The Nepali astrologers have long been practicing in solace, without much exposure. Many Nepalese people believe in astrology and they perform their rituals accordingly. There are the 12 zodiac signs:
Mesh (Aries), Brish (Taurus), Mithun (Gemini), Karkat (Cancer), Simha (Leo), Kanya (Virgo), Tula (Libra), Brishchik (Scorpio), Dhanu (Sagittarius), Makar (Capricorn), Kumbha (Aquarius) and Meen (Pisces), and in Nepali they are called Rashi.
In Nepal, people consult with astrologers if they are going to perform any rituals. They consult the moment a baby is born. At that time the first thing they do is note down the exact time of the birth. Then pass the details to the astrologer, who according to the position of the different planets in the solar system at that precise moment prepares a Cheena (horoscope). Cheena is a rectangular chart, which indicates the degree of influence of the planets from the solar world on the people born to a particular Rashi. These Cheenas highlight both the positive and negative aspects of ones life. When Nepalese feel that they are having a difficult time they go to their astrologer with their Cheena for consultation.
On the various occasions like rice feeding, sacared thread and weddings, people give their emphasis on astrology and they take every decision from the astrologers. Tika in Dashain, Bhai Tika in Tihar, including a series of national festivals, are occasions when the astrologers are involved in choosing auspicious hours for these festivities to take place. When a person dies their Cheena is taken to the crematorium or ghat along with the dead body.
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