Life Get thee to a Holy river

T-post Tom · 11:24 AM

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090720...smsuperstition

Solar eclipse pits superstition against science

MUMBAI (AFP) – Indian astrologers are predicting violence and turmoil across the world as a result of this week's total solar eclipse, which the superstitious and religious view as a sign of potential doom.

But astronomers, scientists and secularists are trying to play down claims of evil portent in connection with Wednesday's natural spectacle, when the moon will come between the Earth and the sun, completely obscuring the sun.

In Hindu mythology, the two demons Rahu and Ketu are said to "swallow" the sun during eclipses, snuffing out its life-giving light and causing food to become inedible and water undrinkable.

Pregnant women are advised to stay indoors to prevent their babies developing birth defects, while prayers, fasting and ritual bathing, particularly in holy rivers, are encouraged.

Shivani Sachdev Gour, a gynaecologist at the Fortis Hospital in New Delhi, said a number of expectant mothers scheduled for caesarian deliveries on July 22 had asked to change the date.

"This is a belief deeply rooted in Indian society. Couples are willing to do anything to ensure that the baby is not born on that day," Gour said.

Astrologers have predicted a rise in communal and regional violence in the days following the eclipse, particularly in India, China and other Southeast Asian nations where it can be seen on Wednesday morning.

Mumbai astrologer Raj Kumar Sharma predicted "some sort of attack by (Kashmiri separatists) Jaish-e-Mohammad or Al-Qaeda on Indian soil" and a devastating natural disaster in Southeast Asia.

An Indian political leader could be killed, he said, and tension between the West and Iran is likely to increase, escalating into possible US military action after September 9, when fiery Saturn moves from Leo into Virgo.

"The last 200 years, whenever Saturn has gone into Virgo there has been either a world war or a mini world war," he told AFP.

It is not just in India that some are uneasy about what will transpire because of the eclipse.

In ancient China they were often associated with disasters, the death of an emperor or other dark events, and similar superstitions persist.

"The probability for unrest or war to take place in years when a solar eclipse happens is 95 percent," announced an article that attracted a lot of hits on the popular Chinese web portal Baidu.com.

Sanal Edamaruku, president of the Indian Rationalist Association, dismissed such doomsday predictions.

"Primarily, what we see with all these soothsayers and astrologers is that they're looking for opportunities to enhance their business with predictions of danger and calamity," he told AFP.

"They have been very powerful in India but over the last decade they have been in systematic decline."

Astronomers and scientists are also working to educate the public about the eclipse.

Travel firm Cox and Kings has chartered a Boeing 737-700 aircraft to give people the chance to see the eclipse from 41,000 feet (12,500 metres).

Experts will be on board to explain it to passengers, some of whom have paid 79,000 rupees (1,600 dollars) for a "sun-side" seat on the three-hour flight from New Delhi.

The eclipse's shadow is expected to pass over the aircraft at 15 times the speed of sound (Mach 15), said Ajay Talwar, president of the SPACE Group of companies that promotes science and astronomy.

"It's coming in the middle of the monsoon season. On the ground, there's a 40 percent chance of seeing it in India. On the aircraft you have almost a 90 percent chance of seeing the eclipse," he added.

Siva Prasad Tata, who runs the Astro Jyoti website, straddles the two worlds.

"There's no need to get too alarmed about the eclipse, they are a natural phenomenon," the astrologer told AFP.

But he added: "During the period of the eclipse, the opposite attracting forces are very, very powerful. From a spiritual point of view, this is a wonderful time to do any type of worship.

"It will bring about good results, much more than on an ordinary day."

Ebolapox · 07-20-2009, 11:17 AM

errr, post the full text? it's not difficult. makey me clickey on the linkey is workey. me no likely workey.

Hammock Parties · 07-20-2009, 11:19 AM

Well, shit. There hasn't been violence and turmoil in the world for some time, so this could be bad.

Ebolapox · 07-20-2009, 11:23 AM

wait. the same holy river that's filled with fecal matter and spreads bad pathogens? great idea.

T-post Tom · 07-20-2009, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by H5N1

errr, post the full text? it's not difficult. makey me clickey on the linkey is workey. me no likely workey.

cut & paste is even more workey, but nothing is too good for you & our fellow posters. consider it done.

Ebolapox · 07-20-2009, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T-post Tom

cut & paste is even more workey, but nothing is too good for you & our fellow posters. consider it done.

gracias.

T-post Tom · 07-20-2009, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by H5N1

wait. the same holy river that's filled with fecal matter and spreads bad pathogens? great idea.

and dead bodies
don't forget the dead bodies

Demonpenz · 07-20-2009, 01:36 PM

I agree go get Holy Diver. dio at his best

**DaneMcCloud** · 07-20-2009, 01:45 PM

If ****in' didn't feel good, the human race would have been extinguished a long time ago.

Otter · 07-20-2009, 01:58 PM

I'm pretty sure thinning out the herd in India could only help things.

**Rain Man** · 07-20-2009, 02:30 PM

They say that the Hindus have over 2,000 astrological signs.

