We see a cricket batsman hitting out at a swarm of books being hurled at him. How does it link up to the title of the book?

First, the image followed the selection of the title itself. (That’s for another post, another day!)
I wanted to send a clear message that ‘beaten’ is not intended as a negative remark on any person. In cricket, the term ‘beaten’ means something that is an admission of being clueless or foxed and a sign of acknowledging the opponent’s prowess, rather than denoting physical assault of any sort. And it is always a bowler that beats a batsman.

Second, a cricket ball has been replaced by several books. If I had used a cricket ball, it would have been a complete misrepresentation. By showing a set of books being launched at the batsman, I wanted to depict that someone has entered into a new game with the wrong tools. Indeed, it is true of most debutantes; nearly everyone, many with little or no prior training, is taking a stab at writing these days. A cricketer dressed in pads, head gear and waving a bat is as misfit in the game of publishing as the books are in place of the cricket ball.

Third, why not just one book in place of one ball? Writers compete with many challenges at the same time. Finding a publisher, promotion, distribution and financing. Four pillars, four challenges, four projectiles.

In short, the cover image shows an ill prepared novice from a different trade entering the arena with the wrong gear, and facing a number of challenges simultaneously. Won’t he get beaten by others who have learnt the tricks? The successful bowler is one who has mastered these four challenges. It is like he bowls four balls simultaneously at his challenger.

The choice of a cartoon image- a hint that it isn’t going to be a sob story despite its grave undercurrent.
Does it make a wee more sense, now?

The defence rests, Your Honour.

Dear Readers,

Welcome to the National Author Mentorship Contest (NAM) that we’ve sponsored, with the graceful presence of eminent editors from some of India’s big publishers. You can find the contest details here (hyperlink).
I am sure you are all asking that one question: As a fledgling author myself, why have I done this?
Well, here it is, straight from my heart. I never want any debutant author to experience the silent suffering of BB, the protagonist in my novel Beaten by Bhagath!
BBB is an honest attempt to share the first timer’s experience of an unexplored trail with others who are attempting to do the same.
Let’s say, you’ve gone on a dangerous jungle trail and have come out of it by the skin of your teeth, thanks to some luck and the desperation just to make it back alive. You see others beginning their journey on the same path, looking at you enviously as someone who’s been there and seen it all.
Would you let them go without a helpful warning of the most dangerous points to avoid? Or would you let them go through it all without any clue, justifying that your tips will take away the fun? Or would you sadistically even withhold crucial tips to doom them to their own fates? You know my answer now.
I sincerely believe that the world of publishing is in the throes of a major evolution, and I would like to see the balance of power increase for writers and readers both. What’s needed is a more equitable industry structure of risk and reward for all the stakeholders, particularly the ones that do the creation.
The commercial side of promoting and marketing books is where it becomes rather iniquitous. Most authors also end up having to do (read spend) a lot more than the publisher that has signed them, while being entitled to the smallest share of the proceeds. I personally believe that the best way to shift the power balance is for authors to work together, pool ideas and bargain collectively to get attractive commercial promotion and distribution schemes from suppliers, and also influence the trade channels to work more professionally- most retailers take no financial risks whatsoever.
In the same breath, I also feel that the benefits of instant/ self-publishing can lure aspirants to completely avoid a competitive path to being selected, and result in a mountain of untested mass of words piling before readers. I sincerely believe that editors do great service by sieving through the millions of manuscripts, to find the heera among the koyla ( read about it in BBB!). It is just that millions of authors never get to benefit from their wisdom. I wish that budding authors have more opportunities to listen to editors- their requirements, suggestions and useful tips- once in a while. It would make the process of rejections more human, friendlier, so as to engender genuine improvements in submissions rather than a sense of failure or a rancid and even unjustified perception that it is a rigged game of author-publisher influence.
With this contest, I want to make a small attempt to assist the winner with sincere, well-meaning professional advice on what I am sure would be a promising manuscript as decided by the eminent panel of judges.

