Scholar finds new meaning in universe through astrology

In the early 1500s, Nicolas Copernicus discovered that the Earth revolves around the sun.
Copernicus was a Catholic Church official, as well as a scientist. He felt the discovery to be holy, showing that God had created human beings to His great glory, able to use divinely-given abilities to see His patterns and purposes — the soul of the universe.
To Copernicus, and people for thousands of years before him, the world and all creation were part of a holy and mystical oneness.
It took a long time for Copernicus' heliocentric idea to become commonly accepted, even by the scientists of his day.
Once his idea was accepted, though, human minds and the world's soul began to separate.
Except for mystics, people forgot that sense of oneness. As humans began to make more and more discoveries, we began to feel more and more like the center of the universe.
By the 1700 and 1800s, when human reason was almost enshrined as a god, we had lost the sense that our discoveries were a part of a divine plan, and we felt that our minds and abilities were the apex of creation.
We were the supreme subjects, observing and acting upon objects (meaning everything else in the universe). Even God became completely Other, a transcendent force or being to which believers related, but not something that was simply present in all existence.
The first half of the 20th century, with its wars, atomic holocaust and destruction of millions of innocent people, made us feel even more alone. "Meaning" itself seemed a meaningless term. In terms of our world view — our universe view — we modern and post-modern folk have been strangers in a strange cosmos.
Now, a respected scholar is telling us our alienation is of our own creation, and that the universe actually does have meaning.
Richard Tarnas, a cultural historian best known for his book "The Passion of the Western Mind," argues persuasively that the old idea of the universe having a soul is true. We (and everything else) are a part of it, just as the ancients knew.
In his new book "Cosmos and Psyche," Tarnas makes a detailed argument for astrology as a tool for understanding the interdependence of our world and the rest of the universe.
Yes! Astrology.
Not sun signs or newspaper horoscopes, but astrology of the very old school, harking back to the Babylonians and Egyptians. This scholar of excellent repute is risking his reputation on the radical argument that a complex practice of astrology can be our key to re-finding meaning and holiness/wholeness in all that is.
Atheist humanists, devout believers and all sorts of people in between, are apt to be skeptical upon first hearing of Tarnas' approach
But there is a lot at stake here; the reclaiming of holy inter-connectedness itself. Can we do less than approach this scholar's work with an open mind?
Let us read "Cosmos and Psyche" and listen to Tarnas speak. Let us remember that the ho-hum idea that our earth circles the sun was once considered stupid, not worth even arguing about.
It is possible that we are approaching a great turning point in our understanding of ourselves, the rest of earthly creation, the universe and the Holy.
It is possible that the mystics have always been right: All is one, and we can find fulfilling, responsible spirituality in our sense of connectedness.

How to Be a Great Astrologer:

Book Review
The Planetary Aspects Explained by James Braha

I openly admire astrologer James Braha. Having studied astrology since I was eight years old, I have read several hundred astrology books over these last decades and when you do this, certain things emerge. Some books stand out, and in some cases it's the writer that captures your attention, for good or ill.
I like a variety of astrologer authors for a variety of reasons. I like some writers because they are concise to the point of cutting. Others are funny. Others impress with the sheer breadth of their knowledge, others with their humility, but with all this, I consider James Braha to be in his own class. And the thing that kills me is I am pretty sure a lot of western astrologers are unfamiliar with his books.
They are unfamiliar because Braha identifies himself as a Hindu or Vedic astrologer and I think that might turn the average western astrologer towards another book on the shelf, which is too bad, because odds are it's going to be inferior.
The other problem with these books getting out is the way they're titled. James Braha is not a flashy person. He is not going to write How to Spot A Bastard By His Sun Sign! My impression is that he is a subtle, spiritual man in service. The kind of person who would lay his book on a bench and hope it found its audience.
This is not obvious by the book cover. Take his most excellent offering, How To Be A Great Astrologer. If you see this book on the shelf, what do you think it is? Would it occur to you that it is one of the best books on astrological aspects on the market? Probably not. Would you think that he thinks he is a great astrologer and you should be too? Maybe.
But if read Braha's stuff you'll find this is not what he is up to. He is trying to help astrologers. He writes in total service to astrologers and to astrology and humanity in general.
What he wants is for astrologers to be great! And reading him, it's quickly apparent he means to serve and assist by offering the very best information he has, and the way he does this is magical. Braha has one of those kinds of pens; reading one of his books is like getting a massage! When you put the thing down, you just want to go around again. You want to reschedule. You want to read another book!
Remember, he's a Hindu astrologer, which gives a nuance to his writing. His perspective, while completely accessible to the Western astrologer, does have an exotic but very pleasant flavor. But overwhelmingly it is the heart of the man, and the care he takes with his work, that comes through.
So if you want good, concise information on the aspects (Western astrology) delivered in a way that is simultaneously ethereal and grounded, check out How To Be A Great Astrologer: The Planetary Aspect Explained by James Braha. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

