Significance of astrological rules in early infant death cases

Vikas Kumar Manoria; Satya Prakash Purohit

doi:10.4103/ijoyppp.ijoyppp_3_21

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Year : 2022 | Volume : 10 | Issue : 1 | Page : 84-92

Significance of astrological rules in early infant death cases

Vikas Kumar Manoria, Satya Prakash Purohit
Department of Yoga and Humanity, S-VYASA Deemed to be Yoga University, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Date of Submission	10-Mar-2021
Date of Acceptance	14-Jan-2022
Date of Web Publication	26-Apr-2022

Correspondence Address:
Dr. Satya Prakash Purohit
Yoga and Humanity, S-VYASA Deemed to be Yoga University, Bengaluru, Karnataka
India

Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None

DOI: 10.4103/ijoyppp.ijoyppp_3_21

Abstract

Background: Astrological knowledge and interpretations can be applied in the field of healthcare to gain new insight into patients' health status, diagnosis, and line of treatment. Aim: This study was carried out to test the validity of astrological claims concerning early death; particularly, to identify correlations between early death prediction, astrological rules, and birth timestamp in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome cases. Methodology: Data of 21 dead newborns were taken from a hospital and respective parents. Horoscope reports were generated and analyzed through standardized interpretation rules to eliminate confusion and complexity. Five independent scores were calculated based on a point-based evaluation system for each case. Results: The outcome measures that 53% of cases belong to highly afflicted Lagna/Lagnesh, Sun, and Moon, whereas the moderate affliction group has 33% of cases. Jointly these two groups indicate 86% death cases. The findings show that if all three factors (Lagna/Lagnesh, Sun, and Moon) are contributing points then it becomes a potentially deadly combination. Conclusions: Results of the astrological inferences can be utilized to develop a systematic process, which could be applied for further analysis of early infant death cases.

Keywords: Astrology, death prediction, horoscope analysis, jyotisha, newborn death

How to cite this article:
Manoria VK, Purohit SP. Significance of astrological rules in early infant death cases. J Appl Conscious Stud 2022;10:84-92

How to cite this URL:
Manoria VK, Purohit SP. Significance of astrological rules in early infant death cases. J Appl Conscious Stud [serial online] 2022 [cited 2023 Oct 4];10:84-92. Available from: http://www.jacsonline.in/text.asp?2022/10/1/84/343855

Introduction

Since its inception, humanity has shown a natural intense curiosity to know deeper secrets of the universe, self, others, future events in life, etc. To gain insights, various types of studies have taken place across cultures, race, and continents. List of these studies is long but to name some of them are astrology, Tarot, I-Ching, across these endeavors, “Astrology” has been undisputedly the most popular, structural, and complex study.

In many parts of the world, especially in Asian countries, Astrology has been nurtured and regarded as a scholarly tradition throughout history. It had been studied as an academic subject in close relation with subjects, which are now very well-established science streams like astronomy, medicine, architecture, and meteorology (Kassell, 2010). Astrology was a commonly used tool by the majority of people, from the elite to commoners, for broad ranges of decision-making from crucial to ordinary, i.e., naming a newborn, finding the right match for a bride, suitable timeline for battle or ritual, etc.

Astrology means the study of the movements and relative positions of celestial objects as a means of divining information about human affairs and terrestrial events (Bunnin & Yu, 2008). Advocates have defined astrology as a symbolic language, an art form, a science, and a method of divination. Divination is the attempt to gain insight into a question or situation by way of an occult, standardized process or ritual (Dietrich, 2005).

Astrology or Jyotisha, originated dating back over 6000 years, is an integral part of ancient Vedic teachings, one of the most important aspects of Vedic knowledge. “Jyotisha” is a Sanskrit word, translating as Divine Light. Jyotisha, is believed to have been conceived by the ancient sages in higher states of consciousness, which allowed them to cognize life beyond time and space, beyond past, present, and future. In this super-conscious state, they recognized the energy of the “Graha” (loosely called planets in English) as reflectors or transmitters of light energy. These solar and planetary radio-like waves, sent out at various angles, were seen to bear influence on everything animate and inanimate, affecting humans on both biological and psychological levels. It is said that the sages observed and experimented with their observations to codify them into rules of astronomical calculations, which ultimately became the laws by which Jyotisha is practiced (Kshirsagar, 2018).

