A Little Astronomy and Astrology

Удалённый пользователь 19 · Sep 21, 2021

Equinoxes.

For us Earthlings, there are four main astronomical phenomena: solstices (summer and winter) and equinoxes (spring and autumn). These phenomena occur simultaneously across the entire globe, at every point and in every location. The time is, of course, different for each location.

During the equinoxes (March 20–21 or September 22–23), day is almost exactly equal to night (but not at the poles! There, it is always either a six-month day or a six-month night). In principle, this approximate equality of day and night is established during the week before and after the equinox, with the difference amounting to seconds or minutes.

The Sun rises exactly in the east and sets exactly in the west. This makes it possible to determine precisely where east is (at sunrise) and where west is (at sunset). If the horizon is visible from a window or balcony, it is very easy to mark these moments and remember them using other visible landmarks (mountains, buildings, etc.). In ancient times, people used the sky both as a clock and as a calendar.

Tomorrow, September 22, we will have the autumnal equinox at 22:21 Moscow time (or 19:21 UTC). In Michigan, for example, this moment falls at 15:21 local time. In Novosibirsk, it will even be at 2:21 a.m. on September 23.

This year, the autumnal equinox is preceded by a full moon on September 21 at 2:53 a.m. Moscow time.
Astrologers believe that on September 22, 2021, this is the time of Pisces in conjunction with Neptune. This period is intended to dispel the “fog,” reveal illusions, deception, and misconceptions in affairs and relationships, and help us accept reality as it is. With the full moon in Pisces, passivity and spinelessness, indulgence of weaknesses, infidelity, and inconstancy dominate the emotional state. Grievances are forgiven more easily than on other days.

From the moment of the equinox, we enter the “dark” quarter of the year, when the length of the night will grow and exceed the length of daylight. In the annual cycle of our lives, this signifies a time of turning inward, reassessing ourselves and our direction.

Astrologers also consider the autumnal equinox a kind of new starting point. Therefore, they recommend completing important tasks, getting rid of everything unnecessary, and making plans for the future before this day.

It is customary to commemorate our ancestors on the day of the equinox. So we will have a Puja.

Удалённый пользователь 19 · Oct 16, 2021

Comparative Sizes of Asteroids.

Asteroids are relatively small bodies in the Solar System that orbit between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.
Thousands of asteroids are known and tracked. Astronomers pay particular attention to potentially hazardous ones that approach Earth.

Asteroids range in size from a few meters to hundreds of kilometers. The largest of them, Ceres, has been considered a dwarf planet since 2006.

Удалённый пользователь 19 · Oct 19, 2021

Удалённый пользователь 19 · Oct 23, 2021

Vrata-katha.

Vrata (व्रत) translated from Sanskrit means a ritual or vow. And katha (कथा) is a story, a Vedic tale. Consistently listening to or reading a vrata-katha over a certain period of time harmonizes the subtle body with the energies of the planets and protects it from their negative influence.

Today is Saturday, the day of Saturn.
(On the Your Yoga website's News page there is a link to Astrological Information for the Days of the Week)

I am sharing a well-known katha about Shani, the ruler of the planet Saturn, from Robert Svoboda's book "The Greatness of Saturn." This katha is somewhat long, so I will post it in parts on Saturdays.

Vrata-katha for Saturn about King Vikrama
King Vikrama was discussing with his courtiers which of the Nine Planets was the greatest. The time had come for King Vikrama to make his decision. The entire court—both sages and ordinary onlookers—turned their eyes toward their ruler, ready to savor the nectar of his deliberations, just as sunflowers follow the sun so they can fully enjoy the sweetness of its rays. Again and again, the king reviewed in his mind everything he had heard: lineages and extraordinary abilities, examples of valor and nobility. Yet again and again, his thoughts returned to Saturn and his incredible cruelty. Gradually, an inexplicable sorrow took hold of the king's heart, and it sank into impenetrable darkness. Suddenly, these words slipped from his lips:
—It is better never to have a son than to have one like Saturn, whose gaze is so terrifying in its hatred! And if Lord Saturn did not even spare his own father, whom will he spare? Answer me, O wise ones!

And it so happened—and it had been predestined by fate—that at that very moment Lord Saturn himself was passing above them in the heavens in his aerial chariot. The king's words reached his ears, and Saturn immediately descended to earth and entered the palace. At the sight of this tall, emaciated, lame god—the embodiment of inflexibility and relentlessness—the king and all the courtiers were struck speechless with astonishment and terror. Like wooden staffs, they fell prostrate, lying motionless on the ground.

