YSeeker e Magazine 01 01

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#1 Global e-magazine

Volume. 01 Issue 01 November 2008

WISHING YOU A HAPPY DEEPAVALI

HALLOWEEN & THANKSGIVING

TEAM

Volume 01 Issue 01

PUBLISHER /CHIEF EDITOR Vishwas Manjulaa Byrappa

[email protected]

EDITOR - MYSTICLiana “SuryaMukhi”[email protected]

MANAGING EDITORNiki

[email protected]

EDITOR - TECHPRAKAASH

[email protected]

EDITOR - WEB & DESIGNAdrian

[email protected]

PUBLISHED BY

SWIPCOM38, RAJA RAM MOHAN

ROY ROAD, (Opp. KANTEERAVA STADIUM),

BANGALORE - 560 027

DisclaimerNo part of this e-magazine is to be reproduced, without the written consent of the Publisher. Views expressed in the e-magazine do not necessarily reflect those of the editor or the publisher. Unsolicit-ed contributions are welcome but the editor reserves the discretion to use them. While every care is taken to ensure the accuracy and honesty in both editorial, articles and advertising content, the pub-lisher will not be liable for any in-accuracies.

EDITORIALOur warmest welcome to all!

The first Global e-magazine, YSeeker, is here.

As a non-profit, nonpartisan general interest monthly e-magazine, without boundaries, without political/religious motives, we have an unshakable dedication to bringing out the hidden truth and aspects of everyone and everything.

Catering to the multi-facets of life, you will find us both, serious and humorous; scientific and spiritual; hip/cool and mature as our articles open worlds you never imagined. Our authors are from all walks of life who will take you on a multidimensional journey each month, showing you the inner depths of the soul and the infinite expansion of the universe, expanding your thoughts to planes you never knew existed. Discover unknown facets of life and new questions to the answers you always thought you knew. Travel with us to the unimaginable, unthinkable and the unknown…fasten your seat belts, as it promises to be a jet propelled quantum leap. Get ready, warp speed ahead!

We are a brand new organization, and our emphasis is on conveying information to everyone, simply, and comprehensively. Facts and truth presented in an easy to understand language, with the minimum possible technical jargon, without compromising on the quality.

Our goal is to develop a world-wide network of authors who are committed to producing high quality information, free-of-charge, for the development and benefit of all of mankind. At the same time, searching for and promoting new talent not only in writing, but in many other different fields.

Articles on many varied subjects like Technology, Spirituality, Lifestyle, Movies, Music, Science, Games, etc, written by authors/contributors from various parts of the globe, will fill our pages each month. A section for showcasing new websites, books, music, and any up and coming , worthwhile, talent or gift—our special column YSeeker Picks. Every month we will be selecting a website, a book, and/or some other area of special interest, for YSeeker Picks – Website of the month, Book of the month, etc. Through this section, we will highlight both existing and new products and services, which may be useful for everyone. In the inaugural issue, we have selected MysticBoard.com for the Website of The Month. The excellent work they have done in expanding knowledge on spiritual and mystic subjects while also helping people work through difficult situations, charitably and without expectations, has been paramount. Congratulations MysticBoard.com!

I hope you will find this issue useful and informative. This is just the first issue, so you can expect a lot of information and interesting things from us in the future. Your suggestions and feedback is very much welcomed.

If you are interested in contributing to the magazine, please feel free to contact us.

From Around the World, Wishing everyone, a Happy Deepavali, Happy Halloween, and Happy Thanksgiving.

- Vishwas Manjulaa Byrappa - Founder, Publisher and Chief Editor.


Around the World, 04 Deepavali – The Festival of Lights

The history behind the celebration of Deepavali. - by Byrappa

10 Trick or Treat Brief introduction about the origins of Halloween. - by Niki.YSeeker Picks 11 Website of the Month – MystiBoard.com Exclusive interview with Swetha and Abhishek Lodha. - by Liana “SuryaMukhi”.

New horizons 16 Microsoft Office 2007 Series of articles about the best Office application ever built. - by Prakaash

Sacred Journey 26 The OM The history and usage of OM/AUM through the ages and its meaning. - by Liana “SuryaMukhi”

28 What is Astrology? Series of articles: 1 - Explaining the origin and history of Astrology. - by Byrappa

Living Life 33 Deepavali Sweets

Lip smacking sweets for Deepavali.

REGULARS

02 – Editorial15 – Quotopedia38 – Pic of the Month

CONTENTS


Deepavali or Diwali is a major Indian festival, which celebrates & signifies the victory over evil & the removing spiritual darkness. It is also called as the Festival of Lights. Deepavali is taken from the Sanskrit words Deep & Avali, Deep means “light of the Dharma”, and Avali means “a continuous line”. Diwali is the easy-to-pronounce form of Deepavali. It is significantly celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs & Jain’s all around the world.

Deepavali is a festival where people from all age groups participate. They give expression to their happiness by lighting earthen ‘diyas’ (lamps), doing Puja’s, decorating the houses, wearing new cloths, sharing sweets & snacks, bursting firecrackers and inviting near and dear ones to their households for partaking in a sumptuous feast. The lighting of lamps is a way of paying obeisance to god for attainment of health, wealth, knowledge, peace, valour and fame.

In 2008, Deepavali starts from the 25th to 30th of October 2008.

ORIGIN

The origin of Deepavali dates back to periods, when there were little or no writings, and knowledge used to be transferred through generations, purely by listening,

memorizing, and then speaking it out to someone else. Thus the process continued, there have been many theories about its origin. It was even theorised that Deepavali might have originated from a harvest festival, as it is the last harvest season of the year before winter. The history of Deepavali is related to the Hindu Puranas. Hindus believes that whenever the power of evil increases in the world, Lord Vishnu comes down to earth in a different form to defeat evil. These forms are called Avataras. Rama and Krishna are two popular Avataras of Vishnu. Deepavali celebrations are especially a time for telling stories about Lord Vishnu and his wife Lakshmi, and about Krishna, Rama and his wife Sita. There are many several significant events associated with Deepavali, such as:

The return of Lord Rama who was the King of Ayodhya, with his wife Sita & brother Lakshmana, after a long 14 year exile & war in which he killed the tremendously powerful demon King Ravana of Lanka. When Lord Rama came to the city, the people of Ayodhya are believed to have lit the entire city with diyas & celebrated their return.

Another popular event is the killing of an evil demon called as Narkasura, by Satyabhama, who was provoked by her husband Lord

Krishna. Satyabhama was believed to be the Avatar of Bhoodevi, the mother of Narkasura. It is believed that just before his death he requested for a boon from Satyabhama, requesting that his death be celebrated by everyone with colour light signifying the victory of goodness over evil. Hence we celebrate Naraka Chaturdasi, which occurs 2 days before the Deepavali day.

Lord Krishna saw huge preparations for the annual offering to Lord Indra (King of gods & the deity of thunder and rain) and questioned his father Nanda about it. He debated with the villagers about what their ‘Dharma’ truly was. Since they were farmers, they should do their duty and concentrate on farming and protection of their cattle. Lord Krishna continued to say that all human beings should merely do their ‘karma’, to the best of their ability and not pray for natural phenomenon. The villagers were convinced by Krishna, and did not proceed with the special Puja for Lord Indra. Indra, who then got angered, flooded the village. Lord Krishna then lifted Mt Govardhan and held it up as protection to his people and cattle from the rain. Indra finally accepted defeat and recognized Lord Krishna as supreme. This day is usually celebrated as Govardhan Puja; it is celebrated the day after Deepavali.