Jyotisha is first mentioned in the Rig Veda; references were also made in the classical Indian epics, the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and the Bhagavad-Gita. As per western texts, classical Indian astrology is based on Bṛihat Parāśara Horāśāstra (written by Sage Parashara), and Sārāvalī (written by Kalyāṇavarma). The Horāshastra is a composite work of 71 chapters, of which the first part (chapters 1–51) dates to the 7^th to early 8^th centuries and the second part (chapters 52–71) to the later 8^th century. The Sārāvalī likewise dates to around 800 CE. English translations of these texts were published by N. N. Krishna Rau and V. B. Choudhari in 1963 and 1961, respectively (Pingree, 2010).

Causes of infant mortality and prevalence

Vulnerabilities to sudden death in early life have come from epidemiologic, neural, cardiac, metabolic, genetic, and physiological research. Commonalities among cases of unexplained stillbirth, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and sudden unexplained death in childhood have been observed. Investigations of sudden unexpected death are inconsistent, varying by jurisdiction. There is no practical consensus on the use of “SIDS” as a determination in the cause of death (Goldstein et al., 2016). In a study using whole-genome sequencing and bio-informatics, filtering techniques were applied as a comprehensive, unbiased genetic investigation into 16 fetal, perinatal, and early infant deaths, which had undergone a full autopsy and a likely genetic cause were identified in two cases (in genes; COL2A1 and RYR1) and a speculative genetic cause in a further six cases were identified. The investigations indicated that whole-genome sequencing is a significant enabling technology to determine genetic causes of early death (Armes et al., 2018). Guidance on reducing the risk of SIDS was successfully introduced in Switzerland and a study done in 2012–2014 examined adherence to the national Swedish SIDS program and specific sleeping patterns like prone and side sleeping was targeted (Celind et al., 2017). The use of pacifiers for the prevention of SIDS is not supported by sufficient randomized control trials and evidence-based studies and a variety of factors have been identified as increasing the risk of SIDS such as preterm (before the due date) birth, overheating exposure to cigarette smoke, and infants lying on their stomachs (Psaila et al., 2017). In 2013, US infants born at 37–38 weeks of gestation (early term) had mortality rates that were 63% higher than for full-term (39–40 weeks) infants. For multiple births, the infant mortality rate was 25.84, five times the rate of 5.25 for singleton births. In 2013, 36% of infant deaths were due to preterm-related causes of death, and an additional 15% were due to the causes grouped into the sudden unexpected infant death category (Matthews et al., 2015). Based on previous evidence, neuropathological abnormalities investigated in infants are more complex as compared to serotonergic deficiency in medullary nuclei causing the failure of the integrated network of neurochemical transmitters in subcortical locations is one of the reasons for SIDS (Bright et al., 2018). Approximately 95% of SIDS deaths occur in the first 6 months of life with a peak incidence in infants aged between 2 and 4 months. The mechanisms leading to sudden and unexpected death appear complex and multifactorial and require the alignment of several overlapping factors for death to occur. At present, it is not possible to predict which combination of factors will result in SIDS death for anyone infant (Duncan & Byard, 2018). Common causes included accidental asphyxia, cardiac disease, persistent pulmonary hypertension of the new born, and SIDS (Lutz et al., 2016). A study done on Tasmanian deliveries since 1974, routinely collected prebirth data used to construct an at-birth scoring system to predict infants at higher risk of SIDS in the postneonatal period. The final predictive model used in this study contained five variables (maternal age, infant sex, birth weight, month of birth, and feeding practice) and had a sensitivity of 62% and specificity of 73% (d'Espaignet et al., 1990).

Astrological inferences have potential application in the health-care sector. Nonetheless, there is a need to report evidence-based studies and validate the astrological claim to understand their relevance for medical professionals to adapt an integrated line of treatment for SIDS and reduce the chances of neonatal death. The doctors and the therapists can combine astrological interpretations with medical records for the right diagnosis and appropriate line of treatment. To make it possible, Jyotisha claims need to be verified through experimental tests to understand their in healthcare. The present study investigates the astrological predictions after verifying the early infant death data.

