THURSDAY
(8-10:30 AM) : Sunilee Jani Pawar. Navamsa And Marital/relationship bliss
"Navamsa is one of the important Varga (divisional) chart to assess deep and sukshma (minute) fruit of marriage and relationship, as well as karmik knots and dharma with our partner, or spouse.d9 should be assessed individually and along with natal chart.
D9 or navamsha horoscope interprets the true strength of our planets and karmik pattern. Here, we will study how to interpret navamsa chart in general with main focus on 7th house of our d1(Natal) and d9 horoscope which have potential to give us good or average relationship,or marriage and partnership or even discord in our relationship or love life.navamsha kundali is a mirror to show us minute result of our marital bliss and harmony. We will also study yogas, combinations, planetery positions,marriage giving planet strength, Transit effects in navamsa chart with example charts to experience better life as a person and and as a couple, also we will see how marriage and relationahip is promised through navamsa."
(12-4:30 PM) : Alan Annand. Finding Career in the Horoscope
"Experienced astrologers know that career and relationships are typically their clients’ most topical concerns. Once upon a time, birth into a caste would largely determine one’s options for employment, but today’s dynamic job environment offers a world of far greater possibilities. To identify work for which one is temperamentally, educationally and professionally suited, the horoscope provides a sophisticated lens to explore all reasonable options. For starters, the astrologer must apply the meaningful associations of select horoscopic elements to identify clients best suited for roles of command and control, education and counsel, commerce, skilled trades, or employment in less desirable fields. After this basic triage of career potential, we then focus on multiple factors that combine in various ways to identify more specific career paths. Since some careers demand more education than others, a critical assessment of intellectual capacity is part of the process. Other careers require different attributes – business acumen, leadership,
networking, risk tolerance, etc – all of which must be factored into a final judgment that gives the client some clear indication of their professional potential. Critical concepts and applied techniques include: grahas in kendras, graha karakatwa, graha sambandha, Sripati bhavas, sudarshan vichara, and yoga vichara."
(5-6:30 PM) : Opening Ceremony. Faculty Introductions. Navagraha Puja. Keynote Speech by Komilla Sutton. Parashara Award.
"The Opening Ceremony will consist of faculty introductions, a Navagraha Puja led by Pundit Samavedula, a Keynote Speech by Komilla Sutton, and the Annual Maharishis Parashara Award Ceremony for Lifetime Recognition in Jyotish Given to Dr. David Frawley."
(7-9:30 PM) : Dr. Arjun Pai. Research on Nakshatras Tattwas and Remedies
"The science behind the choice, timing of vedic remedies is very deep and subtle. One will have to delve deeper into the concepts of elements, directional regents, timing the parihara (remedy) to heal the afflictions and the unexpected influences in a natal chart. This lecture will focus on understanding the depth of remedies from a nakshatra and kalachakra perspective."
(10-11 PM): Aditya Togi. Astrological and Astronomical significance of lunar nodes
"The lunar nodes (also known as Rahu and Ketu) in Vedic astrology, represents intersecting points of the Moon’s orbit around the Earth and the Earth’s orbit around the Sun. The lunar nodes in the chart can be used for understanding an individual's spiritual journey and potential for growth and transformation. In this lecture, I will emphasize on the effects of node’s position from the Moon and how they can be used to guide our path in spiritual progress. Extending this study, I will conclude by discussing the significance of other planetary nodes and their importance in astrology."
FRIDAY
(8-9 AM) : Pasha Vasylenko. “Cosmic Twins” – beyond the Rasi chart
"The D9 Navamsa chart will always captivate us with its mysterious meaning, and the secrets behind the veil of the unknown will forever be hidden. But the rishis left us many clues to follow, and I welcome you to this 60 min journey revealing my research on the “Cosmic Twins”. Are you prepared to discover two identical Rasi charts but completely different destinies? People born in different countries but living up to the karmic fruit of the same D1 chart. If you have ever looked at the Navamsa chart wondering if the lagna is correct, I invite you to explore this incredible subject and make new discoveries together."
(10-12:30 PM) : Alan Annand. Assessing Compatibility between Horoscopes
"Finding the ideal romantic partner often feels like searching for the proverbial needle in a haystack. However, with accurate horoscopes in hand, the experienced astrologer has a means to identify worthy candidates for a client’s long-term commitment. Traditionally, astrologers subjected the Moon in both horoscopes to varying degrees of analysis – the Ashtkoot system’s 8 points, the Dashkoota’s 10 points – to evaluate a couple’s prospects. Although useful reference points, these ancient systems can be supplanted by a modern protocol using four key elements from each horoscope. Indeed, every intimate relationship stands on four legs – shared daily routines, emotional rapport, value systems, and physical affection. Using these critical four elements, the astrologer can derive a matrix to provide both a quantitative and qualitative assessment of a relationship’s viability. Key concepts and techniques include: ashtkoot/dashkoota systems, graha drishti, graha vichara, kujadosha/mangaladosha, and nakshatra vichara."
