Electional astrology

From Free net encyclopedia

Current revision

Electional astrology

Election (Muhurt or Muhurtha – called in Hindu astrology) is a procedurally selected, one of the most appropriate, auspicious & precise time, to initiate & conduct a specific sacrament or life-activity; by a specific aspirant, of specific age, belonging to a specific caste & religion, living in a specific geographical area; to enable him / her achieve the most possible successful completion of the activity (Siddhi) or fruition of the desire; through the most feasible assistance from the favourable planetary configuration, & facing the least possible obstruction.

In astrological parlance, it is the selection of a specific rising degree & part thereof, of the figure of Heaven of a predetermined date & time selected by an astrologer by application of electional knowledge, through his skill, discriminatory judgement, intuition & with blessings of God; to guide an aspirant, without any bias, for the sole benefit of the aspirant approaching him for success in a specific venture. Thus an astrologer guides the doer to give birth to an event at one of the most fortunate time for the doer, within the time span available to the doer.

Election is a moment of the epoch, when activated, in its embryo has the hidden fate & future of the doer of the activity. Muhurt / election is soul of the time.

Hindu system of electional astrology

It guides an aspirant to choose the most suitable time for initiation of life activities after examining native’s horoscope, mundane influences, phonetic (Swar Shaastra) astrology, portents & omens, religious & social customs etc., through exhaustive guidance available in treatises on electional astrology. The event is performed after physical, mental & spiritual purification, for the highest certainty of success, on complying with the best time selected for the doer when the planetary vibrations are harmonious.

In Hindu system of electional astrology, electional astrology is distinct from horary astrology; having separate logics, rules, factors for consideration, application & utility, though the fundamental rules of astrology are applicable to both the branches. Separate treatises are available on each of these two branches. Horary is predictive astrology while electional astrology is predictive, preventive & prescriptive in nature. Therefore, the Vedic / Hindu electional astrology is called the best & useful branch of Vedic astrology. It is gifted by Hindu sages for evolution of humanity. It has with stood the test of time for the last 5 millenniums.

Considerations in selection of an election

To arrive at precise (Sukshama) election for a specific activity, following main factors are considered :

Nativity of the aspirant, his name, birth ascendant, lunar sign (the radical Moon sign), lunar asterism, his status (social status, age, religion, cast), place where activity is to be performed, social & religious considerations.

Availability of universal purified time length, Panchang Shuddhi [suitable availability of fundamental five elements of Hindu ephemeris – day, asterism, half lunar day (Tithi), Karan & Yoga], Special Muhurt Yogas, selection of purified time (year, month, solstice, Lunar half, hora). Presence of special Muhurt Yogas (specific combinations of weekday, asterism, lunar day, asterism transited by the Sun etc.) fortifies an election, which is hallmark of Hindu electional astrology. Suitability of specific elements of Hindu ephemeris has been separately prescribed for specific elections.

Bright & luminous Moon lays foundations of an election. No good election is thought possible without detailed consideration of the Moon, as other planets gets strength from the Moon, & the Moon is mind of the election.

Absence of universal malefic / prohibited time like– juntional points (Gandantas), eclipses, solar ingresses into a new [sign(astrology)|sign]], Vishti Karan, Mahapaatas, Latta-Paata-Baana-Sangrahas- Kartari-Dash Doshas, malefic Yogas, blind / deaf signs-months-Tithis, combustion of Jupiter & Venus, etc. etc.), malefic / poisonous Yogas (combination of astrological elements) the list is long to mention here all the factors.

Absence of malefic time for the doer – adverse transit of the Moon & significator of the event, adverse asterisms; adverse killer (Ghaata) ascendant-Tithi- day- part of the day- Yoga-Karan etc.

Favourable transits of planets for the native selected through various Hindu systems – like Gochar, Ashtakvarga, Vaam Vedha, Karam Vedha, auspicious asterism, Ansha Chakra, Sarvaobhadra Chakra etc., favourable Dasha (Hindu progression system), Omens, portents, proper Swar (mode of breathing), incantation of Mantras & Vedic hymns. Extensive rules have been laid down to fortify & purify the election chart & election ascendant.

The unsullied election – without any maleficence is the best but is rarely available. Next middling election, having more beneficence & less maleficence is used by specialist astrologer through his expertise after balancing the election & examining the antidotes. The election having lesser beneficence is used in emergency. In Hindu system, other styles of Muhurtas (elections) like Do Ghati Muhurt, Shivprokat Muhurt, Chaughadia Muhurt & Brihaspati Muhurtas are also in vogue.