You can participate in the contest by visiting this page and submitting the respective details–> http://www.svdivvaakar.in/namcontest

Please spread the news of the contest far and wide. Best of luck!

-S.V.Divvaakar

The above date will be one of my life’s most important days. As a budding author, to be face to face with my all time favourite Jeffrey Archer, and to even be congratulated for already crossing the first two hurdles – completing a story, and getting published – was encouraging. He even asked me if my book was at Landmark and I pointed it out to him. To which he jokingly offered to bring it over to the table for me to sign copies for everyone.

Can’t do that Sir! I’ll do it one day, on my tour. With people who come at my invitation. For my books.

However, when he went on to describe that only one in 10,000 published books makes it to a best seller list, and only one in 1000 best sellers makes it to the No.1 bestseller, my heart sank at the enormity of his achievement- 270 million books sold in 39 years of a writing career, interspersed with some political work in British Parliament.  That is an average of some 6.9 million copies sold every year.  Wow!

He said many humorous and interesting things to the two hundred or so fans present, but what struck me most were these:

1.       My inspiration comes from my readers, and my ideas come from God (replying to a young boy who asked what inspired the writer in him).

2.       Write what you know and what you are most comfortable with, write what you’re easy dealing with, and so the public will know you know what you’re talking about. (replying to a lady who was undecided what she should write about)

3.       When you write your novel, do not let your wife or husband read the first draft. Ask a friend to give to someone who doesn’t know you at all to read it.

I have uploaded the video footage on YouTube.

a) http://youtu.be/D7dxPInoiIA

b) http://youtu.be/wYbHmuACrlk

Later, when he autographed my copy, he asked me how my book was doing, and told me to keep working on my novels.
The evening resolved many things for me. Most of all, I know I have many years of writing left in me, and I now have someone who inspires me from the very top. I now need to find my comfort zone (I know it- realistic fiction- thriller-drama) and must dive deep inside my subconscious, to see what comes out as words.

Thanks Lord Jeffrey Archer, for your books and your inspiring words. And for renewing the writer in me!

Birth number

Single number 6 Personality and character; Compound number 24; Karma and Destiny

Analysis        

Personality and character:
The number 6:

6 people seem to magnetically attract others to them. They’re genuinely loved by their friends and associates- and when they become attached themselves, they’re devoted to the loved one. They are born romantics with a strong sentimental streak, no matter how much they deny or try to hide it. The 6 vibration brings a love of art and deep affinity for music. They love to entertain friends and make people happy, and cannot abide discord, arguments, unpleasantness or jealousy- although they can display intense jealousy themselves if threatened with the possible loss of someone or something they love.

Money comes to them without effort, sometimes through their own talents and abilities, sometimes through inheritance or wealthy friends and relatives. But they are warned to watch for a tendency toward extremes of extravagance and stinginess. There’s seldom a neutral attitude toward finances. It’s either one or the other, taking turns in the nature. Most 6 people are deeply attached to Nature in some way, and love spending time near the silent woods and singing streams, has a tranquilizing effect on their emotions. A fondness for luxury marks the 6 vibration. Ugliness is extremely offensive to them; they admire the tasteful and shrink from loudness and vulgarity. Their manners are s a general rule impeccable; however, when they feel strongly about anything, they won’t hesitate to make their opinions known. They’re fond of discussing and debating politics and other matters, and they usually win, because of their logic… and their irresistible smiles.

 Karmic destiny:
 The number 24: Love-money-creativity

This number is most fortunate, a number of Karmic reward, justly earned in past incarnations, particularly when it is the birth number. It promises the assistance of those with power, and it indicates a close association with people of high rank and power. It greatly increases financial success and the ability to achieve happiness in love. It denotes gain through romance, law, arts and a magnetism which is extremely attractive to the opposite sex. The only warning related to the 24 is self-indulgence and certain arrogance in love, financial and career matters, because everything comes so effortlessly. It’s wise to remember that if the 24 is abused in the present life, it could revert to an 18 or some other extremely difficult birth number in the next.

