INDIAN ASTROLOGER PREDICTS CALM, PROGRESSIVE 2009

By P. Vijian

CHENNAI, Jan 2 (Bernama) -- If the just-concluded Sun-ruled 2008 brought
plenty of misery and tension, the new year will bring more calm and peace to the
world as it falls under the moon's influence, predicts a prominent Indian
astrologer.

South Indian astrologer Pandit Kaliyur Narayanan said 2008 was under the
"Revathi" (Pisces) star, the last star in the Indian zodiac system, and created
a lot of grief for the people as it was under solar influence.

According to Indian astrology, "Ashwani" or the godly or auspicious star is
the first among the 27 stars in the zodiac system and is influenced by the moon.

"The year 2008 was ruled by the Sun, so there was solar influence, a lot of
heat. That was the reason for so much disturbance and calamity. But 2009 belongs
to Ashwani (Aries) and, with the moon's influence, it will be bring more calm
and prosperity, especially after May or July," said Narayanan.

The astrologer, a regular columnist frequently consulted by local and
foreign dignitaries, has a sanguine forecast for 2009 despite the pressing
economic gloom and nagging political tension in some parts of the world.

There would be less political upheaval in 2009 and many prolonged conflicts
are likely to be resolved and terrorism will come under some level of control,
Narayanan predicted.

He said countries in Asia would benefit from the cosmic influence of the
planet Mars and the moon being in a closer position this year.

He expected Asian farmers to reap a good harvest this year as rainfall would
be plenty and the agriculture sector would gain.

"As the year progresses, there will be rapid economic changes. It will be
for the best. Lots of poverty will vanish and people in poor countries will at
least eat a single meal a day," said Narayanan.
-- BERNAMA