Time range / limitations available to the doer, nature of activity – degree of its signification / importance. Some events are time bound like first feeding, Jaatakaram (propitiations just after birth) have to be initiated within specific time limit.

Antidotes: No election is feasible unless antidotes to the maleficence is available & the election is balanced by a specialist astrologer. He has to examine compliance to the laid down logics, purification of divisional charts; arriving at the precise moment to start the event for the best benefits of the aspirants explaining him the limitations & constraints, as perceived by the specialist astrologer.

Western system of electional astrology

It is a subsection of horary astrology that attempts to determine the ideal time to initiate an action, such as buying a house, starting a business, getting married, buying a car, beginning a journey/travel, or any other important moment in the native's life. By drawing up a selection of horoscopes (also called natal charts or astrological charts) usually on a computer the astrologer then determines the merits of various dates, times and/or places and suggests those that will be most favorable in an astrological sense. The horoscopes of the main protagonists will also be taken into consideration in most cases.

Depending on the type of action proposed, certain planets are considered stronger or more dignified in the astrological chart and others are "weaker" - for example, a strong or well aspected Venus will be considered good for romance or marriage, but not for military action such as an invasion, as Mars is supposed to suit much better for that purpose (see astrological signs for further discussion).

One of the problems faced in this type of astrology is the determination of the exact time an activity begins. For example, does a business begin with the decision to start it, the time at which certain documents are signed, or when it starts trading? It might be necessary to take the astrological charts for each of these events into consideration.

Common uses of electional astrology

Usage by astrologers of Western world

Probably the most widely used function of electional astrology in the Western world today (yet not often talked about) is to determine the exact moment when a marriage ceremony should begin and the vows are exchanged. In electional astrology, the exact positions of the celestial bodies at the crucial first moments of the official relationship becomes eternally binding and is supposed to contain the "tenor" and "map" of the entire relationship in the future for as long as the union may last. It is especially popular amongst more progressive, spiritual, or so-called New Age couples, often being spread or advertised through word-of-mouth only.

In modern India, where Vedic astrology has become firmly entrenched in the culture of the local people over thousands of years, this form of electional strology is and was used for the vast majority of marriage ceremonies taking place, even into the present day. Because arranged marriages are still very widespread in most parts of India, a couple's Astrological Compatibility (evaluated by examing each person's natal chart in relation to the other's in a process known as synastry) is often taken into consideration before a definitive arrangement and match is made, thus hypothetically increasing the overall stability and lovingness of the arranged marriage over the years.

Electional astrology is still used widely today in gardening and even in commercial farming operations, as is obvious if one has ever read the famed Farmer's Almanac, first began by Ben Franklin over 200 years ago. The almanac was (and still is) widely used across the World for planting/harvesting by the phases of the Moon. Plants and crops are believed to grow and flourish much better when initially planted under a waxing Moon because the Moon is increasing (i.e. growing) in light. Please see this website for extensive information on using electional astrology for gardening using the phases of the Moon.

During the Middle Ages, the Age of Exploration, and throughout much of recorded history, electional astrology was widely use in Old Europe and other areas across the globe to determine the most favorable, exact astrological moment for the launching of a ship going on a (usually long and dangerous) major journey by sea (and sometimes even by foot/horse) -- the "best moment for embarkation" was chosen so that the crew would accomplish their mission safely (whether it be trade, war, exploration, fishing, etc.) and return home quickly.

With today's emphasis within astrological circles on the said person's personality/inner psychology and the development of their unique character, this type of astrology is somewhat out of fashion, but it is a widely acknowledged fact that the timing of many key events in the career of Ronald Reagan were recommended using electional astrology, by Nancy Reagan's personal astrologer Joan Quigley. These astrologers were particularly used after the assassination attempt when she became nothing short of obsessed with her husband's personal safety. It finally became a major embarrassment, as it was disclosed that Nancy influenced the White House time schedule of her husband. Days were color-coded according to the astrologer's advice, being classified as "good" days, "neutral" days, or days that should be avoided. Many important speeches and key press conferences were scheduled according to the advice of the various astrologers that Nancy Reagan used. The White House Chief of Staff, Donald Regan (of no relation to her husband), finally became extremely frustrated with this regimen, causing a power struggle between Regan and the First Lady. Donald Regan resigned in 1987. In particular, it is claimed that the dates of Reagan's inauguration as Governor of California and a Reagan-Gorbachev summit (December 8 1987) were chosen by her. Nancy Reagan understandably became increasingly paranoid for her husband's safety after the assassination attempt and was said to use electional astrology much more than she had in the past after this traumatic event.

