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moganathasan
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If you have poor communication skills, it can be fatal for your relationships. Communication is a vital aspect of human interaction. It involves listening as well as talking. Some people lack listening skills. They tend to tune out of conversations, indulge in phubbing, act as if they are mind readers and make assumptions about people, or find it hard to accept differing viewpoints.
If you are a good listener, you will bring empathy and understanding to your relationships. Also, you won’t be judgmental or have rigid beliefs and opinions about things.
It is not easy to have relationships with people who are poor listeners. Astrology says that people born under certain zodiac signs tend to be poor listeners. This article is about 4 such zodiac signs and the astrological reasons for their behavior.
Aries
Aries, a Fire sign ruled by Mars, has lots of passion and determination, Aries natives like to lead. They are impulsive and hate slowness. This makes them rather impatient, especially when listening to others.
Aries is very assertive. So they will be more inclined to express their own thoughts and ideas rather than listen to others. They have a competitive spirit and tend to dominate people. This reduces their ability to hear and understand other viewpoints.
Aries people are multitaskers. They will be doing many things at the same time. So they may not be able to focus on what you're saying. Their attention will be on all the different things they are doing when you are talking to them.
Aries people should cultivate patience to become better listeners. They need to value other people’s perspectives. They can also practice active listening techniques.
Gemini
Gemini is ruled by the Air element and the planet Mercury. Mercury rules communication, so Gemini people are excellent communicators. They love to talk, but they can get so carried away by their talk that they neglect to listen. Also, they are restless and easily distracted. Their curiosity often makes them go off on a tangent during conversations. They are also quite impatient and get bored quickly.
A Gemini’s mind is always in motion. They find it hard to pay attention to a person’s words for long. They tend to flit from topic to topic and often miss the significance of what others are saying.
Gemini people should practice meditation, mindfulness, and grounding techniques to improve their listening skills. They should slow down their thought process and become more engaged in conversations.
Leo
Fire sign Leo has the Sun as its planetary ruler. The Sun signifies power and authority. Hence, Leos tend to express themselves with confidence and dominate conversations.
Leos want to be at the center of attention. This may impair their ability to listen to others. They may feel that they have all the answers and, as a result, disregard alternative viewpoints.
To become good listeners, Leos should become more humble. They should accept that everyone has something of value to contribute. They should develop empathy and try to understand what others say and this feel. This can help them develop a more collaborative communication style.
Sagittarius
Jupiter is a Fire sign, ruled by Jupiter, that signifies expansion and exploration. Sagittarius constantly seeks new adventures and experiences as well as philosophical knowledge.
Sagittarians often come across as dismissive or aloof during interactions. Also, they love to talk and often get so excited that they take over the conversation. The fact is, they are good conversationalists and storytellers, and people let them have their way.
To become good listeners, Sagittarians should be fully present and attentive when they interact with others.
Pisces
Pisces, a Water sign, has Neptune as its planetary ruler. These natives are dreamers and tend to live in a fantasy world of their own. They are very imaginative and creative. Their mind is always buzzing with new ideas and fantasies.
In the midst of a conversation, they will drift away into their fantasy world. This can be pretty annoying to others. With Pisces, it’s not self-centeredness or the urge to dominate others that make them poor listeners. They are actually very sensitive and kind people. So they will be hurt if you accuse them of ignoring you.
Pisces can develop good listening skills by being present during a conversation and trying to focus on what the other person is saying.
Conclusion
Listening is important for effective communication. It helps build meaningful connections with others. It is essential for building trust. Also, poor communication can lead to misunderstandings. When people don’t listen to each other, they can mishear something or misinterpret someone’s words. Good listening skills can reduce conflict, as people feel respected when you listen to them. It also helps develop empathy and improves business as well as romantic relationships.
So, if you think you are a poor listener, make an effort to improve your listening skills. It can make a world of difference not only to you but to your friends and loved ones, too.
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Food is very important for our survival and good health. In many Hindu households, women admonish children who waste food. Food is a blessing from god, so wasting food is like an insult to god. Or Goddess, to be more precise. The deity of food and nourishment in Hinduism is Goddess Annapurna.
Who is Goddess Annapurna?
‘Annapurna’ means ‘one who gives food and nourishment’. Anna means "food" or "grains," while purṇa means "full’”, “complete,” etc.
She is a daughter of Himayat, the king of the mountains, and Mt. Annapurna in the Himalayas gets its name from her. Her other names are Visalakshi, Renu, Bhuvaneshwari, Viswamata, etc.
