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In early 2001, when 24-year-old Hemang Arun Pandeet accompanied his friend to an astrologer, he was shocked at the shabby and unreliable service his friend received at a very high cost. Pandeet, who had been toying with the idea of starting his own business for quite some time, saw here an opportunity to bring some order into the highly unorganised astrology sector in India. But to create a professional astrology company, he needed a brand. The ambitious Pandeet approached arguably the biggest brand name in India astrology — Bejan Daruwala. To his surprise, Daruwala readily agreed to a meeting. “Maybe the time at which I called indicated to him that this is a beginning for something significant. His first reaction was positive and he was open to a meeting to take it forward,” says Pandeet. The meeting was successful and this is how India’s first integrated astrology services company was born. Today, nine years later, GaneshaSpeaks employs 300 astrologers and has call centres across India. They get 1 million calls per day and the revenues have crossed Rs 10 crore (Rs 100 million). But the journey has not been a smooth one for Pandeet. A BE in Electronics and Communications from Gujarat University, Pandeet belongs to a middle-class family. At the time of taking the decision to start GaneshaSpeaks, he was working as a senior executive with a large telecom company. Understandably, his parents were worried and did not approve of his decision to give up his well-paying job for an uncertain future. Friends also voiced their concern. But Pandeet strongly believed in the idea and the entrepreneurial bug had already bitten him. So he managed to convince everyone and started looking for the initial capital required to start the venture. “It took a lot of convincing for me to have an angel investor commit Rs 10 lakh (Rs 1 million) to the project. Since we were always short of money, the initial two years were pretty much hand-to-mouth. It was only in the third year that we started making significant profits,” he says. However, Pandeet had been pragmatic in his planning and had put some money aside. “I did have a reserve amount to sustain my lifestyle for one year. I had decided that if I am not able to run the business during that period I would get back to doing a job. However, six months down the line, I was convinced that the concept will work and then there was no looking back.” GaneshaSpeaks today offers astrological predictions across media like the Internet and mobile phone. The astrologers are specially trained for delivering instant service. “They are required to begin analyzing and forecasting within 30 seconds of picking up the call,” says Pandeet. Interestingly, as far as the nature of problems is concerned, according to the company, there’s a 50:50 split between love life or relationships, and professional issues. Not limiting itself to predicting the future of individuals, the company has also ventured into areas like sports and stock market predictions. They also provide personalized financial astrology services where the individual client’s horoscope is studied to indicate the conduciveness of the current time for taking positions in the stock market, mainly inclined towards speculation. According to a guesstimate, the Indian astrology market is pegged at Rs 40,000 crore (Rs 400 billion) annually. But a large part of this is spent on remedies and rituals. The online and telecom astrology markets are significantly smaller in comparison at Rs 50 crore (Rs 500 million). “In India, the astrologer is the default psychiatrist However, we are not ready to pay him equivalent consultancy fees and hence the market is skewed towards remedies like gemstones, rings, puja, et cetera which yield high margins,” says Pandeet. GaneshaSpeaks is now planning to go international. They are building an international web site incorporating various languages like French and Spanish. And they are also looking to tap the lucrative American and British telecom astrology markets. The American online astrology market is worth $200 million, while the telecom astrology markets in the United States and the United Kingdom are said to be worth $1 billion each! Currently though, GaneshaSpeaks.com is No. 5 in the world in terms of traffic in the horoscopes category and a majority of the traffic on the site is from the Indian subcontinent. The traffic coming on to the site from other countries like the US, the UK and Canada is also most likely to be from Indians settled there, according to Pandeet. The company is looking at changing this now .When asked about the fundamental differences between the Indian and international astrology markets, Pandeet says that the main difference lies in perception, “For Indians it is sacred, whereas in countries like the US and the UK it is just one more tool for self-exploration. Also the nature of issues can be different. Astrology has the width and the depth to address most of the problems that arise in the life of an individual anywhere in the world. The context may change but the fundamentals remain the same. We hope to understand the specific requirements of the American and British markets and offer services in accordance with the demand.” He is also looking at other English-speaking markets like South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. The company also hopes to ride the broadband wave in India and sees that as a factor for growth in the Indian market in future. It’s no surprise that Pandeet himself relies on astrology while taking business decisions. “Major decisions are a mix of logic, practical understanding and forecasts done by astrology,” he says. In November 2009, it was a proud moment for Pandeet when Bejan Daruwala formally anointed GaneshaSpeaks as the successor to his astrological legacy. Obviously, this first generation entrepreneur has come a long way in the last nine years. His practical advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is: “Ensure that the business that you wish to do will be able to pay for itself as soon as possible. Eventually it will have to, so the earlier the better.”

