Orion Shield is Ready for You

When Orion rises in the east, his raised arm carrying the magnificent shield is the first thing that strikes you. If you are born under the Orion Shield then your lifestyle is outstanding. In this blog post I am etching out for you few details of the Orion Shield in terms of its astronomy and cosmics.

Astronomy

1. Orion Shield

The shield is located on the upper right of the Orion constellation where the mighty Orion carries it in his raised arm. Pliny considering the significance of Orion Shield described it as a separate constellation. Besotted with great stars in a vertical string the shield is the first to rise in the east when Orion appears after his daily slumber. There are six stars: Bayer classified these as Pi 1 to Pi 6 Orionis. Out of these six stars Pi 3 Orionis is in the west most direction, hence is the first to rise in the east followed by Pi 2, Pi 4, Pi 5, Pi 1 and finally Pi 6 with all of them having the name Orionis behind the respective numbers. It is not surprising that Pi 3 Orionis became the focus of the Orion Shield and subject of study by astronomers for centuries.

2. Common Name: Tabit

Pi 3 Orionis the lead star in the Orion shield was named as ‘Tabit” from Arabic” Al-Tabit” meaning “Endurer”. In Persian the title “Al-Taj” meaning a “Crown” is alluded to this star. Al-Sufi, Tenth century Persian-Arab astronomer ascribed the name “Al- Manica” a corruption from Latin “Mantle” meaning the cloth covering the gauntlet that Orion holds. Other aliases in Arabic are “Al-Kum” (Sleeve of the Garment) and Al-Dhawahib (Pendant). Many later day astronomers described the string of stars as a trophy of the Lion’s hide Orion holds in his right hand. A picture of Orion constellation in Urania’s Mirror published in 1825 shows this presentation. The name Orion Shield, however, has struck as the popular name for the widely scattered group of stars. Moreover, the name Tabit given to Pi 3 Orionis turned out to be the common name for all of the six stars in the Orion shield.

3. Component Stars

The six components stars can be traced between Right Ascension (Celestial Longitude) at 4 hours 50 minutes 24 seconds to 4 hours 59 minutes 5 seconds to the east and Declination ( Celestial Latitude) at North 1 degree 43 minutes 44 seconds to 10 degrees 9 minutes 59 seconds towards the north. I am not giving individual tracing locations for these stars due to want of space.

Let me give you some details of the six component stars:

Pi 1 Orionis: Located top most in the north, Pi 1 Orionis is a main sequence white dwarf star with a spectral type of “A0V” with a visual magnitude of 4.60 and located 120 light years away

Pi 2 Orionis: Located second most from the north, Pi 2 Orionis is a main sequence white dwarf with a spectral classification of “A1Vn” with a visual magnitude of 4.35 and located 194 light years away

Pi 3 Orionis: Located third most from the north, Pi 3 Orionis is a main sequence yellow-white dwarf star with a spectral type of ‘F6V” with a visual magnitude of 3.15 and located 26 light years away. It has 1.3 times of the mass of our Sun and is about 3 times luminous than our Sun. It is the brightest among the six stars in the shield. Reflected by the surface temperature at 6,400 Kelvin and rotating 2 miles per second the star gives out tepid orange hue

Pi 4 Orionis: Located fourth most from the north, Pi 4 Orionis is a blue to white giant binary star with a spectral type of B2III _ SB and with a visual magnitude of 3.65 and located some 1,260 light years away. Its companion star is a sub giant as hot as the main star rotating in close orbit. The combined effect of both main and companion stars make Pi 4 Orionis about 27, 000 times luminous than our Sun. The surface temperature about 21,000 Kelvin together with its distance from earth makes the star giving us a faded blue hue

Pi 5 Orionis: Located fifth most from north, Pi 5 Orionis is similar to Pi 4 in terms of spectral type but varies only in terms of visual magnitude a little bit higher at 3.70 and distance much farther at 1342 light years away. The surface temperature of the main and companion stars may be about 21,000 Kelvin. Combined mass is equal to about 12 Suns. The main and companion stars rotate very closely to each other, giving us on earth faded blue illumination

Pi 6 Orionis: Located at the bottom of the Orion shield Pi 5 Orionis is the odd man out among the six stars. It is an orange bright giant with a spectral type of ‘K2II Var” indicating the giant star has variable luminosity. At around 4.45 visual magnitude it is almost a faint star like Pi 1 Orionis. Located some 954 light years away it has double distinction: it rises as the last star in the Orion shield; it is also the only orange star just giving orange hue.

