Loganathan and Sivakumar's Baum Test, it's application and the essence of Hermeneutic Counseling.

Loganathan and Sivakumar's Baum Test, it's application and  the essence of Hermeneutic Counseling.

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By counseling we mean here, the attempt of a person X, who can be the counsellor or psychologist, to bring about the reduction of IGNORANCE of the self of a person Y, the client and thereby solve the personal problems  through facilitating the gaining of LUMENS ( illumination ) about himself or herself. The lumens are gaining visions about one's own unconscious and through that LIGHTING up the deeper recesses of the mind that has remained unaccessed hitherto.  

When a person is depressed, anxious, troubled beyond normal control, he seeks counseling from another person with the hope of  redeeming himself from such disturbing and somewhat annoying  ways on Being.  

Access Tests such as 'Loganathan and Sivakumar's Baum Test', ( LSBT )  and Loganathan and Sivakumar's Family Portrait Test', ( LSFPT ) which I have developed along with Freudian and Jungian types of studies indicate that the sources of psychic disturbances remain, for the most part, UNCONSCIOUS and it is the duty of the counselor or psychologist to unearth in an archeological way these hidden elements so that  a real UNDERSTANDING of the sources of the problems is gained by the person.  The person is helped along to gain consciousness of these hidden and concealed factors and through that GAIN A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING of the self itself. This necessitates the use of Access Tests, interpreting for the person, alert him about the unconscious factors that are the root causes of his problems and thereby gain a better understanding of the MEANING of EXISTENCE and so forth. 

 We shall illustrate this through the application of  'Loganathan and Sivakumar's Baum Test', ( LSBT ) and how through that a person was helped to overcome the psychological disturbances and discomfort that interfered with normal functioning. 

The person involved is a young Indian woman, an undergraduate student, 22 years old  when she came to see me with her problems. Neeta ( false name of course ) did the LSBT as per the specific instructions. 

We must mention here that the 4 Baums in their sequence A to D, captures the HISTORICAL UNDERSTANDING of the person, i.e. how he understands the past , the present and projects into the FUTURE. While Baum A is definitely about the past and D about the future, B and C overlap  with respect to the present. The possibility of gaining an understanding  of what lies AHEAD for the individual can easily mislead a person into thinking that Baum Test is akin to some pseudo sciences. It must be noted that  definitely this is NOT THE CASE in LSBT. 

What this test brings out is the hidden future possibilities that lies ahead of the person and which are RELATED to what he is doing right now. The FUTURE of the historical understanding that the LSBT captures has NOTHING TO DO with the star clusters and the configuration of the planets in the heavens. It also appears unrelated to the lines on the palms though I have not looked into this possibility systematically to say anything definite. The future that lies ahead and about which the person is dimly aware is determined by what he is DOING RIGHT NOW just as much as what he is right now is determined by the actions he did in the past, influenced of course by unconscious factors at work without his knowledge. One important  consequence of this view is that the FUTURE that lies ahead as distinct possibility for oneself, can be avoided if found NEGATIVE and UNSAVORY by changing the present modes of behavior to which it is related. A person has in a way control over his own future and is not entirely at the mercy of the stars and planets. The actions of a person become of paramount importance in determining the mode of existence of oneself. 

Hermeneutic Counseling centers on this and invites a person to ponder over his/her  own actions and change them, if necessary, to change the FUTURE that awaits him/her.

The LSBT is an important tool in the task of unfolding the course of actions of a person and what lies ahead, perhaps unknown or only dimly known, to the subject himself. The LSBT, let me repeat here, captures the HISTORICAL understanding of a person i.e. how he interprets the past, understands the present and projects into the future. This historical understanding which determines his attitudes, values and actions, is actually the root cause of  the miseries he may be suffering now. Though interpreting the BAUMS and make him aware of own historical understanding, how he SEES and hence BEHAVES, we help him to reformulate it so that a more authentic understanding comes to prevail. Where the understanding is MORE AUTHENTIC or closer to the TRUTH, i.e. free of prejudices, illusions, fantasies and so forth, the miseries also disappear. 

It is apprehension of TRUTH that serves as the medicine to cure the ills of the soul and this is what Hermeneutic Counseling  is concerned with.