Usage by ancient & present astrologers adopting Hindu Electional system

References are found in vedic literatures about directions & usage of electional astrology primarily for evolution of human being in performing Samskaras. Samskaras are special Vedic sacraments & rituals, which remove evil qualities in the persons & inculcate good virtues. The man is cleaned of his sins & is shown a path of Moksha (relieving from cycle of births & deaths). He is purified of his sins & is given a new form through the rites & rituals prescribed in Vedas, Shrutis & Smritis. In Vedic era there were 48 Samskaras but subsequently only 16 were performed. For attaining higher & higher degree of success & increase in measure of pleasure in life activities & especially purification of the mind, body & the soul,the Samskar sacraments are performed in auspicious election (Muhurt). The 16 Samskaras in Hindu religion are :

Garbhadaan (conception), Punvasan (the sacrament to change sex of the embryo), Seemant (for safety of the foetus), Jaatakaram (to ward off evil effects of inauspicious birth time), Naamkaran (baptizing- to get name & fame), Nishkraman (taking the child first time out of the house), Mundan (tonsure), Annaprashan (taking grain for the first time), Upanayana (wearing the sacred thread), Karan Vedha (ear piercing), Veda Arambh (start of education), Keshanta (hair cut after completion of the education), Vrata Snaana – Vidya , Snaana, Marriage, Agniparigrah and Tretaagnisangraha. Subsequently usage of Hindu electional astrology was found in worldly life activities. It covers such activities which are performed generally once in life time. Certain activities of importance are repeatedly performed are also covered in electional system. For following main activities Hindu electional astrology is effectively used now -a- days:

Marriage related elections : Engagement, solemnising of marriage ruituals, first entry into husband’s house, first sexual union, cooking by bride, re-marriage, return to father’s house just after marriage, matching of horoscopes / compatibility in marriage.

Education related elections: Start of education of different types of education like : archery, architecture, astrology, cinematography, dance & singing, dance, Shaastra, gemology, grammar, handicraft, initiation of Mantras, law, foreign languages, mathematics, mechanics, medicine, music, instrumental music, painting, philosophy, religious, physical exercise, theater, Veda, painting).

Agriculture related elections : Sowing seeds, tilling, crop gathering, eating, new grains, entering into field, harvesting, irrigation, land, sale-purchase, manufacture, agricultural products, mustard oil extraction, plouging, seed storing, selling, agricultural products, storing agricultural products, water storing, gardening,

Female matters : Make up, ornamentation, decoration, first breast feeding , first feeding on milk wearing of new clothes & ornaments, stitching of new clothes, cradling of child, signification of start of puberty, bath after menses, first wearing of bangles, piercing of ears & nose, first feeding of grain, tailoring etc.

Travel related elections: Beneficial time to start travel, Yogis in traveling, Omens in traveling, delayed start of traveling Return from journey.

Religion related elections: Religious discourses, oblation to fire (Haven), idol installation, idol making, initiation of Mantras, worship of fire etc.

Animals related elections: Bringing up, their sale-purchase, castration, training, and hunting of different types of animals.

Clothe related elections: Manufacture wearing of clothes of different colors, dyeing, stitching, washing new clothes.

House related elections: Start of digging, foundation laying, start of construction, fixing of main door, entering into house, repair / white washing, obstructions to dwellings.

Medical treatment : Preparation of medicines, administration of medicines, bath after recovery, surgery, drinking, treatment of different diseases (bile illness, blood purification, gonorrhea, leprosy, phlegm disorder, taking purgative, poison taking, rheumatism, typhoid, vomiting, wind complaints, etc.)

Money matters: Burying / hiding, collection, money borrowing, money lending, opening of shop, printing currency, property division, shop opening, making a will, manufacture of different items, library, sculpturing.

Government & service matters: Coronation, wearing of crown, oath by head of state, oath taking by ministers, filing nomination paper for elections, relations between employer & employee. employing a servant, making application to employer, joining a service, making war, making a treaty, litigation, friendship making printing currency, manufacture of weapons, wearing of weapons, catching a thief, Inauguration of army, to see a king or high official etc.

The above list is not complete & exhuastive. In modern day applications, the electional astrology is extensively used in filing nomination papers for elections, taking oath by ministers, start of cinematography project, release of motion pictures, and travel to foreign lands, performing marriage rituals, start of house & entry into the same. However, its most useful applications can be first feeding of child to ensure good food with dignity, conception of child to ensure birth of a prosperous & lucky progeny, felicitous marriage by careful examination of compatibility & selection of marriage related elections, spiritual development and purification by wearing of sacred thread, happy & prosperous living in new house by selecting beneficial time of its construction & first entry.