07-20-2009, 11:15 AM
T-post Tom Threepeat! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Milk/Honey/Gazland Casino cash: $4607293	Get thee to a Holy river http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090720...smsuperstition Solar eclipse pits superstition against science MUMBAI (AFP) – Indian astrologers are predicting violence and turmoil across the world as a result of this week's total solar eclipse, which the superstitious and religious view as a sign of potential doom. But astronomers, scientists and secularists are trying to play down claims of evil portent in connection with Wednesday's natural spectacle, when the moon will come between the Earth and the sun, completely obscuring the sun. In Hindu mythology, the two demons Rahu and Ketu are said to "swallow" the sun during eclipses, snuffing out its life-giving light and causing food to become inedible and water undrinkable. Pregnant women are advised to stay indoors to prevent their babies developing birth defects, while prayers, fasting and ritual bathing, particularly in holy rivers, are encouraged. Shivani Sachdev Gour, a gynaecologist at the Fortis Hospital in New Delhi, said a number of expectant mothers scheduled for caesarian deliveries on July 22 had asked to change the date. "This is a belief deeply rooted in Indian society. Couples are willing to do anything to ensure that the baby is not born on that day," Gour said. Astrologers have predicted a rise in communal and regional violence in the days following the eclipse, particularly in India, China and other Southeast Asian nations where it can be seen on Wednesday morning. Mumbai astrologer Raj Kumar Sharma predicted "some sort of attack by (Kashmiri separatists) Jaish-e-Mohammad or Al-Qaeda on Indian soil" and a devastating natural disaster in Southeast Asia. An Indian political leader could be killed, he said, and tension between the West and Iran is likely to increase, escalating into possible US military action after September 9, when fiery Saturn moves from Leo into Virgo. "The last 200 years, whenever Saturn has gone into Virgo there has been either a world war or a mini world war," he told AFP. It is not just in India that some are uneasy about what will transpire because of the eclipse. In ancient China they were often associated with disasters, the death of an emperor or other dark events, and similar superstitions persist. "The probability for unrest or war to take place in years when a solar eclipse happens is 95 percent," announced an article that attracted a lot of hits on the popular Chinese web portal Baidu.com. Sanal Edamaruku, president of the Indian Rationalist Association, dismissed such doomsday predictions. "Primarily, what we see with all these soothsayers and astrologers is that they're looking for opportunities to enhance their business with predictions of danger and calamity," he told AFP. "They have been very powerful in India but over the last decade they have been in systematic decline." Astronomers and scientists are also working to educate the public about the eclipse. Travel firm Cox and Kings has chartered a Boeing 737-700 aircraft to give people the chance to see the eclipse from 41,000 feet (12,500 metres). Experts will be on board to explain it to passengers, some of whom have paid 79,000 rupees (1,600 dollars) for a "sun-side" seat on the three-hour flight from New Delhi. The eclipse's shadow is expected to pass over the aircraft at 15 times the speed of sound (Mach 15), said Ajay Talwar, president of the SPACE Group of companies that promotes science and astronomy. "It's coming in the middle of the monsoon season. On the ground, there's a 40 percent chance of seeing it in India. On the aircraft you have almost a 90 percent chance of seeing the eclipse," he added. Siva Prasad Tata, who runs the Astro Jyoti website, straddles the two worlds. "There's no need to get too alarmed about the eclipse, they are a natural phenomenon," the astrologer told AFP. But he added: "During the period of the eclipse, the opposite attracting forces are very, very powerful. From a spiritual point of view, this is a wonderful time to do any type of worship. "It will bring about good results, much more than on an ordinary day." Last edited by T-post Tom; 07-20-2009 at 11:24 AM..
Posts: 20,195

07-20-2009, 11:17 AM	#2
Ebolapox remember, remember Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: como Casino cash: $2119903	errr, post the full text? it's not difficult. makey me clickey on the linkey is workey. me no likely workey.
Posts: 26,427

07-20-2009, 11:19 AM	#3
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $4740478	Well, shit. There hasn't been violence and turmoil in the world for some time, so this could be bad. __________________ Chiefs game films
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07-20-2009, 11:23 AM	#4
Ebolapox remember, remember Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: como Casino cash: $2119903	wait. the same holy river that's filled with fecal matter and spreads bad pathogens? great idea.
Posts: 26,427

07-20-2009, 01:36 PM	#8
Demonpenz I got Rice cookin in the micro Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Apartment "G UNIT!" Casino cash: $3152136	I agree go get Holy Diver. dio at his best __________________
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07-20-2009, 01:45 PM	#9
DaneMcCloud Supporter Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Hollywood, CA Casino cash: $10053648	If ****in' didn't feel good, the human race would have been extinguished a long time ago.
Posts: 88,960

07-20-2009, 02:30 PM	#11
Rain Man NFL's #1 Ermines Fan Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: My house Casino cash: $3348491 VARSITY	They say that the Hindus have over 2,000 astrological signs. __________________ I'm putting random letters here as a celebration of free speech: xigrakgrah misorojeq rkemeseit.
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