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The Serpa Kal Yoga
A Cloud of Tension over the World ...... with a Silver Lining
In the context of Vedic astrology, yogas are defined as planetary placements or combinations – each having a distinct, and specific effect. One such yoga – the Serpa Kal Yoga occurs when all the planets – either in an individual’s chart, or simply where they are placed in the heavens at a particular moment in time - are hemmed in between the Moon’s nodes - Rahu and Ketu. As a visual reference point, one can view Rahu and Ketu (which are always placed 180° opposite each), as dividing a circle (the traditional western astro chart) in two halves, with all the planets placed in either one of these two sections.
This yoga came into effect in August 2008 and will continue to run until the end of February 2009. Although we may experience challenges, increased stress and demands during this period, interestingly enough, individuals who have this placement in their birth chart, are often those who have made history. On a larger, world scale, we can see that history is being made as evidenced by the recent election of Senator Barack Obama.
In Hindu astrological texts, all kinds of “dire consequences” are hinted at during this time. However, it is our firm belief that with our free will, we have the choice as to how we react to external stimulus – specifically the challenges of this yoga’s influence. At least it is good to be aware that there is some difficult influence affecting us, and that it is only temporary. So take a deep breath. And look at this yoga as a “sparring partner”, strengthening your will power and perseverance to be even more successful in the future. Who knows, maybe you’ll even make history..... Obama did!
What is Vedic Palmistry
By Ghanshyam Singh Birla, excerpt from his book Destiny in the Palm of Your Hand: Creating Your Future through Vedic Palmistry Copyright 1997.
Vedic palmistry, or hast jyotish, is the study of the structure and markings of the human hand. This ancient art and science began in India about 5,000 years ago. The ancient rishis or seers believed that there was a correlation between the visible features of the hand, the conscious and subconscious thought processes of the mind, and the superconscious intuitions of spirit. The study of Vedic palmistry provides a language for expressing this body/ mind/soul connection. Its purpose is to help us gain self-understanding.
Our Personal Signature
We all know that no two fingerprints are identical. But in fact, the entire hand is unique in its pattern of lines. The lines are unique precisely because each of us has personal memories, hopes and individual character traits. Since there is a traceable link between our personality, thoughts and experiences, and the way the lines form on our hands, our handprints represent a kind of personalized signature.
The Lines Change
Just as we continuously change and evolve, so do the lines on our hands. As our personality matures, our attitudes, priorities, activities, and companions may also change. These important changes are all reflected in the hand. A study of our prints provides us with a method of analyzing ourselves objectively. We are, therefore, likely to make more positive choices regarding our work, our dealings with people around us, and many other important aspects of life. We will find ourselves less likely to repeat or perpetuate mistakes. With time, the improvements we make in our lives will register on the hands.
Prevention Versus Prediction
Palmistry is associated in the minds of many people with the notion of prediction. This idea comes from an incomplete understanding of palmistry. We all have predispositions towards certain kinds of behavior. For example, if someone we admired betrayed our trust when we were young, we may have difficulty being open to finding a loving partner. A study of the lines and signs of the hands can show us the patterns we have developed in response to past hurt. Unless we take positive steps to change, we will continue to perpetuate the pattern.
By learning to understand the significance of the lines and signs on our hands as indicators of predispositions, we can decipher trends in our behavior. An experienced analyst can suggest the likelihood of future behavior and occurrences. Armed with this information, we have the freedom both to confirm and nurture our strengths and potentials, and to decide what changes we wish to make in our lives.
Much of the fun in studying palmistry comes from seeing how we can exercise our free will in more informed and effective ways. Each time we take a new direction in our lives, we are able to see corresponding changes in the lines and signs on our hands. No two palm readings will, therefore, be identical. As professional palmists, we can best assist our clients by pointing out precisely how our past and present thoughts and actions have set us on a certain course. With guidance, effort and patience, we can improve in attitude and behavior. As our thinking changes, and new behavior patterns become familiar, the lines and signs, and even the mounts (the underlying tissue of the hand), will undergo detectable changes. Our hands will reflect personality changes. Even lines indicating future trends can change. Broken lines can be mended; lines showing interferences and obstacles can fade and disappear; lines showing positive associations and relationships can appear and so on. Admittedly, deeply ingrained major lines indicating entrenched tendencies in our subconscious are slower and more resistant to change. Nevertheless, these too can respond with patient effort.
Examples Illustrating How the Lines Change
Marcel is a retired sales representative. After concentrating for many years on the practical concerns of business and family life, he found retirement a wonderful opportunity to explore his creative, inventive side. He enrolled in painting and sculpture courses at his local visual arts center. His head line and Mercury line reflect these changes in the before and after handprints.
This case illustrates that our destiny isn’t carved in stone. We can take active steps to improve our lives, once we have gained better self-understanding. We can help both ourselves and others to understand the past, deal with the present, and mold the future in such a way as to bring forth the best qualities of heart, mind and soul. This is the challenge and also the reward of undertaking a serious study of palmistry.
The Author
Ghanshyam Singh Birla founded the Palmistry Center in Montreal, Canada, in 1972. Dr. Birla has lectured and written extensively on the powerful insights of the Vedic sciences, including his latest book, Introduction to Hast Jyotish: Ancient Eastern System of Palmistry. He was interviewed on Living in Balance on Wisdom Television, WebMD and Good Morning America. In 1998, Dr. Birla established The Birla Center for Hast Jyotish, a 500-acre lakefront retreat center in Chénéville, Québec, which serves as an international facility for studies and services in palmistry, astrology, and Ayurvedic healing.