The Astrological Sky From the Chinese Monastery

Astrology

They believe that if you channel your life according to the heavens you will be fine. Human affairs and events in the sky had some connection. You could not only foretell the future but also learn what one was expected to do to make your life smoothly. The opposite was that to go against the signs in the sky would be to violate the prescribed pattern of nature.

Lau Tzu

Lay Tzu, a very famous Chinese and also the father of Daoism believed very strongly in nature as guider. He as many others before and after him believed in a spiritual entity or deity. He was just clever enough not to give it a name and then defend it. For him it was enough to refer to it as : ‘The Way’

Astronomy

It was because of this connection between the Heaven and yourself that the Chinese recorded the events as it unfolded above them. Though mostly secondary and distorted, records dated back as far as 1500 BC. were found.

Eclipse

Somehow an eclipse had a special attraction for many cultures and the Chinese was no acceptation. A typical account is an inscription of an eclipse and the suicide of a King called Ching. Other times they foretell that bad things would happen. Many times it did. Do the Heavens play a role and have a direct influence in our lives?

As a follower of Astronomy I find it hard to believe in pure Astrology. I can see why the earlier Chinese Astronomers believed differently but I still wonder what they would have thought about their own beliefs had they known more about the Universe.

But most important is that they did not only believe in the sky, they had firsthand knowledge about its appearance and could notice any change of it. Something I do not find in modern day Astrology or I fail to see.

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Why Consider Astrology Now?

Astrology is the method of determining the character and future of a person through the alignment of the stars and planets. Astrology does not work and cannot predict future events or personalities. The Eastern astrology is event oriented, they will tell you what happened in the past and what will happen in the future with much grater accuracy. The most prevalent application of horoscopic astrology is to use it to analyze the birth charts of individuals in order to read character, psychological traits, and to some extent destiny.

Arab era astrology is the immediate ancestor of the Western astrology of today. Our astrology may be in fact the successor to that third stream of ancient astrologies. Developed by the Greeks and based on some of the fundamental ideas developed in Babylon, this type of astrology is also known as ‘judicial’ or ‘genethlialic’. This is the form of astrology that most of us are familiar with today, whether or not we are believers or skeptics. The question of why people believe in astrology is more interesting than the details of the horoscope. Psychologists have shown that customers are satisfied with astrological predictions as long as the procedures are individualized in some rather vague way.

Astrology is best understood by learning how it began. Astrology is unquestionably the oldest and at the same time currently the most popular of all pseudosciences. Astrology is also used to deepen understanding of our own nature. This psychological approach has grown significantly in the past 30 years as more and more astrologers develop their counseling skills. Astrology is Magical Thinking, which has given us creationism and most forms of alternative medicine. It’s at odds with scientific reasoning and it puts the practitioner squarely in opposition to the tradition of The Enlightenment.

Astrology is pseudoscience because people typically believe in it for illegitimate reasons. He gives no examples here. Astrology is, put simply, the study of the correlation between the astronomical positions of the planets and events on earth. Astrologers believe that the positions of the Sun, Moon, and planets at the time of a person’s birth have a direct influence on that person’s character. Astrology is a wonderful mix of science, art and craft. The best part of it is that no matter how much one learns he can never embrace all its knowledge.

The belief in astrology is that the positions of certain celestial bodies either influence or correlate with a persons personality trait. In the past, those studying Astrology used observation of celestial objects and the charting of their movements. Prior knowledge of astrology is not needed. The four levels of study include all necessary astrological knowledge from the very beginning to having your own, successful practice. Astrology is so called because it ariseth from the stars; as Theology is so called because it flows from God. To live astrologically is, with a pleasing concupiscence, to eat of the Tree of the knowledge of good and evil, and to bring death to himself.

A comprehensive bibliography of astrology is beyond the scope of this FAQ, but some books have been included. The interested reader is advised to visit a well stocked bookstore. However, because the heavens were never intended for these purposes, astrology is a dangerous and wrongful practice. Stars were created for calendar keeping and for declaring God?s glory . The lessons here are for everyone who wants to learn how astrology is done and how to do astrology. They are especially for skeptics because science demands that knowledge of a subject must come before evaluation.

For if astronomy is the study of the movements of the heavenly bodies, then astrology is the study of the effects of those movements. The astronomers of the ancient world assumed a division of the universe whereby the superior, immutable bodies of the celestial worlds ruled over the terrestrial or sublunary sphere, where all was mortality and change. But astrology is no longer about just love and money. Astrology answers many other questions. Vocational Astrology is the art of assisting others in helping them find what they are called to do .