DEEPAVALITHE FESTIVAL OF

LIGHTS


Another famous legend is that of an emperor named Bali who was a generous but ambitious King, he with the blessings of gods, became all-powerful and many lesser gods were defeated by him, so they requested Lord Vishnu to defeat him. As Bali was a god-loving person & had many good deeds, Lord Vishnu wouldn’t kill him, so Lord Vishnu is said to have come to earth in the form of a short Brahmin (The Vamana Avatar), and presenting himself before the mighty Bali asked for “as much land as three of my footsteps would cover.” As no king should refuse a Brahmin’s appeal for charity, Bali readily granted what seemed to him a trifling request. Then the diminutive Brahmin resumed his all-pervasive, omnipresent form and covered the heavens with one foot and the world below with another. The Lord Vishnu asked Bali as to where he should place his foot for the third step. Bali bowed before him and offered his own head for Lord Vishnu to place his foot on. This pleased Lord Vishnu, as it showed that King Bali was a man of his word & let him rule for another Mahasamvatsara, & then gave him a place in heaven. The fourth day of Deepavali is observed called as Balipadyami & is King Bali is remembered on that day.

Jain’s celebrate Deepavali as the day that Lord Mahavira achieved Nirvana, (which is said to have occurred on October 15, 527 BCE). Deepavali is also mentioned in many Jain Books, with the oldest reference to the related word, dipalikaya or deepalikaya, which occurs in Harivamsha-Purana, written by Acharya Jinasena and composed in the Shaka Samvat era

in the year 705.

For the Sikhs Deepavali is a story of the Sikh struggle for freedom. From the time of Guru Nanak (1469 – 1539), the founder of Sikhism, popular seasonal or folk festivals like the harvest festival of Baisakhi, or previously ancient Hindu festivals such as Holi and Deepavali began to take on a new significance for the Guru’s students, the Sikhs. The Guru used these festivals and special days e.g. first day of each lunar month, as symbols or pegs for his teaching themes. The enlightened ideology of Guru Nanak gave new significance to ancient festivals like Deepavali and Baisakhi.

But it was the release of Guru Hargobind Ji, the Sixth Guru on the Deepavali day, the Sixth Guru, from imprisonment along with 52 Hindu Kings (political prisoners) whom he had arranged to be released as well. After his release it is believed that he went to Darbar Sahib (golden temple) in the holy city of Amritsar. There, he was greeted by Sikhs and many other people. In happiness they lit candles and diyas to greet the Guru. This is said to be celebrated even today as Deepavali by the Sikhs.

In 1699, on the festival of Deepavali, the group Khalsa, the Sikh saint-soilders, was formally established by the Tenth Guru Gobind Singh.

The Sikh struggle for freedom against the Mughals, which intensified in the 18th century, came to be centred on this day. After the execution of Banda Bahadur in 1716, who had led an uprising in Punjab, the Sikhs started the tradition of deciding matters concerning the community at the

biennial meetings which took place at Amritsar on the first of Baisakhi and at Deepavali. These assemblies were known as the “Sarbat Khalsa” and a resolution passed by it became a “Gurmata” (decree of the Guru).

In Maharashtra, the thirteenth day of Ashwini, the trayodasi, is observed as a festival commemorating a young prince whom Yama, the God of Death, had claimed four days after his marriage. Filled, however, with compassion for the luckless youth, the legend goes, Yama promised that those who observed the day would be spared untimely death-and so the lamps that are lit to mark the festival are placed facing south, unlike on other festive days, because south is the direction mythologically assigned to Yama.

SIGNIFICANCE

Deepavali has much significance; from Ramayana we get the return of faith & goodwill after the absence for a period of time. Narkasura’s story gives us the significance of victory of good over evil & the removal of the spiritual darkness. The lights/lamps also signify victory of good over the evil within every human being.

A wonderful significant spiritual meaning of Deepavali is the awareness of the Inner Light in a human being. A very central feature in the Hindu Philosophy is the existence of the Atma, which is a pure, infinite & eternal part of any human; it has no death or birth, & can never die. Deepavali is the celebration of this Inner Light is us, which has the power to outshine all inner & outer darkness like


obstacles, ignorance, & awakens the individual person to their true spiritual nature.

With the realisation of a human that he is part of an unchanging, universal, infinite, pure, & transcendental truth, he achieves universal compassion, unconditional love, & the awareness that everything is connected. This brings a joy, peace or happiness which nothing else can.

The custom of lighting diyas, signify a welcome to prosperity in the form of Lakshmi, and the fireworks are supposed to scare away evil spirits.

CELEBRATION

Deepavali is usually celebrated on different days by different communities. It is usually spread over a period of 6 days. It usually starts in the last 4 days of Ashwini month & ends on the 2nd day of the next month Karthika. In parts of North India, Deepavali occurs in the middle of the Ashwini month. In the Gregorian calendar it usually falls in the months of October or November. In Nepal, it is celebrated for 5 days, starting on the last 3 days of one month & ending on the 2nd day of the next month.

Each of these 6 days have been designated a name in the Hindu calendar. They are:

1. Vasu Baras (First day): Baras means 12th day and Vasu means Cow. On this day Cow and calf is worshipped. Since it is believed that Cow is symbol of God, Deepavali is begun by worshipping Cow and Calf, which is a

symbol of love between mother and her baby.

2. Dhanatrayodashi (Second day): Dhan means “wealth” and Trayodashi means “13th day”. Thus, as the name implies, this day falls on the 13th day of the second half of the lunar month. It is an auspicious day for shopping of utensils and gold. This day is also regarded as the Jayanti of Goddess Dhanvantri who came out during the churning of the great ocean by the gods and the demons. It is also called as or Dhan teras or Dhanvantri Jayanti.

3. Naraka Chaturdashi (Third day): Chaturdashi is the 14th day on which demon Narakasura was killed. In south India, this is the actual day of festivities. This being a no moon day, many will offer special tarpana (offerings of water and sesame seeds) to their ancestors. This day is also called as Roop Chaturdashi.

4. Lakshmi Puja (Fourth Day): Lakshmi Puja marks the most important day of Deepavali celebrations Hindu homes worship Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and Ganesha, the God of auspicious beginnings, and then light lamps all across the streets and homes to welcome prosperity and wellbeing.

5. Govardhan Puja (Fifth Day): This day is celebrated as the day Krishna defeated Indra. On this day mountain of food is decorated symbolizing Govardhan Mountain lifted by Lord Krishna. In Maharashtra it is celebrated as Padva or Bali Pratipada. The day commemorates King Bali. Men present gifts to their wives on this day. In Gujarat, it is celebrated as New Year, as Vikram Samvat starts on this day. Also called as Balipadyami.

6. Bhaiduj (Sixth & Last Day): On this day, brothers and sisters meet to express their love and affection for each


other (especially in Gujarat & Bengal). Most Indian festivals bring together families; Bhaiduj brings together married sisters and brothers, and is a significant festive day for them. This festival is ancient, and pre-dates ‘Raksha Bandhan’ another brother-sister festival celebrated in the present day. It is also called as Bhayyaduj, Bhaubeej or Bhayitika.

On the Naraka Chaturdashi, Hindus wake up way before dawn, some as early as 2:00 in the morning, have a fragrant oil bath and wear new clothes. (On this day it is believed that taking a bath before sunrise, when the stars are still visible in the sky is equivalent to taking a bath in the holy river Ganges.) They perform a special Puja with offerings to Lord Sri Krishna or Lord Sri Vishnu, as he liberated the world from the demon Narakasura on this day.

After the Puja, children burst firecrackers heralding the defeat of the demon. As this is a day of rejoicing, many will have very elaborate breakfasts and lunches and meet family and friends. In the evening, lamps are lit and Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped and offered special dishes.

