Merging mind and machine : The spiritual side of AI

Artificial intelligence is one of the most fascinating innovations of our age. It is designed to replicate human intelligence and cognition in ways that allow it to assist and support human endeavors. What makes AI so phenomenal—and at times scrutinized—is its ability to work independently without constant human intervention such as re-coding or reprogramming.

Though AI has become somewhat of a contemporary “fad,” its origin lies in serious scientific pursuit. In 1955, John McCarthy, a renowned professor at Dartmouth College, Hanover (United States), first introduced the term artificial intelligence and initiated research in this domain. Since then, AI has grown into a field that influences nearly every aspect of modern life. Now let’s discuss spiritual and its unification with artificial intelligence.

Humans are unique in their ability to attain spirituality. A machine, by contrast, can scarcely be spiritual. Yet, AI can serve as a powerful tool in supporting spiritual growth.

To be spiritual essentially means to be aware and conscious. René Descartes, the French philosopher, famously stated “I think, therefore I am.” True spirituality, however, extends beyond awareness—it signifies reaching an intellect that transcends science and technology. In many ways, spirituality itself is a higher technology, one of inner innovation and transcendence. This is where AI falls short, as it depends on human input and lacks autonomous consciousness.

Interestingly, those who first developed AI must themselves have been deeply imaginative, innovative, and perhaps spiritual—because creating something that replicates human intelligence requires vision beyond ordinary thinking. Science and spirituality coexist, but spirituality always transcends science. Innovators and creators, driven by passion and inspiration, embody spirituality, for spirituality means surpassing fundamental intelligence to touch something higher.

There are certain limitations of artificial intelligence in the spiritual context .

AI lacks emotions, values, perception, and genuine self-awareness. It operates on prompts and algorithms rather than on lived experiences. While AI can process and explain terms such as self-awareness, transcendence, self-actualization, self-realization, salvation, or kundalini awakening, it cannot implement these states for itself. It can list a thousand meditation techniques but cannot practice even one.

This is because AI lacks a neural system—no hormones, no neurotransmitters, no inner subjective experience. It can simulate interaction but cannot feel emotions such as compassion, empathy, altruism, self-denial, or benevolence, which are the hallmarks of a truly spiritual being. AI is built on logic and data, not on lived consciousness.

Moreover, AI struggles with distinguishing between moral rectitude and wickedness. Humans, through spiritual practice, develop inner discernment that enables ethical choices. This capacity for judgment is rooted in consciousness, not algorithms.

Creation and Existence that makes artificial intelligence somewhat unfortunate .

All living beings possess the innate ability to reproduce and create. While AI can generate outputs—poems, images, or simulations—it does not create in the existential sense. It cannot grasp the meaning of birth, death, or existence. Spiritual practice makes humans adaptable, flexible, and capable of transformation—qualities AI cannot embody.

Through penance, discipline, and self-awareness, humans achieve a balance of body and mind that leads to deeper spirituality. After attaining self-awareness, human decision-making becomes heightened and may surpass any form of technology, including AI.

Impact of artificial intelligence in association with human consciousness and refinement of self .

Despite its limitations, AI has one distinct merit: it can replicate human behavior and actions. If we imbue AI with spiritual teachings, it could act as a supportive guide—educating people, reminding them of ethical values, and fostering moral awareness. In this way, AI could become an extraordinary instrument in humanity’s spiritual journey, even though it can never walk that path on its own.

AI is a remarkable invention, but spirituality remains uniquely human. Where AI stops at simulation, humans continue toward transcendence.

Yagya philosophy

 Yagya philosophy:

The Indian tradition of cosmic balance, inner purification and social reconstruction .

Yagya , predominantly is said to be originated from the Vedas which signify the substantial contribution of the “Gayatri Mahamantra” and Yagya in the divine auspicious establishment . Yagya is the phenomenon in which two major forms of energy unite(the heat from the fire and the sound from the Mantras) ailing the physiological, psychological, and spiritual well-being of the individual. out of the four Vedas, the Yajurveda  comprises of the methodology and strategic way of performing Yagya . In the most fundamental terms yagya can be explained as philanthropy ,humanitarianism , altruism, nobility, magnanimity, and benevolence. Yagya emphasises cosmic balance, and this could be understood with the help of a beautiful and generalised example, the cycle of nature works on the theory of Yagya, river bodies evaporate the water and form clouds and clouds precipitate as rainfall, causing sustainability for mankind, and that’s the ideology behind yagya philosophy giving, distributing and expanding for humans. Yagya is referred in the Vedas as the” nucleus, process of manifestation of nature”, and this is spectacularly explained in the hymn of the Atharva Veda- “Ayami yajna visvasya bhuvanasya nabhih “.