There are moments in life when a person suddenly realizes that an inappropriate word has just slipped from their lips. At such a moment, their only wish is to take the word back. But a word once spoken cannot be taken back, and one thoughtless act can cast a shadow over all our deeds for the rest of our lives. Such a moment had come for King Vikrama. His heart sank into his heels; the king tasted dust and ashes in his mouth, although courage could still be read on his face. With the deepest reverence, King Vikrama prostrated himself at Saturn's feet and seated him on his own throne, paying every possible honor to this embodiment of inevitability, offering prayers to him and performing rituals in his honor. And as he did all this, he understood that his fate had already been decided.

When the king had completed all the rituals, dark-faced Saturn spoke to him, his voice ringing with the calm and coldness of reality:
—O Vikramaditya! You insulted me before the entire assembly, without even knowing how far my powers extend. Do you know that Indra and all the other gods tremble before me? Do you know that I destroy anyone who arouses my anger? But there is something else you do not yet understand: not even a trace remains of those whom I destroy, and even their very names are erased from human memory! As I flew over this assembly, I sensed that you had expressed disgust toward me. Know that I am now entering the constellation of Virgo, which occupies the twelfth house of your horoscope. This means that for seven and a half years you will have no choice but to learn what I am truly like. Your mind is far from the truth now, but soon you will learn the extent of my power. And I will humble you—remember my words!

You do not yet realize how great my prowess is. The Moon remains in the constellations of the Zodiac for only two and a quarter days, Mercury and Venus for a month each, and Mars for a month and a half. Jupiter remains for twelve months, Rahu and Ketu for eighteen. I, however, remain a full thirty months in each sign, causing great and prolonged suffering even to the mightiest gods. Listen to my words, O King! When I caught up with Ramachandra, the incarnation of the Lord Himself, he lost everything he possessed and was exiled to the forest. When I turned my power against Ravana, Shri Ramachandra and Lakshman gathered an army, invaded Lanka, killed Ravana, and destroyed his entire family. Therefore, O King Vikramaditya, prepare yourself for misfortune!
Having finished his speech, Saturn rose as swiftly as the king had fallen prostrate before him. Clinging to Saturn's black feet, he cried out in despair:
—O Lord Saturn! Forgive me this insult, I beg you! Take pity on the unfortunate!
But Saturn replied:
—If I show you compassion, you will never come to know the full extent of my power. At least once, you must experience it; otherwise, arrogance and insolence will never leave you.
With these words, Saturn mounted his chariot and sped away to his kingdom. Burning with shame and regret over his terrible mistake, King Vikrama left the court in great haste. He rushed to the temple and, in confusion, began offering prayers and performing rituals.
But then he said to himself:
—I have insulted Saturn, a powerful and cruel planet.

And now I will have to reap the fruits of what I have done. My own karma pushed me onto this path. Did the Moon know, when he abducted Jupiter's wife, that he would have to suffer Daksha's curse? And did Daksha know that this curse would cost him his head?
But even those who understand what their actions will bring are not free from their consequences. Did not the Blessed Lord Vishnu have to beg Bali to return the Universe to him after deceiving that same Bali and the asuras, cunningly depriving them of the amrita they had honestly obtained by churning the Ocean together with the gods? One must accept everything that happens. What is destined cannot be changed. So why regret it?

Having said this to himself, he ate lunch, lay down on his bed, and fell into a deep sleep. The following morning, he appeared before his court again and attended to the usual affairs of state. He seemed as calm as usual, but his soul was gnawed by agonizing anxiety. Day and night he wondered what misfortunes Saturn had in store for him. Thus a month passed.

Удалённый пользователь 19 · Oct 29, 2021

Venus these days.

Venus is the brightest planet visible from Earth. As an object in the sky, only the Sun and Moon are brighter than Venus. Look west after sunset—it shines brightly to the left of the sunset point. This is in the Northern Hemisphere; in the Southern Hemisphere, it is directly above the sunset point. It is clearly visible even while the sky is still light. And once darkness falls, it is simply dazzling!
On October 29, Venus will be at its highest point above the horizon; after that, it will appear closer and closer to the horizon each day. At the same time, its brightness will increase, reaching a maximum in early December, but Venus will remain very bright until the end of the year. Because of its proximity to the horizon, its glow may become somewhat eerie. And they say that around this time, the number of UFO sightings will increase!

Удалённый пользователь 19 · Oct 30, 2021

Vrata-katha for Saturn about King Vikrama
(continued; beginning above)

Soon after Saturn, the most cruel of the planets, entered Virgo, which lay in the twelfth house of King Vikramaditya’s lunar horoscope, a highly learned and knowledgeable astrologer appeared at the court of this earthly ruler.