(1-5:30 PM) : Komilla Sutton. Saturn's complex transits - Sade Sati, Ashtama Shani and Kantaka Shani.
"Saturn transits are challenging. We should know of them and prepare for them. We will focus on Sade Sati, a seven-and-a-half-year transit to the 12th, 1st and 2nd houses from the Moon, Ashtama Shani, Saturn's transit to the 8th house from Ascendant or the Moon plus Kantaka Shani, Saturn transit to the 4th house from Lagna and Moon. We will study the concept of Dhaiya. After highlighting these important transits, Komilla will also analyze Saturn's transit over natal planets and Saturn's impact on the houses it transits. This Workshop is a comprehensive, detailed view of Saturn's transits. Finally, how to deal with them and what practical, spiritual and yogic planning we can do to alleviate the intensity of Saturn's transit."
(7-9:30 PM) : Dr. Andrew Foss. Vedic Astrology and the Vedic Literature. How the stories and teachings can help us learn and practice. "The Vedic literature is full of wonderful teachings often in the form of fascinating stories. In the past, it was assumed that everyone studying Vedic Astrology was familiar with most of these and so they underlie and give life to the teaching. We will discuss how to access these stories, what they say and how they can be understood from a Jyotish perspective."
(10-11 PM) : Dr. Kanholy Santhip Krishnan. Divisional Charts & Nakshatras for Improved Insights & Accuracy
"Using the Varga charts or the Divisional charts help in making accurate predictions especially when used in along with the planetary placements of the Birth chart. Nakshatras have been used to obtain deeper insights into predicted events from the Birth Charts by many. Nakshatras can also be used to give additional insights within the Divisional Charts as well. In this talk, we will focus on looking into some simple techniques to make use of Nakshatras to make accurate predictions in various divisional charts such as D-9 or Navamsa etc., & see how it’s potential can be further explored."
SATURDAY
(8-10:30 AM) : Narasimha Rao. Parasara's Tara Dasa
"Maharshi Parasara taught a variation of Vimsottari dasa called "Tara dasa" and said it is applicable when a strong planet is in a kendra from lagna. Its calculation remained controversial due to some perceived vagueness in Parasara's verse that led to inconsistent translations by various scholars. The correct translation will be deciphered and demonstrated with several examples. Tara dasa of rasi chart as well as divisional charts will be illustrated for timing life phases and events."
(11-1:30 PM) : Vanita Lenka. How to Interpret Your Transits-Timing Life Changes & The Year Ahead 2024
"In this short course you will be able to discover what Transits of Planets mean and how will they affect you
What the future might hold most importantly when they hit your Current Dasha Lord and affect important life areas like success, career, money, marriage, love, children, family, health & personal growth. How to blend the dynamic and static Planetary Positions & their interplay focusing more on the transiting Planets Jupiter Saturn Rahu Ketu. The high points and low points due to the ever changing dynamic interplay for the heads up using various techniques. Example charts and on-the-spot readings will also be done using the transits of the Year 2024 in general."
(2-4:30 PM) : Komilla Sutton. Dhana Wealth Yogas of Sage Parashara
"Dhana means wealth. Sage Parashara has focused on Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra, in Chapter 43 on Special combinations of wealth. At the same time, most Dhana Yogas, like Lakshmi Yoga, consider the 9th house and its lord, plus Venus in Strength. So the 5th and 11th are added keys to understanding wealth. He also focuses on Visheshika amsha, the auspicious divisions to know of wealth. This lecture will study the usually wealth yogas like the Goddess Yogas, Trimurti yogas and Mahapurusha yoga but pay special attention to Sage Parasharas, added dictates about what creates wealth."
(5-6:30 PM) : Yogini Shambhavi. Invoking Saturn and Kali as Time and Space
ॐ सः शनैश्चराय नमः ॥ “Om Sham Shanaischaraya Namah”
"As the Lord of time, Shanideva, Lord Saturn as the Great Karmic Leveller guides us into the undying world of eternity. Kali as the Lightning Shakti guides us in realizing the dawn of enlightenment, as we must pass through the dark night of sacrifice and the dissolution of the ego. Shanideva gives us perseverance, self discipline to understand our dharma. Maa Kali represents this process o of purification, gently preparing us to accept the grace of Soma, the golden nectar which is Sundari Devi, who represents awakening and illumination. Shani is not the much feared malefic planet Saturn. Shanideva is a great friend to yogis and devotees who are willing to let go of the outer world and its attachments. Invoking Shanideva we can overcome all afflictions born of the planets.. Shanideva and Mahadeva Kali are the Inner Guru, offering every sadhaka experiential jnana or knowledge making sure we learn life’s
lessons at its deepest level."