“Shreemad Bhagwat Geeta”- 

“ sahayajnah prajah srasta purovacha praja patih anena prasavisyadhvamesa voastvista kamadhuk “

This Sutra means that prior to the existence of the cosmos , Prajapati Brahma had already established yagya and commenced the process of generation and expansion of cosmic powers, resulting in the manifestation of nature.

Yaya is a fire-sacred ritual it is proven as scientific in which certain medical preparations(havan samagri) is offered in the fire in an exclusively designed inverted, pyramid shaped pit or container (“agni kund”) . This process is symbolised as ;since all creatures survive on food, crops and vegetation. Certain Yagya practised in a certain method brings rainfall, crops and helps in the sustainance of life . In the Atharva Veda, Yagya is considered as a life-saving remedy for the patients suffering an acute stage of a disease and maintaining longevity, vitality, and holistic health of the native, the effect of contagious and epidemic diseases could also be eliminated by regularly performing Yagya. 

Yagya acts as a synergistic inhalation therapy, as it comprises of decomposition and transformation of medicinal amalgamation(havan samagri) and release of healthy phyto chemicals and medicinal vapour or colloids. The medicinal samidhas (wood pieces) and nutritional substances(clarified butter, sugar etc) offered in the fire of Yagya, synergistically processed to induce vigour  and immunity, hence aiding in inner purification. The medicinal products are naturally inhaled through the nostrils via deep breathing and mouth( via consistent mantra chanting) , the vapour ice products also entered the body through skin pores. Since the ingredients of the havan  Samagri are Agar(aquilaria agallocha), ashwagandha (Dunal), red chandan (pterocarpus santalinus linn), devdara (cedrus deodra), giloya (cordifolia), gugala (commiphora mukul) and tagar (valeria wallichi) all mixed in uniform proportions , all the mentioned ingredients are antibacterial, during the thermal and associated aero dynamic characteristics of the base, Fire causes the sublimated products to traverse and diffuse everywhere in the surrounding leading to purification of the environment, modern researches have proved that yagya reduces airborne diseases and pollutants, hence controlling air and water pollution. 

Yagya maintains the natural equilibrium of the atmospheric environment, hence conserving the ecosystem and destroying disease causing pathogens. It is considered a scientific process because it maintains the balance of carbon dioxide exhaled  and oxygen inhaled. Not only for physiological purposes, but also for agricultural purposes,Yagya is  being used. As mentioned in the  scriptures, the “sun god” is made happy through Yagya and in turn blesses the  mankind with agriculture. Hence, flourishing agriculture it is considered as a source of prosperity in the botanical kingdom and sustainability of the flora and the fauna. The chhandogya upanishad, cites yagya as the perfect remedy to eliminate or diminish environment hindrance. [4/16/1]- “Aisa ni bai yagyo yo ayami pavate, Idam sarvam punati, tasmadev aviva yagyah”

It is a bitter truth and fortunately most of us are aware about this that we don’t possess a sound mental and social health in today’s day and age . Inhalation of the medicinal fumes of the yagya activates the neuronal and hormonal intercellular messengers and rejuvenate the mind body functions and provide a sense of serenity and contentment . The after effects of performing yagya are  quite blissful and enthusiastic. Whenever we talk about the concept of social reconstruction the lunar Gayatri Mantra Ahuti is a prerequisite i.e. “om bhur bhuvah swah, ksira putraya vidmahe, amrata tatvaya dhimahi, tannah chandrah prachodayat. “ there is an association of lunar facts with our emotional well-being and belongingness, providing soothing calmness and cooling radiations of the moon on the Mind. Pandit Shri Ram Sharma Acharya had guided a plant medicinal preparation known as the” Saraswati pachak “ as an excellent brain tonic aiding in social reconstruction.

There is also a case of the December 3 , 1984 infamous Bhopal gas tragedy, when the poisonous MIC gas leak from the Union carbide, hundreds of people died and thousands were hospitalised but, by Almighty’s blessing two families of Sh. Sohan Lal kushwaha and sh. M.L Rathore , lived just a mile away from the plant, but came out unscathed as they used to regularly perform yagya regularly so  their vitality and immunity were impeccably amplified than the rest of the population. What else can anyone elucidate more about Yogi Mahima? This is no less than a miracle, although every aspect of it is scientific, but one’s devotion and an optimistic outlook towards the infinite potential of the cosmos are quintessential.

Raphael , a utopia

 I visited Raphael centre also known as the Raphael Ryder Cheshire for my upcoming studies on developmental psychology which focuses predominantly on the development and regression from infancy to adulthood . The most prominent disorders included in developmental psychology are intellectual disorders, mainly cognitive development manifesting as physical impairment also not quite often. 

