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Personal Impression of Siddhic Astrology (SA)

SA has been revelatory to my personal studies of astrology. SA is a superb

microscopic tool which has harnessed the combined use of the Placidus system &
house cusp degrees coupled with VD system (the Hindu periodic tables of
astrology) & it is an epochal revolutionary step in astrological techniques and
understanding. It has enhanced the techniques of birth rectification, Prashna and
Muhurta immeasurably and without question and doubt, the use of Prashna
applying Arvind and his parampara tradition is, in humble estimation, the best
tool and use of horary astrology available.

SA was coined by Arvind Acharya who has infused, elaborated and underpinned
the philosophical framework of SA and leveraged on the majestic and revered
traditions of the Siddhars which has spanned several millennia. Vedic Astrology
was similarly coined by Dr David Frawley to embrace the Indian astrological
tradition emanating from Rishi Parasara, Rishi Jaimini, Rishi Bhrigu and a host
of other astrological luminaries who have lit up the astrological firmaments with
their astrological writings namely Mantreswara, Kalyana Varma and the Sapta
Rishis among others. The spirit of contemporary SA which attempts to mimic or
revive the medical astrological tradition and Nadi Granthas of the Siddhars have
unfortunately been lost to posterity or perhaps kept as a secret tradition within a
guarded lineage. The late R Santhanam and Chandulal S Patel had tried
painstakingly to unravel the secrets of the nadiamsa but alas the coils of mortality
embraced them before the world could benefit from their research.

Nonetheless, the efforts of modern stellar astrologers like Buddhanadi, Meena

Gopalakrishna Rao, KS Krishnamurti, K Baskaran and Arvind Acharya have
illuminated stellar astrology in emulation of the traditions of their primeval
predecessors like Siddhar Agastya and Siddhar Kagabujandhar. Stellar astrology
especially that revolutionized by Krishnan Baskaran has driven Hindu Astrology
to the forefront because of its ability to distinguish and differentiate the lives of
twins born within the minute and its ability to minutely distinguish queries put
forth within the minute by a querent on Prashna or horary Astrology. This has
assisted to overcome the gaps in utilization of Vedic Astrology techniques in
answering prashna queries because the use of tajika aspects and dignities is too
broad-based and unchanging to answer specific queries asked within a short span
of time. SA is the akam to VA’s puram, the micro perspective to the macro
perspective. While VA is more intuitive, generalized and broad based with
elaborate, detailed and complex techniques, SA is more logical and uniform,
consistent and systematic, particularized and straightforward but subtle &
sublime in its approach.

While it is pointless to argue the apparent superiority of one over the other, it is
better to embrace both and see them as emanating from the one sole source of
the human mind and ability to conceive the language of the stars. Knowledge has
an integral field and it is equally as important to observe the common grounds
and similarities as much as to analyze the distinctions and deviations.
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Some principles of SA can be found in Greek astrology, Vedic Astrology, Persian

Tajika Astrology because they all come from the same singular source of the laws
of the universe. For example the linkages between the houses or cuspal interlinks
at the micro-level can also be seen or reflected in the aspects between planets at
the macro-level. The same principles apply in both approaches of relationships
between the houses & between the planets. However, the ability of SA to correctly
use the bhava linkages and apply the Vimsottari Dasa correctly has safely
ordained SA as the missing link in the puzzle of practical application of VD. More
significantly, the minute consideration of SA ensures uniformity of prediction
which will obviate the controversies and disagreements and varying conclusions
of interpretation of VA. For this, we have to thank the differentiating aspect of the
Placidus House division and the uniqueness of SA to personify, link and clarify
the cuspal points of the bhava.

The typical approach of astrology is to generalize by classifying the human race

into 12 categories like the 12 zodiac signs, the 9 categories like the planetary
graha, the 9 categories like the Tara Bala and so forth. Vedic Astrology calls forth
“Rorschach” impression of the pictorial chart and the intuitive ability, guided by
the chart and astrological principles, to elaborate on the potential and weakness
of the querent and likely life events. Because it lacks the minute clarification of
the cuspal sublords of Siddhic Astrology to distinguish and connect the houses,
Vedic Astrology has had to rely on a combination or blended approach of
astrological principles and intuition.

However, despite the apparent strengths and forte of SA, I do not see SA as the
Holy Grail of astrology. By Holy Grail, what I meant is the ability to peer into the
oracular crystal ball and narrate the story of the native, event by event, punch by
punch, point by point, as per the native’s birth chart. I believe that belongs to the
realm of intuition and psychic extrasensory perception. Unfortunately, I even go
on to claim and state that astrology cannot predict events based solely and purely
on astrological principles and techniques per se despite the “exaggerated” claims
of professional astrologers. I challenge astrologers to inform me what
momentous event and irritating events occurred to me on March 2004 and
September 2008 if I were to supply the details of my supposedly rectified birth
chart. I do not believe that one can extract particulars of an event purely on
astrological basis and reasoning without intuition. The usual stock answers would
be generalized and the answers extracted from the natal chart are like some form
of natal “muhurta answer” ie the astrologer can state the auspicious and
inauspicious activities during certain periods but can’t state the exact chain of
events to occur during a certain period.