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16 May, 2010 – “If you succeed today, the box of coins and the five layers of textiles in front of you are yours,” His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (1928-1972) said to Bhutan’s three notable astrologers.

The occasion was an archery match in the garden palace in Thimphu on a fine day in 1971. “If our team wins, the jeep parked in front of you is also yours,” the chief astrologer, Geshey Doti, was assured. “If we lose, then the bucket of starch water in front of you will be poured on your heads without any hesitation.”

The build up to this historic match started from a conversation between a senior member of the king’s court, Dasho Tsang Tsang, who reportedly said to the late His Majesty, “Even the best archer can’t secure a single hit if his village astrologer Geshey Doti is used.”

But the King dismissed this, saying, “It’s the skill of the archer that determines the victory and not the astrologer.” Dasho Tsang Tsang refused to give in to the king’s argument and so the historic match came to be.

The king gave chief astrologer Geshey Doti, from Haa valley, the freedom to engage in all tricks of the trade without any fear. For example, the name and age of the best archers are buried under the soles of shoes to undermine confidence. Clay models of archers are pricked with bamboo arrows to cause twinges.

The chief astrologer had two deputies, the one from Paro was only known as the old man from Jakarthang village, and the other from Wangduephodrang was Tsing Tsing.

Tsing Tsing was so revered that rival archery teams were known to have accepted defeat even before the game. He lived in Gaylep and was exempted from tax.

For the historic archery match, the king captained a team of average shooters, comprising mainly district governors. The opponents were the royal bodyguards, all sharp shooters, captained by lieutenant Dorji, the only commissioned officer in the team.

According to Sha Dema, an opponent of the king’s team, they spent all the time playing the national game or making their own arrows and bows. “We were exempted from all the duties of a bodyguard,” said Sha Dema.

Drimpon Rinzi was the crack shot of his team. He used a short bamboo bow and his arrows were even shorter. “If you looked, you could see his arrow travel fast,” according to Dasho Tsheltrim.

The king’s team had played two practice matches with the bodyguard team. They lost both but managed in both games to score 10 and 11 points of the 15 needed to win.

On the eve of the game, the king slept with his team members in the living room. This allowed the astrologers to perform all rituals with convenience.

“We can’t win, because our opponents are sharp-shooters, but we must try and secure at least 10 points,” the King told his archers before the start of the match at 8:30 am.

A large crowd of people watched nervously. One of them was aum Dorji Yangki. She said that the king always invited the archer’s spouses. She remembers the colourful day. The archery ground was festooned with flags. “They were many dancers and I remember sitting in the tent and enjoying the day,” she said.

The crowd was sure that the king’s team would win, because they had the support of the astrologers. But the skilled bodyguard shooters were consistent and managed to score the 15 points in the first two rounds. In each round, all eleven archers get to shoot. Each hit fetches two points. Points are neutralised if an opponent strikes the target.

From the king’s team, only Dasho Dodo managed to hit one shot and secure two points. The king and his noblemen were no match and their astrologers were of no help.

Two people from Gangtey in the king’s court were chosen to pour the starch water on the astrologers. The starch water, drained while cooking rice, was taken especially from the monk’s kitchen. Bhutanese consider it unfit for human consumption and it’s fed to cattle. When starch water is poured over a person, it means the person is useless.

Since nobody had the courage to humiliate the astrologers, the guest master, Dronyer Agay Dorji, and a retainer Anday Kum, were engaged for the task. After the starch water was poured on their heads, the astrologers ran quickly to the riverbed near the archery ground and then ran home. His Majesty later sent for them and gave them the five textiles.

At the end of the game, His Majesty announced, “We just proved that the astrologers couldn’t help us. Henceforth, from this day onwards, we must stop relying on them.”

Much to their curiosity, a few months later, four of the sharpshooters of the king’s team suffered. Kabjip Sampa not only lost his speech but was also paralysed and, to this day, lives in his wheel chair. Seyphub Lengo lost control of his bicycle and fell from the Lungtenzampa bridge into the river. Shortly after, his teammate, Tongling Singye Dorji shot himself in the barracks. The third person, Tshewang Rabgay, died of illness.

