What is the Difference Between Vedic Astrology and Western Astrology? By Curtis Burns

There are two main schools of astrology that use the planets, signs, and houses: Vedic astrology and Western astrology. They are similar, yet different; why is this so and what does it mean?

First of all, the Vedic system uses a constellational way to measure the zodiac; that is, it uses the actual constellations in the sky to mark out the signs of the zodiac. Basically it is more astronomically accurate; it is called the sidereal zodiac. The Western system uses the tropical zodiac, which determines the boundaries of the twelve signs by marking out exact thirty degree sections of the sky starting from the vernal equinox; that is, the exact position of the Sun on the first day of spring.

Sidereal astrology is constellationally based; tropical (western astrology) is seasonally based. This is not a value judgment on one system being better than the other. You could also say that the Vedic-sidereal system is based on the relationship between the earth and the stars, whereas the Western-tropical system is based on the relationship between the Earth and the Sun.

Interpretationally, the Vedic system describes very accurately your acts, your jobs, family, health, etc. and other situations in your life. The Western system describes your mind and psychology: what you think about, your psychological disposition, how you relate to your parents, children, and friends. In short, Vedic astrology describes what you do, Western describes what you think.

A lot of people also ask how can there be two different charts for the same person. This is because in the Vedic you might be a Pisces, but in the Western you are an Aries; which one is right? The only answer I can give there is that these are two different interpretation styles based on two different measuring systems. Theoretically they are equal to each other.

It could be argued that the Vedic system is more accurate simply because it is a system that is relatively intact. The Vedic tradition is from India where spiritual disciplines have not changed in thousands of years. Western culture however has suffered tremendous losses though the ravages of the Dark Ages in Europe, where literacy was very rare and open minded spiritual inquiry was stamped out by the Church for a thousand years. Western astrology carries the baggage of the materialistic "intellectual" culture and is crude compared to the complexity and subtle refinement of the Vedic astrological system.

To find out more about the differences between the Vedic and Western astrological systems go to http://www.starworldnews.com There are many article published on a regular basis using both western and Vedic techniques to better understand current events and trends in the world we live in.

The Sexy Birth Number Three By Thomas Muldoon

In these, the lonesome times, people just don't communicate honestly anymore. There are so many people out there who say one thing and mean another. Numerology has been my passion for many a year and whenever I appear in public or give any kind of demonstration inevitably the subject of sex comes up in the conversation.

Let me offer a 'snapshot' of what his Birth Number reveals. If you are a female looking for a male just ask him what date he was born and you'll have some idea as to whether to proceed with the conversation or not. Forget the Star sign and never ever guess, just ask...

Mr. Smooth talker, that's him! He'll talk big and is prone to exaggeration (you know what I mean) overlook this and listen for the clues of his prowess, boasting and bluster.

He'll have or hopes to travel and likes to talk about faraway places, people culture, he'll be good at other languages and not just the obvious for he's quite intelligent when he wants to be.

Loves to be in the limelight and the life and soul of the party, a bit of a flirt really, so be prepared for the show as he performs, just for you! He's a highly sexual person and very competitive, playful and good natured for nothing flusters or shocks him but he'll have lots of enemies - people jealous of his so called successes / conquests! Be prepared for people to talk about him behind his back...

This man strives for perfection in everything he does, cannot cope with defeat or humiliation yet, often dishes it out! He'll be well dressed (to impress) and an intelligent conversationalist, so brush up on local and international news, if you intend seeing him again.

In bed, well what did I say about exaggeration? He might be better than he let on or prove a real damp squid - particularly if he's had too much to drink! If he happens to be a Sagittarian as well as being to Birth Number Three all of the above and more come into focus- you've been warned...

Professionally, he might be in the forces (or have worn a uniform at some stage of his life) so, ask him about the military, the police, fire, ambulance professions.

One redeeming feature with this Birth Number, no matter how old, is their cute little butt. This man like to keep fit, has lot's of hobbies and if you're interested in what he has to say or the yarns he spins enjoy - but don't lend him any money if he talks about the latest get rich quick scheme. I won't say he's a gambler but some are and when the lose they lose big (usually with someone else's money). If he's a winner and money is no object he won't mind throwing it around for this guy is an optimist and there's always a greener pasture to explore.

Until next time, when we'll explore Birth Number Four - check out what I've had to say about Birth Numbers 1 and 2...

Check out my website: http://www.thomasmuldoon.com.au for other 'snippets' on Numerology.

Numerology and Astrology have been my life and passion for over 30 years. I've been published numerous times and still have something new to offer each time I hit the keyboard - who wants to read the same old same old? I believe if you have a philosophy and no one knows about it, it doesn't mean anything. If you have an idea or insight and tell no one - it's meaningless.

Visit my website: http://www.astronumbers.com.au and see what I'm talking about

What Does it Mean When You Draw the Tower in a Tarot Card Reading By Jovita Orais

The Tower In A Tarot Card Reading.
This symbol is link to the Biblical story of the Tower of Babel which was intended by its builders to reach heaven. This never happened for God caused them to speak different languages and they were unable to communicate with one another.

