Hindu Astrology

For the benefit of professional as well as amateur astrologers, free down load of 52 pages from the book titled "Hindu Electional Astrology" - a compendium on Hindu / Vedic system of horoscope matching by V K Shridhar, is available free in the following website:

http://www.besttime-election.com

On log on the readers shall enjoy the depth of information.

WESTERN versus HINDU ELECTIONAL ASTROLOGY

Some of the subtleties of Hindu & Western electional astrology shall reveal how the Western electional astrology is in infant stage, yet claimed of its originality & effectiveness in guidance to the modern aspirants.

Astrological wisdom is found in Vedic literature, where evolution of mankind in respect of physical, mental & spiritual spheres has been disseminated in various modes. Vedas extensively deals with propitiation & electional wisdom. In fact horoscopic astrology has been derived much later in the Hindu system.

Birth of a person is not in his control, but certainly his Karmas. The Vedic literature dilates on the various modes of propitiations to ward off evil effects of planets at birth and also during adverse transits.

Another most useful guidance is blessed is in the form of electional wisdom, rendering advice to the aspirants to initiate a life activity at the most appropriate time to enable him achieve highest possible success (Siddhi). In addition to Vedic dictums, Sage Vasist in his treatise “Vasist Samhita” written about 5000 BCE, has blessed us with exhaustive details on electional astrology. This is the first book on Hindu / Vedic system of electional astrology. In addition to electional prescriptions in respect of Hindu rite (Samskaras), electional usage are also prescribed for worldly activities. This treatise also dilates on propitiations during initiation of electional activity to annihilate evil effects of planets etc.

On contrary in the Western system of electional astrology is of recent origin. Vivian E. Robson has claimed to have written first book on Western electional astrology. There is no known book specifically on electional astrology in the recent ancient history of Western astrology. The latter system covers mainly the present day worldly activities. This book as well as subsequently written books deal only with present day worldly activities only. Exponents of the Hindu system of electional astrology had mastered the branch as a special subject and have gifted a vast number of exclusive treatises on this most useful branch of astrology.

Exhautive rules & prescriptions are available in Hindu system which are distinct from horoscopic astrology or mundane astrology. But Western system in based on Horary astrology. Readers are well aware that horary astrology, a branch of Hindu system of astrology, was first gifted to this world by Hindu Sages. Both the system are based on fundamentals of astrology, but dependance only on Horary astrology in the Western system of electional astrology shall certainly have inherent lacune; & the readers can themselves come to the inference. Hindu system opines that delineations based on horary has time limit (say up to seven years) to foresee the effects, but effects of election performed are permanent.

Hindu electional astrology which is fundamentally based on Lunar mansions. While in Western system, emphasis in given on fortification of electional chart and event significator. In agreement to this, the Hindu system believes that election chart is body, the Moon is mind, the Sun is soul of the election; and a composite & holistic view is considered. Significant importance is given to the five elements of Hindu Panchang (ephemeris). Lunar mansions are now very rarely used in electional astrology by the Western astrologers without referring to their inherent nature & effects.

Western system has taken some of the core concepts of its electional principles like Hora (24 divisions of daytime) & Tithi (Lunar day - 30 divisions of Lunar month), but are using the them in the same or in modifies styles. In Hindiu system, Hora divisions start from the local Sunrise time & end with the following Surrise time. Western electional astrologers also follow the 24 divisions in the mode advised by Sage Vasist and as per dictums mentioned in Hindu astronomy books (Siddhanta), but do refuse to accept the original source of information. Similarly the concept of Tithi, is also being used by some, but in various mutilated modes. How come that newly developed Western electional astrology is now selectively using elements of Hindu ephemris & that too in distorted forms; when the exponents of Hindu electional astrology have been using them since the Vedic era & the same has proven the test of time.

Hindu system have unique mode to balance the electional chart by “antidotes”, for which enough guidelines are available in numours treatises.

In both the systems, nativity, planetary strength & planetary conditions as per their own systems; at the time of initiation of an activity are taken into account. In Western system radical twelfth house is considered as the worst while in Hindu system eighth house from radical ascendant as well as radical Moon is prohibited. Via Combusta, cazimi, Part of Fortune, Void Moon, the Moon’s applying & separating aspects; are some of features in Western electional astrology which are not considered in Hindu system of electional astrology.

One of the subtle difference is that William Lilly opines cazimi (meaning "in the heart of the Sun"- a planet that forms a conjunction with the Sun within its 17 minutes of longitude ) planets to be “wondrous strong” and followers may thus select cazimi Moon (Solar eclipse period) in good elections; but as per Hindu election system, it is shunned in all good elections & has no remedy. Cazimi Jupiter similarly may be selected in elections following principles of Western electional astrology, but is certainly prohibited in auspicious elections & rituals (like marriage, tonsure, wearing of sacred thread, start of education etc.) in the Hindu electional system, and it has no 'antidote'.

Followers of the Western electional astrology must have their own experiences in using such cazimi Moon, Jupiter & other planets, & the results must be before them, which shall indeed be nothing but fatal elections.

Exponents of Hindu electional astrology were specialists in the branch & had written books only on the specific subject, while now-a-days astrologers claim specialisation in plurality of branches of astrology, a phenomenon not found in any other field of knowledge .

In a blog of this size, it is not possible to discuss all the differences in the two systems. Learned astrologers may have their own conclusions about the efficacy of the two systems & the depth of information available in the two systems.

Readers may log on to
http://www.besttime-election.com
for details

Phonetical Astrology (Swar Shaastra) – its significance in Electional Astrology

Hindu Sages had mastered the knowledge of breathing; having vast application ranging from health maintenance through Yogas, independent mode of divination, captivation of living beings, war-sports-gamble-declamation contests, and fundamentally for spiritual advancement. Application of this highly secrect knowledge in electional astrology has been disccused herein for delight & benfit of all.

Swar Shaastra (divination by breath) – is a unique oriental knowledge based on breathing and speech. Sound is one of the most effective energies playing leading role in interpersonal and spiritual development. The exponents of Hindu / Indian astrology had mastered this knowledge and had gifted numerous treatises (Shiv Swarodaya, Samarsaar, Narpatijacharya, seven Yamalaas, and numerous treatises on Yoga) on this subject, which are still kept highly secret. It has been held that for maximum possible success in a venture, assistance from harmonious sound is essential.

As opined by exponents of Hindu electional astrology, electional astrology is not merely selecting a suitable moment through astrology, but ensuring that harmonious / beneficial environment prevails through incantation of holy sound / Mantras and the aspirant has the right mode of breathing to attain highest possible success in the venture. This highly developed branch of knowledge has fundamental role in spiritual evolution of human being through various mode of breathing (Pranayam & Yogas), incantation of Mantras and fine art of music.

Its derived applications are found in

a) Selection (election) of suitable time for initiation of life (and also day-today) activities based on name of person
b) Judging compatibility among persons
c) Using suitable style of breathing while initiation of specific activity
d) Horary astrology, and providing vital assistance in clinching the issue; independent mode to decipher future
e) Selection of breathing mode for health maintenance and removal of illness;
f) Enchantment & captivation of persons etc. etc.
It is a subject in itself and its application in electional astrology is very very briefly given for delight and benefit of aspirants.

There are three modes of breathing, viz, flow from left nostril, flow from right nostril & flow from both the nostrils. The last mode is generally for a short duration when breathing switches from left to right & vice versa. Mode of breathing can be checked by examining air flow while exhaling. When breath is flowing from both the nostrils, the time is beneficial for worshipping & devotional activities only; all other activities must not be then initiated. Following are some of the specific activities which should be initiated when left or right nostrils are active. Some activities are listed under both the modes, which the aspirant may select based on the functional / piousness of the activity. In general for pious activities are initiated during currency of left nostril.

Activities recommended during running of left nostril:
It is beneficial / auspicious in long distance travels; charity; donation; wearing of clothes and ornaments; treaty & agreement; installation of God’s idol; practicing Yoga; oblation of fire for peace; worshipping; marriage; administering of medicine, treating of difficult illness, removing poison; starting of education-singing-dancing-playing musical instruments; discussion on dance - drama; stationary & fixed works; entering into house - city – village; coronation, seeing king (high official, master, employer); sweet & friendly activities, making friends; auspicious deeds; teachings; initiation of Mantras; leaning of futurity knowledge; collection of domestic items - wealth & grains; starting of water tank-pond-well; peaceful & developmental works; trade (give & take by the hand presenting the mode of breathing); agriculture works, sowing seeds, buying agricultural land.