So, one is warned not to fail to appreciate the benefits of the 24 and not allow such good fortune to cause selfishness or a careless attitude toward spiritual values. The temptation to indulge in promiscuity must be avoided; likewise a tendency of overindulgence of all kinds.

Name number:  Sachin Tendulkar

Single number 5- Personality and character; Compound number 14 – Karmic destiny

Analysis

Personality and character:

5 people possess a great deal of natural charm, and are innately courteous. They are quick to spot flaws and will not hesitate to point them out when they see them. The 5 is supercritical and incapable of ignoring mistakes (their own as well as those of others) and its associated with a love for movement and travel, change is a never ending necessity for 5 people. Change of scene, relationships, residence, spiritual and political beliefs, and so on. There is a strong tendency to overanalyse people and situations. It is difficult for the 5 to submit to the feelings and the intuition; the intellect is determined to find logical answers. An obsession with analysis can ruin personal relationships; even love can wear out under such continual and unnecessary scrutiny. Nothing escapes their notice. They seem to be fine-tuned to the smallest detail.

Curiously, 5 brings a longing to believe in magic, elves, fairies and mysteries of Nature, along with a need to pin everything down and view it under a microscope, two qualities in direct polarity, causing the 5 to find it difficult to understand themselves. They are sometimes high-strung; they live on their nerves and crave excitement.  They’re quick in thought and decision, often impulsive in their actions. They have a keen sense of new ideas, and are willing to take risks and are born speculators. Writing, advertising, public relations and publishing are fortunate 5 occupations.5 people possess an admirable elasticity of viewpoint and the ability to rebound swiftly from blows of fate, which seem to leave no long-lasting impression on them.

Karmic destiny

The number 14: Movement…Challenge

Magnetic communication with the public through writing, publishing, and all media related matters are associated with the 14. Periodic changes in business and partnerships of all kinds are usually beneficial. Dealing with speculative matters brings luck; likewise travel and movement associated with combinations of people and nations can be fortunate. However, both gains and losses are sometimes temporary, due to the strong currents of change, which are ever-present.

The 14 warns of danger from accidents related to natural elements i.e.: fire, flood, earthquakes, tornadoes, and so forth, and a need to be cautious. There is risk in depending on the word of those who misrepresent a situation. It is a mistake to rely on others. Rely on the voice within, the self, the intuition. The luck of the 14 includes money dealings and speculative projects, or betting. But there is always a danger of loss due to wrong advice from others, or overconfidence.
Note: Given that he is most popular by the single name Sachin, it is necessary to analyse just the name Sachin instead of Sachin Tendulkar, which throws other insights into his personality.

Personality and character:

9 people are not stubborn but determined to get what they want, and there is a difference. Stubbornness reacts, determination initiates. The 9 brings a tendency to be impulsive and make snap decisions later regretted. Although the temper will flare rather frequently, these people are quick to both forgive and forget an injury. They are vulnerable to their enemies because their first instinct is to trust everyone. Since they’re so direct themselves, they expect others to be the same- and others are often not. Deviousness and manipulation always come as a shock to 9 people. As a general rule, they’re incapable of such behaviour and motives themselves and dishonesty catches them off guard nearly every time, until they learn to be more cautious.

One of the 9’s virtues is the ability to penetrate straight to the core of a situation, swiftly, which makes them extremely impatient of slower thinkers, which doesn’t help them win popularity contests. What you see is what you get from the 9, the complete lack of guile. It is against their essence to plan complex strategies or play games to get what they want from others. Instead, they find it simpler to simple demand what they want, catching the others by surprise! The visible vulnerability and childlike quality of the 9 touches most people and makes them feel protective. However, inside, 9 tremble with a lack of confidence and a fear of rejection. As assertive as they may appear, they need continual assurance that they are liked, respected, admired and loved. For all their pushiness, they’re secretly unsure of themselves. Generous to a fault and normally extravagant, the first instinct is to give, let go and let tomorrow take care of itself.