RUDRAKSHA

In sanskrit, the word Rudraksha consists with words of 'RUDRA' and 'AKSHA'
in which Rudra denotes to Lord Shiva and aksha refers to tear. It is believed that when Lord Shiva was in his deep meditation, a drop of tear fell of his eye which grew into the devine fruit, that is Rudraksha. It is also said that one who wear this devine fruit achieves eternal blessing and is deemed closest to Lord Shiva himself. Rudraksha is mainly found in Nepal and Java Sumatra Island, and found one face(Mukhi) to fourteen face and an unique kind is called GAURI SHANKAR.

One MuKhi

Sun or Surya the center of the Solar system around which all the planets revolve represents one mukhi. It controls the maleficeffects of Sun and cure diseases of the right eye, head, ear, bowel and bones. Psychologically the confidence, charisma, leadership qualities and prosperity of the person increase as the Sun is pleased with the wearer.The most sought after Rudraksh. These are extremely rare and are one of the most costly Rudraksh beads. A one mukhi Rudraksh can bring you immense power, wealth, luxuries, fame, massive confidence boost and spiritual enrichment. This bead often carries an auspicious sign of signifying a connection with Lord Shiva. This is the best among all other Rudraksh seed. This is the mother of all other forms of Rudraksh. These gives all the worldly pleasures and then helps one attain perfection in after life. It is said that where one faced Rudraksh is worshipped, that place is always full of riches and goddess Lakshmi has special grace on such places. This is the symbol of lord Rudra. It bestows all prosperity on the devotees. Such a Rudraksh is obtained by the grace of Lord Rudra only.Represents Lord Shiva and its possessor is blessed with divine powers of Lord Shiva. The possessor of this rare Rudraksh is blessed with unexpected wealth, and all his desires are fulfilled. It is capable to cure the chronic asthma and TB.
THE MANTRA FOR WEARING ONE FACED RUDRAKSH
OM RUDRA EK VAKTRASYA OM HREEM NAMAH

Mahamritunjaya Mantra

This Mahamritunjaya mantra is from the Rig-Veda which is the greatest work of Maharishi Vashistha.. Anybody can recite this mantra and attain good health, release from bondage and other problems. This is the greatest reliever from all evils and can be recited at any time. It should be recited preferably for forty days both in the morning and evening, after lighting a jyoti and sitting on a woolen asana while facing east. Recite the Maha-mantra 108 times (one rosary) or its multiples in each sitting. Before commencing the Mahamritunjaya mantra recite the following small prayer to the everlasting spirit of the Maharishi for his blessings and guidance.
OM SUCHIRMARKAIR BRIHASPATIM ADHVARESHU NAMASYATAH
(21 Times)
We pray to Brihaspati (the Lord of this Universe and teacher of Vedic Knowledge), whose wishes are sacred,
for good thoughts

VYAM VASHISHTHAYA NAMAH
(21 Times)
This is the prayer to Maharishi Vashistha (whose Holy Spirit is Total and Universal).
The initiated should practice the Pranayama ten times with the Beejakshara Mantra "OM HOUM JUM SAH". Others can skip this and go to the Maha-mantra directly.

This is to be followed by the Dhyana Mantra (Meditation) of Sri Tryambakeswara (One of the twelve Jyotirlinga) and then meditate on Sri Tryambakeshwara (Lord Shiva) and Sri Amriteshwari (Gouri or Parvati Shakti) with the relevant beejakshara and Rudra Pooja. Meditate for at least 15 Minutes before starting the Japa (Recitation of Mantra).
Then repeat the following Mahamritunjaya mantra 108 times or multiples of this number. The Mahamritunjaya Mantra reads:
OM
TRYAMBAKKAM YAJAMAHE SUGANDHIM
PUSTIVARDHANAM URVAROOKAMEVA BANDANAAN
MRITYORMOKSHEEYA MAAMRITAAT.