 One more important point about Hermeneutic Counseling. We found that the function of Baum D that discloses the FUTURE  possibilities of a person  is enormous  here. Without any preaching or advising  or philosophizing as such , when a person is alerted as to how the present COURSE OF ACTIVITIES  OF HIS OWN has led to possibility that is disclosed by D, he is also made RESPONSIBLE for his OWN FUTURE, that unless he chooses to correct his own future by reforming himself right now  he has no choice but to suffer the negative possibilities that awaits him. In this way Hermeneutic Counseling makes the person RESPONSIBLE for himself/herself. While the unconscious is attended to, its shaping is related to the ACTIONS of the person and ultimately the WILL of the person.

When Neeta came to see me, she drew Baums that can be described as follows :

Baum A: a moderately thin tree with branches of various thickness branching out  like a fan from a point with more branches on the right hand side. Each branch ends up with large leaves and round ring-like fruits . One such a fruit has dropped and is on the ground. Worm-like lines inside the trunk. Grassy ground.

Baum B. Similar to A but no grassy ground and worm-like  lines inside the trunk. But where the branches branch out there is a round dark patch. No clear  cut leaves but cloudy formations on the branches. The fruits now in the shape of bunches of grapes.

Baum C. Entirely different from A and B. the Baum is a Christmas Tree with cone formations, one inside the other. Ring like fruits again all over. The trunk is a bit broader with  vertical  lines  running right along giving the impression that the trunk is breaking down.

Baum D. Different from C, like a coil of rope raising up like snake. It goes up and then turns down and coils below again like the letter S

The essential meanings are as follows:

The first Baum indicates worries of a mild sort concerned with studies rather than anything else as indicated by the over-development of the right side of the crown and dark ring-like fruits. In Baum B we have bunches of grapes which are indicators of desire for sexual enjoyment , something aroused within here by the steady attention of young man and which became a source of worry and annoyance for as shown by the dark patch on the top of the drunk. Furthermore the attention of the young man was short lived causing worries of a different sort. In Baum C we have a clear indication of anxiety, worries tension and so forth. It is at this point the she came to see me for counseling. When I told her about the several sources of her anxiety: wanting to have boyfriend but at the same time worried about consequent neglect of studies; worried that she is not attractive enough to make a young man love her deeply and so on, she began to realize the enormous complexity of the problems and the real sources of her anxiety. The Baum D is clearly the SNAKE, the arousal of the sexual libido, the Kundalini, the coiled power of the Siddhas. What really frightened her was this sexual arousal and consequent loss on independence to a young man. There was a vaguely felt FEAR of this possibility for which she was psychologically ready. As I related the meanings of Baums she listened attentively agreeing most of the times and disagreeing here and there whenever something negative was mentioned. But I could feel that I was really opening up her eyes to see her now as a young woman about to enter married life that awaits her but for which she is quite ready. Her present concerns and interests are sexual rather than matured love .

Three months later she came for her second LSBT analysis. The second set of Baums indicated that she has overcome the fear of losing freedom in falling love. More confident and with the understanding that having a man as a life-partner is inevitable for her, she now is with a different sort of problem: doesn't know whom to choose among two young men who are attracted to her. Baum D indicated that she is not afraid of falling in love at all and that she knows the difference between infatuation and genuine love. She rejects both the young men  currently interested in her as she feels both of them are interested only in sex and not so much in love. Her third  counseling session was very positive: she finally found a young man who genuinely loves her and is contemplating marriage with him.  With this happy development, the problem is solved and counseling comes to an end, at least for the time being. ( Who can say there will be no problems later?)

With this brief description of the essences of Hermeneutic Counseling , I want to draw the attention to the following features:

i). The counselor is simply a facilitator, helping the subject to UNDERSTAND better the sources of her anxiety which results as a consequence of powerful forces working within and with which she is putting up o loosing battle.

ii). The real source of anxiety is her reluctance to face the sexual side of her  and accommodate herself to it.

iii). She is not clear yet about the relationship between LOVE and Sexual Enjoyment and part of anxiety was related to this

 

The counselor draws attention to these matters and through forcing her to THINK about these issues and make her gain  an UNDERSTANDING about them . This provides a CLARITY with which she is able to make the CORRECT decisions or at least decisions with some confidence.

Because the counseling is essentially concerned with bringing about a BETTER UNDERSTANDING of self, which simultaneously solves the problem, it is called HERMENEUTICAL.

