Something strangehappened. In the middle ofwriting this week’s column,

I took… or rather was made totake a U-turn and writesomething totally opposite towhat I was originally going tosay. I had planned to write on the‘post festival depression’, or thelow feeling one gets immediatelyafter a series of festivities end.You feel as if life has suddenlybecome dull. I thought many, likeme, would be feeling this way,now that Diwali just got over.But, when I discussed this withmy team to take their inputs, Irealised that they complained offar more stress ‘from’ Diwalithan from the thought of itgetting over. ‘Please write abouthow stressful this festival is,’says my colleague and City Cribcolumnist, Damini. So, here I am,after giving a lot of thought towhy this festival we all look for-ward to, has also become a bigsource of tension to us. It’s all

our own doing actually, becauseas years passed, we forgot afew things.

1We forgot that Diwali wasmeant to genuinely send out a

prayer and wish for close friendsand family…and not an occasionto copy a forwarded SMS andsending it to your entire phonebook, including to the plumber inthe neighbourhood of a houseyou vacated five years ago. BulkSMSs have surely made life easy— one click, and whoosh…everyone in your universe issupposed to feel happy that youwish them so much of ‘happi-ness, luck and prosperity.’ It’sanother thing that the ones hap-piest from this act of yours areAirtel or Vodafone.

2We forgot that the tradition ofDiwali gifting was originally

limited to a box of sweets for areason. Because the intentionwas only to wish for sweetness inrelations. Now the intention is toprove and show off the value ofthat relation, which is in directproportion to the size and cost ofyour gift. And the poor sweetbox, in fact replaced now byfancy chocolate hampers can benothing more than anaccompaniment to the ‘main’

gift. Try giving just a box ofsweets to your close relative andI’ll be very keen to know howsweet your relationship remainsafter that Diwali.

3We forgot that Diwali wasmeant to be an occasion to sit

and enjoy the festive spirit withrelatives and friends, not visitten homes in a single eveningafter battling heavy traffic,dropping the gift on their head,gulping a cold drink and rushingout for the next ‘duty’. Noseriously, if your grandparentsloved each other as much asmine did, I’m sure you also havethree chachas, two buas, threemamas and four mausis. And ifall of them are as loving towardstheir spouses as mine are, you’llhave loads of cousins too. Just

visiting each of their homes togive a Diwali gift can take acouple of weeks, even if I’m outdoing just that every evening.And then some families are evenmore loving than mine, so nowyou know why there’s so muchtraffic on roads before Diwali.Tell me, why can’t families adopta system where all close rela-tives meet up at a common placefor a fun evening, and everyoneexchanges their gifts at one go?It’ll save fuel, it’ll save hassle, it’llsave time and most importantly,it’ll hopefully save the sanctity ofthe tradition.It’s Bhai Dooj today, the

festival that I suspect wasinvented to utilise the left-overgift hampers of Diwali. Go out onthe roads and you’ll see — amid

nightmarish traffic — Papa,Mummy, Sonu, Babloo and fivegift hampers, all on a scooter.It’s a happy festival but they toolook stressed. Maybe in ourenthusiasm to celebrate, we haveindeed forgotten how to enjoyour festivals. What do you think?

Sonal Kalra has decided thatfrom next year, she’ll distributeDiwali gifts from August itselfand would stay for dinner atevery relative’s house, whetherthey ask or not. It’ll reduce —either the panic on the day ofDiwali, or the number ofrelatives to give gifts to infuture. Mail your calmnesstricks to her at:sonal.kalra@hindustan

times.com

06New Delhi, Sunday November 07, 2010

relationshipTAROTPOWER

The Tarot is an ancient meditative discipline by which one can gain access to higher levels of consciousness. The mystique of Tarot cards combines astrology,numerology, symbology and the occult to gain insights into the past, present and future. Tarot cards can be used for divination, therapy, mirroring and coun-selling. A series of images represent, in pictorial form, a summary of all knowledge, ancient energies, teachings and the wisdom of sages. Usually, there are78 cards in the Tarot pack, which is divided into two, major and minor arcana. The major arcana cards symbolise the elements, planets and zodiac signs. Thenthere are the royalty cards — Knight, Queen, Prince and Princess - that symbolise people, characteristics and qualities. The minor arcana are presented in foursuits from one to 10 and they are Wands, Cups, Swords and Pentacles.-Ma Prem Ritambhara is a well-known Tarot consultant who has been reading the cardsfor over 10 years. Her e-mail address: ritambhara7@gmail.com

