Friday January 4th 2002 - edited by Patty Greenall This week in Astro News: ~ Behind the signs ~ ~ Astrofact ~ ~ Sikhism ~ Behind the signs As of yesterday at 9.39pm (GMT), Mercury is in Aquarius. Although it's January, friendly Mercury is encouraging us to network, get together with friends and inspiring intellectual conversations and pursuits. The emphasis is on humanitarian and forward-looking issues. How about a brainstorm? Astrofact When the sun, moon or any of the planets move into a new sign it's known as an 'ingress'. At the solstices, in Summer and Winter, and the equinoxes, in Spring and Autumn, the sun moves into one of the cardinal signs with a new season. Astrologers often make predictions at these times because of the change. Sikhism by Mark Winter Sikhs around the world are tomorrow are celebrating the birth of their tenth guru, one of the founding fathers of their religion, Guru Gobind Singh. Sikhism is now the third biggest religious group in the UK, numbering more than half a million. To find out more, I asked Indarjit Singh, director of the Network of Sikh Organisations, some key questions: Q. Where did Sikhism come from? A. It was founded in 15th century India by Guru Nanak, the first of ten gurus. Q. What are the central Sikh beliefs? A. That God is one and all men and women are equal. The central practice of Sikhism is to serve God by assisting our fellow beings. Thus it is a very practical rather than ritualistic religion. Q. How do Sikhs worship? A. They gather in 'gurdwaras' for communal worship, but as individuals they are encouraged to read their scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib, several times a day. This holy book has become their guru. After ten gurus spanning ten lifetimes, it was felt that the teachings had stood the test of time. Gobind Singh, the last of gurus, decided that the scripture would be our source of guidance. We meditate by reading and reflecting on this book. Q. Why do Sikhs wear turbans? A. Historically, Gobind Singh wanted to make a bold statement about the identities of all Sikhs following years of persecution and finally the martyrdom of his predecessor. Nowadays, the turban makes a strong statement about our beliefs. There are four other parts to this dress code known as the Khalsa, wearing a steel bracelet, a wooden comb, cotton underwear and a ceremonial sword and not cutting your hair, as it has been given by God. For the Sikhs it is outward sign of their submission and devotion to God. Q. Do Sikhs find it a problem to wear turbans? A. Anyone who is different - whether fat, thin, tall or short - can attract unwanted attention at school and elsewhere. Our dress is just a sign of what we stand for and our moral code. After all how often to do see a man in a turban on CrimeWatch? For more information contact The Network of Sikh Organisations, 1st Floor Office Suite, 192 The Broadway, London SW19 1RY. (+44 (0)208 450 3974).