The planets in the Universe have a fixed direction for revolution. But there are times when certain planets APPEAR to move in opposite direction or backwards in the sky. This back and forth movement of planets is actually out of question because of the proven fact that they revolve in fixed orbits, and it can be owed to the relative motion of the earth that the planets seem to move backwards at certain times. The apparent backward motion in the Zodiac of such planets when decreasing in longitude as viewed from the Earth is termed as Retrograde Motion and the planet is then known as Retrograde Planet. It can be compared to the effect of a slow-moving car as viewed from another car traveling parallel to it but at a higher speed, wherein the slower car appears to be moving backwards. However, in the case of the celestial bodies it is not a matter of their actual speed of travel, but of the rate at which they change their angular relationship.

Out of all planets, Sun and Moon at no time are retrograde. They are always in direct motion. Except for these two the rest of the planets, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn change their proper motion through the Zodiac periodically and appear to move backwards. After some time they resume their direct motion. On the other hands, the two imaginary planets or lunar nodes, Rahu (North Node) and Ketu (South Node) are always in retrograde motion. Pluto, Neptune and Uranus also go through the retrograde motion along with Venus, Mercury, Jupiter, Mars and Saturn but are not considered much in Vedic astrology.

In astrology, a planet in retrograde motion has special significance because of its ability to provide a visible benefic or malefic result. The effects that the planets produces when in retrograde motion are far different than the ones they exert while moving directly. A retrograde planet becomes more powerful. It also gives some unusual results and sometimes in the reverse order in the timing of effects etc. When a planet is retrograde it is marked in the horoscope with the mark ‘R’ in front of its position in chart.

Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Mars and Saturn turn retrograde at regular intervals. They generally move direct, then for a time period they (appear to) slow down and seem stationary for a long time (Stationary retrograde). At this time their powers are at their highest. Then they move retrograde, giving erratic and more prominent effects. After a particular time span, they again seem to slow down and seem to be stationary (stationary direct). Then they once again acquire a direct motion.

Whenever a planet starts in a motion other than the normal course, it yields unusual effects as well. In general, the fields ruled by these planets suffer the major influence. The most important thing to notice and remember is that in most of the cases, the retrograde planet does not mean a change in its functional nature for a native Which means that if a positive planet goes retrograde in a horoscope, it will still show positive results and if a negative planet goes retrograde in a horoscope, it will still show negative results. However there are some changes which a planet undergoes when it goes retrograde in a horoscope and these changes are usually regarding some of the characteristics of the retrograde planet and not the overall nature of the planet.

For example, during Mercury retrograde one faces communication hazards, during Mars retrograde Accidents due to rashness will be enhanced and so on. Hence, each planetary retrogression should be considered as a time to be cautious, and to consider things from a different viewpoint.

So let’s try to understand the changes which are signified when different planets go retrograde.

Mercury is the planet that rules communication and thinking. Retrograde Mercury usually signifies changes with speech abilities, hindrances in communication and decision making abilities. Mercury goes in retrograde motion about three times a year for three weeks of time period each. If Mercury is retrograde in the horoscope itself, it can indicate mental sufferings and anxieties in the case it’s negatively placed. If mercury is well placed, it bestows a brilliant mind. Whatever the case, the result is not `Usual`. Mercury usually shows positive or negative results as decided by the other factors in a horoscope.

Venus retrogression is related to luxuries in life, as well as our relationships with near and dear ones. If the transit of Venus is in retrograde motion, we should be thoughtful about all the relationships we are living, and the way we relate to others. It is the time to be watchful, as it is a period for strong emotional ups and downs. If Venus is retrograde in the natal chart, it can indicate emotional and material difficulties, in case its badly placed. If it’s well placed, it indicates extreme emotional attractions and repulsions. The result will always be a far cry from normal.

