The Celestial Messenger Communicates Via Snail Mail

The word 'mercurial' is defined on dictionary.com as: "changeable; volatile; fickle; flighty; erratic.”  In Vedic Astrology, Mercury is considered a dual planet; it wants to pursue two paths simultaneously. It enjoys having the best of both worlds.

After the Moon, Mercury is the fastest moving planet in the zodiac, staying in a sign less than a month. Its volatile nature keeps it constantly on the move. In Vedic astrology, each planet owns a sign(s), has a place of exaltation or strength, and a place of debilitation or weakness. This past Monday, Mercury moved into Pisces, its sign of debilitation.

Normally, this wouldn’t be any cause for concern, as it happens annually. However, this particular transit brings with it an anomaly: the fact that Mercury will stay in Pisces until May 5. Mercury deals with communication (oral, written and technological) commerce, short trips, the intellect, education, and the nervous system in Vedic astrology. How this all plays out individually is contingent one’s person horoscope.

With Mercury debilitated, it's vital to be mindful of how our communication's delivered and received. Was the intended message received? Was there miscommunication or misinterpretation? Did the desired audience receive your message? For instance, someone with a Virgo ascendant (Virgo is ruled by Mercury) just had one of their social networking sites send out a mass email to all their contacts rather than to the intended few. Think before you speak/write/ tweet/text.  With Mercury also controlling the intellect, it may take longer than usual to get clarity on situations.

Mercury is the ruler of the sixth house of the zodiac, which deals with routines. It’s important to maintain healthy routines during this time, or else the nervous system can become quite overtaxed. It is essential to get proper rest, not overwork and spend time out in nature.  This is especially important for a Virgo or Pisces ascendant. Since Pisces is the 12th sign of the zodiac, which signifies retreats and spiritual activities, this is great timing to go on a retreat, relax, and rejuvenate. 

Mercury's also the indicator for commerce. So this is not the ideal time to commence a new business or partnership if you're in a Mercury planetary cycle in Vedic astrology. It can bring association with foreign partners.

                                                                       

There is some relief during this cycle, but it will be a mixed bag. Mercury goes retrograde on March 12, thus giving it some strength. Yet, it will be combust by being very proximate to the Sun from March 18 – 25. Combustion is another sign of planetary weakness; when a planet is too close to the Sun, it loses its own power in the Sun’s effulgence. Mercury ends its retrogression cycle on April 4 and goes direct, or resumes its forward motion, and then leaves Pisces a month later.            

What do we see in a Vedic Astrology Chart?

Accordingly to Vedic mythology, thousands of years ago, astrologers prepared a compilation of all the horoscopes of everyone who’d ever be born. The Gods became angry at how this information was being used and cursed astrologers to always disagree. It seems to hold true to present day.

People who have had readings with multiple astrologers often ask why each one tells them something different. After all, aren’t they all looking at the same chart? The answer is yes and no.

We are looking at the same chart, but we don’t necessarily see the same thing. I often liken this to looking at a piece of art; we all have a different perception on what we see. We focus on different details.

Or, if we take the analogy of watching a movie in a theatre; everyone in the theatre sees the same movie but when you ask them about it afterwards, each of them remembers something different.

Another factor to consider is the astrologer’s training. Vedic astrology originated as, and continues to be, an oral tradition. Students met with their jyotish guru in person for extended periods of time. The guru would expound on the materials written in the ancient texts. The texts were not meant to be read without having a proper teacher further explain what was written. To find a true teacher in any ancient subject these days is a rare gift. Many people currently feel they can read modern texts and materials online and that will provide them with sufficient information for detailed interpretation.

The study of Vedic astrology is essentially a lifelong study for a dedicated student. It’s like peeling an onion which has endless layers. We keep getting closer and closer to the core as we continue to explore its depths.

Yet even astrologers with similar training won’t necessarily see the same chart. Due to their own mental impressions and conditioning, each may find differing points of relevance in a chart. And each house in a chart has various significations. For example, the fourth house relates to property, education, mother, vehicles, and home, among other things. One astrologer may focus on how Venus in the fourth house gives a nicely-decorated home while another may discuss how that Venus gives a luxurious automobile. Who is correct? Both potentially, depending on other astrological factors. We also look at the cycles in a person’s life and supporting charts to determine what will come to the forefront and whether it will be enjoyable or troubling.