The Goddess is a form of Parvati, the consort of Shiva.
Annapurna is depicted as a youthful goddess with a red complexion and a round face. She has three eyes and four hands. In her lower left hand is a vessel containing porridge. The right hand holds a golden ladle adorned with jewels. The other two hands display Abhaya, and Varada poses. She sits on a throne with the crescent moon on her head. Sometimes, Shiva is shown standing to the right with a begging bowl, seeking alms.
Annapurna finds mention in many Hindu religious texts, like the Rudrayamala, Sivarahasya, Annapurnamantratsava, Annapurna Kavacha, and Bhairvahyantantra.
Annapurna Jayanti is the birthday of Goddess Annapurna. It falls on the ‘Purnima’ (full moon day) of ‘Margashirsha’ (Nov – Dec) month.
Devotees worship Goddess Annapurna and perform Pooja on this day. The Pooja is performed mainly by women. Annapurna Jayanti has different traditions and customs in different regions. In the east, especially West Bengal, Annapurna Jayanti is observed in ‘Chaitra’ (March-April) month. In South India, people worship her on the ‘Chaturthi’ (4th day) of the Navratri festival. Annapurna temples in Varanasi, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh perform special rituals on her Jayanti.
Annapurna Jayanti 2023 is on December 26 Tuesday.
The Story Behind Annapurna Jayanti
One day, Shiva and his consort Parvati had an argument about the material world. Shiva said that all material things were illusions, including food. This angered Parvati, who rules the material world. To prove her importance, she vanished, saying that she wished to see how the world would survive in her absence.
As there was no food, famine raged all over the world. Even the Gods had no food. Finally, Shiva realized that there was only one place on earth, in Varanasi (Kashi), where food was available.
So Shiva went to Kashi to seek food. He was taken aback when he saw that it was Parvati who owned the kitchen in the form of Annapurna. She wore purple and brown garments and a few ornaments. Sitting on a throne, she was serving food to the starving gods and hungry humans and other creatures. Annapurna offered food as alms to Shiva. He realized that even if he had no hunger, the same was not true of his followers.
There is also a legend from south India that is related to Shiva’s name, ‘Kapaleeshwara.’ It says that Shiva got relief from the curse of ‘Brahmahatidosa’ that he incurred when he decapitated Brahma’s 5th head. The skull became stuck to his hands, but it fell after he received food from the hands of the goddesses Saraswati, Lakshmi, and finally, Parvati in the form of Annapurna.
Rituals during Annapurna Jayanti
∙ Hindu devotees usually perform a Pooja at home. They make a small mandap and place an idol of Goddess Annapurna in the Pooja area.
∙ On Annapurna Jayanti, they worship the Goddess with ‘Shodashopachara and perform ‘Annabhishekam’ to her.
∙ Women observe a strict fast on Annapurna Jayanti to please Annapurna and seek her blessings. The fast ends at night after the worship.
∙ ‘Annapurna Devi Ashtakam’ is recited on this day as it is very auspicious on this day.
Significance of Annapurna Jayanti
Food is sacred in Hinduism, and many Hindus offer prayers to it before consuming it. Like Buddhists, Hindus also believe that food has an effect on the body and mind. Food is a source of the body’s chemistry, which can affect our consciousness and emotions. Hence, the expression of our soul depends on our body, which, in turn, depends on the food we eat. A proper diet is important for spiritual development in Hinduism. So Goddess Annapurna, who is responsible for our nourishment and sustenance, has an important position in Hinduism.
In India, there are some temples for the Goddess. The most important of these are the Annapoorna temple at Horanadu (Karnataka), established by Sage Agastya on the banks of the Bhadra river, Annapurna Devi Mandir in Varanasi, Shiva Shakti Annapurna temple in Barrackpore, West Bengal, Annapurna mandir, Indore, in Madhya Pradesh, etc.
Annapurna is the Goddess of Kashi (Varanasi). She is considered the queen of Varanasi, while Shiva is the king.
The auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya falls on the same day as Annapurna Jayanti..
Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto are the outer planets in Vedic astrology. They are not given importance in the birth chart, unlike Western astrology. The Rig Vedas do not mention them, either. Though they don’t have much importance in Vedic astrology, they do have some significance. They exert a broader influence, albeit indirect, which is not prominently expressed in the birth chart.
They can act as catalysts for major shifts in a person’s life and shape major global events. Sometimes, they are also associated with the forces represented by the Hindu trinity (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva).
