Most traditional birth charts drawn up in India have drawings of Sri Ganesha at the top of the documents, honoring him and seeking his guidance and blessings. Ganesha rules over knowledge, mathematics and karma, so his place there is quite appropriate, as Jyotish involves all of these. Yet Ganesha has specific astrological correlations.

SRI GANESHA AS THE LORD OF KNOWLEDGE AND THE GREAT GURU     

Ganesha is one of the main Hindu deities, first son of Shiva and Parvati, with one of the five traditional Hindu deity lines belonging to him. He is invoked and worshipped first in all Hindu rituals. Murtis of Ganesha can be found in Hindu homes and temples, particularly towards the entrances but with special sanctuaries as well.

As Ganesha or Ganapati, he is the lord (isha, pati) of the ganas, meaning group, number, word or collection. He rules over of speech, writing, transcribing and compiling. He rules over all systems of knowledge involving numbers, counting and calculation, even computers (note his vehicle is a mouse).

All forms of technical and scientific knowledge come under him, though his influence extends to art, music, dance, poetry and literature, domains more commonly under Devi Sarasvati. Vedic classes usually begin with chants to Ganesha. He governs secret and esoteric knowledge as well.

As Shiva’s son, Ganesha is his manifest form. Shiva is Pashupati, the lord of the animals or bound embodied souls. Ganesha is Ganapati as the elephant is the foremost or chief of the animals or bound souls, their inner guie. Shiva is the Divine word OM in its transcendent dimension. Ganesh is OM as the ground of universal creation and cosmic law.

Ganesha is well known as the remover of obstacles, and his help is invoked from starting new endeavors to facing imminent dangers, all aspects of Muhurta or mundane astrology. He gives us the wisdom to deal with obstacles, including countering planetary and astrological afflictions.

Ganesha rules over karma in general. He shows us how to create good karma and good fortune, and to transcend karma. His form is often used for good luck. He rules over time and its divisions as in various time cycles. He is associated with the Cosmic Mind, Mahat Tattva, which is the basis of all universal laws or dharmas. He is the ruling Cosmic Intelligence and its special mantric and numerical vibratory patterns.

Relative to the practice of Yoga, Ganesha rules over all the tattvas or principles of nature including the gunas, elements, tanmantras, sense and motor organs, as well as functions of the mind. He is connected to all the eight limbs of traditional Yoga.He has numerous forms and expressions guiding us in all affairs in life.

ASTROLOGICAL INDICATIONS

SRI GANESH AND KETU

Among the planets, Ganesha is most associated with Ketu, the south node of the Moon, the headless tail of the serpent. In terms of symbolism, Ganesha had his head cut off and replaced by that of an elephant, reflecting headless Ketu. This relates him to the beyond the mind state which carries the highest wisdom. In Vedic thought the trunk of the elephant is regarded as a higher serpent type energy, which Ganesha controls. He carries the Kundalini serpent energy to the top of the head.

The esoteric side of Ganesha comes through Ketu, holding the knowledge beyond the mind, ego, time and circumstance. Specifically, Ganesha relates to Ketu as Moksha-karaka, the giver of liberation, who grants wisdom, spiritual insight, occult powers, and proficiency in Vedic astrology – another reason why his guidance is always sought in both calculation and reading charts. Ketu is the inner guru.

SRI GANESHA AND JUPITER

I must highlight the planetary connection of Ganesha with Jupiter, which is seldom given its proper place. Ganesha is not usually listed among Jupiterian deities, yet what he offers and dispenses is very Jupiterian. Ganesha is well known to give wealth, health, accomplishment and knowledge, much like Jupiter. This is noted during the yearly Diwali festival, where Ganesha grants shubha and labha, good fortune and gains. In addition, Ganesha’s two wives are Buddhi/knowledge and Siddhi/accomplishment, sometimes equated with the Goddesses Sarasvati and Lakshmi.

There is an ancient Vedic connection between Ganesha and Jupiter we should note. Ganesha as Ganapati, first occurs in the hymns of the Rigveda II.22.2, of Gritsamada Rishi, among his hymns to Brihaspati, also called Brahmanaspati. Gritsamada’s mantra to Brahmanaspati: Gananam Tva Ganapatim havamahe, invoking Ganapati, remains the main Vedic mantra use to invoke Ganesh and to start traditional Vedic chanting and rituals.

This mean an equation of Ganapati with Brihaspati, the deity for the planet Jupiter is evident in the oldest Vedic text. In addition, Vedic Ganapati like Jupiter is connected to the lightning forces of the atmosphere (antariksha), and chastises those who are adharmic. While Jupiter is called Guru and is the guru or guide of the planets, Ganapati is honored as the first guru in Vedic practices. While there are no specific signs of the zodiac connected to Ganesha, the signs of Jupiter, notably Sagittarius, hold a similar energy.

GANESHA AND THE SUN AND MOON    

The lord of the planetary group or graha ganas is the Sun. Ganesha is said to have the light of million Suns. While not specifically a solar deity in Vedic astrology, his ability to rule over all the planets is important. He can be invoked for the blessings of any of the planets and to reduce any negative karmas. Relative to the Moon, Ganesha is close to the Goddess that rules over the Moon, who he protects. He dwells in the root chakra or Muladhara from which he can control and direct the Kundalini serpent energy, the Yoga Shakti of the Goddess.

BRIHASPATI AND SHUKRA: JUPITER AND VENUS

Brihaspati and Shukra, the deities of Jupiter and Venus, are inimical to each other as the Guru of the Devas (Jupiter) and the Guru of the Asuras (Venus). In this regard, Jupiter is the brightest of the night stars, while Venus is the brightest star near sunrise and sunset. Both are called Kavi or seer-poet of which Ganapati is said to be the foremost.

SRI GANESHA AND THE NAKSHATRAS

While Ganesha is not given rulership over any specific Nakshatra in the older Vedic scheme, we can equate Ganesha’s energy with several Nakshatras. I am not saying we should limit these Nakshatras to Ganesha but that his influence and qualities can be discerned in them.

Pushya in Cancer (03 20-16 40) ruled by Brihaspati, which marks the place of exaltation for the planet Jupiter at 5 degrees Cancer. Pushya rules over rituals and sacred knowledge on all levels, and is one of the most favorable of the Nakshatras. As Ganapati and Brihaspati are equated, he can be given rulership over Brihaspati’s Nakshatra.

