Research in Astrology

July 24, 2008

Dear All,

There are not too many institutions which systematically research Astrological teachings. The writings of ancient sages are often interpreted depending on the skill of the translator. Often the in depth meanings are lost in translation. Some of the conditions, stipulations mentioned in ancient texts may not be applicable in present day context.

In AAG, I could recognize [just by reading the postings] many, very learned astrologers.As Mr. Bhaskerji has aptly put it in one mail, there are quite a few gems in the group. Since one of the main aims of the group is to do active research into astrology, I feel a more systematic method would help to reach some conclusions on various issues pertinent to present day.

Astrology is like an ocean. It is vast and the combinations are so many that it is very difficult to comprehend all aspects for an individual despite years and years of study. A clear picture may not emerge to most of the divine persons [astrologers are considered as divine persons in our part of the country] as BC [blind Chart] exercises have proved.

I had a passing thought that Astrological research is in away akin to “ military intelligence” during actual war. Balltlefields are most unpredictable and we have a specialized Corps who collect various data and then put the bits together to give a possible scenario of the enemy’s activities and likely course of action. Some times we get a near correct picture to follow up!!!!

The intelligence gathering has following five stages:-

Collection.

Collation.

Analysis.

Synthesis.

Dissemination.

If we follow somewhat similar sequence in studies/ research, it might help. It would certainly be systematic. Say, we take up effects of Lagna Lord in various houses as research study, [ I am suggesting this since I saw a very well compiled and studied article by Shri. Sreenadhji in our file section , which can be the basis of further research].

Initially we may form ,say 12 groups, with one person nominated as leader [ Nomination of a leader could be a sensitive issue. Nomination as a leader does not mean he/she is the most brilliant in the group. In fact it could be voluntary].

Stages of research would briefly involve :

Collection of data. We have large number of practicing astrologers/ members who can contribute horoscopes of known individuals whose major events in life are known and can be made available for study. For this we should stipulate the Ayamansa to be followed and the system to be followed. If we follow different systems in computing horoscopes, it will only complicate matters. Each person who provide the horoscope for study should be able to give fairly accurate facts about the person concerned. The groups can ask for data pertaining to their area of study, for eg, group which is studying Lagna Lord in Lagna could ask for horoscopes with such configuration.

Collation of data. This is the second stage, where the raw data is segregated into various subgroups to facilitate study. Most cumbersome stage of the study. We may leave it to the group leaders to discuss and decide the modalities. Once this is done all groups should follow same pattern.

Analysis. This is the most important part of the study and most time consuming. Each chart to be studied in detail by the group. All differences of opinions should be discussed with in the group. This should lead to the next stage.

Synthesis. This is the crux of the study. After detailed deliberations, each group should come up with certain conclusions. This is where the senior and experienced members can contribute. If there is any serious variations in the analysis and the findings, this can be put down in the final group report with the logic behind the variations.

Dissemination. The study findings can be put up as Group Wisdom in the file section.

The success of the study depends on the sincerity of the members participating in it. There cannot be spats between genders, personalities and other extraneous issues during the conduct of study. Certain discipline and decorum would be ideal to reach anywhere.

I am fully aware that this is not going to be an easy exercise. However we will be leaving the future students of this science a great boon, if we can attain our objectives and sustain it through further studies. Once this is attempted, it may open up further vistas since we are doing something with a clear aim.

I am giving my thoughts. It is up to our group to look into this. I am certainly not trying to bring “Army” into this esteemed group.

With warm regards,

Col.Chandran

July 29, 2008

Dear Sreenadhji and Kursijaji,

Thanks for the response. I try to keep my promises. So no more writings or suggestions about research.

By the way, I rate the postings from Sunilji and Neelamji in the site as "excellent". I seldom miss their mail, even during the busiest days . Hope they continue to find time to keep up their participation in our site.

thanks and regards,

Col.Chandran

July 29, 2008

Dear Chandran sahab,

There was some talk from your side of getting some qualified astrologers here for teaching us astrology, and also about some sponsors. Is there some progress in this area ?

regards, Bhaskar.