Of course on the other hand, it would be presumptuous and arrogant to

underestimate the human potential. We have heard stories of amazing
predictions, the psychic skills of Yogi Karve, the apparent precision of Nadi
Grantham predictions, which were based on the minute divisions of the nadiamsa
and were graha-centric in nature, on certain querents but are this based on
orthodox astrology principles and reasoning or an amalgam of intuition and
astrology? Maybe we may go so far as to claim that these oracular or predictive
feats are not based on astrology at all but on psychic or “Siddhic” gifts.
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We are of the humble opinion that Vedic astrology is an amalgam of intuition and
astrology because brilliant astrologers use the Vedic astrology chart as only a
guide to their intuitive and psychic abilities.

We cannot underestimate the ability and capacity of the human potential. When
once we believe that we could not fly, that music and poetry must necessarily
follow strictures of cadence, metre and rhythm, that it is ridiculous for women to
wear pants, that humans could not fly to the Moon or talk across oceans etc, the
seeming impossible has been made possible.

It was once an axiom that computers could not defeat the world champion at
chess let alone strong chess players, but today only the very best chess
professionals can take on the existing supercomputer programs and struggle to
defeat them. It was once thought that computers could not think and be creative
like humans but today the exponential crunching powers of supercomputers
could perhaps not “think” or reason but calculate all possibilities on the board to
find the “correct” moves and counter-moves to the human opponent. The day will
arrive when the supercomputer could calculate all permutations and possibilities
on the defined limits of the chess board and be invincible. By similar analogy, all
major human event permutations are also definable, defined and within limits
and thus could one day perhaps be predictable by supercomputers. Of course, it
would take the ingenuity and versatile talent of the computer programmer to
solve the riddle of prediction who probably would have to master astrology and
programming.

Soothsaying or foretelling the future is as old the Emperors and Kings of empires
who often sought and adopted the soothsayers’ views. This is probably either due
to the fact that astrologers are preying on astrological enthusiasts and students
faith in the supposed oracular prowess of astrology or that humans at large are
desperate to know the future because of fear of the unknown and hope of a better
tomorrow.

For the most part, astrologers, based on the conclusions obtained purely from the
chart information, can inform us the possible event emphases during that
particular range of period and the likely event strengths and weaknesses, that
certain event situations can arise and that some situations cannot materialize
during a particular period. For instance, the astrologer might predict that
between such and such dates, no successful pregnancy and birth of child can
occur except during a narrow interval in that stated period. The astrologer cannot
emphatically mention childbirth will occur unless the possibility is confirmed
from different perspectives. However, it is interesting to know whether astrology
has the capacity to predict on a daily basis. The theoretical logical stance seems to
point in that direction but we have yet to witness such demonstration.

What we see demonstrated countless times is the capacity of astrology writers to

retrofit past events and facts to astrological reasoning and techniques to justify
the seeming predictions and predictive prowess of astrology. Invert the situation
and challenge the astrology writers to see the future by making specific event
predictions and it will be interesting to see how many can come out with accurate
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event predictions. It is also important to verify the rate of predictive accuracy
and not based on a few correct predictions as one or several swallows do not
make a summer.

Astrology provides clues to the pointer but only the intuitive and gifted can
discern what is being pointed. Like the Zen koan or paradox, when one points to
the Moon, the majority will look at the pointing finger, the minority will look at
the darkness surrounding the night, the few will see the Moon and the intuitive
few will discern the meaning of the Moon and its implicit correlations.

The use of astrology is most beneficial in timing events, in choosing among

variables, in understanding and appreciating psychological insights and in
applying astrological insights in a deductive manner. To perform astrological
prediction in an inferential logic instead of deductive logic would require more
than astrological profundity and necessitate use of intuition honed from years of
practical experience and application to thousands of charts and noticing the
patterns and holistic impressions.

An example will clarify the distinction between use of deductive and inferential
logic. An astrologer understands the connection between numbers 1 to 9 for
various events. When he is given an event, he can immediately allocate to which
particular number and make the necessary implications. This is an example of
deductive logic. On the other hand, when he is given a set number of numbers, he
will have to make inferential logic to deduce the likely events. That requires much
more cogitation to attempt to make the connections and arrive at the likely events
as events in itself is a seemingly infinite variable.

The use of inferential logic is an abyss which the astrologer must cross to bridge
the seemingly impossible chasm, to foretell events like the typical soothsayer or
fortune teller.

To sidestep this issue, the astrologer will usually ask questions of the querent and
by being guided by the querent’s responses to the intelligent questioning, the
astrologer can using deductive logic and guide of the chart, Prashna or rectified
birth chart, to provide yes and no answers or dual variable responses (dual option
of yes or no) to the questions. The astrological chart will usually inform the
astrologer of the potential strengths and weaknesses of the native on a dynamic
time basis ie from time to time and on a static basis ie based on intrinsic talents
and flaws and based on these information and the guidance of the querent’s
responses, the astrologer can guide the querent like a doctor diagnosing a patient
by inquiring the patient of his pain and suffering, diet and daily habits and
employing the usual medical procedures and apparatus.

Astrology is a language and by the use of language, it has its tools and limitations.
Ludwig Wittgenstein the linguistic philosopher attempted to define the limits of
language by indicating that it cannot express and describe every phenomena and
event, subject and object accurately and precisely in an all encompassing manner
and that no experience especially the so-called mystical experience can be
described properly using language. Language defines the locus of its known
within the specificity and capacity of the language. The use of language is limiting
and distorting.
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Thus, unique phenomena like moksha (“enlightenment”) or communication with

the unknown cannot be properly described but at best alluded to.