More important than what an astrologer sees is for the astrologer to determine how the client will view a certain event. Some people have the art of turning lemons into lemonade while others go into a frenzy at the slightest disruption of their daily schedule. The trained astrologer must be able to enter the chart through the lens of the client and determine how the client interacts with his/her world. Taking the client’s perspective and then adding analysis, insight and depth to the interpretation can add a deeper dimension to the reading and thus assist clients in better interacting with their environment.

Happy Maha Shivaratri

One night of each year in the Indian calendar is dedicated to worship of Lord Shiva.
This holiday is known as Maha Shivaratri - the great night of Shiva
This is done on the 14th night of the waxing Moon in the Indian lunar calendar in the month of Maagha.
Typically, in Vedic astrology, the phase of the Moon is calculated at sunrise in a location.
However, for this lunar holiday, astrologers look at where the Moon is at midnight. The phase or tithi of the
Moon on Shivaratri is known as chaturdashi in Vedic astrology.

In the Vedic tradition, there is a trinity of the major GODs.
Lord Brahma is the Governor
Lord Vishnu is the Operator
Lord Shiva is the Destroyer.
Shiva removes that which has outlived its usefulness and allows us to start anew. He can remove our limitations and negativities and false beliefs.
Shiva has many names: Nataraj, Mahadeva, Mahesh, Rudra, Ugra, Ardra, Maheshwara, Shambho, Shankara, and the list goes on. Each name describes a specific quality of the lord’s multi-faceted being.
Shiva is “Mahadeva” – the great lord.
On this auspicious and sacred night, it is said that one repetition of the mantra “Om Namah Shivaya” is magnified 1,000 times.
It is customary people to gather and stay up all night chanting the sacred mantra. People typically fast on this day or refrain from eating grains.
This phase of the Moon continues until approximately 2 PM Pacific time on Monday in the U.S.
White clothing is customarily worn on Shivaratri.
As we chant “Om Namah Shivaya” (I honor Shiva – the supreme being who resides in each of us), we can connect once again to our own innate divinity and acknowledge that there are multiple facets to our own great being.
We can also recognize the divinity that exists in each of us and honor that time and again.

VENUS VISITS A LUXURIOUS SPA

House swaps have been gaining a lot of popularity over the last few years. You stay at my house and I’ll stay at yours. While it does foster a reciprocal relationship and grant one a change of scenery, there’s always the consideration of each occupant having differing personalities and styles.  In the system of Vedic Astrology, Venus and Saturn have participating in a house swap since mid-December.  Saturn has been situated in Libra, whose landlord is Venus. In exchange, Venus has been residing in Saturn’s homes of Capricorn and Aquarius.  While they are good friends, Venus and Saturn express themselves in completely opposite ways. Saturn is conservative, frugal, and lives in cold, old, dark buildings.  Venus enjoys the finer things in life and has a bright, opulent, and poshly furnished home. The house swap ends today, as Venus moves into Pisces, where it will stay until the end of the month.  In Vedic Astrology, Pisces is the sign in which Venus is considered to be exalted, or at its highest point. It’s as if Venus is staying at a four star spa.  Here, it can enjoy the luxurious comfort to which it accustomed. 

Venus signifies beauty, love, romance, the arts, luxury, one’s partner, and vehicles.  Depending on which house Pisces is situated in your astrological chart, Venus will vibrantly display its rich tapestry. For an individual with an Aquarius ascendant, Pisces becomes the second house of the zodiac, which also has signifies clothing and pieces of art.  Thus, this person may buy fine silks, elegant jewelry, or foreign artwork.  If a person is a Sagittarius ascendant, then Pisces becomes the fourth house of home and vehicles. A person may purchase a new luxury vehicle or opulently decorate their home. 


For those in the San Francisco area, they can take advantage of traveling in style in a luxury vehicle by utilizing the services of SideCar (http://www.side.cr), a pay-what-you want transportation service.

Being the twelfth sign of the zodiac, Pisces represents expenditures in Vedic Astrology.  So, one must be mindful not to overly indulge in “retail therapy”, especially for an Aries ascendant.  While Venus is in this exalted state, however, it is beneficial to take advantage of indulging in some small luxury for yourself or your partner.  Your senses will be glad you did!

