Vedic Astrology

Photo Credits Here

The rishis of our country were the greatest astronomers the world has ever known. Their knowledge was based on direct perception. They made use of the constellations as visible in the sky and penetrated into the very heart of nature, wooing her so that she revealed her secrets gladly. The science of astrology known as Jyotish Shastra was a natural result of this knowledge. Thus, our ancient astrologers were not mere scientists but great saints who lived highly disciplined lives and aligned themselves with the great cosmic forces.

Jyotish Shastra is the oldest system of astrology in the world, which differs considerably from the western systems. Jyoti means light and it is actually the science of light because it provides guidance to individuals who feel lost or confused on their life’s journey. It is based on the understanding that the stars and planets have a powerful influence on our lives, even though we don’t realize it.

Indeed, it is a spiritual science that requires a certain level of intuition, which is generally present only in those who maintain a very high standard of spirituality and follow a dharmic way of life. In order to read horoscopes and give advice on how to approach life’s obstacles from a spiritual perspective, an astrologer has to live a life in which a high standard of spiritual discipline is maintained.

According to modern science, time and space are interconnected to create the fabric in which we exist, known as space-time. Large objects, such as planets, affect this fabric and thus influence everything around them. The Vedic seers knew this only too well. The cosmos is made up of a vast dynamic network intricately connected by energy patterns that link the entire solar system into one single organism. The whole cosmos is a living, breathing organism. The vibrations of the stars and planets fall on this planet and are responsible for many formations of the earth as well as our bodies and minds.

Our life is played out on this cosmic field of space and time with the planets maintaining a certain amount of order.

In the Vedic system, there are twenty-seven constellations that influence our planet, known as "nakshatras." These nakshatras are located three to four hundred light years away from us. Based on the position of the moon in a person's horoscope at the time of birth, Vedic astrologers create charts based on the date, place, and correct time of birth, which differ from those used by Western astrologers. Jyotish offers a more powerful predictive technique than other forms of astrology. Vedic astrology places greater emphasis on the moon than on the sun. The moon represents the mind and is closest to us. The mind is a major factor in determining our interactions with the world. By harnessing the powerful energy that exists during moon cycles, we can actually change our personality and gain what we want from life. New moons are good for setting new intentions for the month, while full moons are good for advancing our spiritual lives. Remember that the moon can influence huge bodies of water like the oceans, causing them to move according to its daily transit. Our bodies are made up of 72% water, so its influence on us is significant! Vedic astrology is actually the map of our karma. It allows us to precisely understand our own nature and destiny to navigate our lives and fulfill the four goals of life, which are dharma (the desire to follow the path of righteousness), artha (the desire for wealth), kama (the desire for pleasure), and moksha (the desire for liberation). Ultimately, however, it's about helping us in our spiritual development to achieve the final goal of moksha.

Frustrating things happen in life all the time, and they can beat you down and make you feel like giving up on everything. However, very often, these things aren’t your fault at all. We look for reasons in everything, but sometimes there are no reasons for anything. Astrology helps us break down those walls and move away from the world of fear. Instead, it teaches us to accept both the good and the bad as mere lessons. The planets, stars, and universe all have a plan for you, and you just have to trust in it. By learning about what makes every single person unique, you can learn to accept our differences as they are.

Each individual is a soul incarnating in a body at a specific place and time. A person’s life is a reflection of the greater whole into which they are born. The astrologer’s work is to calculate the position of the planets and stars at the time of birth and make a birth chart, which is actually a chart of their karma. The basic premise of Vedic astrology is that all things are linked, and an individual’s karma or fortune can be known by a pre-arranged cosmic design. Vedic astrology tells us that our karma is directly related to the position of the planets and stars, and thus astrology is the method of understanding one’s karma by analyzing these positions.

The astrologers of ancient India were actually sages who were honest, humble, magnanimous, detached, and treated all equally. Their main purpose was to help and guide individuals on the path of spirituality. Although they are much harder to find these days, astrologers who maintain a similar standard of spiritual integrity do exist.

We are indeed lucky to have such an astrologer who is connected with our ashram and to whom we will give access to those who wish to consult him. His details will be given at the end. He is also capable of making birth charts if the exact time and date of birth are given.

Perhaps I should also add that for those sincere sadhakas and aspirants who have surrendered their entire life into the hands of the divine, all these things will have no meaning. They have learned to accept everything as the will of the divine and accept everything as a gift from their beloved deity. Such people will not need an astrologer. Of course, such people are rare indeed. Most of us are floundering about in the ocean of samsara, totally bewildered by the maya of the divine mother, unable to find any meaning in our lives. These are the people who will find comfort and help from consulting a true and dharmic astrologer.

Hari Aum!