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What is Vedic Astrology?
Vedic Astrology refers to the ancient Indian scriptures called the Vedas, when astrology was considered a sacred science. Its Sanskrit name Jyotish means "the science of light." Jyotish is a sister science to ayurveda as well as one of the oldest, if not the oldest, systems of astrology alive today. It dates back approximately 6-8000 years, when enlightened sages in deep meditation observed the connection between the planets and their effects on everyday life. Throughout the millennia, Vedic Astrology has maintained its continuity by handing down a deep, rich tradition based on the energetic principles of yoga and meditation.
The primary emphasis of Jyotish is understanding one's soul karma in relation to the four motivations underlying all human experience. These 4 goals of life according to the Vedic sages, consist of kama or the desire for pleasure and enjoyment ; artha, or the impulse to acquire wealth and prosperity; dharma, or the wish to do one's allotted duty for the benefit of mankind; and moksha, spiritual liberation. By revealing to an individual the state of his or her soul, Jyotish can serve as a guiding light in a person's life. When one couples an Ayurvedic session with a Jyotish reading the two create an integrated system of holistic healing that addresses the body, mind and spirit.
How does Vedic Astrology differ from Western?
Vedic astrology uses an astronomically accurate zodiac, more commonly known as the sidereal zodiac. This is the same zodiac that modern day astronomers use. Western astrology looks at the sun's relationship to the earth on the first day of spring, which has little to do with the planets true position in the signs. For example, if you were to look up into the heavens on the day that you were born, you might see that the sun was in Cancer, but if you opened a western planetary almanac it might tell you that on that same day, the sun was in Gemini.
Why is there a difference between these two zodiacs?
Well, in ancient times
there were tiny, very time consuming calculations that needed
to be done about once a year to correct for the earth's wobbling
on its own axis. Then over time, as astrology began to move out
of India these calculations were forgotten and slowly a shift
was created between the natural zodiac and the popular zodiac
we now use today. Each year the 2 zodiacs continue to move apart
and at this time there is approximately a 23 degree difference
between the sidereal (Vedic) zodiac and the western tropical
Zodiac. This may be why your sun sign has never quite fit!
There are many basic similarities between the two systems and
both use the familiar planets, signs, and houses, however the
Vedic system has many time-tested ancient techniques for diagnosing
one's karma and revealing the cycles of time in which it will
play out. We call these planetary periods Dashas.
Planetary periods are based
on the idea that the ideal life span of man is 120 years and
each one of the 9 planets rules the chart for several years,
bringing forth karma connected with that planet. Each person
will begin life in a different "period" of a particular
planet, based on the exact position of their moon at birth. After
the dashas are calculated the timing of one's karma can be seen
and predictions can be made in regard to when it might bear fruit.
For example if you have a strong 10th house of career and no
fruit has yet appeared on "your tree" you might check
the planetary cycles to get a sense of when that fruit might
ripen.
The second vedic technique
is based on a 27 part division of the zodiac calculated in relation
to the Moon's daily cycle. The 27 moon signs or nakshatras take
a deeper look at the 12 zodiacal signs. These nakshatras show
us the archetypal energies and impulses that condition and influence
our minds. Your nakshatra is really your archetype.
For instance if you were born under the sign of Laxshmi the goddess
of wealth those influences of wealth, preservation and abundance
would be conditioning your psyche, whereas if you were born under
the nakshatras of Indra, the king of the gods you would have
more of an affinity with independence and developing your own
personal power through knowledge. If you ever travel to India
and someone was to ask, "What is your sign?" they would
really want to know what is your moon sign.
Perhaps the major distinction of the Vedic system rests in the
fact that the ancient rishis did not give mankind Jyotish solely
so that his destiny might be known, but really as a tool for
his own spiritual liberation. Vedic Astrology if used properly
is not a mere fortune telling device, its original and best purpose
is as an instrument for alleviating suffering and freeing oneself
from the bondage of karma.
What takes place during a reading and what knowledge will one come away with?
After I calculate the placement of the planets for the date, time and place of one's birth, a horoscope is created. This chart gives an overview of the five main areas of one's life -- health, wealth, relationship, career and spirituality, and a foundational session takes about an hour and a half.
This foundational reading is a prerequisite for any of the following sessions I do such as: comparing two charts for relationship compatibility: a health and well being session, or putting together one's personal "tool kit" The reading can also be taped and done over the telephone. Clients sometimes ask me to pick out an auspicious date to initiate an important event, such as marriage or surgery. I also do yearly updates that show the suns progression as well as the yearly transits. A Jyotish consultation can help you understand the blueprint of your life and Ayurveda will help you live it.
What are some of the "tools" that you might use to balance planetary afflictions.
I mainly use the gemstones, aromas, flower essences and colors. Most people associate gemstones with Vedic astrology. Gemstones are the standard prescription in India for a planetary affliction. The precious gemstones resonate with each one of the seven chakras and are used to balance and strengthen the chakras. I also incorporate yoga, meditation, affirmations and visualizations into my practice. After a foundational reading, I often work with a person for several sessions helping to design a unique program that will balance and strengthen the influences shown in the chart and helping them design their personal "tool kit" .
Do you experience people who still resist the idea of Astrology?
Occasionally I do, but
I usually refer them to the book The Autobiography of a Yogi
(chapter 16 Outwitting the Stars) for an in depth discussion
of astrology throughout the ages. This book is filled with methods
for effecting change on the spiritual or energetic level of the
individual, and for transforming one's relationship with the
forces of the cosmos. Through these methods, along with divine
grace, negative karma can be softened, and in some instances
neutralized.
A sage once said that for the average man living by instinct
alone vedic astrology is almost 100% accurate, for the person
set on self improvement and seeking truth it is about 80% accurate
and for the enlightened master it is 50%.
Ann's Biography
Here is Ann's biography.