Vedic Astrology is one of the primary focuses of Vedic Cultural Fellowship, but we also have a large selection of other services offered. Vedic World is the home of many other services and practices, and we offer Vedic Astrology, Vedic Astrologers, Yoga, Gem Therapy, Ayurveda, Jyotish, as well as offering Equine Rescue through our Animal Rescue Site

By Howard “Hamsavatar” Beckman

This year the new Moon in Pisces, which is when we cast the USA new Moon chart for 2011 is on April 3^rd.  The first thing we note is that not only Sun and Moon are conjunct in Pisces, but the planets Mars, Jupiter and Mercury are all situated together in Pisces, as well.

Pisces is a water sign, so having Mars here will be indicative of disasters having to do with water. This can mean many types of storms as well as such events such as we just witnessed with a tsunami following an earthquake. Saturn is literally in direct aspect to Sun & Moon being at 19 degrees Virgo, while Sun & Moon both hold the same degree in Pisces. Since these two malefics Mars & Saturn are always tantamount to creating all sorts of disasters, we can expect this to be an interesting year.

Mercury is ruling the 2^nd house of earnings, as well as 5^th of investment and is in debilitation in Pisces, which does not bode well for many people financially. Having said that Jupiter is also here and is the lord of Pisces, so there may be what I call a “false” resurgence in the economy. There will definitely be money to be made for investors and certain sectors of the economy will make gains, since the 11^th is, after all, the house of “kama”, meaning large gains, windfalls, etc. That would mean money being poured in to make things “seem” like they’re getting better overall, but with hell to pay before long, probably the following year. I don’t see the big banks going under or anything like that, but you can bet that hard assets will go up and up. Gold’s unlikely to retreat for quite some time and quality gems will start to increase in value exponentially, as well. We have already seen both gold and high quality gemstones increasing in value, which they will continue to do.

Big investors are likely to reap the most gains while those still struggling due to a lack of jobs will see little respite. Ketu in the 2^nd house is never good for financial stability on the whole and Rahu in the 8^th can cause many different types of calamities. One danger I see with Rahu being in Sagittarius (the other sign ruled by Jupiter) with Jupiter in Pisces is a further increase of fundamentalist religions bringing more violence and general suffering for many people as a result. Expect terrorist groups worldwide to continue their programs and to become emboldened.

Judging from Mars’ transits, more involvement militarily seems a given, so I hardly see us being able to “withdraw” troops from overseas. A desire on the part of the “powers that be” to increase US military presence in even more than one country is far more likely.

The US will weather the “storm”, both literally and figuratively, since Taurus is rising and Venus, lord of the rising sign is in Aquarius in the 10^th house.  However, very sensitive times will be just before and after eclipses. We already saw one in the beginning of January spark off conflicts (86% of the Sun was covered), but we have three more partial solar eclipses, June 1^st, July 1^st and November 25^th. June and November especially seem to have a lot of potential for creating havoc. June 1^st will have Mercury joining Sun, Moon and Ketu in Taurus, while Jupiter, Mars and Venus will all be in Aries, a martial sign. This is definitely a combination for conflict and “fiery” occurrences.  60% of the Sun will be covered.

November 25^th will have Sun, Moon and Mercury with Rahu in Scorpio, which is debilitation sign for both Moon and Rahu as well. Although Scorpio is a water sign, it is ruled by Mars, who is at that time tenanting Leo, where he is very strong in this fire sign. Mars is also aspecting his own sign of Scorpio from his position in Leo. This is another combination for powerful conflicts, storms, etc.

July 1^st is potentially far less damaging, it would seem to me, as although Mars and Ketu are conjunct in Taurus, Sun, Moon and Venus are in Gemini. This eclipse will be so slight that it would be virtually impossible to notice, being only 0.1% coverage.

There will be two total lunar eclipses, though, one on June 15^th and the other on December 10^th. June’s has Rahu/Moon in Scorpio with Mars/Venus/Ketu in Taurus in direct aspect, so that has a lot of dastardly potential, especially considering it being a fortnight after June 1^st’s solar eclipse.

December’s has Rahu/Sun/Mercury in Scorpio with Moon/Ketu in Taurus so this will also be a powerful one. How eclipses affect people individually, as well as how they affect countries depends on whether the eclipses fall in signs where there are planets, or on the ascendant.

I do believe that it is a year in which those that have some money to invest, and facility along with good ideas or skills that are in demand may have a very good year, economically speaking.

In any case this will certainly be another intense year and no matter what presidents, politicians and heads of state promise to do, they, and everyone in the world, are always moved like puppets on a string by the power of destiny.

