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LEARN ASTROLOGY - LESSON 1

The ancient knowledge of astrology and application of astral remedies can be traced back centuries. Jyothi means light or flame. Ish means god. Jyothish means lord of the light. Vidya means knowledge. Jyothish Vidya is the study of all aspects of planets and luminaries – the Sun and Moon. Jyothish Vidya (Astrology) is prevalent and applicable for the benefit of humanity from time immemorial and its origin can be traced to the origin of life through the mythological and religious revelations. Hindu gods and their incarnations were using this knowledge as found in Hindu religious books known as epics. Similarly, we find the mention of predictions by knowledgeable people having divine knowledge; even by Lord Jesus Christ around the time of the Last Supper.

HOW DO PLANETS AFFECT US

The basis of astrology is Karma theory. Whatever karma we have to face in this life is based on the planetary influences arising in our horoscopes. The horoscope is a map of the heavens (planets) plotted on paper as a chart with the twelve signs of the zodiac placed in twelve numbered houses. From this map of the heavens we can read the planetary influences on human beings, as well as the amount of free will people possess. The strength of the Sun, Mars, Jupiter and the lord of the third house or the planets in the third house show the magnitude of free will.

Humanity has been blessed by divine revelations through the sacred knowledge on various aspects of life including that of the science of light, known as Vedic Astrology. Vedic knowledge is contained in four sacred books, known as Vedas and six additional sections known as Vedangas. These Vedas and Vedangas are the oldest documents describing hymns, sacred incantations, philosophy, religion and literature. The knowledge contained in Vedas and Vedangas is the source of inspiration for scholars in various fields all over the world. These were organized by Rishis – saints having divine vision – for the benefit of the humanity.

The principles of Vedic astrology were narrated to their disciples by Rishis and the fountain head is known as Maharishi Parashara in Dwapara Yuga. As per Indian mythology prior to Kaliyuga, the present era started over 5000 years back; there were the eras of Satyuga, Treta Yuga and Dwapara Yuga. Brihat Parashara Hora contains principles for prediction and palliatives (planetary remedies). In Kaliyuga there have been many commentators in both the classical and in modern ages.

The principles of Vedic astrology were based on the observed astronomical phenomenon which helped in predicting. Vedic Jyothish consists of: observational astronomy; astronomical and astrological calculations; natal or birth astrology; prasna or horary astrology; muhurta or auspicious time; and nimita – which means the interpretation of omens. Planetary influences are indicators of events in life. Planetary influences can also be changed, it is believed, to some extent through planetary remedies.

These days we have the benefit of the observatory for giving us the authenticated data on observational astronomy and we have the benefit of computers and software for astronomical and astrological calculations which are necessary for the study of birth astrology, prasna astrology (where birth details are not known) and muhurta (identifying auspicious times for starting various significant events in life; e.g. progeny matters, marriage, starting business ventures, joining jobs, surgery, etc. etc.).

ASTRAL REMEDIES & ASTROLOGY : APPLICATIONS

QUESTION 1: Can you just tell us what Astrology is about?

Answer: Astral remedies are the essence of astrology. Astrology is an art of interpreting the reputed esoteric influences of the stars/planets on human affairs. It is called divine science and it enables one to peep into the mysterious future. It has branches like horoscope reading, palmistry, transit, prasna, varshphala, etc. The most accurate one is the horoscope reading which is linked to the birth time of the individual. In this system, the planetary position at the birth time is noted for inferring/interpreting the results of the planets. There are different systems in operation and the best one is the Hindu system of Astrology. In this system also there are a number of sub-systems or schools of thought but the most time tested is the one given by Maharishi Parasara with changes mutatis mutandis for the current era. There have been numerous commentators, both classical and modern, and at the present juncture the subject is being read by interested readers all over the world through Parasari System. Brihat Jatak, Phaladipika, Saravali, Jatakdesh Marg, Jatak Parijat etc., are commentaries on the Parasari system. Understanding of the system from the classical text is somewhat difficult and the attempt of the author is to initiate the interested readers for easy comprehension of the subject.

QUESTION 2. What are its applications?