Cosmics

You are considered as coming under the influence of the Orion shield if at the time of your birth any one of the six stars is seen in the eastern horizon or culminates overhead in the sky cast over at the time and place of your birth. If a component star in the Orion shield rises in the eastern horizon at the time of your birth Orion Shield is your rising star and if it culminates at the time of your birth Orion shield is your culminating star. In rare cases, one of the component stars can move in the line of sight of the Moon at the time and place of your birth; if this happens Orion shield is your birth star as well.

Positive Cosmics

1. Orion Shield makes you a giant in the field of your choice: career, business or vocation

2. Orion shield gives you dignity reinforced by strength of character together with physical prowess

3. Great degree of self-confidence marks you as an achiever against all odds

4. You are blessed with two boons: a mind that remains alert and a body that remains agile

5. You have the tenacity to endure tests and tribulation in your family life and business life ultimately achieving the goals you have set for yourself

6. You will do extremely well in any career and business that borders on trading of goods irrespective of size and value

7. As Manilus in his Atronomica says you will have “unflagging energy” to meet with any situation.

Negative Cosmics

1. Over-confidence is your Achilles heal; you will be downed by this quality

2. The significant tendency to use violence against colleagues, friends and team mates is observed

3. Pride and prejudice are two aspects that harangue you throughout

4. The chances of others using you for their own benefit is more than the other way around

5. Improving your life requires that you have an ever doubting partner in the family; that can work as check and balance.

Muthu Ashraff

Cosmic Adviser

Mobile : +94 777 265677

E-mail : cosmicgems@gmail.com

Web : http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com

Blog : http://cosmicgemslanka.com/blog/

Born Under the Trapezium Stars

You are damned lucky if you are born under the influence of any Trapezium Stars. Out of several trapeziums of stars in the sky, the well known one is the Orion Trapezium. Let me sketch out this trapezium in terms of its astronomy and cosmics. Few recommendations for you in improving your life are also listed.

What is Trapezium?

A trapezium is defined in mathematics as a quadrilateral with no parallel sides. The form can vary depending on the size and shape of vertices within the trapezium.

What are Trapezium Stars?

In the heavens there are several star formations that take the shape of trapeziums. Out of these the famous and luminous one is called “Orion Trapezium” or simply “The Trapezium”.

Astronomy

Orion Trapezium is located in the Orion constellation, in the heart of Great Orion Nebula. Astronomically referred to as”Theta Orionis “and “Theta Orionis 1” it is a cluster of stars forming a visible trapezium. The Four stars that mark the vertices of the trapezium are ascribed the alphabet “Theta Orionis 1 A, B, C, & D”. These four stars as a combination acts like a never failing battery that light up the entire Orion Nebula. Bright and hot, these four stars are binaries or multiple star systems themselves spawning more companion stars. One study traced about 11 of these. Besides, the Trapezium is still working round the clock to create a big nursery of young and brilliant stars called “Orion Proplyds”. About 300 of these could be easily traced.

The Trapezium is the youngest star cluster and very much closest to the Earth. Formed jus below a million years ago, this cluster is located within the Sword of Orion the hunter, in Right Ascension (Celestial Longitude) 5 hours 35 minutes and 54 seconds and Declination (Celestial Latitude) 5 degree 26 minutes and 38 seconds south.

Some writers call these four stars collectively as “Ensis” a Latin word meaning “Sword”. The lead star in the Trapezium is Theta Orionis 1 C. This bright and whitish blue star belongs to the spectral group of “O 6 “. This star is about 40 times the size of our Sun and 210,000 times luminous than our Sun. It is too hot with 46,000 Kelvin surface heat and located about 1,350 light years away. Although this particular star dwarfs other three stars in terms of size and brilliance, all these four stars put together make the Trapezium a lively sight in the sky. Not only that it lights up the Orion Nebula by giving the energy, heat and brightness through the intense radiation and slashing strong winds blowing at the speed up to 660 miles per second. On average all four stars are in the magnitude range of 5.1 and are located within 22 arc seconds from west to east (right to left) in the order A B, C & D as shown in the picture below. From the picture it is evident that the Trapezium Stars give multi coloured reflection. Though green is dominant other colours such as blue, violet and red do mesmerize.

The Trapezium: Sky Chart & Diagram

http://www.pacifier.com/~tpope/Trapezium_Page.htm

Cosmics

You are recognised as coming under the influence of the Trapezium if at the time of your birth the Trapezium rises in the East or culminates overhead in the sky cast over at the time and place of your birth. If Trapezium rises at the time of your birth it is your rising star and if it culminates at the time of your birth it is your culminating star. In rare cases, Trapezium stars can become your birth star when the Moon figures in the line of sight at the time and place of your birth.