The usage of Hindu electional astrology is so vast and can find its application to any life activity, as the exponents have clearly laid down principles & rules for its application. Astrologer having its deep study, having virtues of astrologer & God’s blessings can effectively use this most useful branch of Vedic astrology

Hindu vs Western electional astrology

Electional (Muhurt) astrology dictums are found in Vedic literature, canonical books, scriptures & in mythological books; & was primarily prescribed for evolution of human being in conduction of religious rites & auspicious activities. Latter on its application has been found in worldly activities including wars & battles. Vasist Samhita is one of the oldest treatises on electional astrology which is dated about 5000 BCE. There are numerous specific treatises on Hindu / Vedic system of electional astrology covering only electional aspects of astrology. While Western electional astrology is of recent origin. Vivian E. Robson has claimed to have written the first book on Western electional astrology. The latter system covers mainly the present day worldly activities.

Both the systems are branches of [[natal astrology |horoscopy, and fundamental principals of horoscopy are applied in general, and the figure of Heavens drawn at the moment of initiation of the desired activity is the birth time of the event. Western electional astrology has been derived from Horary astrology, & general rules of the latter are applied, while Hindu electional astrology is distinct from Horary astrology and its specific rules are not applicable; but separate guidelines & rules are laid down in the treatises of Hindu electional astrology. Hindu system opines that delineations based on horary has time limit (say up to seven years) to foresee the effects, but effects of election performed are permanent.

Universally accepted auspicious / benefic & prohibited time, Special Muhurt Yogas, suitability of the five Hindu ephemeral elements (Panchang), specific prescriptions for specific elections, different styles / modes of elections etc. are special features of Hindu electional astrology which is fundamentally based on Lunar mansions (constellation occupied by the Moon). While in western system, emphasis in given on fortification of electional chart and event significator. In agreement to this, the Hindu system believes that election chart is body, the Moon is mind, the Sun is soul of the election; and a composite & holistic view is considered.

In Hindu system of electional astrology clear & consistent guidelines & rules for selection of suitable moment for elections have been dilated in length. Nature, signification and effect of each element (weekday, Tithi,constellation, Yoga & Karan) of Hindu Panchang (ephemeris) has been clealy defined, alongwith their effects when the elements are concurrent. With the available guidelines, astrologer with his skill can arrive at an election for which detailed dictums / guidelines are not available.

Exponents of the Hindu system of electional astrology had mastered the branch as a special subject and have gifted a vast number of exclusive treatises on this most useful branch of astrology. They were specialist in electional branch and have spreaded vast knowledge. Such exponents have not dealt on the other branches of astrology. On the contrary, western astrologer have dealt election as a small part / chapter in their treatises. Perhaps on record there have been no specialist electional astrologer in the anicient past in Western astrology.

In both the systems, nativity, planetary strength & planetary conditions and status, critical degrees; as per their own system, is taken into account at the time of initiation. In Western system radical twelfth house is considered as the worst while in Hindu system eighth house from radical ascendant as well as radical Moon is prohibited. Planetary day & hours are similarly considered. But some western astrologers consider planetary hours (Hora)as division of daytime & nighttime separately. Via Combusta, cazimi, Part of Fortune, Void of course Moon, the Moon’s applying & separating aspects; are some of features in western electional astrology which are not considered in Hindu system of electional astrology.

One of the subtle difference is that William Lilly opines cazimi planets to be “wondrous strong” and followers may thus select cazimi Moon (Solar eclipse period) in good elections; but as per Hindu election system it is shunned in all good elections & has no remedy. Cazimi Jupiter similarly may be selected in elections following principals of Western electional astrology, but is certainly prohibited in auspicious elections & rituals (like marriage, tonsure, wearing of sacred thread, start of education etc.) in the Hindu electional system, and it has no 'antidote'.

Both the systems agree that it is rarely feasible to have the best possible election chart all meeting the desired requirements, but Hindu system have unique mode to balance the electional chart by “antidotes”, for which enough guidelines are available.

For fruition of an initiated activity, election plays one part. The Hindu system directs aspirants for purification of mind & body, operation of proper mode of breathing, environmental purification by incantation of Mantras & Vedic hymns and oblation to fire, donations to poor, observation of omens & portents etc. etc. at the start of electional activity; for which separate guidelines are prescribed.

