Vedic Astrology
Vedic astrology is referred to as the eyes of the Vedas, sacred ancient texts from India. Vedic refers to the period of ancient India, estimated to date to be around 1500 BCE to 500 BCE. Traditionally Vedic Astrology is called Jyotiṣa, a Sanskrit term that can be translated as science of the heavenly bodies.
Although the philosophical principles rooted in the practice of Vedic Astrology are based in scriptures that are considered the foundation of Hinduism one should denote the subtle ways in which this system is off spiritual nature rather then off Hindu religion. People from various spiritual and cultural backgrounds learn, practice and benefit from Vedic astrology. In my practice all guidance given will integrate my clients personal background. In context Jyotiṣa is the sister science of Ayurveda, everyone can benefit and visit an Ayurvedic doctor. The same can be applied here.
As mentioned this knowledge is deeply spiritual and integrates a holistic approach to understanding the interconnectedness of the cosmos and the journey of human life. The system of Vedic Astrology is based on the Sidereal Zodiac which differs in calculations from Western Astrology whose zodiac is calculated as per the equinoxes. The reason for this is that human life is considered to be an integration of both soul and body. For example, the central star of Scorpio is Antares, which currently resides at 10°04′ of Sagittarius in the tropical zodiac (equinox-based), while in the sidereal zodiac, it is positioned at 15°54′ Scorpio, based on the stars’ constellations.
The soul is connected to the tapestry of stars ie Nakshatras rather than the rhythms of the season which are bound to the Earth. Hence the sky is divided by the stellar constellations, not the seasons. Nakshatras are divided along the ecliptic (the apparent path of the Sun) into 27 lunar mansions, each spanning 13°20′, intricately weaving a celestial map that aligns with the journey of the planets across the heavens. The Moon’s Nakshatra in a birth chart is given great importance as the Moon ie our mind is the filter with which we experience the world.
Insights of the birth chart offers great potential to navigate life’s challenges and make informed decisions based on cosmic wisdom and the rhythms of Dashas (techniques of time periods). Beyond the notion of predictions Vedic astrology is a guiding light to individuals on a journey of alignment, healing and self discovery.