Lightning itself is associated with both wrath and destruction as well as with fertility and inspiration in myth. Zeus the father of the gods hurled thunderbolts around demonstrating his power.

Both Tower and lightning are masculine symbols and Mars is the planet linked to this card. Mars represents assertiveness,aggression,energy and activity. In the tarot, the Tower precedes the Star, a card which represents the feminine principle very clearly.

When you draw the Tower in a tarot card reading, it's tarot card meaning is exhilarating,disruptive or even violent change is about to turn your life upside down. But the change is necessary and positive for its results in freedom and enlightenment.

The changes represented by the Tower may come from deep within the psyche. These new ways of thinking may seem radical upheaval of beliefs and may erupt into consciousness without much warning.

You may find yourself short tempered, for another tarot card meaning of the Tower is anger.

The Tower also denotes a sudden change of residence. You may decide to sell, a buyer walks in the next day and within a couple of months you are living somewhere else and attempting to catch your breath.

When it concerns your career, you might have been in a rut and this upheaval is giving you the chance to climb out of it. For example, a new and unexpected source of income manifests out of the blue; you are suddenly inspired to train for a new career shocking friends and family.

When the Tower refers to a relationship you are warned that the partnership was not what you really thought it was. The association was not really based on true feelings or perhaps one of you is simply stringing the other along. If the relationship has a strong foundation expect a bumpy ride before things settle down. Basically that's the tarot card meaning of the Tower if you draw in a tarot card reading.

Jovita Orais started reading tarot professionally in the mid-nineties. Learn more of the unique tarot meaning of all the 78 cards of the tarot deck by visiting her blog at http://www.tarot-meaning.blogspot.com

Instant Astral Projection Using Binaural Beats By Jeff Lavoie

Claims of instant astral projection may seem to be somewhat of a stretch but it is indeed possible. Granted, it would normally take some amount of time and practice before someone would become able to induce astral projection instantly but there is a tool that can dramatically accelerate this learning process: binaural beats. Let's take a look at what they are and how they can induce instant astral projection.

1. During the experience of astral projection, the brain generates different frequencies (4-7 Hz) than at other times (13-40 Hz when we are physically active, for example).

2. It is possible to influence the frequencies generated by the brain at any time to facilitate an experience such as astral traveling.

3. To exercise this influence we usually resort to internal methods such as meditation and visualization. External methods are also possible - why not combine both ?

4. One kind of external stimuli is that of binaural beats. They are sound waves that need to be listened to in headphones because each binaural beat is encoded with two slightly different frequencies. One frequency is relayed to one ear and the other frequency goes to the other ear. These sounds are not random, they are highly specific.

5. The brain always responds to these slightly varying and simultaneous frequencies by generating a third frequency that corresponds to the difference between the two original ones. In the case of astral projection, we would want that difference to be between 4-7 Hz.

6. As the brain is stimulated to produce these frequencies through the binaural beats, we enter an altered state of consciousness from where astral projection is much more easily induced.

7. Oh and...if we could just directly listen to frequencies in the 4-7 Hz range and influence our brain waves as such, it would be even more straightforward - but we cannot. The human ear does not perceive sounds lower than 20 Hz. This is why binaural beats are useful.

Binaural beats are inexpensive and easily obtainable. They are gentle and safe (they have been researched and used for well over 150 years). You can combine binaural beats with any astral projection technique you like. They will make such techniques work even better.

This technology cannot force you to experience astral projection - we wouldn't want this anyway - but as you relax with it and focus on your intention to project your consciousness out of your body, you will find yourself brought into the experience much more effortlessly. As you gather early success in your exploration of out of body states, you will build your trust in your own abilities and open the doors to an incredibly exciting world!

Binaural beats technology is definitely the best tool I have come across in my exploration of altered states of consciousness. You can gather more information and get your own binaural beats at http://www.astral-travelling.info as well as Instant Astral Projection. These binaural beats are done by professionals who know what they are doing.

Celestial Gossip - Gemini By Linda Merlino

GEMINI loves to talk. The truth is told Gemini never shuts up. He or she can speak walking, running, eating, making love and sleeping. The best part is no one seems bothered by the chatter except for maybe Scorpios, and Gemini usually steers clear of them.

A Gemini most likely had a hand in creating the cell phone. This wireless bit of technology has become his or her best friend. Because of the magical powers of Mercury, the fabled messenger to the gods, Gemini can now talk while driving, flying and the like; hands free of course because Gemini like to express while speaking.

Forever moving, Gemini can be restless and keep up a hectic pace. He or she has a spontaneous spirit that loves to sprinkle comic relief whenever possible. Born with a twin personality, Gemini can enlist their other half when needed. Their duality serves him or her best when he or she gets into a rut and needs to shift energy. Gifted with a short attention span some of the less evolved Gemini's can be scattered and unfocused.

