The Metaphysical Site

Globes have been used as a learning tool for a long time. Unlike flat maps of the world, globes are an accurate way to depict land masses, bodies of water, mountains and valleys, and political boundaries of the world's countries. The familiar tabletop globes that we used in school and the larger floor globes we equate with libraries have been an important learning tool for decades. A typical way to assemble a globe is to attach a meticulously printed and trimmed paper map (which has taken the curvature of the earth into account) to a sphere. The sphere is then mounted in a bracket for a desktop globe or a tall stand for floor globe.

An elegant alternative to these traditional learning tools is readily available to us-a gemstone globe. To manufacture a gemstone globe, natural gemstones are precision-cut into the shapes that represent the countries of the world. These gemstone shapes are assembled like a puzzle on a sphere. Gold, silver and brass ribbons are inlaid on the globe to represent the lines of latitude and longitude. The finished globe is polished to a sheen that highlights the beauty of the natural materials.

If you're in the market for a gemstone globe, you'll find a wide variety of colors to choose from. In general, the kind of globe is identified by the color of the gemstone used to represent the bodies of water on the globe. While rich blue lapis is a natural choice for a gemstone globe, you can find them with oceans of aqua quartz, green quartz, howlite, agate, tanzanite, copper amber, rubalite, mother-of-pearl, opal, black opalite, peridot, jasper, tiger's eye, turquoise, and amethyst.

One way to tell if a gemstone globe is made of authentic materials is to carefully examine the individual pieces of stone. Because they are a natural material, expect to see some texture and irregularities in the polished surface. These natural inclusions and patterns provide character and indicate that natural stone has been used. A natural gemstone globe will polish to a high sheen. While synthetic materials can look good, they won't polish up as brightly as the real thing.

Another thing to look for in an authentic gemstone globe are miniscule seams between the pieces that represent the countries. These seams show that the gemstone pieces of the globe were assembled by hand; a globe with these characteristics were most likely was manufactured with real gemstones.

A large gemstone globe can be the centerpiece of a room's décor-its' color and craftsmanship garner attention and make it a natural conversation starter. It can also be expensive. How can you enjoy one of these brilliant works of art in your home at a good price? Consider these options:

• Select a tabletop or desktop gemstone globe. They are smaller in scale than the traditional floor globe but still display the same brilliant color and fine materials as the larger, more expensive versions.

• The cut of the gemstones can affect the price. Expect to pay more for a gemstone globe that contains materials that are triangle cut and diamond cut.

• Gemstone paperweights, clocks, world maps, book ends, even bottle stoppers and keychains can give you a touch of the real thing at a very reasonable price.

If you choose to buy the full-size gemstone globe, look for reputable names and buy from established dealers. If you want to be very sure that your choice is authentic, take the globe to a testing lab. An electro-conductivity test, like the ones used to authenticate precious stones, can verify that the materials used in a gemstone globe are authentic.

Author Jennifer Akre, owner of many sites dedicated to indoor and outdoor home decor product and information, provides online consumers with advice on purchasing a gorgeous and stunning world globe. Learn how to furnish your space in style and comfort with copper weathervanes for your home. Click today and indulge your senses.

Pleasing the planets

MANTRA is a mysterious group of letters or phrases so connected with one another that when it is chanted, a peculiar sensation or vibration is generated in the entire system. When one chants a mantra correctly and systematically with proper intonation, it immediately sets up a vibration in the nervous system in such a manner that harmony is enhanced in the body and also in the whole world. Different mantras produce different vibrations and they invoke different deities.

Mantra is chanted to execute a certain purpose. It is believed that in each mantra, the energy of a particular deity remains latent, but it becomes active the moment the mantra is pronounced accurately in the manner prescribed by the sastras. According to Vedic beliefs, if a mantra is pronounced correctly, the deity to whom it is addressed has no choice but to respond to the invoker automatically and help him.

There are several mantras and remedies to please the planets, as prescribed in the various scriptures. We are giving below the most effective ones in our day-to-day life, such as the relevant potent mantras, charity, deity to be worshipped, pooja and the offerings, specification of Rudraksha, etc.