The following theories of Astrology will be evaluated and verified.

If Lagna and Lagnesh is afflicted along with Moon and Sun then early death of newborn is sure
Early death sutras (9.3–9.23) of Brihat Parashar Hora Shastra (BPHS) are still relevant.

Methodology

The present study aimed to evaluate the existence of correlation if any, between early death astrological rules and birth timestamp of SIDS cases Further, supporting objectives to test the hypotheses, whether afflicted Lagna and/or Lagnesh, afflicted Moon and Sun are related to SIDS and if early death rules of BPHS (9.3–9.23) have any correlation with astrological interpretations for SIDS cases.

The data are collected from one hospital in Panna district of Madhya Pradesh state (India). 7 months data (Sep 2018–March 2019) of early deaths overall 691 records were collected from hospitals in the condition of source anonymity. Out of 691 records, 384 records were excluded where either the parent contact detail was missing or at least one exclusion criteria was satisfied. Out of 307 records, 50 records were selected using the computerized randomized method. Finally, we could able to collect the data from only 21 cases a phone call interview [Appendix 1].

Data included after verified by hospital and parents, cases <3 weeks and birth and death which happened in the hospital were included. Further, missing and unverifiable data, birth, and death reported outside the hospital, death due to preknown disease and, infant cases of more than 3 weeks of age were excluded. Ethical consideration about data collection and confidentiality of data was apprised to both the parents and the hospital authorities, written consent was taken for the data to be used for research purposes.

All the required data like date of birth, date of death, place of birth, place of death were collected from hospitals and parents for 21 cases. Besides, that parents were also interviewed to cross-verify information provided by the hospital and collect the missing information. The compiled data were coded in MS-Excel 2010 [Appendix 1]. Lagna Kundali of 21 cases were generated using website, http://www.astrosage.com.

Further, the interpretation of characteristics and relationship of graha and houses were majorly referred from the following two literature: (i) Vedic Astrology: An integrated approach (Rao, 2001) and (ii) How to judge a horoscope (Raman, 1995). Following evaluation criteria are used to see how a particular case is fairing against the hypothesises given in objectives. [Table-1] shows the analysis and score calculation done using below rules for case-1,

Table 1: Analysis and score calculation of case-1

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To examine if afflicted Lagna (1^st house) and/or Lagnesh (lord of 1^st house) in Lagna chart adds to SIDS cases.Lagna house would be considered afflicted if one or more conditions are correct
1. Natural Malefic planet(s) and/or 8^th house lord is in the house (+1 point)
2. Aspected by natural malefic planet(s) or 8^th house lord (+1 point)
3. Lagna or 7^th house hammed between natural malefics (+1 point)
4. Aspected and/or conjunct with two or more benefics (−1 point).
Lagnesh would be considered afflicted if one or more below conditions are true
1. Positioned in 6^th, 8^th, or 12^th house (+1 point)
2. Conjunct with Natural Malefic or 8^th house lord (+1 point)
3. Aspected by Natural Malefic or 8^th house lord (+1 point)
4. Is debilated, combust or retrograde and/or <3° (+1 point)
5. Hammed between natural malefics (+1 point)
6. Aspected and/or conjunct with two or more benefics (−1 point).
To examine if afflicted Moon in Lagna chart adds to SIDS cases. Moon would be considered afflicted if one or more below conditions are true for Moon–
1. Positioned in 6^th, 8^th, or 12^th house (+1 point)
2. Conjunct with Natural Malefic or 8^th house lord (+1 point)
3. Aspected by Natural Malefic or 8^th house lord (+1 point)
4. Is debilated, combust and/or decreasing and/or <3° (+1 point)
5. Hammed between malefics (+1 point)
6. Aspected and/or conjunct with two or more benefics (−1 point).
To examine if afflicted Sun in Lagna chart adds to SIDS cases. Sun would be considered afflicted if one or more below conditions are true for Sun–
1. Positioned in 6^th, 8^th or 12^th house (+1 point)
2. Conjunct with Natural Malefic or 8^th house lord (+1 point)
3. Aspected by Natural Malefic or 8^th house lord (+1 point)
4. Is debilated and/or <3° (+1 point)
5. Hammed between malefics (+1 point)
6. Aspected and/or conjunct with two or more benefics (−1 point).
To examine if below rules from BPHS (9.3–9.23) have any correlation with birth date/time of SIDS cases.

