1. Kataka Rashi_extracted_pages

If the Moon is your Planet

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'I worship the Moon, who has the color of yogurt, seashell or snow, who arose from the ocean of milk, whom Siva wears as a crest jewel on his head.'

• Veda Vyāsa

Dynamic: How we feel and respond

Key Words: Receptivity, sensitivity, imagination, memory, nurturing, sympathy, compassion, influence

Sign: Cancer

Color: White

Gender: Feminine

Cakra: Svādhișțāna, Anāhata

Temperament: Sattva (pure)

Governing deity: Pārvati

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The Moon in Vedic Scriptures

One day, Gaņeśa was मणि फूडा सवर्म कंसी र हिता देवी छम्बर क विक मालिमी सामद ष लंकेश्वरी तवा अन्यारस काषा का given a lot of य्रह कारिका अतददास पाही हरान बडी संखिनी कमणाक हारणी हनि पमराक्षश्ती रेवती क भूक इसनों शों व्त सा हकज कॉल द sweets by his स्थाहा।। परक्षा र्शनि अरेरै गना २ मम मर्व शिाम हम २ चतुर आादत devotees. He धो हारती महा डेदी यकषणी त्रिय निवारिणय३ आाशय २ भामक रे मिह रै यजसेनावति यछ् चुत्र हत परिवारां भ माश्य २ साडय २े गोलक 2 जोर २े जोहक साना शशय धरवरा सर्योनकार बाला: द्ृष्मन्या मम किन विनाधकासी ब्य तुक सदीपभश्य कआ: पुष्य चूप दीप मा थे है है कर कर सवाहा । अभ्य कमि कंरेक swallowed all घन स्वन पताकादि सर्द परिपर्णम खण शाहि २ तोयच २ हारती म कामार्य साधनी देहि वामप the sweets, स्वाहा ।1 हारती बलि घड ॐ नमः भी हेवज़ाय माहाना

then he went back home, riding his mouse. It was sunset and in the darkness, the mouse suddenly stumbled over a snake. Ganeśa fell to the ground.

He had so much eaten that his over-filled stomach burst and the cakes poured out.

Ganeśa collected and replaced them in his widely open belly. He caught the snake that had caused the disturbance and tied him around his waist. Looking at this funny occurrence, the Moon started laughing.

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Ganeśa was very annoyed and thought she had offended him. Resentful, he removed his right tusk and threw it at the moon's face. At the same time, he put a curse on her, so that she would stop shining at night and disappear from the sky. At that time, the story says that the moon was full every night.

Since then, with the moon being missing, there was neither moonlight nor twilight. Nobody could sleep, because the sun was bright even nightly. Without the moon, the gods found heavenly life as unbearable as men found life on earth. So, they rushed to Ganesa's house, supplicating him to manage the situation.

He complied with their urgent requirement, but decided the moon would not be allowed to shine brightly every night as she did before. Henceforth, she was sentenced to wax and wane, alternating a shining fortnight and a dark fortnight, with each of these periods ending either by the full moon or the new moon.

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Characteristics of the Moon and Cancer

'The moon is phlegmatic. She is learned and has a round body. She has auspicious looks and sweet speech, is fickle-minded, and very lustful.'

• Brhat Parāśara Hora Śāstra

Symbol: The crab

Element: Water

Ruling Planet: Moon/Candra

Ayurvedic constitutiok: Kapha (earth and water)

Healing stone: Pearl

The symbol of cancer is a crab, an animal whose carapace covers a soft belly. In the same way, the native protects itself from the outer world and tends to be secretive, shy and discreet.

This sign stands for the four states of consciousness in which we live, symbolized by the moon: Jägrat (wakeful state), Svapna (the dream state),

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Suśupti (deep sleep) and Samādhi (deep meditation). The moon is a changing planet; it waxes and wanes, and its movements are representative of the principle of time and space in the Universe.