Traditionally Deepavali marks the closing of accounts for businesses dependent on the agricultural cycle. Since Goddess Lakshmi symbolizes wealth and prosperity, she is worshiped and her blessings are invoked for a good year ahead.

As per spiritual references, on

this day “Lakshmi-panchayatan” enters the Universe. Sri Vishnu, Sri Indra, Sri Kuber, Sri Gajendra and Sri Lakshmi are elements of this “panchayatan” (a group of five). The tasks of these elements are:

Vishnu: Happiness (happiness and satisfaction)

Indra: Opulence (satisfaction due to wealth)

Kubera: Wealth (Generosity; one who gives away wealth)

Gajendra: Carries the wealth

Lakshmi: Divine Energy (Shakti) which provides energy to all the above activities.

CELEBRATION IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF INDIA

In South India the Naraka Chaturdashi is the main day of the festival. Where as in North India the main day is on the 4th day. The third day is celebrated as the Balipadyami, as the day of Vamana’s victory over Mahabali.

Homes are usually thoroughly cleaned & decorated before Deepavali. Many offices perform Puja’s on the day and grant Bonuses & holidays to their employees, some companies even give gifts to all their employees & their family members on these auspicious days.

Some North Indian business communities start their financial year on Deepavali and new account books are opened on this day.

People buy property & gold on these days as it is considered

auspicious & lucky. Most people buy new cloths for the festival. The bursting of crackers (Fireworks) is a major part of the festival. Sweets & snacks are an integral part of the Puja’s.

Apart from these, there are many Mela’s (Fairs) held throughout India, usually in towns & villages. All these make Deepavali the most eagerly awaited festival of the year.

DEEPAVALI TODAY

Earlier Deepavali was celebrated only in India, & soon became its national festival, soon Deepavali spread to its neighbouring countries too. Now with the Indians migrating & settling down in many different parts of the world, with the advent of globalism, & an ever growing interest in the world about India & its traditions, Deepavali has become famous all over the world & is being celebrated in many countries.

The United Kingdom, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Suriname, Canada, Mauritius, Fiji, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Australia, much of Africa, and the United States, celebrate Deepavali on the same lines as in India, with a few minor changes.

In some countries it is only the Indians, or people from Indian origin celebrating the festival, in other countries Deepavali is becoming a part of the countries local culture. Gradually the celebration of Deepavali in other parts of the world is increasing.


In Nepal on the first day of the festival called Kaag tihar, crows are given offerings, considering them to be divine messengers. On the second day, Kukur tihar, dogs are worshipped for their honesty. On the third day, Lakshmi Puja and worship of Cow is performed. This is the last day according to Nepal Sambat, so many of the businessmen clear their accounts on this day and on finishing it, worship goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. The fourth day is celebrated as New Year. Cultural processions and other celebrations are observed in this day. The Newars celebrate it as “Mha Puja”, a special ritual in which the body is worshipped to keep it fit and healthy for the year ahead on this day. On the fifth and final day called Bhai Tika, brothers and sisters meet and exchange pleasantries.

In Trinidad and Tobago, communities all over the islands get together and celebrate the festival. One major celebration that stands out is the Diwali Nagar, or Village of the Festival of Lights. It features stage performances by the east Indian cultural practitioners, a folk theatre featuring skits and plays, an exhibition on some aspect of Hinduism, displays by various Hindu religious sects and social organizations, nightly worship of Goddess Lakshmi, lighting of lamps, performances by various schools related to Indian culture, and a food court with Indian and non-Indian vegetarian delicacies. The festival culminates with magnificent fireworks displays ushering in Deepavali. Thousands of people participate in an atmosphere devoid of alcohol and in a true family environment.

In Malaysia, Deepavali is known as “Hari Deepavali,” and is celebrated during the seventh month of the Hindu solar calendar. It is a federal public holiday throughout Malaysia. In many respects it resembles the traditions followed in the Indian subcontinent. ‘Open houses’ are held where Hindu Malaysians welcome fellow Malaysians of different races and religions to their house for a sumptuous meal. ‘Open house’ or ‘rumah terbuka’ is a practice very much unique to Malaysia and shows the goodwill and friendly ties practised by all Malaysians during any festive occasion.

In Singapore, the festival is a public holiday. Deepavali is one of the festivals that unite the people irrespective of their religion and nationality in Singapore. The festival is typically marked by a light-up in the Little India district. The Hindu Endowment Board of Singapore along with Singapore’s’ government organizes many cultural events around Deepavali time.

In Sri Lanka, this festival is celebrated by the Tamil community. On this day, it is traditional for people to wear new clothes and exchange pleasantries.

In Britain, Hindus and Sikhs celebrate Deepavali with great enthusiasm and in most ways very similarly to as in India. People clean and decorate their homes with lamps and candles. A popular type of candle used to represent this holiday is a diya. People also give each other sweets, and the different communities may gather from around the country for a religious ceremony and get-together. It is also

an important time to contact family in India and perhaps exchange gifts through the post. It is a greatly celebrated holiday and is a great way to connect with the culture and heritage of India. Deepavali is becoming a well known festival in Britain and non-Indians also join in the festivities. Leicester plays hosts to some of the biggest celebrations outside of India itself.

In New Zealand, Deepavali is celebrated publically among many of the South Asian Diaspora cultural groups. There are main public festivals in Auckland and Wellington, with other events around the country becoming more popular and visible. An official reception has been held at the New Zealand Parliament since 2003.

In Australia Deepavali is one of the major festivals that are celebrated with great enthusiasm by the Indian community there. The lightening of diyas on Deepavali is a common practice. However, the non-availability of the appropriate material of or some other reason have influenced the celebrations and has given in the touch of modernity in the celebration of the festival of light in Australia.

WHO CAN CELEBRATE

Now we have a really good question as to who all can celebrate Deepavali.

Yes it was a festival started by Hindus, yes Jains, Sikhs, & even Buddhists (in Nepal), who were all part of Hinduism before they changed into different religions, celebrate Deepavali.


But it is also true that many people in India celebrate Deepavali regardless of their faith or religion. There is no bar on who can celebrate Deepavali. People from any religion, caste, creed, age & gender can celebrate it, because it has more of a spiritual meaning than a religious meaning, & for most people, including Hindus, today it has more spiritual significance.

So whether you are Christian, Muslim, Orthodox, Jewish, Parsi, or anything, you are free to celebrate this great festival, thereby celebrating the inner you. There is no rule that you have to pray or worship a Hindu god or goddess, you can pray or worship your own god. But do light the lamp of brightness inside yourself.

I wish you and your family a very Happy & Prosperous Deepavali.

- Byrappa.


“Trick or treat, smell my feet, give me something good to eat”

Jack-o-lanterns and pumpkins adorn doorways and windowsills—orange and black predominate as the favorite color themes. Goblins, witches, ghosts, devils, vampires, ghouls and other creatures that go bump in the night, fill the streets on October 31st, or what is commonly known as “Halloween”, and look to fill their “goodie” bags with treats from all the homes they visit.

The origins of Halloween date back over 2,000 years, to Celtic times where it was known as Samhain -- the night before the Celtic New Year that marked the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter, or the season associated with death and dying. They believed that on this night, the dead returned to walk the earth as the veil between the two worlds ceased to exist. Celebrated with bon fires, dressing up in costumes of animal skins and head, they used this time to honor their gods, through sacrifice

of animals and crops. It was also a time of fortune telling and the Celts would use this night to practice their powers of prophecy.