When Zen master Daisetz Teitaro Suzuki explained systematically the

phenomenon of enlightenment, he was banished from the Zen inner circle for
being too forthright and revealing!

By similar analogy, astrology as the language of the skies has its limitations and
usefulness. Astrology may not be able to infer events from the various strands
and lattice of symbolisms but it can deduce among choices given. The strength of
astrology is its intuitive symbolism and capacity to converge and link or associate
seemingly unrelated strands of knowledge.

Conversely, the weakness of astrology is its limited differentiating factor. We have

the combination of the template of 12 zodiac signs, the matrix of 12 houses, the
coterie of 9 planets, the lattice of 249 kalamsa and the network of 2093 sub-subs
and further sub-sub-sub or antaras and sookshma.

However, we have yet to ascertain whether the astrology software in the market is
accurate on the minute sub-sub and sub-sub-sub levels. We cannot even
ascertain whether the Placidus system is the most accurate house division system
to locate accurately the cuspal sub-sub lordship given its inherent limitations.
Very little research and application of the modern topocentric house division has
been undertaken while other House divisions have received its due minimum
attention.

Given the limited vocabulary of the 12 rasis, 12 bhavas, 9 grahas, 249 kalamsas,
and the differentiating vocabulary of akam and puram, lagna dependent, lagna
independent and bhava dependent factors, it is problematic logic for astrology’s
parameter of vocabulary to attempt to encompass the complexity of modern life
variables without having to resort to intuition and deductive logic to make event
predictions. For example, the 5th house represents talent among other
significations and such talent encompasses abilities like singing, acting,
performing, dancing, painting, drawing, art, performing arts among others. A
strong 5th house well supported by akam aspects and linkages imply talent but
what among these array of talent is indicated by the 5th house of the native? It
seems that there are no principles or techniques to delineate the distinctions of
talent and the astrologer would have to fall back on his intuitive abilities to ferret
the particular talent or talents of the said querent. Some have suggested to
venture along the lines of Sabian symbols or such fine and minute symbolic
divisions such as the nadiamsa to distinguish the cluster of significations
attributed to an astrological symbolism. Human beings are multidimensional and
complex and the dual dimension of cuspal interlinks is not enough to explain the
complexity of human character and events. There is a need to explore further.

Can the tools and vocabulary of astrology cover the entire spectrum of human
endeavour and events? It seems clear that it is imperative on astrology to
continue research to expand its vocabulary and to further refine its differentiating
factors to account for the complexity of modern society.
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When once ancient society was content with a few hundred professions, today we
have countless permutation of professions.

A statistical study should be performed on the following scenarios:

1. the stock market index movement at any point of time either up, down or
the same as three variables
2. the stock performance at any point of time on the three variables
3. political candidates on election results depending on the number of
candidates
4. sporting event results
5. exam results – pass or fail variables

The following examples have fewer variables than analyzing the destiny of a
native, which is highly subjective unless you concern yourself with the timing of
events, and their more concrete results should be subjected to statistical analysis
of predictions.

Another area suitable for statistical research testing is prashna or Horary

Astrology because it is excellent at yielding yes or no answers and in timing the
event. While conventional Vedic approach of tajika aspects and dignities will have
problem when several querents ask the same type of question within several
minutes of each other because they will probably yield the same answers either
yes to all or no to all because aspects and dignities do not change within minutes,
cuspal interlinks astrology which is based on the sub, changes within the minute,
is more practical to answering prashna queries. The books on prashna seem to
give the impression of the infallibility of astrology. Prashna and another topical
subject, event astrology based on the time and place the event started can be the
base or foundation subject matter of proper research because of the non-issue of
birth rectification and subjectivity of natal chart analysis. Strangely, there has
never been any published exhaustive and comprehensive scientific research on
prashna (horary astrology) and event astrology based on the start time of the
event.

We have heard rumours or stories of speculators utilizing astrology to profit from

horse races and the securities markets but all the techniques being used remain
the subject of conjecture and covert secrets.

As the saying goes “the proof of the pudding is in the eating” – if astrologers
could demonstrate the ability to profit consistently from the use of astrology and
not just show a smattering of correct predictions, just like the analogy of
stockbrokers demonstrating consistent winning stock picks and not just
becoming rich from brokerage commissions, astrology would come a long way to
justifying its credibility and weight in gold’s worth of predictive prowess.

Strangely enough, there has been no published statistical analysis. The known
published result is Michel Gauquelin’s on the ascension of the planets and
correlation to professions. The trouble with the Gauquelin statistic is that
Gauquelin himself was not a professional astrologer and the conclusion of the
Gauquelin statistical analysis was indefinite.
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Michel Gauquelin was no practicing savant on astrology and his statistical

techniques were applied to superficial applications and assumptions of astrology.
It is just like asking any one other than the blend of the practicing astrologer cum
Sanskrit scholar to delve into ancient astrological texts to interpret their
teachings.

