The Vision of Vedic Astrology

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The Vision of Vedic Astrology

By Dr Theja Hettiaratchi

 

“To deny the influence of the stars is to deny the wisdom and

providence of God”

 

I first encountered Vedic Astrology orJyotish about 25 years ago and

discovered a system of astrology which can reveal the secrets and truer

promise of our lives. Some believe that in Jyotish, our own absolute

nature speaks to us through the astrologer (Jyotishi). Indeed, the

Jyotishi’s first words reveal incontrovertibly that we are known to

some higher intelligence.

 

Jyotish (ja-yo-teesh) is the Sanskrit (most ancient language on Earth)

dual word for Vedic Astrology. Jyoti means light and Ish is in short

for Ishwar, which means God. Combined with Vedic, which means “of the

knowledge”, the words aptly describe this astrological system.

Vedic Astrology differs significantly from Western astrology.

 

First, it uses the sidereal or fixed zodiac, instead of the tropical or

movable zodiac of Western astrology. In Western astrology, because of a

tilting of the earth on its axis, thezodiac appears to be moving out of

alignment with the actual star-based zodiac. Currently, this

misalignment amounts to slightly more than 23 degrees, nearly one

entire sign. So a person whose rising sign might be Scorpio in Western

astrology, has a good chance of being Libra ascendant in Vedic

astrology.

 

Second,Western astrology emphasises the Sun sign while Vedic Astrology

looks to the Ascendant and the placement of the Moon. In addition,

Vedic Astrology does not recognise the outer planets, Neptune, Pluto,

or Uranus. It does, however, give emphasis to the two lunar nodes, Rahu

and Ketu, the points at which the moon (in its orbit around the earth)

passes through the plane of the ecliptic. Although merely points in

space, these nodes are so crucial they are given the status of planets

in Vedic Astrology.

 

Also of great importance are the Nakshatras, the 27 star

constellations, one of which the Moon will occupy at the moment of

birth. This establishes the cycle of planetary periods that determine

the sequence of events in one’s life.

 

On one level, Vedic Astrology deals with the circumstances and

characteristics of a person’s material life, to reveal and perhaps

remedy what opportunities or perils may await us. It is believed that

by knowing what lies ahead it is possible to maximise the good and

avert obstacles or dangers.

 

An expert in Jyotish can derive full knowledge about a person’s

potential and trends in life from place and time of birth. The

Birthchart, or Janma Kundali, can forecast precise times when different

tendencies will manifest. The Grahas (planets) are positioned in their

respective Rashis (Signs of the Zodiac). Each Rashi falls in exactly

one Bhava (house). The planets aspect each other, and have lordships

over the Bhavas.

 

Then comes the system of Dashas, unknown in Western astrology. Dashas

are planetary periods that rule defined stages of one’s life. The main

periods (Maha dashas) last between 6 and 20 years, and during this

period, a planet will have a dominating influence in the life of a

person. Each main period is divided in 9 sub-periods, each ruled by a

different planet. Just like the main periods, each sub-period is

characterised by the particular qualities and significations of the

ruling planets. The dasha system can explain changes in life from day

to day with amazing precision.

 

The 9 Grahas (Planets)

 

Surya (the Sun)

The Sun represents the soul, ego and body of the individual, so its

placement is of great importance.The Sun is best placed in Mesha

(Aries) where it is called exalted. Opposite from there, in Tula

(Libra) it is least auspicious and called debilitated.The sun is lord

of the sign Simha (Leo) and also of the house where Simha is located.

 

Chandra (the Moon)

The Moon represents the mind, the feelings and, like the ascendant, the

overall life of the person. Unlike Western Astrology where the Sun is

most important, in Jyotish the Moon is the first graha to look at and

plays a central role in many calculations and predictive techniques.The

Moon is best placed in the first few degrees of Vrishabha (Taurus)

where it is called exalted. Opposite from there, in Vrishika (Scorpio)

it is least auspicious and called debilitated.The Moon is lord of the

sign Karka (Cancer) and also of the house where Cancer is located.

 

Mangala (Mars)

Mars represents the energy, stamina and younger brothers of the

individual. If well placed, it brings strength and focussed energy, if

poorly placed accidents and injuries. Mars is best placed in Makara

(Capricorn) where it is called exalted. Opposite from there, in Karka

(Cancer) it is least auspicious and called debilitated. Mars is lord of

the sign Mesha (Aries) and Vrischika (Scorpio) and also of the houses

where these signs are located.

 

Budha (Mercury)

Mercury represents the speech, intellect and friends of the individual.