The answer is to understand how astrological influences affect us personally and then be better prepared for events in the material sphere (to be forewarned is to be forearmed), but maintaining peace and equanimity is only possible when we further strive to advance on the spiritual path, trying to develop detachment from events which will never be under our control.

For more articles by Vedic Astrologer Howard Beckman, please browse the Vedic Cultural Fellowship home page.

by Howard Beckman

April 29, 2011 will be a day of excitement for Great Britain. Prince William and Kate Middleton will marry at Westminster Abbey in a ceremony scheduled to begin at 11 AM.

Looking at the horoscope for that time I am amazed at how auspicious the time is for them to begin their married life. The day is a Friday, which being ruled by Venus makes it especially auspicious for weddings. Cancer will be rising during the entire ceremony, said to last just under an hour from start to finish.

Lord of the rising sign, Moon, is placed in Pisces in the 9^th house of good fortune.  Not only that but the lord of Pisces, Jupiter, is also there along with an exalted Venus, Mercury and Mars. Even Mars takes on benefic qualities as for Cancer rising he is what we called the auspicious creator of a “Raja Yoga”. This means a “Kingly Union” and although it is something not only royals could have, to see it in force during a royal wedding seems a very good omen.

With lord of the rising, Moon, in the 9^th of good fortune, along with Sun, lord of the 2^nd of family, outward speaking and finances in the 10^th house of status and fame or reputation, this time is of par excellence.

Saturn is aspecting all the planets in the 9^th from his 3^rd house position so we can expect much “expectation” from the elders of the royal family as far as their union and public activities. However, this would naturally be expected in such a notable family, so not to be considered negative. William is next in line for the throne after his father, Prince Charles, so much is expected and all eyes shall be on him constantly, within his family and from the public.

The “tithi”, or lunar day, which must be auspicious for such a ceremony is also one in which marriage is recommended, called Shukla Tritiya. Even the navamsha chart, or 9^th harmonic chart in Vedic Astrology, has Jupiter ruling the house of marriage in his own house.

As far as choosing a proper time astrologically for this wedding whoever has done so has either consulted a knowledgeable astrologer, or they had very good intuition. We wish the royal couple many blessings on this day and hope that they will become a positive influence for optimism in their country and for peace in the world.

Getting married? Choose blessed date that will prove to strengthen your union.

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On April 29, 2011 Prince William will wed Kate Middleton. Desiring to invoke the great love the Prince had for his mother, Princess Diana, he desired Kate to have her magnificent blue sapphire ring and gave it to her for their engagement.
Although it is reported to be 18 carats in size, it is actually about 12 carats. It is a magnificent natural Ceylon blue-sapphire of the finest quality that country produces. My assumption is that it must have about 6 carats or so of diamonds surrounding the sapphire in it’s 18K white gold mounting, which is why reports have mistakenly stated it is an 18 carat sapphire.

Will this sapphire be an auspicious piece for Kate to wear? For that answer we have to look at her  vedic astrological horoscope  and determine whether strengthening the energies of Saturn will be helpful for her. In actual fact there are several good reasons why it will. Firstly Saturn was in Virgo at the time of her birth. This sign, ruled by Mercury, is very friendly for Saturn and thus comfortable.

Secondly she is actually in her Saturn”dasha “, or the 19 year period of her life ruled by Saturn. It has obviously brought her good fortune, so to wear a blue sapphire to further strengthen the positive influences is most definitely going to be positive for her. Considering that Saturn is also in the 10th house of the horoscope it can only increase her reputation in a glorious way, bringing her further fame and fortune in life.

Blue sapphire is an extremely powerful gemstone. Gem therapy itself is a phenomenal science, as well. It is said by the ancient Vedic texts that it can bring a kingdom, or it can cause devastation in a person’s life. For Kate it can only further increase all the desirable influences she would want to manifest in her life.
For further information on gems and their powers go to our website homepage www.vedicworld.org

Starving bull buffalo

It was a week ago today, Saturday morning, when Yogamaya was returning from Ocala with a truck load of mulch for the garden. She first noticed the circling vultures in the sky and watched where they landed. We learned later that it was a bull Buffalo. There had been a small herd of bison on that farm for the past few years. They are such magnificent creatures, our majestic American bison. So sacred to the Native Americans who had a special relationship with them; that is before the European and English settlers started to slaughter them en masse, just for sport and to purposely remove them from the plains so the Native Americans die of starvation. Their very survival depended on them. It was said that you could stand on a mesa and it would take all day just for a herd of buffalo to pass by.