Those born under Cancer operate in the inner world with a strong emotional nature, as well as the outer world, as it enjoys being active.

Its natives are often uncertain of their power and potential. They need to build up self-confidence. They are friendly, caring, show sympathy; they are nurturing and have motherly qualities. They like to be surrounded by people, with whom they can share their feelings and affection. Often, they become too emotionally sensitive and dependant on others. They can become much attached, which can make them nervous and weak. Their imagination and visualization is powerful and receptive; they have the power to create and realize their dreams.

Very talkative, the sign will be honest in its relationships and unbending once it has made up its

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mind to something. Once cancer feels confidence about himself, he will show pro-active behavior, initiative and power to shine over others like the moon, and can have great influence over masses.

Cancer Nakşatras: Punarvasu, Puśya and Āśleśa

Characteristics of a Punarvasu-born

Punarvasu is 'the star of renewal'. It represents new beginnings and a life mission to carry forward successfully. The sky is the limit for this naksatra! It reflects purity, truth and strong moral values and confers 'the ability to gain wealth and abundance'.

If you are born under Punarvasu's auspices, you will have many friends, you will enjoy reading sacred texts and scriptures, and will possess gems, jewels and ornaments. Your spirit is able to rise from the ashes, and your approach to life is very optimistic and curious; you may be childlike and playful at times. You will have a good height and an oval face.

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You are generally calm but tend to get into disputes to exhibit your intelligence. This may give rise to arguments with other family members. You are good natured; even when you go through difficulties you will always help others. Easily contented, you are self- controlled, though occasionally indecisive.

Be careful not to over intellectualize life, and therefore become too critical. Your mental vacillations do not allow you to be in the present moment, and this nervousness compels you to speak when you should keep silence.

You will have abilities to work in the publishing field, the entertainment area, or as a teacher, as well as in fields that include dealing with social groups and the public. Great potential in the communication field can be developed here.

Characteristics of a Puśya-born

The moon in Pusya naksatra is supposed to be the most auspicious of the twenty seven naksatras. Its basic

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temperament is dharma, or the seeking for right action, and it has the 'ability to create spiritual energy'. All forms of spiritual practices are encouraged here.

The star shows tranquility, absence of agitation, faith in oneself and fullness of life. This attitude can happen because the native inherently has faith in the divine and his own self. It flowers into a good inner stability, and enables the person's creativity and productivity to bear fruit. There will be great activity and dynamism under this nakșatra.

You are able to control your desires, and are popular because of your sympathetic and compassionate nature. You are learned and fond of doing charitable work. You may be a little fat, liking to eat and nurture yourself. You also have this latter tendency towards others and like to take care of them physically and emotionally.

But stubbornness and selfishness can be shown. You can be quickly shaken by others' criticism, and may doubt yourself. This can paralyze you in life. Therefore,

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you should learn to become independent of others opinions. Using your wisdom and studying the teachings of enlightened Master will help.

Generally, Puśya natives are well placed in society; they can be rulers, directors, food merchants, teachers, psychologists or priests, and often they will be masters to others.

Characteristics of an Āśleśa-born

Āśleśa is an intense nakșatra that stands for 'the entwined', symbolized by a coiled snake. The serpent is a symbol of divine wisdom, procreation and prosperity, as well as poison, danger and trouble. This lunar mansion denotes the challenge of being addicted to pleasures. It shows a dual attraction towards enlightenment and the seeking of the truth on one hand, and a life immersed in the outer world and comforts on the other.

When your moon sits in Āślesa's constellation, you may have very penetrating eyes. You may be

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complex and misunderstood because of your contradictory character. You may at times be very spiritual, thoughtful, austere, silent and independent; then on occasion, show rude selfishness, dishonesty, cunning and aggressiveness. You cannot bear humiliation, which can lead you to hide many things to others.

