Answer this now please

[Guest guest]

What good does astrology do, you ask:

 

Well, I would agree with Cynthia. That was a good, precise answer. It makes

people feel better and you can tell them where they are going in this life..

 

I know you know that traditionally astrology could show in a caste-dominated

society whether or not someone was going to be able to move out of a caste

and make some kind of indiviualized mark, too. I think it was the Maharishi

who said astrology is like a roadmap, right?

 

 

I would add, that if you're the one doing the charts and doing them by hand,

it's a nice litte mental workout to keep you sharp.

 

 

The loneliness problem:

 

This one can take years, I can say from personal experience..

 

Now with the "empty nest syndrome" you can take up whatever hobbies it is

you've been putting off all this time.

 

Time for the little driving day trips, too, away from the old homestead,

Das. They generally don't take much money either. It's fun to look at old

buildings , for example, if you're a history buff...Or now you have time to

write YOUR book about the inside of the Hare Krishna movement--maybe, from

your perspective with some more compassion than what we've seen coming out

so far. Maybe not. I've no idea. Or join the community band in Eugene or

whatever is the closet big town/university or whatever that has one.

 

Bewst Wishes,

 

D.

[Guest guest]

Hi, Das.

 

I agree with the "roadmap" metaphor, and also like "cosmic clock" and "cosmic

weather report."

 

In any case, astrology is a tool, and like any other tool it can be used for

good or ill. That said, I also think that, generally speaking, those who are

drawn to the study and practice of astrology have positive (if not outright

noble) intentions about their use of this tool. And I suspect that many on

this list probably feel, to some degree or another, that they were "led" to

astrology, particularly jyotish, by higher influences. (In my case, I

studied western astrology for many years then suddenly developed an interest

in jyotish "out of the blue." I'm 100% convinced it was the influence of Sri

Yukteswar, my guru's guru.) This sort of thing is just one more piece of the

wonderful puzzle of this universe, only we're part of the puzzle so we can't

see the entire picture.

 

As a practical matter, when people come to me with astrological questions

(usually friends, informally, because I don't really practice

professionally), I find that astrology especially helps them get through the

dark nights. If it's storming in their world, maybe I can help see how long

that weather is going to last. I have seen even small bits of information,

e.g., that relief is coming eventually, really lift someone's spirit. And

when the long range outlook is tough, even knowing that can inspire people to

deal with their problems more realistically, by formulating strategies,

getting help or finding positive coping mechanisms, letting go of unrealistic

or escapist attitudes, etc.

 

And finally, I experience much joy through the practice and study of

astrology. Astrology is beautiful -- the mythology, the amazing precision

and synchronicity of the universal clock, that WOW! feeling when you see

cosmic influences playing out here and now in our small/grand lives, not to

mention the beautiful people on this list!

 

With sincere thanks for your soulful program and all its technical and

aesthetic offerings.

 

Trish Francis