In the past six months or so we noticed that some of the bison were no longer there. Maybe the herd had lost a few members, or perhaps they had been sold? We also noticed that they were not so healthy looking. They were becoming thinner and thinner. As time went on it became obvious to many that had seen them for the last few years that something wasn’t right. There was not enough grazing land for the horses and bison in the pasture, but the bison were suffering the most. Horses can eat short grass, but it needs to be longer for bison, as well as cattle. Obviously no hay or grain was being supplemented.

Many concerned neighbors had called the Marion County Animal Services, but nothing was done. The problem was that the laws protect people’s “property”, which the animals were considered to be, but not the animals themselves, not unless they could be seen to be dying, which is ridiculous, as often it is then too late. About a month ago Animal Services came out and said they “inspected” the bison, saying, “they look as we would expect them to look after the winter”.  The bison got thinner and thinner.  Last Friday Mar 18^th we saw that one of them had gone down and was lying in the pasture. Animal services came out and took pictures from a distance, but no proceedings to do anything were instituted.

Help had come too late for this buffalo. Obviously it had died of starvation and its body was now food for vultures. Yogamaya called me and in a choked up voice told me that what remained of the herd, two small babies and a mother cow bison, looked painfully thin and she wanted to get food to feed them.  I said I would be right there.

When I arrived the three remaining bison were in a stand of trees right inside the front fence to the property. What I saw outraged me, tears streamed down my face. These once majestic creatures were reduced to the most pitiful state and unimaginable for America’s largest land mammal. They were literally skin and bones.

I had brought a large bale of Timothy grass hay and another bale of alfalfa with me, which Yogamaya and I began to break up and throw over the fence for them. The young buffalo went for the hay first, one stumbled and fell from weakness trying to walk to the hay. The cow was so far gone that she couldn’t even bring herself to eat. Then from the far distance, out of nowhere came a bull, his huge beautiful head on tiny shrunken shoulders, tentatively putting one foot in front of the other.  Mustering all his strength to get to us and the food. We just stood there, planted to the ground, willing him to make it. He stumbled, we held our breath, he regained his balance and made it to the food. I immediately called 911, then being referred to Animal Services received a weekend pager. We left a message and prayed someone would call back. They did, thank you, thank you.

We threw hay over the fencepager number. After a while the officer on duty called me back and when I told him of this tragic situation he promised to meet us there soon.

It took him several hours to arrive, and it was hot and we were frustrated and angry to say the least. When I showed him what the bison looked like he couldn’t believe it. He took photos and made a plethora of calls and finally convinced his higher ups that this was an emergency and these animals needed to be taken off the property. He assured us they were coming and promised us that they’d be taken off that very afternoon. Oh, what a relief, they would be saved from certain death. It was Gaur Purnima  and we had planned to go to the Krishna temple’s celebration in Alachua. So we left feeling gratified that something was finally being done. We also meditated on what an awful place the world is for so many innocent creatures.  So much suffering caused by people with absolutely no compassion for anyone else on the face of the earth.

The next morning, Sunday, we went back to check and they were still there. Horrified I called Animal services and found out that they had tried, but were obviously not equipped to be able to round them up properly. Animal Services had inspected the property, brought food and told us that another baby bison had died not long ago and the body was left where it fell in the pond, rotting and contaminating the water. The bison were so sick and had terrible diarrhea. We came to find out that there were a total of 4 skeletons still lying on the property from bison that had fallen from starvation and illness.

We emphatically said that something MUST be done and must be done immediately. We were not leaving until something was!! I called several television newsrooms and forwarded photos of the fallen bison’s body being eaten by vultures and the pitiful state of the other 4. By that afternoon animal services were back out there and had brought a large water tank for drinking water and a fire truck came to fill it up for them. They had brought sweet grain for them and were hoping to be able to get another warrant to enter the property and take all the animals there, the 4 bison and at least 6 horses, also in terrible shape and sick, although not like the bison.

Again Monday we showed up, with TV reporters and cameras rolling. Several reporters from print media and television interviewed us both and we ended up on the evening news by Monday night. Now animal Services were actively trying to get the warrant and could see unequivocally that these animals were literally being starved to death.

Tuesday we went back and stayed at the property, making sure there was food. We were afraid that whoever owned them might even shoot them, as had they chosen to do so there would have been nothing the law could have done. Only after a warrant was obtained would they no longer be considered their “possessions”. Another television news reporter came and interviewed us at the property that afternoon and we kept up the pressure as best we could. Animal Services were cooperating beautifully at this point and they all desperately wanted to see them saved.

