Vedic/Jyotish Astrology Books by B.S. Rao & Gayatri Devi Vasudev: B.V. Raman's family

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Members of B.V. Raman's family

B.V. Raman came from a family of astrologers. His grandfather was the famous B. Suryanarain Rao, his uncle was B. Lakshminarain Rao, his daughter is Gayatri Devi Vasudev, his son is B. Niranjan Babu. The grandfather was a noted author in his day, the daughter has become one in ours.

Other B.V. Raman pages:
B.V. Raman, page 1
B.V. Raman, page 2

Edited by B.V. Raman & Gayatri Devi Vasudev, his daughter:

PLANETS & THE NEXT WORLD WAR - edited by B.V. Raman & Gayatri Devi Vasudev, $10.00
Contents:
Introduction; 1. Planets & the next world war, by Gayatri Devi Vasudev; 2. Shadows of the third world war, by Prof. P.S. Sastri; 3. Will there be a world war in AD 2000?, by Buell D. Huggins; 4. The Saturnian cycle & portents for war in 2000 AD, by S.K. Kapoor; 5. The ominous decade ahead, by P.N. Oak; 6. Saturn-Jupiter & global confrontation, by Dr. Valampuri John; 7. War or peace in 2000 AD?, by N. Sundara Rajan; 8. No world war in 2000 AD?, by K.K. Pathak; 9. Spectre that haunts the world, by R.M. Banerjee; 10. Portents of the 21st century, by Bepin Behari; 11. Will there be a world war in 2000 AD?, by J.C. Luthera; 12. The next world war, by Jayamohan D. Kuruppu.
Comment: Notes as of April, 2004: In March, 1914, B.V. Raman's grandfather, B.S. Rao, predicted the First World War. In 1937, the young B.V. Raman predicted the outbreak of the Second World War, which the great English astrologer, Charles Carter, was unable to predict, even as late as spring, 1939 (to his great consternation).
So, when, around 1991, Raman again predicted war, this was not a forecast easily ignored. This book, a collection of essays based on Raman's forecast, appeared in 1994. I stocked it in the late 1990's & did not pay it a lot of attention (there were, and are, a lot of doomsday prophecies in print). When 2000 came & went, when 2001 was well underway, I presumed this book, like so many others, was wrong & discontinued it. Passages in the book, such as this one (by Vasudev) were misleading: Summing up, 1998 to 2000 AD would be explosive in character and the peace of the world will be in grave jeopardy.... The years 1998, 1999 and 2000 are likely to be years of tremendous changes in world history, heavy carnage, incendiarism and fearful happenings. (pgs. 10-11) With these specific dates, I thought the book would go speedily out of print in the peaceful days after 2000. And, like many others, I was wrong. Welcome to the war.
The book accurately portrays the war as a climactic struggle between Islam & the west, specifically Iran/Iraq & the US, with Israel & most everyone else in the Middle East as secondary players. India is uninvolved. The critical date, according to several of the authors in this book, was May 28, 2000, 9:28 pm (Indian Standard Time: IST, which was 2:58 AM GMT on May 29), New Delhi. If there was not already war, it was to break out within days or weeks. With hindsight we can say that Raman's date was wrong, but that he accurately forecast the sheer unexpected horror of what was to come. (Was the mistaken date due to Raman's quirky Ayanamsha, I wonder? Anybody know?)
UBSPD, 126 pages.

Books by B. Suryanarain Rao:

SRI SARWARTHACHINTAMANI, parts 1 & 2 - Sri Venkatesha Daivagna, translated by B. Suryanarain Rao, $65.00/set
Contents of Book 1: Foreword by B.V. Raman, Introduction by B.S. Rao. The first three chapters, plus the first six pages of the 4th chapter, specifically, slokas 1 - 425. 385 pages.
Contents of Book 2: The remainder of chapter 4, plus chapters 5 - 16, slokas 426 - 1845. Pages 377 - 835 (458 pages).
Comment: There are no tables of contents, nor chapter headings, nor indexes in these books. In the first volume, there is a page heading over the left-hand pages, in the second volume, there is a page heading over the right hand pages. So I am left with the publisher's own blurb, which reads (in part):
Astrological principles dealt with in this book provide the most reliable information on marriage, nuptials, delivery, yogas, interpretation of dasas, analysis of bhavas, generally scattered here & there in other volumes are brought together in a simple, yet appealing style both by the original author Venkatesha & the translator, Prof. Suryanarain Rao.... This translation covers the entire portion of the predictive section of Sarwarthachintamani.
Prof. Rao lived from 1856 to 1937. According to notes by B.V. Raman, he completed Part I in 1899, with Parts II & III following in 1920. The division of the existing books into the various "parts" is not evident to me. Raman's comment, in his foreword, that "Parts II & III remained out of print" would lead one to expect there is more, but Rao's remarks, both in the introduction, and at the very end of the second volume, clearly state that all the slokas of interest to him were translated & are here published. Original Sanskrit slokas are not given, only translations of them, with Rao's copious notes. There are chart examples, but not many. Rao's comments are quite literate, showing an excellent grasp of the English language.
Motilal Banarsidas, hardcovers with dust jackets.