There are several mantras and remedies to please the planets, as prescribed in the various scriptures. We are giving below the most effective ones in our day-to-day life, such as the relevant potent mantras, charity, deity to be worshipped, pooja and the offerings, specification of Rudraksha, etc.

Sun

For Sun-related troubles and during the dasa or antardasa of Sun, adhere the following:

1. Worship the ruling deity Lord Shiva

2. Recite daily Aditya Hridaya stothra or Gayatri Mantra.
3. Japa of Sun’s moola mantra: “ Om hram hreem hroum sah suryaya namah”; 7000 times in 40 days.
4. Recite the Soorya stothra:
Japa kusuma sankasam kashyapeyam mahadyutim
Tamorim Sarva paapghnam pranatosmi Divakaram
5. Charity : Donate Wheat, or Sugar candy on Sundays.
6. Fasting day : Sundays.

7. Pooja : Rudrabhishek.

8. Rudraksha : Wear Ekamukhi or 12 mukhi Rudraksha

Recite the mantras 7000 times and offer Sun red flower, red sandal etc. every day.

Moon

For Moon-related problems and during the dasa or antardasa of Moon, adhere the following:

1. Worship the ruling deity Goddes Gouri.

2. Recite Annapoorna stothra.

3. Japa or Moon’s moola mantra: “ Om shram sreem shraum sah chandraya namah”
11000 times in 40 days.

4. Recite the Chandra stothra.

Dadhi Shankha tushaarabham ksheero darnava sambhavam
Namaami shashinsm somam shambhor mukuta bhushanam

5. Charity : Donate cow’s milk or rice on Mondays.

6. Fasting : On Mondays.

7. Pooja : Devi Pooja.

8. Rudraksha : Wear 2 mukhi Rudraksha.

11,000 mantras must be recited and offerings are white sandal and white flowers.

Mars

For Mars-related problems and during the dasa or antardasa of Mars, adhere the following:

1. Worship the ruling deities Kartikeya and Shiva.

The Kartikeya mantra is “Om Saravanabhavaya Namah”
The Shiva mantra is “Om Namah Shivaya”

2. Recite the stothras of Kartikeya or Shiva.

3. Japa of the Mars mantra : ‘Om kram kreem kroum sab bhaumaya namah’,
11000 times in 40 days.

4. Recite the Mangala stothra:

Dharani garbha sambhutam vidyut kanti samaprabham
Kumaram shakti hastam tam mangalam pranamamyaham.

5. Charity : Donate Masoor dal (red lentils)on Tuesdays.

6. Fasting : On Tuesdays.

7. Pooja : Kartikeya worship or Rudrabhishekha.

8. Rudraksha : Wear a 3 mukhi Rudraksha.

Recite the Mantra 11,000 times and offerings are red sandal and red flower.

Mercury

For Mercury-related problems and during his dasa and antardasa adhere the following:

1. Worship Lord Vishnu.

2. Recite Vishnu sahasranama stothra.

3. Japa of the Budha beeja mantra Om bram breem broom sah budhaya namah,
17000 times in 40 days.

4. Recite the Budha stothra.

Priyangu Kalika Shyaamam Roopena Pratimam Budham
Soumyam Soumya gunopetam tam Budham Pranamamyaham.

5. Charity: Donate Ragi or Green Gram on Wednesdays.

6. Fasting: On Wednesdays.

7. Wear a 4 mukhi Rudraksha.

Mantra must be recited 17000 times and pooja is to be done with various-coloured
Flowers.

Jupiter

For Jupiter-related problems and during the dasa or antardasa of Guru, adhere the following:

1. Worship Lord Shiva.

2. Recite Shri Rudram.

3. Japa of the Guru beeja mantra:

Om jhram jhreem jroum sah gurave namah,
19000 times in 40 days.

4. Recite the Guru stothra:

Devanam cha rishinam cha Gurum kaanchana SannibhaamBuddhi bhutam
Trilokesham tam namaami Brihaspatim.