Karmic destiny:

The number 18: Spiritual-material conflict.
Of all compound numbers, the 18 has the most difficult symbolism   materialism striving to destroy the spiritual side of the nature. It also signifies bitter quarrels within the family circle, wars, social upheaval and revolution. It warns of treachery and deception from both friends and enemies; also danger from the elements; explosions, electric shock or lightning.

If the compound number of the name is 18, the only way to mitigate its effect is by spiritual means, by generosity, love and forgiveness, by turning the other cheek and returning good for evil, kindness for cruelty, honesty for dishonesty, honour for dishonour. Another way to dilute the negative aspect is to add the vibration of the 6 in one’s life.

As I wrote this, my thoughts went to the sudden announcement to join politics, which many of us do not seem to understand. Sachin would do well to exercise caution in taking advice from friend and foe, and follow his heart and conscience. He should be friendlier with the media and work his 5 and 9 charm, which may turn out to be his saviours. Fortunately, Sachin has a more powerful birth number influence: 24, or 6, a blessed number, which overpowers the influence of the 18 vibration.

In any case, I will always call him Sachin Tendulkar from now.

Shah Rukh has the same inner character and karmic destiny as Amitabh Bachchan.  Do I need to say any more on the obsessive comparisons between the two don from two generations? The numbers, they tell it all! Shah Rukh, you cannot help comparing yourself with Amitabh Bachchan.

But Shah Rukh Khan’s name number is blessed with the 6 vibration, which brings financially a lot luckier than Amitabh Bachchan, however with the warning of the number 15.

Birth number: 2

Single number 2 Personality and character; Compound number: none

Personality and character:
The number 2: Represents imagination, parenthood and sensitivity. It is the number of conception, childbirth and dreams. 2 people are dreamer, with a tendency to fear the unknown or the unfamiliar. They are extremely imaginative and inventive, but not always as forceful as could be in carrying out their plans and ideas. 2 People possess a very romantic nature and are secretly ‘psychic’. They have a trait of fearing shadows of fears. The 2 person fears every kind of loss. They need a home base despite globe-trotting most of the time. They are fanatically devoted to their parents, especially the Mother. They make ideal parents themselves but they must be careful not to smother their children with possessive love.

2 folks hover over everyone and are extra concerned with the well-being of their loved ones and kin. They are highly cautious, and dislike games of chance. They are secretive, even though experts at fishing out others’ secrets, but they won’t let you invade their privacy. Money sticks to them like glue, but they are also charitable, but can never accept charity themselves.

Name Analysis

Single number 6 – Personality and character; Compound number: 15- karmic destiny

Personality and character:
The number 6:

6 people seem to magnetically attract others to them. They’re genuinely loved by their friends and associates- and when they become attached themselves, they’re devoted to the loved one. They are born romantics with a strong sentimental streak, no matter how much they deny or try to hide it. The 6 vibration brings a love of art and deep affinity for music. They love to entertain friends and make people happy, and cannot abide discord, arguments, unpleasantness or jealousy- although they can display intense jealousy themselves if threatened with the possible loss of someone or something they love.

Money comes to them without effort, sometimes through their own talents and abilities, sometimes through inheritance or wealthy friends and relatives. But they are warned to watch for a tendency toward extremes of extravagance and stinginess. There’s seldom a neutral attitude toward finances. It’s either one or the other, taking turns in the nature. Most 6 people are deeply attached to Nature in some way, and love spending time near the silent woods and singing streams, has a tranquilizing effect on their emotions. A fondness for luxury marks the 6 vibration. Ugliness is extremely offensive to them; they admire the tasteful and shrink from loudness and vulgarity. Their manners are s a general rule impeccable; however, when they feel strongly about anything, they won’t hesitate to make their opinions known. They’re fond of discussing and debating politics and other matters, and they usually win, because of their logic… and their irresistible smiles.