The nature of astrology especially as taught and understood in the East has not
been scientific if we define scientific as:

1. subject to empirical statistical testing

2. rigorous, meticulous and thorough research
3. replicable principles which have universal and uniform application
4. logical and rational analysis
5. accepted by a community of practitioners
6. published research open to analysis and commentary
7. open to challenge and debate
8. discussed openly and in a transparent manner
9. critiqued and thoroughly analyzed

Instead for millennia, astrological knowledge has been kept within a secret albeit
sacred tradition in some circles and taught as a parampara tradition of oral
transmission from Guru to Sisya (teacher- mentor to student-disciple). Thus, due
to its opaqueness and mystic, astrology has developed esoteric and metaphysical
and even occult connotations. The irony of the parampara tradition is the
seeming lack of ethics of some of their practitioners in failing to acknowledge
gratitude and debt to their mentors.

Case in point is how Meena Gopala Krishna Rao stole the teachings of
Buddhanadi and incorporated into his extant book “Nadi Jyotisha” because
Buddhanadi was semi-literate and only knew Tamil.

Almost similar is occurring in the case of SP Khullar who was a former student of
Krishnan Baskaran, with many students and protégés of Baskaran attesting to
that fact (that he studied under the tutelage of Shri Baskaran) and yet Mr Khullar
or Khullanari (which translates to “fox” in Tamil as he is nicknamed by some)
disdains to acknowledge his mentorship and giving the impression that he is the
sole founder and creator of his own brand of astrology and totally dissociating
from Baskara astrologics or cuspal interlinks theory. It seems akin to a son
disowning or disavowing his father, a student denying the lineage of the Guru.

Mr SP Khullar even had the audacity and cheek to ask the naïve and semi-literate
K Baskaran to publish Baskaran’s ideas under his authorship. Fortunately, that
did not occur - enough said on the ethics of astrology and the rest is history.
Today SP Khullar claims to be the founder of his brand of astrology called KCIT
or Khullar Cuspal Interlinks Theory.

In short, Mr SP Khullar disdains his mentorship of Krishnan Baskaran and in the

process disrespects and ignores the astrological parampara tradition.
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Sadly, astrology in the East has seen a decline punctuated with revelations at
various times by a smattering of practitioners. Unfortunately, many of the new
principles and techniques unraveled are not subject to statistical analysis to yield
substance and confirmation.

Astrology as practiced is seldom corroborated from the external and many of its
techniques unproven and applicable in certain cases and not in the greater
majority of cases. It is not uncommon of astrologers to shout their accurate
predictions only to find their techniques wanting when applied to a broad
spectrum of cases.

Astrology is generally practiced as an ontological process of logic – an internal

circular brand of logic justifying its own techniques based on astrological
language and rationale without moving outside the parameters of defined
astrological knowledge. A technique or principle or signification is accepted as
logical because it fits the overall internally logical schemata or logos of astrology.
It cannot be justified outside of astrology. For example Saturn signifies skin
because Saturn is the outer frontier or boundary of the Solar system and the last
planet of the navagraha or system of nine astrological planets and the skin is the
outer boundary of the human body. Jupiter signifies the liver because the liver is
the largest internal organ and not the skin which is biologically speaking the
largest human organ. Many explanations or rationale of astrology is based on
ontological logic or internal circular logic, symbology, accepted tradition or as
according to the ancients. Sometimes, the methodologies or principles are taken
for granted as truthful just because a tradition has spoken or an authoritative
figure has vouchsafe for it. We do not verify or test meticulously because we
accept many astrological principles and predictions on face value – we give too
much credit to astrologers and that can be dangerous assumption on scientific
grounds.

We often take all these new techniques, principles and applications for granted
but until it can be verified and validated time and time again, we cannot assume
the verity and truth of these apparent discoveries. Principles to stand the test of
time must be replicable and have a universal and uniform quality, not the kind of
principles which are littered with exceptions and more exceptions.

We must not however discard techniques which are not applicable to all cases as
long as they work in the large majority of cases. Astrology is a percentage game as
we cannot expect God-like perfection. If we can predict accurately for more than
80% of the cases, we can say that we have achieve an outstanding success. Of
course, success is a relative term. What is 80% rate of predictive accuracy is
magnificent success to some and mediocrity to others.

Many renowned astrologers have claimed to have seen thousands of charts and to
have performed replicable research. We cannot swear on their word or merely
take their words unless they published such researches or reveal to the masses.
However, the paradox is the censure which may dovetail on the astrologer who
reveals the apparent “secrets” and the consequential banishment like the analogy
of the DT Suzuki story.
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It is ironic to note that Western students of astrology are revealing the secrets of
Eastern masters of astrology when the apparent secrets should come from the
horse mouths of the East.

The Western astrologers have not only made great strides in understanding and
mastering the principles but have also enunciated the principles of astrology from
the East with clarity and in a systematic and logical manner.

To make this subject truly scientific, astrologers must transcend the esoteric
tradition and open up the subject to scientific research, trials and testing as well
as methodically clarify the subject matter in a logical and rational approach with
due reasoning and proper understanding.

Astrology is meaningless without scientific research: astrology is only meaningful

to the slavish, the superstitious and the parochially religious. Statistical research
work on astrology is imperative and very important to justifying astrology’s
claims to predictive prowess. Knowledge is infinite and evolving – research must
be ongoing to capture the dynamic logic. Logic which is “static” and considered
the whole unaltered truth cannot adapt to the change of times and broadening
perspective. Logic may be correct for a particular perspective but on a wider
perspective it may be inaccurate, thus the need for research to encompass
widening the net and lattice of logic.