Works which fructifiy on specific weekdays - Hindu / Vedic astrological guidance

Vedic or Hindu astrology provides detailed guidance as to which activity fructify on specific weekdays. In Hindu system, a weekday starts from the local Sunrise & ends at the following Sunrise, which is distinct from the Gorgian calendar in which a weekday along with date starts at expiry of 1200 a.m. of the Zonal Standard Time. Seven days a week system is prevalent throughout the world. Weekdays are given due importance in selection of election as the desired work which easily gets fructified (Siddhi) when its day lord is strong, the same work does not get fructified when day lord is weak / powerless, even after extra efforts & facing of discomforts. To fortify election, a strong day lord (planet) should be properly placed in the election chart.

Based on nature & signification of the weekday, day lord (ruling planet), tutelary lord and other electional considerations following works (& works related to the mentioned items) are recommended for conduction & initiation in different weekdays. It is opined that on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday all types of works fructify; while on Sunday, Tuesday & Saturday only prescribed activities fructify. Here is the list of works which aspirants should do on different weekdays.

Sunday: Coronation, service to the government / king, king worship, fire, fire related works, weapon making & usage, war, bravery, service & employment, travel, thief, doctor, transaction of medicine, purchase of cows, bullocks & animals, gold-silver-copper-wood-works, bones-skin-hides, auspicious (Manglik) works, Yagya, teaching Mantras (Agni Mantras), religious discourse, music learning, woolen clothes, wearing of new clothes, mountain, stones, dessert, forest, trees, usage of forest items, snake, animal rearing & husbandry, food grain, trade.

Monday: Agriculture, farming, gardening, fragrant trees, lotus & flowers, milk, food, food-grains, sugar, sugarcane, raw sugar / molasses, Yagya, ornament making & wearing, silver, deer, sale & purchase of cows - buffaloes, gems-pearl & shells, conch-shell, singing & dancing- starting thereof, water related works, popular works, movable works, starting of education, night movements, benefit to mother’s brother, Brahmins, article causing phlegm, clothes, female related works, king, road.

Tuesday: Killing, arresting, inciting insurgency, cruel works, piercing, army commanding, treaty, backing off treaty / agreement, fort, igniting fire, weapon, storing of war material, poison, lying, deception, thief, thievery, coral, gold related works & collection thereof, metal work, forest, night worker, doctor, ascetic / religious mendicant, treasurer, business of catching snakes, animal, trees with red coloured flowers, red colour items, works related to blood.

Wednesday: Fine arts, literature-music- dancing & starting thereof; poetry, sculpturing, all type of art, theater, education, writing, learning of Vedas, idol making, Mantra Kriya, meritorious works, marriage, friendship, starting of fast, holy bathing, trade, clever works, ordinary works, science, metal work, war, argument, intelligence, skill, ingenuity, messenger, physical exercise, collection of articles, juices & food grains, green sapphire, earth, clothes, fragrant articles, works which end fast - works which take long time – works which finish in the middle.

Thursday : Auspicious (Manglik) works, Yagya, Havan, worshipping, peaceful religious works, fast, oblation to the deads (Pitri Sharadh) , temple, installing of idol, Alankaar, education, knowledge related works, learning in general, Shaastras, truthful works, wearing new clothes & trading thereof, ornaments, starting living in house, doctor, medicine, trading in medicine, physical works, health related works, physical works, development & expanding works, king, wealth, trees, gold, silver, elephant, horse, bullock, transport, travel.

Friday: Good for starting dance, music, singing painting; luxurious works, festivals, wearing new clothes & ornaments, friendship, worshipping sex God (Kamdev), females, passionate women, sex, passion, prostitutes, beds, increase in semen, fragrance, comedy, laughter, cows, trade related to food grain & agriculture, farming, selling & purchase of land, sugar cane, juicy foods, gems, gold, silver, coffer, transport, lotus, earth, medicine.

Saturday : Entering into new house & city, trading with deceit & forgery, telling lies, dreadful deeds, insurgency, works related to obstruction, trading of arms & ammunition, poisoning, bereft of courtesy, usage of iron & steel, arm & armory, dead, servant, debased person, old persons, thief, buffalo, camel, birds, trapping of elephant, stable works, profession related to capturing, collection of houses, departure, broken utensils, glass, stones, learning secret Mantras from Guru (Deeksha), service.

According to Sage Narad, Acharya Garga, Ramdeen, & host of other exponents it is opined that it is beneficial & augurs fortunate effects to initiate & conduct works related to iron on Saturdays. With this the learned readers may help remove doubts / superstition in certain parts of the country that purchase or sale of iron items, & doing works related to iron (steel) on Saturdays is inauspicious.