Improving Your Life

After evaluating both positive and negative cosmics arising from the Trapezium Stars, I am sketching few recommendations for you in improving your life:

1. Channelize your un-dying enthusiasm and go- getting lifestyle into viable results in your chosen career

2. Energize whatever you do or whomever you interact with; note that you are a power source, a huge battery

3. Popularize your stature and significance amongst relations, friends, colleagues and others; more with the opposite sex as they tend to idolize you

4. Monetize your programme of actions in career and business so that you rake in millions before others do

5. Ironize when your enemies harm you or colleagues mistreat you with a fitting response; note you are a sledgehammer and no vegetable

6. Lionize in enjoyment of pleasure in family; engaging in charitable actions concerning less fortunate people; guarding ladies under attack from unsociable elements

7. Eulogize when others do the best; note you are the best guy for valedictory function in meetings, banquets or after dinner speeches.

Muthu Ashraff

Cosmic Adviser

Mobile : +94 777 265677

E-mail : cosmicgems@gmail.com

Web : http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com

Blog : http://cosmicgemslanka.com/blog/

 

Menkar, Star for Disaster Management

Natural and man made disasters strike many parts of the globe frequently. Immediately organizations such as Oxfam, Red Cross & Red Crescent Societies come to the rescue of the many people affected. The staff manning these service organizations have one thing in common, the influence of the star Menkar bestowing on them the ability in disaster management. In this blog post, I examine the star Menkar in terms of Astronomy, Constellation and Cosmics. Few tips are given in improving your life too.

Menkar in Astronomy

Menkar is a bright cool orange to reddish star beaming orange colour. The star was named after its original Arabic title “Al-Minkhar Al- Qaytaas” meaning “The Nostril of the Sea Monster”. It is in the Cetus constellation or simply “The Whale” constellation. Menkar is located on the Jaw of the giant whale alias sea monster. When you take the entire constellation per se it is located on the north-eastern part and rises fairly late in the eastern sky in the horizon. Due to the variability of its brightness, Astronomer Bayer was led to believe it as the brightest star in the Cetus constellation. Accordingly, he gave the alpha status to the star. Today, the star is considered as the second brightest one.

Menkar is astronomically referred to as “Alpha Ceti “. It is classified as “M 1.5 III a” indicating it is a cool orange giant and a variable star to boot. In its stellar evolution, Menkar is almost in the penultimate stage before its eventual death. Menkar has passed the early stages such as fusing hydrogen to helium, helium to carbon and now it is in the stage of contracting the remaining carbon at the core. Consequently the star is shedding its outer layers made of hydrogen. Once this stage is passed, Menkar is set to explode as a planetary nebula. Thereafter, perhaps the remaining rump part of the star could turn out to be a large white dwarf star.

A third magnitude star in brightness in the scale at 2.5, Menkar is located in Right Ascension (Celestial Longitude) 3 hour 2 minutes and 49 seconds and Declination (Celestial Latitude) 4 degree 7 minutes and 44 seconds north. Menkar has surface temperature of 3,700 Kelvin and is about 380 times luminous than the Sun. It is about 220 light years away and about 84 times the size of the Sun. It is a horizon star and is moving away from earth at a speed of 16 miles per second. Menkar is known for special features:

1. Its brightness vary in an irregular manner; being a giant star it is given an astronomical short hand “Lb “ which conveys to the laymen “ the brightness of this giant star varies in irregular manner “

2. Menkar emits radio waves as a result of cool winds on its surface. This may also have caused the orange colour beamed from the star throughout despite its variability of its brightness

3. Menkar is the last important star to rise in the Cetus constellation as it is located in the north-eastern part of Cetus

4. Menkar has steadily and greatly lost its carbon content after it entered the third stage of contracting carbon at the core. This means that Menkar is on the fast track to become a planetary nebula compared with other stars.

Cetus Constellation

Let me say few things about Cetus constellation. The word Cetus comes from Latin, meaning a whale. According to Greek Legend it all started when Cassiopeia queen of Cepheus, the King of Ethiopia, boasted that her beauty surpasses that of the sea nymphs Nereids. Hearing this impertinent statement, Poseidon (Neptune in Latin), the Lord of the ocean and father of the Nereids sent storms to ravage the Ethiopian sea coast. When Cepheus consulted the Oracle he was advised that as atonement for the vanity of his queen he must chain his daughter Andromeda in the sea to be devoured by the sea monster Cetus, who appears in the form of a Giant Whale. Later on Cetus is seen travelling towards Andromeda, the virgin who is chained to the rock to be devoured by him. Before Cetus can finish his job, Perseus the hero appears. He has in his hand the Head of Gordon Medusa. Perseus shows this head to Cetus; on seeing Medusa, Cetus is turned into a stone. There the sea monster lies eternally.