Initially, I was quite intimidated and overwhelmed with the ambience of their but then I couldn’t even remember how I got acclimatised to it and became part of the family . I was assigned a pre vocational class as part of my research . That class included 7 students aged between 13 to 19 years old , the students suffered from ailments like Downs syndrome, autism spectrum disorder,cerebral palsy , attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and hearing loss . Along with the 7 students there was a teacher under surveillance who helped the children and mentored them , the teacher was proficient in teaching students with intellectual disabilities as they’re accomplished with a diploma in special education. And indeed the methodology of teaching those kids was special in character as well as context . 

My beginning was quite mesmerising as the day I joined it was December 3rd, it was the international day of people with intellectual disability and it was a grand performance day , it felt so wholesome watch such students with disabilities to perform impeccably. I was astonished when I saw the performances but it’s a huge motivational force for everyone who think they are incompetent or unworthy cause if disabled students could do so well then it’s a great success in itself they’ve already attained a lot in my opinion. The event involved various activities and games like in a fete , and students from other renowned schools were invited to participate, the girls of the Raphael school cooked meals , they prepared sandwiches and savory snacks . There was even a candle making vocational skill involved that all cherished their creativity and hard work . The students of other schools were also very much enthused by their skills and hardwork and all of them got gifts as it was Christmas month also and Raphael centre historically is a Christian based organisation but now it fully relies upon donations and supports form various organisations. 

    Celebration of the international day of intellectual disability , December 3rd,2024

The next day was quite a hustle when the actual work started and it was quite fun but a little strenuous as the working hours were pretty long for my adaptability. The students had classes on functional knowledge and learning in which they were taught about the weekdays , month of the year , the weather (rainy , cloudy, sunny etc) and then there used to be domestic classes that thought students how to make their beds fold the beddings and to organise their space , this activity is a prerequisite for every individual as it would help them in being organised and disciplined and then an activity of fine motor skills that would include bead work and other activities including puzzles and blocks that give them vision towards colors and shapes . There school curriculum not only included sitting inside the classroom Like the traditional teaching methodology but also included sports and dance activities.

I’m pursuing my education in psychology and yoga so I was really fortunate to teach them yoga and also implement breath regulation methodologies like pranayama on them . I was assigned a 15 day task where I had to teach them yoga (predominantly hatha yoga ) that included sukshma vyayama meaning micro exercises that helped them lose their joints and expels any sort of energy blockages . For such people with intellectual disabilities breath regulation becomes extremely crucial as breath is synonymous to Prana the vital force in an individual which could help them in calming down and focusing on their own self , as majority of them were hyperactive but making all the students still and in a consistent posture was quite challenging .

                       Morning yoga session

After all the students were settled I incorporated certain yoga asanas like baalasana(child pose) as it relaxes their mind , boosts circulation and digestion, surya namaskara (Ashtanga yoga ) because it would channelise their hyperactivity in a positive direction and make them feel more relaxed and purposeful this yoga practice also included meditation and prayers accompanied in the end with a “shanti path” .

Overall my experience teaching the students and playing with them and becoming a part of them was highly substantial and worth , it wasn’t even a moment when I finally realised that they’re no less than my family .

Yoga : The ultimate union

 Yoga is considered as a union, which in fundamental terms could be defied as joining of two certain unlike or dissimilar things . In its true context yoga is the union of the consciousness (“Atma”) with the divine consciousness (“Parmatma”) . According to Maharishi Patanjali the pioneer of yogic philosophy , yoga means “chiitas vritti nirodha “ which means cessation of all the mental processes and the mind enters enter a state of “shunya” which means every material and spiritual form emerges from nothingness and merges into nothingness. Yoga teaches us punctuality, acclimatisation to certain extreme conditions, control, focus, internal as well as external purification, strength as well as stability which promotes refinement of an individual in every aspect possible and eventual detachment and termination to every possible desire and eventually entering a state of accomplishment and enlightenment with the sense of achievement in all aspects and the ultimatum is salvation or samadhi.

Yoga is said to be a conversation between Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati , where gave the sermon of yoga Vidya to her. Lord Shiva is known as the first yogi or guru known as Adiyogi . It has also been mentioned in the Hindu Scriptures that Shiva distributed this knowledge of Yoga among the legendary saptarishis along the banks of the lake “Kantisarovar” in the great Himalayan Valley. And then it was because of there seven profound sages that the knowledge of yoga was promulgated and one of the prime saptarishi “Agastya” travelled across the Indian subcontinent spread the knowledge across the whole of India , most of this dates back to 5000 years ago . Yoga became extremely popular during the 19th century because of the efforts of spiritual leaders like Swami Vivekananda and Parmahansa Yogananda. The form of yoga which is quite popular in the west is “Hathayoga” which primarily focuses on body postures(Asanas) and breathing techniques (pranayama) and certain mudra bandha. But in India mostly yoga was a spiritual practice. There are also certain misconceptions associated with yoga that it is only a way of physical exercise or it is only meant for people who are into asceticism. It isn’t only meant for younger younger and only males , it can be performed by any person of any age group or of any gender. It is not only a spiritual or a religious activity, it can be performed by any person belonging to any race, caste, creed or religion.