Sutra 9.3: Should Moon be in 6^th, 8^th, or 12^th House and receives an aspect from a malefic, the child will die soon. If in the process there be an Aspect from a benefic, it may live up to 8 years (+1 point)
Sutra 9.4: If a benefic is retrograde in 6^th, 8^th, or 12^th House, receiving an aspect from a malefic, death will occur within a month of birth. This is true, only when Lagna is not occupied by a benefic (+1 point)
Sutra 9.11: All Graha (any Planet) in 12^th House will be the source of a short life, specifically the luminates, Venus and Rahu. Exceptional case is Sun in 12^th for Tula ascendant (+1 point)
Sutra 9.12: Moon is capable of causing early end if she is with a malefic in 7^th, 8^th, or 1^st House and unrelated to a benefic (+1 point)
Sutra 9.16: Malefic in 12^th and 6^th House, or in 8^th and 2^nd House, while Lagna or lagnesh is hemmed between other malefics, will bring early death (+1 point)
Sutra 9.17: Malefics, occupying 1^st and 7^th House, while Moon is conjunct with a malefic with no relief from a benefic, will also cause premature death (+1 point).

Natural benefics and malefics

Jupiter and Venus are natural benefics. Mercury becomes a natural benefic when he is alone or with more natural benefics. Waxing Moon of Sukla paksha is a natural benefic
Sun, Saturn, Mars, Rahu and Ketu are natural malefics. Mercury becomes a natural malefic when he is joined by more natural malefics. Waning Moon of Krishna paksha is a natural malefic.

Score based evaluation system

To measure the afflictions (mentioned in objectives) in each horoscope four scores are getting calculated–

(for Lagna and Lagnesh afflictions)– Sum of points based on conditions met from A1 to A10
(For Moon afflictions)– Sum of points based on conditions met from B1 to B6
(For Sun afflictions)-Sum of points based on conditions met from C1 to C6
(For BPHS early death related afflictions)-Sum of points based on conditions met from D1 to D6
(Overall affliction score) = A + B + C + D.

Results

In [Appendix 2], all the cases data with processed scores are listed with their data/time of birth, gender, and Lagna detail. Figures and tables given below are driven from this table data. For better readability of data, data has been color-coded. Infant death cases are clustered based on their birth of month so each month cluster is heighted with a different color. All the scores (A, B, C, D, and E) calculated during analysis (as shown in table-1) of each case are presented in the table.

In [Table 2], the frequency and percentage of different age groups of infants are presented. The minimum age is 5 h 15 min. and the maximum age is 16 days 18 h. Maximum 38% of dead infants data come under the category of 48–72 h age group which takes a major portion in the total sample size. Next to that is 0–24 h, and 24–48 h age groups with an equal share of 19% each. The small proportion of age group participation is above 72 h. In [Table 3], the number of cases and percentage of different gender groups of infants are presented. Male infants percentage is 52% which is slightly more than female population.

Table 2: Age group wise distribution

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Table 3: Gender wise distribution

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[Figure 1] shows the population's distribution birth month wise. Clearly Nov 2018 and Dec 2018 segments have 6 records each whereas Oct 2018 has 5 records. These 3 months constitute 80% of overall data where other months only have some representation.

Figure 1: Birth month wise population distribution

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The Lagna-wise population distribution chart [Figure 2] shows that Makara has four samples as maximum population, whereas Vrishchik and Kumbha have no population. Mesha, Karka, and Dhanu have three cases each.

Figure 2: Lagna wise population distribution chart

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The overall affliction score “E” grouped into 3 groups, ~53% cases belongs to highly afflicted group (8 or more). Score group “5–7” has 33% cases. Jointly these two groups have 86% death cases. Rest of the cases are from third group and mere 14%.