They are found in the furthest reaches of the universe. As they are very far from the sun, they take much longer to complete their journey across the zodiac, compared to the inner planets. An inner planet may spend a couple of days or a couple of months in a zodiac sign. But an outer planet may spend several years in one sign.
As they spend a lot of time influencing a specific aspect of your life, they tend to shape the things that define your growth. Some of them can shape entire generations, bringing changes that happen over decades. Outer planets do not usually describe your innate personality traits, they can show you who you’re becoming as well as where you’re going. They can help you understand how your life has progressed and how it will continue to progress.
Vedic astrology believes that the manifestations of the outer planets occur through Rahu and Ketu or the shadow planets, which are also the north and south lunar nodes. The effects of Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto are reflected in Rahu’s materialistic pursuits and Ketu’s leanings toward spirituality and liberation. Rahu and Ketu are also part of the Nava Grahas, which astrologers take into account when analyzing a birth chart and making predictions.
Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto have distinct features in Vedic astrology. They do not represent any house, rule any Rashi (Moon sign), or function as karakas, unlike the major signs. They are more like powerful background forces. They set the stage for major events, on a large scale or globally. When they are in conjunction with other planets or aspect them, they exert more influence. While the major planets are thought to have some flaws, the three outer planets are deemed flawless, as they embody the Hindu Trinity and hence, are perfect in themselves.
Also, the outer planets can bring about significant transformations. Without the transit of at least one of them, major changes that can reshape our individuality will not take place.
Uranus in Vedic Astrology
Uranus rules innovation and creativity and has a lot of significance in Vedic astrology. It is responsible for the transformative energies that cause major changes in our lives. Uranus symbolizes the path of self-discovery and helps us understand our true destiny.
There can be invention and innovation on a personal level or a global scale. Personal discoveries can reveal hidden aspects of our inherent nature. This brings us closer to our destiny. It can be a very enriching and liberating process that happens unexpectedly and leads to better self-awareness. The personal changes triggered by Uranus are key transformations that change the course of our lives.
Such changes may also be caused by unforeseen events, like accidents or injuries, that can majorly impact our physical and emotional well-being.
On a larger scale, the planet is linked to revolution and societal change, like political revolts and governmental transformations. These may coincide with Uranus’s challenging aspect to Pluto. Natural disasters like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions can also be triggered by such events, with devastating consequences.
Uranus can cause unpredictable turmoil. When Uranus forms aspects with the Sun or Moon in the birth chart, your relationship with your father or mother may undergo unusual upheavals. It can be an emotionally challenging time and can even damage the parent-child bond.
When Uranus is in conjunction with Venus, it can cause strained relationships. Sudden issues can arise, and the partnership may end. But on a positive note, Uranus guides us toward our true destiny. So, if a relationship is not in alignment with our higher purpose, it can come to an end, and we will be able to form relationships that are more in tune with our true selves.
Uranus transits can bring disruptions, but they can be transformative. They uncover hidden aspects of ourselves and trigger major changes in our personalities. They can be positive on a personal level. But people who are not comfortable with our authentic selves may exit from our lives during such times.
Neptune in Vedic Astrology
Neptune is the second of the outer planets. Its role is preservation. It keeps changing forms and is a manifestation of Maya (illusion). Neptune causes us to go beyond illusions and perceive the reality of things.
Understanding Neptune is not easy. It is confusing and elusive, and we often fail to recognize its true nature. If you become trapped in Maya, you may fall into depression.
Neptune in Vedic astrology represents deception and spirituality. It can influence us in diverse ways. Its impact also depends on the positions of other planets in the horoscope. Neptune is often associated with Vishnu. It signifies life-giving energy that is transferred from one thing to another. Neptune’s illusory nature is due to this constant changeability. Thus, hope and happiness are not fixed in one person or object but changes to another. If you accept this fluidity of form, you can find more happiness and fulfillment in life. They will be preserved. But if you remain fixated on external appearances, you will fail to see the deeper reality that change is key to preservation.
As in Western astrology, Neptune in Vedic astrology is also believed to be unconditional and formless. It has no fixed forms; instead, it manifests itself in different entities at different times. During Neptune's transit, there may be a shift in something that once provided us happiness or love. Or there can be a change in the career path to one with better prospects. If you accept such changes, there will be spiritual growth.
Neptune also brings about deeper understanding. It can make individuals seek deeper meaning in life and nurtures spirituality. But, when Neptune forms unfavorable conjunctions with Jupiter, it can create an interest in occult practices or religious fanaticism. Neptune signifies both spiritual enlightenment and extreme fanaticism.
