EFFICACY OF PRASHANA SHASTRA IN ASTROLOGY

            Prashana Shastra is an important facet in Astrology. Many times we come across people without horoscopes and for such native we call them as belonging to the group of lost horoscope (Nashta Jathaka). Those who do not have horoscopes can be tackled in this system of Prashna Shastra.

            Normally in one of the techniques of horary astrology, we calculate the ascendant raising at the time of Prashna by noting the time of the query. This ascendant in case of persons without horoscopes may be considered as Janma lagna for the horoscope cast on the day’s planetary configuration and events of life can be predicted after carefully analyzing certain past events of the queries coming true. If the past events do not tally it is better to stop proceeding with giving future predications in this system which normally does not arise.

            Prashna Shastra is more predominantly adopted for analyzing and giving prediction to a particular event of life or activity. It is normally advisable to answer only question at a time if one wants absolute accuracy.

            Though there are a number of methods to answer questions, it is always better to answer only one question at a time for maximum accuracy in whatever the method the astrologer follows.

            One should venture into this branch of astrology only after thoroughly understanding all facts of astrological dictums. Otherwise one can be succeed in this branch which requires an absolute processional analysis as Prashna Shastra will be decisive guide for many persons having no horoscopes of their own.

            The main principle of this Prashna Shastra is to first fix the raising sign of the ascendant and the position of planets on the day concerned. With reference to this as starting point reckoned as the first house, the zodiacal chart is erected and the results of the question are spelled out by the Astrologer.

            Prashna Shastra demands certain disciplines from the querist also. The querist has to approach the astrologer with fruits, flowers. Tamboolam and  Dakshina and approach the astrologer with only an intention of asking the question in sincerity and not with a motto of testing the astrologer’s knowledge or for just to pass time with the astrologer.

            The astrologer who is practicing Prashna Shastra should be conversant with many methods of answering the questions. He may choose any method he feels at a given point of time.

            It is amazing that the astrologers, can even before the question of the querist, can indicate as what problem and purpose the querist has come. This is to a great extent possible by a shrewd astrologer who is well conversant with the surroundings and the eternal atmosphere connected to the question i.e. Kala. Desha and Varthamana.

            Horary astrology also demands a certain amount of Philosophical and Mythological knowledge for giving predictions with correct interpretation.

            Having understood the infrastructure needed for horary astrology, now let us go in detail.

            The most important fact in horary astrology as already mentioned is the time at which the question is put by the querist. The querist many times may not be present in person due to various facts.

            For example if some one has put a question from America on phone to an astrologer in India, the astrologer will have to fix the lagna ``at the place of the astrologer’’ as he hears the news at that specific time in ``his place’’ and from the planetary configuration he has to give the opinions.

            Similarly the same concept is adopted in local places also. So the `` TIME AT WHICH THE ASTROLOER HEARS THE NEWS’’ is the time of the question.

            Then the accuracy of prediction given by the astrologer of course varies not only with the expertise of the knowledge of each astrologer but also with the index of the individual character of the astrologer.

            Prashna Marga says that an astrologer should have the following qualification.

            JYOTISHASTRA VIDAGDHO GANITA PATUR VRUTHAVANSHCHA SATHYAVACHAHA. VINAYEE VEDADYAYEE GRAHA YAJANA PATUSHAHA BHAWATU DAIVAGNAHA.

            The person who has mastery of this science having good knowledge of mathematics, has a religious life, who is truthfully well versed in Vedas in mantras and thantras  can be successful in becoming a Daivagna.

            DAIVAVIDEVAM BHUTHO YADVADHTHI PHALAM SHUBASHUBAM PRASHTUHU. TATSARVAM NA CHA MITHYA BHAVATHI PRAJNAISKTHYA CHOKTHAM.

            All predictions made by such a person will never become false, whether it is auspicious or inauspicious.

            The prediction of one who has understood the ten kinds of planetary motions and one who has understood the astrological principles exhaustively will never become false.

PRASHNA CHART AND NATAL CHART

            The Prashna Chart can be correlated with the natal chart. If the natal chart has beneficial planetary configuration and Prashna chart malefic combination it is said to be spelt that the native is undergoing the results of evil karma done in this birth.

            If the natal horoscope and Prashna chart are in similar configuration then the astrologer should predict that the native is experiencing the results of past karma only.

            Having understood the general principles of horary astrology let us now proceed to understand various methods followed in astrology for answering the questions.

1.      Note down the time of the question. Calculate the ascendant and place the planets on the day in question by referring to the ephemeris.

2.      Apply Sharirika Shartra. Ask the querist to touch any organ of his/her body. The sign representing the organ becomes the Prashna Lagna. The various organs of the body is represented as Mesha Head, Vrishibha – Face, Mithuna-throat and shoulders, Kataka-Chest, Simha-Naval, Kanya-Stomach, Tula-Abdomen, Vrischika-Private parts, Dhanus-Thighs, Makara-Knees, Kumbha-Legs and Meena-Feet.

Example : If the querisat touches the thights then the raising sign of the question falls on Sagittarius and with this as ascendant the results of the planetary combinations should be studied.

3.      Calculate the Hora at the time of  the question. The occupation of the Horadhipathi becomes the Ascendent and from that ascendant predication can be made.

4.      Ask the queirst any number in 108. Note the number. Divide by 12. The reminder counted from Mesha gives the Ascendant. Example if the querist says a number 45. Then divide 45 by 9. The reminder is 9. The ascendant is Dhanus counted from Aries and hence the Prashna Lagna falls in Sagittarius.

5.      Thamboolaruda : Ask the querist to bring some beetle leaves. Count the beetle leaves. Note the number of beetle leaves. Multiply this number by 2 and then by 5. Add 1. The total should be divided by 7. The reminder is the planet represented counted from sun onwards. The occupancy of the concerned planet should be noted in the chart of the day of question. The mansion where the concerned planet is posited represents the Ascendant of the Prashna chart.

Example : If a persons bring 10 leaves. Then multiply 10x2 we get 20 ultiply 20 x 5 = 100 Add 1 to 100 (100 + 1 = 101). Then divide 101 by 7. The reminder is 3. The number 3 is represented by Mars counted as Sun. Moon and Mars. The mansion where Mars is posited becomes the Prashna lagna.

6.      Count the article brought by the querist such as beetle leaves, supari pieces, fruits etc. separately and add them. Multiply this total by 3 and divide by 6. If the reminder is 1 – profits 2. Destruction, 3 – happiness, 4 – tragedy, 5 concerning life 6 death, and proclaimed.

This way results can be drawn from Prashna Shastra.