The Red Planet Retrogrades

In Vedic Astrology, Mars, "the red planet" is considered somewhat of an anomaly amongst the planetary clan. It is the planet of action and always ready for battle. Mars, known as Mangala ("the auspicious one") in Sanskrit, is the celestial warrior; adventuresome and fighting for a cause.

Typically, Mars stays in a sign of the zodiac for about six weeks and then moves on to the next zodiacal battlefield. However, Mars is waging its battle in the sign of Leo for an unprecedented eight months.

Mars just turned retrograde at 29 degrees of Leo (30 degrees comprise a sign) and is moving backwards in its apparent motion in the heavens. When a planet is retrograde, it is closer to the earth and can thus exerts more of a gravitational impact. Hence, people often claim to feel the energetic impact of a retrograde planet strongly and some deem it as an unwelcome experience.  Mars is also known as vakri - the crooked one - in Sanskrit. This is due to its very unusual transits, as evidenced by its current stay in Leo.

Being a fiery planet in the fiery sign of Leo (ruled by the Sun), Mars wants to act forcefully. Fortunately, Mars and the Suns are considered friendly to each other in the system of Vedic Astrology so Mars feels comfortable in its stay in Leo. However, it is unable to behave normally since it is moving at only a fraction of its daily motion. How this will impact each individual will vary on where their natal Mars is placed, what is natally placed in their birth charts in Leo and also what their ascendant (rising sign) is.

Generally speaking, when Mars is stifled, it can lead to pent up aggression or passive-aggressive behavior. It can also manifest as plans not coming to fruition as quickly as one had anticipated.  There may be drawn out battles. Things may simmer for a long time before they boil over.

Physiologically, it may show up as blood stagnation as Mars is connected to our blood and blood circulation. Leo also has to do with the heart, so it is advisable to monitor any heart health concerns which may arise.

The fifth house of the zodiac also has to do with children in everyone's charts. Be wary of arguments with children who may just be venting their frustration. Children may also become more competitive or get more involved in sports activities and excel there.  In any horoscope, the fifth house also represents mentors and advisers so it could bring in powerful male mentors and advisers into a person's life. Alternately, you may be called on to serve as a counselor to others. The fifth house also signifies entertainment, so you may feel pulled to engage in some daring activities such as sky-diving or bungee-jumping. With the fifth house of the zodiac also representing intellect, it may bring in some powerful insights.

Additionally, in Vedic Astrology, Mars also is considered to be a significator of siblings in everyone's charts. Siblings may show up powerfully in your life during this time period. You may be able to form deeper alliances with them or get mired in conflict.

Since Mars also is the ruler of Tuesday during the week, be particularly vigilant about accidents or injuries on Tuesdays. Traditionally, in the Vedic system, people honor Hanuman or Ganesha on Tuesdays as a way of propitiating Mars. And in the Roman system, Mars, the God of war was worshiped.

The key during this time is to cultivate patience and not get caught up in frustration. Otherwise, you may miss the powerful opportunities which may arise. Mars ends its retrogression on April 20 and goes direct and finally leaves Leo on June 21, 2012 and moves into Virgo.

You are what you eat!

We’ve all heard the saying, “You are what you eat.” What does this really mean?
Basically, that everything that we take in impacts us - both physically and mentally. Food can be used as medicine and it can also that which causes us to seek out the correct medicine. Food supplies essential nutrients to our body and these nutrients circulate in the bloodstream and nourish our tissues. If we eat improperly and eat food that is days old, difficult to digest, heavy, full of artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, fat and sugars, then our body has to operate under stress and it has a difficult time performing its normal functions. Organs eventually operate under stress and then wear out and there’s need for medical, even surgical intervention.

There is much that we can do daily to help reduce the chance of medical problems. We can begin by being mindful of what we are ingesting. Eat freshly prepared, organic food as much as possible. There are usually some family owned produce stores that sell organic produce at reasonable prices. There is the farmers’ market. There are local farms that deliver organic produce to your neighborhood.