We’ll now discuss some fundamental dictums of prominent yogic scriptures like the Patanjali yoga Sutras by Maharishi Patanjali and Hathayogapradipika by Swatmarama Suri .

Let’s begin with the Patanjali yoga sutra . So the sutras of Patanjali have 8 limbs that’s why it is also known as the Ashtanga yoga (Ashta means eight) , and they are as follows:

1. Yama: These are certain abstinences a person must follow during his yogic practices, they are primarily moral values or disciplines, code and conduct of society.

2. Niyama: optimistic duties a person must abide for his own betterment.

3. Asana: body postures, imparts physical strength 

4. Pranayama(Kumbhaka): Breathing techniques 

5. Pratyahara: controlling of the senses

6. Dharna: focus on a particular point or object

7. Dhyaan: extreme form of dharna is dhyaan which is synonymous to meditative engagement 

8. Samadhi: Enlightenment or salvation 

Apart from this the patterns of mental processes which causes hindrances in the yogic practices are certainly benign as well as hazardous. They are:

- right perception : it arises from direct observation by the senses

- error: also known as misperception which is based on false knowledge without any evidences

- conceptualisation: it is basically verbal or linguistic knowledge via communication not in in direct association with real things

- sleep: deep sleep is in for that knowledge that nothing exists

- remembering : retrieval of experience 

The other form of yoga is Hathayoga  which emphasises predominantly on asanas and physical postures , there are many Hathayogic text which are the “Siddha Siddhanth Padhati”, “Gherand Samhita”, “Hatharathnavali”, “Goraksha Samhita” , “Hathapradipika”. The main focus of the Hathayoga sadhana is to attain equanimity in all aspects of life prioritising the physical form , because according to the founders of hathayoga who are significantly considered as the Nath cult , it is difficult to tame the mental fluctuations, but by considering the physical self as regulated the non physical self could be bought under consideration. 

The main components of the hathayoga consists of:

Asana

Pranayama

Mudra

Naadanusandan

There are also six cleansing processes mentioned in the hathayoga mainly they are as follows:

- Dhauti

-vastu

-neti

-nauli

-tratak

-kapalbhati 

But in the hatharathnavali there are 8 cleansing processes mentioned known as the ashtakarmas instead of the usual shatkarma

The Resplendent Faroe Islands

 Faroe Islands have been kept under wraps for many centuries but lately after being discovered, there could not be any other beautiful place than the Faroe Islands . So what are Faroe Islands to begin with it could be considered as an archipelago but geographically and politically it’s been considered as a union territory in the world map . It is located in the Northeast Atlantic halfway between Scotland and Iceland . The Faroe island comprises of 18 small islands characterised by mountain tops heighted cliffs and a close proximity to the mainland water bodies . It has a population of only around 55,000 people according to the 2019 world census.

                       Flag of the Faroe Islands 

Faroe Islands is only around 1300 square kilometres in area. There are 1,117 kilometres of coastline and no land boundaries with any country so it is quite independent and relatively safer from any foreign invasions. The wind flow is extremely high and high wave tides as well, summers tend to be moderate with cool winds but the winters are on harsher side with fog causing vague ambience. The most prominent tourist attraction about the Faroe Islands is having the highest cliffs in the whole of Europe and also in the world as well . Because of such an obnoxious landscape with high cliffs and mountains construction of road as a challenge until recently when tunnels have been constructed for convenient travel. The capital of the Faroe island is Tòrshavn and the official language spoken is Faroese.

                    Map of the Faroe Islands

These islands are considered as an autonomous territory of Denmark , people here are of Norwegian and of Scandinavian descent. To be precise these islands form a self governing overseas administrative division of the Kingdom of Denmark , in much the same way as Greenland. The most perplexing thing about The Faroe Islands is that the population of sheep’s are relatively more than the human population, there are more than 70,000 sheep inhabiting the island . The Faroe Islands has a jacket of the water bodies , all the major towns and cities with only few people residing are on the coast . Though travelling is quite difficult but still inside the premise of the territory the bus is free mode of transportation for the natives . The Faroe island is home to the world’s first underwater traffic circle .

The most prominent occupation of this archipelago is fishing as life revolves around the sea only . It comprises of rich and diverse history and bird cliffs that homes many puffin birds to as many waterfalls a person could not even imagine . Puffin birds are found in the Faroe Islands from April to September , around 1 million puffins breed during this season. 