Ma Prem RitambharaNovember 7- November 13

SPIRITUAL MESSAGE: One has to learn the secret, the artof how to transform energies. You simply give a directionand energy starts moving. And there is a possibility oftransforming anger into bliss, greed into compassion,jealousy into love. Give it a try, says Osho, the Zen master.

Endings and new beginnings on different levels areon the cards this week! You are productive in newventures that bring out your hidden potential. Youcomplete business projects and meet targets withenergy and resolve. Financial settlements are made

and agreements are signed. You make correct conclusions andpredictions about business trends based on past experience. Youfinally drop your crystallised ego and express true feelings in a lovingrelationship. It’s best to do things personally rather than delegateresponsibility at this point. A brief vacation or restful holiday with thefamily is on the cards! Mental anxiety can lead to health problems.Avoid making hurried decisions. Meditation and contemplation leadyou towards the right path of spiritual growth. You take the opportuni-ty to participate and contribute in a voluntary social project.Lucky number: 4 Good colour: Emerald green

Aries (March 21 - April 20)

You find passage through difficulties at work andsail forth with flying colours! You realise goals andtargets through hard work and concentration after aperiod of anxiety and stress. You are able to maintainmental clarity and a logical approach despite all the

confusion and activity around you. Conceit and intellectual pride canbe your downfall, be aware. A journey overseas is on the cards!Centring within and witnessing inner and outer reflections and truthsis your meditation this week. A dear friend needs your supportthrough a period of strife and emotional turmoil. Old friends and closefamily communicate and share views, feelings and good news.Personal relationships cannot be resolved through discussion andanalysis but through love, acceptance and freedom. Spending time innatural surroundings is therapeutic.Lucky number: 6 Good colour:White

Taurus (April 21 - May 21)

You are overflowing with light, abundance andfertility that you share generously with all aroundyou this week. Now life is offering you a wonderfulexperience to love and share your joy with a specialperson who fulfils you. You are able to enjoy

sensuality without possessiveness and attachment. An opportunityto express your creativity in a work project is on the cards! You aregenerous and giving to friends, loved ones and family but impatient ofopposition. You are blessed with good health and are able to indulgein sporty pastimes. Give yourself short breaks to relax. Your social lifeis busy and exciting as you attract a lot of interesting people with yourcharisma and gift of communication. Your heart chakra opens, youfeel expansive and everything around you seems to be come togetherin a magical way, enjoy the abundance and let it overflow!Lucky number: 6 Good colour: Crimson

Gemini (May 22 - June 21)Its time to look at the political games your mind isplaying in personal relationships and professionalmatters this week. The soft, gentle mask or thetough and strong face are both masks and helpyou pretend and hide the honest face or truth which

lurks behind these facades. It’s time to drop double standards inpersonal relationships or have unrealistic expectations. You can stopfeeling guilty or unworthy rather regain your self-esteem and dignity;the transformation will help you to be yourself, relaxed and naturalwithout any political, complicated games to play. Your heart andmind can pull you in different directions when decisions have to betaken this week. Look at your priorities and truths when takingimportant steps towards the future. Celebrate life and love withoutworrying about what others have to say or how it looks to them.Lucky number: 7 Good colour: Sky blue

Cancer (June 22 - July 22)

You feel laid back and lazy this week as nothingseems to motivate or excite you. You or on thethreshold of an important change and need tolet go of the past to make a new beginning!You can already perceive that a productive

work situation is finished or a supportive personal relationshipis completed and maybe a much loved home has to be leftbehind. It’s time to let go, allowing any sadness but not trying tohold on. Something greater is waiting for you in the near futureand new dimensions are there to be discovered. You are now atthe point of no return, so flow with the change and be liberated.It’s time to wake up from unconscious patterns and make abreakthrough. It’s best to wait and watch rather than react todifficult people or situations.Lucky number: 8 Good colour: Indigo

