| Introduction to Vedic Astrology |
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Vedic, or East Indian, Astrology originated several thousand years ago in East India, from the same enlightened minds that brought the world yoga. The people of this region developed many advanced systems of healing based on the planets and cycles of nature. These healing systems include Astrology, Yoga, and Ayurvedic Medicine. The origin of these healing systems is the books known as the Vedas, from which the term "Vedic Astrology" is derived. Even though the Vedas are thought to be the oldest books known to mankind, at least 4,000 years old, the "Vedic Sciences" are still practiced today! Central to the Vedic Sciences is the idea that life emanates first from spirit, then descends through form. According to Vedic thinking, the essential energy of life is not physical or mental, it is spiritual. We are a spiritual being having a human experience. When our lives are aligned with this deeper spiritual truth, it flows in a joyous and ecstatic way. Each of the Vedic sciences helps to align our energy with this deeper spiritual truth. Just as Yoga helps to realign our physical body through postures and breath, bringing deep inner peace in the process, Astrology helps align our life course with the universal forces influencing us. Vedic Astrology and Yoga have exactly the same goal, to help us live a more peaceful, conscious, and happy life. Just as in Buddhism or other Eastern philosophies, the concept of reincarnation is accepted in Vedic thinking. It is felt that, just as our mind evolves through its different experiences in this lifetime, so too our soul evolves through experiences over many lifetimes. These actions and experiences form our Karma. The word "Karma" simply means action. In this way, the Astrology chart is seen as a portrait of our souls Karma - it shows the actions our soul will take and why. It shows what we have learned in past lifetimes, what we need to learn in this lifetime in order to be fulfilled, and most importantly, how to align our intentions with these deeper lessons. By assessing the disposition of the planets, signs, and houses, a Vedic astrologer sees which lessons will be learned with ease and which lessons will be harder to learn. These lessons revolve around the four goals in life:
Vedic Astrology addresses most issues based on these four goals in life. For example, does our career help us feel powerful and allow us to express our creativity (Dharma)? Does it give us wealth and sustenance (Artha)? Do we enjoy it (Kama)? Is there room for growth in it (Moksha)? By using scientific and precise methods developed for thousands of years, Vedic astrologers have become trusted advisors in all areas of life and are respected professionally. Astrology is viewed and practiced as a science in India, not just as a fringe pastime as astrology is often viewed here in the West. Doctors, the clergy, and all segments of society understand and use Astrology for many of life's important decisions, such as beginning a new relationship, getting married, starting a business, taking trips, and so forth. By examining the position of your planets, signs, and houses, a Vedic astrologer sees which lessons will be learned with ease and which lessons will be harder to learn. You can use Vedic Astrology for life's important decisions, such as beginning a new relationship, getting married, starting a business, taking trips, and creating lasting wealth. Vedic Astrology is very similar to Western Astrology. Both systems use the same planets, houses, and signs. Yet, Vedic Astrology does not traditionally use the three outer planets of Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto in the horoscope or the many asteroids now used in Western Astrology. An important addition to Vedic Astrology is the distant stars. There are 27 distant stars, or nakshatras used. Because the stars are eminent, transcendent forces not in our solar system, the Indian astrologer looks to the nakshatras to see the soul nature and the deeper cosmic meaning operating behind the planets. Each of these nakshatras is related to a different deity. The nakshatras are especially useful in relationship astrology. Rather than mainly focusing on 12 Sun Sign archetypes, as in Western Astrology, there are 27 lunar archetypes. Vedic Astrology places a much higher importance upon the Moon in relationship astrology, because it is the Moon that refers to the part of us that seeks connection, nourishment, and oneness with another. The Sun refers to our individualistic nature, not our desire to merge, as shown by the Moon. Another important component of Vedic Astrology is the full planetary status of the Moon's Nodes, called Rahu (North Node) and Ketu (South Node). Astronomically, these nodes are the Eclipse points, the shadows. They reveal hidden shadow issues eclipsing our mind. They are ever-present vortices of energy, portals into our past and future lives. As part of a larger holistic healing system, Vedic Astrology helps to bring all facets of life into greater clarity, revealing the deeper issues we are facing as we take on life's many challenges and opportunities. Consultation with a Vedic astrologer can be an integral tool in building a life of lasting happiness and joy. |
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