                The most found bird on the Faroe Islands 

Also one most significant superlative which is an impeccable tourist attraction with a bewitching mythology is the Legend of Kòpakonan (seal woman) . It is the best known folk tales in the Faroe Islands . In order to honor the seal woman and the most inhabited marine bio life were the seals hence a statue of the seal woman was raised on 1 August , 2014 in Mikladagur. This statute measures about 2.6 metres and has a mass of about 450 kilograms , and is made of bronze and stainless steel. 

   

The seal woman 

The pseudoscientific Astromancy

 Technically speaking astromancy is synonymous to astrology or occult or mysticism. Could be complex but to elucidate it unambiguously it is the study of the celestial bodies the stars , the sun , the moon and the other planets that are mars Venus mercury Jupiter Saturn and the two shadow planets known as the north node of the moon (Rahu) and the south node of the moon(Ketu ) . This is not what astrology is about the most prominent aspect of astrology is the 27 constellations which acts behind the scenes and provide hidden insights on various significant factors affecting our lives. Also the time when the person is born is a prerequisite for astrological interpretation. 

 This was just a basic understanding to astromancy but before knowing about it deeply it is essential to understand the origin and history of this exhilarating science. Yes it is science because it involves mathematics, astronomy, statistics and a little bit of philosophy. It is not religion biased but there have been many branches of astrology all across globe like there’s Chinese astrology , Jewish astrology, Tibetan astrology even various civilisations like the Mesopotamian, Roman, Egyptian and Persian . But out of all of this Vedic astrology is the highly renowned formed of astrology because Indians were the first to talk about astrology it’s been a traditional thing for the Indians it is part of our upbringing and culture. Maharishi Parashara is considered as the Father of Vedic Astrology . Vedic astrology as the name suggests has been mentioned in the vedas , the ancient scriptures in the Hindu culture.

There are not only 9 planets and 27 nakshatras but there are also tithis the moon cycle as moon has been cursed to wax and wane by his father in law “Daksha Prajapati” and after he did an extreme penance to please Lord Shiva and eventually blessed him his true form was retained and was given the blessing that everyday his physical form would diminish in one aspect and continue to grow in other aspect. So there are 2 phases one is known as the Shukla Paksha(Bright fortnight) and Krishna Paksha(Dark fortnight) and there are two extreme time period in the month which are amavasya(no moon) and Poornima (full moon). Bright fortnight is considered extremely auspicious and most of the religious activities can be performed during this phase , whereas Dark fortnight isn’t favourable for performing certain auspicious activities or hosting certain important events.

Another major aspect of Vedic astrology is the ascendant or the rising sign which is the protagonist in the determination of a birth chart. It is the sign which was rising in the east when a person was born , it could be any out of the 12 zodiacs that are: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces. Just like the 12 signs there are 12 houses with the above signs mentioned respectively. Now these 12 signs have various rulerships by the 9 planets .

Sun: lord of the 5th house which is Leo sign

Moon: lord of the 4th house which is Cancer sign

Mercury: lord of the 3rd and the 6th house that are Gemini and Virgo respectively 

Venus: Lord of the 2nd and the 7th house that are Taurus and Libra respectively 

Mars: Lord of the first house (which is known as the ascendant) and the 8th house that are Aries and Scorpio respectively 

Jupiter: lord of the 9th and the 12th house that are Sagittarius and Pisces respectively 

Saturn: lord of the 10th and the 11th house that are Capricorn and Aquarius respectively 

*The shadow  planets rahu and Ketu doesn’t have a physical body therefore they don't any  have fixed ruler ship of any house but in various classical “Brihata Jataka” Rahu the north node of the moon is considered to be ruling the Aquarius and Ketu the south node of the moon is considered to be ruling the scorpio. 

Mother of astrology is philosophy predominately taking into consideration Indian mythology. There’s a mythology as to why Rahu and Ketu aren’t physical planets . It wasn’t like this earlier that they were shadow planets . There used to be a asura (demon) named Svarbhanu he was an extremely powerful and witty Asura during the churning of the ocean which is known as “The Samudhra Mathan” there were the divine Gods on one side and the Demons on the other side , when the divine Nectar (Amrit)came out as a result of the churning a huge rage held amongst the Devas and the asuras as to who would be given the nectar . As asuras were also promised the nectar but weren’t given the prudent svarbhanu disguised as the Deva sat in between the Gods and drank the Amrit and as soon as Lord Vishnu found out that he wasn’t the Deva no sooner than he beheaded him with his discus, the Sudarshana Chakra . Henceforth, the head was known as Rahu also known as demon’s head and Ketu known as the demon’s tail ended up becoming the shadow planets as they drank the nectar and became immortal.