Activities recommended during running of right nostril:

Currency of breathing through right nostril is auspicious / beneficial for performing accurate & difficult works; writing alphabets; learning and practicing use of arms and weapons; destruction of enemy war, attack, encounter; enmity; inflicting punishment; breaking / splitting; gambling; bathing; taking food; sleeping; sex, visiting women & prostitutes, enchanting females, attracting others; creating fear, cruel works; short distance travel; entry into house; boarding ship / big boat; drinking intoxicants, administration of poison, removal of poison; usage of Mantras; study of holy books; study & teaching of difficult & destructive branches of knowledge climbing mountains & forts; riding on horse / elephant and transports; physical exercise; sale of animals; crossing pond-river; taking medicine; giving donations; sale-purchase; grinding of bricks-stones-wood-metals; conduction of ‘Six-Works’: “beating, charming, hindering, enmity, vexing & subduing”.
Note :
1) One must change mode of breathing suitably at the time of initiating specific desired activity.
2) When left nostril is working, body gets cooled; while right nostril is working, the body gets heated up.
3) Most of the practicing electional astrologers have observed that compliance to the dictums of Swar Shaastra is more efficacious than omens.

Readers may log on to
http://www.besttime-election.com
for details

Book Review on Electional Astrology by V E Robson

The book on Western system of electional astrology by Vivian E. Robson (1890- 1942) is claimed by the author to be the first book on Western electional astrology, & said to have been compiled both the then ancient as well as modern information on the subject. Poverty of knowledge of the author on the subject is abundantly reflected.

The book is widely advertised on the various websites & free down load facility is provided through http://www.panplanet.com/library/download. Some websites are selling the book on price of about $ 20.

The author of the book opines that electional astrology “starts from the point at which Horary astrology finishes and works back to the point at which the latter begins.” It has deep rooted repercussions in the thought process of Western electional astrology, as the present day Western astrologers have since towed this line, which perhaps has never been intended by ancient astrologers. In Hindu / Vedic astrology, Horary astrology is distinct from electional astrology having different set of rules, principles & significations.

The author has given useful hints when the Moon should be considered week & afflicted in elections. He opines that combust Moon (within 12 degrees from the Sun) should be avoided. He is correct, but it is contrary to the opinion of William Lilly, who opines that “cazimi” Moon is wondrously strong.

About Lunar Mansions, he has stated that “exact astrological significance of lunar mansions & methods of using them have been almost entirely lost, and there is need for research in this matter’ yet he has surfacially touched the matter for sake of completeness in giving references in his book. His lack of knowledge about the Lunar Mansions is painfully felt. He has given reference of some Indian astrologers in this chapter, but has not made any effort to study the Hindu system in depth, as the latter electional astrology is fundamentally based on lunar mansions. This reflects author’s depth of knowledge about the different systems of astrology using lunar mansions. Uasges ofr different lunar mansions is nothing but flight of imagination.

About planetary hours, he has given a new concept inventing to divide time between Sunrise to Sunset in 12 parts & similarly divide Sunset time to following Sunrise time in 12 parts. He opines that this planetary hours be used in “supplementary way”. How come that he has taken the concept of planetary hours from Hindu system, but is proposing it to use in a different mode, perhaps without checking veracity & usefulness of its usage. On the contrary in Hindu system of electional astrology, detailed guidelines are existing in usages of planetary hours( called Hora, in numerous treatises).

Robson has expressed following opinions which the learned electional astrologers following the Western system shall find to be raw & incomplete :

a) The author opines that radical “ascendant should be upon 12th, 11th or 10th house of the elcctional map rather upon 2nd, 3rd or 4th:” – How many astrologers shall agree with this? (Refer page 6 – Radical elections)

b) Further he opines that cusps of Midheaven (in addition to the ascendant) has a major bearing on the election event – without reference to the event under consideration in the election. How come electional M.C & its ruler have been given importance comparable to electional ascendant, is not known. Reader shall find this direction applicable to the matters related to the 10th house & not in all other cases. (Refer page 8 of the book)

c) The author also opines that afflicted lord of the election ascendant may be placed in trine or sextile to the rising degrees.

d) The ascendant & the Moon in long ascension signs is considered to cause speed & success whereas in short ascension signs conduce to hindrances & difficulties.

e) The Moon in the ascendant is very unfavorable for almost everything, unless it is strong by sign & very well aspected.

f) The Moon’s North node is favorable & benefic, while its South node is unfavorable. & malefic in nature. This general rule is certainly contrary to the Hindu system of electional astrology.

The above observations are made on the general rules & principles of electional astrology opined by Vivian E Robson in his said book. Comments on specific rules about specific elections shall be dealt in another article / blog

WHAT TO DO ON SPECIFIC WEEKDAYS – ASTROLOGICAL GUIDANCE --- by V K Shridhar

Western astrology is – horary or electional – provides a little knowledge about the activities which shall fructify on specific weekdays with logic. Extract from “Hindu Electional Astrology” is here for the benefit of the aspirants.

A work gets easily accomplished on a weekday when its lord is strong; but when he is emaciated then, even after extra efforts & facing discomforts, the work does not fructify …. Sage Narad

Names of the weekdays are based on many astrological factors in which influence of the planet ruling day is predominant. They are named after ruling planet of the day in Hindu astrology. It is said that the world started on Sunday. Thus week of seven days starts from Sunday who has been assigned as number 1, and in the order Saturday’s number is 7. Sunday to Saturday are ruled by the Sun, the Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn in order.

In Hindu system, a weekday starts from the local Sunrise & ends at the following Sunrise, which is distinct from the Gorgian calendar in which a weekday along with date starts at expiry of 1200 a.m. of the Zonal Standard Time. Seven days a week system is prevalent throughout the world. Weekdays are given due importance in selection of election as the desired work which easily gets fructified (Siddhi) when its day lord is strong, the same work does not get fructified when day lord is weak / powerless, even after extra efforts & facing of discomforts. To fortify election, a strong day lord (planet) should be properly placed in the election chart.

WORKS WHICH FRUCTIFY ON SPECIFIC WEEKDAYS

Based on nature & signification of the weekday, day lord (ruling planet), tutelary lord and other electional considerations following works (& works related to the mentioned items) are recommended for conduction & initiation in different weekdays. It is opined that on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday all types of works fructify; while on Sunday, Tuesday & Saturday only prescribed activities fructify.

SUNDAY: Coronation, service to the government / king, king worship, fire, fire related works, weapon making & usage, war, bravery, service & employment, travel, thief, doctor, transaction of medicine, purchase of cows, bullocks & animals, gold-silver-copper-wood-works, bones-skin-hides, auspicious (Manglik) works, Yagya, teaching Mantras (Agni Mantras), religious discourse, music learning, woolen clothes, wearing of new clothes, mountain, stones, dessert, forest, trees, usage of forest items, snake, animal rearing & husbandry, food grain, trade.

MONDAY: Agriculture, farming, gardening, fragrant trees, lotus & flowers, milk, food, food-grains, sugar, sugarcane, raw sugar / molasses, Yagya, ornament making & wearing, silver, deer, sale & purchase of cows - buffaloes, gems-pearl & shells, conch-shell, singing & dancing- starting thereof, water related works, popular works, movable works, starting of education, night movements, benefit to mother’s brother, Brahmins, article causing phlegm, clothes, female related works, king, road.

TUESDAY: Killing, arresting, inciting insurgency, cruel works, piercing, army commanding, treaty, backing off treaty / agreement, fort, igniting fire, weapon, storing of war material, poison, lying, deception, thief, thievery, coral, gold related works & collection thereof, metal work, forest, night worker, doctor, ascetic / religious mendicant, treasurer, business of catching snakes, animal, trees with red coloured flowers, red colour items, works related to blood.

WEDNESDAY: Fine arts, literature-music- dancing & starting thereof; poetry, sculpturing, all type of art, theater, education, writing, learning of Vedas, idol making, Mantra Kriya, meritorious works, marriage, friendship, starting of fast, holy bathing, trade, clever works, ordinary works, science, metal work, war, argument, intelligence, skill, ingenuity, messenger, physical exercise, collection of articles, juices & food grains, green sapphire, earth, clothes, fragrant articles, works which end fast - works which take long time – works which finish in the middle.

THURSDAY: Auspicious (Manglik) works, Yagya, Havan, worshipping, peaceful religious works, fast, oblation to the deads (Pitri Sharadh) , temple, installing of idol, Alankaar, education, knowledge related works, learning in general, Shaastras, truthful works, wearing new clothes & trading thereof, ornaments, starting living in house, doctor, medicine, trading in medicine, physical works, health related works, physical works, development & expanding works, king, wealth, trees, gold, silver, elephant, horse, bullock, transport, travel.

FRIDAY: Good for starting dance, music, singing painting; luxurious works, festivals, wearing new clothes & ornaments, friendship, worshipping sex God (Kamdev), females, passionate women, sex, passion, prostitutes, beds, increase in semen, fragrance, comedy, laughter, cows, trade related to food grain & agriculture, farming, selling & purchase of land, sugar cane, juicy foods, gems, gold, silver, coffer, transport, lotus, earth, medicine.

