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Astrology is an ancient science. Our ancestors knew that we were part of the cycles of nature involving the changing seasons and the corresponding movements of the Moon, Sun and the more distant stars. So much so that mythology and culture was inextricably weaved into folklore linking earthly lives to cosmic forces in all ancient cultures. Somehow these cultures knew that nature and Mother Earth were immeasurably more powerful than humanity and should be revered and deeply respected. Astronomy and astrology was a unified and respected spiritual science going back as far as10,000 years BC in India with other forms of astrology emanating from China, Arabia, Greece and other areas at various periods in history. These ancient sciences had existed often a little uncomfortably with conventional religion, mainly due to its deep historic, mythological and emotional connection that weaved its way through peoples daily lives. This continued until the birth of the rational scientific period in Europe of the Industrial revolution around the 1800‘s. The industrial revolution developed into the new religion of rational and linear thinking, putting humanity at the centre of creation.
It appeared that humanity could do anything, solve any problem, control nature and manufacture many things. Now more than two hundred years later it seems that humanity’s arrogance is beginning to wane, particularly for those who are listening to the disturbances of the natural world involving a reduction in species and the destruction of the delicate natural balance of the ecosystem. We are being alerted to global warming and to the fact that continuing as we are is at our peril. Nature and Mother Earth are re-exerting their power and putting us back into our rightful place as a smaller part within the natural cycles of the earth, solar system and the Universe. In response to the growing dissatisfaction to the ‘new religion’ of rationality, global economy and capitalism that takes no account of humanity’s spiritual, emotional and imaginative nature, there has been a renewal of astrological and ancient healing knowledge since the 1960’s. There has been a revival of a search for meaning, ways of nurturing the heart and soul and find our connection to the universe in a way that science and technology cannot satisfy.
Humanity is made up of the same units of matter as the rest of the universe. Hydrogen is the smallest atom, becoming the building block of larger atoms in the universe, which in turn make up simple to complex molecules of all matter including the cells of life. However, although the science is fascinating and compelling, it leaves many questions unanswered, for example, it can’t say what that extra ‘element’ it is that gives life to groups of cells or atoms, or why the original ‘big bang’ happened and what the purpose of life is. These are probably not logical or linear questions, so require different modes of thinking to contemplate. Perhaps the answers are so complex and outside the capacity of the human experience to comprehend and even if we think we know the answers to the big questions we have no way of testing or verifying our thoughts.
So what is astrology?
We are all made up of the same ‘star-dust’, so why shouldn’t we be affected by the Moon and Sun and other large planets in our solar system? The position of the stars in the sky become your chart. The sky is divided into twelve sections of star constellations, each one forming a horoscope sign. The horoscope on the horizon at the moment of your birth becomes your rising sign and tells a lot about your basic personality and drive. The rising sign changes every two hours as there are twelve horoscope signs appearing to revolve around the Sun. As the earth rotates every 24 hours, so the rising sign on the horizon over the place of your birth changes every two hours. For this reason being born on the same day even in the same year, does not necessarily mean that individuals will be alike, as they may have different rising signs and therefore different charts and lives. The position of each planet in a chart indicates the soul’s journey, in terms of career, relationships, challenges and gifts and will be unique for each person.
Vedic (Indian) astrology is sidereal astrology using a ‘fixed star’ system, where astrology and astronomy are still in unison. The chart is accurate both astrologically and astronomically. Whereas Western astrology uses the Tropical system, using a ‘moving star’ system which was in unison 2000 years ago, but has now moved more than 23 degrees away from the actual astronomical position and is continuing to move away due to the precession of the equinoxes. So the position of each point, in a western chart is more than 23 away from its accurate astronomical position. To convert a Western astrology chart to a Vedic astrology chart you need to subtract 23 degrees off every point in the chart. This is one of the main differences between the Vedic and Western astrology systems though the two systems may be considered cousins in astrological terms, each having merit in their own right. In addition in a Vedic chart, the position of the Moon in the Lunar Mansions or Nakshatra’s is significant in giving deeper information about the inner motivations of the soul in question.
In Vedic astrology, in addition to the twelve horoscope system, the area surrounding the sun is divided into twenty-seven sections, each with its own star constellation called Nakshatra or Lunar Mansion. This is the unique and complex system of Vedic astrology containing vast amounts of knowledge about the nature, drive and personality of individuals according to the position of stars at the moment of birth. This system also includes many other charts and tools that can be used in chart analysis to give accurate readings and guidance to individuals. For example from the position of the Moon in its Nakshatra, a complex table of Dashas, “stages of life” ensue, showing points at which different karmas or experiences of the individual life will unfold. These are further triggered by transits on the birth chart that help spark events into action. This system of astrology came to life in the Vedic era along with Yoga and Ayurveda in the Indus valley in India and has been called the Eye of the Vedas, in ‘shining a light’ on life and providing guidance to individuals in many areas of experience, both practical and spiritual.
Modern men and women are increasingly waking up to the fact that the technological, scientific and rational fountain of knowledge though vast is not feeding the primal call of the heart and soul of humanity and acknowledging the obvious wonder, mystery and magic of life. Many of us are being drawn to reconnect with ancient wisdoms such as astrology and other ancient knowledge in a drive to regain some balance in our technical world which often feels estranged from our cyclic earthly roots. Perhaps there is a place for rational thought alongside spiritual, ethical, mythological and cultural aspects of being human in a world where we are presently being sharply reminded of our place and significance in the cycles of the universe. We are each unique soul’s born into earthly existence in order to further our spiritual journey and astrology is well place to help you in finding your place and purpose and how to make the most of the gift of life.
Bio
Yildiz Sethi is a Vedic astrologer and teacher who was also a physics and chemistry teacher for many years before being introduced to Vedic astrology at a very sensitive point in her life. She is also a counsellor, hypnotherapist and Family Constellations facilitator and trainer helping people make the changes they want in their lives on a deep level. Yildiz is available for astrology readings, teaching and is available for therapy.
New astrology class to start in March 2011. www.vedicastrology.net.au 07 3268 6016.
Disclaimer - Any general advice given in any article should not be relied upon and should not be taken as a substitute for visiting a qualified medical Doctor.