Leo (July 23 - Aug 23)

This week there is synergy and cooperation inteamwork to achieve completion and success inprofessional projects. Common intentions andschemes in the family or business lead to financialgain. You are looked upon with trust and admiration

by people at home and at work. You are supported by people whomatter as you attempt difficult tasks and ventures. Your week startson a busy note and then slows down to a steady pace. You may nothave much time for children or family but the little you spend withthem is special and precious. Personal relationships are loving andsupportive at this time. You stand up for fair play, justice and virtuewithout making compromises. You are able to deal with difficultpeople and breakthrough barriers or blocks in business. You can becharismatic when presenting or performing to an audience or group.Lucky number: 3 Good colour: Saffron

Virgo (Aug 24 - Sept 23)

Power and energy is instilled in whatever you do thisweek. You are a dynamic force to reckon as you cutthrough blocks and limitations to achieve success inprofessional or business projects. By making swiftdecisions you avail of lucrative opportunities. Your

youthful energy and enthusiasm inspires and motivates others toput out their best effort. You are just, noble and generous withassociates, staff and people working with you in any capacity. Youcan be strong and impulsive in family situations, which could upseta few traditional people around you. There is great energy, love andromance in personal relationships. Your confidence, personal charmand charisma take you to important people and through difficultsituations with ease. Financial gain and professional achievementare on the cards! Your sense of humour is your best ally.Lucky number: 4 Good colour: Golden yellow

Libra (Sept 24 - Oct 23)

This week you get in touch with crystal clarity of themind and intellect. You cut away dead weight andwhat you don’t want with this powerful energy andgo with single-pointed energy towards your profes-sional and personal goals. You can expect to arrive

at a peaceful resolution in a family conflict in one month’s time. Youare able to list your priorities and cut through restrictions at workand limitations in personal relationships. You can be ruthless whenpointing to truths at the cost of hurting others or yourself. You gaininsight and understanding in personal relationships and businesspartnerships. You begin pulsating in harmony with the rhythm of lifeand flow easily into life’s waters. You are conscious and aware whenmaking important decisions about children, family and loved ones.You can expect to enjoy luxury and the finer things of life.Lucky number: 1 Good colour: Emerald green

Scorpio (Oct 24 - Nov 22)

Re-struction and inner transformation changesthe way you perceive your life this week. You livedangerously and can expect some unpredictablehappenings in professional and personal situations.You have the courage and strength to deal with

whatever life brings at this point. Changes are on the cards andyou don’t have a choice. When your sense of security is challenged,you may try to hang on to whatever you can but this inner earthquakeis necessary and important — if you allow it. Values, priorities andattitudes are transformed and you are ready for new experiences.There is clarity after confusion and you feel replenished with freshenergy in professional and personal relationships. Fitness routinesand diets are in again. It's best to list priorities and make decisionsbased on what is most important in your life.Lucky number: 16 Good colour: Fiery reds

Sagittarius (Nov 23 - Dec 23)You move forward progressively in professional andpersonal situations this week. Positive changes andactualisation of plans are likely now after a period ofconflict and strife. You achieve success by remainingtotal and creative in a business project and victory by

being persistent in a competitive situation. You are individualistic andbrilliant at work also loving and caring in personal relationships andclose friendships. Looking within and gaining insight into yourselfgives you a deeper understanding of others. A residential or profes-sional change proves to be beneficial. While meditating you realisethat deep inside you are just a witness, silent, aware and unchanged.You draw upon this centre of witnessing to become detached andgain a new awareness. You don’t live under any illusions but perceivelife the way it is. A Cancerian is loving and supportive at this point.Lucky number: 7 Good colour: Royal blue

Capricorn (Dec 24 - Jan 20)You are ready for fresh and new personalexperiences and adventurous projects this week.You welcome opportunities and happenings withthe right qualities of clarity and playful innocence.You are able to drop out of the serious world of

philosophy, morality and religion to enter the playful world of Zen,where even great masters behave like children and have a childlikequality of playful innocence. You are on top of things and have thetiger by the tail, to infuse great energy in personal relationshipsand much enthusiasm in professional aspects. Love, romance andpassion make your personal relationship exciting and refreshing. Youare likely to work with young people or children at this point. You canbe individualistic, brilliant and daring so attempt difficult tasks andmake breakthroughs. A young woman can be demanding.Lucky number: 5 Good colour: Fiery reds