Vishakha in Libra and Scorpio (20 00 Libra-03 20 Scorpion), ruled by Indragni, the lightning force connected to Brihaspati/Brahmanaspati. Vishakha is the name of the brother of Skanda, related to Krittika/Pleiades in Taurus opposite Vishakha in the zodiac. Ganesha and Skanda as the two sons of Shiva are brothers, with Ganesha as the eldest. Vishakha is known for giving wisdom and insight, like lightning.

Hasta in Virgo (10 00-23 20) is associated with Savitar, the wisdom form of the solar Godhead. The day of Ganesh Chaturthi, his manifestation or birthday (Jayanti), usually occurs with the Moon in Hasta, as the fourth tithi (phase) of the bright half of the month Bhadrapada. Ganesha is called Hasti, a name for the elephant with its trunk. The wisdom power, skill and artistry of Hasta Nakshatra goes well with Ganesha.

Bharani in Aries (13 20- 26 40), ruled by Yama, has a connection with Ganesha. Yama in the Vedas is not simply a deity of death but a form of Brihaspati who charts the way beyond death to immortality. Ganesha, losing his human head and gaining a Divine head, indicates this journey.

Jyeshta in Scorpio (16:40-30:00), ruled over by Indra has several Ganesh associations. Vedic Indra and Ganesha are closely connected as Kavyakantha Ganapati Muni, chief disciple of Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi, has indicated. Both rule over the groups of energies (Maruts). Both rule over speech and the mantra OM. Both are connected to the lightning energy and its ability to chastise the powers of ignorance. Both overcome obstacles. Both are deities of the atmospheric realm. Specifically, Ganesha like Indra is called Jyestha, which means the eldest, best or supreme. Ganapati is Jyeshta Rajam Brahmanam in the Vedas, the supreme King of the sages who have spiritual knowledge. Jyeshta is a Nakshatra associated with difficulty. It is regarded as the last of the Nakshatras, with Mula that comes after it as the first. Indra rules Jyeshta for his ability to overcome difficulties and remove negative serpentine energies (vritras). Ganesha has the same role. Jyestha is also associated with Shiva who shares many qualities in common with Vedic Indra, as the supreme deity and the power of OM.

Chitra (23 20 Virgo-06 40 Libra), ruled over by Tvashtar, the form fashioner, architect or artisan of the Devas. Ganesha has his role not only in knowledge but in technological and artistic creations. Tvasthar is a favorite of the Goddesses, much like Ganesh is. This connection though less definite is worthy of examination.

TITHIS OR LUNAR DAYS/PHASES

Ganesha is honored the fourth tithi or lunar day, most commonly during the waxing Moon of the month of Bhadrapada (usually September). The fourth tithi is one of the most difficult tithis. Ganesha helps us overcome its difficulties.

SUMMARY    

Along with his  indications as one of the main Devatas, giver of wisdom and remover of obstacles, Ganesha has many connections with light, time and Vedic astrology. He can guide through the complications of Vedic astrology, time and karma to the highest inner knowledge. All Vedic astrologers should seek his guidance. All Vedic chart readings should begin with mantras to Ganesha like: OM Ganeshaya Namah! Vedic astrologers should look to Ganesha not just in regard to Ketu, but more so in regard to Jupiter.

We must remember the Vedas recognize seven levels of speech, which Ganesha embodies, of which our outer physical based speech is the most superficial. Ganesha, like Agni, has actions on many levels as the organizing power of Cosmic Intelligence, guiding each individual according to their karma. That is why his influence occurs on so many different levels with different forms and aspects.

Jai Sri Ganesha!

Vamadeva Shastri

Each Nakshatra has its particular power or Shakti. These are the powers of the Devatas or deities that rule over and define them.

This is a special teaching that derives from an ancient Vedic text called Taittiriya Brahmana I.5.1 and from the medieval commentary of Bhattabhaskara Mishra. It has not been highlighted elsewhere.

Shaktis of Nakshatras mainly refers to positions of the Moon but can be extended to the Ascendant and other planets.

The Nakshatras reflect a 27 fold division of the zodiac based upon the movement of the Moon that goes around the zodiac every 27 days.

Dr. David Frawley (Vamadeva Shastri)

The first paragraph on each Nakshatra below relates to the Vedic textual reference. The others consists of my comments based upon it. Note that this is a teaching that I first uncovered and translated around twenty years ago, though many Vedic astrologers have since come to use it. 

Each of these Nakshatra Shaktis has various effects described metaphorically as “above” and “below” and a final effect. The symbols used are those of common factors such as plants, healing, worship, marriage and death.

Note Yogini Shambhavi for Vedic Astrology Readings and guidance in Shakti Sadhana overall

Ashwini – 00 00–13 20 Aries

Ashwini is governed by the Ashwins, the twin horsemen. It has the power to quickly reach things (shidhra vyapani shakti). Its basis above is the creatures to be healed. Its basis below is the healing therapies. From these three, the entire world becomes free of disease.

Ashwini Nakshatra brings about quick aid and energization. The healing power of Ashwini is evident from these comments, particularly from the Ashwin’s ability to bring about fast, radical or miraculous cures as well as rejuvenation (rasayana). The Ashwins are forces of Prana or the life-force, which is quick in its action to stimulate, help, and initiate a new level of activity. Ashwini Nakshatra involves these powers of speed, prana, electrical energy and Shakti. It gives transformation through balance.

Ashwini gives good powers of hearing, learning and attention. It is an important Nakshatra for doctors, psychologists and innovative leaders, affording good insight and original ideas.

Bharani – 13 20–26 40 Aries

Bharani is ruled by Yama, the God of Death. It has the power to take things away (apabharani shakti). Its basis above is the removal of life from the body. Its basis below is the carrying of the soul to the realm of the ancestors. By the combination of these three factors, creatures move on to the next world.

Bharani Nakshatra takes away that which has reached its term of life in order to go on to a new condition. It shows the movement of the soul away from the body. Yama guides the soul to the astral plane, where it can experience the result of its karma from the present life and prepare for the life to come. Yama is a figure of discipline and sacrifice, including the practice of Yoga This Nakshatra has general powers to bring about change by removing that which is negative or past its time.