Finally Wednesday morning the judge signed the warrant and a team of Animal Services personnel went to the property along with several police squad cars to serve the warrant. They had brought some local cowboys with their large trailers and several horses and a dog, all trained to round up cattle. The reporter from Channel 20 in Gainesville was there again filming and as we all watched the bison were corralled and loaded onto one of the trailers within 20 minutes. We were elated, but saddened that we could only save but a few of the original herd.

It took quite a bit longer to round up the horses, but finally they were all rescued and taken to a county facility. Now the court process will go on and our hope is that they will be permanently taken from these awful cretins masquerading as human beings and put up for adoption. We are staying in close touch and when they are, we plan to be ready to adopt them. They would then live on the Vedic Cultural Fellowship farm for the rest of their natural lives. The possibility does exist, though, that even when the judge says they can be adopted the county could opt to auction them off. If that happens we will have to go outbid anyone else (most others would only want them to slaughter for meat) in order to be able to take possession of them and bring them home where they will be safe. Such dignified creatures reduced to the most undignified of circumstances. I am sure that anyone seeing these photos will feel their heart break.

Anyone that wishes to help in any way we would be very grateful. No matter what it takes we are bound and determined to see this case to its end and see these bison returned to their glorious natural selves again. We will give them a home for life on our farm.

Please be vigilant if you see any animals suffering and try to help them if you can. If you own an animal and can no longer afford to feed it, please call your local Animal Services and they will help you! Please. Don’t just ignore the suffering of others, be they human or animals. Show compassion for all those who are suffering in this world. From such compassion and acting upon it will come joy and more satisfaction will take residence in your heart than anything else imaginable.

Charlie Sheen has recently been shown on US TV showing all the symptoms of the disorder known as Bipolar or manic depression. After years of booze, drugs and wrecked relationships, his mental well-being is collapsing. Martin Sheen is one of the 2.5 % US population that suffer from this illness. Surrounded by stigma, it effects people from all walks of life, including the rich and famous, such as Carrie Fisher, Spalding Gray, Linda Hamilton, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Ben Stiller, Frances Ford Coppolla, Jim Carey and Sting to name a few!

Many of these people use drugs, both prescribed and non-prescribed, to control their manic disorder, causing many other problems and side effects. They are told the disorder is incurable causing further depression. Things, however, look very different from the Ayurvedic perspective. In Ayurveda we consider good digestion the main stay for good health. The ability to break down the intake of food and deliver the nourishment to the body and mind is essential to build healthy tissue and stabilize the mind. This is the first or physical aspect of nourishment, the second is the digestion of impressions and experiences we have that are taken in through the senses. To enable us to digest properly, we require Agni or “fire”, if the fire is weak then we will accumulate “ama” or toxins that block the physiological and psychological process for absorption and regeneration. Some experiences, especially as children, are unable to be digested causing anger, frustration and fear that are stored in our subconscious, and over time develop into depression or mental illness.

Feelings of shame, self hate, and low self-esteem are temporarily obliterated by taking stimulants such as alcohol, anti-depressants or losing oneself in sexual encounters. These things do nothing to help, causing further despair and desperation. Utilizing Ayurveda, we remove the mental toxins by using very specific tools such diet, herbs, steam baths, gems, yoga asana and breathing that will create a true lasting, positive process for the mind to become healthy again.

At the Vedic Cultural Fellowship we use specific gem frequencies using blue sapphire and pearl to surround the mind and gently quiet and cool it. Filtering deep into the sub-conscious, helping the removal of the toxins of the mind, bringing us lasting relief. In Ayurvedic  anatomy,  the seat of consciousness resides in the heart, and it is the fire within the heart (Sadhaka Agni) that helps us to digest impressions properly, especially emotional ones. To help strengthen this agni, we use ruby on the heart.

It is imperative that those suffering from bipolar disorder introduce the Yamas and Niyamas into their lives. The first 2 principles of yoga are “yama” and “niyama”. Yama pertains to following the proper rules of true human social conduct. Its principles are nonviolence (no killing that means no meat eating!), truthfulness, never taking what does not belong to us (stealing), nonattachment to temporary things, which must disappear in course of time and learning to control our sexual energy. Niyama refers to proper rules of personal conduct. Its effects develop from following the social conduct taught through yama. Niyama brings about contentment, purity of mind and force, self-discipline, a desire to imbibe higher spiritual teachings and ultimately inner surrender to the Supreme energy of Godhead.

