DESIGNER ASTROLOGY

According to reports, there is an increasing trend to have the child birth through caesarian method at a designated instant selected through astrological, numerical or time-rhythmical (historical?) considerations such as 10-10-(20)10. More such cases are likely to follow on 11-11-11 and 12-12-12. Such consideration is not only foolish, but also outright harmful for the child. The so-called professional astrologers who fix such times are half-literates who do not understand the basic tenets of astrology and ignorant of the effect of their own actions and its consequences (mostly they are poor with spoilt children and cannot do anything about it). The persons who seek their advice are mostly rich men who could afford such huge expenses and think that with their money power, they can manipulate even their children’s destiny. This is a cruel joke, as has been explained below. They may be creating the Frankenstein’s monster without their knowledge.

On 10-10-2010, two such child births took place at two renowned hospitals at Kolkata – one at 0620 hrs and the other at 1254 hrs. One was a businessman and the other a C.I.D. Officer. One believed in manipulating the stars through money power to change the destiny of the child and the other was not so keen in astrology or numerology, but thought that the special rhythmical nature of the birth date could make the child a celebrity of sorts. The horoscopes show some excellent features that are to be expected from the rules of praarabdha – the accumulated results of the actions of the previous birth, which is delineated from the Dwaadashaamsa chart and otherwise seen from pedigree – abhijaata vala, which in strength is next only to pragnyaa vala - intelligence. Simultaneously, some resultant features of the parental action indicating injury and bloodshed to mother are also indicated. Yet, such manipulations have resulted in significant negative aspects, which might have been avoided, had it been a natural birth. Before we deal with the specific cases, let us deal with the basic concepts of astrology.

In keeping with “scientific temper”, everything is sought to be explained mathematically through equations. Yet the proper significance of equations is often over-looked. The left hand side of the equation represents the inputs or the cause. Since we have the freedom to choose the parameters for the left hand side of the equation, it signifies free-will. The right hand side of the equation represents the effect according to fixed rules, where we do not have such free-will. The laws of interactions are predetermined. The reaction has to follow the laws only. This is the first basic principle of astrology – you are free to do what you want (within your limitations); but you get the result of such actions based on fixed rules. God cannot be partial. He has fixed the rules equally for all. He is compassionate in the sense that if you submit to Him in true spirit, He shows you the path to come out of the problem with minimum suffering. It will only be a re-mix of the accumulated results of your past actions tempered with the results of present actions to canalize your progress differently to dilute the intensity of present suffering. But He cannot change the results of one’s actions – add to or subtract from it - as once an action is performed, inertia takes over. Changing the results of one’s actions implies arbitrarily changing the laws of inertia for the benefit of a few persons. In effect this implies that there would be no fixed rule, as it can be changed arbitrarily. Since He is Satya-moorti, He cannot change His Rules and make it redundant – asatya.

Whenever we receive some stimuli, we react based on our past exposure to such stimuli according to whether the memory of such stimuli was harmonious, disharmonious or neutral to our other accumulated experience. If it is harmonious, we feel happy. If it is disharmonious, we feel unhappy. If it is neutral, we ignore it, but note it for future reference. Thus, in effect the results of our actions accumulate in three running accounts. Based on the external environment and the restrictions put on us due to our account balance, we draw from these accounts and spend it. For example, if we are roaming in a place full of high class hotels, but we do not have sufficient money, we will remain hungry. We may move out and find a suitable place to purchase food as per our budget. Alternatively, if we have sufficient money, we can enjoy. If we are standing alone under a tall tree laden with ripe fruits, but we are incapable of climbing the tree due to some of our deficiencies, we cannot get the fruit on our own. By chance a fruit may fall or we may find out some other way of getting the fruits or some one else may give it to us. But that chance is regulated by whether we are destined to get such results. These are illustrative of the effects of action - enjoyment and suffering (sukha-duhkha saakshaatkaara bhogah). They cover all aspects of life.