The practitioner of Shamanic Astrology is trained in the unaided eye knowledge and experience of the night sky, and the sacred rhythms, cycles and motions of the cosmos. Astrology is also an art-form–one that lends itself to quick sketches and complex portraits of individuals, couples, corporations, nations and more. Astrology can also clearly have spiritual and religious undertones as evidenced by studies of ancient Egypt. Astrology is unscientific because of the fact of the precession or the shifting of constellations. The early astronomers were not aware of precession and therefore failed to take it into account in their system.

Though entertaining, Sun sign astrology is a rather superficial, and marginally useful application of a complex and ancient science that dates back thousands of years. Learn how astrology can be used to inform your decisions and augment your own wisdom. Astrology is the ancient practice and study of the stars and planets. Its history goes back to Babylonian times. Astrology is such a model.

Wholistic Astrology is a way of interpreting a horoscope so that all aspects are considered. We can see tendencies in external areas such are career, finance and social needs. This is why astrology is referred to as the “Science of Indications”. Without an effort to overcome the momentum of any given force or thrust of action, the indications suggest what will probably be, and in any event, astrology reveals the timing of trends and certain influences. Today, some astrology is presented this way, but this is not true “traditional astrology”. Did you know that Astrology was considered science in man’s early history?

Astrology is not some silly old thing, a superstition or pseudo-science, but a real science of human experience. Its symbols leave room for the vagaries of human behavior, that which can never be reduced to simple and absolute formulae. Perhaps the hostility exists because astrology is still a living practice, a real competitor for popular respect and patronage. I hope that the traditional hostility may be dying among historians and social scientists and that a true understanding of this influential practice and belief. It does not mean that astrology is accurate in predicting human behavior or events to a degree significantly greater than mere chance. There are many satisfied customers who believe that their horoscope accurately describes them and that their astrologer has given them good advice.

Astrology is harmless, it is an entertainment. Whatever its former glories, it seems now a five-and-dime glimpse of the cosmos. Astrology is perhaps the most ancient subject and also in a way the most ignored. It is the most ancient because astrology has been in existence as far back as we have been able to investigate the history of mankind. Instead, they like to provide anecdotal evidence –stories people tell about how accurate they think astrology is. Anecdotal evidence is not acceptable in a real science because it’s too easy to leave out all the negative experiences people have, and people not very good at recalling and accurately reporting experiences.

Astrology is based on birth charts for an individual. The position of the Sun, Moon and planets is plotted on the zodiac at the moment of birth. Moreover, astrology is not a quick study. Traditionalists used to say it takes a student one transit of Saturn , about 30 years, to become proficient. Vedic Astrology is part of a holistic, integrated knowledge system and its effects can be bolstered by interoperating with its “sister” sciences. The Vedic Astrology system is kind in that not only is a person told what might happen, but they are presented a list of potential remedies or corrective actions to offset the quantity and quality of karmas that are returning to them, as seen in the birth chart.

In 2001, 53% of Europeans surveyed thought astrology is “rather scientific” and only a minority (39%) said it is not at all scientific. In the 2005 survey, Europeans were asked whether or not they considered certain subjects to be scientific, using a 5-point scale (with higher values indicating that a subject is more scientific). This is why astrology is so unique, being used since the beginning of historical records, and can also be found in every advanced culture. MB Pet Astrology is a simple and ‘user-friendly’ software that help you to understand your pets better. It is a complete freeware and the best part is, the reading can be administered within five to eight minutes.

Law of Attraction and Astrology - Choose Your Astrology Wisely

Are you held hostage by your astrology? Does your world stop when Mercury retrogrades? Do you blame bad habits on your birth chart?

Anyone who’s taken a good look at their astrology (and no, I don’t mean the daily horoscopes) has likely discovered truths about themselves in the stars. Fire signs are bold and assertive; hard angles predict challenges, Saturn returns foretell impending crises. The list goes on and on.

While it’s undeniably entertaining, often revealing, and can provide comfort as it lends self-understanding, there’s a hidden danger that our belief in astrology overpowers our ability to create what we want in life.