Ullaganar.

( editing by Ari Marappan )

Note : 'Loganathan and Sivakumar's Baum Test' and 'Loganathan and Sivakumar's Family Portrait Test' are both under worldwide copyright protection. Its commercial use is strictly prohibited. For those who want to use it for research purposes, may write in to the editor of the above article for permission, which will be considered on a case by case basis.  

The Chithirai Tamil New Year: A Testament to Tamil Astronomical Mastery

 

The Chithirai Tamil New Year: A Testament to Tamil Astronomical Mastery

Dr. Sivakumar Ramakrishnan

Universiti Sains Malaysia

 

Introduction

The Chithirai Tamil New Year is a remarkable example of Lunar-Solar-Sidereal Prediction, determined using the Tamil Astronomical Pentadic Science, known as Ainthiram Panchangam or the Pentavalent Almanac. This ancient system, one of the greatest scientific heritages of the Tamils, has been in use for over 5,000 years, as documented in Maclean, C. D. (1893) ‘Glossary of the Madras Presidency’ Vol III)  Asian Educational Service, New Delhi. Its precision can be verified using modern tools like the Stellarium Astronomy Software, showcasing its alignment with contemporary astronomical science. Through the meticulous observation of celestial movements, the Tamil calendar remains an enduring symbol of our profound understanding of the cosmos.

The Ainthiram Panchangam: A Timeless Tool

The Ainthiram Panchangam is an ancient time-measuring tool that stands on par with modern astronomical science. It is designed using five components:

1.    Varam (Solar Time System) – A measurement of time-based on the Sun.

2.    Tithi (Lunar Time System) – The lunar phases are used for calendrical calculations.

3.    Nakshatra (Star Constellation and Zodiac System) – Determines the positioning of real stars and their zodiac reigns.

4.  Yoga (Planetary and Stellar Alignments Cycle) – A system that calculates the interaction of the Sun, Moon, the seven visible planets, shadow planets (Rahu and Ketu, the intense heat energies), and 12 zodiac constellations.

5.    Karana (Heat, Gravitation, Daylight and Darkness Cycle) – A measurement system that considers the impact of heat, gravitation, daylight and darkness on biological rhythms.

This deep mathematical structure embedded in the Ainthiram Panchangam not only reveals astronomical time but also encapsulates the ancient Tamil historical essence and the macro- and microcosmic sciences. Those who delve into its intricacies cannot deny its profundity and scientific greatness.

Chithirai Tamil New Year: A Grand Festival

Among Tamil celebrations, the Chithirai Tamil New Year holds a unique place. Celebrated in early summer (or Ilavenil – the spring for the Northern Hemisphere) for 28 days, it was known as the Deva Vizha (Festival of the Devas). Historical evidence of this festival dates back to the 2nd century, as recorded in classical Tamil epicsl like Silappathikaram and Manimegalai, and further supported by almost all the Sangam Literature such as Aganaanuru and Puranaanuru. During the Sangam period (300 BCE to 300 CE), the Ilavenil (early summer) festival was celebrated as the Villavan Vizha, also known as the Kaman Festival, dedicated to Kama, the Lord of Love.

For example:

Ilango Adigal states that the month of Chiththirai aligns with the star Chiththirai (Silappathikaram, Indra Vizha Uer Edutha Kaadhai, Line 64) to mark the beginning of the Deva Vizha (Festival of the Devas) or the Chithirai Tamil New Year Festival.

"Chiththiraich Chiththiraith Thingal Saernthana" (Silappathikaram, Indra Vizha Uer Edutha Kaadhai, Line 64).

As mentioned in Manimekalai, the Tamil Buddhist epic composed by Kulavāṇikaṉ Seethalai Sataṉar: 'May the festival, celebrated with the blessings of the noble ones, be joyful and prosperous for all twenty-eight days (4 × 7 = 28 days).'

'Maelor Vizhaiya Vizhaak Kol Edutha Naal Eezh (4 × 7 = 28) Naalinum Nanku Inithu Uraiga' (Manimekalai 105–108).

The term 'year' in Tamil, 'Aandu,' is originally derived from the word 'Aaadu' (goat) < 'Aattai' < 'Yaadu' > 'Yaandu' (year) > 'Aandu' (year), which refers to Chithirai Mezham (Aries zodiac).