FEMALE HOROSCOPY (Strijataka) - B. Suryanarain Rao, revised by B.V. Raman, $8.00
Contents:
Preface to the 10th edition by B.V. Raman; Preface by B.S. Rao; Introduction.
1. General observations; 2. Female peculiarities; 3. Combinations for prostitutes; 4. Precautions in predictions; 5. Sources of strength & weakness; 6. Beneficial aspects & conjunctions; 7. Characteristics of the twelve rasis; 8. Results of constellations; 9. Bhava phala or the significations of the planets in the 12 houses; 10. Rajayogas or auspicious combinations;
11. Other kinds of yogas; 12. Puberty & menses; 13. Results to be predicted from the direction of the questioner; 14. Results of planetary positions at the time of first menses; 15. Special rules.
Appendix 1: Essentials to understand my works; Appendix 2: A short sketch of the life of B. Suryanarain Rao.
Comment: Rao compiled his book from various classical sources, some of which he names. In the Indian culture, women are held to be the source of life & therefore command an elevated position. As they are life-givers, their comfort & sexuality is held of paramount importance. Central to the sexual part is the initial onset of menstruation. This moment constitutes a chart second in importance only to the natal. To a great extent it determines the woman's adult life. As presented, this is a male view of female mysteries, but can & perhaps should be recast with women's empowerment in mind. As the book stands, it is an illuminating work.
UBSPD, 125 pages.

THE ROYAL HOROSCOPES - B.S. Rao, $10.00
Contents:
Preface
Introduction
Royal Horoscopes: Sree Rama; Harischandra; Ravana; Sri Krishna; Sudraka Maharaja; Adi Senkaracharya; Mahomed; Hyder Ali, Sultan of Mysore; Tippu, Sultan of Mysore; Peshwa Baji Row of Poona; Saraboji, Maharaja of Tanjore; Krishna Raja Wodeyar III, Maharaja of Mysore; Queen Victoria; Rama Varma, Maharaja of Travancore
Edward VIII, King of England; Francis Joseph, Emperor of Austria; Mutsu Hitto Micado, Emperor of Japan; Carman Sylva, Queen of Romania; The Raja of Coorg; Queen Alexandra, wife of Edward VII; Nrisimha Bharati Swami, Jagdad Guru of Sringeri; ;King George V of England
Kaiser Wilhelm, Emperor of Germany; Mahaboob Khan, Nizam of Hyderabad; Chamaraja Wodeyar, Maharaja of Mysore; Maharaja of Travancore; King of Denmark; Nicholas II, Czar of Russia; Queen Mary, wife of George V; Victor Emanuel, King of Italy; King Haakon of Norway; King of Sweden
Edward, Prince of Wales; Maharani, Regent of Mysore; King George of Greece; Alphonso XIII, King of Spain; Krishna Wodeyar IV, Maharaja of Mysore; King of Portugal; Queen Wilhelmina of Holland; Maharani of Indore; Chandrasekara Bharati, Jagdad Guru of Sringeri; Maharaja of Benarese
Sivaganga Swami; Sriranga Devarayalu, Raja of Anagondi; Raja of Pedda Kimidi; Raja of Pittapur; Eliya Raja of Travancore; Raja Pratep Singh of Pratapaghar; Mir Ghulam Ali Khan, Nawab of Banganpalli; Maharaja of Dharbhanga, Lord Cuzon, Viceroy of India; Jaya Chamaraja Wodeyar, son of Yuvaraja of Mysore; B. Suryanarain Row, the author
Concluding remarks; Horoscope for the time this work was completed
[Appendix:] Prophet Mahamud; Jesus Christ; Sri Thyagaraja; Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa; Sri Gautam Buddha; Alexander the Great; Rabindranath Tagore; Bangalore Suryanarain Rao; Subhash Chandra Bose
Prayer to God
Comment: This book was originally published in 1921 & looks to be a comprehensive survey of the world's royal houses as of that date, with particular emphasis on Indian royalty. Of note, the author's own horoscope is given twice, once on pgs. 90-92, where he is known as B. Suryanarain Row & the planets are given in their English names, and again on pgs 109-110, where his name is given as Bangalore Suryanarain Rao, and where the same chart is printed, using Hindi names for the planets.
On pgs. 101-103 is the horoscope of Jesus Christ, for December 25, 7 BC, data as found in the 1937 American Journal of Astrology, as supplied by Cyril Fagan. As this was the same year in which B.S. Rao died, we may assign the 1937 edition - of which this is a copy - to the work of his son, B.S. Chandran. Chandran is presumably B.V. Raman's father or uncle. Does anybody know?
The Astrological Office, 118 pages. First printed 1921, this copy from the mid 1980's.

