1. Citra-Svati-Visakha Nakṣatras

If you look deeply, if you look beyond mundane life, beyond the day-to-day life we live... If you contemplate on a night sky... you will see that the most intimate and complete relationship man owns is the relationship to the Universe. In fact, it is man's ultimate relationship: he takes birth, lives and merges back into it. Nothing happens outside of it; even his enlightenment happens in it. Just as the child grows in his mother's womb, man evolves in the cosmic womb. He is the microcosm of a tremendous cosmic macrocosm. Therefore, all components of man, from the grossest to the subtlest, come from the universe: his body, his mind, his energy and his very consciousness are elements of the cosmos. Universe and man are indivisible. Whatever happens in the Universe resounds in the human consciousness, and whatever happens in the human consciousness resounds in the Universe. Both are a unique consciousness.

Man has been deeply fascinated by the Cosmos since the beginning of time. Early cultures worked on understanding the phenomena that happen in the sky; they observed them in order to understand what role the sky played in their lives. From these attempts, the science of astronomy was born. In this field, the ancient Vedic contribution is well known. The earliest references to astronomy are found in the Ṛg Veda, which are dated 2000 BC. Around 500 BCE, Āryabhaṭa, a great astronomer, presented a system that showed the earth to spin on its axis and considered the motions of the planets with respect to the Sun. He also discovered how the lunar and solar eclipses occur and was the earliest to discover that the orbits of the planets around the Sun are ellipses, just as Copernicus and Galileo concluded a thousand years later. He even determined the diameter of the Earth to be 5,000 yojanas, approximately 36,000 km, which is very close to the actual figure. These traditions related these objects and their movements to natural events such as rain, drought, seasons and tides; they related them to auspicious or inauspicious occurrences on planet Earth. Jyotiṣa, the science of Vedic astrology, took birth out of observations and perceptions based on these astronomical phenomena. The first astronomers were actually Ṛṣis and sages, who understood the sky was a divine happening; they identified celestial objects with energies and Gods and connected astronomy to astrology. Jyotiṣa Simply Put Astrology manifested in the inner vision of the ancient sages and Ṛṣis of India. These yogīs and enlightened beings were able to see beyond the realm of names and forms. They could feel and express the subtle reality that exists behind cosmic phenomena. As such, they perceived the primal powers of cosmic intelligence in the planets and stars (the macrocosm), and worshipped the cosmic powers within themselves (the microcosm) as powers of their being. By concentrating intensely on the Sun and other planets, they understood the movement of the life force in their body, and by meditating on the life force, they also came to understand the movement of the Sun and the planets in the heavens. Through this technique called saṃyama, they could unravel the secrets of the universe. They brought down their understanding into a system of Vedic science, which became known as Jyotiṣa: the science of light. Parāśara was one such sage. He is known for being

In Vedic myth Venus, or Śukra in Sanskrit, is known as the teacher of the asuras. The asuras are the demons who are in eternal battle with the devas, the auspicious aspect of the Divine. In one mythical episode, the devas became very concerned because Venus has come to know the mantra of immortality that raises the dead. It gave the asuras an advantage in their battle with the devas. To counteract that, Jupiter, the guru to the devas, sends his son Kaca to study under Śukra. Śukra has a beautiful daughter called Devayāni. fell in love with Kaca at first sight. But the asuras, knowing why Kaca came, had decided to kill him. Devayāni could not tolerate Kaca’s death. In her deep grief, she asked her father Śukra to repeat the Mrtyuñjaya mantra. Kaca came back to life but got killed again by the asuras. Devayāni, torn by grief, requested her father to once again repeat the mantra. Again, Kaca came back to life. The demons followed their evil plan to murder Kaca many times, but each time, Śukra kept resurrecting him. The demons started to contemplate how to destroy Kaca once for all. They came up with the idea to kill him, grind him up into a fine powder and put him in Śukra’s wine. Śukra drank the wine. Her daughter, in despair, asked him to repeat the mantra, but this time Kaca resurrected in Śukra’s stomach itself, and spoke from inside of him.