SATURDAY : Entering into new house & city, trading with deceit & forgery, telling lies, dreadful deeds, insurgency, works related to obstruction, trading of arms & ammunition, poisoning, bereft of courtesy, usage of iron & steel, arm & armory, dead, servant, debased person, old persons, thief, buffalo, camel, birds, trapping of elephant, stable works, profession related to capturing, collection of houses, departure, broken utensils, glass, stones, learning secret Mantras from Guru (Deeksha), service.

According to Sage Narad, Acharya Garga, Ramdeen, & host of other exponents it is opined that it is beneficial & augurs fortunate effects to initiate & conduct works related to iron on Saturdays. With this the learned readers may help remove doubts / superstition in certain parts of the country that purchase or sale of iron items, & doing works related to iron (steel) on Saturdays is inauspicious.***

LOGICS FOR SELECTION OF WEEKDAYS

Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus & Saturn in order are the rulers of the weekdays. Depending upon the inherent natures of the ruling planets, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday are auspicious, benefic & good days; while Sunday, Tuesday & Saturday in general are malefic & cruel days. Tuesday & Saturday are maximum malefic, while Sunday is partially malefic. Auspicious & Manglik works are done on benefic days; while cruel, sinful (Paap Karamas), unethical works in general; & the specified works are done on Saturday, Tuesday & Sunday. Some benefic works also fructify on malefic days depending upon the nature of the work & special dictums regarding Muhurt. There is no very tight demarcation of the allocated works for the weekdays, and the day is selected based on the type of work, planet signifying the work, time of starting & host of other factors related to the weekday.

Nature of Sunday is fixed / stationary; of Monday is movable; of Tuesday is cruel; of Wednesday is mixed / ordinary; of Thursday is small / short; of Friday is sweet; & of Saturday is sharp / horrible. When constellation (occupied by the Moon) & day lord are of same nature then, the combined efficacy increases many folds – like when asterisms of Rohini & 3 Uttras coincide on a Sunday; fixed / stationary types of works fructify.

Thursday, Friday & Sunday are effective during daytime; Monday, Tuesday & Saturday are effective during night-time while Mercury is effective both during daytime & night-time.

Malefic effect of Sunday, Tuesday & Saturday does not exist after mid-day. Some opine that “Vaar Dosha”(evil effects of weekday) does not prevail during night (Acharya Chandeshwar).

According to Ratankosh & others, there exists Disha Shula (prohibited directions of travelling on weekdays) on weekdays. But this Dosha does not exist during night-time on Thursday, Friday & Sunday; during daytime on Monday, Tuesday & Saturday. But on Wednesday this Dosha exists both during daytime & night-time. However the relaxation should be applied in emergency only with safeguards.
Colour of the work: Consistent with the colour of the ruling planet of the day, it is beneficial to conduct work with that colour on the weekday ruled by the planet (Narad Samhita- 5/14) .The Sun’s colour is red mixed with black or blood red; Moon’s - white; Mars’ - pale red; Mercury’s - grass green; Jupiter’s - yellow; Venus’s - swarthy (dark skin) & Saturn’s - black. Wearing of the clothes of the above stated colours during planets’ weekdays is beneficial to the user. Aspirant may also use colours ruled by the rulers of the weekdays. As per Hora Makaranda, copper-red, white, ultra red, blue, ultra yellow, variegated (mixed, spotted) & black are the colours ruled by the planets from the Sun to Saturn. However as per Jyotisaar, for travel purposes, aspirant may wear clothes of blue colour on Sunday; of mixed colour on Monday; of red on Tuesday; yellow on Wednesday; white on Thursday & Friday; & of black colour on Saturday, to propitiate the day-lord & achieve all success (Sarvasiddhi).

Like for election of white washing / painting of a house certain criteria have been laid down. Meeting those requirements, the colour of the white washing / painting if done in yellow on Thursday or in green shade on Wednesday, enhances the beneficence. Similar guidance is taken in respect of other usages of the colours. Saturday is not recommended to sow seeds, but is considered fruitful to sow seeds of black grains, more profitable if Saturn is in the rising sign.
Shiva, Parvati, Ganesh, Vishnu, Brahma, Indra & Yama are tutelary lords of the weekdays in the order. Each day has Adhi Devta (superior lords) also, which are Agni, Jal, Bhumi, Hari, Indra, Indrani & Brahma. Desired results are obtained by worshipping (Smaran) tutelary lords & Adhi Devatas on their weekdays.

Based on nature & signification of the weekday, day lord, tutelary lord and other electional considerations following works (& works related to the mentioned items) are recommended for conduction & initiation in different weekdays. It is opined that on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday all types of works fructify; while on Sunday, Tuesday & Saturday only prescribed activities fructify.
If on a Sunday the Sun is strong, it is extremely beneficial to see king & do works related to king (in the modern context – works related to administration & government is beneficial). If the Moon is strong on a Monday then all types of the works fructify. Similarly on Tuesday - war; Wednesday - education (study of Shaastras); Thursday - marriage; Friday - travel & on Saturday receiving initiatory Mantras of Yagya (a ceremony in which oblations are offered) are beneficial.
According to Brihat Jaatak (104/61-63) works allocated to the weekday gets fruition when conducted on the same weekday & when either of the following also coincides:

a) day lord is in Upchaya (3,6,10,11) signs from J.R.
b) day lord is in the election ascendant.
c) sign ruled by the day lord is rising, or
d) day lord is in angle.
The Acharya has stressed that on non- compliance to the above, aspirant may not get any fruitful result; like as one does not get a drop of water even after going to the sea.

Thus accordingly, if an aspirant wants to start education, he may choose auspicious day as Thursday. Better if he selects Hora of Thursday, and the ruling planet of the day Jupiter is in the rising sign. To further fortify the election, he may select Sagittarius or Pisces as the rising sign; and if either of these signs are 3, 6, 10 or 11th sign from his radical ascendant or from the natal Moon sign ; the election shall be extremely fortified. To find such highly beneficial election one may have to wait for a long time. Readers may refer to chapter 13 on Purification of Ascendant, for fortification of election.

The day when the Moon is weak, or Mars or Saturn is retrograde, is not auspicious. But if such a day lord is in 11th in the election chart, then the said Dosha does not prevail, & benefic results are felt. A day is inauspicious, when the day lord is set or afflicted (Brihat Daivygya Ranjan). That day whose lord is retrograde, causes destruction in many ways if used in election of travel.

Acharya Shripati opines that if the day-lord is in Upchaya (3,6,10,11) houses from the election ascendant, the work fructifies. And if it is not in the said Upchaya houses then, it does not fructify even after efforts (Brihat Daivygya Ranjan). Here the opinion is different (ascendant instead of natal Moon sign) from that advised by Acharya Varah Mihir. (But nevertheless worth considering as an alternative)

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The extract for the article is taken from “Hindu Electional Astrology” – a compendium on Vedic Election (Muhurt) astrology
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SELECTION OF LUNAR DAY – TITHI – IN VEDIC ELECTIONAL ASTROLOGY
By Radha

Hindu ephemeris has five fundamental components / elements viz, Lunar day (Tithi), weekday, Constellation, Half Lunar day (Karan) & Yogas (combination of weekday & constellation). No election (Muhurtha) is thought possible without their considerations, especially suitability of Tithi. Suitability of each of these elements are prescribed separately for specific elections, in addition to suitability of host of astrological factors like ascendant, favorable transit, current progression periods, omens, natural malefic / prohibited periods, age-place-religion-social considerations of the aspirant, nature of the activity etc. etc. The matter below is extracted from the book titled “ Hindu Electional Astrology ” . Readers may log on to the related web site http://www.besttime-election.com for over view of the book .
Lunar day (Tithi) is a fundamentally important component of electional astrology. It has an intimate bearing on the fixing /selecting of auspicious time. No election is fixed without considering suitability of a Lunar day (Tithi). Majority of Hindu festivals have reference to Lunar day (Tithi) . There is a custom to celebrate birth anniversary on the Tithi of birth, as in Hindu astrology birth day signifies Tithi of birth. Lunar day (Tithi) represents lunar energy, and lunar energy represents mental energy & status of the mind. Other two components of the Hindu Panchang (ephemeris) viz. Yoga (luni- solar day) and Karan (half a lunar day) are derived from Lunar day (Tithi). Therefore, to understand Hindu electional astrology readers will have to be familiar with Tithi.

Samhita Pradeep (a treatise on Hindu elections) opines that Tithi personifies body, the Moon – mind; ascendant – soul (Atama); & other signs – members of body (Avayava). Only when a body is healthy & pure, other said components can be thought of. Therefore purification of Tithi gains significance & is one of the most important electional element. In the presence of sullied Tithi, strength of the Moon, ascendant, constellation are baseless.

The election is generally fixed primarily considering constellation, weekday, ascendant & Tithi, and other components are given lesser importance. Even though “Gunas” (mathematical strength) allocated to Tithi is less; but exponents have not dilated on any election without reference to the Tithis. Tithi indirectly refers to the strength of the Moon, which lays foundation of strength of all the planets, & electional Yogas. Like the New Moon Tithi destroys cluster of all the benefic Yogas; & presence of an Amrit Siddha (Yoga) Tithi annihilates all the malefic Yogas. Even a malefic Tithi when forms a Muhurt Yoga, gets sanctified & augurs beneficence & fruition of the desires, therefore, special emphasis is required of selection of Tithi in elections.