Tshering Tashi
Co-author, Bold Bhutan Beckons

kuenselonline.com

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ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

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DALLAS (Reuters Life!) – Although most Americans are Christian and many are devout it hasn’t stopped some members of the flock from believing in astrology, reincarnation or the ability of trees to trap spiritual energy.

A poll by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life shows a surprising number of U.S. adults claim to have had supernatural experiences such as ghost sightings or hold beliefs associated with the New Age movement or Eastern religions.

And some of them claim allegiance to more traditional faiths such as Catholicism or evangelical Protestantism.

“American religious folks hold a variety of views and there is overlap among their beliefs and practices. Many do not fit into simple boxes,” said Pew researcher Alan Cooperman.

The poll released on Wednesday showed that three-in-ten Americans say they have felt in touch with a dead person and 18 percent say they have seen or been in the presence of a ghost.

Other Pew surveys have shown that relatively few Americans would identify an Eastern religion or New Age spirituality as their core faith. But about a quarter of those surveyed say they believe in aspects of Eastern religions.

Nearly 25 percent said they believed in reincarnation and 23 percent said yoga was a spiritual practice. Twenty six percent said they believed “spiritual energy” could be found in objects such as trees.

A quarter said they believed in astrology, while 16 percent of U.S. adults think that an “evil eye” exists or that some people can cast curses or spells on others. Among black Protestants the evil eye figure is 32 percent.

The number of Americans who profess a belief in astrology is about the same as the number who claim to be Roman Catholic. Nearly 30 percent of Catholics surveyed said they believed in astrology. Among Catholics who attended church each week the figure was 16 percent.

Much of this would be jarring to — among others — many evangelical Protestants, who account for one in four adult Americans and take their Bible very seriously.

Still, 13 percent of white evangelicals profess a belief in astrology and about 10 percent accepted the possibility of reincarnation. Although the percentages are lower than in other groups, they are high enough to curl the hair of a Southern Baptist preacher.

Researchers said they were careful to stress that reincarnation meant being reborn again and again in this world and did not refer to, say, the resurrection of Christ.

Evangelicals, who place a heavy emphasis on spiritual conversions, are much more likely than most Americans to have had “a religious or mystical experience — that is, a moment of religious or spiritual awakening,” according to the poll.

About half of Americans claim to have had such an experience but among white evangelicals the number is 70 percent and for black Protestants it is 71 percent.

The nationwide survey of around 4,000 adults was conducted in August. Interviews were done in English and Spanish.

Source – vancouversun.com

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From silly astrology for business to the electronic cigarette, there’s plenty in this week’s instalment of the Friday funnies to keep you entertained all afternoon long.

The old “Tickle Me Elmo” joke

A women desperately looking for work goes into a manufacturing plant. The personnel manager goes over her C.V. and explains that he regrets he has nothing worthy of her qualifications and experience. But the woman is desperate. She assures him that she will take any job going. The personal manager “ums” and “ahs” for a bit and finally says that he’s got a low skill job on the “Tickle Me Elmo” line that she’s welcome to take. The woman happily accepts. He takes her down to the line, explains her duties and tells her to be in for 8am the next day.

The next day, at 8:45, there’s a knock at the personnel manager’s door. The “Tickle Me Elmo” line manager comes in and starts ranting about the woman he just hired. After screaming for 15 minutes about how badly backed up the assembly line is, the personnel manager suggests he just show him the problem.

Together they head down to the line and sure enough, Elmos are backed up from here to kingdom come. Right at the end of the line is the recently-hired woman. She has a roll of Elmo material in one hand and a bag of marbles in the other. They both watch as she cuts a little piece of fabric, takes two marbles and starts sewing them between Elmo’s legs.

The personal managers starts to kill himself laughing. After 20 minutes of rolling around, he pulls himself together and walks over to the new employee. “I’m sorry,” he says, still giggling. “I guess you misunderstood me yesterday. What I wanted you to do was give Elmo two test tickles.”

The Corporate Zodiac
Forget Jonathan Cainer and Sally Brompton, all you need to establish the fate of your workforce is the corporate zodiac. Divided by roles, not star signs, see how relevant these predictions are to your staff…

MARKETING:
You are ambitious yet stupid. You chose a marketing degree to avoid having to study in college, concentrating instead on drinking and socialising – which is pretty much what your job responsibilities are now. Least compatible with Sales.