Bharani gives rulership over one’s ancestral legacy and lordship over one’s equals.

Krittika – 26 40 Aries –10 00 Taurus

Krittika is ruled by Agni, the God of Fire. It has the power to burn (dahana shakti) and to purify. Its basis above is heat and below is light. The result of these three is burning or purification.

Krittika Nakshatra burns up negativity, purifies what is mixed or contaminated, and cooks or prepares that which is not yet ripe. Agni is mainly the God of the sacred fire, so purification is perhaps the dominant action, not destruction, though purification does involve the destruction of impurity. Agni is also the fire that cooks our food and so there is a nourishing side to its effects as well. This fire has a childlike nature. The transformative power of Krittika is evident from these comments.

Krittika also use to destroy negativity both around us and within ourselves.

Rohini – 10 00–23 20 Taurus

Rohini is ruled by Prajapati, the Creator or Lord of Creatures. Its power is growth (rohana shakti). Its basis above is the plants and below is the waters. The result of these three is creation.

Rohini Nakshatra allows for growth and creation on all levels, bestowing great fertility and creativity. However it also evokes some degree of jealousy because others may resent that a person gains such abundance. Moreover it can increase desire. But these are only side effects to its great prosperity. Prajapati is the creator who can bestow everything, so we should be careful what we want. The benefic nature of Rohini is evident here and its ability to help all projects flourish and ascend.

Rohini gives the power of creation, including the ability to come together with friends and loved ones. It is good for procreation as well.

Mrigashira – 23 20 Taurus–06 40 Gemini

Mrigashira is ruled by Soma, the God of the Moon and the immortal nectar. Its power is giving fulfillment (prinana shakti). Its basis above is extension. Its basis below is weaving (producing clothing), creating a tapestry, like a beautiful cloth, to make our life more attractive.

Mrigashira Nakshatra fills or covers with joy or ananda. It is like a beautiful cloth to make our life more attractive. Soma is a great enjoyment that is won, conquered, bought or stolen, so its procurement does not always come easily. However, what does not require effort to gain is not always enjoyed either. The power of this Nakshatra to bring delight and happiness comes out in these statements. This bliss can be healing, rejuvenative or transformational.

Mrigashira gives dominion over plants and all matters relating to them, including healing.

Ardra – 06 40–20 00 Gemini

Ardra is ruled by Rudra, the fierce form of Lord Shiva who represents thunder. Its power is effort (yatna shakti), particularly for making gains in life. Its basis above is hunting or searching. Its basis below is reaching the goal. These bring about achievement.

Ardra Nakshatra arouses us to greater effort in life. This struggle can bring great rewards but not without persistence and a degree of luck. Rudra is the hunter and the wielder of the bow. The idea here also suggests placing of the arrow and hitting the target. For this one must have a good aim, as well as the strength to shoot. Rudra is also the lord of wild animals. One can gain success under this Nakshatra only through effort, striving and struggle, but great achievements are possible.

Ardra gives rulership over the animals or all that they symbolize, including the wilder elements of human nature. Rudra as the hunter is also the power of discernment and represents the fierce forms of Lord Shiva.

Punarvasu – 20- 00 Gemini–03 20 Cancer

Punarvasu is ruled by Aditi, the Great Mother Goddess. Its power is the ability to gain wealth or substance (vasutva prapana shakti). Its basis above is the wind or air. Its basis below is wetness or rain. These bring about the revitalization of the plants.

Punarvasu Nakshatra brings about the return of energy and vitality, like the return of the monsoon rains after the dry season. It causes our creative growths and inspirations to be renewed. Aditi is the Earth Goddess who grants all abundance and gives birth to all the Gods. The need for feminine and nourishing energies is in evidence.

Punarvasu gives creative and healing powers, particularly relative to herbs and trees. It is a Nakshatra of fertility. Yet it also relates to the cosmic Mother overall, including in her space form that is the womb of all creation.

Pushya – 03 20–16 40 Cancer

Pushya is ruled by Brihaspati, the God of Divine wisdom. Its power is the ability to create spiritual energy (brahmavarchasa shakti). Its basis above is sacrificial worship. Its basis below is the worshipper. These result in the creation of spiritual energy.

Pushya Nakshatra increases our good karma and good efforts, including our sadhana or yoga rpactice. The value of this Nakshatra for religious and spiritual practices is emphasized. Brihaspati is the lord of speech, particularly mantras and prayer, and of all forms of worship, including meditation, so these indications are all in harmony with his functions. Great success can be gained with dharmic pursuits under its influence.

Pushya gives spiritual or religious power and authority. It is good for teaching, connection with the guru, ritual, teaching and devotion.

Aslesha – 16 40–30 00 Cancer

Aslesha is ruled by the serpent God. It has the power to inflict with poison (visasleshana shakti). Its basis above is the approach of the serpent. Its basis below is trembling and agitation. These together bring about destruction of the victim.

Aslesha Nakshatra paralyzes the enemy. This can be helpful if we have enemies to remove but it can serve to give a person an inimical temperament as well. It all depends upon how the energy of this Nakshatra is used. Serpents also give wisdom, but a practical wisdom through which one can overcome obstacles. The need to face challenges is evident under its influence. Such serpents may be of the earthly, atmospheric or heavenly realms as electrical forces.

Aslesha gives the ability to destroy ones opponents, foes, enemies and obstacles, whether those externally or those within our own psyche.

Magha – 00 00 Leo–13 20 Leo

Magha is ruled by the Ancestors. Its basis above is mourning. Its basis below is leaving the body (tyage kshepani shakti). These together bring about death.

Magha Nakshatra causes a change of state or condition, a kind of death. Usually it shows that we are coming to the end of a cycle. Its condition is prior to that of Bharani which indicates the movement of the soul away from the body. Of course, there are higher meanings of this Nakshatra relative to Ancestors including ancestral pride and power. The importance of moving beyond physical forms and structures comes out here.

Magha grants the favor of one’s ancestors and the ability to commune with them inwardly. It tells us we must honor our ancestors and ancestral energies.