Yama and niyama are actually the first 2 limbs of yoga, which are traditionally taught to allow students to become eligible and ready to swiftly advance on the path of yoga. Then asana and pranayama are taught which begin to bring the body and mind under our control. This is probably why Sting shows no outward appearances of depression as he already uses asana to help him. I am hoping he includes Yama, Niyama, Pranayama and meditation also, or maybe it is just covered by the lithium? Lithium is awful stuff and will eventually make matters worse.

Lastly, I would like to mention the Gunas or the modes. Everything has a quality in the material world.  These qualities are made up of Sattva or the quality of goodness, Rajas or the quality of aggression and Tamas the quality of ignorance.  Everything we see, taste, touch, hear and smell has one or more of these qualities and they effect us on a day to day, minute to minute level. The less Rajasic and Tamasic things we have to distort our physical, emotional and mental selves the less disturbed we will become and our minds will become clear and our hearts become joyful. For further information on the gunas ezinearticles.com/?What-Really-Makes-Us-Happy?&id=1563055

We can only hope Mr Sheen gets the right treatment and begins to take action moving from attachment, stagnation and depression to surrender, compassion and love

Jennifer Beckman, Director
Vedic Cultural Fellowship

Carrie Fisher
Actress/writer Carrie Fisher’s bipolar disorder first appeared
during adolescence, she has managed to keep going
through drug and alcohol addiction.

Spalding Gray
Author and Actor Spalding disappeared January 10, 2004,  his body pulled from the East River in New York on March 7, 2004. Suffering from bipolar disorder, Gray undoubtedly committed suicide.

Margaux Hemmingway
Model and actress committed suicide at the age of 42, after years of alcohol and drug abuse. She had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

Jean-Claude Van Damme
Martial arts actor Jean-Claude Van Damme’s bipolar disorder led him into cocaine addiction and charges of spousal abuse. The turning point in his life came when he faced his cocaine addiction and quit cold turkey, he said, “It became a point where I wanted to die. I didn’t have any reasons to live. You have to find your self-esteem. And then, slowly, every piece of yourself becomes precious again. One day it’s, like, either you pass or you don’t. It’s not the drugs, it’s a problem with yourself, which you have to cure.”

Sting
Although Sting has said he has episodes with manic depression, he does not show the usual signs of countering the illness with addictions.

By Howard Beckman

The most talked about event for the next few months will surely be the marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton. She will be the first “commoner” to marry into the inner circle of the British Royal family, allowing the Prince to chose a bride himself, rather than have one chosen for him! So lets see what the Vedic astrological compatibility brings to light!

I am using the actual time of birth of Prince William, as it is available, being the 21st of June 1982 at 9:03 PM in London. Kate Middleton’s birth date is known as the 9th of January in the same year and the place was Reading, Berkshire, England. Many astrologers are simply using 12 PM as a birth time for her due to her birth time not being available, but this is completely inadequate for getting any real factual knowledge about her life to come.  Using her photographs at different ages and the facts of her life events and personality that we can get, I have worked out her birth time to be approximately 6:45 AM.

Using the three most widely used methods for compatibility that compares the lunar mansions we get quite a good compatibility between them. It is said that without a high enough “score” for a match between two charts no, marriage has any possibility of being a happy one.  All three of these methods show the basic compatibility very favorable. Therefore we now go further with practical considerations. We have seen high scoring matches in a marriage end in divorce, although have never seen extremely low scoring matches end with a satisfying and fruitful marriage. The reason for the latter I have already stated. The reason for my first conjecture is that both partners must have congruency in their ability to handle life’s challenges. They also must have a compatible philosophy on what “happiness” means in a marriage or a lasting or happy partnership is unlikely to endure for any length of time.

Both are Sagittarius ascendants and both at such an early degree that using either the sidereal zodiac that all Vedic astrologers use, or the western tropical zodiac, this will be the rising sign. As I am using the sidereal zodiac, which is the accurate orbital calculations used by all astronomers, please note that all positions will only be noted as per the Vedic system from this point.

Jupiter, lord of the ascendant for both horoscopes is placed in Libra, in the 11th house of great wealth. Therefore both are destined to have great material facility. In both horoscopes Mercury, lord of the 7th house of marriage as well as the 10th house of status or career, and Venus, lord of the 11th house of gains as well as the 6th of foreign countries and obstacles, are conjoined creating a powerful indication of both getting an extraordinary marital partner, as well as having very high status among not only their peers, but society. Kate’s in Capricorn are in the 2nd house of inflow of money and family, indicating marriage into an extremely wealthy and powerful family. Prince William’s are in the 6th showing much travel and “obstacles” he is forced to contend with in his life. It also means that it is going to be very challenging for Kate to live the very “public” life she will be forced to contend with. That will cause much consternation for her, but being married to a royal there will certainly not be any alternative for her.