What’s At Play
The school of thought based on the Law of Attraction tells us that “as we think, so shall it be.” The concept that we create our life experiences is reflected in commonly-used phrases such as “you reap what you sow” and “like attracts like.” The philosophy dates as far back as Hermes Trismegistus’ Emerald Tablet (rediscovered in roughly 1350 BC).

Well known figures subscribing to the Law of Attraction include Plato, Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison, and Carl Jung, to name just a few. Close examination of this universal law reveals essentially that thoughts become things. We create our world with our vibrations of thoughts and emotions.

Which is why it’s crucial we become very conscious of what we place our faith in. Including our astrology.

When you believe in something more powerful than you, you give your power away. This can actually serve you if you haven’t fully embraced your creative abilities and assigning your power outside yourself enhances expectations of success. (Like going to the doctor for a prescription, or hiring an investment manager for your portfolio.) The pitfalls are when you assign your power to something that doesn’t serve you.

Astrology’s Role
How does astrology fit in? For those who believe there is valuable information in the arrangement and movement of the planets, we face both opportunities and potential sabotage.

Interpreting a particular aspect as fortunate or a predictor of good news gives us “reason” to believe good things will happen. Since our thoughts create our reality, this would serve us. Anything giving reason to believe good awaits us is helpful, even if we’re assigning our power outside ourselves.

On the other hand, becoming aware of astrological configurations and occurrences that cause us to expect bad news gives us “reason” to believe bad things are in store. That thought pattern handicaps our success.

The beauty of astrology is that there are so many ways to interpret it. Evolutionary astrology, as defined by Steven Forrest and Jeffrey Wolf Green, specifically embraces the core perception that “we interact creatively and unpredictably with our birth charts, that all astrological symbols are multidimensional and are modulated into material and psychic expression by the consciousness of the individual.” (http://www.stevenforrest.com/evolutionary.html)

According to Salt Lake City astrologer, Laura Ellingson, that means the power lies in the interpretation and can be expressed in many different ways depending on the individual’s state of mind.

Another branch of astrology asserts that planets don’t cause our reality, but rather reflect the reality we create through our internal workings. That is, planets correlate to the reality we make up. Is that true? Don’t ask me! We each choose our own truth, since our attention to it creates it.

Avoiding the Pitfalls
While writing this article I encountered the challenge of allowing my astrology beliefs to overpower my creative abilities. After a new love interest made the unwitting error of providing his birth date, I scrutinized his chart for over an hour.

His Sun Moon conjunction in Virgo was particularly troubling, since I wasn’t interested in someone described as “highly discriminating, critical, finicky and conventional.” Grant Lewi himself called a person with this aspect a “moralist!” Probably not a good match for me. As I predicted the demise of our relationship before our first date, I realized I’d just fallen victim to my astrology.

So I gave it another shot. I reviewed other traits of a double Virgo: loyal, affectionate, sentimental, and domestic. I must have skipped over those as I dug out the dirt on him. Even if he is picky - well, he’s interested in me, right? That has to be a good sign. A peek at his Sun Pluto conjunction also revealed “magnetic charm, strong physical desires, with an interest in correcting social injustices.” Okay, sign me up!

If I insist on giving attention to astrology, the least I can do is allow it to support me in achieving what I want. By knowing I have the power to craft this art-science in ways that bring me success, I’m no longer at the mercy of particular star pattern interpretations. When I know I’m the ultimate trump, I use astrology to my benefit by powerfully embracing thoughts supporting what I want. It’s as simple as that.

The Art of Selective Believing
As a Law of Attraction Coach with an irrefutable belief in astrology, I know I can manage it to my benefit by sifting through the information gleaned from the planets, giving attention to the aspects and interpretations that support what I prefer to experience.

For example, rather than focusing on the limits of my Capricorn ascendant (cold, calculating, having rotten childhoods and inferiority complexes), I dwell on the positive traits that rising Caps are durable, steadfast and grow younger with time.

Instead of believing my date’s 12th house natal Venus means he’s predisposed to clandestine affairs, I expect it manifests as valuing the mystical, spiritual aspects of life. Instead of anticipating a 6th house transit of Mars as potential conflict at work, I choose it means I’ll have extra energy and drive to succeed while serving others.

Because if I’m thinking about possible problems with co-workers, I create that outcome by entertaining those thoughts. As I think about extra energy for success, I attract extra energy for success. I’m the powerhouse here, not Mars. But my belief in Mars’ 6th house transit allows me to expect (and thus create) conditions and situations that enhance my life.