At last the demons appeared to be happy. But, in their unconsciousness, they brought about the very thing they were trying to prevent, for Śukra revealed the mantra of immortality to Kaca, so that when Kaca would tear himself out of Śukra’s body, he would repeat the mantra and raise Śukra from the dead. Tendencies of Venus and Libra ‘Venus is charming, has a splendorous physique, is excellent or great in disposition, has charming eyes, is a poet, is phlegmatic and windy and has curly hair.’ - Bṛhat Parāśara Hora Śāstra Symbol: The Scale Element: Air Ruling Planet: Venus/Śukra Cakra: Anāhata Ayurvedic constitution: Vata Healing stone: Crystal Libra is the brilliant symbol of harmony. It indicates a perfect balance despite outer conflicts and struggles. Even when difficulties arise in life, the person will keep his or her cool manners and readiness for action. Libra has equal potential for the inner world as well as outer-world life. It can as much slide towards enjoying the outer world without seeking for anything else, or may proceed inward to seek enlightenment. Often, Libra thirsts for material comfort and enjoys to be surrounded with beautiful things. Generally, Libra confers leadership, power and command over ideas. Many reformers, idealists, revolutionaries, prophets are influenced by this sign. They have the ability to sacrifice themselves to their goals and projects. The person can go to great extent to actualize his dream. Libra is deeply humanitarian; the native is a lover of truth and justice. It has its own idea about a perfect and ideal world. But Libras tend to be more idealists than realists or practical people and often build castles in the air. They are also extremely susceptible to the feelings of others towards themselves. They like to have influential and unique friends, and are often successful at making a difference in the world. Business endeavors can give them administrative power and the ability to influence others. Libra people are not much mindful of home and family. Their complexion will be fair, their stature medium, their face broad, eyes fine, handsome, of sensual disposition and keenly observant. Arts careers, drama and singing, or yogis are also seen under this venusian influence. Libra Nakṣatras: Citra, Svāti and Viśākha Characteristics of a Citra born Citra is ‘the star of opportunity’. It is of bright and transparent appearance. This nakṣatra reflects the world of māya (illusion), which the native is to overcome. It allows the person to realize the fruit of his good past actions that come through righteousness and sincerity. It has a highly spiritual energy and effect, and is one of the most mystical of the twenty seven nakṣatras. Citra stands for the spiritual initiation which gives direct insight into the truth. It gives a life of challenges which precede the search for enlightenment. Citra confers a great desire to achieve and reach spiritual heights as it holds a great idealism and purity. The native feels he must live enlightenment and work in some way to live and radiate it. You will be an efficient leader when you are born under Citra. You have elegance and charisma, you are bright, popular, extremely honest and a soft person, found of the latest innovation on the market. You usually stand out of the crowd and like to shine. Your desire of knowledge can incite you to study a whole lifetime, without ever feeling you have thoroughly mastered your passion. This is the reason why you constantly work on improving yourself. You also have artistic talents and the ability to arrange

things creatively. You may be good at dance, music or drama. You have the intelligence to be an architect, a lawyer, jeweler, detective, teacher or a person learned in the Vedas, a mystic. You are also blessed with business skills and can be a genius in your field; you may be involved in medicinal science and particularly the science of herbs and plants in Āyurveda medicine. Take especially care of your kidneys and bladder and keep your nerves soothed and relaxed always. Characteristics of a Svāti born Svāti means ‘the sword’, and denotes a desire for independence as well as a deep love for life. A person born under Svāti is quiet and compassionate in nature, skilled in trade, merciful and charitable. Nevertheless, restlessness and a tendency to vacillate or experience instability can be seen here. These natives may experience difficult periods in life, in the form of illnesses or trials that lead them to be in solitude at times. Svāti people have an ability to ‘bend with the wind’ in order to survive the changes that they may encounter. If you are Svāti born, you are disciplined and you have authority over others. You are very independent of mind and therefore adapt to the many life circumstances you encounter. You are broad-minded and attract people from diverse backgrounds. You can be philosophical, spiritual with a need to contemplate on your understandings of things. Many will be involved in religious work. Your star is linked to Goddess Sarasvatī, the Goddess of learning, which shows an inclination towards studies and particularly world philosophies, literature and spirituality. Svāti is the star of merchants, ascetics and those engaged in devotional practices. It gives success in careers such as yoga teaching, business, the legal profession, transportation or travel industry. There may be disturbance in vata constitution, which can cause illnesses such as gastric disorders. Your intense restlessness can become destructive at times; life will teach how to project constructive visualization and to develop self-healing thoughts. Characteristics of a Viśākha born Viśākha is also called the ‘star of purpose’. This nakṣatra does not give immediate results in life, and suggests an individual who slowly grows in influence and achieves great things as age ripens. Rādhā, the ‘delightful’, is also one of this nakṣatra’s names. It is ruled by Indra and Agni, who represent the powers of heat and lightning in the atmosphere, and attest to the energy and potential held in Viśākha. You may entertain secret ambitions, and you can achieve great success with them, but may use any questionable means to achieve this success. The patience and endurance you show are enormous, and you sustain them even through the struggles you face. But this drive can sometimes turn into frustration and anger when obstructions occur. They can lead you to