It is hard for you to forget the past. Strong temper can be seen here also; you should learn to control your diet and not to eat too much when you are upset about something. Be aware of food poisoning and poor diet and take care of your nervous system. You could be good at writing, astrology, studying mystical sciences and may be attracted to politics, or work with animals.

Āśleśa people would benefit by cultivating gratitude and courage to welcome life as it is, rather than how they dream it to be.

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Energy Centers and Cancer

Svādhișțāna cakra- Gaining Confidence

There are 7 major energy centers in our body, called cakras in Sanskrit. They are directly connected to our emotions and impact different aspects of our personality and the way we relate to ourselves, others, and to Existence.

Each planet resonates with a particular energy center in the body. The watery energy of the Moon is connected to Svādhistāna cakra located below the navel region. Its energy can sometimes imbalance the cakra, especially when the person has too many fears! Svadhistana flowers when you face your fears, and stop fearing them.

First of all understand that all small fears are mere projections of the ultimate fear of death. Second, don't resist the fear in you. Just keep repeating to yourself that you are scared and go through it, that's all! You will soon find that the fear is no longer there

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because you saw it through. Start doing this every time you feel fear.

When you consciously work on this, you will understand that what you call fear is nothing but your response or reaction to an incident or thought. Depending on how you respond, you can claim that you did not have fear or had fear. And, with more and more awareness, you can respond towards fear without fear!

Remember one thing: No one can claim to be fearless. One can only learn to handle fear without fear, that's all.

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Cancer and Ayurveda: Understand your Constitution

In a birth chart, many influences have to be considered to find out one's body type. Consulting an experienced Ayurvedic doctor will help you to understand your body constitution.

Generally, the Ayurvedic dośa (body constitution) related to Cancer is kapha.

Let's use this scale:

If you experience symptoms such as lethargy, a feeling of heaviness, nausea, chills, looseness of the limbs, coughing, mucus discharges, breathing difficulties and a tendency to sleep too much and high cholesterol, you may be suffering from kapha imbalance. Other symptoms can be inertia, congestion, stagnation and circulation problems. There may be a tendency toward obesity and boredom, depression, apathy, laziness, and mental dullness may be present.

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If you are easy going, forgiving, physically strong, stable and reliable, slow to anger, active and positive minded, have a strong immune system, full of mental resolve, rational thinking, endurance, adaptability, long term memory, then your kapha is balanced.

Here are some of the common characteristics of people who have predominantly kapha body constitution:

O Relaxed disposition, slow paced

Loving, forgiving, compassionate personality

Stable nature, reliable

Faithful

O Physically strong and heavy and large body, enduring constitution

O Slow speech, good memory power,

O Large watery eyes

O Prone to heavy depression

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O Gentle, self sufficient

Excellent health, strong resistance to disease,

O Slow to anger, greedy, envious

Tend to hold on to things, possessive of people, money

O Physical problems generally include colds and congestion, sinus, headaches, respiratory problems including asthma and wheezing, hay fever, allergies, and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and constipation.

How to manage kapha?

Kapha people are prone to lethargy, sluggishness and overweight. Therefore, they need activity and stimulation more than the other types of constitution. Daily exercise is a must for them. Getting out of the house, walking and actively seeking new and different experiences, breaking their routine is also valuable. They should learn to be receptive to useful change, renounce impediments to progress, implement life

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solutions and choose foods, mental attitudes, behaviors, exercise, relationships which can help them to balance kapha characteristics.

Food items to balance kapha:

Kapha people should consume little fried or fatty foods; avoid icy drinks, sweets or excessive amounts of bread. Butter, ice cream, cheese and milk should be avoided; they are among the worst foods which aggravates kapha. The consumption of salt should be kept in check, as it creates water retention in kapha body types.

They should enjoy plenty of fresh vegetables, raw fruits and salads. Pungent, bitter, and astringent tastes decrease kapha influences. Black pepper, ginger, cumin, chili, and some other spices provide the pungent taste; bitterness is provided by some green leafy vegetables like lettuce, endive and some green vegetables and beans provide the astringent taste, like cucumber and unripe fruits.