Purva Phalguni – 13 20–26 40 Leo

Purva Phalguni in the Vedic order is ruled by Aryaman, the God of contracts and unions, though later it was shifted Bhaga, the solar deity of happiness. It gives the power of procreation (prajanana shakti). Its basis above is the wife or the female partner. Its basis below is the male or masculine partner. These together bring about the creation of the fetus.

Purva Phalguni brings about union and procreation on all levels. Yet this follows some official agreement or marriage and is part of the creation of a new family or social order. It governs such productive alliances and also arranges the marriage festival. The need for alliances and unions for success is indicated.

The marriage festival of the Sun Goddess and the Moon God, or Shiva and Shakti, occurs in the Phalguni month. It shows the need to balance male and female energies.

Uttara Phalguni – 26 40 Virgo–10 00 Virgo

Uttara Phalguni in the Vedic order is ruled by Bhaga, the God of happiness, though later it was shifted to Aryaman, the God of contracts and unions. Its power is the giving of prosperity (chayani shakti) through marriage or union. Its basis above is the wealth gained from ones own family. Its basis below is the wealth gained from ones partner. These together bring about the accumulation of wealth.

Uttara Phalguni brings the prosperity that results through union. It indicates both the need for union and for organizing the resources gained through it. Bhaga is also a God of wealth who brings about the right apportionment of resources. While the previous Nakshatra shows marriage, this shows the setting up of the household for the newly married couple. Such agreements extend beyond marriage to any type of union. Establishment of proper resources is a key point here.

Hasta – 10 00-23 20 Virgo

Hasta is ruled by Savitar, the creative, inspirational and transformative form of the Sun God. Its power is the ability to gain what we are seeking and place it in our own hands (hasta sthapaniya agama shakti). Its basis above is the seeking of gain. Its basis below is the process of gaining. These together place what one wishes to gain in ones own hands.

Hasta gives the ability to achieve our goals in a complete and immediate manner. Such goals are usually creative in nature. Savitar is the creative will that builds up the universe with all of its beauty. His productions are most wonderful. The indications here are that our own creative efforts will have great success under the influence of this Nakshatra. We should choose a high aspiration accordingly. For example, Savitar also directs and inspires the practice of Yoga and the path to enlightenment.

Chitra – 23 20 Virgo–06 40 Libra

Chitra is ruled by Tvashtar, the Cosmic craftsman. Its power is the ability to accumulate merit in life (punya cayani shakti). Its basis above is the law. Its basis below is the truth. Through these, the worker is able to gain honor in his work.

Chitra allows us to gain the fruit of our good karma that comes through righteousness. It has a highly spiritual energy and effect. Tvashtar creates enduring forms, like a blacksmith, and also produces variety and abundance. He rules over all arts and crafts. Dharmic principles applied in action are shown here.

Chitra grants manifold progeny or great creativity.

Swati – 06 40–20 00 Libra

Swati is ruled by Vayu, the God of the Wind. It gives the power to scatter like the wind (pradhvamsa shakti). Its basis above is moving in various directions. Its basis below is change of form. The result of these is transformation.

Swati Nakshatra causes things to move and scatter. This can be destructive unless we learn how to use it to remove negativity. All these indications are basically those of the Wind, which has both healing and destructive powers. Under its influence major changes, transformations and shifts of energy are indicated that one must have the power to endure. Then one can be taken to a higher level of existence.

Swati gives freedom of motion and travel, literally the ability to do what we want in all the worlds.

Vishakha – 20 00 Libra–00 3 20 Scorpio

Vishakha is ruled by Indra and Agni, who represent the powers of heat and lightning in the atmosphere. It gives the power to achieve many and various fruits in life (vyapana shakti). Its basis above is plowing or cultivation. Its basis below is the harvest. These give us the fruit of the harvest.

Vishakha provides the effort to achieve our goals abundantly through time, like a farmer plowing his field. It does not give immediate results but perhaps greater long term gains. Indra and Agni here are agriculture Gods showing the ripening effect of heat, rain and seasonal changes. The need for proper and long term cultivation of energy is highlighted.

Vishakha grants glory and preeminance among the Gods or cosmic powers.

Anuradha – 03 20 Scorpio–16 40 Scorpio

Anuradha is ruled by Mitra, the Divine Friend. It gives the power of worship (radhana shakti). Its basis above is ascension. Its basis below is descension. From these honor and abundance are gained.

Anuradha Nakshatra gives balance in relationship, both honoring others and seeking ourselves to be honorable, through which we acquire fame and recognition. Mitra indicates compassion, devotion and right relationship. Success is gained through honoring and respecting the higher powers. We must ascend through our own efforts, in order for the Divine grace to descend upon us.

Jyeshta – 16 40 – 30 00 Scorpio

Jyeshta is ruled by Indra, the ruler of the Gods. It has the power to rise, conquer and gain courage in battle (arohana shakti). Its basis above is attack and its basis below is defense. The result of these is that one becomes a hero.

Jyeshta allows us to reach the summit of our personal powers but it requires great courage, daring and effort. It shows karmic battles that require our complete energization in order to overcome. Indra is the king of the Gods who must eventually alone and single handed defeat the dragon, the most fearful of serpents. Though his position looks hopeless, he wins by courage and cunning, not by strength of arms. The indications here are of great struggle and great opposition which requires effort, resolve and independence to overcome.

Jyeshta gives us priority and preeminence over others, the ability to overcome all obstacles and to achieve our best.

Mula –  00 00–13 20 Sagittarius

Mula is ruled by Nirriti, the Goddess of destruction. It has the power to ruin or destroy. Its basis above is breaking things apart (barhana shakti). Its basis below is crushing things. Through these one gains the power to destroy destruction.

In bringing afflictions Mula Nakshatra also allows us to destroy their root, as long as they don’t overcome us. It shows the necessary destruction to precede a new creation. Nirriti is Alakshmi or the denial of Lakshmi (abundance and prosperity). She is Kali or the negative effect of time that we must protect ourselves from or use to our advantage. Here destruction is indicated in order to pave the way for a new creation.

Mula gives the power to get to the root of things, including connecting with primordial creative powers.

Purvashadha – 13 20–26 40 Sagittarius

Purvashadha is ruled by the Waters (Apas). Its power is that of invigoration (varchograhana shakti). Its basis above is strength. Its basis below is connection. Through these one gains lustre.