One swallow or several swallows do not make a summer as the saying goes and so
it is the case with astrologers who brag about their vaunted prowess based upon a
few apparently accurate predictions. Again, as have been mentioned statistical
verification and objective testing should be made on these bragging rights.

Of course, we cannot truly elevate astrology to the standing of the hard sciences
as astrology is both mutually scientific in its systematic and logical methodology
and artistic in its application of techniques and appreciation of principles.
Astrology, however, can emulate the social sciences like economics and
anthropology. Astrology cannot be too methodical, formulaic and rational or
suffer “technical dryness”; like humans, it is also a blend of the logical and
intuitive.

But can this subject and the weight of tradition as well as the customary practice
of astrology to guardedly hide its secrets, embracing the secrets close to her chest,
change and transform? Would astrologers unveil the secrets of their trade and at
what price? It is in the inherent and intrinsic nature of astrology given its history
and past that its secrets or apparent secrets and applied aspects are taught to elite
initiates while the basics and theoretical aspects are taught to the masses. The
culture of secrecy in astrology is so ingrained, indented and inscribed that it
would take nothing short of a revolution to change its habits, mindset and culture.

Astrology has suffered prolonged periods of neglect, stagnation and lapses during
which the weight and assault of scientific progress and attitude, the bias of the
general public and the persecution of religion has driven astrology towards
holding to the narrow path of keeping her deepest secrets close to her breast.
Such is the secret and elitist aspects of astrology that astrology enthusiasts today
do not know the rationale for many techniques and applications in astrology.
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A case in point: the rationale of the planetary sequence and ratio allotment of the
Vimsottari Dasa tables is not known or perhaps kept as an esoteric secret within
certain circles. So is it with the rationale and use of the nadiamsa, the minute
divisions of the rasi.

In the scientific community, new discoveries and conceptions are subject to

testing and verification and to debates and discussions within the scientific and
academic community and externally among layman.

Astrology to progress further and to reach its glorious zenith must thus have
these following qualities:

i. susceptible to research & double-checking

ii. must clarify replicable principles
iii. subject to testing and verification
iv. invite discussion and debate within the community
v. have the characteristic of being logical and rational
vi. be clear, systematic and uniform in application with minimal
exceptions

There is a void in the market for excellent clearly explained books on astrology,
published research and empirical testing of the myriad principles of astrology.
Most of these books elucidate the principles without empirical examples to clarify
the application of the principles. Many of the techniques taught may not
necessarily work.

If astrology is to be broadly if not grudgingly accepted within the mainstream of

the scientific community, the practitioners must make these giant strides to open
up the subject matter and eloquently articulate the principles as well as the
techniques and methodology to the wide world.

Only then can it attract the intellectuals of other disciplines to study and analyze
the basis, principles and techniques of astrology.

Presently, astrology has cemented its value as a psychological tool to understand

the psychological archetypes of human attributes and actions. Whether predictive
astrology can emulate the status of psychological value of astrology is left to be
seen.

Hopefully, astrology can elevate itself from being an esoteric and “occult” related
subject to becoming a metaphysical science.

How far can we stretch the potential and limits of astrology?

My humble view is that astrology is still in the developmental stage despite

centuries and millennia of practice and existence. Perhaps it reached its
renaissance during the times of Agastya and the Siddhars as well as the Sapta
Rishis of India when Nadi Jyothinam as seen in the Nadi Grantham was recorded
for posterity and Nadi Jyotisha flourished in India.
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The subsequent decline of Nadi Jyotisha which logically resulted from the covert
tradition of keeping within the parampara and the oral transmission of
knowledge from Guru to Sisya as well as the burning of books and pillage of
ancient universities like Nalanda and Benares University, which kept such
esoteric scriptures, by foreign barbaric intrusion and lack of public exposure as a
result of overt bigotry had almost forestalled the growth of astrological insights.

The amazing thing is the resilience of astrology to keep coming back despite
centuries and millennia of persecution and accusations of being associated with
the devil, witchcraft and the black arts by religious authorities and of mumbo-
jumbo superstition by the scientific community.

However, thanks to the efforts of astrological luminaries and savants like KS

Krishnamurti and K Baskaran, we have the due use of the Placidus system of
house divisions, the proper use of the Vimsottari Dasa, the application of cuspal
interlinks, an appreciation of the sublord and sub-sub levels and relationship to
the overall chart as well as better understanding of Prashna, birth rectification
and yogas.

We can only stride forward notwithstanding astrology’s intermittent recessive

and retrograding periods. The advent of cuspal astrology has refined the
understanding of Vedic astrology and extended the frontiers of astrological
knowledge. We cannot sit contented on our laurels but to continue to expand the
knowledge so that perhaps one day the Holy Grail of astrological event prediction
can have its techniques codified systematically in an intelligent and systematic
logical manner so that the use of reasoning can supersede intuition and thus we
can read a chart almost like crystal gazing or water scrying!

What is meant is that the foundation and theoretical knowledge of Baskaran

astrologics or cuspal interlinks astrology complements and completes the Vedic
astrology pantheon of astrological knowledge. What is further required is to
further enhance and refine the applied knowledge of cuspal interlinks astrology
to the level where one day the astrologer can narrate events via logical
astrological reasoning and not based on the caprice of intuition and experiential
knowledge. Too many astrologers use the astrological chart as a guide only and
rely heavily on the gift of their intuition to tell the future. What we seek is not just
to forecast events but to predict events.