Answer:
BUSINESS APPLICATION

MANAGING HEALTH

AVERTING PROFESSIONAL/BUSINESS SETBACKS

ASSURING STABILITY OF MARRIAGE.

DEVELOPING ANALYTICAL FACULTIES OF CHILDREN.

DEVELOPING LEADERSHIP QUALITIES IN CHILDREN.

ANALYSING AND STRENGTHENING RELATIONSHIPS.

ASTROLOGICAL REMEDIAL MEASURES TO SOLVE LIFE PROBLEMS.

PREVENTIVE DIAGNOSIS AGAINST DREADED DISEASES.

a) Business Applications of Astrology

Apart from offering help for physical fitness, the horoscope reading has a variety of other applications. Not only does it help in chartering the course of lives of persons but also business enterprises, institutions and nations. The only requirement is information regarding the moment of coming into existence of a particular person, organization or nation. The horoscope reading removes uncertainties and reveals opportunities in business.
The success of any business enterprise depends on its managers and their sincerity to the enterprise. The biggest risk business encounters is the expected and actual performances of the top managers. Horoscope readings provide advance insight into the trustworthiness, intelligence, physical fitness, leadership alertness to identify and utilize opportunities for growth and diversification, etc. of the persons being considered for appointment as business managers.
Professionals recruited using scientific methods of induction and proper placement generally fail to fulfill performance and expectations. Large sums of money are spent on advertisements, selection, etc. A few years back a large governmental organization in India, employing more than 25,000 employees in five plants, ventured recruitment of a batch of first class qualified engineers and management trainees. After a heavy advertisement campaign on all India basis, short listing by a firm of psychological consultants and interviews, 150 engineers were selected at a direct cost of about 50,000 per head. The sad part of the story was that 60% of the new recruits deserted the company within three months of their joining. The company later on attributed these to hostile organizational climate and inadequate, irksome service conditions. How can the deserters, who could not solve their own internal problems, encounter and adopt the new organizational problems. Instead of adopting a fighting spirit, they withdrew from the scene. It clearly shows that something lacked in the so called scientific methods of selection. The horoscope reading can act as a third eye for the investment makers and enable them to hire the right person for the job.
It is a new dimension as hitherto the role of a horoscope reading had been thought to be only in the case of physical or mental problems, match making, etc. It can help business in the fields of recruitment of personnel, investment decisions, new product launch, entering into new collaboration arrangements, and scanning general and political environments for the business enterprise.

QUESTION 3: What is the basis of Horoscopic Analysis?

Answer: The Hindu system of Astrology is based on the premise that the natal positions of planets are dependent on the past karma of human beings and it gives a complete picture of the life of the person concerned. This system also believes that the horoscope/natal chart of the person tells us whether the malefic influences can be warded off or reduced. It believes in strengthening the weak planets to augment their full effects and to reduce the extent of miseries.

QUESTION 4: What is a Horoscope Reading?

Answer: A horoscope reading is as important as having a child immunized against dreaded diseases. A horoscope reading means a reading of the divine message regarding the trends in the life of a person. No science on earth other than the horoscope reading, can reveal the mysteries of life. A horoscope is a record of the planetary movement noted for the time and date of birth with reference to a particular place. Our lives are threatened with dreaded diseases for which we do not have a treatment in spite of the spectacular advancement in the medical sciences. The reason is that worldly sciences cannot control the natural phenomenon. The divine message offers remedies through astrological remedial measures.
The majority of astral-remedy seekers turn to the divine science for help after fruitlessly trying all other worldly remedies. The problem faced can be in any of the spheres of life. It can be physical, psychological, material or spiritual pursuits. We all believe in the phrase, "prevention is better than cure". Turning to astral-remedies in the end puts us at an irretrievable loss of time and opportunity for corrective measures in the beginning. A horoscope reading at the time of the birth can guide us about the weak areas and the physical diseases to which one is vulnerable. Astral-remedies are suggested which can save one from growth of cancerous diseases, addiction to drugs or other simple means of intoxication, AIDS, etc.
The various aspects of human life are governed by the position of planets as noted down at the time of birth in the form of a horoscope. It is the weakness and affliction to weak planets which causes problems in life. The weakness of planets can be guarded against by use of astral-remedial measures. Identification of weak, afflicting and afflicted planets is very easy and the methodology has been explained by the author in his book, "SELF-LEARNING COURSE IN ASTROLOGY ", published by M/S. Sagar Publications.