(7-9:30 PM) : Dr. Malini Iyer. Retrograde, Combustion & Chesta Bala: Major Source of Planetary Strength
"One of the major sources of planetary strength arises out of its apparent movement from our vantage point on Earth. Assessing the
direction of a planets motion (forward, reverse or stationary) as well as the rate of its motion (fast, slow, not moving) is important in evaluating how the planet is functioning to unravel karmas. Retrograde & Combustion are also indicators of how close the planets are to Earth & therefore how integrated those planetary influences are within us. In this class you’ll be learning about Retrograde, Combustion and Chesta Bala (one of the six Shada Balas), and how to evaluate them in a chart as an indicator of planetary strength."
(10-11 PM) : Charlotte Benson. Principles of Gochara - Essential Techniques for Timing Accurate Predictions
"The transiting grahas contribute distinctive influences on our consciousness, and therefore on our unique experiences in the course of our life. We’ll consider four criteria for assessing the likely effects of moving planets as they contact our charts: Natal state of the graha; bhavas from the Moon; Vedha; and “Dese Kala Patra”. The current “wandering cows” (gochara) will be discussed."
SUNDAY
(8-10:30 AM) : Barry Rosen. Types of Atmakaraka and Their Challenges: The Transmutation of The Soul on its Journey
"In Jaimini Astrology, the Atmakaraka is the planet with the highest degrees in the chart and represents the challenges of the soul in this incarnation and the deepest karma to be worked out. It usually is talked about bringing great blessings, but more often it will bring up deep karma in the material world to remind us that we are here to get enlightened. The planet that represents the Atmakarka, its placement in the natal chart and navamsha chart and in what nakshatra pada it is in, helps shed light on understanding the challenges of this incarnation and what wounds that need to be healed. Numerous Case studies for Saturn and Venus Atmakaraka will be used for illustration."
(11-1:30 PM) : Dr. David Frawley. Applying the Vedic Nakshatra Shaktis Today
"I discovered and brought back the use of the Nakshatra Shaktis from my research in Vedic Sanskrit texts in 1990, which many astrologers have since adopted, as well as related teachings of Pre-Parashara Vedic Jyotish. In this class we will discuss the broader meaning of these Nakshatra Shaktis and related teachings, and how to apply them today. Each Nakshatra has its inherent power or Shakti, including its special power of movement and transformation. To understand these we must understand the Vedic mantric language and how it applies astrology relative to human life and the yogic pursuit of higher Consciousness. This material is original work, which provides a new view of the Nakshtras from the Vedic perspective."
(3-5:30 PM) : Sam Geppi. Angular Strength – Dig Bala and Raja Yogas
"Planets in the Angular houses are extremely important in all astrological traditions. The angular houses, 1,4,7 and 10 are like the four pillars of a house. They offer support through the body (1), mind (4), others (7) and work (10). In Vedic astrology there are specific rules of interpretation that we apply to angular houses, their rulers, and the planet that occupy them. In this class we will examine two of the most important principles and the practices which allow us to interpret thosee principles correctly.
Namely: Classical Raja Yogas and Dig Bala (Directional strength). Planetary rulership in Vedic astrology takes on primary importance in chart interpretation. When the rulers of the trinal houses mix with the rulers of the angular houses, or occupy the angular houses, a Raja Yoga is formed. Raja means “King” and it elevates that area of life to a royal and regal station. Perhaps a royal presence (1st house) or a royal mind (4th house), a royal partner (7th house) or career (10th house) will be seen. Directional strength is also extremely important, as it is “reverse directional strength”. Having planets on certain angles both strengthen the planet and the angle, specifically regarding the "direction" that planet will take you in life. In addition, when the planet is opposite that directional strength it can be in some ways catastrophic. Dig Bala is a part of Shad Bala. I will also be discussing this in that larger context, and inviting students to attend my workshop on Applied Shad Bala. I will be quoting from the source texts directly, and using many case studies. So, be prepared to see all principles illustrated in real time, with live charts and with the source material quoted straight from the texts."
(7-9:30 PM) : Dr. Arjun Pai. Astro-Vastu: Rectification of Space using Tattwa and Ashtakavarga
"When our living space is not aligned with the cosmic forces then we maybe living in dissonance with the planetary energies causing challenges in multiple areas of our lives. This lecture will aim to understand how we can personalize the living space (vastu doctrine) by rebalancing tattwas (elements) with the help of Ashtakavarga. We'll learn the process to determine good directions for each planet and how to receive harmonious results in life."