HOW TO FIND TITHI FROM EPHEMERIS
The length of time during which the difference of increment between longitudes of the Sun and the Moon amounts to the multiple of 12° is called a Tithi. From the exact New Moon, first Tithi starts and ends when difference between the Sun and the Moon is 12°. Thereafter up to the next 12° difference, second Tithi prevails. Thus there are 15 Tithis upto the Full Moon when luminaries are 180° apart.

As during this time the Moon shall be increasing / waxing these 15 Tithis belong to the Bright Half ( B.H. - Shukla Paksha). Similarly there are 15 Tithis from the Full Moon to the New Moon when the Moon is decreasing / waning which belong to the Dark Half (D.H. - Krishna Paksha). There are in all 30 Tithis, from the New Moon to the next New Moon (a lunar month). Mean duration of a Tithi is 23h 37m 28.096s. It is different from astronomical lunar day which is reckoned from the Moonrise to the next Moonrise which has a mean duration of 24h 48m 45.838s. Tithi just before the exact Full Moon is shown as 15th Tithi, while the Tithi just before the exact New Moon is shown as 30th in the ephemeredes. Indian ephemeredes following Sidereal System give starting or ending moments of each Tithi and also refer to prevailing D.H. or B.H.
To find number of the Lunar day (Tithi) current at a particular time, divide difference between longitude of the Sun from that of the Moon by 12. By adding 1 to the quotient, Tithi prevailing at the time is obtained. If the longitude of the Moon is less than that of the Sun, add 360° to the longitude of the Moon.

Current Tithi No. = [Moon’s longitude – Sun’s longitude] ÷ 12 + 1

The Tithi number shall be the same in both Sidereal System and Tropical System.

SELECTION OF TITHIS FOR ELECTIONS

Election of different components of Hindu ephemeris(Panchang) is an holistic approach. Tithi inculcates its nature of increasing / expanding of work done in an election consistent to the increasing rays of the Moon in B.H., and the vice versa. For benefits of the electional astrologers, criteria of selection of Tithi for elections are given below:

1. Selection of B.H./ D.H.: If the Moon is favourable to a native in transit on 1st Tithi of B.H. then, full B.H. becomes favourable to him. If it is unfavourable in transit on 1st Tithi of D.H. then, complete D.H. becomes favourable. Vice versa of the both are also considered. For progressive works B.H. is better than D.H. See chapter 10 on transits.

2. Natural beneficence: From the prescribed Tithis for the election (Muhurt), select Tithi which is in the auspicious / benefic triad. Rikta Tithis ( 4th, 9th & 14th Tithis) are least effective for auspicious works.

3. Yoga: A malefic Tithi becomes benefic or highly benefic when concurrent with specific weekday or constellation, and vice versa. Select a suitable Yoga with a suitable Tithi consistent with nature of work.

4. Allocation: Works which especially fructify in specific Tithis have been prescribed, and also those to be avoided. Favourable /suitable Tithis for specific Muhurt have been specifically prescribed by the Sages & Acharyas.

5. Name of the doer: Based on first consonant of the name of the doer (Maatra Swar), certain group of Tithis (Nanda, Bhadra etc.) are Baal (infant), Kumar (Young), Yuva (adult), Vridth (old) & Mrityu (dead). Order of their increasing beneficence is dead, old, infant, young & adult. See chapter 14 for the selection of Yuva Avastha of the corresponding auspicious Tithi.

6. Moon birth sign (Janma Rashi) of the doer: Based on sign occupied by the Moon in radix of the doer, favourable group (Nanda, Bhadra, etc....) for the native may preferably be selected & may avoid Ghaata Tithis, Ghaata Maas etc.

7.Tutelary Lords: When tutelary lords of a Tithi is the same as that of constellation / weekday / Yoga then, works prescribed in the said constellation / weekday / Yoga can be conducted in the said Tithi.

8. Malefic Tithis: Tithis like Chidra, Maas- Shunya, Galgraha, etc. should be shunned or avoided depending on their malefic nature & type of the work.

9. Transit: When the Moon is benefic in transit in respect of sign, constellation, navamsha, Astakvargas etc. for a native, then coinciding Tithi becomes favourable in election.

10. Sarvatobhadra Chakra: This unique system gives when a particular Tithi is afflicted (Vedha) by transit of benefic or malefic planet(s) making a particular Tithi auspicious or unfit for election.

11. Unfavourable durations: Aspirants must shun Vish Ghatis, prohibited periods, Gandanta, Pradosha etc. of the selected Tithi.

12. Kshana Tithi: Suitable selection of a favourable Sub- Tithi on the guidelines strengthens the election.

13. Emergency requirement: Provision has been made to use certain malefic Tithis ignoring their poisonous / prohibited portions in emergent situations, which should be chosen provided antidotes exist & election chart is fortified.

14. After finally selecting a Tithi ensure that the election ascendant is not Ghaat Lagna for that selected Tithi.

15. It is certainly beneficial to use Amrit Ghatis ( auspicious parts of Tithis) of the Tithi.

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V K Shridhar is author of compendium on Vedic Muhurt astrology title “Hindu Electional Astrology”. E-mail : besttime.astrology@gmail.com

N . B. : This article is courtesy of http://www.besttime-election.com You may freely print this article on your website or in your news letter provided this courtesy notice and the author name & URL remain intact.

SIGNIFICANCE OF OMENS IN ELECTIONAL ASTROLOGY
----- by V K Shridhar

Omens play a vital role in execution of elections. Omen seen or heard or even visulised at the initiation of an activity, certainly foretells fate / success of the activity.

Omens & portents (Shakun & Utpaats) is a useful branch of India astrology, which includes interpretation of dreams, status of living & non-living items in the environment, sounds produced by human & animals, portents, mode of pacification of adverse omens & portents. It acts as a guide in horary astrology; to clinch the issue when there is a stalemate. Coming events cast their shadows before & it is the ingenuity & skill of the interpreters to decode omens correctly for their profitable usage in their daily life.

OPINIONS OF EXPONENTS

Treatises on omen (Shakun) have commended that omen has the final say in Election. Omens seen at the start of an action does foretell its success. In case adverse omen is seen or heard or even visualized; the activity should not be initiated.

Omen is a wonderful knowledge which acts like a medicine. Vasant Raj in his treatise titled ‘Vasantraj Shakunan’ - an authoritative book on the subject - has opined that when ephemeral elements (Tithi, Nakshatra, election ascendant etc.) are fully auspicious & efficacious (Uttam & Gunyukta), fortified ascendant & strong Moon is present, but there prevails an inauspicious omen (Shakun) then, nothing materializes regarding election.

Some opine that an election clinched only on the basis of an omen, does not have lasting effects. Some has opined that in the matter like making a theft or the like activities, omen is to considered.

The treatises on Hindu / Vedic electional astrology have dilated omens in details in travel elections. On seeing an inauspicious omen, the person should return (not undertake journey), & recite Pranayam (a specific Mantra’s recitation) eleven times & then start the journey. If inauspicious Shakun is again is seen, then he should return & recite Pranayam 16 times & start the journey. And if inauspicious omen is again observed at the third start of the journey, the journey should be abandoned. Best of the sages agree with this, & from this one may infer the importance given to omens in elections.

CONCLUSION

One must develop faculty of interpretation of omen seen or heard or even visualised at the initiation of an activity, & use it profitably. In case of adverse omen of high potency, execution of an election should be withheld / postponed.

INTERPRETATION OF OMENS
Exponents have laid down rules to interpret omens, examine potency of an omen & timing of event based on omens. This shall be discussed in another blog.

Potency of an omen is examined based on its position with respect from the observer ( front / back / left / right / higher & lower level), position of omen in geographical direction ( East-South-West-North ), time of its observation, motion / speed of the omen, sound produced / heard, expression, place where it is observed.

Here are some items & persons signifying auspicious / favourable & inauspicious / unfavourable omens. The list in no means is exhaustive, but provides adequate information. Omens differ from place to place, country to country & religion to religion.

ITEMS SIGNIFYING OMENS

AUSPICIOUS ITEMS: Following fifty items are auspicious items & seeing them is auspicious at all the times:

Curd, milk, rice, pot filled with water, ripe food, mustard, sandal, mirror, fresh green grass (Durva- a kind of grass), conch shell, meat, fish, soil (wet), a bright yellow pigment prepared from urine of cow ( Gorochan), cow dung, cow, honey, idol of god, Veena (a musical instrument), fruit, seat of king, flower, black items used to decorate eyes (Anjan / Kajal / Surma), ornaments, hand weapon, beetle leaves, conveyance, palanquin (Palki - man carried conveyance), a covered pot or box to keep medicine or wine (Sharavsanput) , flag, parasol (Chhatra), hand fan, clothes, lotus, Kakash (pot), glowing fire, elephant, goats, drums, device to control elephant (Ankush), tail of animal used to whisk flies (Chaamar), gems, gold, silver, copper, herd of tied animals or an animal whose legs are tied, medicine, drink, tree with fruit, fresh vegetables.