, skm chandran <colchandran wrote:>> Dear Sreenadhji and Kursijaji,> Thanks for the response. I try to keep my promises. So no more writings or suggestions about research.> By the way, I rate the postings from Sunilji and Neelamji in the site as "excellent". I seldom miss their mail, even during the busiest days . Hope they continue to find time to keep up their participation in our site.> thanks and regards,> Col.Chandran> > > --- On Tue, 7/29/08, Sreenadh sreesog wrote:> > Sreenadh sreesog Re: Research in Astrology> > Tuesday, July 29, 2008, 9:17 AM> > > > > > > > Dear Col. Chandran ji,> Me too fully agree with your views. But the problem is that in this busy world, every one has limited time only, and thus the end result would be that research becomes an individual process. Let us look at this group - the following are the individuals who provide research write-ups:> 1) Chandrahari> 2) Sreenadh> 3) Neelam Gupata> 4) Sunil Nair (occationally)> 5) Bhaskar ji (occationally)> 6) (occationally)> 7) Souvik Datta (occationally)> 8) Avatar Krishnan Kaul (occationally)> 7) Krishnamurthy Seetharama (occationally)> > Where are all the others? How many of them, you believe, are doing research in the direction you suggested, following same or similar methodology? Me, Neelam ji, Sunil ji and who else? About them too - Are they dedicated enough with a clear view in mind and having enough free time for research?> There could be many gray areas - facts of life. > Love and regards,> Sreenadh> > ancient_indian_ astrology, "S.C. Kursija" sckursija@ .> wrote:> >> > Respected Col.Chandran,> > I am fully agreed with you. single topic, formation of groups for different topics, discussion among group members, etc but there is some hesitation for stipulated time period as every one is busy and has limited time. I would like to suggest that research should be done in mundane so that we can do some thing for the humanity at large. We can minimise the lose of human and wealth and raise the respect for astrology.> >> >> > S.C.Kursija> > 9350227360> >> > --- On Mon, 7/28/08, skm chandran colchandran@ ... wrote:> >> > skm chandran colchandran@ ...> > [ancient_indian_ astrology] Re: Research in Astrology> > ancient_indian_ astrology> > Monday, July 28, 2008, 11:58 AM> >> > Dear Sreenadhji,> > First of all my apologies for persisting with a subject which does not seem to evince much interest in our group. My understanding of scientific research involves following essential elements:-> > ?> >> > Subject of Study.? The person/ group should be focused on a specific subject into which studies are undertaken. There is no dearth of subjects in astrology which need to be further studied. Certain guidelines are spelt out as to the areas which the study should delve into. [in Army, we call it ?Terms of reference?] This is done to avoid digressions, which can easily crop into the study.> > Researchers. ? We all know that research is done at ?post-graduate? level in scientific subject. Even though we don?t have formal degrees in ?Astrology?, we have many in the group, who qualify with very advanced knowledge of the subject. The researcher, in this instance, has nothing personal to gain. He has to be motivated to contribute his valuable time and effort for a common cause. This may be the reason for lack of total response to the suggestion to go into research ?mode?. May be the solution lies in finding some sponsors to finance the effort. I am attaching a list of? Institutions? where astrology is being taught as a curriculum. Soon we may have ? qualified? youngsters in our midst.> > Guides.? We need ?experts? who can guide the research and modalities of study. Our Om Namashivaya [ONS]Group members should be able to act as guides to the study. Here again, most of our members may be doing professional work and it may very difficult and mentally tiring to spare time to get into this. An effort can be made to find sponsors who can assist in underwriting the actual cost in terms of internet time etc which are taken up for study.> > Method of Research. The method which is practicable is to do systematic case studies. I have already elaborated on this . The basics have to be studied in detail before each aspect is analysed.[ I had suggested 12 study groups since there are 12 Zodiac signs and I realize that it may be difficult even to get one group organized.]. The study group or researchers can discuss the issues involved within themselves rather than putting every query or point in the group mail.> > Findings or Conclusions. Every researcher or group should come up with their findings or conclusions with in a stipulated time frame to be decided by the guides or moderators. These can be put up on the group site to invite comments from all . Once the findings are discussed , it may be modified , if required? and?? then uploaded to Group Wisdom site.> > ?> > I must thank those members who had the patience to read through the mail. I can assure you I will not write again on this topic.> > With warm regards,> > Col.Chandran> > ?> > ?> >>