Mars retrogression is a high time to control and channelize our energy and drive, and prevent it from getting out of hand. A retrograde Mars in a horoscope usually signifies an excess of energy within the native and the native may not know what to do with this energy at times. It is important to notice that a retrograde Mars possesses far more energy than a forward moving Mars and it is capable of producing results of higher quantum and intensity.

When Jupiter, the planet of growth and expansion is in retrogression, a lot many projects that were due for expansion and launch may get delayed, or stop altogether. A retrograde Jupiter usually produces positive or negative results with a delay compared to a forward moving Jupiter. When Jupiter is retrograde in the natal chart, either it makes the person too fickle & vain or it gives unusual heights of knowledge and wisdom to the individual.

Saturn is the one planet which actually causes concerns when it goes retrograde is none other than the most feared planet in Vedic astrology, the Saturn itself. This retrogression period can cause unexpected delays and interruptions. The period usually lasts for 4 and half months, during which many feel frustrated and unable to handle hurdles. In individual horoscope, the house that occupied by Saturn will see the effect of retrogression, i.e. that aspect of the life will get affected, along with the general malefic effect. This is the only planet which does show negativity when it goes retrograde in a horoscope, even if it is otherwise positive in a horoscope.

To summarize, all retrograde planets except Saturn change some of their characteristics and otherwise keep on working positively or negatively as decided by the other factors in a horoscope, while in case of retrograde Saturn, mild to serious negative effects can be experienced, even if it is otherwise working positive in a horoscope.

Sanjeev Verma

Sanjeev Verma
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www.tunedtothrive.com
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“Beej Mantra” is a combination of two words “Beej” and “Mantra”. “Beej” is a seed which when sown grows into a fruitful tree, whereas “Mantra” is an invocation that produces a set of vibration in the surrounding atmosphere. Thus “Beej Mantra” can be defined as sound vibrations which when performed with full faith results into a fountain of Shakti or Powerful energy.

It is an interesting fact to know that in 360 degrees of Cosmic Universe there are 108 sound vibrations which are always active. These vibrations are an active constituent of not only the cosmic universe but also every individual is born with these sound vibrations which we also call as Beej mantras. There can be up to seven of them having the power to affect different aspects of our life like health, wealth, relationships etc. These Beej mantras are different for each Individual.

In order to create a harmony between an individual and the cosmic universe one needs to connect with it through these vibrations only. This synchronization with the cosmic universe can take place either through deeper and higher levels of meditation or by knowing our own sound vibrations or Beej mantras and chanting them and becoming one with them.

Beej mantras given or identified are for the purpose of matching cosmic sound vibration and the vibration of the person with which he or she is born. Once we have identified our own sound vibrations and we start chanting that sound over and again, each sound goes in the cosmic universe and hits at least one of the 108 sound vibrations which is same as itself and harmony takes place. The harmony between the individual and the Cosmic vibrations results in the overall prosperity and well being of an individual, be it in terms of health, wealth, relationships or any other aspect of an individual’s life.

I have noticed that the Beej mantras normally given are matching the mind vibrations only. But there can be Beejas for every aspect of our physical and spiritual existence.

By repeating these Beej Mantars one can create harmony with any aspect of life. Essentially it would tune your vibrations to match the cosmic vibrations to lead a thriving life. I have been researching and experimenting on the Beej Mantras for quite a long time And found them to be extremely effective and life transforming.

The best way to find out one’s seed sound or alphabet is by making a birth chart. A Seed Mantra is combination of three words “ OM—your seed sound—Namah. For example if your seed sound is Li then your mantra would be “Om Lim Namah”.

OM (pronounced AUM) is the most important of all mantras. All mantras generally begin and often also end with OM. OM is the mantra of assent and energizes whatever we say after it. That is why all mantras begin with OM. OM is also the mantra of ascent and causes our energy to rise upward into the infinite.

Individual seed sound It both calls the divine down into us and offers our soul upward to the Divine for transformation.

Namah is to bow to the energy of the mantra and thanking it.