Both charts have Mars and Saturn conjoined in the 10th house of status in Virgo. This means great influence for them over others, but also “intrigue” and a possibility of there being persons wanting to cast a “blight” at some time on one or both of their reputations.

Kate is a very righteous and kind person, shown by her 9th lord Sun being in the ascendant. Even in William’s chart his 9th lord Sun is posited in the 7th of the wife, indicating having a wonderful wife full of good qualities of character, as well as he himself having a heart filled with compassion for others. Both Kate and Prince William, being Sagittarius ascendants, are honest, straightforward and caring people that will make good examples for those that look up to them. Having both a Gemini Sun and Moon, William will be able to easily “multitask” living up to all that will be expected of him as a future monarch. He will also make a great father to his children.

However I take note of both William’s and Kate’s 8th house lord Moon being posited in the 7th of marriage, indicating definite trials and tribulations in their marital life. With William’s 7th house lord being in the 6th of obstacles, my conjecture is further reinforced.

Both have a Raja Yoga, or powerful “kingly” influence on the 5th house due to mutual aspect of both Jupiter and Mars. It indicates fame and being able to have good children, as well as that they have performed many pious actions in their previous births. Both also have the aspect of Jupiter on the 7th house of marriage so the marriage will be auspicious in so far as both being loved as a couple and in the minds and hearts of the public towards them. However Saturn’s aspect is also cast on their 7th houses, meaning marital discord will come at some point in this relationship.

The couple has Ketu, south node of the Moon in the ascendant of their horoscopes and Rahu, north node of the Moon, in the 7th house of marriage. As they share having 8th lord Moon in the 7th house of marriage, this is not going to be an easy marriage. Whatever the factors “practically” that may cause problems, which are not hard to imagine with William being 2nd in line for the throne of the United Kingdom, their fate is already written. Such is the karma that can be read at the time of birth through the horoscope and cannot be changed. It will take great strength of character and steadfastness as a couple if they wish to get through the ups and downs of what will probably be the most “looked at “ marriage on the planet!!

I will have more astrological perspectives on Prince William and Kate in future posts.

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One of the programs dearest to our hearts is our effort in trying to save a few of some of the loveliest and most gentle creatures that live upon our earth. We brought our horses from New Mexico and now that we have fixed up one of the barns, as well as built another outdoor shelter, we have more cover for the animals to continue this work.

Last spring a local horse breeder that was doing some work for us with his backhoe told us about one of the young foals that had been born on his ranch. She was a beautiful young quarter-horse, but was “rolling over”, meaning that her front feet were buckling backwards. The vet had come twice to administer some medication to release the tendons, but it was unsuccessful. To our horror he said he was going to “put her down”.  This is what people in the horse business do when horses are not profitable, just kill them, unless there is someone that asks to rescue them. They don’t look for anyone, though, so most of the time horses that have defects or are at a point in life where they have outlived their usefulness, are killed, often sent for slaughter for meat.

We immediately said that we would take her. We had rescued a small puppy with a similar problem and managed to heal him. We did the same with this little filly, massaging her legs daily with ayurvedic oils and using splints and bandages to support her “ankles”. For the first month or so we kept her in a stall in the barn with her mother, as we managed to convince him to leave the mother with us until the foal was old enough to wean.  After that we kept them separate from the rest of the herd in a small paddock so little “Bhakti”, as we named her, would not overdo it. Once the mother was taken back by her owner, little Bhakti was brought to “Padma”, a young “paint” mare, who fostered her and watched over her like she was her own. Bhakti will be one-year-old next month and she runs and plays just like any other horse now.

In the last few months we rescued 2 racehorses that were practically starving. They had outlived their usefulness to their owners and were going to be “given away” for free. Since it is illegal to openly send horses to slaughter such ads are a covert signal to people who want them for the meat industry to come get them. We took them and nursed them back to health and they are getting better everyday. Since the pastures are full and green now that the summer rains have begun there’s plenty for them to eat, although we must supplement them with alfalfa, grain and other food additives.