Purvashadha brings about purification and regeneration, like the energy gained through taking a bath in water. It provides us additional power for our efforts. These effects flow from the Waters, which in this instance are heavenly in nature and can provide inner purification. Cleansing and purification are indicated here in order to gain what we seek.

Purvashadha connects us with the ocean and the ability to cross the sea (which has various symbolic meanings, including crossing over illusion).

Uttarashadha – 26 40 Sagittarius–10 00 Capricorn

Uttarashadha is ruled by the Universal Gods (Vishvedevas). Its power is to grant an unchallengeable victory (apradhrisya shakti). Its basis above is the strength to win. Its basis below is the goal that one can win. From these one becomes the unchallenged winner.

Uttarashadha brings us to the summit of our power, support and recognition, not so much through our personal efforts (which is more the case in Jyeshta) but with the appropriate alliances and support of all the Gods. Our victory depends upon a righteous cause that is beneficial to all, which we are helping in. Here we fight more as the leader of an army, working for the benefit of the greater victory. Great achievements are indicated here from concerted and long term efforts.

Uttarashadha gives the supreme victory that can never be taken away. It helps us gain our highest goals.

Shravana – 10 00–23 20 Capricorn

Shravana is ruled by Vishnu, the preserver among the great trinity of Hindu deities, here in his form of Trivikrama, who measures the universe with three great strides. Its power is that of connection (samhanana shakti). Its basis above is seeking. Its basis below is the paths. The result of these three is the connection of all things together.

Shravana enables us to link people together by connecting them to their appropriate paths in life. This requires receptivity and listening, and results in understanding and aspiration. Vishnu with his three strides links together the three worlds of Earth, Atmosphere and Heaven, connecting all creatures with the Divine. The importance of knowledge, teaching and communication is indicated here, without which our efforts cannot succeed.

Shravana causes others to speak well of us and for their praise to come into the field of our hearing.

Dhanishta – 23 20 Capricorn–06 40 Aquarius

Dhanishta is ruled by the eight Vasus, the Gods of abundance that rule the earthly sphere. Its power is to give abundance and fame (khyapayitri shakti). Its basis above is birth. Its basis below is prosperity. These three give the power to bring people together.

Dhanishta allows us to bring the resources of people together. In this way it builds upon the connections of Shravana and makes them more practical. The Vasus are the deities of the Earth that give abundance on the earthly plane. They are manifestations of Agni or the sacred fire and show the gifts that it can dispense. Outer success is gained under this Nakshatra, including a great deal of recognition.

Dhanishta allows us to become the center of attention for our friends and peers.

Shatabhishak – 06 40 –20 00 Aquarius

Shatabhishak is ruled by Varuna, the God of the cosmic waters. It has the power of healing (bheshaja shakti), which reflects upon its name as Shatabhishak or holding a hundred medicines. Its basis above is extension or pervasiveness over all. Its basis below is the support of all. These three make the world free of calamity.

Shatabhishak counters difficult karmas through Divine grace and repentance. These include not only diseases but difficulties of all kind, including wrong karmas. While Ashwini gives more immediate cures, Shatabhishak brings about a healing crisis leading to revitalization. Varuna is a God of sin, debts, injury and disease, who cannot only bring these calamities upon us but can remove them from us, if we propitiate him sincerely. This is an important Nakshatra for physical and psychological healing through widening our view in life.

Shatabhishak makes us firm and strong and helps us overcome weakness.

Purva Bhadra – 20 00 Aquarius–03 20 Pisces

Purva Bhadra is ruled by Aja Ekapad, the one-footed serpent or goat. It gives the fire to raise a spiritual person up in life (yajamana udyamana shakti). Its basis above is the good of all. Its basis below is what is good for the Gods. These cause the entire world to be supported.

Purva Bhadra grants a universal view through internal purification. This raises up our spiritual aspiration in life and takes us out of the domain of selfish behavior. Aja Ekapad is the cosmic or celestial form of Agni or the sacred fire, sometimes identified with the Sun, reflecting also the Kundalini Shakti. The influence here is transformative through spiritual effort, discipline and tapas. It raises up our spiritual aspiration in life.

Purva Bhadra gives creative fire and spiritual lustre, something like Pushya.

Uttara Bhadra – 03 20–16 40 Pisces

Uttara Bhadra is ruled by Ahir Budhnya, the serpent of the depths of the atmosphere. Its power is the bringing of the rain (varshodyamana shakti). Its basis above is the raining clouds. Its basis below growing of the plants. From these three factors the three worlds gain their stability.

Uttara Bhadra grants growth and prosperity in a broad way, benefiting the entire world. This makes it very auspicious. Ahir Budhnya is the benefic serpent who brings the rain, connecting us with the creative powers at the foundations of the world. This Nakshatra allows things to grow and shows the descent of grace from above.

Uttara Bhadra gives us a firm foundation in life, protecting us from the depths.

Revati – 16 40–30 00 Pisces

Revati is governed by Pushan, the nourishing form of the Sun God, sometimes identified with the power of seeing. It has the power of nourishment symbolized by milk (kshiradyapani shakti). Its basis above is the cows. Its basis below is the calves. These three bring about the nourishment of the entire world.

Revati creates abundance through providing proper nourishment. It helps all people in their efforts. Pushan is the lord of cattle and the lord of the paths. He leads, protects and gathers the herd in their movement, particularly to new pastures. In this way he also protects the soul in its journey to the next world. This Nakshatra promotes fertility and growth and gives abundance and completion to our projects.

Revati gives power over cattle, power over sources of nourishment. Yet cattle also symbolize what we have seen and experienced.

By Yogini Shambhavi

Yogini Shambhavi Vedic Astrology

Women Hold the Shakti of Dharma

What is Shakti? Shakti has very much been misunderstood. It is not a mere outer self-assertion, control or power over others. Nor is it mere economic or political dominance. Shakti is the inspiration and joy arising from an inner steadiness, contentment and openness to the flow of divine grace. Shakti exists all around us in the forces of nature, particularly in the earth, the cosmic waters and the sacred heavens that carry and sustain all things without rejection. Shakti holds the essence of all existence at an inner and an outer level. Worshipping Shakti through surrendering to her transformational movement, we align ourselves with the Her universal power and unfold our own deeper potential in life.