5. Donate Saffron, Turmeric or Sugar on Thursdays.

6. Fasting : On Thursdays.

7. Pooja : Rudrabhishekam.

8. Wear a 5 mukhi Rudraksha.

Recite the mantra 19,000 times, along with the pooja with Kesar, sandal and yellow
flower.

Venus

For Venus-related problems and during the dasa or antardasa of Venus adhere the following:

1. Worship Goddess Shakti.

2. Recite Shree Sooktam, Devi stuti or Durga chalisa.

3. Japa of Shukra beeja mantra:

"Om dram dreem droum sah shukraya namah", - 16000 times in 40 days.

4. Recite the Shukra stothra:

Hima kunda mrinalaabham daityanam paramam gurumSarv shastra pravaktaram
bhargavem pranamamyaham

5. Donate clothes, milk or curd to a woman on Fridays.

6. Fasting : On Fridays.

7. Pooja : Worship Goddess Durga.

8. Wear a 6 mukhi Rudraksha.

Mantra must be recited 16000 times and pooja must be done with white flower and
white sandal.

Saturn

For Saturn-related problems and during the dasa or antardasa of Sani, adhere the following:

1. Worship Lord Hanuman.

2. Recite Hanuman chalisa or any other Hanuman stothra.

3. Japa of Sani mantra: “Om pram preem proum sah shanaischaraya namah” - 19000 times in 40 days.

4. Recite the Sani stothra:

Nelanjana samabhasam ravi putram yamagrajamChaaya martanda sambhutam
tam namami shanaischaram

5. Donate a Buffalo or black til (sesame seeds) on Saturday.

6. Fast on Saturdays.

7. Wear a 7 mukhi Rudraksha.

Recite the mantra19000 times along with the pooja of Saturn with blue flowers
and sandal. During pooja, there must be a lamp continuously lit with mustard oil.

Rahu

For Rahu-related problems and during the dasa or antardasa of Rahu, adhere the following:

1. Worship Lord Bhairava or Lord Shiva.

2. Recite the Kalabhairav ashthakam.

3. Japa of the Rahu beeja mantra : “Om bhram bhreem bhroum sah rahave namah”, - 18000 times in 40 days.

4. Recite the Rahu stothra:

Ardha Kaaya maha veryam chandraditya vimardhanam.
Simhika garbha sambhutam tam rahum pranamamyaham.

5. Donate Urid dal or Coconut on Saturdays.

6. Fast on Saturdays.

7. Pooja : Worship Lord Bhairav, Lord Shiva or Goddess Chandi.

8. Wear 8 mukhi Rudraksha.

9. One of the best remedies for Rahu is reciting the first chapter of Durga Saptasati.

Mantra must be done with blue-coloured flowers and sandal.

Ketu

For Ketu-related problems and during the dasa or antardasa of Ketu, adhere the following:

1. Worship Lord Ganesha.

2. Recite Ganesha Dwadasanama Stothra.

3. Japa of the Ketu beja mantra:

“Om shram shreem shroum sah ketave namah”, - 17000 times in 40 days.

4. Recite the Ketu stothra:

Palasha pushpa sankaasham taraka graham mastakam Roudram roudratmakam
Ghoram tam ketum Pranamamyaham.

5. Donate a black cow or black mustard seeds on Thursdays.

6. Fast on Thursdays.

7. Wear a 9 mukhi Rudraksha.

8. A very good remedy for Ketu is the reciting of Shiva Panchakshari Stothra.

Mantra must be recited 17000 times and pooja must be done with ash coloured
flower and sandal.

New planet holds possibility for life

First earth-sized planet found, circling its mother-star, at a distance suitable for life, with good prospects for liquid surface water.

The new media have been very excited over the discovery of a “habitable” planet around a nearby star. All sorts of adjectives are tossed around about the planet, and most make it sound like a twin of Earth. To put the record straight, this planet is NOT going to be particularly Earth-like any more than Mars and Venus are Earth-like.