Mantra Meaning:-
TRYAMBAKKAM
Refers to the Three eyes of Lord Shiva. 'Trya' means 'Three' and Ambakam' means eyes. These three eyes or sources of enlightenment are the Trimurti or three primary deities, namely Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva and the three 'AMBA' (also meaning Mother or Shakti' are Saraswati, Lakshmi and Gouri. Thus in this word, we are referring to God as Omniscient (Brahma), Omnipresent (Vishnu) and Omnipotent (Shiva).
YAJAMAHE
Means, "We sing to praise".
SUGANDHIM
Refers to His fragrance (of knowledge, presence and strength i.e. three aspects).
PUSTIVARDHANAM
Pooshan refers to Him Brahma Creator.
URVAAROKAMEVA
'URVA' means "VISHAL" or big and powerful . 'AAROOKAM' means 'Disease'. Thus URVAROOKA means deadly and overpowering diseases.
BANDANAAM
Means bound down.
MRITYORMOOKSHEYA
Means to deliver us from death (both premature deaths in this Physical world and from the never-ending cycle of deaths due to re-birth) for the sake of Mokshya (Nirvana or final release from re-birth).
MAAMRITAAT
Means 'please give me some Amritam(life rejuvenating nectar).

Nepali System Of Prediction

According to Nepali Jyotish if Any Evil Planet is in Lagna fall down from hight in childhood.Again Rahu & sun fatal to father, with mars fatal to mother, Saturn & Venus fatal to uncle. Sun & Moon suffers from spouse.If any Evil Planets is in 2nd & 6th house, he will die in foreign land. If Sun is in 2nd house snake bite & Saturn dog bite.Generally in astrology, 3rd house represent brothers & sister, but Chahake Jyotish counts 8th house for sister. If Rahu is in 8t house, his/her sister will be widow in short period of marriage.Again any Evil planet is Exalted on 8th house & aspects another malefic planets, he/she should take responsibilities of unmarried sister or due to their widowhood. Again in astrology, 5th house represent son & daughter. But in Chahake Jyotish 11th house for daughter. If there is any evil planets he/she will suffer from them. Saturn causes disabled, Rahu widowhood & mars sperate from husband.According to Chahake Jyotish to know which direction he/she will get married, add birth Tithi day, Nekchetra & divide it by 9, is reminder is 1-east, 2-south, 3-west 4-north, 5-agneya, 6-nairetya, 7-vayavya & 8-ishan and reminder is-0 own place.If Saturn Rahu or Ketu is 7th from Sun, he/she will get marred with older person.Again we can know the family member of his/her spouse, by adding Lagna & 3rd house, if Saturn, Rahu or Ketu aspects, take half of above number & if sun or mars subtrat-1.Again to know where persons lives, if 4th house is moveable sign near a main road, dual sign by crossing two roads. To know which direction is main Entrance of house, add Lagna & 9th house. Is the number is greater than 12, deduct 12 & reminder will do 1-Aries East face, 2- Taurus south face, 3-gemini west face & so on.If sun & Rahu is in 2nd imprisonment. If 6th house is dual sign, there is the witch right direction of his/her place. Again if the lord of kendra is in 6th or 12th, witch is left direction from his/her place.Is Rahu is which in 6th house danger from wild animals.If Saturn or sun in 8th danger from water. Again if the lord of 8th is with saturn die through drowning. If Rahu die on accident, Venus falling from height.If Venus or Moon is in 8th lose daughter.In transit if Rahu or Ketu passes by 4th or 10 house he/she will separate from parents. Again Saturn passes from 5th fatal to father. If any evil planets passes from 6th or 12 court case, If Ketu passes from 6th house persons meet accident & will hospitalize.Rahu passes from 6th will be fatal to mother. If Jupiter passes from 7th house, person will sell his property & face government case. Saturn passed from 7th his partner will deceive. If Rahu & Ketu is in kendra there is evil spirit in his/her house.