pursue selfish goals using people as means to your ends. Viśākha denotes a strong power to recover from depression and difficulties. You are an excellent communicator, able to write and speak well. You are also good at administrating people, brave, strong, of charitable nature, and religious minded. Sometimes, the native can be instable and show aggressiveness. Much of the problem comes from some jealousy and envy of others’ success that breeds problems in relationships. You also feel sometimes you lack a strong network of friends and feel isolated, alone in this big world. Bitterness and resentment may result out of this lack of attention. When this happens, the native may feel like eating uncontrollably, which can result in weight problems or indigestion. Those born under this nakṣatra are likely to be scientists, military leaders, writers, public speakers, politicians or lawyers. Anāhata Cakra - Becoming Love There are 7 major energy centers in our body, called cakra in Sanskrit. They are directly connected to our emotions and impact different aspects of our personality and the way we relate to ourselves, others, and to Existence. Each planet resonates with a particular energy center in the body. The loving energy of Venus is connected to anāhata cakra located in the heart region. The Venus energy works on this cakra and tends to imbalance it when it is too oriented towards getting others' love, attention, and recognition. Anāhata flowers when you start giving love unconditionally. It is a proven fact that cakra correspond to and affect the functioning of specific glands that constitute the body's endocrine system. The deep need for love can create dependency and emotional restlessness

which can drain your system, creating chronic diseases or depression in the long run. You should keep an eye on your diet, which can be extreme when depression or low moods assail you. Libra can be prone to bulimia and seeking sweet items to counterbalance a lack of affection. Guilt is very often an outcome of this behavior, whose roots should be addressed. To keep anāhata balanced, developing awareness, understanding and experiencing how you can flower by sharing your love will benefit you. You can start today to practice this sūtra: ‘suffocate others with your love’. This attitude will give contentment, fulfil your longings and teach you to put others before yourself. A balanced anāhata cakra will confer a broad and generous personality, radiating bliss. Libra and Āyurveda: Understand your Constitution Generally, the Ayurvedic dośa body constitution related to Libra is vata. Vāta influences the movement of thoughts, feelings, nerve impulse, and fluids in the body. Let’s use this scale: If you experience symptoms such as anxiety, worry, shyness, a tendency to insomnia, chronic tiredness, mental and emotional depression, physical tension, stress, a weak immune system, headaches, underweight, constipation, dryness of skin, mental confusion, inability to take decisions, fast speech, too many fantasies, then there is a good possibility you are suffering from vata imbalance. If you have good mental alertness, abundant creative energy, a good elimination system of waste matters, sound sleep, strong immune system enthusiasm, emotional balance and stability, then the vata principle is balanced in your body. Here are some of the common characteristics of people who have a predominantly vata body constitution: Quick to learn and grasp new knowledge Slim body Talk and walk quickly Cold hands and feet Excitable, lively Changeable moods Respond to stress with fear and worry and anxiety Variable appetite and digestion Tendency to be tired easily Full of enthusiasm and joy Impulsive 30 Moon in Libra Generally good management and leadership ability Dry skin, dry hair, don't perspire much Headache, hypertension, sore throat, anxiety, muscle spasm, irregular heartbeat, constipation, winds, diarrhea, arthritis, neurological disorder. How to manage vata? How to manage vata? Factors that can balance vata are warm and soothing food with added oil and fat, as well as sweet tastes. Cold items should be avoided and caffeine should be stopped, as it strains vata's nervous system. Mental and emotional peace and lifestyle routines are important to restore and maintain balance. Vata can be corrected by using warm sesame oil for self-massage. If you can't massage the whole body, at least apply warm oil on the feet and scalp. Maintaining a regular routine in terms of eating, sleeping and other activities will also help you to unclutch the mind.