Logics for selection of weekdays

Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus & Saturn in order are the rulers of the weekdays. Depending upon the inherent natures of the ruling planets, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday are auspicious, benefic & good days; while Sunday, Tuesday & Saturday in general are malefic & cruel days. Tuesday & Saturday are maximum malefic, while Sunday is partially malefic. Auspicious & Manglik works are done on benefic days; while cruel, sinful (Paap Karamas), unethical works in general; & the specified works are done on Saturday, Tuesday & Sunday. Some benefic works also fructify on malefic days depending upon the nature of the work & special dictums regarding Muhurt (election). There is no very tight demarcation of the allocated works for the weekdays, and the day is selected based on the type of work, planet signifying the work, time of starting & host of other factors related to the weekday.

Nature of Sunday is fixed / stationary; of Monday is movable; of Tuesday is cruel; of Wednesday is mixed / ordinary; of Thursday is small / short; of Friday is sweet; & of Saturday is sharp / horrible. When constellation (occupied by the Moon) & day lord are of same nature then, the combined efficacy increases many folds – like when asterisms of Rohini & 3 Uttras coincide on a Sunday; fixed / stationary types of works fructify.

Thursday, Friday & Sunday are effective during daytime; Monday, Tuesday & Saturday are effective during night-time while Mercury is effective both during daytime & night-time.

Malefic effect of Sunday, Tuesday & Saturday does not exist after mid-day. Some opine that “Vaar Dosha”(evil effects of weekday) does not prevail during night (Acharya Chandeshwar).

Colour of the work: Consistent with the colour of the ruling planet of the day, it is beneficial to conduct work with that colour on the weekday ruled by the planet .The Sun’s colour is red mixed with black or blood red; Moon’s - white; Mars’ - pale red; Mercury’s - grass green; Jupiter’s - yellow; Venus’s - swarthy (dark skin) & Saturn’s - black. Wearing of the clothes of the above stated colours during planets’ weekdays is beneficial to the user. Aspirant may also use colours ruled by the rulers of the weekdays. Some opine that, copper-red, white, ultra red, blue, ultra yellow, variegated (mixed, spotted) & black are the colours ruled by the planets from the Sun to Saturn.

Like for election of white washing / painting of a house certain criteria have been laid down. Meeting those requirements, the colour of the white washing / painting if done in yellow on Thursday or in green shade on Wednesday, enhances the beneficence. Similar guidance is taken in respect of other usages of the colours. Saturday is not recommended to sow seeds, but is considered fruitful to sow seeds of black grains, more profitable if Saturn is in the rising sign.

Shiva, Parvati, Ganesh, Vishnu, Brahma, Indra & Yama are tutelary lords of the weekdays in the order. Each day has Adhi Devta (superior lords) also, which are Agni, Jal, Bhumi, Hari, Indra, Indrani & Brahma. Desired results are obtained by worshipping (Smaran) tutelary lords & Adhi Devatas on their weekdays.

Based on nature & signification of the weekday, day lord, tutelary lord and other electional considerations following works (& works related to the mentioned items) are recommended for conduction & initiation in different weekdays. It is opined that on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday all types of works fructify; while on Sunday, Tuesday & Saturday only prescribed activities fructify. If on a Sunday the Sun is strong, it is extremely beneficial to see king & do works related to king (in the modern context – works related to administration & government is beneficial). If the Moon is strong on a Monday then all types of the works fructify. Similarly on Tuesday - war; Wednesday - education (study of Shaastras); Thursday - marriage; Friday - travel & on Saturday receiving initiatory Mantras of Yagya (a ceremony in which oblations are offered) are beneficial. According to Brihat Jaatak (104/61-63) works allocated to the weekday gets fruition when conducted on the same weekday & when either of the following also coincides:

a)day lord is in Upchaya (3,6,10,11) signs from radical Moon's sign.

b)day lord is in the election ascendant.

c)sign ruled by the day lord is rising, or

d)day lord is in angle.

Acharya Varahamihira has stressed that on non- compliance to the above, aspirant may not get any fruitful result; like as one does not get a drop of water even after going to the sea.

Thus accordingly, if an aspirant wants to start education, he may choose auspicious day as Thursday. Better if he selects Hora of Thursday, and the ruling planet of the day Jupiter is in the rising sign. To further fortify the election, he may select Sagittarius or Pisces as the rising sign; and if either of these signs are 3, 6, 10 or 11th sign from his radical ascendant or from the natal Moon sign ; the election shall be extremely fortified. To find such highly beneficial election one may have to wait for a long time.

