Lesson one

[Guest guest]

Dear Teachers, first I would like to thank you, for accepting me as a student of

SJVC. I take the opportunity to send you here my first lesson answers.

 

Lesson one:

 

 

1- Explain the changing of the seasons and its connection with the above

mentioned astronomical factors.

 

Answer:

The Earth rotates around its own axis. The earth Equator – an

imaginary line around the earth globe - divides the globe into two halves: The

Northern and South Hemisphere / North and South Poles.

Because of the tilt in the Earth’s axis, the Ecliptic – the Sun’s

path - intersects with the Celestial Equator (that is a projection in space of

the terrestrial Equator) at an angle of about 23 ½ degrees. This obliquity is

responsible for the changing of the seasons.

Once a year the Sun reaches its maximum extension Southwards, once a

year its maximum extension northwards and twice a year it is overhead the

Equator. These positions define the seasons.

Therefore, we will need special measurements to say accurately the

terrestrial and celestial coordinates of such a given place where a person is.

In order to do that we should use:

1- The Latitude: It will give us the distance of the place this person is

from the Terrestrial Equator towards the North or South.

2- The Longitude: The distance either eastern or western from the 0 degree

Meridian.

 

These terrestrial coordinates also have their projection in space known as:

 

1- Declination / Ayana: The distance of a heavenly body from the Celestial Equator.

2- Celestial Latitude: The distance of a planet from the Ecliptic (Sun’s path).

 

 

2 – There are some days of the year when the Sun either does not rise or set

above certain parts of the globe. Please explain this phenomenon.

 

Answer:

 

Owing to the obliquity of the Ecliptic, the Sun is above the horizon

for different periods of time at different seasons. The tilt of the Earth’s axis

determines whether the Sun’s rays strike at a low angle or more directly.

On about 21 June and 23 December, the maximum and minimum periods of daylight

are experienced: in the Northern hemisphere long days in June, short days in

December; in the Southern hemisphere the position is reversed: short days in

June and long days in December.

At the June Solstice in Northern hemisphere, the more direct rays produce about

three times much heat as the more slanting rays experienced at the December

Solstice. The angle of the Sun above the horizon and the length of daylight

determine the heat received by any region, hence the differences in seasons in

various part of the world.

Therefore, within 23 ½ of the poles, the Sun will remain above horizon 24 hours

during some part of the summer.

All places within the polar circle (66 ½ degrees) do not experience a sunset in

summer solstice day. And in winter solstice day, they do not experience the

sunrise.

 

3- Parasara mentions two classes of heavenly bodies: the moving and non-moving

ones. Please explain, what will be the difference between their roles in the

astrological interpretation.

 

Answer:

 

The Nakshatras, the fixed bodies, are, let say the path –

considering they are the “material” that comprise the Zodiac – where the

Grahas, the moving bodies, travel.

They basically are the tools we will be using to interpret the

astrological chart. And the difference between them if I may consider – just as

an example - the Nakshatras as having different colours and/or vibration, and

the planets (Grahas) having different intensity of light or qualities.

As long as the Grahas (planets) go through the Nakshtras they may spot their

intensities or power force, through the different colour and vibration of the

Nakshatra they are in. And this will give us according the nature, quality

etc., of this Nakshatra and of the planets the qualities, the tendencies, the

character and destiny (karma) of the person.

 

4- If you are able to construct your own chart, please do it, and explain as

many astronomical principles from it as you can (terrestrial

latitude/longitude, season, Sun’s cycle Sunrise/Sunset etc.) Also try to

determine which planets are above and under the horizon in your chart. In which

Ayana the Sun is?

 

Answer:

Having my own chart calculated for the right time and place, as it was a daily

birth the Sun was above the horizon, as well as Jupiter, Saturn, Mercury and

Ketu are. While Venus, Mars, and the Moon were under.

Because of the Latitude (08S03) and Longitude (34W53) (both have

been explained in answer for question one) in this time of the year in the

hemisphere (South), the Season running for that very moment was summer. One

month ahead would occur the Autumn Equinox.

On the day of birth, the sunrise occurred at 05:28:04 and the sunset

at 17:35:06. Almost the standard equal length of summer cycle.

The Sun’s Ayana (declination) was 07S58.

These are my answers, thank you!

Yours faithfully Mrs. Sandra Lucia S. Silva

sandrale9 (AT) (DOT) co.uk

P.S. I tried hard to send it yesterday since 8:50 pm, but kept sending it back.