This year’s Kumbh Mela takes place at the most auspicious of planetary alignments in 144 years. In light of this, the Kumbh Chronicle will feature weekly the astrological wisdom of Swami, Yogi Prakash, direct from the Kumbh.

‘Yogastrologist’, tantrist, healer and naturopath to boot, Yogi Prakash is guru to many in the holy city of Benares as well as to followers from all over the world. His combination of Yoga and Astrology in your daily life will help to achieve balance of mind and body, allowing you to achieve the state of Yoga.

Aries

This week can help fulfilment of desires after the 22nd. In the first three days, sudden pilgrimage is possible. Close relatives can turn against you if you don’t handle them properly. Close association with opposite sex may create some problems, especially if number nine figures in their date of birth. Health will improve. This week can prove a good week to acquire property or jewels; expenses, however, soar. You may seek help from officials regarding your job. Politicians will do well. Those in construction industry also do well. For those in professions and business, 24th, 25th and 26th are good dates. 22nd and 29th may prove inauspicious.

Taurus

First two days of the week seem unfavourable. Mental tension and despondency may prevail. One has to be very careful regarding health, especially complications like coughs, colds and illnesses affecting the throat. Though the best days of the week will be pleasant, escalating expenses will create a financial crunch. Handle others money with care. Speculation may not bear expected results. Those in government or salaried positions may encounter a threat to their position. Real estate deals will come through. Construction work will be slow. 26th, 27th and 28th may prove fortunate. 22nd, 24th and 25th are not favourable.

Gemini

New associations with members of the opposite sex may happen but may spark off disputes in the first two days. Professionals may encounter problems in their career. Health needs should be attended to. There may be anxiety over spouse’s health. The hold of spirituality may weaken. Postpone unimportant travel plans. Minor gains apart, difficulties in real estate, government service, professions and displeasure arising out of the behaviour of senior colleagues will affect your mental peace. Not a good time for politicians. 22nd and 29th may prove good dates for professionals and business persons. 23rd, 24th, 25th and 26th not favourable. 27th and 28th are not good for those in salaried jobs.

Cancer

The week should be a promising one, though there will be occasions when there will be mental tension and anxiety for no apparent reason. Prospects for acquiring a house, land, gold or other forms of wealth brighten. Members of the opposite sex will give immense pleasure. Eligible singles can get married. However, resist temptation for romantic exploits. Birth of a child brings joy. Indigestion, fever or dysentery can upset schedule. Careful professional planning can yield profit, position of power and honour. New ventures succeed. Those in salaried jobs may face problems. Construction work prospers; real estate deals drop. Politicians may have a tough time. During the week, 22nd, 24th and 25th are fortunate dates. 26th, 27th and 28th seem to be unfavourable as far as personal financial deals are concerned.

Leo

Slackness in execution of work can affect your reputation. Some may change jobs. Destruction of enemies and competitors can ensure success this week. An uneasy mind - because of conflicting thoughts - can slow you down physically as well. Maintain mental calm and act with discretion. A member of the opposite sex may help you get a job. It’s a good time for investment in vehicles or real estate. Careful planning can yield profits. Real estate deals go through without any hitch; construction projects slow down. Those in politics may do well. Good dates: 24th to 28th. Inauspicious dates: 22nd and 23rd.

Virgo

Irritation or impediments to conjugal felicity can affect peace of mind. Not a good week for financial gains. Small increase in income may be dissipated through wasteful expenditure. Debts cause you worry. Guard against deceit. During the week, prepare the ground for investment in real estate or acquiring a vehicle. For some elderly persons, there may be serious ailments or death. If involved in litigation, you may have setbacks. Those in salaried jobs may suffer. Generally, this is a favourable week for politicians. Favourable dates for personal and domestic deals: 26th, 27th and 28th. Inauspicious dates: 22nd, 24th and 25th.

Libra

For the first two days, unfavourable and unchecked trends are somewhat strong. You may suddenly go for a short pilgrimage. Obstacles, injuries, fear of death, adversaries, dangers, unexpected squabbles and ailments can hold you to ransom. Those suffering from chronic ailments may have a difficult time. You may be inclined towards doing virtuous deeds or giving a happy turn to your matrimonial affairs. Financial affairs should be handled with care and caution. Though it is possible that you may acquire wealth through inheritance or acquisition, this is not the most lucky period for those seeking wealth. Avoid speculation. Obstruction to work possible. Politicians drift. Building works stagger. Favourable dates: 22nd and 23rd. Unfavourable dates: 24th and 25th.

Scorpio

Strained relations with close relatives or quarrel with spouse may cause mental suffering. Health of father or spouse may be a cause for concern. Guard against new friends, lest they turn out to be wicked. Do not do anything in haste. Those holding key positions will be given greater responsibility and power. Avoid confrontations. Those in salaried jobs may find their senior colleagues helping them. Real estate deals go slow. Construction work progresses. Politicians have a good time. Avoid speculative deals. Money inflow will be good, though unnecessary expenditure too increases. There may be timely help that may stabilise your finances. Tie up with a foreigner. Redemption of mortgaged property foreseen. Favourable dates: 24th and 25th. Inauspicious dates: 26th, 27th and 28th.

Sagittarius

Fortunately, major adverse trends are under check. Soundness of body and mind will be at stake. Loss of memory can occur. Conjugal relations improve despite odds. You may be depressed because of unjust blame or a scandal. Travel may bring benefit to you provided you plan your journey carefully. Avoid speaking out against those in position of power, lest you invite trouble. You may acquire new properties. Partnerships thrive. Postpone new contracts. A good time for estate agents. Building works also progress despite impediments. Not a good week for politicians. Good dates: 26th, 27th and 28th. Unfavourable dates: 24th and 25th.

Capricorn

First two days of the week may put you on move with opposite sex. Financial inflows will please you. Those aspiring for marriage, children or a house may realise their dreams this week. Unsteady mind can yield to temptations. Friendship with a strange person in the film industry or public life can lead to complications. Though heavy expenditure may worry you, acquisition of property, vehicle or precious things can make you happy. You may benefit from selective speculation. You may be drawn to esoteric studies. Auspicious dates: 24th and 25th. Unfavourable dates: 26th, 27th and 28th.

Aquarius

Strained relations with close relatives result in lack of mental peace and happiness. Advantages foreseen through travel and religious ceremonies. Though you may lack concentration, there is potential for creative work. Be determined and result oriented. Attempts to keep your finances under control may not quite work. Small losses or heavy expenses can be beyond your expectations. Money will come in through friends. Speculation may fail. Be careful with strangers. If in business, you may gain as your competition weakens. If in salaried jobs, senior colleagues will not be kind or helpful. Real estate deals will go through very slowly; building projects will take off. Fortunate dates: 26th, 27th and 28th. Unfavourable dates: 24th and 25th.

Pisces

You will be doing well on health and job front by the evening of the 25th when ascendant or Lord of this house becomes direct. Success will come your way. Your financial position will be good, provided you control your expenses. Good income may induce you to go in for investments. Debts, if any, will be cleared. Mother’s may health may be a cause for concern. You may have disagreement with spouse which, however, will not affect conjugal happiness. Good health prevails. A change in profession is possible during the first two days. A bigger role in a profession awaits many. Team work will bring more success. Real estate deals and construction projects go slow. Politicians will do very well. Favourable dates for professionals and business persons: 22nd, 23rd and 24th. Inauspicious dates: 26th, 27th and 28th.

22nd - 29th January 2001