All the hormones in our meat and dairy have an destabilizing influence on our health and cause abnormalities, especially in children. Kids can become overweight, girls reach puberty and begin menstruation well before their teens, they develop hormonal disorders and more. Avoid BGH (bovine growth hormone) and look for labels in your dairy purchases that label the products as free of any hormones. Rennet in cheese has been linked to ADD (attention deficit disorder).

Start reading labels. See what’s in everything that you are buying. Look at calories, fat content, sugars, preservatives, etc. Avoid trans-fats, genetically modified or genetically engineered products. See if the product has hydrogenated oils, enriched flours, white flour, malt syrup, high fructose corn syrup, aspartame (found in Nutra-Sweet), or the preservative MSG (mono-sodium glutamate). Ask your favorite Thai or Chinese restaurant if they use MSG in their food, and if they do, to make the dish without it. MSG creates a lot of inflammation in the body.

According the Ayurvedic texts, cooked honey clogs the channels and cannot be removed. It’s amazing when you start reading labels and seeing that honey is in your baked goods, crackers, and spaghetti syrup.

Aluminum has been linked to Alzheimer’s. Aluminum is often found in a lot of the stainless steel cookware. Better if it is not the base of the pan. There are reports that non-stick cookware are linked to health problems.

Microwaves are not only carcinogenic, but they kill the prana/chi/life force of the food and alter the molecular composition of the food. If you are what you eat and you are eating dead food, then how does that help us with our health?

Yes, they’re convenient. There are alternatives for the workplace: a hot plate, stainless steel “tiffin” cans from your local Indian grocery store, a thermos for your soup, and stay-warm insulated containers. It’s about making a change in your lifestyle, if you are willing.

What’s your state of mind when you are cooking? What about the person who prepared your food if you’re not the cook?

We don’t just ingest food; we also ingest the information that is on the billboards on the highway, the music we hear, the noise, the pollution, all the conversations that we hear and partake in, all the info on that we read, all the items on the news ……..the list go on. Your brain has to process that information, just as your body has to process whatever it takes in. Unresolved, unprocessed information can result in mental toxins and lead to anxiety, nervousness, ticks, spasms, tremors, anger, or depression. It’s not uncommon for young kids to see something scary on tv and then wet their bed or have nightmares. Adults are no different, but the results manifest differently for them. Our bodies can never be totally at peace if our minds are not at rest. They go hand in hand.

Make small changes, one at a time, and eventually it becomes part of your daily lifestyle. Then you are automatically eating healthier foods. We can make wise, informed choices about what we take in and take charge of our health accordingly.

Be Mindful!y Present

There’s the saying, “Today is tomorrow that you worried about yesterday.” While it’s humorous, it rings true for the majority of us. We’re so busy worrying about, thinking about, contemplating, planning, getting anxious over what has happened and what has yet to happen. There’s no time to just be. The “to do” list grows. We cram our schedules full of activity but hardly have any time to enjoy them.

We’re so busy trying to rectify past actions that we can’t have gratitude for the present moment.

When someone asks what you did yesterday, or over the weekend, do you often say, “I can’t even remember.” Or do you remark at times, “I can’t even remember what I did today.” This happens more often then we’d like to admit to ourselves, or to others. Why is that? We are so busy trying to achieve, accomplish, and plan, that we fail to rejoice in what is presently presented to us.

Try this for one hour first.

Be present to everything that is happening to and around you. Pay attention to those noises that you usually drown out – your co-workers, the kids, your neighbors, traffic, the radio, etc. Don’t judge them.

Just watch whatever comes up in your mind and do nothing about it.

If you eat, be conscious of what you are eating, how it was cooked, and how it tastes. Really engage your tastes buds and senses. Savor the aroma & the flavor.

If you’re walking up or down a flight of stairs, pay attention to each step as you take it and really notice the steps.

Pay attention to your breath and how you hold your breath when you get stressed, nervous or anxious. Then, it’s easier for things to “get on your nerves” because your nervous system is highly sensitized to all events.

This anxiety leads to an imbalance in the body and the state of dis-ease.

When illness occurs, we start to re-think many things and how we could have prevented it.

We cannot re-live any moment of our lives, regardless of how much we regret it or enjoyed it.What we can do is learn from where we have been, create a plan for where we’d like to go and execute it, and remember to rejoice in the present moment.