INAUSPICIOUS ITEMS

A sparkle without smoke, ash, fuel-wood-cow dug cake (Upla), rope, mud, device used to make powder by hammering action (Tilkuta), cotton, husk (Tush), bones, opened hair (untied hair), black item, iron, bark of a tree (Valkal), skin of a tree, black sesame (Til) or black pulse, stone, stool, snake, medicine, oil, raw sugar, boneless meat, empty or broken utensil, salt, dry grass, butter milk, wood, iron chain, rain & wind.

OMENS RELATED TO PERSONS

AUSPICIOUS PERSONS : Sight of the following persons is auspicious: a king, happy Brahmin, prostitute, virgin girl, gentle person, well dressed person sitting on a horse or ox, a fair complexion lady in white dress & wearing white garland on her fore head; a pious Brahmin wearing white clothes-sandal & flowers-having properly fed & having received donations, reciting Mantras; a lady with a man or either of them having fruit in his or her hands- seen in front; a child saying something on his own; a beautiful person, person dressed in white clothes-wearing white garland, speaking sweetly if is found coming from front or right side during journey or at the time of entrance- it is an auspicious omen.

INAUSPICIOUS PERSONS : A person doing vomiting; hair-less or clean shaved head; having any body part severed; naked; lowest cast; body part oiled; ill; dirty; angry, drunkard; having long hair (Jatadhari); quarrelsome; having black complexion; opened hair; sitting on a camel / ass / buffalo; loudly weeping; eunuch; ascetic; a lady wearing black clothes & black garland on her fore-head; a lady having menstruation; pregnant woman.

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READER MAY LOG ON TO THE WEB SITE
http://www.besttime-election.com
where the overview of the book titled “Hindu Electional Astrology”
is available: or mail to besttime.astrology@gmail.com

N.B. This article is courtesy of http://www.besttime-election.com. You may freely print this article on your website or in your news letter provided this courtesy notice and the author name & URL remain intact.

RAHU KAAL – TRUTH & MYTH
.... by V K Shridhar

Vedic electional astrology has no reference of Rahu Kaal,. Yet it is feared the most in elections resulting colossal waste of time. Its duration on weekdays is incorrectly conveyed by newspapers & Indian ephemerides.

In Indian astrology the most misused & misguided is certainly “Rahu Kaal”. It is specific 1/8th daytime part of the weekdays which is assumed to be ruled by Rahu – the Lunar Node. It is not effective during nighttime.

In southern part of India it is assumed to be highly malefic that people residing in that part do not initiate any activity even it may be most trifling, what to talk about the important life activity. They do not initiate any activity during this period, & wait for its expiry. Thus colossal time is wasted in this superstition.

Most of the news papers published in southern India do mention duration covered by Rahu Kaal along with Yamghanta Kaal, on the top of their front page for guidance of their readers. The people do follow the said time blindly without knowing about the same - this is opined as the worst misguidance by the astrologers to their followers.

Three aspects of Hindu / Vedic astrology the most exploited / misused are :

a) Marriage compatibility (matching of horoscopes of prospective couple)

b) Kaal Sarp Yoga – its interpretation in nativity and its propitiation, &

c) Rahu Kaal (Rahu Kaalam) in electional astrology.

On examination of compatibility in marriage of aspirant couples, exponents have dilated in lengths in their treatises. Yet of late astrologers have infused an element called “ Kuja Dosha”- (affliction due to Mars; on which there are divergent opinions). However, this is not the topic under discussion in this paper. Those readers who desire to study the subject in length may refer to author’s book titled “ Hindu Electional Astrology”. They may also log on to website “ http://www.besttime-election.com“, & can have free down load of 52 pages of the book, dilating on “Matching of horoscopes”.

Regarding “Kaal Sarp Yoga” there has been illuminating discussions on the subject now-a-days on the Indian TV channels. Shri K N Rao, an authority on Indian Astrology & author of over three dozen books on Indian astrology, has made laudable efforts in dispelling doubts of the millions of the innocent believers of Indian astrology, that there is no reference of the so called “Kaal Sarp Yoga” in treatises on the subject. Of late some astrologers have culled out this yoga from remote references in the treatises. He has explicitly pointed out that there is no authoritative treatise / book on Indian / Vedic astrology having made a reference to this yoga, & one may not fear if he is having this Yoga in his horoscope. Despite this some astrologers have been propagating ill effects of this Yoga perhaps to seek huge sum of money for its propitiation.

Such a debate not only dispels doubts in the minds of innocent followers of astrology but renders applaudable service to the mankind, as myths & superstitions / mischievousness propagated by exploiters / novices are brought to the light; & astrology which has withstood test of time, is saved from disrepute.

Any how, the said Kaal Sarp Yoga has been found having indirect reference in our electional treatises like Narpatijacharya, Jyotirvidhabharnam, Samarsaar, - where it has been referred that the planets in 13 asterisms (from the asterism occupied by Rahu, to Ketu) yet to be transited by Rahu, in His retrograde motion, as in “Mrit Paksha” (dead side), & when both the luminaries are in the said Mrit Pakhsa, yield adverse results in war, travel & litigation & the like elections. When luminaries loose their efficacy being in the said Mrit Pakhsa, then, why not when all the planets in the said Paksha should loose their potency – can be an argument in its favour. But please note the said aspect has been referred to in the electional astrology, & not in interpretation of nativity.

In Indian astrology, nativity, horary & electional are separate subjects, & have separate treatises on each subject & distinct exponents on each subject. And not like western astrology where electional astrology is basically derived from horary astrology.

The third, aspect, Rahu Kaal, is the most misunderstood aspect in the electional astrology. How many millions of hours are wasted in fear of the time covered by this electional aspect every day is rather beyond imagination. The author has found on numerous occasions that followers of this myth withhold initiation of ceremonies, writing letters, start meetings, travel, purchase / sale etc etc; you name anything. Rather one enters into state of no action during this duration.

DURATION OF RAHU KAAL

Length of Rahu Kaal (as being followed) is 1/8th part (Yamardha) of daytime length. Daytime at the specific place of consideration is length of time from local Sunrise to Sunset. On different weekdays different portions of the daytime are allocated to Rahu Kaal. 2nd Yamardha on Monday, 3rd on Satrurday, 4th on Friday, 5th on Wednesday, 6th on Thursday, 7th on Tuesday, & 8th (last) on Sunday are called Rahu Kaal.

2nd Yamardha on Monday means that after expiry of the first 1/8th part of the daytime, after the local Sunrise, Rahu Kaal starts, & ends at expiry of the second 1/8th part of the local daytime.
Thus if duration of daytime is 12 hours on a specific day at specific locality, & local Sunrise time is at 6.00 S.T. & the Sunset time is 18.00 S.T; duration of the daytime shall be 12 hours. Thus on different weekdays the Rahu Kaal shall be prevailing as following :

Monday : from 07.30 to 09.00 S.T
Saturday : from 09.00 to 10.30 S.T
Friday : from 10.30 to 12.00 S.T
Wednesday : from 12.00 to 13.30 S.T
Thursday : from 13.30 to 15.00 S.T
Tuesday : from 15.00 to 16.30 S.T
Sunday : from 16.30 to 18.00 S.T

The above system is followed by the newspapers & duration of the Rahu Kaal is published for guidance of the users. Local ephemrides also refer the same.

MISTAKE IN CALCULATIONS

The advisors do take fixed duration of the Rahu Kaal as 1 hour & 30 minutes irrespective of the daytime length. They do not calculate this time based on local daytime length. Thus error creeps in & people are misguided. Why proportional length of the daytime length is to be taken, is argued as below :

a) In all the malefic durations due to Gulika, Kulika, Mandi, Muhurt, Vish Ghati etc. with reference to weekdays; calculations are based on length of daytime.

b) Rahu Kaal does not have any effect after the local Sunset time; it is primarily a phenomenon during daytime (even if one has to assume its adverse effects).

c) If duration of daytime on a specific place & weekday is less than 12 hours then, the Rahu Kaal shall extend beyond the local Sunset time. Kindly note that malefic durations of an element of an a daytime nowhere ingresses into nighttime, as their effect ceases to exist after the Sunset; & different set of malefic durations prevail after the Sunset time.

d) Each of the seven planets have their own Upagrahas (sub planets). Kaal, Paridhi, Kantaka (Dhooma), Ardhayama, Yamaghanta, Kodanda & Gulika are Upagrahas of planets counted from the Sun to Saturn. They rule different parts of Yamardhas (1/8th part) of daytime & nighttime. Classical books on electional astrology give their ruling durations during daytime & nighttime. Further during nighttime different Upgrahas rule & during daytime different Upgrahas rule. None of these durations during daytime ingresses nighttime.