(10-11:30 PM) : Pundit Samavedula - TBD
MONDAY
(9 AM-1:30 PM) : Eve Mendoza. ŚRI SVA PRAKĀŚA (Budha Graha | Planet Mercury)
"Budha Graha is by far one of the most mysterious of the Navagraha. His unconventional birth story as well as his untraditional wedding set him apart in distinct ways. His stories are full of turbulence yet he is named saumyachitta (of peaceful mind), dridhavrata (of firm vows), dridhaphala (giving firm or solid results), śivamkara (producing śivam or auspiciousness) and he is the only Graha who is uccha (elevated) in Svā condition (stationed or seated within his own self). Out of the Grahas, he is given to Sri Vishnu as primary Devata as well as Prithvi Tattva (the solid or earth element). Ruling the natural 3rd and 6th Rashis ((Mithuna and Kanya) both Dvisvabhava (dual) Rashis and being the Vimshotarri dashapati (time period lord) of three Nakshatras of gandanta points (Ashelsha, Jyeshtha and Revati), we observe more attributes coloring his mysterious persona. Budha Graha in various Shakta traditions is also associated with Sri Tripurasundari Devi and in some sources said to be Purva Bhadrapada jatam (born in Purva Bhadrapada nakshatra). From Puranic and Classical references to technical sources, we will visit all things related to Budha Graha, the Graha who is said to be the giver of samayana (a important term we will discuss) and who establishes himself madhya (in the middle), never straying far from Surya (shtira atmakaraka). Budha Graha is by far one of the most important Grahas to understand for students of Jyotish Shastra who plan on reading the birth charts of others or who plan on eventually teaching the Shastra. "
(2-6:30 PM PM) : Sam Geppi. Applied Shad Bala – Going Beyond the “Bar Graph” in Your Software
"The term “Bala” means "strength" in Sanskrit. Unfortunately, like many things in Vedic astrology, we see this Shad Bala bar graph in our software and think we have understood something. Instead of helping the client, we use it to give a general "strong/weak" planetary "analysis" which helps no one. BOO! In this intensive workshop were going to penetrate into the dense world of Shad Bala, the 6-fold system of planetary strength analysis used in Vedic astrology. By the end of this workshop you will understand what each of these Balas are. You will also know how to do a reading based on each of these “strengths”. Shad bala is a focused evaluation of planets based on several factors, many of them astronomical, several are very formulaic. There are six main categories of Shad Bala analysis: Sthana Bala, Dig Bala, Kala Bala, Chesta Bala, Naisargika Bala, Drik Bala, Total Shad Bala. Many of these categories contain close to a dozen factors to arrive at a conclusion. In this workshop we will discuss:
· All of the Shad bala factors, in general.
· How to interpret these factors individually
· How to interpret these factors in comparison with each other
· How to interpret these factors in a larger context of chart analysis.
It is time to stop saying “well this planet has a high Shad bala score, so that helps”, and other silliness. It is time to actually learn what Shad Bala is, so you know what you're talking about. An extensive manual will be given and I will be quoting from the source texts directly, and using many case studies. So, be prepared to see all principles illustrated in real time, with live charts and with the source material quoted straight from the texts."
(7-9:30 PM) : Melodie Essig. Tithis: The Sacred Lunar Days
"Did you know that your birth tithi, or the lunar day you were born on holds valuable information about your innate and emotional nature? Especially in regards to your personality traits, talents and relationships. Join Melodie Essig on an engaging journey through the lunar phases, or tithis, and uncover the hidden mysteries of your birth tithi. In this workshop, you'll discover the planetary rulers, deity, Nitya, Devi, and yantra associated with each of the 30 tithis. You'll also learn how to analyze, honor, and apply remedial measures, according to your birth tithi."
(10-11 PM) : Dr. Dennis Harness. Vedic Astrology and Transpersonal Counseling
"The role of the Vedic Astrologer as a consultant, counselor and spiritual guide requires basic training and effective communication skills. This is especially true in the Western world where an emphasis is placed on therapeutic astrology. Although technical skill and predictive accuracy are essential in Vedic astrological training, they are not enough to produce a competent astrological counselor. Empathy, compassion, intuition and a good 'chart-side manner' should be cultivated in developing one's therapeutic skills. A wise astrologer knows not only how, but also when to share difficult aspects of the natal chart with a client. The focus of this lecture is to explore common challenges in the consulting room and to provide solutions to these potential pitfalls in practice."