The roots of dressing up as ghosts and goblins, also date back to the Celtic times, when people used to fear that the dead were walking the earth on this day and the only way to protect themselves was to dress up like a ghost or ghoul and blend in. In addition they used to leave food and candy out to appease the dead, so they would not harm their crops or livestock.

As others began to permeate the Celtic lands, the mores of those people were incorporated into the Samhain traditions. More specifically, the Roman commemoration of the dead in late October and the worshipping of the Roman tree and fruit goddess Pomona became part of the Samhain celebrations. Still to this day, there is the tradition of “bopping for apples” which is thought to have its beginnings with this blending of cultures, as

the apple was the symbol of Pomona.

Another important influence in the shaping of Halloween is the spread of Christianity. A tribute to saints and martyrs, All Saints Day, comes to join the rest of the Samhain traditions and the name begins to move from Samhain to All Hallows Eve and eventually to Halloween.

Today, the commercialization of Halloween has made it the second most popular holiday, after Christmas for decorating. This has helped maintain the holiday’s popularity in our present day society. It is still celebrated in many countries all over the world, with costumes, candies, pumpkins, apples and so much other paraphernalia that has evolved from the various traditions and customs over the centuries.

- By Niki

TRICK

or

TREATNiki gives us a brief look into the origin and celebration of

HALLOWEEN, which is celebrated regularly on the 31st of October.


Liana: Hello Swetha, I am Liana, can we start the interview?

Swetha Lodha: Yes, I am all yours.

Li: By way of an introduction, could you please tell us a little about yourself?

SL: I am a computer science post graduate; my husband and me run a software firm and are into development of software applications.

Li: ok so any “Mystic” profession :D.

SL: LOL not me, but my husband (Abhishek Lodha) is a certified graphologist, MysticBoard.com just “happened”.

Li: Hmmm ...interesting, can you say “how it just happened?”. How did you get the idea for MysticBoard.com? SL: We had a domain called sunsigns.org which hadn’t been developed; we started a forum hoping we would get people interested in this field, together more like a group of people with associated interests.

Li: So we can call it “Divine inspiration” great :)

SL: I suppose :)

Li: Tell us a bit about MysticBoard.com.

SL: MysticBoard.com is the world’s largest Mystic Community Online by member count - 30,000 members. There are more than 200,000 live discussions on varied different topics on MysticBoard.com. The 3rd largest Mystic community in the world by discussion count. We also have FREE online classes taken by members in Astrology, Tarot, Palmistry, Medium-ship and Reiki. More than 350 occult related software’s all under one roof under 48 different categories. For all practical purposes, we have software’s for any and all esoteric subjects. And not to forget the world’s largest Mystic Scripts library (online software’s).

Li: Are you practicing any of these Astrology, Jyotisha, and Numerology? Or you are only a trampoline to share?

MysticBoard.com with a humongous library of mystic software’s, an online mystic software site, readings, classes and not to forget the forum with a Hugh base of members, (let’s not forget all for free), make this one of the biggest Mystic related website in the world. It is a pioneer in the mystic field and has innovation under its belt which has given it many feathers on its cap. For the very helpful & selfless service it has given to many people, it has been selected as the YSeeker Picks – Website of the month. Liana has an exclusive interview with Swetha Lodha and Abhishek Lodha, the wife-husband founder-duo of the site, about just what is MysticBoard.com.

YSeeker Picks


SL: Personally I do not practice any form, I am more into research and development of Astrology related software’s.

Li: What was the vision behind Mysticboard.com? Sharing for what?

SL: Vision -- fun, play, love, knowledge, laugh, cry, hug, help

Li: I see.... So is it as an escape from daily routine? SL: I would say more a part of the daily routine :), the first thing I do in the morning and the last thing I do before I go to sleep.

Li: Who all are & have been involved in MysticBoard.com?

(Abhishek Lodha, husband of Swetha & the other founder of MysticBoard.com joins us for a few minutes)

Abhishek Lodha: Hey Abhishek here :) Li: Hey Abhishek

AB: The board would have been incomplete with Rutho (Rhutobello, admin) for one, plus there have been so many nice members who have been a part the community. Li: This was on my mind to ask how you started your team. Free voluntary contribution for the beginning? AB: Vishwas, Eye of the tiger, the mod team - Suzisco, RishiRahul, dhav, to name a few and many more, and mostly Swetha’s effort. I am only the back end man. Li: Oh that is great :)

Li: What does mysticboard.com provide? AB: Building communities isn’t an easy job and we learnt it the hard way.MB.com provides a place (for you) to be yourself,MB.com provides a place (for you) to seek advice,MB.com provides a place (for you) to laugh,MB.com provides a place (for you) to cry,

Li: To express the same inner Divine nature and human nature.

(Abhishek leaves as he gets a call & Swetha is back)

Li: How can one distinguish MysticBoard.com from other Astrology or Mystic related sites? Is MysticBoard.com unique? If yes Why?

SL: I would say MysticBoard.com is in a class of its own. Many of our members are members of other forums, but they all feel that the “warmth” that one gets on MB.com is missing on the other forums, there is a feeling of “one big family” with happiness and arguments, but at the end of the day we are all there for each other.


Li: I agree I am also member on MB.com forum :) SL: thanks :) Li: How can you explain that warmth from MB.com and missing from other places? There is a mixture of energy but still so warm and organised

SL: There may be other forums which are more organized than MB.com and much better in many ways, but I feel the warmth comes from our members. We may live in an Internet age but I guess human feelings do make all the difference at the end of the day :), all credit goes to our members and mods and admin.

Li: What do you hope to accomplish out of MysticBoard.com? SL: We hope to make it the Largest Mystic Resource on the Internet, with forum, software’s, readings, books, articles, bazaar and other such related stuff. Absolutely anything and everything related to mysticism.

Li: Which is the most popular services/content/software on MysticBoard.com? SL: The tarot, psychic and Vedic Astrology forums, amongst software’s I would say it is MB Subliminal Message software.

SL: We also have one of the largest mystic script’s resource at MysticScripts.com

Li: Which of these services do you feel are beneficial for people & why? Do you personally use any of them? SL: All these services are beneficial in their own ways. Voluntary readers on the forum can help you a lot when you are in trouble. Yes... I have asked for readings on the forum and they have helped me tremendously. I use the subliminal software too on a regular basis, and find it useful. Li: ok I will try this one too ;) Li: What is the single most challenging aspect of running MB? SL: Running a forum this size with people from various backgrounds requires a lot of diplomacy and patience, and I think our admin Rhutobello is doing a great job.

Li: Can you tell us a bit about the new scripts installed in the site. What was the idea behind MysticScripts.com? SL: This was Abhishek’s brainwave. The first word that comes to my mind is fun and all for free. Many people are scared to download software’s in fear of virus. Li: How do you manage the content on your web site and do you have a publishing policy? SL: These online scripts make it easier for people to access them, they say content is king on the Internet, we do not have any publishing policy at the moment. The website at the moment runs on phpBB forum, regular backups are taken on the server.

Li: How do you afford to give all these away for free? I mean software, scripts... all these free content.


http://www.mysticscripts.com

SL: MysticBoard.com was never a money making venture.. It was more from the heart and never dealt with in the form of a business, we survive on Google ads and donations from software’s. It is a voluntary service. Wherein the readers do readings for free, even we don’t charge anyone for a reading. Li: Yes that was nice, I personally was client, and there was indeed a free and a good reading ;) SL: :), yes. But we do have restrictions for people asking for readings, because there are many one timers and we do not want our readers to be overburdened.

Li: Ii understand you perfectly, I am also practicing Astrology and Tarot and I know what you mean...

Li: ok and the last question now. What are the future plans for the site? SL: At the end, we want all to have fun. SL: Give the best for our members, make the MysticBoard.com experience a memorable one.