We also more recently rescued a mare who was pregnant. The owner was going to put the baby down if born before she did anything with the mare (don’t think it’s only male owners that are so heartless as this callousness prevails this industry no matter the gender!). I said we’d take them and we managed to put some weight on the poor mare before she gave birth. 3 weeks ago we got a call from the owners of the farm next door at about 7 AM to say “congratulations! I see the little foal in the pasture next to us. What a cutie!” We weren’t expecting the foal to be born for at least another few weeks and we had planned to bring her into a large stall to foal when she gave indications of being ready.

Everything went just fine, though, and although the mare needed some attending to afterwards by the vet (she is 5 years old and this was her first foal) the foal was fine. Momma had already cleaned him up and by the time we got out there about a minute after the call he was already nursing and walking. We moved them to a small paddock, but in a few more weeks they’ll go back into the pasture with the two old thoroughbreds again.

We do what we can to save horses as finance allows. It is not that we consider horses any more important than all the other abused animals in the world, but since this is the “horse capital of the world” we hope to make some impact “philosophically” by making equine rescue the main focus of our rescuing of abused or neglected animals.

This is one of the projects we hope to expand in future and we invite anyone interested in participating or donating to it to contact us here at the VCF farm. The VCF is a nonprofit organization with 501 c 3 tax-exempt status; so all donations are 100% tax deductible. Know that every penny donated to any of our projects goes towards these efforts specifically and none is kept for any other reason.

EMERALD – GEMSTONE OF MERCURY

The Planet Mercury

Mercury, the planet of intellect, represents intelligence as well as communication of all kinds. It has a quickly changing and fickle temperament and, being the lord of Gemini, can give a dual nature. It may make a subject detached and independent, or an extremist. It is known as a “mutable planet” in that it reflects the attributes of planets it is associated with, being a “neutral” planet. It is representative of education and literary affairs and the communication of ideas, such as in advertising, sales, lecturing or teaching spiritual concepts. Its full effects are seen between the ages of 32 and 35 years.

Writers, lecturers, artists, sculptors (or people that use their hands in their profession) and teachers, as well as astrologers, accountants, office workers, traders and businessmen, more often than not, will have a prominent or well-placed Mercury in their charts. Playfulness, enthusiasm and talkativeness are traits of Mercury’s influence, in addition to independent thinking and appreciation of tradition. The ability to learn different languages, convince others, memorize and develop good business acumen come under Mercury’s influence. Friendships and ability to learn things are due to Mercury’s energies. It gives proficiency in the arts and the ability to do things quickly, or several things at one time.

Mercury is the ruler of the signs Gemini and Virgo of the zodiac and becomes exalted in its own sign of Virgo. It is debilitated in Pisces. Mercury is friends with Venus, Sun, Rahu and Ketu, neutral to Saturn, Mars and Jupiter. It is enemies with the Moon but does well in the nakshatras of Ashlesha, Rohini, Revati, Jyestha, Shravan and Hasta.
A strong Mercury gives good intelligence and a myriad of abilities under the categories mentioned above. Successful communicators of all types have well-placed Mercury in their horoscopes, whether they are artists, business people, in the entertainment business, or involved with the media.

Emerald

Emerald is recommended for strengthening Mercury. It increases the powers of communication. Obviously this is important and necessary for business people and those in the various fields of communication, be they writers, speakers, or entertainers. Most people would agree that quality of communication is 90% of the determination as to success in whatever endeavor they may wish to undertake.

Emeralds are said to strengthen the nerves and, on the physical side, to purify the blood. It increases the flow of positive life-energy and so has been used by healers to further increase their ability to mend the body and mind.

It is most important that, to be most effective, the emerald has a minimum of flaws and a depth and intensity of color. It is much better to use a very clear, “eye-clean” emerald of light color, than to use one with many imperfections. Emeralds generally are flawed and most jewelers would say that these flaws insure a “natural” stone. That is not entirely true as synthetics are grown in laboratories with such advanced technology today that they can induce “natural-looking” flaws to be produced. In any case, an abundance of flaws will interfere with the transmission of Mercury’s cosmic energy and should be avoided.

Instructions for Installation of Emerald

The weight of emerald should be no less than 1 carat. It may be set in yellow or white gold, silver, or platinum. If worn as a ring it is placed on the smallest finger, preferably on the right hand. Whether a ring or pendant, it must be open-backed. For more empowerment the following ritual may be performed on a Wednesday, two hours after Sunrise: (Friday and Saturday may also be used as these days are ruled by planets friendly to Mercury).