Similarly, the term Varudam (year) in Tamil is originally derived from Varudai, which refers to Malai Aadu (mountain goat) and is linked to Maedam or Mezham (Aries in the zodiac). For example, The Varudai the Mezham (Aries zodiac) is joined by the planet Mars  as said by the Sangam poet Nallanduvanar in the Sangam Literature   Paripadal .”Varudaiyai Padimagan Vaaippa (Nallanduvanar Paripadal 11, 5)”

The Sangam poet Perunkundrur Kizhaar explicitly stated in Pathitruppathu:

"The Chithirai Tamil New Year begins when the goat (Aadu), serving as the fiducial or anchor stellar axis, aligns with the Mezham (Aries zodiac)."
(Pathitruppathu 90: 51-54)

In the 10th century, Pingalar reaffirmed  the Tholkappiyar dual month six-season divisions  in his Pingalar Nigandu:

"Chiththirai is the first month, and the months in the dual month six-season divisions of Tamils are counted from there." (Pingalar Nikandu, Pingalam 212)

 

In the Sangam era, this festival, associated with Kamavēlan (Kama), was observed during the Ilavenil season, as recorded in Sangam poems. For example:

• Kāmar vēnil-maṉ itu – (Akananuru 37:17)
• Yāṇar vēnil-maṉ itu – (Akananuru 341:12)
• Iṉpa vēnilum vantaru nam-vayiṉ – (Narrinai 224:6)

In ancient Tamil culture, the Kaman Festival, which begins in the early summer season (Ilavenil), symbolizes the blossoming of Mother Earth, as described by Sekkizhar (Periya Puranam 12.21.428). During this time, flowers bloom, trees bear fruit, and the full moon aligns with Chithirai day, marking the arrival of the new year and the first day of the Tamil calendar. Chithirai, belonging to the early summer season, is esteemed as the foremost day in Tholkappiyam and Sangam literature.

Every observance or celebration of Tamil festivals (like Ponggal, Thaipusam , Deepavali, etc)  adheres logically to the Ainthiram Panchangam which is rooted in the Chittirai New Year prediction. Each festival or auspicious day is determined based on precise calculations of planetary movements and positions, including the day, stars, and tithi. These calculations are closely associated with relevant deities, with the sole purpose of enhancing the quality of life for those who observe these days (e.g., the 10 couplets in the Thirukkural under the title 'Understanding Time' (Kalam Arithal))

 

The Scientific Significance of Chithirai Tamil New Year

The Chithirai Tamil New Year serves as a commencing and benchmark point to measure the time interval of an aeon, known as Oozhi (ஊழி). Tamils used this system to create consecutive years, comparing the 12 Zodiac or Hora orbits with the Chithirai New Year's aeon origin point. The Tamils developed a sophisticated time measurement system that used the Chithirai New Year as a reference point to track planetary movements and calibrate the annual cycle with precision. This calibration allowed them to understand changes in the Earth, Sun, Moon, and planetary orbital systems, as well as star positions.

To create the most effective Astro-Timer Clock, Tamils employed six key strategies:

1.    Eastern Sky Constellation Visibility:
The mid-April timing ensures visibility of the Milky Way Galaxy's spiral point through stars like Moolam (ε, ζ, η, θ, ι, κ, λ, μ, and ν Scorpionis). The Tamilar use Moolam as a reference point for the galactic coordinate system.

 

2.    Space Geometrical Cutter (180°):
A straight line crossing the 12 zodiac constellations, connecting Aries and Libra, serves as a space needle (diameter) to begin the Astro-Timer Clock and mark the ஊழி - Oozhi  -aeon origin point known as the Fiducial Goat in the sidereal prediction. Nature's ‘infinite- long duration’ time science was known as Oozhi(ஊழி) by the Tamils.  ஊழி - Oozhi (loosely translated as " aeon" - a long period of time, especially one in which there are new developments and great changes in the astronomical nature and used the ஊழி - Oozhi time measurement to create the consecutive year. The Fiducial Goat origin point of the sidereal year, as predicted by the ancient Tamils in their Panchangam, is the actual ஊழி - Oozhi consecutive year. The Silappathikaram clearly states, "The surgical or splitter path and the balanced rod of Libra" (Silappathikaram Maduraikandam: 14/207). Here, Chithirai (Spica star) serves as a splitter path, making an incision through Libra and acting as a spatial geometrical cutter (180°) within the framework of the 12 zodiac constellations.

