Ancient Indian science
By T. SELVA
VEDIC astrology can help people find answers for many things happening or are going to happen to them or to their family members and friends. The predictive and interpretive science provides timeless wisdom that takes into account a vast range of influences from the cosmos.
It began many thousands of years ago in India when its principles appeared in the intuitive awareness of great sages.
According to Vedic astrology expert, Dr Theja Hettiaratchi, astrologers have since then explored the detailed workings of this system and passed down their knowledge.
He said that unlike Western astrology, the starting point of Vedic astrology is star-based.
“This ‘sidereal’ system looks at actual stellar constellations as we see them from earth. The system used by western astrology is based on a ‘fictional’ zodiac rather than the one we see in the constellations,” said Theja, who will be giving a talk on Vedic astrology in Kuala Lumpur tomorrow.
Theja said this zodiac turns or moves backwards in space as a function of time and takes as its starting point the location of the sun at the spring equinox.
Dr. Theja Hettiaratchi: "Computer software helps me to get all calculations needed for an in-depth analysis."
In Vedic astrology, greater emphasis is placed upon the totality, including the ascendant, planetary placements and relationships and lordships.
He said only when all parts are seen in terms of the whole can a balanced view be found.
For the sake of understanding one needs to have some appreciation of the parts such as planets, constellations or signs and houses.
He said sages saw a relationship between the movement of the planets and the ups and downs of human experience.
“Vedic astrology explores these variations to help us anticipate challenges and comprehend their meaning. Each of the nine planets used in Vedic astrology is associated with particular qualities including strong or weak, and exalted or debilitated,” he said.
The zodiac for Vedic astrology is similar to that of western astrology with the 12 signs or constellations from Aries to Pisces.
But rather than emphasising the Sun sign, Vedic astrology uses the ascendant , moon and sun signs.
“Horoscopes in Vedic astrology have 12 houses, each of which covers a prescribed territory of influence,” he said
For example, the first house is one aspect of the chart used to examine physical traits, the seventh house for partnerships and 10th house for careers.
He said houses are like homes for the energy of various segments of our life.
“I study the placement of planets within these houses to understand the balance of influences on the life of my clients. Computer software helps me to get all calculations and figures needed for an in-depth analysis of the horoscope,” said Theja.
He prepares additional harmonic charts to analyse life areas like career, marriage, wealth, health, children, spiritualism, education and assets.
“A good astrologer should be able to explain the negative issues in a positive manner and they must not stress on the negative aspects and drive fear into people,” he said, adding that there are remedial measures.
“Wherever there is strength, we feel more easily propelled into success. Our weaknesses attract problems. Vedic astrology offers a sophisticated system of recommendations for working with our strengths and weaknesses.
“It describes remedial measures for problems based on compensating for weaknesses and drawing attention to our strengths to help us fulfill our desires,” said Theja.
Theja, a Vedic astrology practitioner in Perth, received the prestigious Rudra Bhatta award from the Centre of Astrological Study and Research in Bihar, India, last month for his outstanding contribution of knowledge on Vedic astrology outside India.
He said Vedic astrology recommends gems as one of the methods of remedying problems.
Research has shown that certain gems are able to avert negative influences of planets and increase positive ones. The colours and “vibrations” or electromagnetic frequencies of specific gemstones correspond to the colours and vibrations of the planets.
“This is used to our advantage in gem remedies,” said Theja, who holds a PhD in Mineral Science and is a certified gemologist of Germany and the United Kingdom. He is also the director of the Australian Institute of Vedic Studies which he has set up very recently to disseminate the Vedic knowledge in Australia.
“I have been enjoying doing research as a scientist and I find researching a horoscope to be much more challenging than everything else I have done in my life.
“I find that I can help people understand their values while guiding them and giving warnings to go forward in their life,” he said, adding that this can be explained as karmic influence.
He said he gains happiness by making people understand the issues and encouraging them to understand the value of spiritual practice.
Theja said part of his horoscope reading is to teach the values of spiritual practice, caring, loving, compassion, charitable deeds, sharing nature, helping the less fortunate, supporting elders and giving unconditional love.
“Unfortunately, many people in the Western world have been pursuing material comforts while ignoring the values behind the spiritual life. They have taken everything for granted and when things do not take place in the way they want, they get confused, frustrated and stressed.