On the contrary, Gerardus D Bouw, writing in Biblical Astronomer No 104, traces the Cetus story from Nineveh, the Assyrian capital city on the bank of the Tigris River that was revived by God after the Ninevites repented as preached by Prophet Jonah. Obviously, the whale that swallowed Jonah could easily be traced to Cetus.

Whatever the story is, Cetus constellation is largely a southern constellation with few stars above the celestial equator. It is fourth largest constellation in the known sky. This constellation has several notable stars: Deneb Kaitos, Menkar , Baton Kaitos, Al Kaf Al Jidhmah, Deneb and Mira.

Cosmics

Menkar is located just above the celestial equator and always rises in the horizon. It can influence a person in four counts:

1. Birth star sighted by the Moon

2. Lucky star sighted by one of the other six planets

3. Rising star

4. Culminating star

Positive Cosmics

1. Menkar makes you a ‘service to humanity” person. You have charitable nature in helping affected people during calamities. It can be natural disaster such as an earthquake or a man made disaster such as arson. Whatever the nature of the disaster you are one of the few to rush in with whatever help you can garner

2. Though you often languish in the cocoon shelf of your office when the moment arrives you rise to the occasion with speed and agility second to none

3. Quick analysis is your hallmark and moving men and logistics under trying conditions is the task made for you

4. You will not easily give up in your actions be it in the office or in the sports ground. Your enthusiasm never fades

5. Plump, fat with an over sized belly and besotted with un-combed hair you are, in appearance wise an anti-thesis to the heroes in the celluloid films; but when it comes to work you are marvellous and often get adulation from many quarters.

Negative Cosmics

1. The chief negative is that you are too emotional; if anything is denied you are going to take it up grudgingly and wait for the moment to demonstrate that the other party is simply wrong

2. You can be caught in a web of deceit especially in relation to financial scandals or in extra marital affairs

3. You are prone to major accidents resulting in the loss of life or limb; you are also susceptible to major breakdowns in terms of health

4. As you tread the path of helping people in the throes of crisis the chance of tripping onto electricity wire or stung by venomous snakes or attacked by hyenas and other predators cannot be over-emphasized.

Improving Your Life

The following are few recommendations to improve your life:

1. You should select white, green orange and light colours for your dress

2. Numbers 1, 5 & 8 do wonders for you

3. You must sleep, keeping your head towards the south -east

4. You must join social services or disaster management or special services organizations

5. Single marriage lasts till end

6. It would be better for you to be in the public service or work for a Non-Governmental Organizations(NGO)

7. You should use the combination of alphabets “H “ in name or user name or pet name

8. You must develop lifestyle where your suitcase is stuffed and ready to fly away on call. Like in the Lyrics of a Jim Reeves number “ I hear the sound of distant drums” you wait for the mobile to ring for the call of duty

9. During leisure, enjoy at home peacefully.

Muthu Ashraff

Cosmic Adviser

Mobile : +94 777 265677

E-mail : cosmicgems@gmail.com

Web : http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com

Blog : http://cosmicgemslanka.com/blog/

Mebsuta, Star of Love and Vitality

After a hectic and stressful day in office you are still fresh and willing to drop your colleague miles away from your home. How did you get all love and vitality? One explanation: you are born with the star Mebsuta guiding you. This fascinating star makes an ordinary person a caring and at the same time strong leader. Let me explain about the star Mebsuta in this blog post outlining, its astronomy and Cosmics, so that you can change your lifestyle and embark upon improving your life.

1) Astronomy

The name of the star Mebsuta is derived from Arabic “Al-Mabsuta” meaning “outstretched”. Astronomically known as Epsilon Gemini, Mebsuta is a double star in the Gemini constellation. Located in the ecliptical plane, this star is often passed by the Moon technically known as “occulted”. Other planets whistle by, but occultation is somewhat rare. The last incident of such occultation occurred on August 4, 1976 when Mars passed by Mebsuta.

Location of Mebsuta is interesting; from its position at Right Ascension (Celestial longitude) 6 hours 44 minutes and 33 seconds and Declination (Celestial latitude) of 25 degree 7 minutes and 14 seconds if you draw a line to south-east you will notice a three star combination. The first one being Mebsuta on the top, the second one in middle being Mekbuda (known as Zeta Gemini) and the last one being Kebash (known as Lambda Gemini). Interestingly Mebsuta is just above the ecliptical plane whereas Mekbuda just below the ecliptical line.