Women especially need to cultivate Shakti or the Goddess energy to enhance the nurturing and calming nature of the home and the hearth, which sustain the family, community and society. The feminine principle must be revered and protected to allow universal healing at a deeper emotional level. Women must be encouraged to cultivate the flow of grace, love and devotion in order to sustain this.

Shraddha or deep faith is a feeling of understanding and trust with conviction in the beneficent powers of the conscious universe. Shraddha or faith without wisdom, on the other hand, turns into mere human emotion that can be manipulated by ego drives and personal desires. True Shraddha must be born out of awareness, discrimination, maturity and responsibility.

Shraddha is the mark of distinction for every woman who unfolds Divine Love as an expression of gratitude, caring and inspiration. Pure gentle love guides us into conscious relationships beyond illusion and manipulation. It allows us to be harmonious and kind with ourselves, enabling us to heal the anguish and strife surrounding our lives. In healing at the deepest core of our being, we are able to honour and heal our environment as well. We must rediscover the universal love dwelling within our own hearts. In the union of the inner self with the Mother Goddess, there is a divine beauty and purity which reinforces the innate sacredness of the feminine nature.

Honouring the Goddess as Shakti

Today our civilization does not truly recognize the Divinity inherent in the universe. We feverishly pursue human and worldly deities instead, that bring more turmoil into our troubled existence. We have lost touch with the ancient reverential practice of honouring the Devata, the cosmic forces of the Gods and Goddesses that embody the sacred powers of Mother Nature, which we must relate to for our well-being at a soul level.

Our current culture is outwardly oriented, subjugated by lower masculine values of achievement, acquisition and even hostility. We are caught up in trying to manipulate and exploit the outer world to fulfill our urges and impulses that are often excessive and distorted. The feminine values of fostering, surrender and respect for all creatures are being ignored or denigrated by society, even by women.

Women are usually looked upon as mere objects of attraction and pleasure in today’s media world, lured into the new fads of Botox and artificial implants to enhance the world of Maya and its distractions. We end up playing into the forces of illusion and delusion, scarring our deeper psyche by trying to keep up with a teenage youthfulness that denies any deeper maturity or wisdom.

Meanwhile, intellectuals and academics make sweeping statements denigrating sacred ancient traditions that worship nature and the Goddess, as if these were but superstition and oppression. The media holds our minds captive with the world’s violence, corrupting religion with politics, seeking domination and control in the name of God, rather than spreading a message of love and unity beyond all outer identities and beliefs.

Empowering the Yogini Shakti in Every Woman

The Yogini as the Yoga Shakti represents the deep intuitive voice of the ‘Inner Guru‘ or spiritual guide. The outer guru works to awaken our inner being and to direct us to the sacred practices necessary to connect with it. The quintessential spirit of the Yogini is to provide an expression for our inner being, who unfolds the flow of divine grace. Without the anugraha or grace of the Devi, we cannot move far on the spiritual path. It is her divine benevolence that steers us into surrendering to the higher consciousness, letting go of our outer confusion and agitation.

The teachings of Devi Tantra enhance the Yoga Shakti lying dormant within our deeper selves, through the mystical rhythms of the Mother Goddess’s numinous healing powers. Tantric worship allows us to consecrate the deity within us, bringing out the vibrations of our own deeper Self. Women need to reclaim this power and grace of the Mother Goddess in the prayer that we can once again restore healing, calm, peace and well-being in our homes and in the world around us.

As a form of spiritual instruction, Tantra teaches us a sacred path through clarity of thought and a deep awareness of the intrinsic coexistence between our higher being and the cosmos. Fostering an inner and outer purity along a dharmic path allows us to manifest and sustain this higher reality hidden within all. Tantric symbolism unfolds the mystic secrets of divinity in varying forms, appearances and manifestations, covering all aspects of our lives.

The Devi or Mother Goddess bestows us with the vital source of her mystic grace. Worshipping the Goddess in her various forms reiterates to those of us as women the eternal bliss and grace of creativity at the matrix of the universe. The purity and strength of Devi worship requires that we draw in the Devi energies manifesting the power of the Yogini and enter into her cosmic dance or divine Lila!

Shakti Samkalpa for Sacred Womanhood

Every woman spiritual seeker or sadhak should learn to cultivate the right sacred intention or samkalpa for the yogic path. To consecrate the flow of Shakti in our lives we must first create and hold to a strong samkalpa or sacred intention of honoring the Goddess power. Samkalpa holds the essence of our sacred intent, divine wish or deep desires unfolding both time and eternity.

Together we must reinforce the samkalpa of “sacred womanhood”, where every woman venerates the virtues of divinity through worship, expansion, education and universal well-being. Raising this voice of unison will draw attention to the importance of the feminine principle in this day and age. Consecrating our sacred space will draw the appropriate masculine energy to rest in the warm glow of the revitalized hearth and home. The Shiva force will reciprocate with the protection, security and refuge, harbouring a safe haven for the Shakti to unfold through the gift of sustenance for the well being of humanity.

Women must learn to bond on a collective level, setting aside all trivial attributes of an inconsequential nature. We must encourage education, growth, stability and independence not through aggression and power mongering, but through dignity, nurturing and graciousness. Women need to invoke the power of the divine feminine to capture its deeper essence of healing and universal well-being.

Ma Kali’s Lightning Dance takes Women beyond all suffering

My unique Devi sadhana paved the way for the intrinsic lightning dance of Ma Kali to color my life. Experientially one sought Her in the heart as Subhadra the ever auspicious Goddess of beauty, bliss and abundance. Ma Kali reveals the divine magnificence and splendour in all creation. She gently guides us from darkness to the idyllic light of dawn. Kali lends mystery to Shiva’s enigmatic transcendence. Kali is the yogic power of Shiva which dwells beyond the illusory Maya.

In Hindu thought, Ma Kali symbolizes the power of the Absolute beyond all creation, the supreme consciousness and energy. She is not merely a Hindu Goddess but the benevolent, auspicious Mother who gently guides us through the shadowy illusory world of Maya towards eternal light. Attachment to our personal identity, money and outer existence creates a fear of Kali as eternity and infinity. We are apprehensive about our return to our origin, even though it is merely uniting with our higher self. Yet because it requires giving up our ego’s illusion of worldly knowledge, control and power, we fear the loss of our transient and mortal attachments.