It is an adaptable and curious planet. If afflicted, it gives speech

problems and a poor discriminative ability. If well placed it makes a

person witty, easy going and skillful. Mercury is best placed in Kanya

(Virgo) where it is called exalted. Opposite from there, in Meena

(Pisces) it is least auspicious and called debilitated. Mercury is lord

of the sign Kanya (Virgo) and Mithuna (Gemini) and also of the houses

where these signs are placed.

 

Guru (Jupiter)

Jupiter represents knowledge, wisdom and the offspring of the

individual. It is a planet of expansion, growth and good fortune.

Jupiter is best placed in Karka (Cancer) where is called exalted.

Opposite from there, in Makara (Capricorn) it is least auspicious and

called debilitated. Jupiter is lord of the signs Dhanus (Saggitarius)

and Meena (Pisces) and also of the house where these sign are located.

Jupiter aspects 3 signs, the 5th, 7th and 9th signs from its own

position.

 

Shukra (Venus)

Venus represents the enjoyment, taste, sexuality and relationships of

the individual. It can give a person a great sense of esthetics and

very pleasant personality, or sensual and tasteless, dependant on how

well it is placed in the chart.Venus is best placed in Meena (Pisces)

where is called exalted. Opposite from there, in Kanya (Virgo) it is

least auspicious and called debilitated.Venus is lord of the sign

Vrishabha (Taurus) and also of Tula(Libra) and of the houses where

these signs are located.

 

Shani (Saturn)

Saturn is the slowest moving graha, and represents the more time

related aspects in life: endurance, sense responsibility, hard work,

longevity and reclusion. It is typically described as the bringer of

grief and misery in life, but if it is auspiciously placed in a chart

it will be one’s best insurance against poverty. Saturn is best placed

in Tula (Libra) where is called exalted. Opposite from there, in Mesha

(Aries) it is least auspicious and called debilitated. Saturn is lord

of the sign Makara (Capricorn) and Kumbha (Aquarius) also of the houses

where these signs are located.

 

Rahu (the Northern Lunar node)

Rahu is the point in the zodiac where the paths of the Sun and the Moon

cross. If the Sun and Moon in their movement meet in this point, then

an eclipse takes place. Eclipses “seize” the light of the Sun or the

Moon, and it is this seizing quality that is characteristic for Rahu.

 

Ketu (The southern lunar node)

Ketu is not really a planet, but rather a mathematically calculated

point in the heavens. Because of its lack of a “body” it represents

uncertain, unexpected and unpredictable phenomena. It is intelligent

and relates to mathematics and other abstract knowledge.

 

Rahu, Ketu, and the Planets influence each other in various ways. The

ancient sages saw a relationship between the movement ofthe planets and

the ups and downs of human experience. Vedic Astrology explores these

variations in order to help us anticipate challenges and comprehend

their meaning.The 12 Rashis (signs)

 

The zodiac is divided in 12 sections, which are called the 12 rashis,

or signs. Each sign is exactly 30 degrees. Like the bhavas (houses),

the rashis are each related to an area of life. Part of the

characteristics of a sign are derived from the graham (planet) that is

lord of that sign, but independent of that, each rashis has its own

unique traits. The rashis are classified in many different ways, such

as movable fixed and dual, as male or female, as watery, dry, airy or

fiery. The most influential rashi is the one, which was ascending at

the Eastern horizon at the time of birth. It is called the “Lagna”, or

better known, Ascendant. Because of its prominence, the whole chart

will be coloured according to its characteristics. Another important

sign is the one that holds the Moon, the so-called Janma Rashi. The

Moon is important in Jyotish, and so is the Rashi it is in. Both the

Ascendant and the Moon sign will be of major influence in the life of

the individual.The 12 Bhavas (houses)

 

The Jyotish chart is divided in 12 sections, which are called the 12

bhavas, or houses. Each bhava is related to an area of life, just like

the planets are. Each of the 12 bhavas coincides with one sign. (This

is called the equal house system in Western Astrology) Every bhava has

one planet which is called its lord, and the lord of a bhava is always

the lord of the sign that falls in that bhava. For example, Mars is

lord of Aries, and if Aries falls in the 5th house then Mars is also

lord of the 5th house.The most important house is the 1st house, and it

represents the personality of the individual, his body and life in

general.

Vedic Astrologers will calculate and analyse all of these areas for you

and give you interpretations on their influences.

 

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[Guest guest]

great posting richard once again especially on this astrology

piece. hey really love those excerpts from your book. thanks a lot for sharing

your experiences. it seems that you went through some serious stuff to find the

truth in your life. I mean taking on scorpions and snakes during a monsoon is

some serious stuff. who knows what else you came across during that time. of

course with strong guru (Ruler of immunity) there is nothing that can stop you.

guru is that one incredible planet.

 

namaskar,

 

__________

Raja G. Gursahani

 

(: 314.761.3134 (Clovis, CA)

,: rajagursahani(atgmail.com)