Fifth brightest star in the Gemini Constellation, Mebsuta is considered as a double star. The primary star has 3.2 magnitude of brightness and glows in white to yellowish colour. Its companion however is a small 9.5 magnitude blue star. The latter appears to our eyes as close to star Mebsuta though it is about 110 arc seconds away in the deep sky. Star Mebsuta is burning helium at the core like our Sun and losing its mass steadily. As a rare type of super giant, Mebsuta is much cooler than our Sun at 4,360 Kelvin belying its classification as “G8Ib Star” generally given to yellow stars like our Sun whose surface temperature must be above 5000 Calvin. This may be due to its long distance at 900 light years away and its brightness in luminosity of some 7,600 times the Sun and its size of about 150 times the Sun. What a great super giant!

2) Cosmics

2.1) Gemini Constellation

The legend of Gemini constellation is well known. In Greek Mythology, Gemini relates to twin brothers born to one mother and two fathers. Pollux the elder was born to Zeus who creeps in on the wedding night of Leda as a Swan and beds her; Castor was born to Tyndareus, King of Sparta to whom Leda is lawfully wedded. While Pollux is immortal Castor is mortal. Pollux is a pugilist whereas Castor is a horseman. Both are inseparable twins. Castor was fatally wounded in a battle with Idas who is their mutual cousin. Pollux could not console himself with the death of his twin brother and pleads with Zeus to take his life as well. Zeus so impressed by the brotherly love shown by Pollux towards Castor, places them in the sky as immortal stars symbolizing love and affection between two brothers. The star Mebsuta is located on the right knee of Castor. Interestingly, the star Mekbuda mentioned earlier is located on the left knee of Pollux. The ancients used to swear by the name of Gemini when making oaths or transactions.

2.2) Lunar Mansion

Mebsuta is in the sixth Lunar Mansion (Arabic Al- Manzil Al-Qamar) of “Al- Hannah (The Mark)”. Those who are born under this lunar mansion have noble virtues; they work hard and never lose their love and vitality. This lunar mansion has a mixed bag; on one hand it makes a person born under it to toil hard ; on the other hand it preserves such persons unscathed from failures and disappointments making them paragons of virtue.

2.3) Improving Your Life

Mebsuta can influence your life as a Birth star, Rising star, Culminating star and Lucky star depending on the sky map cast at the time, date and place of your birth. Considering the positive and negative Cosmics of the star Mebsuta the following are brief recommendations given for improving your life:

1. You should select blue, white, yellow and light colours for your upper garments such as shirts and blazers; choose dark shades for lower garments such as trousers and skirts

2. Numbers 1, 2 and 6 should do wonders for you

3. You must sleep, keeping your head towards the direction of North - West

4. You must select business or profession that does not conflict with nature but helps people to live with nature

5. You can also select trading goods or services across the oceans

6. Industries such as Music and films, Leisure & tourism, Fashion & entertainment could be more rewarding

7. You should be a peace activist and heavily charity minded

8. You are One-marriage person; therefore select your partner wisely

9. You should use the alphabet “K” or “Q” in your name; if this is not possible get username, pet name or business name in this manner

10. On your study or work table keep a model of ship with floating sails. The replica in wood is recommended

11. During leisure, play flute or melodious instrument that uses wind; watch films that depict love and affection or arts and nature

12. Take lot of care on your feet, knee downwards; special attention must be paid to your right knee; any knee injury would be debilitating and fatal too.

Muthu Ashraff

Cosmic Adviser

Mobile : +94 777 265677

E-mail : cosmicgems@gmail.com

Web : http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com

Blog : http://cosmicgemslanka.com/blog/

What are your Stars?

Everyone is born under a Star. This star is generally called as “birth star”. The birth star can be one of great significance in the sky bringing you favourable cosmics all the way or just a minor star of little consequence. In the latter case you can check for other stars to guide you. In this blog post I explain how you should look for your stars so that you can improve your lifestyle.

1. Birth Star

Birth Star is found from the location of the Moon in the sky map at the time of your birth. Most of the time, the Moon would be sighting a celestial object, which can be a Star, Planet, Cluster or Nebulae; the last two are referred to as Deep Sky Objects (DSO). For easy convenience we use the word Star, and call this as “Birth Star”. Once you have identified the birth star you can check whether the star is indeed your lucky one bringing you favourable cosmics. You can get a primer on this subject by reading two of my blog posts:

Your Lucky Star – Astronomical Considerations

Your Lucky Star – Cosmic Considerations

If the star identified by you is indeed the lucky one you can stop forthwith and adopt the star as your “Birth Star”. If not proceed to item Two “Lucky Star” below.