“I’m delighted that I have the opportunity to give them clarity and happiness in an era where most Westerners are looking for peace through eastern philosophies.”
SATURN
Saturn is a karmic planet. It would appear that Saturn’s role is to make us grow inwardly by inflicting suffering, denial and delay. He causes poverty, deprivation and want. The beneficial side of Saturn, relates to one’s spiritual life in a strict and exacting manner – something that is rather hard to live up to.
Saturn is the enemy of Sun and Moon and has an eclipse like effect upon them. Only Jupiter has the power to subdued or balance out his influence. According to Hindu mythology, Saturn is the son of Sun. Sun moves in a chariot driven by Saturn. He represents the darkness, death and sorrow that we must overcome to see the true light. Symbolic of a yogi in meditation, Saturn can provide complete detachment and independence. He gives the concentration, the seriousness and the sense of detail and discipline that is necessary to deal with the challenges of life.
Astrologically speaking, a weak Saturn may be caused by its placement in: - Aries, its sign of debility - the aspect of Sun, Mars, Rahu and Ketu - difficult houses like the 5th, 6th, 8th and 12th
Saturn is generally a benefic planet for persons with Libra, Taurus, Capricorn and Aquarius ascendants. The main gemstone for Saturn is Blue Sapphire. It is best worn on the middle finger of the left or the right hand. Amethyst or Lapis Lazuli (at least 4-5 ct) serves as a good substitute in the semi-precious stone segment.
In God's Light
Continuing our Astrology special this month, Laura Attwood explores the wisdom of the Vedas in her first experience of centuries-old Vedic astrology.
As each of us follows the vagaries of our fast paced modern world, we face a myriad of decisions daily. As the planet of free will and choice, this provides us with a major opportunity in decisiveness! But, often, it's making our decisions that gives us the biggest headaches. All the hours spent over coffee with friends chewing over the pros and cons, the fears and negative future visions we can launch ourselves into and the complete waste of energy and time over these "decision thugs". Now wouldn't it be a whole lot easier if we meditated or just tuned into the wise being within us and made our choice from there? Some people feel this takes too much time, or they then encounter a second "beast" - trust, or more precisely, the lack of it. Either way, their lack of inner peace and a mind full of chatter blocks this inner wisdom.
What would we give for a foolproof tool to help us with this crucial area of our lives? Well, of course, half the lessons we've come to learn centre around self responsibility and the choices we make in our lives and obviously the related karma. So, we can't give our power away to other people to make the decisions for us - we're living our own lives. But we can find ways to make choices that open up worlds within us, new possibilities, and mystical wondrous journeys. One such map or tool is astrology - it shows us tendencies, our own personality and karmic influences and our soul purpose. With a map, the territory becomes manageable, the code is cracked.
Life is full of enormous possibilities -growth through intimate relationships, choice of profession, choice of place or country to live in, to name just a few. One "bad" choice can cause untold grief and gnashing of teeth - though, of course, it may have been just what the doctor ordered for our personal evolution. In ancient India, under the tradition of arranged marriages, parents chose prospective marriage partners for their offspring, largely based on astrology. Of course, materialism could enter the equation, but the true aim provided the son or daughter with an excellent and compatible match, taking into account past life experiences, karmas, psychological disposition, ayurvedic temperaments (which indicate how their psycho-physiological energies resonate with each other), spiritual compatibility, magnetic attraction, sexual compatibility, the potential of the relationship for spiritual growth and auspiciousness.
In ancient times, Indian parents turned to Vedic astrology for many of their life choices. Vedic astrology or Jyotish (in Sanskrit) means the "light of God". Basing some of its wisdom on the knowledge of India's sacred texts, the Vedas, this astrology has been practised unbroken for thousands of years. The Vedas, the primary texts of Hinduism, are held to be entirely superhuman, direct intuitional revelations having no author as such. Vedic astrology is steeped in Vedic thought and philosophy.
Other major and important life choices, besides the one of life partner, which can be assisted by an astrological chart, are certainly the career or personality tendencies and talents of a particular person. A chart can match up the personality and individual gifts with the karmic and planetary line-ups to give clear guidance on career choice. Curious about whether guidance on my current life situation could be found in my chart, I had a brief reading by Vedic astrologer Dr Theja.