This is happening perpetually. When we suffer, some of our negative balance is being spent. When we enjoy, we draw from our positive account. By our present actions, we are replenishing the balance. If we go on spending from our account only, we will exhaust our balance. When all the accounts become zero; that hypothetical state is known as moksha. This is the second basic principle of astrology – we write our own destinies (left hand side of the equation – free-will), but we do not have full control over how we get the results (right hand side of the equation - determinism) – karmanyevaadhikaaraste maa phaleshu kadachana. The limitations put on us by virtue of our present birth or our environment has a major influence in deciding our destiny – whether, when, how and how much we enjoy or suffer.

The results of our past actions have already been determined according to the fixed universal rules and we have no control over it. The accumulated results of our actions and our last desire in the previous birth jointly determine our present birth. The soul wanders to find an appropriate body and once it finds the body, it enters the womb of that yoni. This creates a new chain with certain limitations put on us by the new life form that cannot be changed. Hence – it is called praarabdha – the beginning of a new cycle. The features such as pedigree, health, marital and general happiness, general prosperity, skill, talent, profession and death etc, the features that cannot be changed significantly (but as will be described later, whose level of excellence can be varied), are called Daardhya karma – unchanging features. Only these can be found out precisely through horoscope.

Some features of our running account of results (karma phala) cannot materialize in our present birth or can materialize at certain specific periods only because of the limitations put on its operation. These are called sanchita karma - accumulated results. They influence serious diseases, child-birth, etc., from time to time, which can be remedied by mani-mantra-aushadhi – precious stones, rituals or medications. Since these effects may or may not vary, these are called Daardhyaadaardhya karma – variable features. These can be found out precisely only through Karma-vipaaka – special treatises on these subjects. However, it may not be possible always to overcome the problems. The totality of praarabdha and sanchita karma are accumulated results that have already been determined and we have no control over it. Thus, together they are called Bhaagya or Niyati – fate. Yet, it is not absolute and can be modified as described below. But there is a caveat – maa karmaphala heturbhuh – do not think that whenever we try to manipulate our fate, we will succeed. We can only try – the effect of our action is again beyond us. Hence unless we are extremely careful, we may create more damage than we expect.

In one case we noticed a specific combination for childlessness due to curse by the mother. The mother had actually cursed the daughter in her present life for marrying against her will. We advised some rituals as a remedy, which included taking bath in sea and then worshipping Lord Rameshwaram. But the husband was mortally afraid of sea and the wife would not even think of forcing him to do anything against his wishes. Ultimately they adopted a child. Had she known it earlier and tried not to against the wishes of her mother, she might have avoided the present problem, but it might have taken a different shape.

Our actions regulate our destiny. Hence the efforts put in by us in the present birth till now have already been added to our running account modifying its nature. But we have full control over our future actions and we may regulate it in such a manner as to influence the nature of our account in a desired manner. Since these deeds are yet to be done, it is within our control. These actions are called kriyamaana karma – concurrent actions or paurusha – talent that has the power to change our fate. How far we will succeed will depend on the intensity of our efforts and the strength of our existing account. In this, we are influenced by our environment, which regulate our attitude, though it does not materially change much. With the same input, we may feel elated and encouraged to do something or otherwise; thereby changing the results. Because they have the effect of modifying our destiny, even the predictions of Nadi astrology fail for the future, even though it is highly accurate for past events.

Since these have the potential of changing the nature of our fate or at least it’s spending pattern of the accumulated results of our past actions in an arbitrary pattern (depending upon the intensity of our actions and the environment), these are called adridha karma – variable features. The results of kriyamaana karma – concurrent actions, can be known from prashna – horary astrology and the results of environmental effects can be known from gochara – transit effects of planets and Samhita – effect of planetary movements on Earth that influence mundane matters. These include shakuna – omens and muhurta - electional astrology. Only a prediction combining all these aspects will be accurate. For the astrologer, there are two more tools to predict accurately – saamudrika or anga lakshana – prediction from bodily features and swarodaya - prediction from flow of the vital energy.