AMENDMENT REQUIRED IN RAHU KAAL CALCULATIONS

From the above arguments its clear that the present mode of reckoning Rahu Kaal needs amendment & proportional time based on length of local daytime should be considered, if one has to consider Rahu Kaal.

Example: Rahu Kaal on a Friday having length of daytime as 11h 20m at a place where the Sun rise is at 05h 20m S.T. shall be:
Duration of the Rahu Kaal=(11h 20m) ÷ 8 = 1h 25m
(1/8th part of the day )
Staring moment = (Sun rise time)+
of Rahu Kaal (time of expired Yamardhas )
= (05h 20m) + {(11h 20m) × (4 –1)÷ 8}
= (05h 20m)+ ( 4h 15m ) = 09h 35m S.T.
Ending moment = (09h 35m )+(1h 25m)= 11h 00m S.T.

Thus Rahu Kaal shall prevail from 09.35 S.T. to 11.00 S.T. & not from 09.50 to 11.20 S.T.
(as advised in local newspapers & almanacs).

WHY RAHU KAAL

In the electional treatises each of the seven planets viz. the Sun to Saturn have their Upgrahas (sub planets), & have been allocated their durations during daytime & nighttime separately. But Paat & Upketu which are Upagrahas of Rahu & Ketu (Lunar Nodes) respectively, are not allocated any time during daytime or nighttime. Then why Rahu Kaal – a malefic duration has been subsequently felt to be inducted in electional astrology – which has no reference in treatises.

Mandi & Gulika, both are sons of Saturn & are considered as highly malefic, & their maleficence is compared to that of the Saturn. They are given due importance in natal, horary & electional astrology. Their rising times are considered as highly malefic. Electional treatises do recognise them. Their durations are different from the duration given to Rahu Kaal. They are effective during daytime as well as during nighttime also, but the new element of Rahu Kaal is effective during daytime only – with ruling durations distinct from Mandi & Gulika.

Rahu is given significant importance in the elections of travel, war, litigations, & the like activities. But they are considered in altogether different mode like Jeeva & Mrit Paksha (positions of luminaries in between Rahu & Ketu), Maas Rahu (directions ruled based on Lunar month), Pathik Rahu (dispositions of the luminaries in four sets of asterisms), Khanda Rahu (residence of Rahu in different directions based on the Tithi – Lunar day), Vaar Rahu (directions ruled by Rahu on different weekdays), Yamardha Rahu (directions ruled by Rahu during daytime & nighttime), & Muhurt Rahu (directions ruled by Rahu during different Muhurtas). But nowhere reference of Rahu Kaal has been found in the treatises.

From the above, readers shall draw their own conclusions as to how much misguidance has been provided to them by induction of so called Rahu Kaal. Why to fear from such an element. Why to stop routine & special activities during its currency; & If some self styled innovative astrologers have to be followed then, why not follow its proportional length during daytime.

Aspirants may seek malefic time in election somewhere else & not as attribution of Rahu Kaal.

HELP TO ASPIRANTS

Those aspirants still desire to follow Rahu Kaal, but want to know the exact duration on a specific weekday may log on to website http://www.besttime-astrology.com
On the home page they may click
“ Elections for you – your Muhurtas”
Thereafter may click to any of the cities mentioned there viz, Delhi , Mumbai, Kotkatta, Hyderabad , Banglore.

Thereafter fill in local time of the Sunrise & Sunset against the desired weekday, ignoring entry against under the date

They shall automatically get starting & ending moments of Rahu Kaal for that weekday.

In addition to Rahu Kaal they shall also get starting & ending moments of Yamghanyta Kaal, Abhijin Muhurt & Gulika Kaal.

If they fill in dates & corresponding Sunrise & Sunset timings on various dates , they can take a printout for their records, & can plan their elections / activities accordingly.

The data has been fed for some specific dates & weekdays, which can be used profitably for any other place, but aspirants shall have to fill in local Sunrise & Sunset timings against the desired weekday.

N.B. Anybody may freely print this article on his website or in his news letter provided this courtesy notice and the author name & URL remain intact.
URL http://www.besttime-election.com.

WHEN TO APPROACH AN ELECTIONAL ASTROLOGER
- GUIDANCE IN VEDIC ELECTIONAL ASTROLOGY
…… by V K Shridhar

Only Vedic Electional (Muhurt) astrology is capable to render complete guidance to aspirants as to when & when-not approach an Electional Astrologer. Limited information is available in western astrology, which is still under developing stages.

We have different branches of knowledge; science, history, economics, medicine, …; but none provides us any guidance / clue as to when an important life activity should be initiated so as to ensure highest certainty in its fruition. Here is Vedic Electional astrology (called Muhurt or Muhurtha) – which provides complete guidance to aspirants in their evolution. In this paper the author discusses as to when an aspirant should approach for election & when not.

Western astrology scantly deals with electional astrology. Hebrew astrologers had formulated some rudiments of Electional astrology. About 200 years ago Ben Franklin formed Farmer’s almanac for guidance in agriculture elections. William Ramesey touched some topics of elections. Vivian E. Robson in his book “Electional Astrology” has observed that “… I am filling a serious gap in astrological literature, for no book on Electional Astrology has ever before been published,..” Yet we find a huge numbers of electional astrologers in web sites following western astrology, & professionally guiding the aspirants.

Western astrologers, following Tropical system of astrology, have developed this branch based on Horary astrology & collection of stray references in their primitive astrological books; & are guiding aspirants as per their own astrological skill. On the contrary this branch was fully developed & laid down on Vedic literature & canonical treatises. Rather Vedic literature deals with propitiation & electional astrology, and other branches of Hindu astrology were evolved thereafter there from. It has withstood test of time for the last 5 millenniums. Specialization in different branches of Vedic astrology can be gauged from the fact that the exponents of Vedic Muhurtha, did deal with only this specific branch & did not write treatises on other branches of astrology. Only exception is that the great Acharya Varahmihir touched only one topic of election in traveling. Specialization in different fields of Hindu astrology in the inicient era was the hallmark. It is most regrettable that now-a -days astrologers deal with all branches of astrology, & do render guidance also. There is emergent need for specialist in different fields of astrology.

Aspirants before seeking guidance in electional astrology, may dare to ask one question from his astrologer: how many books on electional astrology he possesses in his library. Has he read about the subject ? The author has met some leading astrologers in the country & has found that there was no book on the subject in their library, still they rendered guidance on events of national importance, what to talk about personal matters.
In Hindu system of astrology, astrology is given status of “eyes of Vedas”, as one can perceive past, present & future through this futurity branch of knowledge; then its most useful branch – Election (Muhurtha) – has a rightful status of “brain”; as certain moments are auspicious / fruitful than other, is known through electional astrology only. And aspirant is rendered guidance to plan birth of life events for fruition of aspirants desires through astrological, spiritual, mundane, environmental omen & sound energies available at the moment of initiation of the selected activity.

Astrology emanates from spiritualism. Thus Vedic system of electional astrology deals exclusively about elections related to spiritual; activities. But simultaneously it also guides the aspirants about his mundane activities. It is essential for an aspirant to know as to when he should approach electional astrologer & when-not.

WHEN ELECTION (MUHURT) IS REQUIRED

Hindu system of Electional (Muhurt) astrology covers all the life activities right from conception to performing of the last rites after death. It also covers some activities on which there is no human control; like puberty & teething; with a view to take precautionary measures in addition to delineating their effects. Like horoscopy deals with only one radical chart at the birth time, Election (Muhurt) deals with figures of the Heaven at each activity conducted by the doer after his birth. Wise men who believe in human effort (Purushartha) & intent to endeavour for the righteous effort at right time, take the benefit of the knowledge blessed by our Sages. The guidance provided by this branch of knowledge is fundamental, & when effectively used along with the sound professional knowledge related to the activity, degree of success & fruition (Siddhi) is almost certainly assured.

Hindu electional astrology since the time immemorial from the birth of the Vedas is being profitably used in Yagyas (ceremony in which oblations are offered) & performing Samskaras (pronounced as Sanskaras - sacraments for purification of the body, mind & soul). None of these rites were thought possible without auspicious Election (Muhurt). Without auspicious Election (Muhurt) they lose their purpose of purification.

By acting on auspicious Election (Muhurt) for conception & Punvasan Samskaras (sanctification of pregnant woman), one can have choice of sex of progeny; safety & health of foetus can be assured through Seemanta Samskar (for health of foetus); warding of evil effects of planets & adverse birth time through Jaatakaram Samskar (for destroying evil effects on newly born); higher level in wisdom, education, wealth & profession is achievable through Vidyaarambh (starting of education) Samskar; longevity, health, disease free life through tonsure Samskar; continuous gain of ornaments & the like through ear boring Samskar; spiritual development & purification through Upanayana Samskar (wearing a scared thread); health & proper medical development through Aanaprashan (first feeding to a child) & first feeding in milk; peace of the departed soul through proper last rites; are achieved on compliance of prescribed Election (Muhurt)
Regarding marriage related activities, one should seek election for engagement, sending invitation cards, solemnizing of marriage, first sexual union & first return of bride to her father’s house; to ensure mutual love, virtuous wife and, felicitous & harmonious married life.