2. Lucky Star

You can check the sky map for location of planets other than the Moon in the following order: Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Sun, Venus and Mercury. Here there is a restriction; these planets can only sight a fixed star and not other celestial objects such as other planet, cluster or nebulae.

Once a star is identified, you stop forthwith and adopt the star as your “Lucky Star”. If not proceed to item Three “Rising Star” below.

3. Rising Star

You can check the sky map for the star that was rising at the time of your birth. Once a star is identified, you stop forthwith and adopt the star as your “Rising Star”. If not proceed to item Four “Culminating Star”.

4. Culminating Star

You can check the sky map for the star that was culminating at the time of your birth. Culmination means a star crossing your local meridian. Once the culminating star is identified you stop forthwith and adopt the star as your “Culminating Star”.

These are easy steps for you to find out your stars; in case of difficulty you can get in touch with an astronomer in your area to guide you in this regard. If you are born in locations above 33 degree north in latitude or below 33 degree south in latitude, you should check for stars that never rise or set for your locations.

Once you are thorough with this exercise you can even adopt all the four type of stars: Birth Star, Lucky Star, Rising Star and Culminating Star. Until then you satisfy with a single one.

Muthu Ashraff

Cosmic Adviser

Mobile:   +94 777 265677

E-mail:    cosmicgems@gmail.com

Web:      http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com

Perseids Meteor Shower: How it affects you?

The brightest and fastest amongst meteor showers is the famous Perseids Meteor Shower. So popular it is, Google put the picture of the shower on the title page along with its name. The Perseids stream never disappoints. Many enthusiasts have gathered in open spaces and or on the roof of their houses to see the magnificent cosmic firework on  August 12, when Perseids reached its peak performance. This blog post details for you Perseids in terms of astronomy, cosmics and how it affects your family life.

Meteors

You have heard about meteor showers or shooting stars or falling stars, or simply meteors. There are millions of these shooting stars seen throughout the year. When you look at the night sky generally after mid-night you will observe streaks of light flicking away in the sky for a second or two. What you see is not a physical matter, because most of these meteors are so small to be seen from the earth, but the atmospheric reaction when these fast moving meteors hit at the earth’s atmosphere resulting in a friction between the air molecules and the surface of the meteor. So you see the burning of the gaseous particles in glowing colour.

Meteors originate in the following manner. Usually comets pass through the Sun in their orbit and when they get closer to the Sun, they shed parts of their matter. These are known as Meteoroids which travel alone or in a group in the vast expanse of the space. When some of these meteoroids enter into the earth’s orbit we call them Meteors to distinguish from the Meteoroids. Most of these meteors burn out as shooting stars as described above.

Perseids

Most of the showers are named after the constellations they originate from; we call this as “radiant”. Perseids takes its names from Perseus constellation, to which we can trace back its origin or radiant at the point where delta Persei a brilliant star is located. Perseids Meteor Showers which we call “Perseids” for easy reference commences on July 23 and ends by August 22 every year. The stream strikes at about 90 miles per hour. On average 50 to 80 meteors could be seen within an hour, which is technically called as Zenithal Hourly Rate (ZHR). This level peaks to about 120 ZHR during 11, 12 & 13 August. Moreover, the level rises to about 200 to 500 when the Earth comes into the path of the comet 109P / Swift Tuttle when it flies past the Sun. The comet’s debris is the one that is transformed into the fascinating shooting stars, hence we call this comet the parent of the stream. During the years 1993 and 1994 high rates of ZHR were recorded as the 109P / Swift Tuttle comet was passing through the orbit of the earth. In fact, the comet discovered by Lewis Swift and Horace Tuttle in 1862, after whose names it is named was last seen on earth on March 29, 1995 in Australia. The Perseids stream is seen in different cosmic colours. These are keenly watched because the stream coincides with summer time in the Northern Hemisphere. The radiant Perseus constellation lies beyond the ecliptical path of the Sun in the North. Nevertheless its proximity with Aries and Taurus constellations bestows to it high cosmic significance.