Leveraging Your Astrology
There are many ways to use your belief in astrology to enhance the life you’re creating, rather than just respond as powerless victim to the stars.

1. First know you are the ultimate authority of your life. There is nothing “out there” more powerful than you. Whether it’s an astrology report, a session with a psychic or a medical diagnosis, you are your own best expert. You’re in charge of you, and anything you hear, read or think is true only if you accept it.

This isn’t just sugar-coating, or refusing to acknowledge the “truth.” You create your truth, and you do so according to the thoughts you entertain. Since a belief is nothing more than an often-repeated thought, you decide what’s true simply through your choice of thought. Deliberately selecting supportive thoughts allows you to live the reality you prefer, rather than being stuck living out someone else’s idea of the truth.

2. Get in the habit of creatively analyzing your astrology in ways that support what you’re up to. Know that each sign, planet and aspect has challenging and transformative qualities. Consider perceiving difficult aspects as opportunities to learn. As you embrace interpretations that feel good, you’ll manifest success.

One astrologer advised a friend whose chart revealed an impending Pluto Jupiter conjunction to “lay low” until it passed, as it meant bad news. Another astrologer told him it was a wonderful opportunity to achieve great success, and that he should exploit it by taking strong action. Which interpretation would you give power to?

A Saturn return doesn’t have to mean life crisis or hardship, astrologer Laura Ellingson reminds us. Let it be a new chance to sort yourself out, embrace new responsibilities and prune that which no longer serves you. Even a challenging-placed Saturn can have a positive spin!

3. Last, if you find more limits than opportunities in your astrology, consider giving up the habit. If you can’t make it work for you, or if it doesn’t feel good, don’t dwell on it. This is good advice in all areas of life: if it doesn’t feel good, don’t do it. (Yes, that includes relationships, jobs, diets and exercise.) You can’t get to where you want by doing something you don’t enjoy!

Not just in astrology, but in all things, choose thoughts that support what you want and leave the rest behind. Embrace your power as the creator of your life, and don’t let astrology do anything but boost your success.

Vedic Astrology & Western Astrology - Complementary Paths for Discovering Your True Nature

Even though Vedic astrology, or Jyotish, has been practiced in the West for over twenty years many people still know very little about it and see it as an unfamiliar and/or confusing system of knowledge. Adding to the confusion is the common perception that Western astrology is more psychological and Vedic Astrology is more spiritual.

I personally believe that a great deal of insight can be derived from either system. In order to grow spiritually we must have an understanding of our psychological blocks as well as our greater spiritual identity. In competent hands, Western astrology is extremely useful in understanding family of origin issues, core negative imprinting, and blocks to full self-expression.

As we start to get perspective on the past and heal some of the wounds of the personality there is a natural desire to understand the true meaning of our individual existence. In other words we start to ask…what am I here for? What is my life purpose? What is my mission on Earth this lifetime? These questions, of course, are at the heart of each person’s quest…..to realize our timeless, eternal nature and to see how to express that self-knowledge fully in the world.

Depending on whether the Vedic astrologer actually “practices what they preach,” Vedic astrology can take the quest for understanding of our life purpose or dharma to a whole other level. If, however, the Vedic astrologer is not deeply immersed in their own spiritual path (sadhana), then what you get from a Vedic astrologer will not be any better than what you’d get from a Western astrologer, and actually could be much worse!

Using Vedic Astrology from a higher level of consciousness, the Vedic astrologer can help clients understand their highest dharma in this lifetime. The beauty of Vedic Astrology is that it is part of an integrated 5,000 year old tradition that includes yoga and ayurveda. Drawing from the wisdom of the ancient Vedic knowledge received through rishis (seers), Vedic Astrology not only reveals the individual dharma (svadharma) but reveals how to deal with karmas created in the past that are unfolding in the present.

Used consciously, both systems of Astrology can be used for the highest levels of understanding and healing. At the essential level, Western astrology and Vedic astrology have the same purpose…..to eliminate suffering through understanding and to reveal our true purpose and eternal identity.

James Jarvis, M.A. is a transpersonal counselor, master astrologer, and LifeQwest™ Coach who specializes in helping you “Design the Life of Your Dreams.” Sign up for James’ bi-monthly LifeQwest™ E-zine and receive a free 12-page report, “Keys to Right Livelihood” plus Monthly Horoscope, Articles, Tips & Discounts on his services.

