A Psychological Perspective on Vedic Astrology

[Guest guest]

Learned Gurujis and Astrologers

I have always wondered why Vedic Astrology is not as popular in the

western part of the world as is 'tropical' astrology.

Most people here confuse sidereal and vedic to begin with, not

realizing that sidereal is a way of looking at the zodiac and then

Vedic is a particular style of interpreting the charts based on the

sidereal zodiac. ( There are many 'western sidereal' astrologers too

lately).

 

I believe it comes down to the fact that not much free and widely

available information is around on Vedic astrology. And then most

people are familiar with their sun sign chracteristics based on

tropical zodiac. The serious ones get into more detailed study and

read authors like Linda Goodman ( for mass consumption) and Liz

Greene, Dane Rudheyar etc. who have added depth to the tropical style

of astrology.

 

With my limited knowledge, it seems like Vedic astrology doesn't

offer a comparable detailed widely available 'psychological take' on

the planets, signs, aspects etc. It is more results driven in nature.

So planets X, Y, Z in houses A, B and C create certain aspects and

Yogas etc and give results 1,2 3 etc. And that is great and good.

 

But is there a possibility that more detailed psychological

perspective of and through the Vedic astrology can be developed and

made available to the non- astrologer population, that doesn't have

the time to study it in such great details so as to be able to make

predictions themselves and also doesn't have the desire to search for

the 'results'.

 

I am refering to the non-astrologer population that wants to study

basic planets and aspects and signs in more details so that they can

see which traits maatch them or not, like a self help sort of

book/body of knowledge.

 

For instance what is the Vedic astrology take on Scorpio. Since most

of the non-vedic world relates Scorpio to Pluto there are

interpretations floating around the so called vengeance, the

secretiveness and the passion of a Scorpio. Apparently there are

three kinds ( tropically), the scorpiom: least spiritually developed,

the snake: more developed and the eagle, the soaring spiritually

awake mystic. How does the only Mars ruled Vedic Scorpio explain it

all, either accept it or refute it?

 

Before I go on, let me confess that I have not read a whole lot of

Vedic astrology myself because at this point I can only afford stuff

on web that is free rather than buying costly books.

 

But there seems to be a definite need to enable a person who grew up

solely on tropical astrology to make a transition to Vedic astrology

through literature that can connect the two.

I am here refering to vedic books compatible to a the deep

psychological profiling on every sign, aspect that Liz Greene

provides for example.

I am aware of some such books lately that have tried to do a Vedic

version of Linda Goodman's Love signs based on the 27 nakshatras.

 

But I believe many will agree that Vedic astrology could use a

detailed switchover to a more contemporary context and psychology

based explanations. Although the Upayas are of course insurpassed in

any other style of astrology, the mere detailed psychological

explanations itself could cure ( or so I suspect at least at this

point of time) many people.

 

As an example, why does Jupiter in 8th lose its power. What does it

mean? What are the events in this person's life that made him/her

that way.? What are the past life issues that might have made him/her

born with that aspect. What might this person's childhood, friends,

parents, schooling, partnerships have been. How might she/he behave

in all those areas. What is really driving him.her to do all those

things or not drive him/her. What understanding does his/her soul

require on the deepest levels to understand and to learn in order to

make use of the best strengths of that aspect and avoid the worst? A

detailed psychological approach of that sort will also be more

effective in explaining to a person what the relevant Upaya will do

to alleviate the negative effects of that aspect and how exactly it

will do that. ( Here lets say the Mantra for Jupiter can ne said to

enhance certain traits, certain vibes, maybe more spiritual view of

life, or more intelligence and intutition and THAT in turn will lead

to a 'good result'. Explaining that whole mechanism of the underlying

cause/ to dis-esase/lack or abundance of certain attributes ( let's

say too much materialism or indulgence in sexuality) to the desired

state of mind/ body ( better decisions based on better

intelligence/better control of senses) leading to the 'result' is

required.

 

That is perhaps needed rather than saying worshiping diety A, B or C

will get a job or a wife or a house or whatever else.

 

The Sages have said it in very short, almost like mathematical

formluas. But for many of the intelligent, intellectual people today

brief deterministic sounding explanations don't make that deep

understanding and a emotional sense unless supported by appropriate

in depth analysis.

Vedic astrology is astounding in its depth and a gem of a science.

But translating those accurate predictions to a more contemporary

contextual climate and tie it to other accepted branches of looking

into human psyche like psychology, sociology, anthropology etc. will

make it many times more effective for millions across today's world.

 

In the best case it can be hoped that some such profiling can be

developed and even posted here in the files section. Those files will

provide much needed knowledge to many like myself who have studied a

lot of tropical astrology and find this transition to Vedic astrology

very difficult. This free of cost body of knowledge can become a new

age reference to vedic astrology. The more the common people have

access to resources like it, the more its impact on the other side of

the world will grow.

I hope the respected Gurujis and the learned astrologers on this

board can make such a dream come true.

 

I realize that my own knowledge of Vedic astro is merely very basic

even if that at all. It is inspite of that or maybe because of that,

that I feel and see this need, this gap that needs to be filled. So

kindly treat these random thoughts from that perspective.Any

thoughts/responses/suggestions/guidnace to further this discussion

would be highly appreciated.

 

Best Regards

Azaad