Cosmics of Perseids

Perseus is all about bravery, love, wisdom, perseverance and advancement of worldly or spiritual learning. You have learnt about the hero Perseus. He set himself to free Andromeda, the virgin who was chained to the rock to be devoured by Cetus, the whale. Before Cetus can complete his task, Perseus arrives with the Head of Gordon Medusa in hand. He showed the head to Cetus. On seeing Gordon Medusa, Cetus is turned into stone. Perseus then marries Andromeda, so goes the Legend.

Against this mythological background I observed the sky chart from Tehran, Iran at 6.00 p.m., on August 12. I noticed significant phenomena which seriously affect the influence Perseids has upon the people on the earth. One relates to the position of the Moon which is on its last quarter. Although the Moon is 21.5 days old it is still brighter to overshadow the brightness of the shooting stars. Moreover, the Moon is in the first Lunar Mansion (Manzil-Al-Qamar, in Arabic) of Al-Sheratain (means: Two signs). This Manzil is defined as very auspicious moment for beginning any matter or work; besides the Moon itself is in the Aries constellation, which is the first zodiacal sign. The other relates to the position of Sun, which is in the Leo Constellation. On its direct path lies Regulus the Royal Star, Mercury and Saturn all in the Leo Constellation. Now let me give you the result.

How Perseids Meteor Shower 2009 affects you?

1. Babies born in your family during the peak period 11 to 13 August 2009 would be brilliant and maverick at one and the same time. You should take care to neutralize the quality of any eccentric behaviour in them. Let me give you some of the noted persons who had similar birthdays whose brilliance, extra ordinary perseverance and non-conformist behaviour are well documented:

August 11

Steve Wozinak – Co-founder of Apple computer

Alex Haley – Author of the Book “ Roots: The Saga of an American Family”

August 12

Cleopatra VII – Egyptian Queen who ended her life by allowing herself to be stung by a cobra

Cecil B DeMille – Legendary Film Producer

George Soros – Investor

August 13

Sir Alfred Hitchcock – Legendary Film Producer

Fidel Castro – Cuban Leader

2. Those of you who are born in the period 11to 13 August would go through severe mental stress arising from delays, failures and losses in family and business life

3. Those of who are born in the First Moon Mansion of Al-Sheratain are set to reach your best performance in career, business and social life but miserably fail in family and married life

4. Those of you who are born under stars in Perseus Constellation such as Mirfak (alternatively known as Algeneb), a brilliant white and lilac star or Miram, a greenish white giant will have tremendous boost.

5. If your birth or lucky stars are Menkib, Athik and Misam in the Perseus constellation you would achieve above-average results.

6. If you are born under the Star Algol in the Perseus Constellation, you would tend to achieve less than average results. However, if you are feminine you will go have excellent time in family and business life.

Muthu Ashraff

Cosmic Adviser

Mobile:   +94 777 265677

E-mail:    cosmicgems@gmail.com

Web:      http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com

Aldebaran : the Royal star of Passion, Power & Fair- play

You will never miss the bright star Aldebaran in the Taurus constellation. Looking at a clear sky you see the phenomenon of the charging bull onto Orion , the hunter. You will notice the remarkable red eye of the bull displaying passion , power and fair-play. Yes. It is the Royal star of Persia, one of the four guardians of cardinal directions with responsibility to protect the eastern segment. The star is a splendid object to watch specially during November when you see fascinating fire showers of a meteor in close proximity to Aldebaran. Let me explain the legend, astronomy and cosmics of this great star.

1. Legend

From ancient time Aldebaran marked the Vernal (spring) equinox. In many cultures it was known as the Eastern Star. For Persians it was not only the Guardian of East but also represented the god Mithra, who personified for many qualities such as wisdom, light, power and glory. But god Mithra demanded un-swerving loyalty, integrity and fair-play. Any temptation of greed & passion would negate all the rewards; instead the punishment turns the table: dishonour, incarceration and possible death in ignominy coming in its wake. In later times Aldebaran was also connected with Eastern religions such as Zoroastrian and Buddhism, Often the star is described as The Buddha’s Eye symbolizing the divine wisdom. For Western religions, Aldebaran stood for the archangel Michael who guarded the East.

Though the name Aldebaran is etymologically from Arabic, the star was called by different names across the globe. Ptolemy called it as “ torch” due to the rose colour light emanating from it. Romans called it “ Palilicium” due to the disappearance of the star into evening twilight when feast of Pales was celebrated. For Persians it was Taschter. In Latin it was “ Occulus Tauri” or the Eye of Taurus. Indian named it “Rohini”, for its fire-red.