If you love a Gemini remember that he or she gets bored easily. Please...nothing ordinary. Gemini has a hundred balls in the air and you have to keep up with each one. Do attempt to manage all the little things that your Gemini mate has no time for and complete all the projects he or she begins but never finishes. The quickest entrance to a Gemini heart is through poetry and song. Mail him or her love letters and call everyday. Feed his or her restless mind and laugh at those one line quips. Grow young with your Gemini sweetheart and life will be one continuous discovery.

Sky watch: Mercury stopped dancing backward on the 31st of May...whew. What a wild rumba that was for everyone. June plays no funny stuff, our minds, our hearts and our actions should be aligned. Venus, Mars and Mercury are aligned until mid-month; what we are is more important then how we spend our money and resources.

ARIES (March 21-April 20) Aries has the brief alignment of the three personal planets in a place that asks an individual to look at their self esteem and how he or she equates to what they are and with what they possess. There is a tactile quality to this energy, a need to hold on to what we have and there is a desire to own more. Cosmic Advice: Aries must resist the impulse to spend without first determining the long term effect. You are not sharing with a partner; this is a time to learn lessons of being an individual.

TAURUS (April 21-May 20) Taurus is very upfront this month, with the alignment in Taurus you have the opportunity to speak and be heard, to get what you desire and to go forward with the pursuit of your needs. Harness this energy as it will be brief. Cosmic Advice: Once the energy passes you will have the residual comfort of knowing yourself inside and out.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21) Gemini must store the energy of this alignment away. There is much in the subconscious and even more behind the scenes. Preparing his or her self for the future begins with making a plan and this is the time for such things. Cosmic Advice: Mid-month you can speak in your own comfort zone. Who you are and what you need to do is in the planning stages. Put yourself in the company of friends and enjoy new goals and dreams.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Cancer finds opportunity in the alignment of Taurus planets. Friends are a source of inspiration and a renewal of dreams and hopes. Career and profession are rich with possibilities and rewards. Cosmic Advice: There are continued lessons to be learned from siblings and family; something to gain and something to give up. The taskmaster is keeping score in this area of your life, grounding you and keeping you from being spontaneous.

LEO (July 23-August 22) Leo struggles with the Taurus lineup because both forms of energy are so fixed and unwilling to change. There is some challenge in the professional arena, something that smacks of money and partnership and who said what, when. Remember that this is brief and if there is a resolution you must act upon your instincts. Cosmic Advice: Your good fortune remains rooted to a connection of partnership, despite what comes across the board. Write down your hopes and dreams; keep them stuck to the fridge so you can view them everyday.

VIRGO (August 23-September 22) Virgo is hampered by the feeling of knowing that there is much in the way of moving forward. The effort of having this over that, of a choice not always the one you selected, is paramount. The line-up of Taurus planets has a mellow compliance with the inner working of Virgo. There is an easy flow, a settled feeling that is generated by the power of three together. Cosmic Advice: If travel is on your agenda things will go well. Legal issues and a connection to those in professions dealing with the law or higher education should be positive.

LIBRA (September 23-October 22) Libra is working to offset the difficult challenge of this alignment. You must watch your health; you must recognize that what you do for others may not be the best for yourself. What you have carved out for yourself may not happen and this requires adjustments. Cosmic Advice: Rely on partnership or on a loved one to keep you in balance.

SCORPIO (October 23-November 21) Scorpio can do nothing for his or herself by the way of acting as an individual. All of the energy of these planets put you in the place of keeping someone else in balance, of being the support system. Taurus planets are your opposition. So it is about balance. Cosmic Advice: Partnership issues are where you must focus.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23-December 21) Sagittarius struggles with adjustments. Health issues are marked by the line-up of these Taurus planets. Recovery from an illness or surgical procedures will be high on your list. Focus on your diet, your activities, and your connection to others. Cosmic Advice: You may have to take time from your professional duties. Remember that this is brief; there is no long term, you at your peak in career, no worries.

CAPRICORN (December 22-January 19) Capricorn has the power. This is your mantra for a very long time. The earth energy of Taurus compliments the earth energy of Capricorn. You may be rewarded for a past effort, a child or children close to you may graduate or find success. Love and fun are yours. Cosmic Advice: Bottle these few weeks, life should be good.

AQUARIUS (January 20-February 18) Aquarius struggles with the fixed energy of Taurus in regard to family and where you began. Home is important, do what you need to do to keep it looking beautiful even if it takes more physical energy than you feel you are capable of. You will be pleased with the results. Cosmic Advice: If you have a sister or sisters, their or her intervention will be well received. If not, look around, what you need and who you need, is close by.

PISCES (February 19-March 20) Pisces must act quickly within the community or with issues regarding to siblings and/or family. A brother, sister or relatives other than parents require your attention. This energy brings opportunities and these individuals figure heavily into the outcome. Cosmic Advice: You will have some explaining to do after mid-month and that may be a challenge. Get things worked out so there is little time wasted later.

Linda Merlino, author
Belly of the Whale-CT Press Club Runner-up Best Fiction 2009