“Great King!” he said. “The especially harsh and cruel planet Saturn has entered the twelfth house of your lunar horoscope, and under its influence a period of sorrow and suffering has begun in your life, one that will last seven and a half years. You have spoken of Saturn in ordinary terms, but it is not without reason that in all three worlds he bears the name Mahakrura—the Most Cruel. The time has come to perform rituals and give alms, and let mantras be recited for you to please and appease Saturn and free you from the fruits of his anger.

“Choose a learned and pious Brahmin, and let him recite Saturn’s mantra twenty-three thousand times on your behalf. After the mantra has been recited, make five thousand seven hundred and fifty offerings and consign them to the sacrificial fire. Also give a Brahmin black peas, black garments, iron, and oil as gifts, and feed the Brahmins at your own expense. If the mantras are recited, if you feed several Brahmins, and if you worship those who perform rituals in Saturn’s honor for your sake as though they were Saturn himself, Saturn’s heart will soften. If you please him through your service, he will protect you like his own son until these seven and a half years have passed.”

King Vikramaditya replied:
“Of course, I shall try to appease Saturn, give generous alms, and perform all the prescribed rituals. But will that satisfy him? If he brought misfortune upon his own father and mother from the moment of his birth, what good can he do for others? Whatever is destined for a person will certainly happen to him, and there is no escape from it. Therefore, please return home.” And the king took his leave of the pandit, wishing him a safe journey.

Soon afterward, Saturn himself came to Ujjain in the guise of a wealthy horse merchant. O listeners! Attend carefully to the storyteller! Many rich men came to this merchant to buy horses. Word of him reached King Vikrama, and the king sent his master of the horse to purchase the finest steeds for the palace stables. Obeying the royal command, the master of the horse went to the merchant and selected the most pedigreed racers. But when he heard the price, he was astonished and hurried to report it to the king. The astonished king went to see the horses himself. Saturn, in the guise of the merchant, began showing the king one horse after another, while the king carefully examined them. When the king asked the merchant about the price, he replied:
“My lord! I will name the price—but only after you have ridden one of these stallions and decided that you like it.”

Choosing a horse named Sarang, the king ordered the rider with the whip to saddle it. They went to the nearby meadows and tested the racer, discovering that the horse obeyed its rider in every respect. The king was pleased. But then the merchant brought out another horse, named Ahlakh, and said to the king:
“This horse costs one hundred thousand silver rupees. I know that no one has ever asked such a price for a horse. But if you ride it yourself, even for a short distance, you will see what it can do, appreciate its qualities and its gait, and then you can judge for yourself whether I am really asking so much.”

Persuaded by the merchant’s urging, the king mounted the horse and, setting it at an easy gallop, rode across the meadow. After a short while he said to himself, “This horse truly is very spirited and swift-footed.”

No sooner had the king spoken these words than Ahlakh leapt incredibly high into the sky, then, barely touching the ground with its hooves, jumped again. Thus it raced with truly dizzying speed, flying farther with every leap. The king had to hold on tightly to keep from losing his life. At last they found themselves in the midst of dense jungle, and there, on the riverbank, the horse hesitated for a moment. Gathering his strength, the king leapt to the ground—and at that very instant the marvelous steed disappeared. The river disappeared as well. Looking around and seeing neither horse nor river, but only an impenetrable forest, the king sank into boundless grief. “Where am I to go now?” he asked himself sorrowfully. “And what am I to do?”

Before he had time to look around again, the sun had set. Darkness enveloped everything so quickly that soon it became impossible even to make out a path in that gloomy forest. The king had no choice but to spend the night beneath a tree. When dawn broke on the new day, he found a road and emerged from the forest, tormented by hunger and thirst. At once he encountered a cowherd, who gave the king water to drink and pointed out the direct road to the nearest city. It was the city of Tamalinda, about twenty miles away. Sighing bitterly at his dark forebodings having come true and trembling before what lay ahead, King Vikrama set out along the road and trudged wearily toward his fate.

At first, the inhabitants of Ujjain waited patiently for the king’s return. But the king never descended from the heavens, and by nightfall all his subjects had plunged into an abyss of hopeless despair. Boundless grief seized the entire city, which had lost its beloved ruler, just as pain overtakes the whole body when one of its limbs is afflicted.

The next morning, the merchant came to the king’s chief adviser and said:
“Please be so kind as to pay me for the horse.” The adviser replied:
“When the king returns, he will pay you.”

He sent soldiers in every direction in search of their ruler, who had vanished without a trace. Thus the adviser was forced to open his purse and pay one hundred thousand silver rupees for the horse—the very price the merchant had quoted to the king. Putting the money in his pocket, Saturn disappeared.

(to be continued)

231812 · Oct 31, 2021

Namaste! You understand astrology so well. Could you please tell me which Ekadashi it is now? The thing is that observing the fast on Mokshada Ekadashi helps free ancestors who have ended up in hell. I wouldn’t want to miss it.