1. Rinse emerald ring/pendant in water
2. Rinse in cow’s milk
3. Rinse again in water
4. Place on altar/shrine, or in a sacred place before a picture of the presiding deity of Mercury, or a Mercury Yantra
5. Light incense
6. Meditate on desired benefits
7. Repeat mantra 108 times:  “Om Bum Budhaya Namah Om”
8. Place on little finger (preferably right hand), or on chain around neck

For information on buying planetary gems or on purchasing the Balaji GL108 gem therapy lamps system, please contact us.

DIAMOND & WHITE SAPPHIRE – GEMSTONES OF VENUS

Venus is a benefic planet by nature and is also considered to be a teacher. Venus is the planet governing sensuality and is the embodiment of love.  All attributes of love, romance, beauty, sensuality, sexual pleasures and passion are under the rule of Venus.

The Sanskrit name for Venus is “Shukra”, which in one instance, means “semen”, making Venus the presiding deity of semen. Shukra is the son of the great sage, seer and astrologer “Bhrigu”, who taught his son all spiritual sciences and the Vedic scriptures.

Venus is also very important in determining wealth and conjugal relationships. It represents marriage and the ability to gain a good wife. The comforts of having luxuries, a comfortable home, quality cars, furniture, and paraphernalia are also under Venus’ control. Like Jupiter, Venus also gives wealth and material prosperity, but Venus often concentrates on the material rather than the spiritual attributes, unless the subject has the ability to utilize its “higher” aspects.

Venus is connected to the chanting of mantras, Tantra, hypnotism, alchemy and the medical arts. Venus rules artists, actors, musicians, dancers and poets. Those that make a living dealing in the sensual things available on earth also usually have a strong, or prominent Venus in their horoscopes.

In the physical body it rules the reproductive system, kidneys, eyes, cheeks, chin and throat. In nature it especially rules over flowers, jewels and tropical places.
Venus is lord of the signs Taurus and Libra.

It is exalted in Pisces, and debilitated in Virgo. Nakshatras ruled by Venus are Bharani, Purvaphalguni and Purvashadha. Friends are Mercury and Saturn, Sun and Moon are enemies and Mars and Jupiter are neutral, although Venus is inimical towards Jupiter.

When Venus is strong in the chart, subjects may be loving and charismatic, able to infuse others with a sense of happiness and well-being. It brings wealth, comforts and a beautiful face and body. It makes for mutual attraction to the opposite sex. Venus may bestow a gentle and tender nature, having great consideration for others around them. It gives an affinity for fine jewelry, beautiful clothes, ornaments and perfumes. Those with a prominent Venus will usually enjoy both rich and flavorful foods and have a love for the fine arts. They may have the inspiration necessary to become artists, musicians, or poets. Hopefully they may also be seekers of truth and the knowledge of little known, or secret, sciences. Qualities of expression, appreciation and affection are apparent in those with a well-positioned Venus.

Diamond / White Sapphire

Diamond or white sapphire is the gemstone recommended to strengthen the cosmic rays of Venus. It increases artistic and creative abilities. It can also lead toward love and devotion in relationships. It may also increase passion and sexual desires, especially in women and can be good for marriage.

Physically, it can strengthen the reproductive system, and is said to aid in the treatment of chronic diseases. Diamonds also increase affinities for a luxurious and indulgent lifestyle. Anyone already living such a life should be careful not to increase this energy too much, for overindulgence can be a cause of disease and dissatisfaction.

Individuals should be careful of wearing a diamond that has any discoloration, dark flaws, or fractures of any type. If a diamond with such imperfections is worn it will cause havoc in a person’s life, rather than the beneficial influences being sought. It is much better to obtain a colorless sapphire to enhance the positive energies of Venus. They are affordable and give good effect. Diamonds should weigh at least 1 carat, but 1.5 to 2 is better. White sapphire should be at least 2-3 carats.

Instructions for Installation of Diamond or White Sapphire

It is advisable to set the gem in a mounting (ring or pendant) that must have an open back, so that the stone comes into direct contact with the skin.  It is best worn on the middle or small fingers of either hand. For more empowerment the following short ritual may be performed on a Friday, at Sunrise during the waxing moon:

1. Rinse ring/pendant in water
2. Rinse in cow’s milk
3. Rinse again with water
4. Place on home altar/shrine (or a sacred place in the home) before a picture of Shukracarya (the presiding deity of Venus) or a Venus Yantra
5. Light incense
6. Meditate on desired benefits
7. Chant mantra and repeat 108 times: “Om Shum Shukraya Namah Om”
8. Place ring on middle, smallest, or ring finger of either hand, or if pendant on chain around neck.

For information on buying planetary gems or on purchasing the Balaji GL108 gem therapy lamps system, please contact us.