The day when the Moon is weak, or Mars or Saturn is retrograde, is not auspicious. But if such a day lord is in 11th in the election chart, then the said Dosha does not prevail, & benefic results are felt. A day is inauspicious, when the day lord is set or afflicted (Brihat Daivygya Ranjan). That day whose lord is retrograde, causes destruction in many ways if used in election of travel.

Acharya Shripati opines that if the day-lord is in Upchaya (3,6,10,11) houses from the election ascendant, the work fructifies. And if it is not in the said Upchaya houses then, it does not fructify even after efforts (Brihat Daivygya Ranjan).

Omens & portents – their significations in Hindu Electional astrology

Omens play a vital role in execution of elections. Omen seen or heard or even visualized at the initiation of an activity, certainly foretells fate / success of the activity. Omens & portents (Shakun & Utpaats) is a useful branch of India astrology, which includes interpretation of dreams, status of living & non-living items in the environment, sounds produced by human & animals, portents, mode of pacification of adverse omens & portents. It acts as a guide in horary astrology, to clinch the issue when there is a stalemate. Coming events cast their shadows before & it is the ingenuity & skill of the interpreters to decode omens correctly for their profitable usage in their daily life.

Treatises on omen (Shakun) have commended that omen has the final say in Election. Omens seen at the start of an action does foretell its success. In case adverse omen is seen or heard or even visualized; the activity should not be initiated.

Omen is a wonderful knowledge which acts like a medicine. Vasant Raj in his treatise titled ‘Vasantraj Shakunan’ - an authoritative book on the subject - has opined that when ephemeral elements (Tithi, Nakshatra, election ascendant etc.) are fully auspicious & efficacious (Uttam & Gunyukta), fortified ascendant & strong Moon is present, but there prevails an inauspicious omen (Shakun) then, nothing materializes regarding election.

Some opine that an election clinched only on the basis of an omen, does not have lasting effects. Some has opined that in the matter like making a theft or the like activities, omen is to considered. The treatises on Hindu /Vedic electional astrology have dilated omens in details in travel elections. On seeing an inauspicious omen, the person should return (not undertake journey), & recite Pranayam (a specific Mantra’s recitation) eleven times & then start the journey. If inauspicious omen is again is seen, then he should return & recite Pranayam 16 times & start the journey. And if inauspicious omen is again observed at the third start of the journey, the journey should be abandoned. Best of the sages agree with this, & from this one may infer the importance given to omens in elections.

One must develop faculty of interpretation of omen seen or heard or even visualized at the initiation of an activity, & use it profitably. In case of adverse omen of high potency, execution of an election should be withheld / postponed.

Interpretation of omens

Exponents have laid down rules to interpret omens, examine potency of an omen & timing of event based on omens. Potency of an omen is examined based on its position with respect from the observer (front / back / left / right / higher & lower level), position of omen in geographical direction (East-South-West-North), time of its observation, motion / speed of the omen, sound produced / heard, expression, place where it is observed.

Here are some items & persons signifying auspicious / favourable & inauspicious / unfavourable omens. The list in no means is exhaustive, but provides adequate information. Omens differ from place to place, country to country & religion to religion.

Items signifying omens

Auspicious items: Following fifty items are auspicious items & seeing them is auspicious at all the times. Curd, milk, rice, pot filled with water, ripe food, mustard, sandal, mirror, fresh green grass (Durva- a kind of grass), conch shell, meat, fish, soil (wet), a bright yellow pigment prepared from urine of cow (Gorochan), cow dung, cow, honey, idol of god, Veena (a musical instrument), fruit, seat of king, flower, black items used to decorate eyes (Anjan / Kajal / Surma), ornaments, hand weapon, beetle leaves, conveyance, palanquin (Palki - man carried conveyance), a covered pot or box to keep medicine or wine (Sharavsanput) , flag, parasol (Chhatra), hand fan, clothes, lotus, Kakash (pot), glowing fire, elephant, goats, drums, device to control elephant (Ankush), tail of animal used to whisk flies (Chaamar), gems, gold, silver, copper, herd of tied animals or an animal whose legs are tied, medicine, drink, tree with fruit, fresh vegetables.

Inauspicious items: A sparkle without smoke, ash, fuel-wood-cow dug cake (Upla), rope, mud, device used to make powder by hammering action (Tilkuta), cotton, husk (Tush), bones, opened hair (untied hair), black item, iron, bark of a tree (Valkal), skin of a tree, black sesame (Til) or black pulse, stone, stool, snake, medicine, oil, raw sugar, boneless meat, empty or broken utensil, salt, dry grass, butter milk, wood, iron chain, rain & wind.