A Vedic chart is laid out like a diagonal chessboard with the twelve houses forming a diamond divided into four diamond houses and then the further eight making up triangles to fill the rest of the square. Used to the traditional astrological wheel, I found this square of triangles quite mystifying and a completely different energy to other charts I've experienced. The scientific nature of the method is quite evident when viewing the chart and Dashas or planetary time cycles. Vedic astrology has a system of Dashas showing the precise timing when the tendencies found in the birth chart will manifest. Dashas are planetary periods that rule very specifically defined periods of one's life. The ancient system paints a portrait of karmic effects as different planets move in and out of the individual's life as shown by their chart. Once Dr Theja began his interpretation, the pattern fell into place and the chess pieces gained meaning.
One of the major distinctions between Vedic and Western astrology is the predictive nature of Vedic astrology. A reading can help you with the timing of upcoming events and changes in life and is incredibly accurate with regard to your past, present and future. A birth chart in Vedic astrology shows what you can expect in your life, as well as when.
Dr Theja gave me a brief rundown of certain themes in my past that my Vedic planetary line up indicated. The summation of events and timings was so exact it was quite uncanny. He started off by saying my line-up indicated my parents had moved house when I was around two years of age, a completely accurate and precise detail, and related periods of real difficulty in my life with exact age brackets and the areas in which I experienced these difficulties. He said my chart showed that in the years 2000 - 2003, I had a huge Saturn influence and enormous growth period with lots of worry, financial issues, emotional problems and heartache and work difficulties. This was completely accurate as at this time I struggled to find work in a new city with no emotional support network or friends, and in a young and difficult marriage which ended in divorce within that period.
Perth-based and highly regarded for his astrological predictions in South East Asia as well as Australia, Dr Theja hails from Sri Lanka. He is a former geologist in the precious mineral industry, turned astrologer, and his chart revealed both these career potentials.
"Vedic astrology is not only a philosophy that deals with the physical nature of the universe, but is also one of the most important of the inner or spiritual sciences which deals with the mind and soul," he told me.
"A Vedic interpretation can show a person's basic character, as well as serve to highlight some of the forces influencing them at different periods of their life."
Dr Theja says that Vedic readings embrace the law of cause and effect or karma. Vedic astrologers study the laws of karma as they apply to any particular horoscope. The positioning or the placement of seven major planets, the Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury Jupiter, Venus and Saturn play an important role in moulding one's life.
Batting around an inner conflict between the desire to devote all my energies to being a full time mum for my young daughter and the desire to resume my career, I wondered if my chart could shed any light for me. Before I could even ask the question, the future aspects of my chart revealed themselves. Dr Theja told me the next few years would be troublesome for work and frustrating - and that it was very important I spend a lot of time with my daughter up until 2006 or later. Question answered. While I already knew intuitively the right thing for me to do was to devote much of my energies to my young daughter, both for her benefit and my own growth, having the chart back this up gave me undeniable proof that any ego desires seeking to sabotage this correct plan for my evolution were shattered.
As for more specific career guidance, some of my planetary line-ups indicated I would be suited to service oriented work, particularly the position of my moon. This served to confirm what was already clear to me, but was wonderful confirmation. Being a mini-reading, I know there's more detail still to be accessed and the position of Jupiter in my Tenth House indicates particularly that I could have an influential career. More to investigate after parenting! And probably best not to have too much detail on my career possibilities as this might have tempted me away from my designated path at present! "The best forecasts are not those that come true but those that warn, teach and prepare to lead a happy and contented life," says Dr Theja.
The influence of the Indian culture and philosophy was very evident in my reading, particularly with regard to the importance of family. Dr Theja mentioned several times how my chart impacted on my parents and how especially the appearance of Saturn for regular periods caused them worry. Saturn can be a particularly challenging planet, one that prods and guides us to grow and learn, sometimes in deeply uprooting means. My chart revealed that my birth had been difficult for my mother, emotionally as well as physically, and that it had not been entirely natural. This was very true as my birth mother, who was very young, had a forceps delivery and I was adopted at birth. Amazing what one can read from astrology!