THE ASTROLOGICAL MIRROR, bigger edition - B.S. Rao, $8.00
Contents:
Preface to the 2nd edition
Publisher's note
Introduction
1. Rahu-Kala
2. Good & bad lunar days
3. Lagna Thyajya
4. Naming a newborn
5. Good days & constellations for first feeding of a child
6. Commencing education
7. Ceremony for the investiture of the sacred thread
8. Marriage
9. Nuptials
10. Traveling
11. Strength of the star
12. Panchaka or five-source energy
13. Shaving
14. Building new houses
15. Entering new house
16. Digging wells
17. Agriculture
18A. Selling & buying of cattle
18B. Favorable times for administering medicines & performing surgical operations
19. Marriage adaptability
20. Dinam
21. Ganam
22. Mahendra Kuta
23. Stri Dirgha
24. Yoni Kuta
25. Rasijkuta
26. Varnakuta
27. Vysyakut
28. Graha Maitram
29. Rajju Kuta
30. Vedha Kuta
31. Nadi Kuta
General principles
My geneology
Comment: A compendium of common formulas for daily life. I.e., good & bad lunar days, good days (ie, nakshatras) for the first feeding of a small child, good days/nakshatras for ceremony, good days for marriage, etc. More than half the book (sections 19 through 31, and General Principles) is a treatise on marriage agreement, in great detail.
The Astrological Office, 72 + 16 + 8 = 96 pages. Fourth edition, printed: 1983. First published in 1937.

Books by Gayatri Devi Vasudev

ART OF MATCHING CHARTS - Gayatri Devi Vasudev, $13.00
Contents:
Preface; 1. The first steps; 2. Points to ponder; 3. Mental & psychological health; 4. More than one marriage; 5. Dosha Samya or balancing of malefic content; 6. Kuta agreement; 7. The sun dasha & marital disasters; 8. Detecting dowry dangers; 9. Watching out for loss of spouse; 10. Practical examples of matching; 11. Some questions answered.
Comment: When marriages are arranged between families (eg, by the parents), when the bride & groom involved trust daddy's judgment more than their own feelings, when divorce can degenerate into multi-family warfare, the matching of wedding horoscopes by a competent astrologer assumes paramount importance. The Indian system of arranged marriages is fabulous when it works, an unimaginable disaster when it doesn't. This is an excellent book, with all the many details needed to make sound judgment, including chapters on avoiding the dowry trap (not unknown with western marriages, just with a different name) and premature widowhood. The most fascinating to me is how one chart can be used to "correct" or balance unfavorable factors in the other, thus resulting in better marital relationships.
Of course whatever is said about matching charts for marriage applies equally to finding a life companion of any sort. This is excellent synastry.
Motilal Banarsidass Publishers, 186 pages.

VASTU: Astrology & Architecture - edited by Gayatri Devi Vasudev, $20.00
Contents: Editor's note
Section 1: Vastu & Its Relevance to Modern Times:

Relevance of Vastu - Dr. B.V. Raman
Vastu Vidya - Prof. S.K. Ramachandra Rao
The Status & Relevance of Vastu in the Contemporary Context - V. Ganapathi Sthapati
The Concept of Vastu Purusa Mandala - H.A. Savarkar
The Vastu Purusa - M.S. Thirumalachar
Vastu for Multi-storyed Residential Buildings - Dr. S.P. Sabharathnam
Vastu & Modern Engineering - Dr. Bangalore Sureshwara
Importance of Vastu - Madhura Krishnamurty Sastry
Vastu for Revival of Sick Industries - B.N. Reddy
Vastu Sastra: Its Importance - K.V.R. Anjaneyulu
Vastu & Town Planning - K. Marimuthu
Relevance of Ancient Vastu Technology to Modern Town Planning - K.V. Raja Rao
Hospitals & Consulting Chambers - Dr. Bhargava C. Babu
Vastu: Yesterday & Day Before - Prof. S.A. Deshpande
General Vastu Guidelines - C.H. Gopinath Rao
Section 2: Vastu & Jyotisa (Astrology):