Karmic destiny:
The number 15: The Magician

The 15 is a number of deep esoteric significance, the alchemy vibration through which all magic is manifested. It is extremely lucky and carries the essence of enchantment with it. 15 is associated with ‘good talkers’ eloquence of speech and gifts of music, art and drama. It bestows upon the person or entity it represents a dramatic temperament and strong personal magnetism; a curiously compelling charisma. The 15 vibration is especially fortunate for obtaining money, gifts, and favours from others, because of its powerful appeal to the altruistic nature of people. However, there are no roses without thorns, and the ancients warn that 15 rules the lower levels of occultism when associated with the single number 4 or 8. Such people will use every art of magic to carry out their purpose, or become the victim of others using the same methods. So, if the birth number associated with the 15 is a 4 or 8, it is advisable to change the name to a 24. If the birth date is 15 and the name is a 4, the name should be changed to a10 or 19 if the name is an 8.

Other than this warning, the compound number 15 is extremely fortunate.  Blessed with the ability to bring great happiness to others and to shine much light into the darkness assuming you don’t use this magical and fortunate vibration for selfish purposes.

Name number: Aamir Khan
Single number 4 Personality and character; Compound number 13; Karma and Destiny

Personality and character: The number ‘4’

The number 4 represents individualism, originality, inventiveness and tolerance. It is the number of unconventional behaviour and sudden, unexpected events- also of genius. 4 people are seldom understood by their friends and family, they are an enigma to everyone they know. They make their own rules, and these rules don’t always match those of society. Marked individuality colours every thought and action. If there is a different way to do anything, the 4 will find it. Their speech and actions frequently shock others, and it often seems the attempt is deliberate. It is. 4 people live in the future, caring little for the present. They’re light years ahead of others in their ideas and ideals. Going along with this trait is an innate talent for prophecy. Their lifestyle ranges from unconventional to the bizarre, yet their crazy ideas are successful more often than not.

Anything far out or off the beaten path appeals strongly to the 4 person’s curious, questing nature. To be told something is impossible only intensifies and spurs the 4 person’s resolve to prove it is possible.

Although the 4 vibration advocates change in every area of life, from politics to art, these people are reluctant to accept change in their personal habits which remain rather fixed. They can be quite stubborn when people try to dictate to them or mould them into a more acceptable social pattern. Because prophets are often unrecognised in their own time, and because 4 people live far into the future, their grandest and truest visions are often ridiculed or ignored. They are fascinated with UFOs and their secret wish is to be contacted and taken aboard, hopefully never to return to the chaos of the earth. Reform movements attract the 4. Friendship is vital, and they have bushels of friends from all walks of life. Money means little to them; they are as likely to mix with kings as with paupers- they care nothing about class distinction, have no desire to impress anyone, and would just as soon live in a van, tent or a sleeping bag as in a mansion. They are not prejudiced against comfort or wealth; they simply don’t notice their surroundings. One of their finest virtues is  to ‘live and let live.’ The 4 doesn’t give a ginger snap what you say or do however outrageous or against his or her principles, and expects you to return the same consideration.

Karmic destiny:The number 13: Regeneration-Change

13 is not an unlucky number, as many people believe. The ancients claimed that ‘he who understands how to use the 13 will be given power and dominion.’ 13 is a number of upheaval, so that new ground may be broken. It is like a scythe that cuts down old grass to let the new grass thrust through the ground. It is associated with power, which if used for selfish purpose, will bring destruction upon itself. There is a warning of the unknown and the unexpected. Adapting to change gracefully will bring out the strength of the 13 vibration, and decrease any potential for negative. The 13 is associated with genius- also with explorers breaking the orthodox and new discoveries of all kinds.

