Astrology of India
In India, having a family astrologer is almost as common as having a family doctor. In fact, astrology is so highly regarded, in India, that it is not unusual for doctors to seek medical advice, from their family astrologer, when symptoms elude normal medical diagnosis.
Indian astrologers, known as Jyotishis, have enjoyed this sort of relationship with their community for at least 6000 years. We know that Indian astrology has been practiced for at least 6000 years due to statements, in ancient Hindu scriptures, related to the vernal equinox. In these ancient scriptures, known as the Rig Veda, the vernal equinox is said to have occurred in alignment with an asterism near the constellation Cancer. Such observations could only have been made approximately 6000 years ago.
As we study the classical Hindu texts, covering this vast subject of astrology, it becomes quite clear that the original use of astrology was as a planning tool to help people understand and overcome the normal consequences of their own karma. The laws of karma indicate that people tend to get stuck in the same patterns lifetime after lifetime. These karmic patterns form certain personal strengths and weaknesses, which, in turn, create a certain aura and vibratory frequency around the individual. These strengths and weaknesses dictate that s/he take rebirth at a time when the heavens are in harmony with the already established vibratory frequencies of the newborn. Because the heavens must be in harmony with the vibratory level of the newborn, it is logical that a person’s birth chart, which is basically a snapshot of the heavens at the time of birth, fully reflects the patterns, strengths, weaknesses, and tendencies of the individual. Consequently, it is not the heavens which compel a person to behave in a certain way, rather, the heavens merely mirror a person’s behaviors and patterns back to them. The Indian astrologer takes advantage of this mirroring effect to read the heavens, and can therefore counsel a person as to how s/he can overcome the patterns of many lifetimes, and move on - both spiritually and materially.
These karmic patterns do not simply confine themselves to a person’s spiritual activities. It pervades our professional lives, mental and physical health, as well as our relationships with parents, spouse, children, siblings, peers, bosses, employees,... For this reason, astrology can help in every area of human life and endeavor.
For the astrologer to be of any use to the client, a respectable degree of predictive accuracy must be attained, since the first empowering tool that astrology gives the individual is awareness. By being aware of what is going on, what is coming up, what will be the intensity of the situation, when will things change, a person can exercise greater equanimity of mind. Such equanimity of mind and awareness prevents the person from feeding a situation with the kinds of emotions which tend to feed, perpetuate, and intensify any negative situation that is being experienced. The individual moves from being a victim of karma to being an observer of the great play.
If astrology offered nothing else than this knowledge of the future, which gives greater awareness and equanimity of mind, then astrology’s utility to mankind is immeasurable and invaluable. But, astrology is able to offer one more tool of empowerment - astral remedies. Through astral remedies, the competent Indian astrologer can recommend methods for strengthening and improving those areas of our lives in which we experience the most difficulty. Even for those areas of our lives where things are already flowing rather smoothly, astral remedies provide an even higher level of life enjoyment.
For those who fail to apply astral remedies, astrology’s usefulness is quite limited. But, those who take heed to astral remedies move beyond using astrology as an amusement, and into the realm of changing their lives for the better in a way that no other tool can provide. Typical astral remedies include personalized directions for rendering charitable service, the wearing of certain gemstones, the proper use of colors, and, most importantly, the wearing of an astrological amulet.
As should be evident by now, astrology is not just a way to see into a person’s life and his, or her, future. It is, in a very real sense, a spiritual path that breaks karmic patterns, empowers the individual, and promotes harmony with the universe.
- Ron Grimes
Indian astrologers, known as Jyotishis, have enjoyed this sort of relationship with their community for at least 6000 years. We know that Indian astrology has been practiced for at least 6000 years due to statements, in ancient Hindu scriptures, related to the vernal equinox. In these ancient scriptures, known as the Rig Veda, the vernal equinox is said to have occurred in alignment with an asterism near the constellation Cancer. Such observations could only have been made approximately 6000 years ago.
As we study the classical Hindu texts, covering this vast subject of astrology, it becomes quite clear that the original use of astrology was as a planning tool to help people understand and overcome the normal consequences of their own karma. The laws of karma indicate that people tend to get stuck in the same patterns lifetime after lifetime. These karmic patterns form certain personal strengths and weaknesses, which, in turn, create a certain aura and vibratory frequency around the individual. These strengths and weaknesses dictate that s/he take rebirth at a time when the heavens are in harmony with the already established vibratory frequencies of the newborn. Because the heavens must be in harmony with the vibratory level of the newborn, it is logical that a person’s birth chart, which is basically a snapshot of the heavens at the time of birth, fully reflects the patterns, strengths, weaknesses, and tendencies of the individual. Consequently, it is not the heavens which compel a person to behave in a certain way, rather, the heavens merely mirror a person’s behaviors and patterns back to them. The Indian astrologer takes advantage of this mirroring effect to read the heavens, and can therefore counsel a person as to how s/he can overcome the patterns of many lifetimes, and move on - both spiritually and materially.
These karmic patterns do not simply confine themselves to a person’s spiritual activities. It pervades our professional lives, mental and physical health, as well as our relationships with parents, spouse, children, siblings, peers, bosses, employees,... For this reason, astrology can help in every area of human life and endeavor.
For the astrologer to be of any use to the client, a respectable degree of predictive accuracy must be attained, since the first empowering tool that astrology gives the individual is awareness. By being aware of what is going on, what is coming up, what will be the intensity of the situation, when will things change, a person can exercise greater equanimity of mind. Such equanimity of mind and awareness prevents the person from feeding a situation with the kinds of emotions which tend to feed, perpetuate, and intensify any negative situation that is being experienced. The individual moves from being a victim of karma to being an observer of the great play.
If astrology offered nothing else than this knowledge of the future, which gives greater awareness and equanimity of mind, then astrology’s utility to mankind is immeasurable and invaluable. But, astrology is able to offer one more tool of empowerment - astral remedies. Through astral remedies, the competent Indian astrologer can recommend methods for strengthening and improving those areas of our lives in which we experience the most difficulty. Even for those areas of our lives where things are already flowing rather smoothly, astral remedies provide an even higher level of life enjoyment.
For those who fail to apply astral remedies, astrology’s usefulness is quite limited. But, those who take heed to astral remedies move beyond using astrology as an amusement, and into the realm of changing their lives for the better in a way that no other tool can provide. Typical astral remedies include personalized directions for rendering charitable service, the wearing of certain gemstones, the proper use of colors, and, most importantly, the wearing of an astrological amulet.
As should be evident by now, astrology is not just a way to see into a person’s life and his, or her, future. It is, in a very real sense, a spiritual path that breaks karmic patterns, empowers the individual, and promotes harmony with the universe.
- Ron Grimes