Meditation for Libra: Balance your Vata! Libra natives can be benefitted through techniques which work on their body, which develop their concentration and centeredness. Libra tends to live in his mind... Bringing his intellectual nature into his body boundaries and senses through physical practices (Hatha yoga) done slowly will be very beneficial. Here is a meditation for you: Step 1-Duration: 10 minutes - Sit in vajrāsana (kneel and sit on your heels). Place your hands on your hips. By doing this, you are establishing a connection between the upper and lower parts of your body. Chant ‘hoo’ for as long as possible with each exhale. Begin again with each inhale, holding the chant as long as possible as you exhale. Step 2-Duration: 21 minutes - Continue sitting in vajrāsana. With the hands on the hips, bend down at the hip to touch the forehead to the ground. Continue to chant the ‘hoo’ sound in this position. This meditation will make your whole body to vibrate, contributing to lowering your inner chatter. Nithya Dhyaan: the Universal Technique Nithya Dhyaan is a formula and technique that works on all the components of your being. Whatever your birth sign may be, it awakens the cosmic powers within you and makes them available to your being to excel in all spheres of life. This is a five-step technique. Allow seven minutes for each step. Keep your eyes closed throughout the meditation. 1- Chaotic breathing: Sit in vajrāsana (kneel and sit on your heels). Place your hands on your hips and breathe chaotically, without a repetitive rhythm. Just focus on your breathing; let your entire being become the breathing. 2- Intense Humming: Continue to sit in vajrāsana, form cin mudra with your fingers (with the thumb and forefinger forming a circle and other three fingers outstretched), and place your hands on your knees, palms facing upwards. In this posture, with your mouth closed, produce your body, as loudly and lengthily as possible. the sound ‘Mmmm...’ from inside 3- Cakra awareness: You may continue to sit in vajrāsana or sit crossed legged if you wish. Keep your fingers in cin mudra position. Now, bring your awareness to each cakra one after the other, from mūlādhāra cakra (root center) to sahasrāra cakra (crown center). Feel each cakra completely as if your whole being has become that energy center. 4- Silent Meditation: Be unclutched In this step, carry the understanding with you that your thoughts are unconnected, irrational and unclutched. Don’t try to create thoughts, don’t try to maintain thoughts, don’t try to destroy thoughts or react to them. Just sit and watch them. Understand, by your very nature, you are pure being and bliss. 5- Guru Pūja Now, connect, relax and rest into the universal energy. Just sit in a very deep and passive way, feeling one with the whole, God or your Master. Listen to the Guru Pūja mantras and feel their vibration in you. Express your gratitude with reverence. You will find further details on the benefits of Nithya Dhyaan; along with the meditation instructions, in the comprehensive booklet and audio CD called Nithya Dhyaan- Experience bliss.