I have not experienced Ma Kali as fierce or even intimidating in any way. For me the Goddess represents the soul’s victory over all darkness, sorrow and conflict, encompassing the higher virtues of feminine divinity. Kali is severe with all that is unconstructive, negative, trivial and narcissistic. She gently purifies the heart, mind and body to help us heal through our karmas. Yet there is no divine being more compassionate and blissful. In surrendering to her, she guides us through the vortex of suffering.

The Healing Power of Shakti Yagya or Sacrifice

Women are natural healers, with the power to create, restore, reform and transform. The Garbha or the womb is the sacred kunda or space which unfolds the alchemy of mysticism. This special power invokes an offering or surrendering into the fiery matrix of the Agni as the inner power.

Surrendering is a sacred action which every woman must inculcate into the stream of life. Surrender is not a mark of weakness, it is the sacred art of yielding, to concede, acquiescence that finds the middle path. Kali epitomizes our inner surrender to the great unknown. It is easier to surrender to someone or something that we know and feel a certain comfort level with. Yet it is hard to surrender when it calls for giving up all that is familiar and reassuring in our lives. Shakti sadhana guides us to this deeper surrender which is like taking a leap into the void. In this conscious surrender we realise that we have nothing to fear!

The sacred art of living life unfolds as a Yagya or sacrifice. Life unravels a series of soul stirrings, sometimes stirring up a hornet’s nest through our personal experiences. Suffering arises from a refusal to accept the transformative changes of life that continuously break down our boundaries. We create our own suffering when we refuse to open ourselves up to life’s new movements, particularly those which go against our worldly expectations and cherished beliefs. Only when we learn to honour this power of transformation even in death and destruction will we move beyond the limitations that surround our existence with suffering, strife and pain.

Vedic Yagyas or sacrifices, involving special offerings into a sacred fire, are not mere outer ceremonies; they reflect prime cosmic processes and transformational events in our universe. Everything in the universe is a sacrificial interaction as it were of receiving and giving, taking in and letting out. All that we do on a biological level is a kind of sacrifice. Eating is the first of the bodily Yagyas, an offering of food to the digestive fire or Jatharagni. Breathing is an offering of the inhaled air to the Pranic fire or Pranagni. Sensation is offering sensory impressions into the fire of the mind or Manasika Agni.

Yagya is not simply sacrifice in the rudimentary or outer sense, but the way of transformation inherent in every movement of life, in which all things become interrelated and unified. Yagya entails the active principle of Shakti, in which all life is a perpetual offering to the highest being. As women, these transformative movements are part of our inherent growth and development as the Shakti force. Being aware and making sacred this path of transformation guides us in relating to the deeper factors which colour our relationships in our everyday lives as Mothers, Lovers, Caretakers and Nurturers.

All cosmic processes are a Yagya or transformative action filled with the grace of Shakti. The very movement of time is the greatest Yagya or sacrificial offering of life, comprising creation and destruction, birth and death of all creatures and all worlds, reflecting the power of Kali, the supreme Mother Goddess of time and eternity. Women hold this inherent essence of transformation and creativity as the Yogini, Mother, Wife, Muse, Sister, Daughter, Nurse and spiritual Guru.

The Yogini

Women consecrate the Shakti of fire in the universe. The cosmic form of Agni in the Vedas called Vaishvanara or the ‘Universal Person’ indicates the supreme power of time. The same deity is referred to as Kalagni Rudra, as the fire of time, the intense, forceful form of Shiva, whose powerful cosmic dance or Tandava dissolves the universe into Divine fire and light. He carries the Kala Shakti or transforming power of time, which is the eternal dance of Shakti through the Goddess.

We cannot really enter into the Yoga Shakti, or power of Yoga, unless we view it as an inner sacrifice or self-offering. Otherwise the asana, pranayama, and meditation we do remain limited to the ordinary human sphere of desire and self-justification. Authentic Yoga begins with selfless sacrifice as Karma Yoga, which is action done in recognition and honour of the sacred. The great powers or Devatas of Yoga are the powers of sacrifice. The Devi Shakti sanctifies and consecrates all things in life, from the flow of prana and blood in our body to the rivers and mountains of Mother Earth enhancing the scripting of every thought and action in our lives.

The Yogini, as in the conscientious Tantric adept, understands this divine Lila of cosmic power. Her life reflects this transformative Shakti through holding to the equipoise, affability, benevolence and empathy of her role as the Goddess muse. Every girl child must be nurtured in the footsteps of Shakti, to enable her to hold the powers of healing, prosperity and well-being in the world of her unfolding. The grace of this Shakti force steers us in healing ourselves at a subtler level from the vociferous attacks of our society as well enabling us in our adulthood to cope with the vagaries of womanhood, while Motherhood allows every woman to experience the matrix of creativity through the flow of divine grace.

To discover the sacred nature of reality, our lives must become offering to the Divine, a yogic sacrifice or Shakti Yagya. By honoring all things as sacred, we can discover the eternal presence that is Brahman, the Absolute beyond all time, space and action. This must remain the ultimate goal and supreme power of Shakti in every woman’s existence. It is not a matter of antipathy but of the deepest sensitivity to the nature of the universe and the Divine presence that overflows from all that we see. If we open up to the inner surge of grace and surrender to its silent flow, we can draw in the power of the Mother of the Universe, who will draw out the highest in all.

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Shaktirupena samsthita

Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah!

To that Devi who dwells in all beings in the form of Shakti!
We offer our reverence to her again and again!

By Yogini Shambhavi

As the great power of time, Kali’s Shakti creates the different Yugas or world ages that humanity passes through during the long cycles of cosmic evolution. Kali is the Goddess of eternity watching over all our temporal changes and facilitating those which promote our inner growth. More specifically, Kali is the Yuga Shakti or the power of time that takes humanity from one world age to another. She works to sustain the spiritual energy of the planet through both the ages of light and darkness.

The awakening to the Divine Mother and the Great Goddess that is occurring today at a global level is, yogically speaking, an awakening to the energy of Kali. The Mother Goddess as the dark, mysterious and transcendent Devi holds the key to the real power and presence of the universe in all her manifestations. Kali is once more entering into humanity and into the sphere of the Earth to work her magic and her awe.