Astrological Configurations for Vastu - S.K. Kelkar
Vastu in Astrology - Dr. T.S. Vasan
Vastu & Jyotisa - A. Narasima Alse
Relevance of Muhurta of Vastu Sastra - S. Krishna Kumar
The Efficacy of Vastu Sastra - Kowtha Lalith Manohar
Vastu: A Result-Oriented Science - Arvind Pandurang Vaze
Vastu or the Heavenly Planets in Human Houses - R.G. Rao
Hindu Geomancy - U.S. Pulippani
Rectification Through Vastu Principles - K.S. Ananda Kumar
Vastu & Remedial Measures - K.R. Dasa Setty
Section 3: Vastu & Temple Architecture:

References to Vastu in the Scriptures - M.V. Janardana
The Vastu of Temples - V. Bala Naidu
The Sabda-Dosas in Aarseya Vastu Grantha - Sri Ramakavacham Venkateswara Sarma
Indian Architecture - Dr. S.R.N. Murthy
Vastu Principles in the Construction of Theatres - Dr. B.V. Venkatakrishna
Vastu Sastra& Ancient Temples (with special reference to temples in Karnataka) - M.N. Prabhakar
Basics of Temple Interiors - Ganapathi Kadirappa
Some Research Notes on Vastu - Brahma Ganapathi Kadirappa

Comment: These papers were presented at the First All India Symposium on Vastu, Bangalore, June 3-4, 1995. While the papers tend to be short, the variety of topics covered makes this an excellent Vastu reference.
Motilal Banarsidass, 238 pages.

ASTROLOGY & THE HOAX OF THE "SCIENTIFIC TEMPER" - Gayatri Devi Vasudev, $13.00
Contents:
Preface; Introduction; Nehru wanted Rajiv's horoscope.
1 & 2. Why single astrology out?, by Gayatri Devi Vasudev; 3. Proof of the pudding, by K.N. Rao; Table 1: Some instances of B.V. Raman's Predictions (53 pages); Table 2: Some of B.V. Raman's mundane predictions in detail; 4. Air crashes related to astronomic events, by V.Zakharko;
5. The hoax of the scientific temper:

A. The Narlikar episode, by Vasudev,
B. Suppressing the truth, by H.J. Eysenck & D.K.B. Nias,
C. Rejoinders to the Humanist statement (i. Astrology & unscientific prejudices, by B.A. Kumar Babu, ii. About astrology, by Buell D. Huggins),
D. Rationalist plays to the galleries, by Vasudev; Validity of Astrology, a radio discussion with Dr. Raman, E. Piqued rationalist resorts to lies, by Vasudev,
F. Some more hypocrisy (i. The space Tamashaas, ii. Weathermen caught napping, iii Another instance of hypocrisy), by Vasudev;
6. The Kovoor story - the denouement, by Y. Kesava Menon; 7. How I was greeted by "Science": strict skepticism, by Michael Gauquelin; 8. Planets & personality, by Michael Gauquelin; 9. Astrology, Science & Scientists, by B.A. Kumar Babu; 10. Astrology & our space program, by Vasudev; 11. How I was convinced about astrology, by the late Dr. A.S. Bhise; 12. Sri Aurobindo on astrology, edited by K. Channabasappa; 13. Outwitting the stars, by Paramahamsa Yogananda; 14. Written in the stars, by Paul Brunton; 15. Astrology verified, from the Encyclopaedia of Tales; 16. Astrology, its origins; 17. Indian astrology, by Sepharial.
Appendices: 1. Carl Jung's letter to B.V. Raman; 2. The stars & me, by Woodrow Wyatt; 3. Who doesn't consult astrologers, by Stephen Pile; 4. Brighu Nadi readings of Bhagawan Ramana Maharishi's horoscope.
Comment: A fine book of essays. It is marred in places by a shrill tone & consistently drops us into the middle of ongoing arguments, such as the one over the famous Humanist manifesto of 1975. Includes unmentioned sidebars & cartoons.
Motilal Banarsidass Publishers, 348 pages.

CLUES TO INTERPRETING CHARTS - Gayatri Devi Vasudev, $19.00
Contents:
Preface; 1. The first steps to understand charts; 2. Importance of Muhurtha; 3. Financial prospects (Indu lagna, What makes one rich by birth?, How to gauge financial setbacks, Choosing between business & service, Timing financial success & failure); 4. Owning your own house; 5. Progeny (Principles of family planning, Your own child or adoption, When Jupiter ceases to help, Children - bane or blessing?, Are test-tube babies safe?); 6. Education (Deciding children's education, Judging educational progress & performance);
7. Health & disease (Diagnosis of disease & surgery, Asthma & consumption, detecting heart problems, The scourge of AIDS, What causes mental sickness?); 8. Marriage (Marriage timing, Happy & unhappy marriages, Blighting factors in marriages, The tragedy of divorce, Is matching of charts necessary?); 9. Locating foreign travel; 10. Careers (Mars & working women, Medical profession, Lawyers & judges, Art & artists).
Comment: A series of essays, with astrological commentary.
UBSPD, 273 pages.