Aquarius (Jan 21 - Feb 19)You grow spiritually and gain an insight into yourselfand your conditioned responses this week. This is awake up call as the events in your life are trying toshow you a pattern as ancient as the journey of yourown soul. Deep meditation can open some doors to

reveal past connections and patterns for you to make a breakthroughand allow major changes in your life. Don't allow emotions toinfluence professional and business matters. Difficult emotionalchoices and tough professional situations need to be viewed froma higher perspective and assessed before you take the next step.Temporary setbacks or delays should be taken in your stride. Bewareof moody people who can confuse themselves and others. Watchyour health and finances. End of the week the Sun shines throughthe dark night of the Moon to bring light into darkness.Lucky number: 18 Good colour: Silver grey

Pisces (Feb 20 - March 20)

Dr Prem Kr. Sharma, Astrologer & vaastu expert

DAILY HOROSCOPE

Canbecontactedat:Delhi: 91-11-26449898, 26489899 (Sat toMon):Panchkula:91-172-2562832, 2572874 (Tues toThurs);Mumbai:91-22-26398641 (Lastweekofeverymonth)

ARIES (Mar 21 - Apr 20)A situation may arise at work thatmay test your patience. You canbe tensed regarding a family issueinvolving an elderly. Discomfort

is likely to be faced in a long journey. You willsucceed in diffusing an ugly situation at work bytact and diplomacy. Some positive signals canemanate for those seeking a raise or promotion.A promise not kept can get you into trouble withlover. Be more conscious regarding your health.Lucky No: 3 Lucky Colour: Saffron

LIBRA (Sept 24 - Oct 23)Setting the house in order maybecome the priority of homemak-ers today. Celebrations regardinga raise are round the corner for

some. You are about to seize an opportunity toenhance your earning. It is best not to indulge inoffice romance. Positive results of your hard workwill be quite apparent on the health front. Yourhands will be full in entertaining the differingdemands of youngsters.Lucky No: 4 Lucky Colour: Light blue

TAURUS (Apr 21 - May 20)You may not be in the mood toattend something that spousedesires. A lucrative deal will beclinched. Mall and showroom

owners can lose some sleep over decreasedfootfalls. An exciting person is likely to brightenthe home front. Some of you are likely to get closerto your professional goals. It will be wise not toinvest in a scheme that seems dubious. A minorailment can aggravate and cause problems.Lucky No: 9 Lucky Colour: Dark red

SCORPIO (Oct 24 - Nov 22)Students are likely to shine onthe academic front. You are likelyto impress all with competenthandling of a task at work.

Homemakers may feel lethargic and delay someimportant work. Problem about finances will beresolved. You may have to cater to the moods oflover today. A lot of red tape is foreseen in aproperty matter. You are likely to come in shapethrough workouts.Lucky No: 22 Lucky Colour: Electric grey

GEMINI (May 21 - June 21)Finding a lucrative pastime isindicated. You will excel inwhatever you undertake today.Appreciation for a job well done

awaits you at work! Some of you will be able toadd to your wealth and even plan to buy property.Those feeling stressed will succeed in attainingmental peace and tranquility. Lovers are likely tolet their hair down and have fun. A good time isforeseen for those travelling overseas.Lucky No: 22 Lucky Colour: Dark slate grey

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23-Dec21)Successfully coping with astressful situation is indicated.Your professionalism can becomethe talk of the town as you go

from strength to strength. A joyous occasion of anew arrival is likely to brighten the home front.A compatible ideology and mind set will helpyou achieve a good understanding with lover.Conscious effort on your part will go a long wayin improving your financial condition.Lucky No: 6 Lucky Colour: Rosy brown