In lot many day to day activities, Election (Muhurt) has its role in achieving higher success through lesser efforts. Measure of pleasure & fruition of the desires are enhanced. Election (Muhurt) has its application in all the times to come including in the present socio-political & religious environments. Head of the state or Prime Minister shall have stable government, trouble free from foreign attacks or victory over enemy, better financial status & overall prosperity through oath / coronation at an auspicious Election (Muhurt); war can be won if started at a selected time; safety & defence of army personnel in wearing of arms in specified election has been recommended; aspirants must join service for betterment of career at properly selected time; good yield, more fruits in starting tilling, sowing, harvesting storing in agriculture can certainly be expected if started at a fortunate time; for early removal of illness specific time has been prescribed for preparation & administration of medicine & taking bath on recovery.

For constructional related activities; starting digging, laying foundation, fixing door frames & entrance gate, entering into house at a pre-determined auspicious time shall ensure safety, welfare, progeny & fortunes to the habitants.
Start of a travel of importance at favourable time for an aspirant shall surely bring success to him; wearing of ornaments & clothes in the prescribed Election (Muhurt) shall lead to prosperity & well being; fast progress, development & profits are assured in new venture & business initiated at felicitous Election (Muhurt). Purchase & sale of animal & their rearing; installation of idol of Gods also require election. Hindu astrology has separate treatises on war & the like activities, in which specific advice is rendered to the aspirant kings.

Generally election is advised for important life activities which have important effect on the life of an aspirant. Since astrology emanates from spiritualism, election is generally selected for auspicious activities, & not immoral / malefic activities like making a theft, deceiving some one, terrorist activities etc.

Now a days only marriage & ‘Jaatakaram’ (for destroying evil effects on newly born) ceremony to are performed with Election (Muhurt) by majority of people, & in some other Samkaras, Election (Muhurt) is followed in some regions of India. The last Antyeshti Samskar (rituals after the death) after death is followed by majority due to social customs & compulsions
The author feels that one of most important election is the first feeding of the child. It lays foundation of strength for the full life span of the child & ensures regular meals served with love, dignity & pleasure – the most sought for blessing by a human being. Importance to this election should be similar to the importance for election related to conception.

WHEN ELECTION (MUHURT) IS NOT REQUIRED

Election (Muhurt / Muhurtha) has emanated from Vedas, Shaastras, Puraanas, Shrutis, Smritis, scriptures, and other canonical, religious & mythological holy books. Thus religious dictums have precedence over the astrological aphorisms. Social environment & customs in which a native lives has over-riding importance over the religious instructions / dictums. Thus customs followed from time to time in family, society & country should also be given due weightage while deciding an election.

In the matters of daily routine & the activities performed daily, do not require Election (Muhurt). Like a person who daily shaves, need not follow Election (Muhurt) but shall do better to avoid after-noon & malefic days like Tuesday & Saturday, especially night-time. Special relaxations are made in certain elections like in shaving & hair cutting which can be done even on inauspicious day during pilgrimage, annual Sharadh (oblation to dead) of parents, before sexual union, on drinking, for servants of the king, artists taking part in plays & cinematography, on order of Brahmin or king, Deeksha related to Yagya, Agnayadhan, marriage, on death of parents, coming out of prison, during 10 days after birth & death (Janma & Maran Ashaucha) & by widows.

Like a person who has to travel urgently without having time to consult ephemeris or astrologer, he may travel to meet the exigencies like performance of death rites, to attend marriage & the like rites, on hearing obituary news. But can certainly eat, touch, donate or think of the specific items to facilitate the journey. maleficence (Doshas) in travel are not applicable in journeys performed in war, famine, natural calamities, attack, curse of king etc.

A bank or a commercial organisation engaged in daily transactions of crediting, debiting & lending money or sale purchase, may not conduct all the activities in Election (Muhurt), but should certainly avoid lending money to specific person on a malefic day or Wednesday or without Election (Muhurt) when a significant big deal is made.

When election for a major event is selected then, it is not required for other related activities. Like in election for marriage, there is no need for separate election for starting travel for marriage, decoration or beautification of the bride.

First dating may require election but not the subsequent ones.

Trifling matters like taking & receiving gifts, daily / routine visit to place of worship, writing routine letters, purchase of routine domestic letters, washing of clothes, joining a party & celebrations etc. etc. letters

ADVISORY ROLE IN ELECTIONAL ASTROLOGY

In addition to prescribing opportune / auspicious time for initiating an activity, the electional branch of Hindu astrology also advises / warns the doers about the prohibited periods for various activities. It also delineates about the adverse effects when specific activity is performed during malefic / inauspicious/ prohibited time.

In addition to prescribing different remedial measures on birth in inauspicious periods; other natural phenomenon like puberty has been very extensively dealt with, along with remedial measures, if it happens on an unfortunate time. Sages have conveyed that in female horoscopy in addition to radical chart delineations, fortune & virtues in a female are indicated from the time of her puberty, engagement, & first sexual union (Nisheka). Indeed the last three acts can be well controlled (made fortunate) through the knowledge; to inculcate virtues to have felicitous married life & to bring fortunes in females’ lives.

Matching of horoscopes of couple for felicity in marriage, relations between two individuals, selection of place or locality for habitation, suitability of certain facets of architecture of house etc. are some of the life activities where knowledge of Muhurt plays a guiding role.

It also guides as to when the remedial measures like fast, donations, ritual bath, Yagyas, Homas (oblations) are to be performed for their maximum effects. When to learn & recite mantras, (Japa, Tapa) are covered in this knowledge. Detailed prescriptions have been made to take medicinal baths to ward off evil effect of planets in transit & eclipses. References have also been made to gem therapy & propitiations for portents & omens. The core concept of the Hindu Muhurt Gian (electional prudence) is to donate Prakash (enlighten) to an aspirant enable him conduct all his life activities at the appropriate moments assuring him achievement of Siddhis(fruition).

-----------------------------------------------------------

V K Shridhar is author of compendium on Vedic Muhurt astrology title “Hindu Electional Astrology”. E-mail : besttime.astrology@gmail.com.

Readers may log on to
http://www.besttime-election.com
for details

N.B.
This article can be reproduced any where as it is without any deletions or amendments

WHEN TO APPROACH AN ELECTIONAL ASTROLOGER
- GUIDANCE IN VEDIC ELECTIONAL ASTROLOGY
…… by V K Shridhar

Only Vedic Electional (Muhurt) astrology is capable to render complete guidance to aspirants as to when & when-not approach an Electional Astrologer. Limited information is available in western astrology, which is still under developing stages.
We have different branches of knowledge; science, history, economics, medicine, …; but none provides us any guidance / clue as to when an important life activity should be initiated so as to ensure highest certainty in its fruition. Here is Vedic Electional astrology (called Muhurt or Muhurtha) – which provides complete guidance to aspirants in their evolution. In this paper the author discusses as to when an aspirant should approach for election & when not.

Western astrology scantly deals with electional astrology. Hebrew astrologers had formulated some rudiments of Electional astrology. About 200 years ago Ben Franklin formed Farmer’s almanac for guidance in agriculture elections. William Ramesey touched some topics of elections. Vivian E. Robson in his book “Electional Astrology” has observed that “… I am filling a serious gap in astrological literature, for no book on Electional Astrology has ever before been published,..” Yet we find a huge numbers of electional astrologers in web sites following western astrology, & professionally guiding the aspirants.

Western astrologers, following Tropical system of astrology, have developed this branch based on Horary astrology & collection of stray references in their primitive astrological books; & are guiding aspirants as per their own astrological skill. On the contrary this branch was fully developed & laid down on Vedic literature & canonical treatises. Rather Vedic literature deals with propitiation & electional astrology, and other branches of Hindu astrology were evolved thereafter there from. It has withstood test of time for the last 5 millenniums. Specialization in different branches of Vedic astrology can be gauged from the fact that the exponents of Vedic Muhurtha, did deal with only this specific branch & did not write treatises on other branches of astrology. Only exception is that the great Acharya Varahmihir touched only one topic of election in traveling. Specialization in different fields of Hindu astrology in the inicient era was the hallmark. It is most regrettable that now-a -days astrologers deal with all branches of astrology, & do render guidance also. There is emergent need for specialist in different fields of astrology.

