the most sought after actors on the silver screen. He has also bagged compliments as an impressive host on the game show 'Kaun Banega Crorepati'. Audiences of this show in India and abroad have watched him deal with the participants in the most dignified and interesting manner.

Presently, he is under the influence of the planet Rahu till November 2010, after which the period of Jupiter begins for him. Jupiter will once again take him to great heights.

From the above discussion, it is evident that four planets placed in the evil 8th House could not be a deterrent for him in achieving what he did, just because of the sole reason that Sun and Mercury were placed in the constellation 'Chitra', which gave him access to the glories he begot. Mercury is combusted as well as retrograde, but this did not prevent the combination from producing a 'Budhi Aditya Yoga' par excellence. He is well-known for his oratorical abilities in public as well as his style of dialogue delivery in the films.

We wish Amitabh Bachchan all the best for his future. We look forward to what more is in store for us from this once upon a time angry young man, now growing old gracefully!

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Bhaskar Jyotish
Celebrity Astrologer
GaneshaSpeaks