SALES:
Laziest of all signs, often referred to as “marketing without a degree”, you are also self-centered and paranoid. Unless someone calls you and begs you to take their money, you like to avoid contact with “customers” so you can “concentrate on the big picture”. You seek admiration for your golf game throughout your life.

TECHNOLOGY:
Unable to control anything in your personal life, you are instead content to completely control everything that happens at your workplace. Often even YOU don’t understand what you are saying, but who the heck can tell?! It is written that the Geeks shall inherit the Earth.

ENGINEERING:
One of only three signs that actually studied in school, it is said that ninety percent of all Personal Ads are placed by engineers. You can be happy with yourself: your office is typically full of all the latest “ergodynamic” gadgets. However, we all know what is really causing your “carpal tunnel”…

ACCOUNTING:
One of the only other signs that studied in school, you are mostly immune from office politics. You are the most feared person in the organization; combined with your extreme organizational traits, the majority of rumors concerning you say that you are completely insane.

EDITORIAL
You flaunt your “education” and razor-sharp wit but your personal hygiene issues ensure that everyone gives you a wide berth – unless they’re having problems with their crossword. You believe that you can do everyone else’s job better than they can but no one notices when you are struck down with swine flu and disappear for three weeks.

HUMAN RESOURCES:
Ironically, given your access to confidential information, you tend to be the biggest gossip within the organization. Possibly the only other person that does less work than marketing, you are unable to return any calls today because you have to get a haircut, have lunch, AND mail a letter!

MIDDLE MANAGEMENT/ DEPARTMENT MANAGEMENT/ “TEAM LEADS”:
Catty, cut-throat, yet completely spineless, you are destined to remain at your current job for the rest of your life. Unable to make a single decision you tend to measure your worth by the number of meetings you can schedule for yourself. Best suited to marry other “Middle Managers”, as everyone in your social circle is a “Middle Manager”.

SENIOR MANAGEMENT:
Catty, cut-throat, yet completely spineless, you are destined to remain at your current job for the rest of your life. Unable to make a single decision you tend to measure your worth by the number of meetings you can schedule for yourself. Best suited to marry other “Senior Managers”, as everyone in your social circle is a Senior Manager”.

CUSTOMER SERVICE:
Bright, cheery, positive, you are a fifty-pence cab ride from taking your own life. As a child very few of you asked your parents for a little cubicle for your room and a headset so you could pretend to play “Customer Service”. Continually passed over for promotions, your best bet is to sleep with your manager.

And now for the Real Business “Inventions of the Week”!

We have been totally captivated by the new “smokeless electronic cigarette”. The promo video is repetitive and slightly patronising but we care not! The inventors desperately try to assure would-be consumers that this little gadget will alow them to smoke in bars and clubs but Real Business would bet its back pages that the bouncer will have his fist in your face before you get a chance to explain, “It’s not real smoke, it’s vapour!”
source- realbusiness.co.uk

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Have you ever wondered why your children are different in character even though they are born from the same parents and grew up in the same family? To an astrologer that is quite a natural thing and astrology will confirm what the parents have long observed. The explanation to that is that they are usually born in a different month of the year and under different star signs, which means that their planets is placed in different signs and houses in the horoscope.

That would mean that the children have their own special talent and it is then up to the parents to encourage them to fulfil their potential in what ever area the children show signs of being gifted. Some parents may push their children into careers and and expect them to fulfil their own dreams rather than look at what the child are best suited for. However, astrology presents an answer by allowing the parents to see the child as he is, an independent individual with his or hers own desires.

If parents and teachers were to use astrology in a responsible manner they would not only be able to understand the children better but also guide them in the direction that is best suited for them and help them to unfold to their natural potentials. A planetary energy is either good or bad but it is the way the energy is used that determines the outcome.

The role of the astrologer can play an important part in helping us to understand and appreciate our children better. Astrology is like a road map of our character and offers a unique glimpse into our inner life.

A closer study of the individual’s personal horoscope will reveal many aspects of a persons talents and potentials and will act as a guide to a more fulfilled life style.

