The Stars Speak: Installment 1

One of my favorite fellow hubbers Eric recently suggested me to start a question-answer series on astrology (something on the lines of what Billybuc and Linda Lum are already doing on writing & cooking respectively). The suggestion appealed to me and so I decided to act on it. I plan to make it a weekly series but that will depend on the number of questions I get.

I have studied and been practicing astrology since a few years now. It all started with tarot reading. I used to find tarot cards quite intriguing and so ordered the Riders-Waite deck online. And during the same time, I went to meet a school principal regarding some official work where I saw a banner advertising astrology & tarot reading courses. On inquiring, I came to know that the local chapter of 'Indian Council of Astrological Sciences' runs weekend classes in the school premises. I enrolled for tarot reading course and thus started my journey on the path. After tarot reading course, I did basic and advance level courses in Vedic astrology. Simultaneously I did courses on nadi astrology, lal kitab, palmistry and allied sciences.

Now I don't consider myself as an expert on astrology as learning is a life-long process. Through this series, I hope to learn more on the subject as knowledge increases when shared. Here are this week's questions:

The first question comes from Eric- "Shaloo I am not in a pleasant way leaving my home. Is there a way to make my inbound and outbound transition more conducive?"

Well, it would be difficult to give the remedies in the absence of horoscope as the unpleasant situations and challenges in life depend on the planetary combinations and the running 'dashas' (time period) in the horoscope. However, I would suggest certain general remedies to create a peaceful environment in the new premises.

• Clean the house thoroughly. Mop the floor twice a week with salt water. Salt water will wipe out the negative energy and also purify the space.
• According to Vastu Shastra, it is considered appropriate to place the idol and picture of any goddess or deity on the wall on the East or North side of the house so that your face is towards the auspicious direction i.e East or North.
• Light incense sticks,diyas and lamps in front of God daily. It will bring in positive energy in your home.
• While entering the house, always put your right foot first as it is a sign of prosperity.
• Play chants or hymns in the house four-five times in a day and experience the calmness in the house.

Next question is from Lorna lamon- "Can you explain the significance of the wooden chair being used for the study table?"

This is an interesting question, Lorna. There are two reasons for this. Wood if considered as energy – is constantly in motion, driven to grow and expand like the green shoots bursting forth in spring. Wood is considered to be firmly grounded with deep roots. From this place of stability and strength, the potential is unlimited.

Another reason is that wood is ruled by the planet Jupiter. Jupiter is the significator of Knowledge and learning. Furniture made of wood suggests the benefic influence of Jupiter. So a wooden chair for the study table will bring auspicious forces and will bring good luck to the student.

Another question from Eric- "Is there a hue/tint of green that is good for the study table? What can we do about using his IPad for study. It is part of his curriculum but seems like a TV."

Green colour is the colour of nature's bounty. It is also the colour of growth and prosperity. Looking at green has a soothing effect on the eyes. However, prefer using the lighter tones.

Television causes distraction and interrupts concentration of students. So television should be avoided in the study room. However, computer and ipads can no longer be avoided as their purpose is more of educational than entertainment. Place computer/ipads in south-east of the study room.

This is all for today's hub. If you have any queries regarding astrology, tarot, numerology, vastu shastra etc. then feel free to ask in the comments section. I will be happy to answer to the best of my capacity. I wish you all a relaxing weekend!