 

ஊழி - Oozhi  -aeon origin point known as the Fiducial Goat origin point. “The surgical or splitter path and the balanced rod of Libra" (Silappathikaram Maduraikandam: 14/207).

 

The Three-Dimensional Geometrical Coordinate System is structured using three intersecting planes. The Fiducial or Anchor Stellar Axis, which remains fixed and constant (aligned with the Chitra–Spica the cutter or splitter star ), is aligned with the Meridian (longitude). Together with the Sun’s Ecliptic Coordinate Axis and the Celestial Coordinate Axis, these form the intersecting coordinate framework of the Three-Dimensional Geometrical Coordinate System, defining the aeon origin point. This intersecting coordinate framework represents the Tamilar Astro-Time Mathematical Model. This serves as a remarkable method for determining and monitoring the galactic expansion within the framework of the 12 zodiac constellations.

 

 

Tamil astronomical calendrical time-mathematical model: Three-Dimensional Geometrical Coordinate System. An unchanging, fixed body (Pole Star) serves as the Fiducial or Anchor Stellar Axis. Using the Meridian as a reference, the Ecliptic Coordinate Axis and Celestial Coordinate Axis form an intersecting framework—this represents an Aerospace 3-D model.

 

3.    Vernal Equinox Alignment:
Falling during the vernal equinox (in the Northern Hemisphere), it allows the measurement of equal day and night (12 hours each) and ensures zero shadow at the Earth's equator. The Sun is directly above the equator, with Earth's 23.5° axial tilt perpendicular to its rays, causing the terminator line to pass through the poles, ensuring equal sunlight worldwide. This equal day and night (12 hours each) leads to the Savamana year prediction, which enables the calculation of the year matrix as 360 days (Thirumanthiram. 10.4.9.13) instead of 365 or 366 days for specific calendrical calculations as stated by great saint Thirumular. This event marks the six seasons—Spring, Summer, Monsoon, Autumn, Winter, and Prevenal—as stated in both Tholkappiyam (Verses 952-957) and Pingalar Nigandu (Pingalam 212). Tholkappiyam was the first Tamil literature to define six major seasons: Ilavenil (early summer), Mudhuvenil (late summer), Kaar (monsoon), Kuthir (autumn), Munpani (winter), and Pinpani (prevenal). It classifies time into Perumpozhudu (major seasons), implicitly further divided into Mezhavizhu (vernal equinox) and Thulaivizhu (autumnal equinox). Mezhavizhu aligns with Ilavenil (early summer) in Chithirai (April-May), while Thulaivizhu corresponds to Kuthir (autumn) in Aippasi (October-November), accurately marking the six-month seasonal cycle.

 

4.    Lunar Eclipse Observation:
Capturing the Sun-Moon alignment at vertically zero and horizontally 180 degrees ensures the interception of the Lunar and Solar systems. This enables precise measurement of the Moon's nodes (Rahu இராகு/கருங்கோள்-Caput Draconis and Ketu கேது /செங்கோள் - Cauda Draconis). Therefore, in Tamil Astronomical Pentadic Science, known as Ainthiram Panchangam, the Moon's nodes— Rahu  -Caput Draconis (ascending node) and  Ketu-Cauda Draconis (descending node)—are crucial as shadow planets for measuring solar and lunar eclipses.

 

5.    Best Alignment (0°):
When the Sun, Moon and larger planets (Jupiter, Saturn) in the Lunar Solar Steller system align at 0 degrees, it marks the Aeon of Best Alignment. This phenomenon allows the unification of sidereal, solar, lunar, Jovian, and Saturnian year predictions, forming the basis of the  Tamil 60-year Cyclic Calendrical Prediction System (a form of the Sexagesimal Base System).

 

6.    North Pole Star Observation:

The Tamils meticulously observed the North Star to track Earth’s axial tilt and precession. Cultural traditions, such as observing the North Star during marriage ceremonies, reflected their deep understanding of celestial mechanics.