SL: We soon plan to launch a site for paid readings, mystic articles, mystic bazaar.

Li: Ok thank you for your replies, and for your time SL: thanks Liana Li: Thanks Swetha and thanks to Abhishek too, I wish you both the best of Luck :)

SL: Great talking to you, thank you, same from here


QUOTOPEDIA

“Take the first step in faith. You

don’t have to see the whole stair-

case, just take the first step.”

- Martin Luther King, Jr.

“To keep the heart unwrinkled,

to be hopeful, kindly, cheerful,

reverent that is to triumph over

old age.”

- Amos Bronson Alcott

“Life is wasted on the living.”

- Douglas Adams

“Love is composed of a single soul

inhabiting two bodies.”

- Aristotle

“To resist the frigidity of old age,

one must combine the body, the

mind, and the heart. And to keep

these in parallel vigor one must

exercise, study, and love.”

- Alan Bleasdale

“The purpose of life is a life of

purpose.”

- Robert Byrne

“Love is life. And if you miss love,

you miss life.”

- Leo Buscaglia

“When I stand before God at the

end of my life, I would hope that

I would not have a single bit of

talent left, and could say, “I used

everything you gave me”.

- Erma Bombeck

“Love takes off masks that we fear

we cannot live without and know

we cannot live within.”

- James A. Baldwin

“When you’re in love you never

really know whether your elation

comes from the qualities of the

one you love, or if it attributes

them to her; whether the light

which surrounds her like a halo

comes from you, from her, or from

the meeting of your sparks.”

- Natalie Clifford Barney

“Faith is to believe what you do

not see; the reward of this faith is

to see what you believe.”

- Saint Augustine

“I think your whole life shows

in your face and you should be

proud of that.”

- Lauren Bacall

“Doubt is a pain too lonely to

know that faith is his twin brother.”

- Kahlil Gibran

“Any idiot can face a crisis - it’s day

to day living that wears you out.”

- Anton Chekhov

“To me - old age is always ten

years older than I am.”

- John Burroughs

“Gates is the ultimate program-

ming machine. He believes every-

thing can be defined, examined,

reduced to essentials, and rear-

ranged into a logical sequence

that will achieve a particular goal.”

- Stewart Alsop


Microsoft Office 2007 (officially called 2007 Microsoft Office system) is the most recent Windows version of the Microsoft

Office system, Microsoft’s productivity suite. Formerly known as Office 12 in the initial stages of its beta cycle, it was

released to volume license customers on November 30, 2006 and made available to retail customers on January 30, 2007.

Office 2007 contains a number of new features, the most notable of which is the entirely new graphical user interface

called the “Ribbon”.

How it started

The first beta of Microsoft Office 2007, referred to as Beta-1 in emails sent to a limited number of testers, was released

on November 16, 2005. Office 2007 Beta 2 was announced by Bill Gates in 2006, and was initially released to the public

at no cost from Microsoft’s web site. However, because of an unprecedented number of downloads, a fee of $1.50 was

introduced for each product downloaded after August 2, 2006. The Beta program ended on November 8, 2006, when

Microsoft declared the product “Released to Manufacturing” (RTM) and started manufacturing the final product. After

RTM, the availability of the beta download ended. Office 2007 was released to volume licensing customers on November

30, 2006, and to the general public on January 30, 2007.

User Interface

The new user interface (UI), officially known as Microsoft Office Fluent, has been implemented in the core Microsoft Office

applications: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and in the item inspector used to create or edit individual items in Outlook.

The rest of the applications in the suite will also be upgraded to the new UI in subsequent versions.

Microsoft Office 2007

MS Office 2007 was launched over 21 months ago, has received many boquets

and brickbats. It has been touted as the best ever office suite by Microsoft.

Prakaash takes a look at just what is Office 2007 and its plus and minus points.


Office Button

The Office 2007 button, located on the top-left of the window, replaces the File menu and provides access to functionality

common across all Office applications, including opening, saving, printing, and sharing a file. It can also close the application.

Users can also choose color schemes for the interface

Ribbon

The Ribbon, a panel that houses the command buttons and icons, organizes commands as a set of tabs, each

grouping relevant commands. Each application has a different set of tabs which expose the functionality that

application offers. For example, while Excel has a tab for the graphing capabilities, Word does not; instead it

has tabs to control the formatting of a text document. Within each tab, various related options may be grouped

together. The Ribbon is designed to make the features of the application more discoverable and accessible with

fewer mouse clicks as compared to the menu-based UI used until Office 2007. It is not possible to remove the

Ribbon, modify it, or replace it with menus with the normal Office 2007 functions.


Contextual Tab

Some tabs, called Contextual Tabs, appear only when certain objects are selected. Contextual Tabs expose functionality

specific only to the object with focus. For example, selecting a picture brings up the Pictures tab, which presents options

for dealing with the picture. Similarly, focusing on a table exposes table-related options in a specific tab. Contextual Tabs

remain hidden when the object it works on are not selected

Here is an example:

In the above example, a new tab “Format (Picture Tools)” comes up when you have a picture in a document highlighted or

clicked upon.

Live Preview

Microsoft Office 2007 also introduces a feature called “Live Preview”, which temporarily applies formatting on the focused

text or object when any formatting button is moused-over. The temporary formatting is removed when the mouse pointer

is moved from the button. This allows users to have a preview of how the option would affect the appearance of the object,


without actually applying it.

Mini ToolBar

The new “Mini Toolbar” is a type of context menu that is automatically shown (by default) when text is selected. The

purpose of this feature is to provide easy access to the most-used formatting commands without requiring a right-mouse-

button click, as was necessary in older versions of the software. Because the Mini Toolbar is automatically displayed, it

remains semi-transparent until the mouse pointer is situated on the control in order to allow an almost-unobstructed view

of what is beneath it. It also appears above the right-click menu when a user right-clicks on a selection of words. The Mini

Toolbar is currently not customisable.

Quick Access Toolbar

The Quick Access toolbar, which sits in the title bar, serves as a repository of most used functions, regardless of which

application is being used, such as save, undo/redo and print. The Quick Access toolbar is customisable, although this

feature is limited compared to toolbars in previous Office versions. Any command available in the entire Office application

can be added to the Quick Access toolbar, including commands not available in the Ribbon and macros.


Smart Art

SmartArt, found under the Insert tab in the ribbon in PowerPoint, Word, Excel, and Outlook, is a new group of easily editable

and formatted diagrams. There are 115 preset SmartArt graphics layout templates in categories such as list, process, cycle,

and hierarchy. When an instance of a SmartArt is inserted, a Text Pane appears next to it to guide the user through entering

text in the hierarchical levels. Each SmartArt graphic, based on its design, maps the text outline, automatically resized for

best fit, onto the graphic. There are a number of “quick styles” for each graphic that apply largely different 3D effects to the

graphic, and the graphic’s shapes and text can be formatted through shape styles and WordArt styles. In addition, SmartArt

graphics change their colors, fonts, and effects to match the document’s theme

Themes and Quick Styles

Microsoft Office 2007 places more emphasis on Document Themes and Quick Styles. The Document Theme defines the

colors, fonts and graphic effects for a document. Almost everything that can be inserted into a document is automatically

styled to match the overall document theme creating a consistent document design. The new Office Theme file format

(.THMX) is shared between Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook email messages. Similar themes are also available for

data reports in Access and Project or shapes in Visio. Changing a theme on one of the application would change it on others

too.