The Arabic name Al-Dabaran meaning the “ follower” led to many observers to the conclusion that the star follows either or both Pleiades and Hyades two famous sub-groups located within Taurus constellation. This may be due to Aldebaran being the first star in the V shape group of Hyades consisting of six stars inclusive of it. But in terms of legend it is incorrect, because Taurus the bull is charging against Orion the hunter towards the South-eastern direction. Therefore, Aldebaran is not following the Hyades at all. As regards to following Pleiades it must be pointed out that Pleiades is to the west of Aldebaran. Moreover, the word “ follower “ used by Arabs may be construed to mean the one who follows archangel Michael. Fortunately for us Interesting and convincing evidence comes from Al-Sufi , the 10^th Century Arab astronomer who counted Aldebaran completely out of the Hyades group.

Let me explain little bit of Hyades; in mythology Hyades represent the seven daughters of Atlas and Aithra. However, there are only six stars in the V shape formation now; Hesiod the Greek Poet gives only five names of the daughters. Therefore, Al-Sufi is right in taking Aldebaran completely out of the Group of Hyades. Yet another proof is that of gamma Tauri, a star in this group which is called as “Prima Hyadum” or the first of the followers. Hence, we can safely treat Aldebaran as distinct from the group of Hyades. Whatever it may be, Aldebaran stands singularly out of these six stars.

There is some warning; the vacant space between Aldebaran and westwards to Pleiades is full of mines. Al-Biruni initially summoned his courage to call this area ”Al-Daika” or “ growing small”. But later he abandoned his courage and called it as “ Kalb-Al-Dabaran” meaning “the dog of the follower”, a metaphysical expression to indicate that you are treading on an evil path.

2. Astronomy

Aldebaran is astronomically referred to as alpha Tauri, an orange-reddish giant of K5III spectral class. It is a star of first magnitude in brightness generally hovering around 0.85 to 0.9 magnitude range, reflecting its variability. It is located in Right Ascension 4.60 hrs and Declination of 16.45 degree North. It is best seen in November though for about 8 months you can watch it without binoculars. It has three companions; all are red dwarfs smaller than our Sun. Companion B is close by whereas C & D are far away. Its surface temperature is below 4000 Kelvin, much lower than that of our Sun. Due to this cooler temperature, the star gives orange to rose colour light. Aldebaran is some 65 light years away and about 300 times luminous than the Sun with about 2.5 times of the size of the Sun. The star is very close to the Ecliptic. Hence, often is covered or occulted by both luminaries the Sun and the Moon, by the latter much regularly. Sun is pretty close to it in early June whereupon the star loses its brightness completely. Aldebaran is moving away from us at a speed of 30 miles per second.

Aldebaran is in advanced stage of its evolution like our Sun and burns helium into carbon. Astronomers continue to study the star for its solar spectrum and the fact it rotates slowly and wobble in its path. The beauty of Aldebaran is that it is very close to the point where we see the meteor Taurides. The debris of a dead comet by the name of Encke is showered towards earth in high velocity. For us on earth this phenomenon is clear during November 5 to 12. Though this cannot be seen every year due to obstruction by planets , especially by Jupiter, the 2008 shower of the meteor was marvellous indeed.

3. Cosmics

Cosmically Aldebaran means many things to many people. Generally it showers courage, wisdom and light; grants honour, fortune and wealth; takes you to higher sexuality and sensuousness. But negatives are damning: you brush on the wrong side, then the, Royal Star gives you a spank. You always go in a merry –go- round. You succeed in life and there is temptation and then you fall fast. No wonder, the Persians equated it to God Mithra. When you are unscrupulous or tempted your honour turns into dishonour; your courage transforms into violence; your sexuality over-turns to sadistic and hyper-sex.

If Aldebaran is your e birth star, and placed well with the Sun and Moon it is an excellent motivator. It teaches you how to be a disciplined soldier, statesman business leader and a societal man. Its position with other planets also generates positive or negative energy; positive energy makes you a great personality enjoying success with pleasure; negative energy, on the other hand, would end you in prison and lead you to your demise in ignominy.

Symbology equates it as the eastern part of the Cross supported by the Hebrew letter Aleph implying leadership and hard work often signalling peace with resoluteness. In meteorology Aldebaran is everything put together: rain, thunder, lightning and wind. Ancient cultures saw Aldebaran heralding rain as well as spring.

Diamonds are forever with Alderbaran. Women under the influence of the star should choose diamonds sparkling in reddish or rose hues. For men it must be bluish for courage and definitely more zing to their sexual potency.

Muthu Ashraff

Cosmic Adviser

Mobile:   +94 777 265677

E-mail:    cosmicgems@gmail.com

Web:      http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com