Удалённый пользователь 19 · Oct 31, 2021

231812 said:
You understand astrology so well.

That isn't really the case—I am very interested in astrology and study it a little, that's all.
As for Ekadashi, different systems provide somewhat different information, both in terms of the dates and the names. On the TY home page, there is a link to a very interesting article about Ekadashi, which also contains a table with the names and dates. If you select a name, you will be taken to more detailed information.
I also visit this site—http://chela.ru—so take a look there too, if you are interested.
But I myself follow the Jagannatha Hora program. And I decided long ago that the surest way is not to skip any Ekadashi days at all. For example, today is Ekadashi for me.

231812 · Oct 31, 2021

How can it be today? On the Your Yoga website, it’s tomorrow. I was planning to fast tomorrow. Could you, for example, notify us of upcoming Ekadashi days within the school, perhaps on this astronomy page for clueless students? You are a Mentor, after all. I’m very interested in this!

Удалённый пользователь 19 · Oct 31, 2021

2 231812 , the Ekadashi dates in Western and Eastern astrology do not always coincide. They also differ from other calendars, such as the Vaishnava calendar. Therefore, there is no single definitive answer to this question. The discrepancy arises from calculations of the beginning of the lunar day, as well as the lunar months.
The Jagannatha Hora program is based on Jyotish, which is why I follow it. Shanti teaches astrology at the OM Ashram, and that is where I became familiar with this program. I suggest simply choosing one system and following it. For example, the system used by the Your Yoga website.

Удалённый пользователь 19 · Nov 1, 2021

Variable star Algol.

The star Algol in the constellation Perseus was nicknamed the Demon Star. Naturally, in the sky it does not look any more frightening than any other star. But in mythology it is associated with a terrifying monster—the Gorgon Medusa, who had snakes instead of hair. Legend held that her appearance was so terrifying that anyone who looked at her would turn to stone.
The star Algol was named after an Arabic word meaning the Head of the Demon or, literally, the Ghoul. Sea jellyfish received their name because of their resemblance to the writhing snake-hair of the legendary Gorgon Medusa from Greek mythology.

“The Head of Medusa” by Giovanni Lorenzo Bernini.

In the mythology of the heavens, Perseus—a great hero, often depicted riding Pegasus, the Flying Horse—killed Medusa. He then used Medusa’s head to his advantage, turning his enemies to stone.

Perhaps the ancients associated Algol’s variable brightness with Medusa’s evil, winking eye.
Algol is a well-known variable star whose brightness increases and decreases.
Many variable stars are known, but Algol is famous for brightening and dimming with precise regularity—every two days, 20 hours, and 49 minutes. Algol’s variations are easy to notice with the naked eye. At its brightest, Algol shines about three times more brightly than at its faintest.
In fact, Algol is a binary star in which both stars orbit their common center of mass, alternately eclipsing each other. From Earth, we see the orbital plane of this binary almost exactly edge-on. Therefore, when the fainter of the two stars passes in front of the brighter one, we see Algol at its minimum brightness.

In autumn, the constellation Cassiopeia, shaped like the letter “W” (or, conversely, “M”), is easy to find in the northeastern sky; beneath it lies the constellation Perseus with the star Algol.

Удалённый пользователь 19 · Nov 3, 2021

The Shadow Cast by Venus.

The Atacama Desert in northern Chile is a paradise for astronomers. The unique combination of high altitude, clean air, and the absence of light pollution makes it one of the best places in the world for observing the sky.
Last week, astronomer Daniel Gasparri discovered his shadow under the bright light of Venus.

"This is the time of year when Venus shines so brightly that it creates faint shadows," Gasparri explains. "Here is the proof: me and my long shadow, which follows me during the first part of the night, every night."

Tomorrow, November 4, on the new moon (Amavasya), in the month of Karttika, the festival of lights Diwali is celebrated, symbolizing the triumph of Light over darkness, Knowledge over ignorance, and Good over evil.

Удалённый пользователь 19 · Nov 5, 2021

Sunspots and auroras.

On our Sun (as on other stars), so-called "dark spots" appear cyclically, with a lower temperature than the surrounding areas. Through these spots, powerful magnetic fields emerge from the Sun's interior into its photosphere and all the way to the solar corona.
The visible result of this process is a solar flare and a coronal ejection of charged particles into space. When the radiation surge reaches Earth, it causes severe disturbances in its magnetic field, disrupts satellite operations, and even affects objects located on the planet. Due to disturbances in Earth's magnetic field, the likelihood of auroras occurring at low geographical latitudes increases. .

On November 2, numerous auroras occurred as a result of two coronal ejections directed toward Earth, reaching as far south as Moscow's latitude.