There can be up to seven seed mantra for an individual depends on the birth chart. There is one base mantra which is for material and spiritual uplift and there are mantras which are for improving or creating harmony in particular aspect of life like health, wealth, relationships etc.

Sanjeev Verma
www.sanjeevsv.com
www.tunedtothrive.com
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This year’s winter solstice will coincide with a full lunar eclipse in a union this Tuesday.

The winter solstice occurs exactly when the Earth’s axial tilt is farthest away from the sun and the Sun’s daily maximum position in the sky is the lowest. The winter solstice lasts only a second but it is also a turning point and referred as to the first day of winter. In Northern Hemisphere it is the shortest day, and longest night. From this point on there is gradual lengthening of days and shortening of nights. This year 2010 the winter solstice is of more significance because it is coinciding with lunar eclipse after 456 Years. This year it occurs on December 21 in the Northern Hemisphere.

A full lunar eclipse can occur only when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are aligned exactly and when the moon passes behind the earth so that the earth is in the middle and blocks the sun’s rays to reach the moon. It is possible only on a full moon night. “Scientifically it is proven that there is connection between the movement of the moon and water. As we all know high tides and low tides in a sea are connected with Moon’s transit in the sky. We human beings are at least 70% water and contain same amount of salt in proportion as an ocean. Lunar eclipse is bound to have a chemical reaction on us who can lead to physical, emotional and intellectual disturbances. It can effect us at Mind, Body and Soul level but only temporarily. It is just a passing phase in the scheme of space and time.”

The spiritual significance of winter solstice is that it is the rebirth of the Sun which means change of energy. A renewed energy can be noticed in all aspects of life. The spiritual significance of the eclipse is that ignorance has eclipsed our minds and self knowledge but it is temporary and passing phase. This eclipse will pass and the shine and glory of Moon will be back.

It’s a cosmic play of transformation from darkness into light.

In Indian Astrology when there is a moon eclipse…The Indian astrology says that there are two enemies of the moon. In the mythology, the moon is a person, a god, and he has two enemies: one is Rahu which is the North node and the other is Ketu which is the south node. When the moon eclipse happens, it happens because Rahu and Ketu catch hold of the moon. They try to shadow it permanently but each time the moon escapes from their grip.

In astrology moon represents mind, feelings, imagination, masses etc. It has normally being noticed that before any lunar eclipse masses are suffering under stress. There is fear in the minds of individuals. Creativity goes down and negative imaginations take over. There is a general insecurity. But one thing is to be kept in mind that shadow is not real so all the fears and insecurities are also unreal. The good news is that things get much better after the eclipse and a sense of security is restored in masses. According to Vedas cosmic female energy is very potent during the eclipse and suggests doing prayers to get the maximum benefits.

The eclipse will start just after midnight Eastern Time on 21 Dec and lasting until 5:30 a.m., when the moon reappears.

Birth charts are usually designed with a wheel format listing the cycles of human life while also enunciating about the cosmic evolution of the person. Furthermore, it also helps in understanding how the celestial planets and bodies influence cosmic composition in a person. Birth charts constitute a geometrical structure resembling the growth of trees. The quality of a birth chart that makes it separate from other horoscope means is because it is highly personal focusing on the individual just like that of a fingerprint. The planets and the various houses in the chart allow finding planetary configurations thus, providing in detail description of the individual.

Understanding the importance of birth chart reading is essential in that it is helpful in offering information about the future of the person on a less precise level. If you are an ardent believer in the existence of planetary influence on your life, birth charts would probably be the best means to cater to this belief. You may be able to gain insight about some of the complicated questions that may pertain to decisions and reasoning as to why things happen the way they happen. Birth charts vary as per the civilizations such as Chinese charts offer different meaning as opposed to the European charts. Birth charts are probably the best means to understand the purpose of your birth and while you will be able to understand yourself better, it will help in gaining acknowledgment of your inner being.

Most of the people search their soul mates with whom they can spend their life and enjoy the flourishing relationship with special moments of love and affection. Every individual is different and so they want to know who fits well with him and can get along well. Horoscope reading and compatibility can be useful for everyone for judging out the compatible zodiac sign and can get help for searching the soul mate.