Yoga is one of the best practices for libras. It can offer whatever they are seeking: experience of no-mind state, balance and grace of the body. Gentle yoga postures that work on anāhata cakra, as well as Sūrya Namaskār (the ancient Sun salutation) are ideal for them! Uṣṭrāsana : To blissfully enjoy the benefits of any āsanas, make sure your body is warmed up, the spine worked on and stretched out before entering the postures. Stand on your knees with them separated about hip width apart. Place your hands on your lower back with the fingers pointing downward. Inhale, lift your heart and allow your head to gently relax back. Exhale, push the hips forward, so the hips are out past your knees. If you are a beginning student, you can remain in this position with the hands. Thumbs on the outside of the heels, fingers inside. Continue to push the hips forward from there. At the same time, lift the heart toward the ceiling. Hold this position for 6 breaths. To come out of the posture, place the hands on the lower back, one at a time, and then only, gently roll back up. Benefits: This back bend stimulates the central nervous system and increases its ability to bear stress. It helps relieve and prevent headaches, hypertension and nervous exhaustion. It stimulates and energizes the body, and is invaluable to people suffering from depression. Sūrya Namaskār Sūrya Namaskār (the Sun salutation) is called the king of asanas. It is a sequence of 12 postures, each symbolizing a sign of the zodiac. This sequence of asanas has the amazing ability to activate the best characteristics of your birth chart by bringing energy to your body, a clearer thinking through emotional balancing, and a restored health, thereby enabling you to express your intelligence and uniqueness. It is a technique to experience a conflict-free life, fulfillment and eternal bliss. Its practice awakens the body’s innate intelligence to produce energy from the sun. It is designed to access the etheric energy all around you. When performed facing the East in the first rays of the morning sun, along with the appropriate breathing technique and the mantra, the effect on the individual mind, body and spirit is incomparable. It is said that the daily practice of Sūrya Namaskār

Remedial Birthstone for Libras Crystal stone bracelet This book comes with a unique energy bead bracelet which beautifully combines semi-precious stones with rudrākṣa beads- enhancing and radiating the properties of the stones. This bracelet attunes you to the Universe and contributes to destroy sufferings related to negative karmas. It is specially blessed by Nithyananda, the enlightened Master of our times for the fortunate ones who wish to receive the blessings of the Universe! Enlightened Masters are said to be the manifestation of the Cosmic Energy, which radiates through the 9 planets. It empowers you to expand your inner intelligence into Living Enlightenment! Jyotiṣa uses different gemstones (also called birthstones) to strengthen the planets energies. Gemstones are the finest and purest consolidation of minerals that exists, formed under extreme heat and pressure inside the earth. Stones are crystals of clear and purified minerals that are also found in the human body. Because of their mineral quality, they are agents of electromagnetic energy, which influences the electromechanical nature of the human body. When a stone is in contact with the skin, it starts working on the physiology and the energy level of the body, as well as the pranic layer of energy. Crystal represents planet Venus in the natal chart. It rules over purity, inner and outer strength and the Viśuddhi cakra. It is beneficial for: Speaking the truth Expression of one uniqueness Charming outlook Creativity, imagination, ingenuity, inventiveness Wisdom, benevolence Drawing abundance of wealth Happiness, success Mental clarity Weakness Venereal diseases Happy conjugal life Diabetes Kidney problems

Through the mantra chanted and the purification effect of the fire; the body, the space in which the ritual happens and the people attending the prayer are benefited, and the planetary effect decreased. When this homa is done as a personal spiritual practice, the energy is brought from the nirvanic to the physical layer of the body through all subtle energy layers, healing the person and raising his level of energy- allowing him to transform his destiny. Navagraha pūja and homa services are available in all Nithyananda Vedic Temples throughout USA, and Nithyananda Dhyanapeetam ashrams throughout India. Find out your nearest Temple in India on www.nithyananda.org and www.nithyanandavedictemple.org for USA, contact them to have more details if you are interested in benefiting from these services. Aum hrīṁ Nityānandāya namaḥ (Om Hreem Nithyanandaya Namaha) In this mantra, Aum is the primordial sound and is the representation of Śiva's energy, the male aspect of the universe. Actually, Aum is the cosmic sound that pervades the grahas, their movements and their effects on us. The Bīja mantra (seed sound), Hrīṁ, has no linguistic meaning but encloses a powerful vibration which attunes you to the primordial energy from which the grahas originate: the female energy, Śakti. Nithyananda means Eternal Bliss and invokes the truth which is our true nature, and the nature of our own intelligence. It is the pūrṇa mūla mantra (the complete mantra) because it represents a straight path to both Śakti (success in this world) and to Śiva (success in the cosmic world) which is 'enlightenment'.