While many people at this time have a strong dedication to a spiritual lifestyle, Vedic astrology's emphasis on our spiritual development and how the quality of our lives can be improved through living a spiritual existence, is extremely valuable. Peace of mind, emotional, physical and mental wellbeing can certainly be achieved through clear living, decision -making and right choices. So, if astrology is a powerful tool to help us with these choices, taking into account the predetermined karmas we each bring with us, I believe this "leap frogs" us into glorious and joyful right living. To quote Dr Theja: "To deny the influence of the stars is to deny the wisdom and providence of God."
COPYRIGHT NOVA MAGAZINE 2004-2005
“JYOTISH” ?
First of all, lets cover some roots. Vedic Astrology is called Jyotish, (ja-yo-teesh),
which is a Sanskrit dual word. Sanskrit is the most ancient language on Earth, divine in origin, and the root of most of the languages of modern India such as Hindi and Bengali. Jyoti means light and Ish is in short for Ishwar, which means God. So Jyoti-Ishwar or, the Light of God is said as Jyotish.
'Veda' is a Sanskrit word which means 'knowledge'. 'Vedic' means 'of the knowledge'. This word was used in ancient India to describe the original culture, the original knowledge given to humans at the beginning of creation. It was passed down orally since the time of creation, then eventually in written form to the present. 'Vedic' refers to original knowledge given by God to humankind.
About 25 years ago, when I first encountered Vedic Astrology - Jyotish - I realized, as have many before me, that here was an extraordinary and unique system of astrology. I listened in astonishment as the Jyotishi (Vedic Astrologer) described my life in detail so subtle that I felt he knew me almost better than I knew myself. My only explanation was that he was accessing a tradition of knowledge that surpassed anything we know in the West. This view has been confirmed by friends and relatives who have consulted Vedic Astrologers. They were as astounded as I at the power of Vedic Astrology to reveal the secrets and promise of our lives.
A system of astrology that grew out of the ancient Vedic tradition of India, Vedic Astrology differs from Western astrology in a number of significant respects. For one, it uses the sidereal or fixed zodiac instead of the tropical or movable zodiac of Western astrology. In Western astrology, the zodiac, due to a tilting of the earth on its axis, appears to be moving out of alignment with the actual star-based zodiac. Currently this misalignment amounts to slightly more than 23 degrees, nearly one entire sign. Thus, a person whose rising sign might be Scorpio in Western astrology, has a good chance of being Libra ascendant in Vedic astrology.
While Western astrology emphasizes the Sun sign, Vedic Astrology looks to the Ascendant and the placement of the Moon. As well, Vedic Astrology does not recognize the outer planets, Neptune, Pluto, or Uranus. It does, however, give important emphasis to the two Lunar nodes, Rahu and Ketu, the points at which the moon in its orbit around the earth passes through the plane of the ecliptic. Although merely points in space, these nodes are so crucial they are given the status of planets in Vedic Astrology.
Also of great importance are the Nakshatras, the 27 star constellations, one of which the Moon will occupy at the moment of birth, thereby determining among other things the cycle of planetary periods that determine the sequence of events in one's life.
Perhaps more than anything, Vedic Astrology is valued for its predictive ability. Centuries ago Vedic seers cognized principles that allow past, present, and future events to be known. Called the Vimsottari Dasha system or planetary periods, this aspect of Vedic Astrology allows the astrologer to trace not only what has gone before, but what is likely to happen in the future.
Known as the Eye of the Veda, Vedic Astrology enjoys a degree of acceptance and reverence in the Indian spiritual tradition that many Westerners may not understand. More than just a system of astrology, Vedic Astrology is an integral component of Vedic knowledge.
At one level Vedic Astrology deals with the circumstances and characteristics of a person's material life, its purpose to reveal and perhaps remedy what opportunities or perils may await. By knowing what lies ahead, it is believed that one can not only maximize the good that is coming, but also avert any obstacles or dangers.
Vedic astrologers (Jyotishis) will say that while Jyotish uses logical, repeatable, and therefore scientific principles, it also involves intuition, a crucial component that varies from astrologer to astrologer. However, the concept of intuition hardly explains the power of Jyotish in discerning the circumstances of our life. Certainly, anyone who has received a personal reading from an experienced Jyotishi comes away amazed by the degree to which the astrologer appeared to know them.
In Jyotish, it is often the way in which information is expressed that affects one most profoundly. An offhand, almost careless observation by the Jyotishi may capture perfectly a subtle attribute or circumstance of our life we cannot help but acknowledge.