100 km from Omsk, on the evening of November 4.

And this video was filmed in the sky over Chukotka on the morning of November 4.

Wisconsin, also on November 4.

California, November 4.

Tromsø, Norway, November 3.

Sunspots are areas of the greatest activity on the Sun. Several cycles of solar activity are known, the most famous being the 11-year cycle. That is, over the course of 11 years (on average), the number of sunspots increases and then decreases.

The solar disk on December 4, 2019, without a single spot—the activity minimum.

November 2, 2021.

We are currently in cycle 25 (counting from the beginning of systematic observations in 1755). Cycle 24 ended in December 2019 at the sunspot minimum. Solar activity is now increasing.

8030 · Nov 5, 2021

, thank you very much for this feature, it’s very interesting!!

And special thanks for the photos and video!

Удалённый пользователь 19 · Nov 6, 2021

Vrata-katha for Saturn about King Vikrama
(continued above - A Little Astronomy and Astrology)

Meanwhile, the king somehow made his way to the city of Tamalinda and, upon entering it, immediately found himself in the marketplace. Tired from the journey, he sat down to rest at the entrance to a shop. As it happened, the goods in that shop immediately began selling twice as quickly as usual. Noticing this, the owner thought as he looked at King Vikrama: “Surely this man is very fortunate and happy.” He greeted King Vikrama with great respect, ushered him into his shop, seated him, and said:
— Rinse your mouth, wash your hands and feet, and bathe; then come to my house and share a meal with me. What caste do you belong to, where is your home, and what is your name?
The king replied:
— By birth I am a kshatriya, and my homeland is far from here. I wandered for a long time, and then came to this city and, seeing your shop, sat down here to rest.
Having heard this, the merchant said:
— A good answer. Since you are here, please come with me.
Saying this, he led the king into his wealthy home, which stood nearby. There King Vikrama bathed and performed his daily rituals, after which the merchant ceremoniously seated him at the table and began serving him exquisite and rare dishes possessing all six tastes.Having eaten their fill, they washed their hands and faces with fragrant water and began chewing betel leaves and nuts.

It so happened that the merchant’s daughter, whose name was Alolika (“Imperturbable”), was at that time looking for a suitable husband. Her father, too, had been diligently observing the young men, but he could not find anyone worthy of his daughter until fate unexpectedly brought this fortunate man into his shop—the perfect candidate for a son-in-law. Sending for his daughter, the merchant said to her:
— Alolika! Today I met a man who is suitable for you.
Go and adorn him with garlands as a sign that he is your chosen one, and marry him.

And the girl replied:
— Very well, Father. But I will not marry him until I have tested him. Before entering into marriage with him, I must know how wise, intelligent, and profound he is. When evening comes, send this guest to spend the night in the room where I practice the arts and learn crafts. There I will test him, and if he passes the test, I will marry him.

The merchant did as his daughter requested and sent the king to spend the night in the room where Alolika studied the arts. Upon entering the room, the king was astonished to see the walls covered with many marvelous paintings depicting elephants, horses, and birds. In the middle of the room stood a canopied bed, with a velvet mattress beneath a white coverlet and embroidered pillows on either side. A pearl chandelier hung in the center of the ceiling, and Pearl threads stretched out from it in every direction, so that the room itself seemed covered by a canopy. Lamps illuminated the room with a bright light, like the radiance of the moon, and garlands of roses gave off a sweet fragrance in the breath of the breeze. Beside the bed stood an ivory table covered with vials of rosewater and all kinds of incense.

And when King Vikrama saw these incomparable adornments, he thought: “Well, well! What kind of country is this? And what beauty there is here! Truly, the workings of karma are capricious. No one is able to comprehend them. It seems to me that all this is merely one of the illusions of the lord Saturn, with which he has resolved to deceive me once again. Yes, there can be no doubt about it. Even this merchant’s daughter must be part of the illusion. Let us see what happens next.” With these thoughts, he lay down, covered himself completely, and pretended to be asleep.

Yes, he was only pretending to sleep, for sleep fled from him. How could he fall asleep beneath Saturn’s stern gaze, knowing that this cruel god would rule his life for another seven and a half years? And so, lying with his head covered, the king remained awake, weighed down by grim thoughts of the misfortunes and troubles that inevitably awaited him in the future.

Some time passed, and the merchant’s daughter, adorned with sixteen kinds of jewels and ornaments, entered the chambers. Pearls and diamonds encircled her delicate neck, her hair, strewn with pearls, cascaded in smooth waves, and a diamond sparkled in the wing of her nose. Her divine beauty her body shone through her rich garments, as flashes of lightning shine through golden evening clouds. She entered the room with great hopes, and the ringing of the bracelets on her ankles echoed her joyful Thoughts. Every pore of her skin exuded fragrance as she approached the bed. But then Alolika saw that the king was sleeping with his head completely covered.