Birth number
Single number 5: Personality and character; Compound number 14: Karma and Destiny

Analysis

Personality and character:

5 people possess a great deal of natural charm, and are innately courteous. They are quick to spot flaws and will not hesitate to point them out when they see them. The 5 is supercritical and incapable of ignoring mistakes (their own as well as those of others) and it’s associated with a love for movement and travel, change is a never ending necessity for 5 people. Change of scene, relationships, residence, spiritual and political beliefs, and so on. There is a strong tendency to overanalyse people and situations. It is difficult for the 5 to submit to the feelings and the intuition; the intellect is determined to find logical answers. An obsession with analysis can ruin personal relationships; even love can wear out under such continual and unnecessary scrutiny. Nothing escapes their notice. They seem to be fine-tuned to the smallest detail.

Curiously, 5 brings a longing to believe in magic, elves, fairies and mysteries of Nature, along with a need to pin everything down and view it under a microscope, two qualities in direct polarity, causing the 5 to find it difficult to understand themselves. They are sometimes high-strung; they live on their nerves and crave excitement.  They’re quick in thought and decision, often impulsive in their actions. They have a keen sense of new ideas, and are willing to take risks and are born speculators. Writing, advertising, public relations and publishing are fortunate 5 occupations.5 people possess an admirable elasticity of viewpoint and the ability to rebound swiftly from blows of fate, which seem to leave no long-lasting impression on them.

Karmic destiny

The number 14: Movement…Challenge

Magnetic communication with the public through writing, publishing, and all media related matters are associated with the 14. Periodic changes in business and partnerships of all kinds are usually beneficial. Dealing with speculative matters brings luck; likewise travel and movement associated with combinations of people and nations can be fortunate. However, both gains and losses are sometimes temporary, due to the strong currents of change, which are ever-present.

The 14 warns of danger from accidents related to natural elements i.e.: fire, flood, earthquakes, tornadoes, and so forth, and a need to be cautious. There is risk in depending on the word of those who misrepresent a situation. It is a mistake to rely on others. Rely on the voice within, the self, the intuition. The luck of the 14 includes money dealings and speculative projects, or betting. But there is always a danger of loss due to wrong advice from others, or overconfidence.

Another important element:
There must be an 8 number very close to Aamir, the 8 is the twin soul of the 4. We shall know in due course.

Now we know what makes Aamir different. He is blessed to have the power of the 5 to get media outreach and attention to all that his regenerative instincts inspire him to take up for social change and regeneration.

Birth number: Oct 11, 1942
Single number 2 Personality and character; Compound number 11; Karma and Destiny

Personality and character:
The number 2: Represents imagination, parenthood and sensitivity. It is the number of conception, childbirth and dreams. 2 people are dreamer, with a tendency to fear the unknown or the unfamiliar. They are extremely imaginative and inventive, but not always as forceful as could be in carrying out their plans and ideas. 2 People possess a very romantic nature and are secretly ‘psychic’. They have a trait of fearing shadows of fears. The 2 person fears every kind of loss. They need a home base despite globe-trotting most of the time. They are fanatically devoted to their parents, especially the Mother. They make ideal parents themselves but they must be careful not to smother their children with possessive love.

2 folks hover over everyone and are extra concerned with the well-being of their loved ones and kin. They are highly cautious, and dislike games of chance. They are secretive, even though experts at fishing out others’ secrets, but they won’t let you invade their privacy. Money sticks to them like glue, but they are also charitable, but can never accept charity themselves.

Karmic destiny:
The number 11 is ‘A lion muzzled- a clenched fist’. A number of hidden trials and treachery from others. It represents an inner conflict of two individuals or two divided goals, both equal, both beautiful, both chained  together but unfused, just like the two ones forming the eleven, as if a third force separates the two individuals. The origin of the separating force must be identified and an attempt made to seek compromise. The two forces or desires representing the two ones in the 11 must stand apart even after being joined, for each possesses its own worth. A sense of frustrated incompleteness. An illusion of separation within one’s own self.  The quintessential angry young man.