Omens related to persons

Auspicious persons: Sight of the following persons is auspicious: a king, happy Brahmin, prostitute, virgin girl, gentle person, well dressed person sitting on a horse or ox, a fair complexion lady in white dress & wearing white garland on her fore head; a pious Brahmin wearing white clothes-sandal & flowers-having properly fed & having received donations, reciting Mantras; a lady with a man or either of them having fruit in his or her hands- seen in front; a child saying something on his own; a beautiful person, person dressed in white clothes-wearing white garland, speaking sweetly if is found coming from front or right side during journey or at the time of entrance- it is an auspicious omen.

Inauspicious persons: A person doing vomiting; hair-less or clean shaved head; having any body part severed; naked; lowest cast; body part oiled; ill; dirty; angry, drunkard; having long hair (Jatadhari); quarrelsome; having black complexion; opened hair; sitting on a camel / ass / buffalo; loudly weeping; eunuch; ascetic; a lady wearing black clothes & black garland on her fore-head; a lady having menstruation; pregnant woman.

Abhijin Muhurt – a powerful election as per Hindu astrology

Exponents of Vedic / Hindu electional astrology have prescribed Abhijin Muhurt (election) as on of the most powerful election & has general acceptance of exponents for initiating a wide spectrum of life activities, especially for fruition of worldly activities. Its Puranik name is ‘Abhijit or Kutup Muhurt’. This election (Muhurt) is also called ‘Swami Tithiyansha’, ‘Vijay Unhurt’ & ‘Chaturlagna’. It is ruled by Abhijit (Vega 19) asterism, a benefic one.

It has power to annihilate / destroy numerous malevolent influences in elections. However its efficacy is enhanced by presence of special Muhurt Yogas, prescribed beneficial Hindu ephemeris (Panchang) elements, luminous Moon, fortified & purified ascendant, specific disposition of election related planets, favourable transits of the planets to the aspirant etc. etc. This election is that powerful that some exponents have praised to the extent that when a suitable election is not available, it can be selected for fruition of the desires.

This election is as or similarly powerful as Vijay Dashmi, Ravi Yoga, Sade-Teen Muhurt, Sarva-Karya-Arambha Muhurt, Gow-Dhuli, and Vijay Muhurt & Amrit Ghatis for initiating a wide spectrum of life activities.

Abhijin Muhurt starts from 24 minutes before the Local Noon Time (LNT) & remains till 24 minutes thereafter (total duration 48 minutes) for 12-hour duration of daytime. For variable length of daytime its duration should be calculated proportional to non-nocturnal (daytime) length. Proportional election time (total duration) of this election is 15th part of the daytime length. Thus at a place of activity on a given day the election shall be current during:

LNT ± [(proportional election time) ÷ 2 ]

=[(Sunset time + Sunrise time)÷2] ± [(Sunsettime - Sunrisetime)÷ 30]

For example if Sunrise is at 07.00 GMT & the Sunset time is 18.00 GMT at a place of an activity then, its total duration shall be 44 minutes (11 h ÷2 = 44 m). Local Noon Time shall be 12.30 GMT. The said election time shall start from 12.08 & ends at 12.52 GMT (12.30 ± 22m).

In the corresponding duration during night-time, equally auspicious election prevails which is called ‘Brahma Muhurt’. Most of the authoritative writers have eulogized this Muhurt as suitable to initiate all types of works, & as the most powerful & efficacious Muhurt capable of removing plurality of maleficence (Doshas).

Lord Shiva killed a powerful demon named Tripurasur in this Muhurt. This Muhurt has blessing of Lord Vishnu who destroys innumerable Doshas with His Sudarshan Chakra during the currency of this Muhurt. Aspirants (not having in-depth knowledge of Muhurt astrology) may select this powerful election for day-to-day life activities without going into intricacies of the knowledge regarding election & ephemeris.

Exceptions : But this powerful Muhurt is not suitable for auspicious / sacraments (Manglik activities like marriage, Upanayana etc.) functions on Wednesdays, as it forms a malefic Muhurt. Further travel in the South direction should be refrained during this powerful election.

Some exponents have advised that ± 4 minutes of time (total 8 minutes) from the junction of forenoon & after-noon (mid-day), and also the first & latter part of night (mid-night - Mahanisha) are malefic & should be refrained in a benefic Muhurt (elections). Thus aspirants should not use this election during LNT ± 4 minutes.

Readers shall find that some of the countries whose birth took place in the said election have thrived & progressed merely by virtues of this powerful election.

Books on western electional astrology