July 29, 2008

Dear Chandran ji, Please don't keep your word. Please openly suggest and guide - it is OK. I request you to start DOING some research yourself - possibly based on some documents/write-ups available from the group. The activities could be - * Doing further study based on the write-ups. * Preparing detailed write-ups based on posted messages; adding own views and observations as ingredients. * Making the discussions more productive by actively participating in the discussions and providing doubts which make one think; put effort; do research to come up with some answers. * Collecting and organizing the messages and material available from the archives (messages) section of the group and presenting it in the group itself, in an effort to present information in an organized way. * Your own write-ups about some subject that is part of astrology. and so on. I hope to see some nice write-ups from you in group in near future. ;)Love and Hugs,Sreenadh , skm chandran <colchandran wrote:>> Dear Sreenadhji and Kursijaji,> Thanks for the response. I try to keep my promises. So no more writings or suggestions about research.> By the way, I rate the postings from Sunilji and Neelamji in the site as "excellent". I seldom miss their mail, even during the busiest days . Hope they continue to find time to keep up their participation in our site.> thanks and regards,> Col.Chandran> > > --- On Tue, 7/29/08, Sreenadh sreesog wrote:> > Sreenadh sreesog Re: Research in Astrology> > Tuesday, July 29, 2008, 9:17 AM> > > > > > > > Dear Col. Chandran ji,> ?? Me too fully agree with your views. But the problem is that in this busy world, every one has limited time only, and thus the end result would be that research becomes an individual process.? Let us look at this group - the?following are the?individuals who provide research write-ups:> ? 1) Chandrahari> ? 2)?Sreenadh> ??3) Neelam Gupata> ? 4) Sunil Nair (occationally)> ? 5) Bhaskar ji (occationally)> ? 6) (occationally)> ? 7) Souvik Datta (occationally)> ? 8) Avatar Krishnan Kaul (occationally)> ? 7)?Krishnamurthy Seetharama (occationally)> > ?? Where are all the others? How many of them, you believe, are doing research in the direction you suggested, following same or similar methodology? ?Me, Neelam ji,??Sunil ji and who else? About them too - Are they dedicated enough with a clear view in mind and having enough free time for research?> ???There could be many gray areas?- facts?of life. > Love and regards,> Sreenadh> > ancient_indian_ astrology, "S.C. Kursija" sckursija@ .> wrote:> >> > Respected Col.Chandran,> > I am fully agreed with you. single topic, formation of groups for different topics, discussion among group members, etc but there is some hesitation for stipulated time period as every one is busy and has limited time. I would like to suggest that research should be done in mundane so that we can do some thing for the humanity at large. We can minimise the lose of human and wealth and raise the respect for astrology.> >> >> > S.C.Kursija> > 9350227360> >> > --- On Mon, 7/28/08, skm chandran colchandran@ ... wrote:> >> > skm chandran colchandran@ ...> > [ancient_indian_ astrology] Re: Research in Astrology> > ancient_indian_ astrology> > Monday, July 28, 2008, 11:58 AM> >> > Dear Sreenadhji,> > First of all my apologies for persisting with a subject which does not seem to evince much interest in our group. My understanding of scientific research involves following essential elements:-> > ?> >> > Subject of Study.? The person/ group should be focused on a specific subject into which studies are undertaken. There is no dearth of subjects in astrology which need to be further studied. Certain guidelines are spelt out as to the areas which the study should delve into. [in Army, we call it ?Terms of reference?] This is done to avoid digressions, which can easily crop into the study.> > Researchers. ? We all know that research is done at ?post-graduate? level in scientific subject. Even though we don?t have formal degrees in ?Astrology?, we have many in the group, who qualify with very advanced knowledge of the subject. The researcher, in this instance, has nothing personal to gain. He has to be motivated to contribute his valuable time and effort for a common cause. This may be the reason for lack of total response to the suggestion to go into research ?mode?. May be the solution lies in finding some sponsors to finance the effort. I am attaching a list of? Institutions? where astrology is being taught as a curriculum. Soon we may have ? qualified? youngsters in our midst.> > Guides.? We need ?experts? who can guide the research and modalities of study. Our Om Namashivaya [ONS]Group members should be able to act as guides to the study. Here again, most of our members may be doing professional work and it may very difficult and mentally tiring to spare time to get into this. An effort can be made to find sponsors who can assist in underwriting the actual cost in terms of internet time etc which are taken up for study.> > Method of Research. The method which is practicable is to do systematic case studies. I have already elaborated on this . The basics have to be studied in detail before each aspect is analysed.[ I had suggested 12 study groups since there are 12 Zodiac signs and I realize that it may be difficult even to get one group organized.]. The study group or researchers can discuss the issues involved within themselves rather than putting every query or point in the group mail.> > Findings or Conclusions. Every researcher or group should come up with their findings or conclusions with in a stipulated time frame to be decided by the guides or moderators. These can be put up on the group site to invite comments from all . Once the findings are discussed , it may be modified , if required? and?? then uploaded to Group Wisdom site.> > ?> > I must thank those members who had the patience to read through the mail. I can assure you I will not write again on this topic.> > With warm regards,> > Col.Chandran> > ?> > ?> >>