QUESTION 5: Once we know about the future can we change the luck or the planetary influences?

Answer: The problems in life are caused by weak planets and/or afflictions to them. Therefore, a two way application of astral remedies is administered after diagnosing the problematic planetary influences in a chart. Firstly, strength can be provided for the functional benefic planets by various methods, such as stones, color therapy, and the KAVACH (the protective shield or yantra containing mystical numbers of the planets), using an auspicious time. Secondly, the malevolence of the functionally malefic planets is reduced by offering propitiatory charities concerning these planets. This two way application helps in reducing the impact of malefic planetary influence(s) to a large extent. The preventive use of astral remedies is much more useful than curative astral remedies.

QUESTION 6: Can you explain the astrological remedies please?

Answer: Real benefits do occur through the use of astral remedies. Generally, people resort to astral remedies in the end after trying all other therapies and ignoring the distinct advantage of preventive diagnostic power of the astrological science. Needless to stress, the benefit of preventive medicine/redressable measures is always better than that of the curative measures. For both curative and preventive remedies - the judicious mixture of the astral remedies is applied.

QUESTION 7: How can colors be used as remedies?

Answer: COLOR THERAPY: This is a very potent preventive remedy for epilepsy, mental retardation, psychic problems, etc., and is practiced through the use of favorable colors in the matters of dress and furnishings in one's living room.

QUESTION 8: What are the components of astrology? Can you please explain briefly?

Answer: MAJOR CONSTITUENTS OF THE SYSTEM : The divine science of astrology has four major constituents, i.e. signs, houses, planets and planetary periods. It will be in the fitness of things if the four constituents of the system are briefly discussed for developing the understanding in learning the Hindu system of astrology through the Systems' Approach propounded by Vedic Astrologer & Author V K Choudhry.
A. SIGNS: The first constituent of the system is signs. They are twelve in number and are ruled by the planets, the Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn.

B. HOUSES: The second constituent of the system is houses. These are twelve in number and each of the twelve houses of the horoscope deals with specific significations. The significations of the houses fructify under the planetary periods connected with them.

C. PLANETS: The third constituent of the system is planets. The planets signify various things which have to be learnt by heart. For example, the Sun is personified as a king in the planetary cabinet. Persons having the Moon, the significator of the mind, in the sign of Leo ruled by the Sun, would have the mental frame of enjoying life like a king i.e. of thinking big. The Sun signifies father, husband and children. He also signifies the heart and stomach as physical parts of the body. Similarly, various significations are attached to each of the planets. The Sun and Moon are luminaries but have also been referred to as planets in our texts.

Additionally, planets govern the house(s) in a nativity where their signs fall. For example, if the sign Leo falls in the 8th house, the Sun would rule the significations of the 8th house. The Sun and Moon govern one sign each of the Zodiac whereas the remaining planets govern two signs each. Each planet has one sign as its mooltrikona sign which helps in identifying the functional nature of the planets as per its placement.

D. PLANETARY PERIODS: The fourth constituent of the system is planetary periods. Though various types of planetary periods for specific combinations in a nativity are mentioned in classical texts, we will here consider only the Vimshotari dasa which is universally applicable for all sets of combinations in a nativity. Based on the longitudes of the Moon in the natal charts, we calculate the operational major period of a particular planet and the balance period yet to be operational. The planets as per their strength in a horoscope give results of the significations/houses ruled by them in their own sub periods.

REASONS FOR PROBLEMS IN LIFE

1. Weak planets;
2. Badly placed planets;
3. Afflicted planets;
4. Prolonged transit affliction to weak natal planets;
5. Transit of slow moving planets - Rahu, Ketu, Jupiter and Saturn in malefic houses;
6. Sub periods of functional malefic planets.

HOW TO IDENTIFY PLANETARY INFLUENCES IN A HOROSCOPE

1. Placement of planets;
2. Close conjunction of planets with other planets;
3. Close conjunction of planets with most effective point of houses;
4. Close aspects with other planets;
5. Close aspects with the most effective point of houses.