It should be said that this girl was highly skilled at testing those who hoped to win her hand, and very resourceful in dealing with them. Trying to awaken the king, she began sprinkling saffron water on him. But how can one awaken someone who is merely pretending to sleep? One who is asleep may speak, but one who is alert will remain silent.

For three whole hours the merchant’s daughter tried to awaken the king, but in vain. At last, sighing heavily, she hung her pearl necklace on a hook beside the bed and, with a trembling heart and trembling all over, lay down beside the king. Soon sleep overcame her.

Then the king pulled the covering from his head and, seeing Alolika, thought: “People call me brave and valiant and say that all my thoughts are devoted only to serving others. Day and night I feared committing a sin. And now here beside me is a young girl whom I will not marry. How can I explain to her the situation in which I find myself? If the sages consider it a sin even to speak privately with an unmarried girl, how great a sin would it be to touch her?”

Thus the king lay there, pondering, when suddenly A miracle appeared before his eyes: one of the swans from the painting adorning the wall suddenly came to life and jumped down onto the floor. Waddling over to the string of pearls hanging from a hook, which Alolika had taken from her neck, it began swallowing the pearls one after another. The king gazed in great amazement at this marvel, which promised him nothing good, and thought: “What is happening now will bring me much suffering. I will have to pay dearly for this! If the swan eats all the pearls and I do nothing to stop it, I will be accused of theft and put on trial! But I cannot take this necklace away from the swan: until now, I have never refused anyone who asked me for something, because I know that refusal causes suffering. So let them put me on trial for theft rather than have me destroy my reputation as a generous king by taking the pearls from the swan!” With these thoughts, the king finally fell asleep.

And when the girl awoke in the morning and saw the sleeping king beside her, she thought irritably: “This man, whom my father intends for me to marry, is a worthless fool! It wasn’t enough that he slept through the whole night—he is still asleep!”

Thus, muttering under her breath and berating the king, the merchant’s daughter made her way to the place where she had hung her pearl necklace. But when she did not find it there, she roughly shook the king awake and said to him:
—Now I understand! You are not the wretched simpleton you pretend to be, but a great swindler! You stole my necklace and then went to sleep. But you will not get away with this! Return my necklace and get out of ourat home!
In response, the king exclaimed:
— Sister! I did not take your necklace. I was merely sleeping here,
and you are accusing me unjustly.

Then the enraged girl ran to her father and shouted:
— There is nothing more to say—you certainly found me a suitable husband, Father! This guest of yours is a swindler and a thief, and no novice at the trade. Last night he stole my pearl necklace and hid it somewhere.

Hearing this, the merchant rushed at the king and angrily berated him:
— Worthless fool! I gave you shelter, fed you the finest food, and offered you my own daughter as a wife! And how did you repay me? What have you done?!
King Vikrama replied:
— I did not steal the necklace. My evil fate is to blame for everything.
Because of it, I have landed in this predicament.

These words drove the merchant into a rage, and he ordered his servant:
— Seize this swindler, tie him up, and thrash him properly. Perhaps that will make him confess to his crime! It seems there is no other way to make him see reason.
The servant tightly bound King Vikrama with a rope and began beating him, while the merchant merely shouted:
— Hit him harder! Surely only then will he confess that he stole the necklace and return it. There is no room for sympathy here!

And the merchant’s servants beat him with such zeal that King Vikrama, despairing as Saturn’s noose tightened around his neck, cried out:
— O merchant! I know nothing about the missing necklace. Your servants are beating me for nothing! You examined my body and searched my clothes, but found nothing. Have mercyme at least a little! I did not take the necklace; I know nothing about it, and I don’t have it! You’re beating me for no reason!

Then the merchant said to his servants:
— Clearly, we are dealing with an experienced thief. Despite the beating, he still insists on his innocence. Take him to the king. The king’s justice will teach him a lesson! That’s when he’ll return our necklace!

(to be continued)

https://www.youryoga.ru/school/en/attachments/1635587319495-png.1682/

Удалённый пользователь 19 · Nov 9, 2021

If the sky is clear, look south about an hour after sunset. Venus shines like a diamond and is visible even in the twilight. Jupiter is also very bright. Saturn is dimmer than them, but is also clearly visible.

The Moon makes it easy to orient yourself. And do not forget—planets do not twinkle like stars; they shine with a steady light.

Удалённый пользователь 19 · Nov 12, 2021

Eclipse Corridor 19/11–4/12/2021..