[Figure 3], the pie chart shows that the matching of BPHS score “D” grouped into 5 groups occurrences wise. In 28% infant death cases, chosen 6 BPHS sutras had no matching otherwise in 72% cases matching worked. In 33% cases two sutras matched and in 29% cases one sutra matched.

Figure 3: Score grouping for D (Brihat Parashar Hora Shastra score)

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The mixed chart [Figure 4] shows all cases sorted in ascending order by score E. Here, A, B, and C scores are depicted using bars on primary axis (left side) where D and E score are depicted secondary axis using trend line. Case-10 and Case-5 have the highest E score whereas case-14 has the least. Case-9 has an unusual situation where value of C is-1 but E is 9, shows that despite strong Sun's position infant died due to other factors. Case-19 has value zero to A and D showing Lagna/Lagnesh is in sound situation and no BPHS sutra matched, despite that child died due to high score for B and C.

Figure 4: Mixed graph to depict all scores

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Discussion

It has been suggested by Jyotisha experts that right use of Jyotisha in healthcare can provide an alternate source of information about patient's inner/outer environment like tendencies, psychological/emotional challenges, physical strengths, and weaknesses. Doctors/therapists can combine these factors with other available patent's data (from health check-up, medical history etc.) to come up with the right investigation and treatment plan.

This study was carried out to test the veracity of astrological claims in early death cases as pilot before committing longer time and costly resources in the field of Astro-medical research. Here, early infant death data has been used to analyse and cross verify popular astrological claims whether, (i) Lagna and Lagnesh are afflicted along with Moon and Sun then early death of newborn is sure and (ii) Early death sutras (9.3–9.23) of BPHS are still relevant. The aims and objectives of the study are aligned with these two main popular claims. The data was collected with a hospital in MP and parents of dead newborns were approached to cross-verify information provided by hospital and collect the missing information. Complete and verified data for 21 cases were entered in excel sheet.

Horoscope reports were generated through an online website AstroSage for all 21 collected cases. Necessary details like– Lagna chart, planetary positions, and vimshottari dashas were extracted from generated horoscope report. When it came to the analysis and interpretation of these horoscopes, we came across multiple complex approaches (Parashar, Jamini, Nadi, Prashan, etc.) and authors to analyze early death situations.

The results and the interpretations were presented in a lucid format refraining from the technicalities of the astrology study. Besides that, there was also a need of a systematic way of evaluation based on which the magnitude of affliction in horoscope can be measured. Hence, all these standardized rules of analysis are given with points (a number mentioned in bracket). A point-based evaluation system is defined, where the scores (A, B, C, D) are mapped with the hypothesizes. With (1) standardized rules of interpretation and, (2) score-based evaluation system, each horoscope was analyzed and evaluated.

All the horoscopes for 21 cases are analyzed and analysis description has been provided with each case along with evaluation scores. At this point, information provided needs to be used if any issue in understanding the basic astrological terminology. During the horoscope analysis, if any standardized interpretation rule is found true, its points were added to the respective score. All these evaluation scores are merged with existing data and summarized data of all the cases are presented in the form of various suitable chart types and tables.

Conclusions

The study highlights many interesting facts that can be used to decide the birth time of a newborn if there is an option in doctor's hand. For example – if we take a note of all Makara Lagna cases in Dec 2018. Any birth in this month between 9:00 and 11:00 AM would have Makara Lagna. Lagna and Lagnesh are highly afflicted in these death cases so it may be suggested that avoid this timing for this month.

After finding the results of horoscope analysis it can be said with a significantly higher degree of confidence that if-

The Lagna (1^st house) and Lagnesh in Lagna chart are afflicted, this combination may cause the early death of child
If the Moon is afflicted in Lagna chart, this adds to SIDS cases
If Sun is afflicted in Lagna chart it adds to SIDS cases.

It is noted that if all three factors are contributing than it becomes deadly combination however, even if one or two factor(s) were completely zero, yet death still happened.

Yes, there is a positive correlation in the early death rules of BPHS (9.3–9.23) and the birth date/time of SIDS cases. Anyone who wants to carry forward this work with a control group or with parents horoscopes, results can be further fine-tuned and a system can be designed which can assist doctors in determining the best time for at least C-section deliveries.

Financial support and sponsorship

Nil.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.

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