So the most important planet which is known as the King of all the planets is the Sun . He is the significator of our atma (soul ) he is the Atmakaraka. Without sun there couldn’t be any life possible on earth it imparts sustenance and vitality. In terms of body organs it represents the digestive system left eye for a man and right eye for a female and the heart. The living significations of the sun include the Father and the Government in terms of a democratic republic and in a monarchy it is obviously the king . Sun signifies our ego , self respect, self esteem , self reliant , opinion, confidence, leadership, Authority. People with strong sun can be good government servants, administrators can be in a leadership position they tend to me hard hearted and extremely opinionated and in extreme cases it could lead to a person becoming narcissistic and extremely arrogant if it is being aspected by certain malefic planets like Rahu . Aspects in astrology means a planet imparting their effect on another it could be either positive or negative . Even though sun is the ruler , the King it is considered a malefic planet because in order to rule the kingdom the King can not be soft he needs to be extremely harsh. Sun is the ruler of the 5 th house which is the house of education(mainly under-graduation)creativity, speculations like stock market, gambling, it is also the house of love affairs but it is important to understand that it does not signify marriage. It is also the house of children, meaning offspring as it is the house of creation and giving life to someone is none less than the greatest creation. It is also the house of past life deeds , therefore it is considered extremely favourable if there are benefic planets like moon , sun , Venus, Jupiter , mercury in the 5 th house. 5th house is also the house of stage performances, including acting, dancing, any form of artistic ability is signified by the 5th house. Planets like moon , venus and even rahu tend to give huge artistic potentials . The nakshatras of sun are Kritika, Uttaraphalguni and Uttarashada

Of course after the king comes the queen that is the moon. Moon is considered the most beautiful planet it is white in color . It signifies the mind , the consciousness, emotions , osmoregulation in the body is also represented by the moon. Because sun and moon are the luminaries they signify the eyes moon signifies right for the women and left eye for the men. Our mental peace is moon, food,  and water bodies are also represented by the moon. In terms of living significations our mother is the moon . Moon is nourishment and mother is epitome of everything that is signified by the moon as mother provides emotional stability, comfort , food and everything possible for our survival and growth. Moon is a feminine planet it is considered to have 16 artistic abilities . Moon is considered to be exalted(best position) in the 2nd house which is Taurus . People with a prominent moon love cooking food and distributing food , tend to have a soft speech and a plumped body. Moon is best in the 2nd and 4th house which is the sign of cancer which is ruled by moon itself . 4 th house represents motherland, mother, all sorts of comforts, real estate , property, national fame , vehicles. Moon is expressions , being expressive is an extreme Significant component of moon. As mentioned before , the two extreme phases of moon the amavasya and Poornima . Moon is considered to be extremely expressive on the day of Poornima , as moon is in highest and purest form with the brightest illumination. Whereas on the day of the amavasya moon is unexpressive. Therefore moon is considered extreme Delicate. 

If anyone wants to know whether there sun and moon are in a good position in their natal chart then the connection or relationship between the father and mother is good. 

Mars is an army commander, he’s simply a soldier. A little hot under the collar. It represents a person’s physical strength, therefore the rulership of the first house is imparted to mars . The first house represents our physical form , how a person looks physically, his gestures, his appearance, complexion, hair , forehead. Friends are also represented by mars , the most fundamental need of security and stability is also represented by mars . Mars has no religion because he is a soldier. Mars is red in colour and as the red color signifies danger, aggression, energy, passion everything is associated with mars. The pressure exerted by the blood flowing in the arteries is also represented by mars . Malefic mars is considered extremely good because it gives a person ego and makes him work hard and strive to attain their goal. Mars is also courage, love for the motherland comes from mars , it is also considered as the signification of the 4th house of real estate, motherland. Even though it is debilitated in the 4 th house because 4th house is out dwelling, the comfort which we get when we are in our home, it is peace and if an aggressive entity would enter in a peaceful environment it would create turbulence. Mars is also the husband in a women’s natal chart, because mars is everything what a women would want from a man that is stability and security. Mars is exalted in the 10 th house which is the house of career and your work space because a good mars gives strength and protection to work even in the most difficult situations possible. People who have good mars they will always find support from their friends network. It is a malefic planet . It is also the lord of the 8th house of scorpiowhich is a mysterious house , it represents all the underground things like occult , mysticism, tantra, witchcraft, inheritance, psychology, scandals , death, longevity , it also represents in-laws and spouse’s wealth. 