A partial lunar eclipse will occur on November 19, and a total solar eclipse on December 4. In astrology, the interval between two (sometimes three) consecutive eclipses is called the Eclipse Corridor. This is a very important and consequential period in our lives, and there are certain rules for how to act properly during this time. Moreover, the influence of the corridor begins 2–3 weeks before the first eclipse and ends just as late after the final eclipse. In other words, we are all already under the influence of the Eclipse Corridor.

Solar and lunar eclipses occur in pairs approximately two weeks apart. If a solar eclipse occurs during a new moon, a lunar eclipse will necessarily occur at the next full moon. Or vice versa: first a lunar eclipse (always at the full moon), followed by a solar eclipse (always at the new moon).

During the Eclipse Corridor, emotions become more intense.
Esotericists believe that during the Eclipse Corridor, our connection with the Universe becomes stronger, which means that all our thoughts may literally amplify their impact. Therefore, we need to carefully control what and how we think, and avoid becoming fixated on negativity, fears, and resentments. On the contrary, this is the best time to work through them fully and let them go from our lives.
“Try to stay away from toxic and aggressive people during this period—people who do not control themselves and their actions very well. Under no circumstances, no matter how much someone tries to provoke you, should you take revenge on others or argue,” advises the astrologer.
During the days of the Eclipse Corridor, you must not portray anyone in a bad light or seek revenge. Try not to become irritated: ill wishes and insults may turn against you.
Any form of violence should be avoided, whether verbal, psychological, or physical. Do not allow emotions to override critical and rational thinking. Do not try to force a situation through strength rather than reason.

According to the astrologer, during the Eclipse Corridor you should not get married, change jobs, make major purchases, or make life-changing decisions.
Not recommended:

Taking on additional burdens and obligations.
Committing rash acts.
Conducting negotiations.
Changing jobs.
Signing important documents.
Borrowing or lending money.
Making radical changes.
Undergoing cosmetic procedures or surgical interventions
Taking your frustrations out on loved ones.
Manipulating and criticizing.

The period between eclipses is called an opportunity to influence your destiny, because events that will shape your life for the next 18.5 years will form during this time.
The Sun and Moon, being in a particular zodiac sign and degree, will return to the same position only after 18.5 years. Events during the Eclipse Corridor have a fateful and life-changing nature: all thoughts and desires will be reflected in the universe and will subsequently influence our destiny.
Everyone is given the opportunity to change their life during the Eclipse Corridor—to correct past mistakes and understand the essence of what is happening, to reconsider many things, because the future arises in the present.

Удалённый пользователь 19 · Nov 18, 2021

Lunar eclipse on November 19, 2021.

Diagram of a lunar eclipse in our solar system.
If the Moon enters the Earth’s shadow cone (the dark area) completely, the eclipse will be total.
The closer the Moon is to Earth at the moment of the eclipse (in the narrow part of the penumbra, the large gray cone), the shorter the eclipse will last.

Tomorrow’s eclipse is partial, but Earth’s shadow will cover 97% of the Moon; that is, it is almost a total eclipse with the characteristic features of one.
During the eclipse, the Moon does not disappear completely, but becomes dark red because it continues to be illuminated.

Sunlight passing tangentially along the Earth’s surface is scattered in the Earth’s atmosphere, and through this scattering it partially reaches the Moon. Since Earth’s atmosphere is most transparent to red-orange rays, these rays reach the Moon’s surface to a greater extent during the eclipse, which explains the color of the lunar disk.
Essentially, this is the same effect as the orange-red glow of the sky on the horizon before sunrise or immediately after sunset.

The Moon will practically be at its most distant point from Earth (at apogee) this month. For this reason, this is also the longest lunar eclipse in the last 1,000 years.
The eclipse will begin at 06:00:13 UTC (09:00:13 Moscow time, UTC+3) and end at 12:05:22 UTC.
The maximum phase will occur at 09:02:46 UTC.
The eclipse will be fully visible in North America, the Pacific Ocean, Alaska, eastern Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. In Russia, the partial phases of the eclipse will be visible—but... let’s not watch it; the Vedas do not advise it.

Удалённый пользователь 19 · Nov 19, 2021

Moonset during today’s eclipse.
Photographed by Roscosmos cosmonaut Pyotr Dubrov from aboard the International Space Station.

The phases of the eclipse in the sky over Primorsky Krai.

Удалённый пользователь 19 · Nov 20, 2021

Vrata-katha for Saturn about King Vikrama
(beginning above — A Little Astronomy and Astrology)

The merchant’s servants tied King Vikrama’s hands and led him to the palace, where the unfortunate man was brought before King Chandrasena, who was told the whole story of the necklace in every detail. After hearing it, King Chandrasena said to King Vikrama:
“Ah, you scoundrel! Produce the stolen necklace at once and return it to the merchant!”
Vikrama replied:
“I did not steal it, and I know nothing about it. You are mistaken, King! Truly, I know nothing about this necklace. All this has happened to me only because Lord Saturn is angry with me. I am not a thief. But if you still doubt me—very well, have it your way: I am a thief, and I beg you—take pity on me! Show mercy!