Transpersonal Astrology - Astrology for the 21st Century

If we look at how astrology has evolved over the years we’ll discover at least three different approaches. For thousands of years, astrologers have practiced what could be called the event -oriented approach. This is the predictive, fatalistic approach where we on Earth are seen as helpless victims subjected to the overwhelming forces of the planets. Thus, we need to overcome the “bad” aspects in our birth charts and avoid the predictable crises that are “caused” by the malevolent planets.

Needless to say this sort of astrology is not very inspiring or empowering. Unfortunately this is exactly the kind of astrology that many people have been exposed to! Instead of providing information about our highest potential and how to actualize it, we are left with warnings to watch out for certain transits or predictions that can dis-empower our efforts to achieve what is seeking expression from within.

Fortunately, astrology progressed into a second stage, which could be called the humanistic, or person-centered approach. Unlike the event-oriented approach, which focuses more on prediction and the “good or bad” effect of planetary influences, the humanistic approach views the individual as an essentially whole person in the process of becoming.

From the humanistic perspective the birth chart is not something that needs to be overcome nor is it to be judged in terms of good or bad. The humanistic astrologer seeks to help the individual harmonize the various aspects and functions of the personality represented by the planets, houses, zodiacal signs, and aspects. From the humanistic perspective the challenging aspects of the chart are seen as needed experiences in the act of becoming.

In Transpersonal Astrology, the third approach, the goal is not necessarily the integration or harmonization of the personality. From the transpersonal perspective, personal fulfillment is only one of many phases in the transformation process that leads to a higher level of consciousness. We all know many people that get along very harmoniously but at the same time never begin to tap their potential or share their unique contribution to society.

For those brave souls that are not satisfied with just “getting by” in life, Transpersonal Astrology offers the possibility of using each and every challenging aspect and opportunity in the birth chart as information vital to our transformation. What is revealed to us in our birth chart, from the transpersonal perspective, is our calling; our spiritual destiny.

If we are to break free of the limited sense of self that is ingrained in us by family, society and culture, we need to be willing and ready to embrace our cutting edge. In other words, we need to be willing to confront our greatest fears (challenges) that mask our greatest hope. In this case that “hope” is what each of us knows deeply, that we are truly here to make a difference and be of service to others in our own unique way.

James Jarvis, M.A. is a transpersonal counselor, master astrologer, and LifeQwest™ Coach who specializes in helping you “Create the Life of Your Dreams.” Sign up for James’ free bi-monthly LifeQwest™ E-zine and receive a free 12-page report, “Keys to Right Livelihood,” plus monthly horoscope, coaching tips and special discounts on services.

Astrology Sign Compatibility - 2008 Astrology Forecast

Astrology Sign Compatibility is widely used as a way of indicating the compatibility between family, friends, bosses or lovers and those you would like to know more about. Each persons natal horoscope is compared to see how the 2 astrology charts interconnect and the way in which they will effect a relationship. They will show what parts of either persons personality will either hinder or help the relationship. Using astrology sign compatibility is a great way in dealing with other on all levels of your life.

However there is much more to it than just a simple comparison between the Sun signs. But whilst the Sun Signs is a very good place to start it is only the first of many factors which need to be considered in astrology sign compatibility. This is helpful for your 2008 astrology forecast.

The true art of astrological chart compatibility is both complex and fascinating as well as being maddeningly elusive. What should be remembered that each astrologer has their own pet theories regarding the subject of astrology sign compatibility and in some cases may be directly opposite to what another astrologers pet theories are with regard to this subject. This is why there may be different views on the 2008 astrology forecast.

Luckily for those of us who are interested to know about our astrological compatibility with another person that virtually every astrologer around the world has spent many hours of their time in order to understand the subject of compatibility. There are characteristics of each sign that are universal and certain patterns emerge naturally.

There are certain questions you will asked with regard to astrology sign compatibility and these are as follows:-

1. Date of Birth

2. Place where you were born

3. The time at which you were born (this time determines the Ascendant/Descendant axis and house placements). So this is critical for the astrologer to know in order to determine your compatibility with another person.

Over the last few years astrology sign compatibility has gained great popularity and as many astrologers will tell you that there is much more to it than just astrological compatibility but for many of them the sun sign comparisons is a good place for them to start from. Gain insight into your own patterns and relationships.

Astrology - Smart People Use Astrology

Smart people have been using Astrology since it began. A lot of historical people were Astrologers. How many do you know?