The study of astrology as propounded by the Rishis is no longer followed. For example, the bha-chakra is not the same as the zodiac. The total numbers of radiations have been classified into 1000 categories – sahasraamshu. These radiations come to Earth from different directions. There is a peculiar fashion in the distribution of these rays coming to Earth from different directions. The extent of rashi – which means heap – is determined based on the number of radiations coming from specific directions in clusters. Thus, the extent of each rashi is not uniform. The radiations are basically in three groups and three complementary groups Thus we find that if one planet owns a favorable house, it also owns an unfavorable house to complement for the good results. In this sense Sun-Moon act as complements – agnishomaatmaka jagat. Since the same number of radiations coming from one direction gets modified after interaction with the Earth’s magnetosphere, the rashi in the opposite direction has the same magnitude, but modified effects. This is the concept behind bhaava chart.

Aries-Libra and Taurus-Scorpio, both of which are related to male-female relationship (creation matters) have not only assigned first and second places, but also adjacent and complement ownership of houses. Their placement is also determined with purpose. Virgo is 5th from Taurus signifying place for child and 12th from Libra signifying bed comfort for the lady. Pisces is 6th from Libra signifying the negative aspects of union that lingers. Bed comfort with its complement Mars-Scorpio leads to child birth with pain for female. Virgo is 6th from Aries signifying pain and Pisces is 12th from Aries signifying bed comfort for the male. Thus bed comfort leads to child-birth, which is a burden for men. Yet, everyone wants child as future progeny. Hence the same planets owning 12th house have been assigned ownership of 9th house for Mars and Libra.

The same principle goes for Gemini-Sagittarius and Virgo-Pisces. There two are related to product of mind that is intelligence (Budha is Chandraputra and chandramaa manaso jaatah) and the effect of intelligence that is respectability for wisdom. Since respectability also comes from wealth, these are associated with income and finances etc. Mercury’s effects are inherent or internal (hence ninth from Libra – women generally stay at home), whereas Jupiter’s effects are seen by others (external – hence ninth from Aries – men generally stay outside). Some may dispute that the house-wife roles for female are changing. But so is their feminity. According to a recent report, the long term effect of steroids used in birth control pills is changing the brain function of the ladies. The changing life styles of working women are making subtle impacts on their physiognomy. According to a recent report, cancer is an outcome of the modern way of living, as the mummies do not show any signs of damage to their vital organs, which shows that it was non-existent in the past. The same principle goes for the other houses, which signify the mechanism that sustains and creates excellence and its anti-thesis. These can be elaborated to get the complete significations and their effects.

The source of origin of the stars including Sun and other planets is the same 1000 categories of radiation – sahasraamshu. In the case of yellow stars like the Sun, it is called Haridashwa. In the case of the planets, these are other groups like shushumnaa, udangvasu, etc. Thus, the total number of grahas can only be seven. Adding the two nodes for their effects, it can be only 9 grahas. There is no place for extra-Saturnine planets, as these do not satisfy the criteria for being a graha. The seven planets are associated with heat (even Saturn releases more heat than it absorbs), as they are created from the same source (Chandraadyaashcha grahaah sarve vigneyaa sooryasambhavaah). But the extra-Saturnine planets are different (aapah moorti - nabhaswaan). Hence they can not be placed on the same footing as a graha. Otherwise we would have to consider satellites like Titan and Ganymede, etc, which are much nearer and sufficiently bigger.