Mercury is considered as the prince of all the planets, it represents communication, writing, speech, journalism, accountancy, auditing, hobbies, structure and definition. It is a very technical and analytical planet . It is the chief signification of learning. People with good mercury have great sense of humour. Mercury is represented by green color . Mercury is the ruler of the 3rd house which is the house of hobbies, skills, hands , siblings, courage, communication, writing, a bit of stage performance and art,gestures, expressions. The six types of knowledge to become the king is acquired by mercury. Mercury represents duality, because it is the ruler of the 3rd house which is Gemini , the symbol of Gemini is represented by two people of opposite sex facing each other. Transgenders are represented by mercury, young girls before reaching the stage of menarche are also represented by mercury. Mercury is also the ruler of the 6 house of Virgo which is a house diseases, debts, enemies, routine work. 6 th house predominantly represents the urinary system . Mercury is exalted in the 6th house.

Saturn is the slowest moving planet , he is the son of the King the sun . He is considered as the most malefic planet possible. Time is represented by Saturn , he is known as the karmafaldata , the one who is the judge of all our karmas. Saturn as it is a slow planet it represents all the things that takes time to perpetuate like coal, petrol, fossils, metals, ores etc . Saturn represents discipline and patience . Saturn amplifies pressure in order to transform the person, it is solitude . It also represents all the workers, labourers, janitor, an old person. He is the ruler of the 10 th house , Capricorn, which is the strongest house because it is the house of career and power and position. 10 th house represents international fame and authority. 10 th house is the strongest house because mars the most powerful planet is exalted in this house, because mars is the only planet which can handle the pressure given by Saturn. Therefore, malefic planets work best in the 10 th house.Another most powerful house which is also ruled by Saturn is the 11 th house which is the house of desires , it is the highest of the Kama trikona houses, fulfilment of desires is also signified by the 11 the house . This house represents our gain,our professional network circles, organisations .  Though Saturn is infamous for scaring people , considering him the deadliest of all he is actually pretty powerful and the one that can provide with everything and anything possible. Reciting the hanuman chalisa and worship lord Balaji on Saturdays can help tame a malefic Saturn and divert him to provide good results. 

Venus , one of the most beautiful planet, it is an epitome of everything a man desires . It is money , wealth, luxury , gems , jewels , expensive food, expensive wine, designer brands, fragrances, women, feminine things, clothing, it also represents germ cells (sperms and eggs) . Venus represents a wife in a man’s chart. Currency of any nation is Venus. Venus is goddess Laxmi . The goddess of wealth. Venus also represents artistic abilities, it comprises of 64 artistic abilities. It is the greatest form of arts. Venus is white in color, represents white color along with moon . Venus is also marriage, it is also represents law , partnership, unionship, business contracts. Venus is the ruler of the 2 nd house of Taurus, which represents money , assets , voice, face, eyes, eyebrows, teeth , the food we eat , vocal cords. Venus and moon are considered best in the second house of Taurus they tend to give person huge wealth and love from family and a beautiful face as well as melodious voice. Venus is also the ruler of the 7 th house libra which represents spouse, marriage, highest status,law, court room, the symbol of libra is a set of scales. 7 th house is partnership and marriage is none less than a partnership. Sun is debilitated in the 7 th house of marriage because ego and dominance doesn’t work in a relationship, it is the house of service. Venus represents love , therefore it is exalted in the 12 th house of devotion because the purest essence of love is devotion. Venus is also a teacher , the greatest teacher he is considered as the guru of the auras , he is the one who has acquired the knowledge of Sanjeevani, after offering penance to shiva for more than a century he was blessed with the Mahamrityunjata mantra mantra. 2 nd house which is ruled by Venus also represents teachers and counsellors.He is unbiased and because despite of having immense knowledge about all the vidyas and having greatest of the Siddhi’s , he chose to educate and impart his knowledge to the demons . 

Jupiter is another teacher, he is the most Satvik person , he is represented by the color yellow. He is the divine teacher and counsellor of the Gods. Jupiter represents fat in our body , people with good Jupiter will have healthy fat in the body. Jupiter represents all the vedas, philosophy, religion, religious places, religious scriptures. Jupiter is the ruler of the 9 th house of Sagittarius which represents post grad education, father, government, spirituality, religion. 9 th house is the house of dharma. Ethics, righteousness. Jupiter is also the ruler of the 12 th house which represents isolation, jails, monasteries, mental asylum, hospitals, meditation, addiction, it is the exit therefore it symbolises salvation, isolation from the mundane sufferings of the dogmatic world. Jupiter ia extremely benefic in the first, fifth, fourth, ninth and eleventh house.

