Vedic Astrology - What is it good for?

Our lives are portions of the greater one life that sustains and supports all of creation. The processes of the totality of this undivided consciousness are reflected in our bodies, minds, and life situations. In this way, the rising waves of energy in the universe at the specific time, date and location of our birth imprint our consciousness, creating the filter through which the soul has to interact with the world. The planets within our solar system serve as conduits for the universal intelligence, which shape the form of our life karma and trigger events at the appropriate times.

By examining the position and interactions of the planets at birth an astrologer gains insight into the nature of the person. The planetary forces shown in the birth chart manifest their qualities within the individual in question. The combinations of planetary influences within each of us can be likened to a chemical structure. Just as some chemicals are stable, unstable, pleasant, unpleasant, useful or seemingly inert, so are people. It can also be said that the birth of all things, whether location or object, are influenced in the same way.

To take this idea a step further you can imagine that some chemicals react well together giving a pleasant product, while others can be violent or explosive. Astrological information also gives insight into the interactions of a person in relationship to others and the environment. This explains why you can put two people into the same situation or relationship and one thrives while the other withers.

Many people go through life without any real success to show for their endeavors. The main reason for this state of affairs arises from lack of Self-knowledge, both relative and absolute. The science of Vedic astrology, passed down from the Indian sages of the far East, treats this very problem. As a sister science developed along side the system of Yoga, Vedic astrology provides a map that describes the terrain in which the soul functions while incarnated. If you know the terrain, it makes navigation easier.

Vedic astrology can reveal time lines that are conducive to certain actions, thereby supporting those actions. Many people do not have proper guidance in this regard and so try to achieve various goals at the wrong time, or do not have the patience to take advantage of the proper circumstances that would contribute to success. Imagine a farmer who plants seed for a summer crop in the winter. He had the proper items for success, a fertile field and healthy seed, but his timing was off. Similarly we are not meant to struggle against the currents of life, we are meant to ride the waves as they come and navigate the waters with poise and skill. The key is knowledge of who we are and what tools are at our command. Vedic astrology provides such knowledge.

Note that Vedic astrology is not meant to be a fatalistic system. If the chart shows a weakness in a certain area, that does not necessarily indicate certain failure. It may indicate an area that needs developed. If a boy wants to be an athlete but has never lifted a weight or done any kind of cardiovascular exercise, he may try out for the football team and be broken in both body and spirit after the encounter. However, if he was self honest and realistic, he might come to the conclusion he needs to prepare his body first. This is a simplistic analogy, but if you think about it, many people are not that self honest about their ability and skills. The astrologer, as a more objective reference, can bring to light areas that need strengthened as well as encourage the use of unkown strengths indicated in the chart to make success a greater possibility. It is not magic, simply observation and stating the truth of what is observed.

As mentioned earlier, Vedic astrology is a system linked to Yoga. Remember that Yoga proper is not about twisting your body into a knot. It is about realizing our infinite consciousness, which encompasses and IS who we are at the simplest level. As incarnated beings in this world, we have functions to perform and duties to fulfill. Living a full life, expressing your innate talents, while accepting the support of the universe is part of Yoga practice. Vedic astrology and Yoga synergistically support each other. As we develop clarity of awareness through Yoga in regards to our true Self it is much easier to achieve our goals, and the greater skill we have in achieving our goals by tapping the resources revealed in Vedic astrology, the easier it will be to acknowledge the oneness of spirit. By merging the knowledge generated by these two sciences our absolute and relative purposes are realized.

The Vedic astrologer is a guide whose highest calling is to encourage the fulfillment of the four goals of life as presented in the Yogic tradition: dharma, artha, kama, and moksha. Dharma is our individual purpose in life. It is making the most of the skills we have to serve the highest good. Artha is our ability to work in harmony with the whole, thereby assuring our financial resources are always provided. Kama is the realization of our desire and enjoyment. The happiness of Kama comes when our actions are in accord with our basic mind/body constituion and our wholesome karmas are fulfilled. Moksha means spiritual liberation. This is the realization that releases us from attachment to all that we are not (thoughts, moods, people, places, things, ideas, concepts, etc.) and settles us in realization of what we are—immortal beings beyond space and time.

By analyzing the planetary forces manifesting within the natal chart and the ongoing rotation of the heavenly bodies through the solar system, the astrologer can give an accurate report to prevent the suffering and encourage the enjoyment of living. When we know what to expect, it makes it much easier to act appropriately. And so, the astrologer can provide insight into relationships, career, family harmony, spiritual practices, supportive natural health regimens, and many other areas of life.