The computer is called g.i.g.o – garbage in garbage out because the output is based on the input. For the operating program, the astrologer who helped in designing the program must have sufficient knowledge of the original texts and their manner of interpretation. For example, Neechabhanga rajayoga is a common feature seen in many horoscopes and many astrologers predict its results in glorious terms. But the predicted result – Chakravarty or Emperor – is never seen. The reason is that the original word is “Nripa Chakravarty”. The two words mean King and Emperor respectively. These words mean the same thing though the strength varies in degrees. According to traditional methods of writing, repetition is avoided. If two words have the same meaning varying only in degrees, then the stronger word alone is used unless there is a special reason for including both. Since these two words have been used in the text, it must be interpreted to be not a general case, but a special case, where only a King can become an Emperor. The reason is clear. A person can be a king only if he has powerful combinations. In spite of this, if he had not become an Emperor, it must be due to the planet in debilitation, which has taken away some strength from his destiny. Yet, since the planet is in a Kendra, it has the potential of bestowing him with special powers and through his Karma; he has the chance of overcoming the problem and becoming an Emperor. Thus, here the rajayoga does not come automatically, but with his added efforts. In the case of common men, it indicates that they have the potential to improve their status by suitable actions. In case he fails to add good results to his accumulated results, he cannot benefit from such a combination.

Most treatises divide the Hora chart only into two categories – that of Sun & Moon only. Similarly, in case of Trishamsha, they divide it among 5 planets excluding Sun & Moon. Thus, in Shadchakra, Dashachakra, or Shodashachakra, one planet cannot occupy benefic position in all houses, even though such positions have been prescribed in the texts and their results have been predicted. The explanation for this anomaly can be resolved only if we read the original text, which says: “Meshaadi taasaam horaanaam parivritti dwayo bhavet” – counting from Mesha, they complete two circles. This is possible only if we accept that the 1st Hora of Aries is Aries and the second Hora is Taurus and so on (like in Navaamsha). The Sun & Moon referred to in the Texts are the Devataa for such Hora. Since one accumulates money and shows off so that others can see or keeps it secretly away from others, they have only two Devataas (rashmibhutaastu devataah). They are only two in number for the 24 Horas’. The same principle applies for other Divisions like Drekkaana etc (parivritti trayo bhavet).

Often it is said that mathematics is the language of science. But mostly what is meant by mathematics is equations. Equations are symbols that need to be properly interpreted to have any meaning. Similarly, the horoscopes are charts that need to be properly interpreted. Interpretation needs plenty of common sense with a thorough knowledge of the traditions and culture of the person. The changing attitudes and practices of the society has to be kept in mind during prediction. Once, two friends came to us for fixing the dates of their respective marriages. We said that at that time there is no prospect for their marriage, though they had such combinations in the past. It turned out that both were already married - one had a court marriage and the other a secret love marriage. They wanted to fix the date for their civil marriage. Thus the question was not related to the date of marriage, but one of electional astrology for virtually a civic reception. Similarly, once we predicted that a person would have relationship with two ladies one of which would be a virtuous lady and the other a lady of immoral character. One of the ladies would be a dancer. Everybody assumed that the dancer would be the lady of immoral character. But as it turned out, it was the other way round. The first lady was of immoral character, who tried to blackmail him for marriage. He became wise and severed the relationship. He married the dancer, who was a virtuous lady and was a perfect partner not only in house, but also in profession. Such pitfalls have to be kept in view.

Coming back to the designer horoscopes, we will like to caution the parents and astrologers from two perspectives. According to the rules of Shakuna, the omens of animals in their natural surroundings only are to be considered. Otherwise, the results will be invalid. Hence the true results for such designer horoscopes can be predicted only by casting the charts for conception, which is not possible in Kali Yuga. The time of birth for casting the horoscope changes over the Yugas from nisheka - conception to jalaksharana – watery secretion to sheershodaya – coming out of the head to bhupatana – coming out completely. In this case of designer horoscopes, coming out was not natural, but artificial. Hence the Horoscope has to be examined with caution like the shakuna not in its natural surroundings.

      

The charts for the two births reported earlier are reproduced above. In all such cases, the horoscope must show injury and bloodshed to the mother, which is true in these cases. Fourth Houses in both cases are influenced by Mars, who is with Moon. There are some Raja yoga forming combinations prominent among which is that of Venus occupying own house in Kendra (Lagna in the 1st horoscope). The Ascendants in both cases are in Vargottama. Moon is associated with 10th House in both horoscopes. Rahu is also in a favorable disposition. We will not like to comment much on these horoscopes publicly, but only point out the negative aspects in a general way.