Some believe that in Jyotish our own absolute nature speaks to us through the astrologer. Indeed, the Jyotishi's first words reveal incontrovertibly that we are known to some higher intelligence. Moreover, the relationship toward us is unmistakeably one of acceptance, love, and compassion. Far more than predictions of what will or will not happen, the Jyotishi's words promote an acceptance and understanding of our life that can go a long way in dispelling fear, uncertainty, and isolation, and awaken in us a truer conception of who we are.
How does Vedic Astrology or Indian Astrology (Jyotish) predict ?
An expert in Jyotish can derive full knowledge about a person's potential and trends in life just from the place and time of birth. Even though Jyotish and Western Astrology have many similarities, there are also important differences that make each a unique approach.
The knowledge of Jyotish has been passed on in Sankrit and many of the basic terms in Vedic Astrology are still used in Sanskrit. The basis for a Jyotish analysis of a person's life is the calculation of the Birthchart, or Janma Kundali. In this chart the "Grahas" (translated as planets) are positioned in their respective Rashis (Signs of the zodiac). Each Rashi (sign) falls in exactly one Bhava (house).The planets aspect each other, and the planets have lordships over the "Bhavas", or houses.
The effects of the planets, signs and houses influencing each other, described by a vast number of rules, reveal a stunning amount of detail about a person's personality, education,profession, social life, health, relationships, spiritual development, and so on. The birth chart only shows WHAT a person can expect in life, but not WHEN.
For the precise timing of when the many tendencies found in the birth chart will manifest, Jyotish has the unique system of Dashas, completely unknown in Western astrology. Dashas are planetary periods that rule very precisely defined periods of one life. The main periods (Maha dashas) last anywhere between 6 and 20 years, and in its period, a planet will have a dominating influence in the life of a person. Each main period itself is subdivided in 9 subperiods, each ruled by a different planet. Just like the main periods each sub-period is characterized by the articular qualities and significations of the ruling planets. The dasha system is so accurate, that it can explain changes in life from day to day with an amazing precision.
The 9 Grahas (Planets)
Jyotish or Vedic Astrology uses 9 Grahas (planets) in the chart analysis:
the Sun (Surya)
Moon (Chandra)
Mars(Mangal)
Mercury(Budha)
Jupiter(Guru)
Venus(Shukra)
Saturn(Shani)
Northern Lunar Node (Rahu)
Southern Lunar Node(Ketu)
Rahu, Ketu, and the Planets influence each other in various ways. The ancient sages saw a relationship between the movement of the planets and the ups and downs of human experience. Vedic Astrology explores these variations in order to help us anticipate challenges and comprehend their meaning. Two planets in the same sign are conjunct. Planets in sign opposition are said to aspect each other. Mars, Jupiter and Saturn have special additional aspects. The sign in which a planet is located is of great importance. If the sign is favorable to the planet, the qualities of the planet are expressed more strongly and auspiciously. The person in question will enjoy more benefits in the area of life that is signified by the planets. Contrary, if the sign is very unfavourable, the planet will turn inauspicious and bring problems and struggle in whatever area of life it represents. Vedic Astrologer calculates all of these influences and many more. He has the ability to calculate and analyse all of the complex influences (with the help of some excellent software) of the planets and then present them to you in ordinary language (Interpretations).
Surya (the Sun)
The Sun represents the soul, the ego and the body of the individual, and therefore its placement is of great importance. The Sun is best placed in Mesha (Aries) where it is called exalted. Opposite from there, in Tula (Libra) it is least auspicious and called debilitated. The sun is lord of the sign Simha (Leo) and also of the house where Simha is located.
Chandra (the Moon)
The Moon represents the mind, the feelings and, like the ascendant, the overall life of the person. Unlike Western Astrology where the Sun is most important, in Jyotish the Moon is the first graha to look at and plays a central role in many calculations and predictive techniques. The Moon is best placed in the first few degrees of Vrishabha (Taurus) where it is called exalted. Opposite from there, in Vrishika (Scorpio) it is least auspicious and called debilitated. The Moon is lord of the sign Karka (Cancer) and also of the house where Cancer is located.