Wow! Amazing, isn’t it!

The name vibration:  Amitabh Bachchan

Single number 7 Personality and character; Compound number 16; Karma and Destiny

Personality and character:
Spirituality, sensitivity, sympathy and mystery.7 is the number of illusion and delusion or deception, but also the number of healing and miracles, faith, and dreams that come true. 7 have an intense interest in esoteric, mythology, mysteries, spacecraft, and the entire forest of the unknown. They possess gifts of clairvoyance and a quieting calming magnetism which has a great influence on others. Often their mere presence has a soothing effect on a troubled person.   Associated with peculiar ideas about religion, and political beliefs which are unorthodox.

Extensive travel, avid reading of books about faraway lands and foreign people. Strongly attracted to the sea, sailing and water. Anxious about the future, yet they care little about material possessions or accumulating great wealth. They earn substantial sums through original ideas. When they gravitate to the arts, they make fine dancers, singers, poets, writers, actors or actresses.  A strong leaning toward privacy, they keep their problems to themselves. They have a horror of the big brother or an invasion of their privacy. Taciturn, but brimming with thoughts and secrets of their Neptunian world. For the 7 must trust you before sharing those inner contemplations!

Karmic destiny:
The number 16 is ‘the shattered citadel’, representing a tower struck by lightning and a crowned man falling’. It warns of a strange fatality, a defeat of one’s plans, and a danger of accidents. The 16 brings with it the obligation of the 7 to listen to the voice within, which will always warn of danger through dreams, and intuition in time to avoid it. The inner voice must not be ignored. To find happiness in ways other than leadership at the top (the tower and the crown) and to renounce fame and celebrity is a way of decreasing the negative aspect of the 16.

As I wrote this part on the Karmic destiny, I was reminded of Coolie (accidents), Bofors and ABCL (defeat of one’s plans), and my hands trembled!  The reclusive periods in the eighties  (politics) and the nineties (business) and a walking away from the limelight,  heeding the inner voice, and getting back one’s honour and adulation, through intuition and going back to the arts instead of the science…

Note: Given that in his heydays, he was most popular by the single name Amitabh, it is necessary to analyse just the name Amitabh instead of the full name, which throws other insights into his destiny in the past.

Personality and character:

9 people are not stubborn but determined to get what they want, and there is a difference. Stubbornness reacts, determination initiates. The 9 brings a tendency to be impulsive and make snap decisions later regretted. Although the temper will flare rather frequently, these people are quick to both forgive and forget an injury. They are vulnerable to their enemies because their first instinct is to trust everyone. Since they’re so direct themselves, they expect others to be the same- and others are often not. Deviousness and manipulation always come as a shock to 9 people. As a general rule, they’re incapable of such behaviour and motives themselves and dishonesty catches them off guard nearly every time, until they learn to be more cautious.

One of the 9’s virtues is the ability to penetrate straight to the core of a situation, swiftly, which makes them extremely impatient of slower thinkers, which doesn’t help them win popularity contests. What you see is what you get from the 9, the complete lack of guile. It is against their essence to plan complex strategies or play games to get what they want from others. Instead, they find it simpler to simple demand what they want, catching the others by surprise! The visible vulnerability and childlike quality of the 9 touches most people and makes them feel protective. However, inside, 9 tremble with a lack of confidence and a fear of rejection. As assertive as they may appear, they need continual assurance that they are liked, respected, admired and loved. For all their pushiness, they’re secretly unsure of themselves. Generous to a fault and normally extravagant, the first instinct is to give, let go and let tomorrow take care of itself.

Karmic destiny:

The number 18: Spiritual-material conflict.
Of all compound numbers, the 18 has the most difficult symbolism   materialism striving to destroy the spiritual side of the nature. It also signifies bitter quarrels within the family circle, wars, social upheaval and revolution. It warns of treachery and deception from both friends and enemies; also danger from the elements; explosions, electric shock or lightning.

