In the Vedic calendar, immediately following Pitru Paksha, the time for honoring our ancestors, comes a much more joyous celebration. Tonight (October 15, 2012) marks the beginning of the month of Ashwina in Vedic astrology and the first of nine nights of the Indian holiday of Navratri (also spelled Navaratri). The prefix nav means nine and raat […]
The Great Benefic Jupiter Retrogrades in Taurus
In Vedic astrology or Jyotish, planets can be classified as natural benefics or natural malefics. Benefics are the planets which possess the capacity to deliver results which we deem as favorable. Malefics can bring forth experiences which we would prefer not to experience. The benefics are Venus and Jupiter, Mercury, (when it’s with other benefics), […]
Mars and Rahu: A Powerful Pairing in Scorpio
Fiery Mars had been waging its push and pull battle with icy Saturn in Libra. Last week, Mars passionately exited the balanced sign of Libra and blazed back home into its intense sign of Scorpio. In Vedic astrology or Jyotish, Mars owns the signs of Scorpio and Aries. A planet is always comfortable residing in […]
Mercury and Saturn: The Battle Between Impulsiveness and Caution in Vedic Astrology
I previously wrote about the planetary configuration of all the planets on the nodal axis in Vedic astrology or Jyotish. Multiple factors have added to this intensity. One is the current planetary war (or graha yuddha) between Mercury and Saturn in Libra. A planetary war is when two of the five “true” planets in Vedic […]
The Unique Health Benefits of Fennel
Historically, fennel has been utilized for treating indigestion, constipation, respiratory issues, eye problems, colic, menstrual disorders, anemia, diarrhea and flatulence.
A Sacred Time to Honor Our Ancestors: Pitru Paksha
The Indian or Vedic calendar is lunar based, unlike the Gregorian calendar. The observances during each month are usually spiritually or religiously based and rooted in deep tradition. Sunday, September 30, 2012 marks the beginning of two weeks of Pitru Paksha (Pitt-true Puck-shuh), or Shraadh, which is a time dedicated to honoring our ancestors. This […]
Astrological Influences of Saturn in Libra
Om Sham Shri Shanischaraya Namaha One unique feature of Jyotish, or Vedic astrology, is its predictive capability. By knowing what lies ahead, we can prepare ourselves for the journey, just as if we were packing for a trip. To determine when an event is likely to occur, Vedic astrologers utilize the placements of planets in […]
Happy Ganesh Chaturthi!
Traditionally inIndia, Vedic astrology or Jyotish horoscopes are prepared for children at birth. Most parents name their child based on the placement of the child’s lunar nakshatra (star). Thus, a horoscope is necessary to ascertain the appropriate phoneme for the child. At the top of every Vedic astrology horoscope is a drawing of Shri Ganesh, […]
Spice Up Your Life With Coriander !
Coriander is one of those rare spices that we seem to use equally in seed, powder, or plant form. It is used both fresh and dry and is a popular garnish on dishes. The fresh form is sold in grocery stores as cilantro. Indians know this herb as dhanya and it’s a staple in any […]
Mars and Saturn: Fire and Ice Collide
The zodiac consists of a sphere of 360 degrees. In Vedic astrology, or Jyotish, we utilize nine planets: Sun, Moon, the nodes Rahu and Ketu, and the five “true planets” ( Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Mars and Saturn). Ideally, the planets have sufficient room to express their own unique qualities. In Vedic astrology, we use […]