The scope for further extension of the frontiers of applied knowledge is vast and
awaits extensive in-depth and meticulous research and contemplation to ferret
and unveil the hidden secrets from the vast depths of astrology.

Astrology is known as the mother of esoteric studies and in the Vedic tradition
the eye of the Vedas or one of the six limbs or vedangas and it should rightfully be
elevated to its former exalted status. As we look forward to the advent of the
Aquarian age when the precession of the Equinoxes retrogrades from Pisces to
Aquarius, we also look forward to astrology being properly studied and
researched and reinstated in its former status. We would dream of the day when
astrology is studied as part of the social science curriculum in internationally
renowned universities.
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As for now, let us bask in the glory of Krishnan Baskaran’s magnificently

revelatory contribution to Prashna or Horary Astrology specifically and to
astrology in general & credit Krishnan Baskaran’s discoveries by giving them
their due regard as a revolutionary leap in astrological understanding. The
Vimsottari Dasa is India’s greatest contribution to the astrological field and
Krishnan Baskaran has finally reinstated its propriety and unraveled its potency
and potential.

In Vedic astrology, due to the Equal House system of house division being
employed, there is no differential distinction between the cuspal subs of different
houses. All houses are 30 degrees apart and thus there are no distinctions
between the bhava cusps. Consequently, Vedic Astrology is graha-centric and
analyzes the position of the grahas in the bhavas and their aspects or inter-
relationships between the grahas for astrological interpretation.

Conversely, Siddhic Astrology or more accurately cuspal inter-links astrology and

KP Astrology which are based on the Placidus house division which has “unequal”
house distribution and employment of nakshatras and subs to link between the
bhavas and between the grahas and bhavas to indicate the event emphases
directly addresses the nakshatra as the dasa and the sub as the bhukti. Vedic
Astrology which could not address the differences between the cuspal subs due to
the employment of Equal House System has had to rely on the “dispositor theory”
to attempt to use the Vimsottari Dasa tables to time events albeit with measure of
inaccuracy – which is why many Vedic astrologers may get the prediction correct
but the timing of prediction wrong.

For example, assuming a person is undergoing Mars Dasa Saturn bhukti, the
Vedic astrologer will look at the houses that Mars and Saturn are posited and the
house in which the sign lord dispositors are indicating to see the event emphases
– an indirect albeit wrong approach. Cuspal interlinks astrology will instead look
directly at the nakshatra dispositor of Mars and sub dispositor of Saturn as initial
approach to find out the event emphases since the dasa is the nakshatra and the
bhukti is the sub.

Krishnan Baskaran has formulated interpretations from the interlinks between

the bhava cuspal subs and has standardized the timing function of the Vimsottari
Dasa, made full use of the Placidus sytem of House division to differentiate
cuspal subs of Houses, applied the sublord theory correctly to the application of
Prashna and reinstated the majesty of the Vimsottari Dasa at one full stroke.

This has removed the seeming confusion arising from the Krishnamurti Paddhati
approach of collating a hodge-podge or mish-mash of Vedic, Western, Tajika
techniques with the sub-lord theory. K Baskaran’s system is an offshoot of
Krishnamurti Paddhati or KP only to the extent of employment of the Placidus
system and sublord theory but it is a complete deviation and revolutionary new
system in linking the cuspal sublords and interpreting the resultant bhava and
nakshatra interlinks.
 13

Krishnan Baskaran and Arvind Acharya have also cemented the theoretical
foundation of cuspal interlinks astrology. While the bedrock foundation of cuspal
interlinks astrology has been bolstered and consolidated, there is tremendous
vast room for the blossoming and flowering of applied techniques beyond the
extant vocabulary. It is beholden on us to continue in the finest tradition of our
beloved Gurus to expand further the frontier of applied knowledge and research
work where the nectar of astrological wisdom awaits us.

We must not sit on our laurels, content and smug that we have in our possession
a logical system of astrological principles and techniques but we must drive
ourselves to refine and expand the plethora of techniques so that the applied
knowledge of astrology is deepened and broadened. While there is a solid base of
theoretical knowledge, the potential of applied knowledge is still vastly untapped
and there are many more aspects of applied knowledge yet to be unveiled,
explored and refined.

If the precision level cannot be refined to the sub-sub level, then cuspal interlinks
astrology has met its match and tangible limits at the theoretical and
foundational level. What more can be said about the potentialities of the field of
applied astrology?

True insights are derived not so much from a strong foundation in theoretical
astrology but from rigorous approach in applied astrology. The field of applied
astrology is verdant and vast. If the applied knowledge aspect is greater or at least
equal to the bedrock of theoretical knowledge aspect of cuspal interlinks
astrology, then, we can sincerely state that cuspal interlinks astrology truly
deserves the epithet “Siddhic Astrology” following the finest parampara
traditions of Siddhar Agastya and the Sapta Rishis.

Presently, the applied aspects of cuspal interlinks astrology is admirable with its
subtle application and sublime depth of understanding. This caters to the
complexity and twists and turns of modern human lifestyle but there is
considerable scope for research to broaden and widen the vocabulary beyond the
limits of subs, nakshatra, rasi, bhava and graha to also include the pada and
perhaps nadiamsa to incorporate the various nuances and shades of human
complexity. The direction Baskaran pioneered is road strewn with jewels waiting
to be unearthed.