If the compound number of the name is 18, the only way to mitigate its effect is by spiritual means, by generosity, love and forgiveness, by turning the other cheek and returning good for evil, kindness for cruelty, honesty for dishonesty, honour for dishonour. Another way to dilute the negative aspect is to add the vibration of the 6 in one’s life.

By S.V.Divvaakar

Thanks to Ekta Kapoor, Shobhaa De, and tens of other celebrities, several hundred people have asked me about the spelling of my name, which has been in its present form since 1993. Way before these far more famous people popularised the cult of numerological interventions in our lives and destinies.

Lying at times, and fed up of trying to explain it each time, I have now chosen to unravel some of its mystery and place it on the public domain, and in the process, also attempt analysis of some famous names in this column.

First of all, a few facts about myself.

Born: V. Divakar; on 3^rd July 1960, Chennai, India.

Claims: I was a topper at school, and ranked 8^th on the Merit List at the Higher Secondary Board Exam, and went to the IIT Delhi, finishing with a B Tech, Mechanical Engineering.
Lost my way at college, found it back, worked at a few good companies, and landed up in Dubai in 1990. Steering my own skiff for some fifteen years now.

Renamed: S.V.Divvaakar, sometime in 1993, Dubai, UAE.

Advice: Self-experimentation, following Linda Goodman’s Star Signs.

Reason: a professionally curious analytical interest in the occult para-science of numerology, with a view to observe and document the results if any, over a long period of time. It is almost 19 years since I underwent this change, and I believe that qualifies for a considered and reasonable time period. And, like scientists, I chose to experiment on myself rather than find others as guinea pigs.

I was convinced by this powerful argument: If it can’t do good, it can’t do bad, right?

So, did numerology work in my life?

Honestly, if you ask those who have known me for a long time, they might be tempted to say: Yes, immensely. Whatever be the reasons, the timing of all these steps has been providential. My life has changed for the better in the past twenty years and decidedly more so in the past ten years.

What is my own conclusion?

Yes, it has. But my inner answer as to why it all worked is: when you surrender yourself to some external entity in complete faith, you get two benefits.

One, you no longer blame yourself, and, while undergoing the change externally, you also subconsciously erase your past negative thought patterns. You mentally wipe the slate clean, to make a fresh beginning to deal with life and its challenges.

Two, depending on how strongly you believe, you set a fresh subconscious template of success for all your future efforts, which manifests in your attitude and body language. The more you reinforce it, the stronger it becomes, and results do show up over time. This is borne by research in neuro-linguistic programming. When you have no doubt, when you believe you can’t fail, your effort explodes, just like you can risk everything you have when you know you have three aces in your hands.

It’s that simple. We are rewarded in the measure of our surrender and faith. In prayer, in astrology, in numerology, tarot cards, whatever we put our complete trust in. Doesn’t have to be logic, because faith begins only where reason ends.   But most people do not even trust their trust. They keep looking back, for external reinforcements, and keep digging the soil to uproot the plant to see if it is growing day by day. Never works that way.

Watch this space for analyses of celebrities: using descriptions given by Linda.

I make no predictions; I just look for amazing coincidences between the numbers and the destinies of these people. Predictions speak of futility, and I believe in hope and faith beyond.

So, read on the analyses of some celebrities whom we all love and respect.

Beginning with my idol Dr Amitabh Bachchan.

Interpretations: excerpted from Linda Goodman’s Star Signs (Pan Books).

Disclaimer: Numerology, like other practices such as Tarot reading, planchettes, crystal ball gazing, cannot be explained scientifically. It defies objective proof, yet finds intuitive acceptance even among rational human beings. Rather than passing judgement, I have put myself in the quest, finding out for myself through self-experimentation and honestly recording what I see in my life and in the lives of those I revere or believe in.