Any type of personality can go along but zodiac signs will help in carrying out the compatibility and relationship effectiveness with horoscope readings. Many people want to know their zodiac sign compatibility that can predict their future with deep details and overcome any sort of problems that may arise in persona, professional and social front. With horoscope reading, one can improve in harmonizing, compatibility and balancing their relationships with others.

The concept of horoscope reading is useful and gaining popularity that can predict anybody’s future with ideas of improvement. Sun sign chart can help in determining whether two sun signs can match with each other with additional information on their compatibility with long-term attributes of togetherness and arrangements for future.

Traditional astrology involves the look of planet signs that comes with the birth charts and predicts the temperament of an individual. If a review is done for two individuals, then horoscope reading can be a great tool in determining the couple match based on birth information.

Astrology explains that people who are born with specific zodiac signs can be compatible with each other. Astrology signs compatibility is taken up by everyone all over the world that provides the rough outline of the nature of any relationship between individuals.

Overcome the tendency of proactive behavior and non-impulsive attitude – Most of the people take decisions of life in seconds, which can create problems. Impulsive reactions and attitudes can be regulated if you practice yoga everyday and experience the effects.

Create a flexible thing – Practicing yoga can alter your thinking pattern with positivism with a new direction to think twice with the thought processes. Challenges of life will provoke you with constant pressures and quick decisions but if you involve yoga in your daily routine then you can gain control over the mind and body.

Balance your decision-making – Certain situations in life will force your mind to take quick decisions that can go against you. Yoga Nidra will begin to alter your lifestyle with short-term basis and improve the ability to take necessary decisions in life.

Apart from these psychological methods, yoga can be useful for change in physical benefits as it will keep your body strong that will hold a balance between mind and body with the help of different asanas (poses). Different yoga postures will strengthen your legs, feet, lower back, joints, muscles, hands and abdominals in best shape. Breathing is most important when practicing yoga, which will, not only improves flexibility but will keep you away with various diseases like cancer, diabetes, obesity and cardiac diseases.

Practicing yoga will enhance your endurance and will result in strenuous cardiovascular strength and inner satisfaction. Meditation with yoga can reduce the stress levels by practicing deep breathing that will calm your mood and attitude. Relaxed yoga practice can assist the blood circulation with optimum flow in all organs of the body by flushing out all the toxins.

Vedic astrology can give an insight of your physical attributes, experiences, past matters, outlook, devotions, emotions, characteristics, skills and traits with clarity. The study of “Veda” that also means knowledge assumes the natural law of “karma” in which person lives in a specific parameter made during his present and past life. Vedic astrology is one of the oldest sciences of astrology that has sustained its values and quality with huge influence on the masses for getting guidance in their lives. Many factors can influence in getting the predictions and readings that reveals coz of the positions of the stars that differs from person to person.

Change in the positioning of stars can change the life of an ordinary person and make their life better. Lagna decides the daily and yearly predictions based on birth of time and place where he got his birth. Vedic lagna depends on an individual, which can be easily calculated by any of the astrologer who has been a great practitioner of Vedic astrology.

Janma rashi is another factor that signifies the influence of moon on an individual during his birth time. Moon position and janma rashi can together work the minds any human being and can maintain the synchronization of mind and body in a definite pattern. Vedic astrology is famous in the native parts of India that believes on the concepts of zero degree measurement. ‘Ayanamasha’ is a factor that can make calculations of anybody’s life that can regulate the working of anyone’s life.