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Meditation for Cancer: Balance your kapha!

Moon natives can be benefitted through techniques which boost their body, enable them to let go of their emotions, and counter their mental stagnation. Cancer people should do more active forms of meditation, including mantra chanting or meditation combined with activity. Yoga and the

them. practice of rituals are also excellent techniques for

Here is a meditation for you:

Keep a picture of Paramahamsa Nithyananda's eyes in front of you.

Total Duration: 41 minutes.

Step 1-Duration: 10 minutes - Sit in vajrāsana (kneel and sit on your heels). Place your hands on your hips. By doing this, you are establishing a connection between the upper and lower parts of your body. Chant 'hoo' for as long as possible with each exhalation. Begin again with each inhalation, holding the chant as long as possible as you exhale. Visualize clearly a white light rising within you, going out from the top of the head and circling back into you.

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Step 2-Duration: 21 minutes - Continue sitting in vajrasana. With the hands on the hips, bend down at the hips to touch the forehead to the ground. Continue to chant the 'hoo' sound in this position. Continue to visualize clearly a white light rising within you, going out from the top of the head and circling back into you.

Step 3-Duration: 10 minutes - Open your eyes. Through your third eye, look at Master's third eye in the picture. Clearly visualize a beam of light from Master's third eye entering your third eye.

This meditation is tantra-mantra-yantra, all three put together:

Mantra means using the body physically to get the desired effect sitting in a particular posture and chanting.

Tantra means using the body and mind together to get the desired effect adding the visualization of white light.

Yantra means using an external object to get the desired effect using the picture of Master's eyes.

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Nithya Yoga for You

Swimming proves to be good for this watery sign. Whenever he or she is free, the native can spend time near rivers, lakes, sea shores, as water brings relaxation to this watery sign. Also, gentle yoga postures which work on svadhistāna cakra, as well as Sūrya Namaskār (the ancient Sun salutation), can be practiced by all natives!

Śalabhāsana :

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Instructions

· To blissfully enjoy the benefits of any asanas, make sure your body is warmed up, the spine loosened up and stretched out before entering the postures.

. Lay on your stomach.

· Arms beside you, palms facing upwards, keep the chin forward.

. Inhale, sweep your arms into the air, simultaneously lifting your legs into the air.

· Exhale, bring your arms back down beside you, resting your legs on the floor.

. Just remain in this position on the floor with your eyes closed. Visualize for a few moments, your body doing the posture.

· Open your eyes and repeat Śalabhasana 5 more times.

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Remedial Birthstone for Cancer

Pearl bracelet

This book comes with a unique energy bead bracelet which beautifully combines semi-precious stones with rudraksa beads- enhancing and radiating the properties of the stones. This bracelet attunes you to the Universe and contributes to destroy sufferings related to negative karmas. It is specially blessed by Nithyananda, the enlightened Master of our times for the fortunate ones who wish to receive the blessings of the Universe! Enlightened Masters are said to be the manifestation of the Cosmic Energy, which radiates through the 9 planets. It empowers you to expand your inner intelligence into Living Enlightenment!

Jyotişa uses different gemstones (also called birthstones) to strengthen the planets energies.

Gemstones are the finest and purest consolidation of minerals that exists, formed under extreme heat and pressure inside the earth. Stones are crystals of

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clear and purified minerals that are also found in the human body.

Because of their mineral quality, they are agents of electromagnetic energy, which influences the electromechanical nature of the human body. When a stone is in contact with the skin, it starts working on the physiology and the energy level of the body, as well as the pranic layer of energy.