PRACTICAL HORARY ASTROLOGY - Gayatri Devi Vasudev, $8.00
Contents:
Preface to the 1st edition; Preface to the 4th edition, Foreword by B.V. Raman.
1. Branches of astrology; 2. Keys to the signs; 3. Keys to houses; 4. Keys to the planets; 5. Keys to planets in signs; 6. Aspects; 7. Reconciling yogas & Tajaka aspects; 8. Question data; 9. How to ask questions; 10. Significations, malefics & benefics; 11. How to read aspects; 12. The role of the moon & the 11th house; 13. Some exceptions; 14. Timing events; 15. Bhava, combustion, nodes & retrogressions; 16. Practical illustrations.
Comment: For the most part, this is western-based horary. There are hardly any Hindu terms in the book. The Vedic astrology in the book is based largely around the Ithasala yoga & its variants (Easarapha, Kamboola, Nakta, Radda, etc.). This book dates from 1979.
UBSPD, 132 pages.

A Book by B. Niranjan Babu, Raman's son:

HANDBOOK OF VASTU, revised & enlarged - B. Niranjan Babu, $17.00
Contents:
Foreword, by B.V. Raman; Preface
Section 1: 1. Introduction; 2. Who is the Vastu Purusha; 3. Understanding directions; 4. Selection of the site; 5. Veedhi shoola; 6. Corner sites; 7. Orientation; 8. Offerings to the site deity; 9. System of measurement; 10. Building formula (Ayadi Shadvarga); 11. Brahmasthana; 12. Laying the foundation; 13. Digging the well; 14 Compound (fencing) walls; 15. House; 16. The main door (Madhadwara)
Section 2: 1. The bathroom; 2. Master bedroom; 3. Children's (study) rooms; 4. Guest rooms; 5. Kitchen; 6. Dining room; 7. Living room; 8. Prayer room (shrine); 9. Store rooms; 10. Toilets; 11. Rooms in general; 12. A note on Agni (fire element); 13. Garages; 14. Basements & cellars; 15. Staircases; 16. Levels of floor; 17. Verandah; 18. Fencing or compound gates
Section 3: 1. Generally speaking; 2. Apartments & multistoried buildings; 3. On landscaping
Section 4: Your questions answered.
Section 5: Some plans. Index.
Comment: Vastu is the Vedic version of the Chinese Feng-shui, and, like most things Vedic, is highly detailed. The author is the son of B.V. Raman. His book is excellent.
UBSPD, 176 pages.

Other B.V. Raman pages:
B.V. Raman, page 1
B.V. Raman, page 2

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	FEMALE HOROSCOPY (Strijataka) - B. Suryanarain Rao, revised by B.V. Raman, $8.00 *Contents:* Preface to the 10th edition by B.V. Raman; Preface by B.S. Rao; Introduction. 1. General observations; 2. Female peculiarities; 3. Combinations for prostitutes; 4. Precautions in predictions; 5. Sources of strength & weakness; 6. Beneficial aspects & conjunctions; 7. Characteristics of the twelve rasis; 8. Results of constellations; 9. Bhava phala or the significations of the planets in the 12 houses; 10. Rajayogas or auspicious combinations; 11. Other kinds of yogas; 12. Puberty & menses; 13. Results to be predicted from the direction of the questioner; 14. Results of planetary positions at the time of first menses; 15. Special rules. Appendix 1: Essentials to understand my works; Appendix 2: A short sketch of the life of B. Suryanarain Rao. *Comment:* Rao compiled his book from various classical sources, some of which he names. In the Indian culture, women are held to be the source of life & therefore command an elevated position. As they are life-givers, their comfort & sexuality is held of paramount importance. Central to the sexual part is the initial onset of menstruation. This moment constitutes a chart second in importance only to the natal. To a great extent it determines the woman's adult life. As presented, this is a male view of female mysteries, but can & perhaps should be recast with women's empowerment in mind. As the book stands, it is an illuminating work. UBSPD, 125 pages.