While there are similarities to Western astrology, there are also substantial differences. Vedic astrology, perhaps because of its spiritual background, delves deeply into the movements of life within the larger context of destiny, karma and vast movements of time and evolution through time. Western astrology has been a discontinued practice, and has evolved in breaks. It is in recent times that it has gotten more widespread and regular. But Vedic astrology has been passed on from generation to generation since 3000 BC. It is impossible to give a meaningful description of Vedic Astrology in a short overview, so we shall try to provide guidance on books that illuminate the field so that you can find resources that can introduce you to the subject in a realistic way. Even western methods are accepting aspects of Indian astrology and modern astrologers are also improvising Vedic astrology by acknowledging the influence of Pluto, Neptune and Uranus.

As human beings evolved and started to look for answers on different aspects of life, especially on the questions of mystery of life and death, they reached to a conclusion that there is connection between them and the universe. These quests to know the unknown workings of the universe led to the study and observation of sky and its movements. The more they studied more they found a connection between the planets and earth and their impact on the habitats of the earth. These studies led to the need of doing calculations and in the process numbers were invented which further led to the invention of mathematics, decimal system, meta physics and many other subjects. Astrology became mother of many sciences in a way. These powerful workings of the universe made humankind wonder about the force behind it which led to the belief that God force, power, energy, shakti, exists.

Once these researchers learned to draw the blueprints of the sky on a leaf, the connection between us and universe took a huge leap. Firstly by finding the effects of this connection and secondly been able to read them in terms of events on earth and in the lives of individuals.

When a child was born his horoscope was made and read by the Jyotshi (astrologer) of the village, he would look in to the destiny, will, bent of mind, creative aspects, passion, character etc. of the child and suggest most suitable profession according to his nature. If someone was courageous and had the traits of a warrior was sent to the army. If the passion for knowledge and learning was found then he was sent to Gurukuls (abode of Guru) for studies. If someone was found to be skilled with certain type of work was given that that training right from the child hood. The whole purpose of astrology at that point was to identify the characteristics and attributes of a child and train him accordingly to contribute to different needs of the society. Every profession was equally respected.

Even today if astrology is used in identifying the will, passion, talent, nature, temperament, and bent of mind at an early age then it can be a powerful guiding tool in one’s life. That person doesn’t have to do too many experiments with his life and waste precious time, energy in doing things which are not essential for him.

All us human beings are born with what I call -7 rights of consciousness– To Survive be Happy, Healthy, loved, Abundant, Creative and spiritual. All of these rights and their opposites coexist with us, these opposite are not our nature but they attack our rights of consciousness and when our will to defend becomes weak we lose our rights and suffer. A birth chart shows how our will is regarding these rights and in what areas we should improve our will by the use of free will in defence of these attacks; we can enjoy our rights of consciousness to the fullest and lead a best possible life.

People need to look forward to, and prepare for, their “death day” more so than their birthday.

Here is what I perceive it as a Vedic Seer.

When we are born we come with our karmic load of previous lifetimes to balance it and a free will to evolve from human beings to spiritual beings. When we die we carry our karmic balance and unfulfilled desires with us which again determines our next life time.

If we feel sadness and fear of death then we have missed the opportunity to transform ourselves to understand and fulfill the very purpose of life. But in our unconsciousness, we are all continuously missing the opportunity to evolve being caught into our unreal pursuits. The life is moving every moment, just in front of us, but somehow we go on missing. Existence gives so much in abundance in the form of material and spiritual blessings that death becomes a celebration if we can recognise prepare and take advantage of its offerings.

Death says “I can come any moment”. Be prepared and the preparation is: live life to the fullest and so totally be aware and unfolded that no desire left and nothing more left to know in its mysteries. When death comes you welcome it because your spirit has evolved beyond duality. I call that death well prepared, when karma is balanced, no more will to live is left and then an astrological birth chart dissolves.

Birth date shows where you had reached in your past life time evolution and determine the destiny or journey of his this life time.

Departing day from that point is definitely more important than the day of birth because that day is the one which had determined the birth date of this life time and is going to determine the future birth date of the next life time.

When H.H.Dalai Lama says to look forward and prepare for death day he is not talking about that very day of death but the whole life time preparing for that day which would determine where you stand in the Karmic balance and will.

Sanjeev Verma