The science of Vedic Astrology holds significant information
for the development of humanity. By understanding the planetary influences
affecting our lives we are able to make decisions which promote ease,
joy, progress and prosperity. At the same time, this ancient science can
help eliminate difficulties, reactivity and stress by giving us an understanding
of the challenges we are likely to face, thus allowing us to have greater
personal impact upon our futures.
The study of Vedic
Astrology can be approached from many angles, here we will address its
historic evolution, its methodologies and its philosophy, respectively.
By taking
this comprehensive approach the value of this wisdom will become apparent
for the development of mankind’s happiness and fulfillment.
I.
History
It is sometimes difficult
for Westerners to comprehend the vast time scale of Indian culture, for
recorded history has existed for over 6,000 years, giving evidence to
a heritage rich in the arts, philosophy, religion and sciences.
Testament to the advanced
status of Indian culture in antiquity is recorded by the founders of Western
Civilization, ancient Greeks and Romans themselves, as they paid tribute
to the knowledge possessed by the ancient Hindus.
Furthermore, the various
branches of knowledge never existed as isolated pockets of information,
but rather, beyond the concerns of their respective domains, maintained
a connected and integrated position with all other areas of knowledge,
such that the culture itself could be described as holistic, the sciences
reflecting the arts, medicine being consistent with religion, and so forth.
The genesis of Indian
culture is rooted in the Vedic Hymns which date back before the dawn of
civilization, and were preserved as they passed from father to son and
Guru to disciple.
The sophistication
and proficiency achieved by the Indian culture was, at its root, guided
by the Vedic quest for Paravidya (supreme knowledge; or truth
of truths) and Aparavidya (knowledge of relative truths).
The evolution and
achievements of Indian scholarship propelled them into excellence in all
manner of academic pursuits, certainly including astronomy.
In total, although
recent polices have resulted in an India momentarily at odds with her
cultural heritage, it is but a brief pause in the thousands of years of
brilliance and wisdom she has lived. The depth and momentum of such a
history is a force that cannot be stilled. And if it is so, that her power
is founded in truth, then it is the force of truth itself which seeks
its own expression and insists its voice be heard.
Astronomical information
was first mentioned in Rig Veda, and later references were also made in
the classical Indian epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, including
the Bhagavad Gita.
 |
With
reference to astrology, the Vedas postulated the basic concepts
of Indian astronomy upon which the laws of astrology were based.
The astronomical genius demonstrated by the Vedic sages is suggested
by the fact that the ancient astronomers considered such cosmological
issues as the age of the universe, and their assessments agree
with those of modern scientists.
It
is also interesting to note that whereas medieval Europe still
believed that the Earth was stationary, Vedic astronomers of antiquity
founded a system which stated that the rising and setting of the
planets and the stars were due to the movements of the Earth.
|
In fact,
the Vedic seers conceived of a world, which has remained consistent with
the enduring discoveries of science up to the present day.
It is said
that the knowledge of the Vedas in relation to astrology was later codified
into rules by great sages who critically observed and experimented, and
after a time were able to formulate the laws by which astrology was practiced.
The oldest known treatise on Indian astronomy is known as Suryasiddhanta.
The intuitive vision of these highly evolved souls allowed them to cognize
life beyond time and space, beyond past, present and future. In their
superconscious state they recognized that there is energy in planets and
that they send out different rays at different angles which bear influence
on everything animate and inanimate in other planets.
Astrology,
called “Jyotisha”, the “Science of Light”,
is referred to as the most important limb of the Veda, as it constitutes
the eye of knowledge. Astrology is considered Divine knowledge which is
pure, supreme, sacred and exalted.
Astrology juxtaposes
celestial order with Earth events and shows a relationship, thus demonstrating
the Vedic understanding of the universal interconnectedness and interdependence
of all phenomena.
The planets are seen
as reflectors or transmitters of light and solar energy. The solar and
planetary rays, radio-like waves, affect biological and psychological
processes. The rays of influence are unseen vibrations which are not perceptible
to the physical eye but nonetheless have the power to influence a person’s
psyche.
In the words of a
great sage: “A child is born on the day and at that hour when the
celestial rays are in mathematical harmony with his individual karma.
His horoscope is a challenging portrait, revealing his unalterable past
and its probable future results. The chart shows what one is now because
of what one has thought and done in the past. Astrology, by providing
a blueprint of one’s attachments, problems, talents, and mental
tendencies, offers a way of not only realizing in a specific sense exactly
what one’s karma is, and helping one work with these confrontations
within and without, but also a way of beginning to rise above and gain
a perspective on this karma.”
| 