	THE ROYAL HOROSCOPES - B.S. Rao, $10.00 *Contents:* Preface Introduction Royal Horoscopes: Sree Rama; Harischandra; Ravana; Sri Krishna; Sudraka Maharaja; Adi Senkaracharya; Mahomed; Hyder Ali, Sultan of Mysore; Tippu, Sultan of Mysore; Peshwa Baji Row of Poona; Saraboji, Maharaja of Tanjore; Krishna Raja Wodeyar III, Maharaja of Mysore; Queen Victoria; Rama Varma, Maharaja of Travancore Edward VIII, King of England; Francis Joseph, Emperor of Austria; Mutsu Hitto Micado, Emperor of Japan; Carman Sylva, Queen of Romania; The Raja of Coorg; Queen Alexandra, wife of Edward VII; Nrisimha Bharati Swami, Jagdad Guru of Sringeri; ;King George V of England Kaiser Wilhelm, Emperor of Germany; Mahaboob Khan, Nizam of Hyderabad; Chamaraja Wodeyar, Maharaja of Mysore; Maharaja of Travancore; King of Denmark; Nicholas II, Czar of Russia; Queen Mary, wife of George V; Victor Emanuel, King of Italy; King Haakon of Norway; King of Sweden Edward, Prince of Wales; Maharani, Regent of Mysore; King George of Greece; Alphonso XIII, King of Spain; Krishna Wodeyar IV, Maharaja of Mysore; King of Portugal; Queen Wilhelmina of Holland; Maharani of Indore; Chandrasekara Bharati, Jagdad Guru of Sringeri; Maharaja of Benarese Sivaganga Swami; Sriranga Devarayalu, Raja of Anagondi; Raja of Pedda Kimidi; Raja of Pittapur; Eliya Raja of Travancore; Raja Pratep Singh of Pratapaghar; Mir Ghulam Ali Khan, Nawab of Banganpalli; Maharaja of Dharbhanga, Lord Cuzon, Viceroy of India; Jaya Chamaraja Wodeyar, son of Yuvaraja of Mysore; B. Suryanarain Row, the author Concluding remarks; Horoscope for the time this work was completed [Appendix:] Prophet Mahamud; Jesus Christ; Sri Thyagaraja; Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa; Sri Gautam Buddha; Alexander the Great; Rabindranath Tagore; Bangalore Suryanarain Rao; Subhash Chandra Bose Prayer to God *Comment:* This book was originally published in 1921 & looks to be a comprehensive survey of the world's royal houses as of that date, with particular emphasis on Indian royalty. Of note, the author's own horoscope is given twice, once on pgs. 90-92, where he is known as B. Suryanarain Row & the planets are given in their English names, and again on pgs 109-110, where his name is given as Bangalore Suryanarain Rao, and where the same chart is printed, using Hindi names for the planets. On pgs. 101-103 is the horoscope of Jesus Christ, for December 25, 7 BC, data as found in the 1937 American Journal of Astrology, as supplied by Cyril Fagan. As this was the same year in which B.S. Rao died, we may assign the 1937 edition - of which this is a copy - to the work of his son, B.S. Chandran. Chandran is presumably B.V. Raman's father or uncle. Does anybody know? The Astrological Office, 118 pages. First printed 1921, this copy from the mid 1980's.

	THE ASTROLOGICAL MIRROR, bigger edition - B.S. Rao, $8.00 *Contents:* Preface to the 2nd edition Publisher's note Introduction 1. Rahu-Kala 2. Good & bad lunar days 3. Lagna Thyajya 4. Naming a newborn 5. Good days & constellations for first feeding of a child 6. Commencing education 7. Ceremony for the investiture of the sacred thread 8. Marriage 9. Nuptials 10. Traveling 11. Strength of the star 12. Panchaka or five-source energy 13. Shaving 14. Building new houses 15. Entering new house 16. Digging wells 17. Agriculture 18A. Selling & buying of cattle 18B. Favorable times for administering medicines & performing surgical operations 19. Marriage adaptability 20. Dinam 21. Ganam 22. Mahendra Kuta 23. Stri Dirgha 24. Yoni Kuta 25. Rasijkuta 26. Varnakuta 27. Vysyakut 28. Graha Maitram 29. Rajju Kuta 30. Vedha Kuta 31. Nadi Kuta General principles My geneology *Comment:* A compendium of common formulas for daily life. I.e., good & bad lunar days, good days (ie, nakshatras) for the first feeding of a small child, good days/nakshatras for ceremony, good days for marriage, etc. More than half the book (sections 19 through 31, and General Principles) is a treatise on marriage agreement, in great detail. The Astrological Office, 72 + 16 + 8 = 96 pages. Fourth edition, printed: 1983. First published in 1937.