Source – astroforu.wordpress.com

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Those born during the intellectually ambitious Virgo are always interested in knowing more. It’s obvious why! The more you know, the more invaluable you are to those around you, thinks Virgo. What an angel! Virgo has a reputation for being a humble servant, but she’s often far more Beyonce than Cinderella, as evidenced by her glamorous constellation where the virgin is (truly) angelic — possessing a set of angel wings and jewels to boot! Her jewels are called the diamonds of Virgo, and the most important of which is a bright star called Spica, also attributed to the discovery of the precession of the equinoxes. It appears Virgos have a natural affinity for astrology! Bright Spica shines as the wheat chaff held in Virgo’s hand, offering her versatile abundance to mankind. Wisdom is a commodity that grows in spades for Virgo people, so they rely heavily on their mental processes, figuring they can deduce and influence practically anything through analysis. They often do! However, their need to be ultimately and completely prepared can sometimes hold them back. Those born under this sign know about timing their harvest; they patiently wait, intuitively knowing the right moment to do so.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Giada De Laurentiis has all the right astrological ingredients for rising to the top as a celebrity chef. The sun and Mars both share the personable sign of Leo, contributing to her attractive movie-star magnetism, while a natal moon in Taurus makes her a full-fledged foodie. Taurus moon also inclines her toward familiar comfort foods — yes, the kind you’d find in Italy, her place of birth.

Source – Suntimes.com

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As the wedding season is all set to add sparkle to the lives of brides and grooms-astrologers, numerologists, tarot card readers and face readers are making a killing with their predictions. Myriad permutations and combinations, matching horoscopes, reading cards and checking the compatibility of couples ensures ‘perfect’ marital bliss and harmony, claim the clan.

But as the popular saying goes, ‘Men are from Mars and women are from Venus’, so can matching horoscopes or donning gemstones ensure a happy married life or bring you good luck for a stable future? Sonali (name changed on request) says, “I have been in love with a man for four years, but our parents are apprehensive about our marriage as our horoscopes do not match. I think it’s unfair to entirely depend on astrology to plan your future.”

So, just how much should couples rely on these ‘match-making’ techniques and what are the different occult sciences you can turn to before you tie the knot? We explore…

Stars speak

One of the most popular match-making techniques in India, astrology seems to be the deciding factor for most nuptials in India. However, renowned astrologer Bejan Daruwalla explains, “Nothing in life is perfect. Astrology and match-making can help, but only up to 60 per cent. The remaining 40 per cent depends on the mindset, attitude and adjustments made by the two partners. Indian astrology divides marriage into several compartments which as a whole determine your compatibility. There is no perfect rule to judge a person as every individual is different from the other.” Citing examples, he adds, “Cancerians are the most emotional and Librans cannot survive without marriage. Aries has the tendency to dominate and won’t get married if it is not allowed to do so; Leos are the most vulnerable and if not married, they will sulk like a child.”

Coffee cup reading

If you think astrology is passé, here’s an interesting way to find out what the future holds for you and your spouse. Mrs. Nawal Gani, a Bangalore based coffee cup reader who was recently spotted at a wedding exhibition in Delhi adds, “I can read a person’s past and future by seeing the strains of coffee he/she leaves after having the drink. I can see symbols, words and patterns in the cup which imply different things for different people and help me guide them to a better life. For instance, an elephant or a tree may signify different meanings for different people.”

Tarot cards

Tarot reading revolves around the belief that the cards can be used to gain insight into the current and possible future situations of the subject. Each card has a variety of symbolic meanings that have evolved over the years.

Sunita Menon, who has been practicing tarot reading for the past fourteen years says, “Tarot reading is very similar to ‘prashna kundli’. In tarot reading, there is a relationship spread which helps in finding how compatible you’ll be with your partner and the possible flaws in the relationship. It also goes into past life and helps in finding out whether you were soulmates. It can also help you know the strengths and weaknesses of a person and whether you’ll be compatible or not.”

The number game

Numbers, which in turn are ruled by planets, can help you determine how compatible you are with your partner. Sanjay B Jumaani, a well-known numerologist explains, “Through numerology, we can deduce and analyse a person’s strengths and weaknesses due to planetary influences and thereby warn or guard against them. Number 3 is generally compatible with numbers 3, 6 and 9; number 5 is compatible with 5, 6 and 7; number 4 is compatible with 1, 2 and 7.”

Astrologer and numerologist Anupam V Kapil further adds, “Although numerology can help in knowing more about the person’s nature, changing letters in your name cannot help. It’s a myth. Only a complete change in the name is beneficial. Number 1 for example, is ruled by the Sun and has leadership qualities and is therefore compatible with number 2. People who share the same number cannot be good life partners as they’ll have the same qualities which may result in clashes.”