Quick Styles are galleries with a range of styles based on the current theme. There are quick styles galleries for text, tables,

charts, SmartArt, WordArt and more. The style range goes from simple/light to more graphical/darker


Office suites

Office 2007 is available in different flavours, you could go for any of these depending on need. You can buy them of a

store near buy or can also buy them online. Most of the Office applications like Word, PowerPoint are also available as an

individual package.

The flavours and its features have been shown below,



Downloads

Microsoft allows you to download a trail version of Microsoft Office 2007 for free, thus if you do plan to see what it

holds before you can buy it you can go ahead and download them and use it for the trial period which is about

90 days, after the trial period the product will be in a Reduced Functionality Mode (RFM) - which means that

you would no longer be able to use the application to its full extent as most of the features would be disabled.

Hence after the trial period you can choose to buy the product or you can choose to remove the trial version.

Caution: To install the Office 2007 you need to remove older versions of office (if any) to avoid conflicts. So when you want

to try office 2007 but already have a 2003 or an older version of office installed, make sure you have the disc for the same.

http://us1.trymicrosoftoffice.com/product.aspx?sku=3203895&culture=en-US









Microsoft Office and all its flavours, images, are copyrighted and trademark of Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.



OM

Certainly, AUM, OM, words are well known by most of people around the world. The purpose of this article is to share some less known meanings of AUM/OM as syllabus, symbol and mantra.

THE ORIGIN

The origin of the syllable AUM/OM is lost in the misty past. It is not being specific to any one country or civilization is indicative of its being a universally perceptible sound for the human race. This reason for this universal perceptibility possibly lies in the fact that AH is the most natural sound that issues from the human voice. This is evident when a person cries out naturally in extreme pain, anger or fear. When emotions reach an extreme pitch the articulate sounds evolved by man are not the ones that are heard, but the syllable natural to man which is AH or OH. AUM / OM are a mystical or sacred syllable and symbol in the Hindu,

Buddhist and Jain religions. It is considered the primordial sound, the symbol of infinity, where is not beginning and no end. It is the first letter of the Sanskrit alphabet, and it is said to be the first sound produced by the breath of a new-born child. This term occurs in various ancient and modern civilizations. It also exists in Hinduism, Christianity and Islam.

IN HINDUISM

The syllable AUM is first described as a mystical entity in the Upanishads. It symbolizes the three Vedas, the three states of the nature of man, the three divisions of the universe, the three Gods Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, which are the agents of creation, conservation, and destruction on Earth respectively, or more properly speaking, the three attributes of the Supreme Being personified by these divinities. Mandukya Upanishad greatly explains the significance of AUM.

“All this Cosmic Universe is the Eternal word OM. Its further

explanation is this: the past, the present, the future and everything is just OM. And whatever transcends the three divisions of time - that too is just OM. Thus the Word OM is verily the Self (Atman). He who knows this, with his self (Jiva), enters the Self (Atman).” Mandukya Upanishad

The syllable OM is quite familiar to a Hindu. It occurs in every prayer. Invocation to most Gods begin with this syllable.

Invoking the sacred syllable, the ancient Rishis of India said, “Nothing either begins or ends; all is change, and that which we call death is transformation”.

AUM IN ANCIENT EGYPT

It seems that the ancient Egyptians were familiar to AUM as Amen or Amun. Amen-Ra was the name of the supreme God who was considered the primordial creator and ruler of the other gods of Egyptian Pantheon.

IN ANCIENT GREECE

OMOM is a mystical sound related to almost all

major religions, SuryaMukhi takes a look at the

origin and usage of this mystic word.


The ancient Greek alphabet had Alpha as the first letter and Omega as its last letter. Omega written in the lowercase of the Greek alphabet, if turned to its side, looks quite similar to the Sanskrit way of writing OM. It is from the Greek alphabet that we have the English phrase “the Alpha and Omega,” which means, “to include everything.” “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. Amen.”

IN JUDAISM & CHRISTIANITY

Indian mystical thinking influenced Judaism in many ways. Scholars believe AUM became Amen and, as such, was later incorporated into Christianity.

The word AMEN used in almost all popular religions was fast incorporated into the Christian prayers and hymns. Amen is said to mean “so be it” or “let it be”. Amen is widely mentioned in the Bible. It is used during worship as an expression of benediction, for expressing one’s Love of God, or as sign of gratitude.

Christian Orthodox religion uses Amin instead of Amen.

IN ISLAM

The word Amin is widely used in Islam, the meaning of the word is truthful, faithful, trustworthy. In Hebrew, the meaning of Amin is honest and trustworthy.

Interesting to mention that if in Hindu religion prayers to Gods

start with OM, in Christianity, prayers end with Amen/Amin. A very subtle interchange to Alpha and Omega as stating letters of both OM and Amen.

AUM /OM AS MANTRAA mantra is mystical energy encased in a sound structure. Every mantra contains within it some vibrations, a certain power of penetrating all kind of structures. OM mantra called also “Pranava” which is taken from the Sanskrit word “prana”. Pranava means “humming”. “Prana” means life, energy, prayer, and “Va” is positive receptive syllable. Pranava is a bija mantra (seed mantra), because it contains the seed for all other mantras within itself. There are so many references to AUM in this Upanishad. One of them, referred to as the Pranava mantra, is given below:

Pranavo dhanu sharo hyaatmaa brahm tallakshya muchyate. apramatten vedadhavyam sharavattanmayo bhavet.

The Sacred Word (AUM) is called the bow, the arrow is the soul and Brahman is its target; He shall be pierced by him whose attention does not swerve. Then he will become one with Him as the arrow becomes one with the target whence it has pierced it. (Mundakopanisad II.ii.4)

Chanting OM is called Omkaaram. The Upanishads mention that the word OM represents the inter-breath, the gap between the inner-breath and the outer-breath. It is said the Gods hidden the letter OM in this gap so that their enemies would not think of looking for it in their location. From Brahma

Himself, to Manu the first man and lawgiver, all the great spiritual Masters have done japa on AUM.

Daily chanting or listening OM mantra invites positive energy, Prana in your life.

AUM/OM SYMBOL

For thousands of years Indian Rishis and sages have been meditating on AUM. When you look at AUM symbol, your brain waves calm down from beta levels to alpha level and eventually further down to gamma and delta levels.

Trataka Meditation on OM symbol is one of the easiest meditations to get clarity of mind and to purify your nerves. The technique is as follows:

Place an AUM symbol on the wall at eye level. Sit in cross-legged or padmasana (lotus pose) with the head, neck, and trunk in a straight line. Look at AUM symbol for a few seconds without blinking the eyes. Do not strain the eyes. When tired, gently close the eyes and visualize AUM or the after image of AUM mentally. Eventually, increase the duration of Trataka to 1 minute, and then to a maximum of 3 minutes.

This simply technique, practiced daily will give unexpected results in a good sense, inviting for positive energies into your mind, body and life.

- SuryaMukhi


WHAT IS ASTROLOGY?

Astrology is a Technology derived from a group of systems, traditions, and beliefs in which knowledge of the apparent relative positions of celestial bodies and related details is held to be useful in understanding; it is also called as a Divine Knowledge.

It deals with the study of cosmic celestial objects & events and their vibrations & effects on the behaviour of people, animate & inanimate objects, nature & events on Earth. Especially co -relations which cannot be explained by gravitation, magnetism, or other forces that are well established in Medicine, Physics, and/or others

sciences.

The word Astrology is derived from two Greek words, “Astra” meaning Stars & “Logos” meaning Study of. A practitioner of Astrology is called an Astrologer, or an Astrologist, in Russia they are called Cosmo Biologists & in India as Jyotishi.

According to the Chaldeans “An affinity exists between the stars and the souls of men, that the ethereal essence is Divine; that the souls of men are taken from this reservoir to it at death, and that the souls of the eminent of mankind are converted into stars”. Pythagoras believed & said that “The soul is a spark taken from the stellar essence”.