	ART OF MATCHING CHARTS - Gayatri Devi Vasudev, $13.00 *Contents:* Preface; 1. The first steps; 2. Points to ponder; 3. Mental & psychological health; 4. More than one marriage; 5. Dosha Samya or balancing of malefic content; 6. Kuta agreement; 7. The sun dasha & marital disasters; 8. Detecting dowry dangers; 9. Watching out for loss of spouse; 10. Practical examples of matching; 11. Some questions answered. *Comment:* When marriages are arranged between families (eg, by the parents), when the bride & groom involved trust daddy's judgment more than their own feelings, when divorce can degenerate into multi-family warfare, the matching of wedding horoscopes by a competent astrologer assumes paramount importance. The Indian system of arranged marriages is fabulous when it works, an unimaginable disaster when it doesn't. This is an excellent book, with all the many details needed to make sound judgment, including chapters on avoiding the dowry trap (not unknown with western marriages, just with a different name) and premature widowhood. The most fascinating to me is how one chart can be used to "correct" or balance unfavorable factors in the other, thus resulting in better marital relationships. Of course whatever is said about matching charts for marriage applies equally to finding a life companion of any sort. This is excellent synastry. Motilal Banarsidass Publishers, 186 pages.

	VASTU: Astrology & Architecture - edited by Gayatri Devi Vasudev, $20.00 *Contents:* Editor's note Section 1: Vastu & Its Relevance to Modern Times: Relevance of Vastu - Dr. B.V. Raman Vastu Vidya - Prof. S.K. Ramachandra Rao The Status & Relevance of Vastu in the Contemporary Context - V. Ganapathi Sthapati The Concept of Vastu Purusa Mandala - H.A. Savarkar The Vastu Purusa - M.S. Thirumalachar Vastu for Multi-storyed Residential Buildings - Dr. S.P. Sabharathnam Vastu & Modern Engineering - Dr. Bangalore Sureshwara Importance of Vastu - Madhura Krishnamurty Sastry Vastu for Revival of Sick Industries - B.N. Reddy Vastu Sastra: Its Importance - K.V.R. Anjaneyulu Vastu & Town Planning - K. Marimuthu Relevance of Ancient Vastu Technology to Modern Town Planning - K.V. Raja Rao Hospitals & Consulting Chambers - Dr. Bhargava C. Babu Vastu: Yesterday & Day Before - Prof. S.A. Deshpande General Vastu Guidelines - C.H. Gopinath Rao Section 2: Vastu & Jyotisa (Astrology): Astrological Configurations for Vastu - S.K. Kelkar Vastu in Astrology - Dr. T.S. Vasan Vastu & Jyotisa - A. Narasima Alse Relevance of Muhurta of Vastu Sastra - S. Krishna Kumar The Efficacy of Vastu Sastra - Kowtha Lalith Manohar Vastu: A Result-Oriented Science - Arvind Pandurang Vaze Vastu or the Heavenly Planets in Human Houses - R.G. Rao Hindu Geomancy - U.S. Pulippani Rectification Through Vastu Principles - K.S. Ananda Kumar Vastu & Remedial Measures - K.R. Dasa Setty Section 3: Vastu & Temple Architecture: References to Vastu in the Scriptures - M.V. Janardana The Vastu of Temples - V. Bala Naidu The Sabda-Dosas in Aarseya Vastu Grantha - Sri Ramakavacham Venkateswara Sarma Indian Architecture - Dr. S.R.N. Murthy Vastu Principles in the Construction of Theatres - Dr. B.V. Venkatakrishna Vastu Sastra& Ancient Temples (with special reference to temples in Karnataka) - M.N. Prabhakar Basics of Temple Interiors - Ganapathi Kadirappa Some Research Notes on Vastu - Brahma Ganapathi Kadirappa *Comment:* These papers were presented at the First All India Symposium on Vastu, Bangalore, June 3-4, 1995. While the papers tend to be short, the variety of topics covered makes this an excellent Vastu reference. Motilal Banarsidass, 238 pages.

	ASTROLOGY & THE HOAX OF THE "SCIENTIFIC TEMPER" - Gayatri Devi Vasudev, $13.00 *Contents:* Preface; Introduction; Nehru wanted Rajiv's horoscope. 1 & 2. Why single astrology out?, by Gayatri Devi Vasudev; 3. Proof of the pudding, by K.N. Rao; Table 1: Some instances of B.V. Raman's Predictions (53 pages); Table 2: Some of B.V. Raman's mundane predictions in detail; 4. Air crashes related to astronomic events, by V.Zakharko; 5. The hoax of the scientific temper: A. The Narlikar episode, by Vasudev, B. Suppressing the truth, by H.J. Eysenck & D.K.B. Nias, C. Rejoinders to the Humanist statement (i. Astrology & unscientific prejudices, by B.A. Kumar Babu, ii. About astrology, by Buell D. Huggins), D. Rationalist plays to the galleries, by Vasudev; Validity of Astrology, a radio discussion with Dr. Raman, E. Piqued rationalist resorts to lies, by Vasudev, F. Some more hypocrisy (i. The space Tamashaas, ii. Weathermen caught napping, iii Another instance of hypocrisy), by Vasudev; 6. The Kovoor story - the denouement, by Y. Kesava Menon; 7. How I was greeted by "Science": strict skepticism, by Michael Gauquelin; 8. Planets & personality, by Michael Gauquelin; 9. Astrology, Science & Scientists, by B.A. Kumar Babu; 10. Astrology & our space program, by Vasudev; 11. How I was convinced about astrology, by the late Dr. A.S. Bhise; 12. Sri Aurobindo on astrology, edited by K. Channabasappa; 13. Outwitting the stars, by Paramahamsa Yogananda; 14. Written in the stars, by Paul Brunton; 15. Astrology verified, from the Encyclopaedia of Tales; 16. Astrology, its origins; 17. Indian astrology, by Sepharial. Appendices: 1. Carl Jung's letter to B.V. Raman; 2. The stars & me, by Woodrow Wyatt; 3. Who doesn't consult astrologers, by Stephen Pile; 4. Brighu Nadi readings of Bhagawan Ramana Maharishi's horoscope. *Comment:* A fine book of essays. It is marred in places by a shrill tone & consistently drops us into the middle of ongoing arguments, such as the one over the famous Humanist manifesto of 1975. Includes unmentioned sidebars & cartoons. Motilal Banarsidass Publishers, 348 pages.