Carl Jung recognized the synchronicity, the basis of Astrology. He also said, “We are born at a given moment, in a given place, and like vintage years of wine, we have qualities of the year and the season in which we are born.”

Did you know that T. S. Eliot’s epic poem The Waste Land is full of astrological references. Not only that but the four sections are named after the astrological elements, Earth, Air, Water & Fire.

Nancy Reagan used astrology, after the assassintaion attempt on Ronald Reagan in 1981, to determine when the best & worst times were for the president to do everything from signing bills to forigen travel. The media made fun of Nancy Reagan at the time but, President Reagan was the first president since Jefferson elected in a year ending with “0? that was not killed while in office.

The Three Wise Men were Astrologers. Some believe that they heard that the Christ child would be born at the time of a conjunction of planets - two planets appearing in the same place in the sky at the same time - that was to signal the arrival of a new age.

The two planets involved in this conjunction were Jupiter and Saturn. Both planets were bright, but this wasn’t something that the average eye could notice. Even though they were trained astrologers this took The Three Wise Men some time to find Jesus in Bethlehem.

Most of you may not remember the Pythagorean theorem. Do you remember what the Scarecrow recited in the Wizard Of OZ, after he get his “brain”? Something about the hypotenuse of a right triangle? Pythagoras was the mathematician responsible. He was also an astrologer.

Pythagoras was also known for giving us the scale. He believed that that the harmony of the universe could be found in numbers, just like the harmony of music. Most mathematicians still believe that the secret of the universe can be discovered somewhere in the ratio of a circle’s circumference or pi.

Nostradamus is probably the most well known Astrologer. He supposedly predicted most of the bad stuff that has happened in the world. Things like world wars, assassinations and atomic bombs. His predictions written in 1555, foretold everything that would happen from that date until the end of the world, which he claims is 3797 C.E.

Bet you didn’t know that these predictions were based on Astrology? Nostradamus’s predictions weren’t all bad, he also predicted some good stuff too, such as a Golden Age or 1,000 years of peace beginning around the millennium (I’m still waiting). Nostradumus was a practicing physician, his motto was “Do no harm”.

Before Isaac Newton discovered gravity, he was a practicing Astrologer. Like all sixteenth century scientists, Newton studied the stars and understood the larger relationship between everything that has been ignored by the rational sciences.

Not only did Newton ponder the questions about the secret of the universe and the nature of gravity, but he also believed in the existence of animal spirits in the human body.

The Practicality Of Vedic Astrology - Take Charge Of Your Own Destiny Using Vedic Astrology

Another year is drawing to a close and most of us find ourselves looking back over the past twelve months, reminiscing what might have happened if we had had the courage to start that new job or had the foresight to have seen what a terrible year it had been financially. What to speak of that awful relationship, that you just knew was going to be the love of your life! If we are always worrying about the past, thinking it to have made the present not fulfilling, it will do just that.

A good Vedic astrologer could have foreseen all of these things. The use of an astrological horoscope is meant to be practical, not something that is mystical and obscure. The astrologer gives you a tool, an invaluable map that will help you to make those important decisions. It will help you to make fewer mistakes and better choices, in all areas of your life. We can make plans and set goals to achieve success in all spheres of our lives. An astrological chart gives us a cosmic prognosis, which can be obtained with an accurate birth time, place of birth and date. Just as a physician comes to the conclusion of the likely course and outcome of a disease, the astrologer can predict how aspects of our lives will develop, give us the timing to sit things out and wait or strike while the iron is hot.

The Vedic birth chart should cover all aspects of life:

HEALTH

? Vedic astrology can foresee probable ailments and weaknesses in an individual’s chart. To be forewarned is to be prepared and allows the situation to be avoided or reduced. For instance you may have a weak chest or lungs, so smoking would not be a good idea.

? By looking at the astrological chart we can determine what metabolic type you are (eg. Vata, Pitta or Kapha) as is often used in Ayurveda.

? Mental and emotional health, are often a cause of frustration for those that practice allopathic medicine. Badly placed planets can sometimes cause severe depression and remedial measures unique to Vedic astrology are often used.

? It can empower us. and stress can be alleviated just by knowing what you are dealing with.

COMPATIBILITY

? Before getting into a serious relationship, compatibility charts can be done to ensure good compatibility before committing. Do you have the same goals and aspirations? Will you be best friends as well as lovers?