Why Technology, or Knowledge?

Technology as we all know in a broader sense has several meaning like, let’s take some of those meanings and see how they apply to Astrology.

“Any specific information and know-how” – Well Astrology is after all an information which talks about the Cosmic influence on Earth, & a person needs to know the know-how’s of Astrology before it can be used for any kind of consultation.

“A piece of equipment or a technique for performing a particular activity” – Astrology has many tools both, direct & indirect used for consultations, & each of these tools is a technique

WHAT IS ASTROLOGYAstrology, is it a science? is it an art? is it a supersiti-

tion? Astrology has been much followed and much

degraded over the years, but not everyone knows

what it is. Byrappa gives a glimpse as what exactly

is Astrology


in itself, & they are used in performing the consultation.

“A body of knowledge used to create tools, develop skills and extract or collect materials, the application of science (the combination of the scientific method and material) to meet an objective or solve a problem.” – Astrology is a body of knowledge as I previously mentioned, it uses many tools, a person has to develop skills in the subject, & with the skills, & collected materials (or information which is the Name, Date, Time & Place of birth) to extract the information from the horoscope to give a proper consultation, the application of Astrology with the collected materials (information) helps us know about the situation & solve any problems associated with the situation.”

“Tools to help represent or solve a problem.” – The last paragraph explains this.

“Is the process of applying established knowledge to meet identified market and social needs” – Astrology is an established knowledge & applying it to the situation of a client while in touch with what the market & society needs.

“Technology is a broad concept that deals with a species’ usage and knowledge of tools and crafts, and how it affects a species’ ability to control and adapt to its environment.” – Astrology is used by Humans (Species) & the knowledge of the subject & usage of its tools in used in consultation. The information learnt in the consultation, can be used by the client (species, us humans) to control and/or adapt to the situations around us.

So is Astrology an Art or Science?

Art means “the products of human creativity”, now that is just one of the many possible definitions. Science is “the effort to discover, and increase human understanding of how the physical world works, through controlled methods, using observable physical evidence of natural phenomena to collect data, and analyze this information to explain what and how things work.” Simply put it means “systematically acquired knowledge through research that is verifiable.”

Now Astrology is defiantly not “a product of human creativity”, it has been observed, researched & tested through the ages

by many different people from different civilisations throughout the world. So it isn’t an Art.

Scientists don’t want to call Astrology as a Science, because of their inability to keep an open mind to study & test the knowledge, and also the unavailability of proper tools or techniques or methods to test the validity of Astrology. They just test a part of Astrology namely Sun Sign, & then claim that Astrology isn’t a Science. After all Astrology is more Knowledge than Science & it doesn’t need the label of Science to survive, it has survived without it all these millenniums & will do in the future too. Therefore Astrology is neither an Art nor a Science.

History of Astrology

Astrology has been around from time immemorial, we have lost the exact date of discovery of Astrology & the name of the discoverer in the chronicles of time. But popular belief is that Astrology has been around since the time of conception of the Universe itself, because Astrology has played a part on all previous Humans & animals too. So whether you believe in Creationism or


Evolution, you cannot deny that other Planets or Stars didn’t exist then, & those very planets or stars have had a lot of influence on us.

But Astrology hasn’t been discovered in one place or by one person. It has been discovered by many people all over the world & each group of people who studied it have developed their own school of Astrology.

Astrology has been mentioned in various works from different religions & civilisations, namely Indian, Egyptian, Babylonian, Chinese, Islamic, Mayan, Tibetan, Persian, & many more. The earliest known & recorded work on Astrology is from the 3rd millennium BC. But there have been various books of unknown dates which have similar information about Astrology. Namely, Vedas of Hindus, which are disputed to be between 25,000 to 7000 years old, or the Christian Bible, especially the Old Testament also used in Jewish religion, or even other written text from lost civilisations.

Numerous traditions and applications employing Astrological concepts have arisen since its earliest recorded beginnings. It has

played a role in the shaping of culture, early astronomy, and other disciplines throughout history. Astrology and astronomy were often indistinguishable before the modern era, with the desire for predictive and divinatory knowledge one of the primary motivating factors for astronomical observation. In the western world, astronomy began to diverge from Astrology after a period of gradual separation from the Renaissance up until the 18th century. Eventually, astronomy distinguished itself as the scientific study of astronomical objects and phenomena without regard to the Astrological speculation of these phenomena. In India Astronomy is a Science, but Ancient Indian astronomy which is still followed today in many parts of India, are still integrated with Astrology & their yearly Almanacs are called as “Panchanga”.

Contrary to Popular belief, Vedic Astrology or Jyotisha has influenced Western Astrology a lot over the years rather than the other way round. Even if Vedas are considered to be 7000 years old, that would make its origin around 5000 BC that is the 5th millennium BC, making it the oldest piece of

work with direct or indirect connection to Astrology. And Hinduism which believes in Creationism believes that the Earth has been around for many billions of years & has the horoscope charts of many influential Lords, Sages, Kings & major events from Indian History or Mythology.

From the classical period through the scientific revolution, Astrological training played a critical role in advancing astronomical, mathematical, medical and psychological knowledge. Astrological influences included the observation and long-term tracking of celestial objects. It was Astrologers who provided the first systematic documentation of the movements of the Sun, the Moon, the planets, and the stars. The differentiation between astronomy and Astrology varied in different places, they were indistinguishable in ancient Babylonia, India and medieval Europe, but separated to an extent in the Hellenistic world (Greek & Greek conquered civilisations, especially conquered by Alexander the Great).

The first known distinction between Astrology and astronomy was given in the 11th century by the Persian


astronomer, Abu Rayhan al-Biruni.

The pattern of astronomical knowledge gained from Astrological endeavours has been historically repeated across numerous cultures, from ancient India through the classical Maya civilization to medieval Europe. Given this historical contribution, Astrology has been called a Protoscience, along with pseudoscience such as alchemy, but this classification of “Protoscience” & “Pseudoscience” is wrong.

Astrology was not always uncritically accepted before the modern era; it was often challenged by Hellenistic sceptics, church authorities, and medieval Muslim astronomers, such as Al-Farabi (Alpharabius), Ibn al-Haytham (Alhazen), Abu Rayhan al-Biruni, Avicenna and Averroes. Their reasons for refuting Astrology were often due to both scientific and religious (conflicts with orthodox Christian & Islamic scholars) reasons. Ibn Qayyim Al-Jawziyya (1292-1350), in his Miftah Dar al-SaCadah, used empirical arguments in astronomy in order to refute Astrology and divination.

Many prominent thinkers, philosophers, scientists,

statesmen, medical practitioners, celebrities, noblemen, & artists, have practiced, used or significantly contributed to Astrology.

Use of Astrology

Astrology is usually seen as a divination tool. But the truth is Astrology does not foretell your future or fate. It tells about the opportunities and crossroads in your life. The outcome depends solely upon the choices made through our free-will. Apart from identifying the possibilities in our life, Astrology is also used for psychological (personality & individuality) interpretation of a person.

Astrology is used to find the health, energy level, and activity patterns of the body; and the desires, urges, beliefs, reactions, and thought patterns of the mind, in a human.Astrology has long been used to decide the best times and periods for planting and harvesting in farming and other agriculture, to decide the best time for the slaughter of cattle and other breeding practices, planning daily activities, selecting profession, for compatibility with potential spouse, children & business partners (even family), to find the best

(auspicious) time for starting any event, predicting the weather, & many other uses.