"Like the steadfast Pole Star (Vadameen – North Star), she remained devoted and steadfast in virtue." — Kalithogai 221

Although Earth's axial tilt and precession gradually shift over millennia, the North Star remains fixed for extended periods, serving as a crucial reference point. The slow movement of axial precession (precession of the equinoxes) causes the celestial pole to trace a circular path, aligning with different stars over time. This cycle, which passes through stars such as Polaris, Deneb, Vega, and Alpha Draconis, completes a full 360-degree revolution approximately every 25,772 years (~26,000 years).

 

Chithirai Tamil New Year: The Benchmark for Astronomical Timekeeping

The Chithirai Tamil New Year serves as a fundamental reference point for measuring time across multiple celestial cycles. It functions as the starting point for tracking the Savamana year, Jovian (Jupiter) year, Saturnian year, Lunar year, Tropical solar year, Sidereal year, and most importantly, determining the Oozhi (ஊழி) consecutive year—a long-duration time measurement system developed by the Tamils.

The Tamils employed an advanced astronomical system to calibrate time intervals, using Chithirai New Year as a benchmark for planetary movements and a framework for their calendrical computations. This precision allowed them to monitor shifts in the Earth, Sun, Moon, planetary orbits, and stellar positions with remarkable accuracy.

Conclusion

The Chithirai Tamil New Year is not merely a cultural celebration but a scientific marvel that reflects the Tamil mastery of astronomy. Through the Ainthiram Panchangam, Tamils developed a time-measuring system that integrates solar, lunar, and stellar calculations, demonstrating their profound understanding of the cosmos. This ancient system, validated by modern astronomy, stands as a testament to the scientific and cultural legacy of the Tamil civilization. By celebrating the Chithirai Tamil New Year, we honour not only our heritage but also the timeless wisdom of our ancestors.

************Thank you *******************

There are countless ways one could be prevented from thinking. But the only way to perceive the truth is to glide along with it, allowing it to blossom and reveal itself.

‘உண்மையொடு ஊ ஊழியசே’ – சுமேரிய தமிழ் (கி.மு. 2094–2047) சூல்கியின் பாசுரம்
நம்முள் உண்மை ஊழ்ந்து (முதிர்ந்து) இசைய (அசைய), என்றுமே அதனோடு ஊர்ந்து செல்வோம்.

‘Uṇmaiyodu ū ūliyasē (un-mey-da u-ul-li-a se)’ – Sumerian Tamil (B.C. 2094–2047), Sulgi's Hymn B
"When the truth blossoms, harmonizes and resonates within our psyche, may we continuously glide with it.

 

 

Sumerian 'unu-uru' and Tamil 'unnu uru' (urai)

 Sumerian is Tamil.

Sumerian 'unu-uru' and Tamil  'unnu uru' (urai) 

One of the most remarkable lines in the whole hymn is the following: 

2(304) 

Sumerian : unu-uru du-ge sa-du ( . . , ‘attaining the utterance’) 

Tamil : unnu uru tuukkee saattu ( A place of deep meditations on speech where verses are recited) 

உன்னு உரு தூக்கே சாத்து

unu-uru : Ta. unnu uru; Ta. unnu : to reflect deeply Ta. uru, urai: speech, uttrances

Ullaganar

5th of April 2014.

Note : The word 'uru' is still in use today in Tamil. Listen to kantha sasthi kavasam, where this word is used, where ' uru ' means uttering mantras repeatedly, which can be 16 uru, or 108 or more. This practice of saying 'uru' is to invoke the God. For example to invoke Vinayagar, we got to say uru for vinayagar. As we practise this method, the 'field' of vinayagar will form around us. ( field is called pulam in Tamil. It's like the magnetic field in physical science ).  As this practice of uru is practised continuously over a period of time, this vinayagar pulam will become stronger and stronger and the prayers answered. 

It is interesting to note that the earliest record of this 'pulam theory' or 'field theory' is in Tolkaapiyam, which is dated to be around 6th  BC. To the best of our knowledge, this is the earliest recorded information on this field theory in the history of mankind. Tolkaapiyam did not record this as a passing remark but went into detail to explain the grammar of this field thoery. 

It seems that, the practice of saying 'uru' has been in use since Sumerian times and till today in the Tamil culture. This is another evidence on why we are claiming that Sumerian is Tamil.

Note by Ari Marappan.