Then we can also sincerely state that astrology will have the credibility, logical
rigour and integrity to open up to the scientific community and drop its tendency
to prevarication, rationalizing to fit the facts and stealth-like veiling of knowledge.
 14

However, we must also be careful of intellectualizing astrology through analytical

and discriminating approaches of categorizing and pigeonholing astrological
archetypes and stereotypes. Astrology is a social science, if we care to pigeonhole
it as such, which describes the complex condition and phenomena of human
character and life - and like the human condition, astrology to be properly
understood and stated cannot adopt wholly analytical approaches but also
incorporate holistic and synthesized approaches to breach the fine subtle line
between the logical and scientific and the intuitive and syncretic.

In this respects, astrology as a predictive tool is perhaps observed as both an

analytical and intuitive tool for prediction. Perhaps the complexity and fluidity of
the human condition and chain of events is such that the scientific and analytical
approach has its limitations and must fit hand in glove with the intuitive and
artistic approach to elaborate on generalized predictions.

It is thus not uncommon to observe the designation of astrology and securities

market technical analysis as art rather than science because the chart preparation
is mathematical and logical while the end process of interpretation is intuitive
and a form of art. That said the tendency of science is to formulate universal,
uniform and generalized statements of principles which suit generalized
interpretations. However, particularizations and specific details can perhaps not
be interpreted purely by astrological reasoning and techniques alone but by a
combination of astrological principles and intuition. This line of thought
reinforces the view that astrology per se is limited in its language and application
and requires the innate gift of intuition to distil its maximum predictive potential.
Astrology is a dual combination of convergent and divergent thought, a blend of
logic and intuition because firstly the astrological symbolic language must be
accurately and precisely applied and then the symbolic language must invoke and
evoke the correct creative associations from a hodge-podge jumble or cluster of
associative images. On the one hand, astrology cannot be too analytical,
categorical and intellectual suffering the arid dryness of intellectual analysis and
on the other, it cannot be too dependent on the vagaries of intuition – there is a
fine subtle line between logic and intuition in astrology. If astrology is strictly
logical, it would be uniform and dry and often generalized. Astrology must be let
loose to the creative application of intuition to guide it towards specifics. It must
metaphorically speaking let the creative and intuitive wild dogs loose to prowl
and ferret out the exact predictive interpretation.

However, since we live in a scientific world, intuition must be guided by logic.

Like the symbology of the Moon, Hindu astrology or “Moon astrology” is a unique
distinctive blend of mind, emotions, feelings, insight and intuition encapsulated
perfectly in the expressions of the Ajna Chakra or the Third Eye plexus. The mind
is a combination of intellect and intuition, of synthesized psychology and
analytical mentality and it is beholden on astrologers to perspicaciously prioritize
logic and intuition to the demands of the situation.
 15

To begin astrology on her maiden steps towards scientific respect and image of
credibility and reverence, the community of astrologers should converge and
share their knowledge and apparent “secrets”. Admittedly, this is easier said than
done but one step in this direction is a major leap in the advancement of
astrology.

To bring astrology to worldwide attention and credibility, an annual world

championship on prediction could be organized – world renowned astrologers
and claimed researchers should be invited to participate and the action
scientifically tested and neutrally and objectively adjudged. What we have at
present is a coterie of master theoretical astrologers, theoretical writers and
amateur researchers. There is a need for greater variety in the “astro community”.

The world of applied astrology is either hidden to the public or at its nascent
stage awaiting proper platform and system to codify, research and objectively test.
It is unlikely that astrology will uncoil from its Scorpionic tendency of covertly
hoarding its finest secrets and evolve to Aquarian mode of scientific dispensation
of knowledge in open and transparent manner.

We bid the day when astrology is uniformly codified into a cohesive and coherent
body of knowledge taught in a systematic and logical manner and inviting few
controversies. That day will arrive in the Aquarian age when the covert
Scorpionic tendencies are transformed to the scientific and open Aquarian mode.

There is no standard bearer or uniform and objective standards by which

astrology and astrologers are adjudged. Astrology is like nutritional products.
There is minimal objective testing of nutritional and organic products to
corroborate its claims of high nutritional value. Take the example of Ribena, the
standard and iconic product of revered Glaxo Smith Kline. Glaxo advertises the
claim that Ribena is a high vitamin C nutritional drink for decades and was
conventionally believed by the general public as such until it took the humble
laboratory test efforts of two teenage students completing a science project at
school to shatter the belief. Glaxo had to thereafter admit in advertisements
shown in United Kingdom that Ribena was a sweet thirst quenching drink devoid
of vitamin C. Ribena in other countries continue to promote the myth of vitamin
C in the bottle labeling.

The rise of technical analysis research in the last decade shows a contrasting
character to the opaqueness of astrological knowledge growth.