Even today Astrology can be & is being used for the above mentioned purposes, but along with it Astrology has found many uses in modern times, for selecting the right education, to answer questions, for predicting the outcome of stock markets, for finding the right channel to invest our money into. Astrology is used by many companies world over to find the right candidate for a position or job. To find the best location (city, state, country) to live in for achieving our full potential possibility, to know whether to take calculated risks or suicidal risks, to know whether the person is better off as an employer or employee, etc, etc,.

Astrology & Karma

One really unpredictable part of Astrology is Karma. Karma in Sanskrit literally means, “Action, Work, or Deed”, it can be defined as an universal law of cause and effect which governs rebirth and the world at large.

Karma can be either good or bad, depending on what we do in this life will determine


whether you are rewarded or punished in the this life & future lives. What we did in past lives will have an effect in this life. Our ancestor’s actions affect us. And at last let us not forget that our actions also have an effect on our descendents.

Karma is a very integral part of Astrology, it is used to find out the how past deeds of a person can & will affect him/her & his/her family, in this life.

Apart from Karma, Indian philosophy talks about a concept called as Adrustha, which is often confused with Karma. Karma is more like a result of a person’s actions, but Adrustha is like fate or destiny. It talks about an unknown and invisible mystical/divine force at work behind the universe.

Conclusion

Astrology has many techniques & tools to find a lot of information about a person or an event. But to make a living as an Astrologer is not easy, therefore many Astrologers try to attract clients by giving them the impression that Astrology is a magical science that through supernatural means can tell the individual everything

regarding his past, present and future.But this causes more problems both for the Astrologer & the subject, if the Astrologer isn’t able to predict properly. Astrology works, but not by magic, it uses many tools/techniques/methods & with Karma Theory (& Adrustha if you are visit any Astrologer following the Indian philosophy), but again Karma isn’t magic & Adrustha (whether it exists or not) is unknown.

Many people degrade Astrology because they are either:

• Afraid of what they don’t know, or

• Haven’t properly researched the subject themselves, or

• Inherit another person’s prejudices based on their experience with a bad Astrologer,

• Have had personal bad experience with an Astrologer,

• Or it might be anything at all.

To deny Astrology any value without proper research is a crime, as with any other subject. Therefore it is my humble request to all people to study about Astrology,

test it & feel its accuracy & you can determine about its validity, rather than ignoring it, or denying it, its validity without prior proper research.

I have heard many Astrologers say that they would love to prove its validity through tests, research & discussion of the results, rather than just dismissing something.

Do remember one thing, Astrology is NEVER wrong, but Astrologers can be.

- Byrappa


Vermicelli Kheer or Shavagai Paasya

Ingredients :

Vermicelli - 1/2 cup (thin variety)

Milk - 4 cups

Sugar - 1/2 - 3/4 cup

Cream - 1/4 cup

Ghee - 4 tabs

Almonds - 2 tabs

Cinnamon powder - 1 level tsp

Bananas - 3 (small)

Method

Fry vermicelli in 2 tabs of ghee, till it turns light gold in colour. Let it get cold. Skin almonds & chop them into

small pieces. Fry in 2 tabs of ghee, till they become well roasted.

Boil the milk, add the vermicelli and keep on stirring over low heat till the vermicelli is just cooked and the milk

is thick. (Do not overcook the vermicelli). Reduce heat and add sugar little by little stirring all the time till the

sugar dissolves.

Remove from heat, when cold, mix in the cream, almonds, cinnamon powder and chopped bananas.

Optionally you can add the silver foil on the top for decoration.

Serve chilled.

LIVING LIFE

Recipes for Lip smacking Deepavali sweets.


Rice Kheer

Ingredients :

250 gm Raw rice

3/4 Litre milk

300 gm Sugar

100 gm Sago

3 Cardamom pods

A few cashew nuts

A pinch saffron

A few raisins

Method

Boil water in a vessel, wash the raw rice properly. Put the rice into the boiling water, when rice becomes half

cooked, add washed sago to it. When the rice is cooked properly, sago should turn transparent, if required add

a little water.

Mix sugar and cashew nut pieces with cooked rice. Mix continuously until it boils. Boil the milk in another

vessel and remove its cream. Add this milk to the rice and sago mixture. Dissolve saffron in little milk. Add it to

the cooked mixture with cardamom and raisins. Mix well.

Rice Kheer is ready to serve for four, can be served both hold or cold.


Badam Kheer

Ingredients :

1 cup Badam

4 to 6 cups milk

1 cup sugar

½ tsp saffron

a small pinch Kesari powder

Method

Soak saffron in little cold milk, and keep aside.

Soak badam in hot water for at least 1 hour.

Peel skin and grind the almond into a fine

paste with 1 cup of milk instead of water.

Measure the amount of badam paste and keep the same amount of sugar aside.

Cook the badam paste for 5 to 10 and keep on stirring it constantly, till the flavour comes out.

Now put sugar and keep stirring.

Add the remaining milk, and boil for 10 to 15 minutes.

Add the soaked saffron.

Ready to serve.


Carrot Halwa.

Ingredients :

Carrots -1/2 kg

Milk -1 litre

Cardamom -4 to 5

Sugar -1/4 kg

Charmagz (dried melon seeds) -1 tbsp

Ghee – A few spoons

Cashew nuts -100 gms

Raisins – 100 gms

Almonds -a few

Method

Peel the carrots and then grate them. Boil milk heavy bottomed pan, then add the grated carrots.

Cook on medium heat stirring occasionally without closing the lid till the mixture is fairly dry (approx 30 to 40

min).

Add sugar, cardamom crushed and melon seeds, mix well till everything becomes semi solid dry.

In a separate bowl, fry cashew nuts, raisins & Badam in the ghee. Then add the ghee into the carrot mixture &

stir well to mix.

Can be served both hot or cold, optionally silver foil can be used for decoration.

Tip: Warm Carrot Halwa with Plain Vanilla Ice-cream is a favourite in India. I have tried it with Chocolate chips

& even Butter Scotch Ice-cream & it tastes wonderful. So it is up to you to experiment.


Besan Ka Ladoo

Ingredients :

Ghee - 225 gms

Besan (Bengal gram flour) - 225 gms

Castor sugar - 350 gms

Cardamom powder - 1 tbsp

Cashewnuts chopped - 1 tsp

Almonds chopped - 1 tsp

Pistachio - 1 tsp

Method

Melt the ghee over a medium flame, in a thick-bottomed pan.

Add the besan and keep stirring to avoid the formation of lumps, the besan will also turn darker as it cooks

and when done should be a deep golden brown colour & gives an aroma. This browning process can take up

roughly 20 minutes.

Add the cardamom and mix well.

Turn off the fire and mix in the powdered sugar, chopped cashew nuts (optionally you can use Almonds & even

Raisins, together or seperately) to the besan mixture and stir thoroughly. Allow the mix to cool.

When cool, form into golf ball-sized rounds from the mixture. Then they are ready to serve. Optionally silver

foil can be used for decorating.

Store in an air-tight container in a cool place, to maintain freshness.


Earth at the Night

This is what the Earth looks like at night. Can you find your favorite country or city? Surprisingly, city lights make this task quite possible. Human-made lights highlight particularly developed or populated areas of the Earth’s surface, including the seaboards of Europe, the eastern United States, and Japan. Many large cities are located near rivers or oceans so that they can exchange goods cheaply by boat. Particularly dark areas include the central parts of South America, Africa, Asia, and Australia. The above image is actually a composite of hundreds of pictures made by the orbiting DMSP satellites.

Credit: C. Mayhew & R. Simmon (NASA/GSFC), NOAA/NGDC, DMSP Digital Archive


YSeeker

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