Rahu is a mysterious planet it represents smoke, it is vague, it represents illusion, it is maya , it represents things done in excess, it is gambling, speculation, it represents films and photography, it is the color brown , it is never satisfied. Because it only has a mouth it is devoid of a body hence is never satisfied. Rahu or north node of the moon represents massive fame especially in the 1st ,5th and 10th house also in the signs of Leo and Taurus. All sorts of addictions, smoking, drinking, alcohol , cigarettes, intoxication are represented by rahu. Pornography and prostitution are also represented by Rahu. Rahu shows amplification of things . All sorts of undiagnosed and incurable disease are represented by Rahu . It is outcasted because among all the gods he was the demon . Rahu shows revolution, he is the most prudent of all the king of the current era the “Kalyuga “

On the other hand Ketu shows intensification of things. It is detachment , psychic abilities, clairvoyance, intuition and isolation. Ketu abstains from materialism. It doesn’t have a head only comprises of a body therefore thinks irrationally. Ketu is represented by flags , therefore can make a person reach highest in his life by spiritual means which is the highest attainment for a human.

By:

Ishani Singh Bartwal 

Odyssey to goddess surkanda

 It was last summer when I visited the surkanda Devi temple I’m local to Dehradun so it’s in my proximity zone. The trekking over there is pretty good but a long way to go. The climate over there is good and well suitable for every season. There’s a mythological story about the temple that once during the reign of aadinath known as the aadikal when Daksha Prajapathi father of goddess Sati had organised a yajna and as he was discontented with the choice of his daughter to marry shiva as he was a tapasvi he didn’t invite sati and shiva and sati in immense anger and humiliation jumped into the sacred fire and gave away her life in Shiva’s love . And in anger when shiva was roaming around everywhere doing tandava with burnt sati on his head , Vishnu’s Sudarshana chakra passed and sati’s head fell off when he was going to kailasha, the place where the head was cut off was surkanda Devi temple. It is a very auspicious temple in the whole of Uttarakhand people from all over the globe come to see this place.

                  Surkanda Devi temple front view

Amidst the beautiful Himalaya valley lies this temple , I went with my family for a pilgrimage to this temple and the whole environment and aura was mesmerising and enchanting. There’s serenity in the environment as it is located pretty close to Dhanaulti, Mussoorie even during the months of December and January one can see snowfall and it’s pretty cold over there and Uttarakhand is a pretty humid area as precipitation levels are quite high so it often rains , it is also pretty close to the Champawat area . One can use any means of transportation and would be easily able to reach the temple , there’s also a saying that this temple is synonymous to transformations as dead sati was reincarnated as Parvati to fulfill her duties because she is the goddess mother and the divine consort of the god of god’s almighty Shiva. The optimistic aura is invincible and impeccable it’s just that you need to visit it and it will magnetise and hypnotise your conscience and you will be drawn to this place and spirituality. There are even certain things one need to keep in mind while travelling to sunderkanda Devi temple that it is pretty cold over there and it is quite wet as it rains heavily and the food over there is also quite limited but is still palatable and fresh but people with hypoxia and asthmatic and other respiratory issues shouldn’t travel.

Even if it’s a trekking spot there are still cable cars and easy mode of transmission and also as an aid to people for whom travelling is not possible but still they shouldn’t be devoid of the blessings of the goddess divine. The temple is triangular in shape, because of the significance of the three temples located nearby in the Tehri district only which are Kunjapuri temple and Chandrabadani temple. It is part of the 51 shaktipeeths . Inside the temple there’s a majestic and bewitchin Idol of the goddess which is spectacular adorned with silk saree and gold crown . Besides the enchanting idol of maa surkanda there are also various shrines of Lord Hanuman and Lord Shiva.

Devi temple as it is located amidst the magnificent Himalayan valley and its scenic architecture and an outstanding mythological history. It is also one of the prominent places of trekking in Uttarakhand and also hosts adventure sports and various activities. The initiation of trekking starts from Kaddukhal village and alongside are dense forests and a steep uphill terrain . The trek is not that difficult it would hardly take 2-3 hours depending on the person’s health and fitness even the pace and also climate is the greatest factor. Even a person can attain camping experience and also one can set up tents and bonfires during the night. There are even parkour sports like paragliding options available. And one should not worry about accommodation as there are Dharamshalas and guesthouses also that to not a very high cost. It is not only adventurous but also there is a festival of Ganga Dusherra which is celebrated every year during the summer season so it is also an optimum time to visit the surkanda temple . The evergreen forests also present in the vicinity of the temple acts as a catalyst to the every existing serenity of the place , Uttarakhand in general is a beautiful spot and this place is the protagonist cause of the same and is such a joyous experience with the most special people of my life along with the spiritual manifestation one seeks to attain and also being a yoga student it becomes essential for me to form an association with the nature and the almighty . I’ve had an invincible journey of mental healing in the temple and all through the way because the spiritual demeanour is extremely amplified and causes a psychological enhancement for the person.

Overall I would like to conclude that Surkanda temple was a great adventure also inclusive of spiritual abundance and a serene and contented environment, I wish to visit it every other weekend . 

Rounslii treee amidst the temple.