Trust... You are blessed to experience the power of trust. Out of this arises deep relaxation. Out of surrender arises a fresh intelligence that knows on a different plane. On this plane, there is no worry about result; there is only action driven by pure energy. And energy is intelligence. Trust does not mean inaction. It means continuing to be in action with intelligence instead of intellect. Unless trust happens, intimacy cannot happen. With trust there is openness; you can say and do everything that you feel genuinely, there is authenticity in your words and actions. You radiate energy that spurs the others around you to be innocent and open. You are ready to experience the real beauty of Existence. Just be! Your ideal is to bring wealth, beauty and bliss to your surroundings. It is the space to experience fulfillment! Stop running and really feel the deep

satisfaction for being blessed with your gifts. Your mind will ever find ways to contradict this feeling. By its very nature, it cannot be satisfied. Don't let it rob you of your satisfaction. It is good to feel fulfilled. It is good to feel good about oneself. It is good to exist! Be aware of your speech Your courage to speak your point of view out is a good thing, but don't let it degenerate into fanaticism. The energy you put into convincing others about the value of your ideas may turn them off, without your being aware of it! Don't sacrifice the people to your ideology, especially if you only speak about it without really working towards it. Time proves that radiating what you preach always give a better result that trying to force ideas down people's throats. Remember it always. Feel the longing You can feel a longing: for your beloved Master, for a person, a place... To know the longing, without any object, is to know life itself. Waiting with patience and a pure and simple longing is meditation. Sit down comfortably by yourself and close your eyes. Focus on your heart region. Exclude everything else. Visualize your heart as an endless reservoir from where blessings can flow. Feel every heart-beat deeply. Between the heart-beats, feel the energy of love happening. Then open your eyes and smile. Are you fair? As you meet people, you may be attracted to activities or relationships which look bright and promising, requiring lots of your concentration and effort, but may turn out to be a waste of time. It could be that everyone is talking about you or that everyone is turning to you for solutions. Is it really necessary to invest all your energy in the attention you are getting? Keep an eye on what you do. Are you doing the right thing? Are you fair to everybody? Are you straight in your dealings with others? Beware of the cunningness that often creates division. This cunningness knows how to express only through calculation. Calculation is alright for arithmetic, but not for the being.

Your courage to speak your point of view out is a good thing, but don't let it degenerate into fanaticism. The energy you put into convincing others about the value of your ideas may turn them off, without your being aware of it! Don't sacrifice the people to your ideology, especially if you only speak about it without really working towards it. Time proves that radiating what you preach always give a better result that trying to force ideas down people's throats. Remember it always.

You can feel a longing: for your beloved Master, for a person, a place... To know the longing, without any object, is to know life itself. Waiting with patience

and a pure and simple longing is meditation. Sit down comfortably by yourself and close your eyes. Focus on your heart region. Exclude everything else. Visualize your heart as an endless reservoir from where blessings can flow. Feel every heart-beat deeply. Between the heart-beats, feel the energy of love happening. Then open your eyes and smile. Are you fair? As you meet people, you may be attracted to activities or relationships which look bright and promising, requiring lots of your concentration and effort, but may turn out to be a waste of time. It could be that everyone is talking about you or that everyone is turning to you for solutions. Is it really necessary to invest all your energy in the attention you are getting? Keep an eye on what you do. Are you doing the right thing? Are you fair to everybody? Are you straight in your dealings with others? Beware of the cunningness that often creates division. This cunningness knows how to express only through calculation. Calculation is alright for arithmetic, but not for the being.

Nakṣatra: the constellation in which the moon sits in the heaven at a particular time, commonly called as ‘birth Star’ Vedic sciences: refer to a number of disciplines found in the Vedas, a large body of texts originating in ancient India. The Vedas are among the oldest sacred texts Ṛg Veda: an ancient Indian sacred collection of hymns, one among the four canonical sacred texts of Hinduism known as the Vedas Āryabhaṭa: one of the first astronomer and great mathematician of India, born in 476 Copernicus: (1473-1543) the first astronomer to formulate a heliocentric cosmology, which displaced the Earth from the center of the universe Galileo: (1564-1642) Italian physicist, mathematician, astronomer and philosopher. His