On hearing this, King Chandrasena rose abruptly, and his anger flared like a flame:
“Wretched deceiver! Do you still deny your crime? You robbed this honorable merchant and pretend that you did nothing?! Guards! Cut off this swindler’s hands and feet and throw him out of the city. And make sure that from now on he drinks not a drop of water and eats not a crumb of bread.”

Thus Saturn confused King Chandrasena’s mind, making him believe that the man standing before him was — and truly a thief, and leave his plea entirely unheeded.

King Chandrasena’s servants hastened to carry out their master’s order. They dragged King Vikrama beyond the city to the executioner, who, without delay, chopped off his hands and feet. At that very moment, when the executioner severed the limbs from King Vikrama’s body, a wave of grief and weeping suddenly swept through the entire city. The mutilated king writhed in pain and cried out in agony, while life slowly ebbed from his body. But the heartless servants of King Chandrasena were unwilling to ease his suffering in any way. They carried Vikrama into a wild forest and, abandoning him there, returned to their king. Chandrasena asked them:
— O my faithful servants! What is the robber like now? Is he still alive, or has he died?
And the servants shrieked in piercing voices over one another:
— He is about to die! How can a man without hands or feet survive? He is dying a painful death, suffering from agony and bleeding profusely. We have forbidden the people to give him food or water. He will not live long! The spasms in the stumps of his limbs make him suffer like a fish cast out of water.
The inhabitants of the city of Tamalinda pitied King Vikrama, but since their own ruler had strictly forbidden them to feed or give water to the unfortunate man, they trembled with fear at the thought that, by disobeying the order, they might end their days just as miserably.

But King Vikrama survived. For how else could Saturn prolong his suffering?! A month passed in dreadful agony—and At last, Saturn took a little pity on King Vikrama. Then, by his will, compassion for the punished stranger arose in the heart of King Chandrasena. One day, he asked his servants:
— What condition is the thief in now?
And he heard in reply:
— O great king! He is still alive, but his appearance is terrible. Moreover, without food or water, he is on the brink of life and death.
After hearing this, the king said:
— From this day onward, show him mercy and give him food and water.
Following their lord’s orders, Chandrasena’s servants began bringing King Vikrama food and drink. The townspeople began caring for the unfortunate man and supplying him with nourishment as well. Soon, the pain in his maimed limbs subsided, and his strength returned. But he remained helpless, and moving without arms or legs required tremendous effort and caused him great suffering.

Thus two arduous years passed for the unfortunate King Vikrama. Then one day, a certain woman was carried past him in a palanquin. She had been born in the city of Ujjain and was returning from there after visiting her family. In Tamalinda, she lived in her husband’s house, and her father-in-law was an oil merchant. As she entered the city, she noticed King Vikrama sitting beneath a tree and saw that his feet and hands had been severed.

Shocked by the sight, the woman ordered the palanquin to stop and, rushing toward the king, exclaimed:
— Great king! What brought you to this state?! How long have you been here?
“O most chaste of women!” replied King Vikrama. “What you see is the fruit of my past karma. The stars have turned against me—and now I am devastated, ruined, destroyed. Lord Saturn grew angry with me and condemned me to deprivation and suffering. The workings of karma are inexorable, and there is no escaping them. O sister! Is all well in my Ujjain?

With tears in her eyes, the woman replied:
“Great King! All is well in Ujjain, but when I see you in such a pitiful state, my heart breaks. Nevertheless, as you said, no one can escape the consequences of karma. What was meant to happen has happened. Sit in my palanquin, and
let us go to my home.

With great difficulty, King Vikrama climbed into the palanquin, and they set off for the house of the oil mill owner.

(to be continued)

https://www.youryoga.ru/school/en/attachments/1635587319495-png.1682/

A Little Astronomy and Astrology

Удалённый пользователь 19

Гость

Удалённый пользователь 19

Гость

Удалённый пользователь 19

Гость

Удалённый пользователь 19

Гость

Удалённый пользователь 19

Гость

Удалённый пользователь 19

Гость

231812

Удалённый пользователь 19

Гость

231812

Удалённый пользователь 19

Гость

Удалённый пользователь 19

Гость

Удалённый пользователь 19

Гость

Удалённый пользователь 19

Гость

8030

Удалённый пользователь 19

Гость

Удалённый пользователь 19

Гость

Удалённый пользователь 19

Гость

Удалённый пользователь 19

Гость

Удалённый пользователь 19

Гость

Удалённый пользователь 19

Гость