Pearl represents the moon in the natal chart. It has a powerful effect on the mind and gives mental peace. It is beneficial for:

· Balancing emotions and mood swings

· Concentration

· Stress

Intuition

· Combativeness

· Persons exposed to frequent cough and cold,

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· Problem in marriage

· Lung diseases, breast problems

· Reproductive disorders

· Calcium deficiency

· Dysentery, diabetes

· Cancer,

· Eye deficiencies

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Rudrākșa Beads

Cancer's Cosmic seed

Today, scientific experiments have verified the intrinsic properties of the rudraksa. These are: dynamic polarity, bioelectricity, and paramagnetic and diamagnetic propertiesall of which effectively control

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hyperactivity, eliminate stress and bring beneficial effects on body and mind.

Rudrāksa beads are emblems of Lord Śiva, who is believed to be at the very core of the centrifugal force of the universe, representing Brahman or the cosmic Sun: the aspect of creation which continually dissolves to begin a new cycle of creation, preservation, dissolution and recreation of the Universe. Therefore, wearing rudrāksa attunes one with the cosmic energy that destroys karmas and confers spiritual liberation. It cannot have an adverse effect on the wearer because of its auspicious signification and can be worn by anyone, irrespective of his or her moon sign. Rudrākșa beads have immense benefits:

. They protect against negative planetary positions and enforce the positive effects of the birthstone which you wear

· They keep, foster and protect one's own energy

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· They can tap into energy fields to restore energy in the wearer.

. They stimulate an individual's consciousness and sub-consciousness

. They stimulate the mind, sharpens the intellect, gives power and opens the third eye

. They ensure peace of mind and harmony of relationships

· They help to cure dangerous diseases such as epilepsy, cough, and small pox and heal poisonous wounds

· They actualize Master's blessings into your life

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Five Techniques for a Cancer Mind

Be aware!

Be aware as you meet people, you may be attracted to activities or relationships which look bright and promising, requiring lots of your concentration and effort ... but may turn out to be a waste of time. It could be that everyone is talking about you or that everyone is turning to you for solutions. Is it really necessary to invest all your energy in the attention you are getting? Are you doing the right thing? Are you fair to everybody? Are you straight in your dealings with others? Beware of a covered cunningness which often creates division. This cunningness knows to express only through calculation. Calculation is alright for arithmetic but not for the being ...

Face yourself

One should better face the problem instead of running away to hide in one's room, to do useless things which will not help you to grow. Only intensity

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will help to fight your inertia. After all, problems are not eternal. When we are depressed, we feel we will be depressed for ever- No! It is not possible. You are constantly changing, people are constantly changing, and problems are also constantly changing. Nothing is fixed in Existence. What is required is a little patience to wait for things to move, and a little courage to face situations without making big problems out of them. And lo, within no time, the whole thing is forgotten!

Watch your emotions

Even though the overwhelming emotions you experience feel real, they are still nothing else than a story you are telling to yourself. Amongst so many thoughts happening in you constantly, you are unconsciously choosing to clutch thoughts that have the same color of confusion. Feeling this confusion is one thing, but reacting confused is another thing. Don't take major decisions when you are in low mood

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or you may regret it. Simply relax from the dream. It will pass, nothing else needs to be done.

Move towards love

On our way to enlightenment, we come across beautiful phases where we get to integrate smoothly the teachings of the Master through actual practice. Life is stretching all kinds of cards towards you. Which card you pick up is playing a major role in the way you will integrate yourself. Understanding, discrimination, and perseverance in your awareness are the Master Cards Existence is offering you. To move towards love, that is your true nature; work intensely with those three cards throughout the month.

Heal the world!

Your altruistic nature is always ready to serve your community. But how do you help? A smile on your face is the answer! No need to prepare long discourses about how the world needs to change. Let your smile overflow to bring a smile on everybody's

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face. Never put up a smile and try to bring it to others in the name of service, or you'll be just imposing your ego onto others. First flood all your problems with inner healing and clarity, then do service. Understand yourself, the world and God ... then Live Enlightenment!

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