Compare the veiled and opaque approach of astrology with the open and
transparent manner Westerners have tackled the subject matter of technical
analysis of securities which have seen dramatic and revolutionary advances
taught openly to everyone willing to learn – the new innovative techniques of Tim
Ord, Pascal Willain and others in the last decade have changed the landscape of
trading techniques. We do not believe astrology will attain that level of open
transparency but if it moves in that direction it will open up a large new audience
to astrology.
 16

Astrology needs new talents, constructive critics, talented researchers, scientific

thinkers from outside of the arena of astrological community to expand its
frontiers besides the intuitive, mystical and psychic. Astrology needs thinkers,
logicians, researchers, dedicated talents and intellectuals of other disciplines to
delve into the ocean of astrology to uncover its buried treasures and fountain of
esoteric knowledge.

We seriously believe there are common grounds to integrate the knowledge of

astrology instead of egotistically claiming trademark to knowledge. There are
many common similarities and sharing of principles to warrant an integrated
approach while respecting the distinctions and uniqueness. We live today in an
interconnected world where knowledge is no longer all inclusive but open to
worldwide scrutiny.

During the ancient Indian times, higher knowledge was passed on a parampara
lineage tradition of oral transmission from mentor to disciple. It was kept within
the tradition and the knowledge was known as knowledge from the Guru’s name
like astrology of Parasara, Bhrigu, Jaimini, Agastya etc. There was no such all-
encompassing epithet like “Vedic” or “Siddhic”. However, today we try to
objectify and universalize knowledge and brand them accordingly. Thus, we have
descriptions like Indian, Chinese, Purple Star, Eight Character, cosmo-biological,
Greek, Hellenistic, Persian, Western, German, Burmese, Mahabote, Vedic,
Siddhic astrology and so forth.

Today, many things are no longer taken for granted or believed without testing
and reasoning. We live in a scientific age where information is subject to rigorous
statistical testing and intellectual discussion and debate. The ancient times when
tradition was widely respected and kept secret or veiled by its disciples are
practices which are no longer rife and burgeoning.

What was once venerated tradition is considered suspect tradition today taking
account of the veiled nature of the traditional practices of hoarding and stealthily
coveting the “deepest secrets” of the oracle. The oracle of astrology was seen as
available only at the mountain top to the most deserving of initiates – there was
no way the secrets could be relayed to the pandering and hungry masses. And
because it was veiled, what pieces of literature written for the masses were often
couched in suspect, enigmatic, paradoxical and convoluting language.

Take the case of Brihat Parasara Hora Sastra (BPHS), the so-called bible of
astrology which is disputed by present day Sanskrit scholars as a compilation or
compendium of chapters written by different authors because of the stylistic
differences. In the BPHS, it is explicitly stated that Saturn signifies nerves and
Mercury signifies skin. However, today many practicing astrologers adopt the
view that Saturn signifies skin and Mercury nerves. Thus, a weak Saturn could
imply skin diseases like psoriasis and eczema while an “afflicted” Mercury could
imply nerve ailments like attention deficit syndrome and chronic nervous tension.
There are many books authored by non-practicing and theoretical astrologers
who produce their mish-mash portfolio of significations thus mindboggling the
reader due to the lack of uniformity and concordance of symbolic significations.
 17

Astrology must clean up its backyard and restore credibility by systematically

attributing the significations to the correct set of karakas of graha, bhava,
nakshatra and rasi. Life is not categorical and discretely clear cut – there may be
interlapping as in the case of the stomach shared between the 5th and 6th house
and perhaps attributed to both the Sun and Moon but it is important to discern
the primary and secondary significators. Medical astrology and research is vital
to make the fine distinctions. The foundation of astrology must be uniformly
stated and set out logically with proper clarifications and verifications.

Finally, fellow students and enthusiasts would like to express gratefulness and
heartfelt thanks to the mentorship of Arvind Acharya who has systematically laid
out the theoretical foundations of Baskaran’s astrologics and to Krishnan
Baskaran who founded and pioneered cuspal interlinks astrology which would
surely one day be known world wide with and as the respected moniker of
“Siddhic Astrology”, the paragon epitome of mother of the esoteric sciences.

Cuspal interlinks astrology is an approach to unravel the mystery of the fourth

dimension of the arrow of time, of why certain times are auspicious and
inauspicious for sets of actions and events, of why events are likely to occur or get
negated at certain times. It has gratifyingly and admirably succeeded in this
endeavour. It is a significant and revolutionary step in the evolution of Indian
astrology and has made astrological observations more precise and accurate in
timing and selection of events. Whether it can open more doors and unlock
further mysteries of the arrow of time and its connection to events and the future
is left to be seen and at the mercy of its practicing adherents and researchers.

It is difficult to have a high opinion of astrology because it has been propagated

or depicted as a subject which can only be practiced by vegans and vegetarians
who have connected to God or source of information and attuned their intuitive
powers to the extent that they have not merely climbed up Mount Olympus to
claim the oracular powers but also have been gifted and naturally endowed and
initiated to possess predictive prowess. Astrology must shed its mystical and
occult links and espouse a new culture of self examination, introspection and
analysis to evaluate and review published statistical research in verifiable and
assessable fields like financial and mundane astrology.

Astrology should be taken with a pinch or pinches of salt but we should in the
spirit of true science give it a chance. Astrologers must prove that they can make
money consistently from the use of astrology and not from giving astrological
advice. The analogy is the brokers who profit from trade commission and not
from consistent securities recommendations.

God willing, astrologers will not be too secretive and selfish to share the fruits of
their research at the expense and detriment to growth of astrological knowledge.