? For those who have been in a long-term relationship that is growing sour, the astrologer can interpret the qualities and attributes each partner has and what buttons not to push. With adequate counseling a relationship can be saved. Alternatively, if the partnership is doomed, having the charts read can give the individuals confidence to move on with their lives.

? We often think of compatibility charts being done for marriage, but they are also done for potential business partners, as well.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT CAREER

? A Vedic astrological chart will indicate strengths, weaknesses, and propensities when deciding on what career to follow.

? Parents can have a child’s chart done and see their talents before they even start school. If the child is very artistic, they may feel lost if pushed into mathematics or science and vice-versa.

? All is not lost if you are 30 something and wished you were doing something else. The horoscope will indicate what you would be happy doing, it is just up to you to take the leap of faith! Emphasis is put on “happy”, for what is the point of being in a well paid job if you are miserable?

WHY VEDIC ASTROLOGY?

India is the birthplace of Vedic astrology, where in the ancient Indian scriptures it is considered an Absolute Science, which is proved by the movements and actions of the Sun, Moon and the other planets within our solar system. Astrology is a combination of science and metaphysics, brought together to make a cosmic map that involves planets, mathematics, skill and considerable expertise.

Vedic Astrology or Jyotish (Science of Light) uses the Sidereal Zodiac, which is using the fixed constellation of stars called Aries, Taurus, Gemini, etc., as a backdrop to calculate the positions and movements of the planets. This is also what astronomers use in their calculations.

Western Astrology on the other hand, uses the Tropical zodiac, which is based on the premise that the Sun will be at zero degrees Aries annually on the 21st of March. The Tropical system was created (based on the equinox), about 1900 years ago, when the Sun was actually at zero degrees Aries. The assumption was made that the Sun would return to this position every year on the spring equinox.

The Earth takes approximately 365 and 1/4 days to orbit the Sun. It is astronomically impossible for the Sun to be at zero degrees Aries every year at the time of the Spring equinox. Therefore, after many years of discrepancy there is about a twenty-three degree difference between the constellations and the signs of the same names. This makes the Tropical system completely inaccurate for predictive purposes from a natal horoscope.

The Vedic system, said to be over five thousand years old, takes into account a phenomenon called (in Sanskrit) the Ayanamsha. This is the gradual rotation of the Earth’s axis over thousands of years. Called the precession of the equinox, it is central to modern astronomy, as well as to Vedic Astrology. This means that the actual positions of the planets are constantly getting further behind the “imaginary” tropical placements. Vedic Astrology is based on a very old, unbroken tradition since time immemorial whereas Western Astrology has had a very checkered history.

Astrology virtually disappeared in the West during the Dark Ages (circa 500-1000AD); it resurfaced during the Renaissance, only to fall out of favor during the so-called Age of Reason. In fact, it totally disappeared from the European continent until the late 19th century. It had been kept barely alive in England during that time. Western Astrology as we know it today has existed for about 130 years only when it began a resurgence. The point is that the Vedic tradition is very strong and vibrant, with the heritage of many millennia of accumulated knowledge, whereas Western Astrology does not have the advantage of an unbroken tradition and is based on false mathematical assumptions, not scientific/astronomical facts.

The birth-map, or horoscope, is also a symbolic representation of the Earth, planets, and stars at the time of one’s birth. It is a divine language, a mystic cryptogram by which the Creator has communicated what a person’s destiny will be in the present span of life. To understand one’s destiny is to be able to direct oneself towards success in all areas of life.

Howard Beckman (Hamsavatar das) is a director of the Vedic Cultural Fellowship and Pecos Valley Yoga and Ayurveda Center. He was trained in India for over a decade and has been a practicing Vedic Astrologer and Planetary Gemologist for over 30 years. He is the author of three leading books on the Vedic Sciences and is recognized as the sole gemologist in the U.S., who is also expert in the field of Vedic astrology and gem therapy. His most recently manufactured Balaji GL108 Navaratna Gem Lamp combines all of this knowledge and is the latest most innovative technology available on the market today. Being considered one of the world’s foremost authorities in both jyotish and ayurvedic gem therapy he is often consulted by other Vedic astrologers and ayurvedic practitioners for opinions and recommendations of gems for their clients. Howard still consistently travels and works dividing his time between the US, the UK and India, as well, as maintaining a busy astrological practice seeing clients from all over the world, and does many consultations for clients by telephone and mail.