	CLUES TO INTERPRETING CHARTS - Gayatri Devi Vasudev, $19.00 *Contents:* Preface; 1. The first steps to understand charts; 2. Importance of Muhurtha; 3. Financial prospects (Indu lagna, What makes one rich by birth?, How to gauge financial setbacks, Choosing between business & service, Timing financial success & failure); 4. Owning your own house; 5. Progeny (Principles of family planning, Your own child or adoption, When Jupiter ceases to help, Children - bane or blessing?, Are test-tube babies safe?); 6. Education (Deciding children's education, Judging educational progress & performance); 7. Health & disease (Diagnosis of disease & surgery, Asthma & consumption, detecting heart problems, The scourge of AIDS, What causes mental sickness?); 8. Marriage (Marriage timing, Happy & unhappy marriages, Blighting factors in marriages, The tragedy of divorce, Is matching of charts necessary?); 9. Locating foreign travel; 10. Careers (Mars & working women, Medical profession, Lawyers & judges, Art & artists). *Comment:* A series of essays, with astrological commentary. UBSPD, 273 pages.

	PRACTICAL HORARY ASTROLOGY - Gayatri Devi Vasudev, $8.00 *Contents:* Preface to the 1st edition; Preface to the 4th edition, Foreword by B.V. Raman. 1. Branches of astrology; 2. Keys to the signs; 3. Keys to houses; 4. Keys to the planets; 5. Keys to planets in signs; 6. Aspects; 7. Reconciling yogas & Tajaka aspects; 8. Question data; 9. How to ask questions; 10. Significations, malefics & benefics; 11. How to read aspects; 12. The role of the moon & the 11th house; 13. Some exceptions; 14. Timing events; 15. Bhava, combustion, nodes & retrogressions; 16. Practical illustrations. *Comment:* For the most part, this is western-based horary. There are hardly any Hindu terms in the book. The Vedic astrology in the book is based largely around the Ithasala yoga & its variants (Easarapha, Kamboola, Nakta, Radda, etc.). This book dates from 1979. UBSPD, 132 pages.

	HANDBOOK OF VASTU, revised & enlarged - B. Niranjan Babu, $17.00 *Contents:* Foreword, by B.V. Raman; Preface Section 1: 1. Introduction; 2. Who is the Vastu Purusha; 3. Understanding directions; 4. Selection of the site; 5. Veedhi shoola; 6. Corner sites; 7. Orientation; 8. Offerings to the site deity; 9. System of measurement; 10. Building formula (Ayadi Shadvarga); 11. Brahmasthana; 12. Laying the foundation; 13. Digging the well; 14 Compound (fencing) walls; 15. House; 16. The main door (Madhadwara) Section 2: 1. The bathroom; 2. Master bedroom; 3. Children's (study) rooms; 4. Guest rooms; 5. Kitchen; 6. Dining room; 7. Living room; 8. Prayer room (shrine); 9. Store rooms; 10. Toilets; 11. Rooms in general; 12. A note on Agni (fire element); 13. Garages; 14. Basements & cellars; 15. Staircases; 16. Levels of floor; 17. Verandah; 18. Fencing or compound gates Section 3: 1. Generally speaking; 2. Apartments & multistoried buildings; 3. On landscaping Section 4: Your questions answered. Section 5: Some plans. Index. *Comment:* Vastu is the Vedic version of the Chinese Feng-shui, and, like most things Vedic, is highly detailed. The author is the son of B.V. Raman. His book is excellent. UBSPD, 176 pages.