All about gems

Not just numbers, gemstones too are believed to have an implication on your life and fortune. “Gemstones can help people who are not being able to find a partner. It brings balance to your life. Opal for instance, can be of great help to Librans as it attracts love,” adds Kapil.

Anoop Agarwal, a gemologist says, “Stones have a great impact on the mind and body. The size of the prescribed stone may also differ according to the severity of the problem. Rose quartz or love stone can be kept in the bedroom as it helps couples in removing negativity in their respective families, if they are not giving consent to their marriage. Similarly, if you are unable to find the right partner, you may use crystal trees to attract positive vibes. Agate stones can be kept on the bed as it calms the mind and helps in taking the right decision at the right time. Gem stones can also help in resolving differences between couples as they are safe and result oriented.”

Face reading

Yes! Face reading is yet another method to get to know what’s on your partner’s mind and just in case you are inquisitive how well you will bond with your in-laws, you can take them to visit the face reader too!

Yogini Kamath, a face reader, horoscope reader and numerologist says, “Facial expressions, body language, shape of the eyes and nose and the way a person speaks can tell a lot about his temperament, likes and dislikes and compatibility with his/her partner. For example, lines on the forehead depict stress, tension and anger. Not just that, you can also find out how compatible you’ll be with your in-laws. A girl who has a sharp nose will face difficulties with her mother-in-law. A boy who has a flat nose is generally confused whether he should stay with his parents or not. I think face reading is quite accurate and reliable and can be of great help in finding an ideal match.”

While astrology, face reading or gemstones may help you find your ‘special someone’, it is important to tell your partner – “You may or may not love me, but I will always love you,” says Daruwalla. Agreeing with him, Sunita Menon too believes that although destiny plays an important role in marriage, but what is most important is staying together forever.

Source – timesofindia.com

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MUMBAI: Do stars, moons and the planets add up to profits at the stock market? To some people, the answer to this would be in the affirmative. More than anything else, it is important to understand that the dependence on astrology comes from volatility in the market. If one is in the midst of a bull run, the bucks just keeping in. Today, trends clearly indicate that a lot of investors are betting on astrology to guide them through the choppy market. This is often the time, when caution replaces greed, and stability is what is welcomed.

“Volatility and uncertainty in the market attract clients to astrology,” says Lt Col Ajay, CEO, Astromoneyguru.com, a company offering astrological services with a focus on the market. Ask him for his next prediction and pat comes the answer — crude oil prices, over the next 15 days, will again reach a level of $130.

It is not just about predictions. The element of a sound and a basic understanding of how the stock market functions can hardly be ignored. As is well known, the stock market is typically affected by factors such as companies’ fundamentals, technicals, the political scenario, to name a few. “We give recommendations based on market timing, psychology and political events,” says Dharmesh Joshi of ganeshaspeaks.com.

Strangely enough, a company’s fundamentals are never taken into consideration by the astrologers. So, how do they go about it? They start off with basic information like the date, time and place of one’s birth. Based on this, they will be in a position to predict what type of an investment is best suited to a person. This could be short-term or long-term in nature.

If, for instance, it is short-term, one is told on when one should trade and which stock or sector will be the best investment. It is not unusual to receive advice on the lines of trading in stocks starting with the letter “A” and belonging to sectors such as cement, steel or oil and gas. If the luck of that letter works in the investor’s favour, he will not have a reason to complain.

A player like ganeshaspeaks.com got into the business of predicting stock market trends five years go. Today, the client base in excess of 150 and is growing by 20% each year. Mr Joshi is quick to admit that astrology is not 100% accurate, but rather it improves the rate of success by 20-25%. He charges Rs 1,000 as a monthly fee and speaks of stock brokers and fund managers as his clientele. Indians, who today live in Saudi Arabia, London and the US, bank on his recommendations which reach them through email.

Astromoneyguru.com, meanwhile, has seen its client base jump four-fold from 1,000 to about 4,000 over the past three years. They offer services on stocks, commodities and metals. It has a 15-member team and services its clients out of Jaipur. Predictions are made on an hourly basis, weekly and a monthly basis. It does not come cheap and the fees could vary from Rs 3,500 per annum to as much as Rs 1 lakh per annum depending on the type of services required.

At the end of it, what is required is the coming together of three critical factors — an understanding of markets, astrology and a certain level of computer literacy. There are barely a handful who are good at all of these.

Source- economic times