Mangala (Mars)
Mars represents the energy, stamina and younger brothers of the individual. If well placed, it brings strength and focussed energy, if poorly placed accidents and injuries. Mars is best placed in Makara (Capricorn) where it is called exalted. Opposite from there, in Karka (Cancer) it is least auspicious and called debilitated. Mars is lord of the sign Mesha (Aries) and Vrischika (Scorpio) and also of the houses where these signs are located.
Budha (Mercury)
Mercury represents the speech, intellect and friends of the individual. It is a very, adaptable and curious planet. If afflicted, it gives speech problems and a poor discriminative ability. If well placed it makes a person witty, easy going and skillful. Mercury is best placed in Kanya (Virgo) where it is called exalted. Opposite from there, in Meena (Pisces) it is least auspicious and called debilitated. Mercury is lord of the sign Kanya (Virgo) and Mithuna (Gemini) and also of the houses where these signs are placed.
Guru (Jupiter)
Jupiter represents knowledge, wisdom and the offspring of the individual. It is a planet of expansion, growth and good fortune. Jupiter is best placed in Karka (Cancer) where is called exalted. Opposite from there, in Makara (Capricorn) it is least auspicious and called debilitated. Jupiter is lord of the signs Dhanus (Saggitarius) and Meena(Pisces) and also of the house where these sign are located. Jupiter aspects 3 signs, the 5th, 7th and 9th signs from its ownposition.
Shukra (Venus)
Venus represents the enjoyment, taste, sexuality and relationships of the individual. It can give a person a great sense of esthetics and very pleasant personality, or sensual and tasteless, dependant on how well it is placed in the chart. Venus is best placed in Meena (Pisces) where is called exalted. Opposite from there, in Kanya (Virgo) it is least auspicious and called debilitated. Venus is lord of the sign Vrishabha (Taurus) and also of Tula(Libra) and of the houses where these signs are located.
Shani (Saturn)
Saturn is the slowest moving graha, and represents the more time related aspects in life: endurance, sense responsibility, hard work, longevity and reclusion. It is typically described as the bringer of grief and misery in life, but if it is auspiciously placed in a chart it will be one's best insurance against poverty. Saturn is best placed in Tula (Libra) where is called exalted. Opposite from there, in Mesha (Aries) it is least auspicious and called debilitated. Saturn is lord of the sign Makara(Capricorn) and Kumbha(Aquarius) also of the houses where these signs are located.
Rahu (the Northern Lunar node)
Rahu is the point in the zodiac where the paths of the Sun and the Moon cross. If the Sun and Moon in their movement meet in this point, then an eclipse takes place. Eclipses "seize" the light of the Sun or the Moon, and it is this seizing quality that is characteristic for Rahu.
Ketu (The southern lunar node)
Ketu is not really a planet, but rather a mathematically calculated point in the heavens. Because of its lack of a "body" it represents uncertain, unexpected and unpredictable phenomena. It is intelligent and relates to mathematics and other abstract knowledge.
The 12 Rashis (signs)
The zodiac is divided in 12 sections, which are called the 12 rashis, or signs. Each sign is exactly 30 degrees. Like the bhavas(houses), the rashis are each related to an area of life. Part of the characteristics of a sign are derived from the graha(planet) that is lord of that sign, but independant of that, each rashis has its own unique traits. The rashis are classified in many different ways, as movable fixed and dual, as male or female, as watery, dry, airy or fiery, etc. The most influencial rashi is the one which was ascending at the Eastern horizon at the time of birth. It is called the "Lagna", or better known, Ascendant. Because of its prominence, the whole chart will be colored according to its characteristics. Another very important sign is the one that holds the Moon, the so-called Janma Rashi. The Moon is very important in Jyotish, and so is the Rashi it is in. Both the Ascendant and the Moon sign will be of major influence in the life of the individual.
The 12 Bhavas (houses)
The Jyotish chart is divided in 12 sections, which are called the 12 bhavas, or houses. Each bhava is related to an area of life, just like the planets are. Each of the 12 bhavas coincides with one sign. (This is called the equal house system in Western Astrology) Every bhava has one planet which is called its lord, and the lord of a bhava is always the lord of the sign that falls in that bhava. For example, Mars is lord of Aries, and if Aries falls in the 5th house then Mars is also lord of the 5th house. The most important house is the 1st house, and it represent the personality of the individual, his body and life in general.
Vedic Astrologer will calculate and anlyse all of these areas for you and give you interpretations on their influences.