We had already pointed out that destiny is nothing but the effects of one’s own actions. The effect of parental actions will be enjoyed by the parents. It cannot be extended to the child. The parents tried to tamper with the child’s fate for their own joy. They got it temporarily, but at the cost of inflicting injury and pain to the mother and paying money for it (poornamadah poornamidam). The continuing enjoyment will be accompanied by continuous suffering as an after effect of the operation (tena tyaktena bhunjithaa). Now let us see the effect of such parental actions on the child – whether the parents got what they desired. Whether their action will change or create the fate of the child? The answer is clearly a big NO. As we have pointed out earlier, the child will enjoy the fruits of its past actions as modified by the actions of the present birth subject to the limitations put on it by virtue of such birth. They must have done some good deeds in their past lives to have been born to affluent parents in the present life, which gives them an advantage. But this does not change the limitations of their account. By their actions in the present birth, they can change the advantage to the set point or else revert back to duce. But with such indulging parents, the chances are heavily tilted in the direction of the duce than set point.

All actions take place the moment the conditions necessary for it to happen materializes. The delivery takes place at a particular time, because only at that instant the fetus becomes ready to come out of the womb. According to recent reports, having a baby may make a woman more intelligent. Research shows that a woman’s grey matter - brain cells that crunch information - grows in the weeks and months after she has given birth. And it’s the most doting mothers who experience the biggest burst of brain cells. Such changes usually only occur after intense periods of learning or a brain injury or illness. It is thought that the hormonal changes associated with having a baby ‘supercharge’ the brain, helping prepare women for the challenges ahead. And the memory lapses that plague new mothers may be explained by a simpler cause - sleep deprivation. The finding contradicts the popular notion that motherhood saddles a woman’s brain, reports the journal Behavioural Neuroscience. Neuroscientists from Yale University in the US scanned the brains of a group of new mothers in the weeks after they had given birth. The results showed that the amount of grey matter had increased by a small but significant amount by the time the women were three to four months into motherhood. The areas that grew involve motivation, reasoning, judgement, the processing of emotions and feelings of satisfaction, and are keys to the mother-child relationship. Expansion in the brain’s “motivation area”, said the researchers, could lead to more nurturing, which would help babies survive and thrive physically, emotionally and cognitively. Mothers who gushed most about their newborns tended to experience the biggest amounts of growth.

Bringing out the child prematurely leads to several deformities, many of which may not be apparent at birth or even in childhood. But its effect cannot be ignored in the long run. According to ancient authorities of Ayurveda, “oja”, that which provides the immunity factor to the body, redistributes itself during the 8th month after the body is fully developped. During this period, the mother sometimes becomes very happy and at other times very restless without any apparent reason. The child born during this period does not survive, even though the child born before this time survives though remains very weak. Only when the distribution of “oja” is complete, the child is born. This shows that the children born before labor pain starts are deficient in immunity. This will not be apparent in formative years, but will be apparent with age as more susceptible to decease.

There is bound to be hormonal changes after the operation both for the mother and the child. This is demonstrated in the experimental evidence that the mother’s brain’s “motivation area” expands after child birth. The same principle will apply to the child also. A child born before labour pain starts must have some deficiencies and would have attitudinal problems. Look at the marital and family life including the prospects for and happiness due to children of the two children born through caesarian method at a designated instant. What about their relationship with parents? (Is it a revenge for tampering with their lives?) Whether professional excellence and money are everything in life? Are we not becoming materialistic morons? Whether we need to sacrifice all values in search for illusory power and fame?

Mada – arrogance may appear to be good temporarily but is harmful in the long run. Dama – subdued-ness may appear to be harmful temporarily but is good in the long run. When will we learn? Let people ponder over these.