Aspirants before seeking guidance in electional astrology, may dare to ask one question from his astrologer: how many books on electional astrology he possesses in his library. Has he read about the subject ? The author has met some leading astrologers in the country & has found that there was no book on the subject in their library, still they rendered guidance on events of national importance, what to talk about personal matters.
In Hindu system of astrology, astrology is given status of “eyes of Vedas”, as one can perceive past, present & future through this futurity branch of knowledge; then its most useful branch – Election (Muhurtha) – has a rightful status of “brain”; as certain moments are auspicious / fruitful than other, is known through electional astrology only. And aspirant is rendered guidance to plan birth of life events for fruition of aspirants desires through astrological, spiritual, mundane, environmental omen & sound energies available at the moment of initiation of the selected activity.

Astrology emanates from spiritualism. Thus Vedic system of electional astrology deals exclusively about elections related to spiritual; activities. But simultaneously it also guides the aspirants about his mundane activities. It is essential for an aspirant to know as to when he should approach electional astrologer & when-not.

WHEN ELECTION (MUHURT) IS REQUIRED

Hindu system of Electional (Muhurt) astrology covers all the life activities right from conception to performing of the last rites after death. It also covers some activities on which there is no human control; like puberty & teething; with a view to take precautionary measures in addition to delineating their effects. Like horoscopy deals with only one radical chart at the birth time, Election (Muhurt) deals with figures of the Heaven at each activity conducted by the doer after his birth. Wise men who believe in human effort (Purushartha) & intent to endeavour for the righteous effort at right time, take the benefit of the knowledge blessed by our Sages. The guidance provided by this branch of knowledge is fundamental, & when effectively used along with the sound professional knowledge related to the activity, degree of success & fruition (Siddhi) is almost certainly assured.

Hindu electional astrology since the time immemorial from the birth of the Vedas is being profitably used in Yagyas (ceremony in which oblations are offered) & performing Samskaras (pronounced as Sanskaras - sacraments for purification of the body, mind & soul). None of these rites were thought possible without auspicious Election (Muhurt). Without auspicious Election (Muhurt) they lose their purpose of purification.

By acting on auspicious Election (Muhurt) for conception & Punvasan Samskaras (sanctification of pregnant woman), one can have choice of sex of progeny; safety & health of foetus can be assured through Seemanta Samskar (for health of foetus); warding of evil effects of planets & adverse birth time through Jaatakaram Samskar (for destroying evil effects on newly born); higher level in wisdom, education, wealth & profession is achievable through Vidyaarambh (starting of education) Samskar; longevity, health, disease free life through tonsure Samskar; continuous gain of ornaments & the like through ear boring Samskar; spiritual development & purification through Upanayana Samskar (wearing a scared thread); health & proper medical development through Aanaprashan (first feeding to a child) & first feeding in milk; peace of the departed soul through proper last rites; are achieved on compliance of prescribed Election (Muhurt)
Regarding marriage related activities, one should seek election for engagement, sending invitation cards, solemnizing of marriage, first sexual union & first return of bride to her father’s house; to ensure mutual love, virtuous wife and, felicitous & harmonious married life.

In lot many day to day activities, Election (Muhurt) has its role in achieving higher success through lesser efforts. Measure of pleasure & fruition of the desires are enhanced. Election (Muhurt) has its application in all the times to come including in the present socio-political & religious environments. Head of the state or Prime Minister shall have stable government, trouble free from foreign attacks or victory over enemy, better financial status & overall prosperity through oath / coronation at an auspicious Election (Muhurt); war can be won if started at a selected time; safety & defence of army personnel in wearing of arms in specified election has been recommended; aspirants must join service for betterment of career at properly selected time; good yield, more fruits in starting tilling, sowing, harvesting storing in agriculture can certainly be expected if started at a fortunate time; for early removal of illness specific time has been prescribed for preparation & administration of medicine & taking bath on recovery.

For constructional related activities; starting digging, laying foundation, fixing door frames & entrance gate, entering into house at a pre-determined auspicious time shall ensure safety, welfare, progeny & fortunes to the habitants.
Start of a travel of importance at favourable time for an aspirant shall surely bring success to him; wearing of ornaments & clothes in the prescribed Election (Muhurt) shall lead to prosperity & well being; fast progress, development & profits are assured in new venture & business initiated at felicitous Election (Muhurt). Purchase & sale of animal & their rearing; installation of idol of Gods also require election. Hindu astrology has separate treatises on war & the like activities, in which specific advice is rendered to the aspirant kings.

Generally election is advised for important life activities which have important effect on the life of an aspirant. Since astrology emanates from spiritualism, election is generally selected for auspicious activities, & not immoral / malefic activities like making a theft, deceiving some one, terrorist activities etc.

Now a days only marriage & ‘Jaatakaram’ (for destroying evil effects on newly born) ceremony to are performed with Election (Muhurt) by majority of people, & in some other Samkaras, Election (Muhurt) is followed in some regions of India. The last Antyeshti Samskar (rituals after the death) after death is followed by majority due to social customs & compulsions
The author feels that one of most important election is the first feeding of the child. It lays foundation of strength for the full life span of the child & ensures regular meals served with love, dignity & pleasure – the most sought for blessing by a human being. Importance to this election should be similar to the importance for election related to conception.

WHEN ELECTION (MUHURT) IS NOT REQUIRED

Election (Muhurt / Muhurtha) has emanated from Vedas, Shaastras, Puraanas, Shrutis, Smritis, scriptures, and other canonical, religious & mythological holy books. Thus religious dictums have precedence over the astrological aphorisms. Social environment & customs in which a native lives has over-riding importance over the religious instructions / dictums. Thus customs followed from time to time in family, society & country should also be given due weightage while deciding an election.

In the matters of daily routine & the activities performed daily, do not require Election (Muhurt). Like a person who daily shaves, need not follow Election (Muhurt) but shall do better to avoid after-noon & malefic days like Tuesday & Saturday, especially night-time. Special relaxations are made in certain elections like in shaving & hair cutting which can be done even on inauspicious day during pilgrimage, annual Sharadh (oblation to dead) of parents, before sexual union, on drinking, for servants of the king, artists taking part in plays & cinematography, on order of Brahmin or king, Deeksha related to Yagya, Agnayadhan, marriage, on death of parents, coming out of prison, during 10 days after birth & death (Janma & Maran Ashaucha) & by widows.

Like a person who has to travel urgently without having time to consult ephemeris or astrologer, he may travel to meet the exigencies like performance of death rites, to attend marriage & the like rites, on hearing obituary news. But can certainly eat, touch, donate or think of the specific items to facilitate the journey. maleficence (Doshas) in travel are not applicable in journeys performed in war, famine, natural calamities, attack, curse of king etc.

A bank or a commercial organisation engaged in daily transactions of crediting, debiting & lending money or sale purchase, may not conduct all the activities in Election (Muhurt), but should certainly avoid lending money to specific person on a malefic day or Wednesday or without Election (Muhurt) when a significant big deal is made.

When election for a major event is selected then, it is not required for other related activities. Like in election for marriage, there is no need for separate election for starting travel for marriage, decoration or beautification of the bride.

First dating may require election but not the subsequent ones.

Trifling matters like taking & receiving gifts, daily / routine visit to place of worship, writing routine letters, purchase of routine domestic letters, washing of clothes, joining a party & celebrations etc. etc. letters

ADVISORY ROLE IN ELECTIONAL ASTROLOGY

In addition to prescribing opportune / auspicious time for initiating an activity, the electional branch of Hindu astrology also advises / warns the doers about the prohibited periods for various activities. It also delineates about the adverse effects when specific activity is performed during malefic / inauspicious/ prohibited time.

In addition to prescribing different remedial measures on birth in inauspicious periods; other natural phenomenon like puberty has been very extensively dealt with, along with remedial measures, if it happens on an unfortunate time. Sages have conveyed that in female horoscopy in addition to radical chart delineations, fortune & virtues in a female are indicated from the time of her puberty, engagement, & first sexual union (Nisheka). Indeed the last three acts can be well controlled (made fortunate) through the knowledge; to inculcate virtues to have felicitous married life & to bring fortunes in females’ lives.

Matching of horoscopes of couple for felicity in marriage, relations between two individuals, selection of place or locality for habitation, suitability of certain facets of architecture of house etc. are some of the life activities where knowledge of Muhurt plays a guiding role.

It also guides as to when the remedial measures like fast, donations, ritual bath, Yagyas, Homas (oblations) are to be performed for their maximum effects. When to learn & recite mantras, (Japa, Tapa) are covered in this knowledge. Detailed prescriptions have been made to take medicinal baths to ward off evil effect of planets in transit & eclipses. References have also been made to gem therapy & propitiations for portents & omens. The core concept of the Hindu Muhurt Gian (electional prudence) is to donate Prakash (enlighten) to an aspirant enable him conduct all his life activities at the appropriate moments assuring him achievement of Siddhis(fruition).

-----------------------------------------------------------

V K Shridhar is author of compendium on Vedic Muhurt astrology title “Hindu Electional Astrology”. E-mail : besttime.astrology@gmail.com

N.B.
This article can be reproduced any where as it is without any deletions or amendments.

Readers may log on to
http://www.besttime-election.com
for details