CANCER (June 22 - July 22)This is the day when you canexpect luck to favour you. Youare likely to catch your senior ina good mood and get what you

wanted. Good foresight will be required on yourpart to make the domestic front peaceful. Tyingthe knot can cross the minds of those in love. Anexotic locale will prove a perfect vacation venuefor some. Some of you are likely to get value formoney on a purchase.Lucky No: 3 Lucky Colour: Red

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 - Jan 21)You may venture in unknownterritory on the professionalfront and earn fame. You willmake your presence felt in a

meeting or seminar. A venture others wereapprehensive about will prove profitable. Yourattempts at bringing changes on the home frontcan be met with some resistance. A scheme youhad invested in is likely to give good returns. Alifestyle disease will need to be kept in check.Lucky No: 11 Lucky Colour: Light green

LEO (July 23 - Aug 23)You may find yourself out of theinner circle on the professionalfront. Tempers can flare up on thehome front over some issue. A

gossip is likely to tarnish your image if you are notcareful. Some of you can be jilted in love, so beprepared to make a fresh beginning. Think twicebefore giving your opinion at work. Hard thinkingon the financial viability of a project is needed.An exercise regimen may be taken up.Lucky No: 11 Lucky Colour: Orange

AQUARIUS (Jan 22 - Feb 19)This is a happening day, whensome of you can expect to meetyour future employers. You willneed to balance your budget

even if you earn well. Your prime focus at workshould be to come in the eye of those who matter.Romantic feelings will be readily reciprocated bythe one you love. Additional skills will add to theexpertise of homemakers. Extend a helping handto someone is possible on the fitness front.Lucky No: 8 Lucky Colour: Blue

VIRGO (Aug 24 - Sept 23)Someone is out to help you, sodon’t miss out on showing yourgratitude. Chance of moving to anew location on transfer is likely

for some. Family will love the new surroundingsand help you in settling down fast. New venturescan be thought of by some, but implementing themcan pose difficulties. You will need to reign in yourimpulsiveness as it can upset people who matter.Weight watchers need to put in more efforts!Lucky No: 15 Lucky Colour: Coffee

PISCES (Feb 20 - Mar 20)Your desire for doing somethingnot done before will keep youmotivated on the professionalfront. Don’t bite more than you

can chew in your craving for earning more.Investing is shares may not bring the kind ofreturns you expect. Wanderlust is likely to get thebetter of the deskbound. Thorough preparationsare a must for those travelling long distance.You will need to adopt a healthy diet to keep fit.Lucky No: 15 Lucky Colour: Coffee

To get your daily horoscope sms “<first three letters of your sunsign>”(e.g. For Virgo, sms “VIR; For Aries, sms “ARI”) to or log ontowww.hindustantimes.com/astro

Life is at itsbusiest at theage of 33,says aninternet survey

PHOTO: ZABEEH AFAQUE

PHOTO: MCT

Go Diwali, go!A CALMERYOUSONAL KALRA

The festival oflights gotover…mystress, sadly,did not

Aged 33? Then it’s thebusiest period of yourlife, a survey hasfound. According to

the survey by Internet mailprovider Hotmail, 33 yearsis the age when the struggleto balance work, family andsocial activities takes upmore time than at any otherpoint in one’s life.There is so much to do

that a third of 33-year-oldssay they get an average ofonly five hours sleep a night.

Two thirds claim they spendmore than 38 hours a weekin office, the survey found.And 60 per cent say theyare forced to double bookwork and social appoint-ments to try to squeezeeverything in, the Daily Mailreported.Once work and family

commitments are dealtwith, the average 33-year-old has only one hour a dayleft to do something he/sheenjoys. And even then, one

in five says they are so busythat they never have anytime to go out and socialise.Around 56 per cent

regularly need to take workhome to complete it; 90 percent of 33-year-old womenin the survey said theythought they were busierthan men of the same age.This could be down to

women juggling senior levelcareers, getting married andhaving a family. Fiona Fyfe,from Hotmail, said, “The

research statistics show weare all struggling to jugglethe priorities in life. Whenwe reach our 30s, ourcareers tend to be highpressured and we havemore responsibility in ourlives. “We also must organ-ise ourselves during theparticularly busy periods inour lives to ensure we canenjoy life and get the bal-ance right. Too much workand no play should not bean option.” PTI

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