Recently, a team of astronomers led by Stephane Udry and Michael Mayor (Geneva Observatory) announced the discovery of two new planets orbiting the star Gliese 581. Already, a larger planet, having over 15 times the Earth’s mass, had been found orbiting very close to the star. But, there were two more, smaller planets of masses about 5 Earth masses (Gliese 581c) and about 8 Earth masses (Gliese 581d)

What makes the smaller of the two new planets (Gliese 581c) special is where it is located. Gliese 581c is at just the right distance that Udry et al suggests that the average temperature may fall within the range of -3 C to 40 C. The presumption is that if it is somewhere in the middle of that range, then it may be able to support liquid water, as on Earth.

Know about the year ahead

How will you fare in the next year?

In general the collective focus will turn from materialistic aspects to the mental and social concerns. Networking, collaboration and community-building will take a quantum leap. Get ready for the next wave of change rolling in soon. Innovative solutions, social reforms and new pathways of commerce can be easily developed. An attitude adjustment may be needed in the emotional or domestic sphere. Some may gain insight through religious teachings or a moment of faith. There is also a danger of overdoing everything, so beware. Long distance travel and higher education are on the cards. Keep an eye on your weight to remain healthy.

June 2007 to September 2007

Big changes can happen, if you use your head and pull together. Ways to resolve longstanding issues are indicated. Do not run from responsibilities, face them and learn. Deal with your insecurities. Moderate gains are expected in all your new ventures. You will get benefited through your parents and employer. Change what you can, let go of what you cannot. Be sympathetic to those who need you. Develop a forgiving attitude.

Mind will be filled with spiritual experiences and you might tend to spend on religious austerities. You will get answers to mystical queries through intuitions. Single ones will find their match. Regular dental check-ups may be necessary.

October 2007 to January 2008

Your spiritual strength will help you break karmic patterns. Disposal of old non-performing assets may add to your liquidity. Many will realize sick debts successfully. Career front will pose interesting possibilities for growth. Affairs of children will proceed without major hiccups. Some will experience wearsome travels. Avoid disclosing personal details to strangers during travels. Early signs of ill-health must be attended to immediately. Students toiling conscientiously will come out with flying colours. Auspicious occasions in the family will keep your spirits high.

February 2008 to May 2008

Let go of your hang-ups and look at the broader picture and move forward. Accept change, without questioning it always. You may be forced take a fresh look at your perspective of money. Use your creativity with some form of self-expression. Be precise in your communications to others. Release any prejudices that you may have, as they can hold you back from accomplishing your goals. Those in uniformed services will win laurels. The stress of your everyday life may eat into your health. Spend some time in prayers and meditation daily to enjoy mental peace.

Element : Air; Ruler: Mercury; Quality : Mutable.

Your Positive Side: Adaptable; congenial; expressive; clever; versatile; curious; enhanced mental capabilities; good communicative skills; quick-witted.

Your Negative Side: Fickle; high-strung; nervous; superficial’ petty; restless; inability to concentrate; critical; ungrateful; inconsistent.

Compatible Sun Signs: Leo, Libra, Aquarius, Aries

Some Popular Gemenis: John F, Kennedy, Isaac Newton, Bjorn Borg, IIayaraja, Wasim Akram, Mahesh Bhupati, Kiran Bedi, Steffi Graf, Salman Rushdie.

Birthstone : Carnelian Agate.

Lucky Colours : Green.

Favourite Foods : Savoury, Biscuits, pasta, omelettes and sandwiches; avocado; asparagus; carrots; celery; fennel; parsley; marjoram’ hazelnuts; mulberries and yogurt.

About the Author

Dr. Shanker Adawal, Jyotishacharya in Astrology is a professional and Astrology is his passion and an urge. His predictive technique is based on Bhrigu Technique whose principles and doctrines have been deciphered from research of above two decades . He is a professional in the field of telecommunications. He is presently working for one of the Fortune 500 Indian companies at a senior position. Did his MBA and PhD. and worked with Multinationals in India and abroad, before joining his presnt assignment. He has travelled extensively both in India and abroad. He also has keen interest in Human Rights.He got interested in astrology when he was young, did his Jyotishacharya. His desire and aspiration to share the findings of his research and the new dimensions which can be given to the science of astrology.
www.connectingmind.com

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