Neptune generates conflicting outcomes in different individuals, even when it is in conjunction with the same planet. It can benefit some people, while others may slip into depression. When Neptune is in conjunction with Venus, for instance, some natives may display love and compassion toward all, but others can feel lust toward many people at the same time.
Pluto in Vedic Astrology
Pluto, the third of the outer planets, is seen as the manifestation of Shiva. It signifies the energy of destruction and the harsh realities of life. Pluto destroys illusions and egos and guides us toward a deeper understanding and transformation. It is the planet of profound transformations.
Pluto breaks up all things that arise from the ego. Even in those who have achieved spiritual growth, there will be some remnants of the ego, which gives them a sense of ownership and control over their possessions. Pluto destroys this attachment to possessions and strikes at the core of your ego. It forces us to confront the reality of existence, where we are completely stripped of all material things. Pluto makes you go through a transformative process where you may lose everything.
During Pluto’s transit, you need to relinquish the ego. Clinging to the ego makes you suffer. Facing the challenges posed by Pluto’s energy is not easy, but giving in to despair and choosing self-destruction is not the right solution. To achieve true progress, you need to renounce your false pride and ego and embrace oneness with the greater reality. Only if you detach from material possessions and emotional attachments can creation commence again.
Pluto is highly destructive. In fact, its discovery occurred in tandem with the deployment of weapons of mass destruction. Pluto also embodies control and dominance in Vedic astrology. When Pluto is in conjunction with the Sun or the Moon in the birth chart, it indicates a strained relationship with the father or mother, marked by excessive control. If Pluto is in conjunction with Mars, you may have a turbulent relationship with your siblings, and there may be conflicts even over trivial issues.
Despite the fact that they are far away from earth, these 3 outer planets exert a major influence on our life as well as the world. Like the Trimurti, they work in harmony to leave their considerable impact on the earth.
Spiritual Cleanliness - Introduction
Most of us are aware of physical cleanliness but aren't much aware of the concept of Spiritual Cleanliness. For those traversing the spiritual path, spiritual cleanliness is equally important as physical cleanliness.
While physical cleanliness is maintaining your body clean, Spiritual cleanliness is the act of being spiritually clean and pure. It is vital to realize the ultimate goal of spiritual life, self-realization. Lack of spiritual cleanliness affects a person's spiritual journey.
Classification of Spiritual Cleanliness
Spiritual cleanliness can be nurtured in two ways, internally and externally. Both are important in the spiritual journey of a person.
Internal spiritual cleanliness helps to ready your mind and soul for your spiritual journey, whereas external spiritual cleanliness will improve your energy levels and acts as a protection guard.
Ways to improve spiritual cleanliness internally.
Here are some ways you could develop spiritual cleanliness internally
Observing your mind: Don't try to control your mind; be an observer and look at the thoughts arising in your mind. Stay as a witness and be calm, look deep into those thoughts, and gradually see unwanted thoughts disappearing.
Mind exercises: Practice makes a man perfect; strive continuously for your spiritual progress. Practice mind exercises regularly and train your mind for the bigger goal. Pranayama, meditation, and yoga will help you to clear your mind.
Chanting mantras: Chanting divine names and God's mantras help you soak in spirituality. There are several mantras and God's names that can benefit you.
Ways to improve spiritual cleanliness externally.
There are many external ways to improve your spiritual cleanliness.
Visiting Powerspots: Powerspots are full of spiritual energy and vibration. When you regularly visit spiritual powerspots your soul and mind become clean, and you will be motivated to travel on the right path.
Engage in philanthropic activities: Helping poor and needy people is an ideal way to transform yourself. Be grateful to God for the comforts you are enjoying, and up to the extent possible, try helping those requiring help.
Initiation from a Guru/master: Guru's initiation can create wonders for your spiritual life. A Guru clears all your doubts and hesitations about spirituality. His counsel will help you understand the true meaning of life and live accordingly. Receiving the divine name or mantra from a master will do double good.
Why is Spiritual Cleanliness important
Spiritual cleanliness is an integral part of the spiritual journey. If you are not spiritually clean, you cannot progress spiritually, and your mind will be caught in the tangle of self-deception. Ego is the root cause of all evils. A clean mind and body will help in controlling your ego.
You can progress spiritually up to a certain level by following certain practices. Still, if you lack spiritual discipline, you won't be able to go beyond that level and will stay stagnant. Spiritual cleanliness helps you be aware of your duties and keeps you focused on attaining your spiritual goals.
All the holy books and scriptures stress the importance of a clean mind and body and explain how they are essential for growing spiritually.