The Devi brings about all planetary transformations, arousing the planetary Shakti and stimulating not only individual awareness but the greater planetary consciousness. The current natural and human catastrophes happening in the world today are an indication of this transformative power of Kali pushing humanity to change, to break through our divisive beliefs and end our destructive behavior that has come to threaten all life on the planet. Until we make the decisive inner change and give up our destructive attitudes and actions, we face the wrath of Kali at a global level, with the danger of global difficulties increasing over time. To meet the challenge of Ma Kali, we must turn within and let go of our efforts to control the outer world, seeking to understand ourselves first.

Today our civilization does not honor the Devatas, the cosmic forces called Gods and Goddesses that embody the sacred powers of nature on which we depend for our well-being. Intellectuals and academics reduce these living Deities, by whose grace we function, to aberrations of psychology, politics or anthropology, mere reflections of ordinary human behavior that bears nothing sacred about. Religions, in the name of God, practice politics and seek to dominate the world with their beliefs, rather than spreading a message of love, unity, the grace of the Mother, and Self-realization.

Meanwhile, even those who try to practice Tantra have generally reduced it to little more than black magic, using the spirit world to promote material gains for themselves and their paid clientele. The essence of the Yoga tradition seems to have been waylaid for commercial exploitation and personal self-aggrandizement.

There is little real Dharma, or natural and universal principles, even among those trying to save the planet. We have disgruntled ‘angry’ activists seeking to lay the blame for the world problems on someone else, shouting and cursing others, rather than becoming truly peace-loving helpers who aim to unite us for the greater benefit of all.

Sarvam santih santir eva santih
May All Things Be Peaceful, the Peace of Peace!

We continue to divide up humanity in the name of religion and politics, fighting among ourselves, while overall we continue to devastate the planet, plundering her resources and making toxic her lands, water and air.

Awakening Kali’s Transformative Shakti

To bring our planet into a new and spiritual era, a new world age of higher consciousness, we must first gain the Shakti or the capacity to do so. We must have the power, the competence, the sincerity and the grace of the higher forces. We cannot on our own take us beyond our human, social and psychological problems, because our behavior and mindset exists within their field. For this we must once more humbly seek the grace of the Mother, particularly as Kali, the Mother as the ruler of all time and transformation.

We need a new Shakti to bring this necessary global change about, a new descent of the spiritual power of the Mother Goddess. For this to occur, we must first bring the Shakti into ourselves, into our own minds and hearts, and learn to live according to its shocks, rhythms and transformative vibrations, letting it purify and remake our own psychological nature first.

The power of the Divine feminine is once more needed to facilitate a new birth of higher consciousness in the world, not simply at an individual but at a planetary level. We must recognize the Goddess in all of her forms, of which her transformative manifestation of Ma Kali is perhaps the most central. A feminine grace, gentleness and kindness is necessary to soothe the pain and anger that is burning us from within, stoked by the greed, ambition and ignorance of generations.

We must move beyond the vagaries of human passions and needs, opening up our hearts to the living Shakti force of Kali. Ma Kali yearns for her full expression to be felt and experienced in order to make our lives into something meaningful for the soul. We can sense her mystical force rising powerfully once again in this unsettled transitional era. She is searching passionately for sadhakas to carry forth her benign wishes.

For the truly new to come into being, the old must first pass away. This is the work of Kali’s Shakti or time-force. But it is not simply an external factor of the destruction of evil people by the good. Today, we largely live in a grey zone, where the purity of heart is practically non-existent. Meanwhile, no soul in essence is evil; all can be raised up if we reach them at the right time and circumstances. We must drive out all weakness, blame, pettiness and narrowness inside ourselves.

The negative or Asuric force does momentarily prevail, but often the darkness is greatest before the dawn, and the negativity must manifest outwardly before it can be totally swept away. There is no undivine force or power that Ma Kali cannot match, consume and dissolve into her higher peace.

The Devata or higher divine force needs to be honoured in our times of strife and chaos. We must look beyond our human and historical fixations to the cosmic powers. The inevitable ecological disturbances that are beginning to occur are meant to drive us into the shelter of these benevolent and powerful cosmic forms, to make us recognize our dependency on the greater universe and its divine essences. The Devata’s presence will once again manifest with a surge of benign energies to bring about a peaceful existence for humanity and for the Earth.

Ma Kali is the ultimate power behind all genuine spiritual and yogic movements and their unfoldment through the great process of time. Mahadevi Kali is the Yuga Shakti, heralding the new movement of Yoga awakening this Shakti power. Her role has already been manifested earlier in this era by great seers and teachers like Ramakrishna, Yogananda, Aurobindo, Anandamayi Ma and many others, who mainly worked through the power of the Mother Goddess.

Yet there remains an urgent need for new avatars and forms of Kali’s energy, a new resurgence of her worship and a greater descent of her grace. Kali holds the key to our future as a species and our destiny at a soul level. Ma Kali carries the power to uplift humanity, but to find that we must discover her as the Universal Mother resting in the flame of the spiritual heart within us.

We need to accept Kali’s purifying fire in order to raise us into the higher light in which alone our personal and global problems can be solved. Those who can endure and carry Kali’s fire can bring a new light to the world. They will discover a vision of the future that is in harmony with the eternal truth and universal vision.

Yogini Shambhavi

By Dr David Frawley (Pandit Vamadeva Shastri)

Karma, meaning action, is a Vedic term for explaining the reincarnating soul’s evolution from life to life. Karma is portrayed as the effect of our individual actions, extending from past lives to present and future lives. It is often regarded as a force of determination, like fate or destiny. We speak of a person’s karma catching up with them, ‘what goes around comes around’ or ‘as you sow so shall you reap’, indicating this inescapable result of what we have done.

Yet if we look deeper, we see that karma reflects the fact that we create our own reality. We fashion ourselves and our environment according to all that we do in life. Karma, therefore, means that we are universal creators, not simply helpless products of external forces. Karma is the underlying process of the ‘self-creating universe’. It indicates that the universe creates itself according to its own inner intentionality. Through the power of karma, we are self-creating beings in a self-creating existence. Even the forces of nature, like time or gravity, which appear beyond our control, are manifestations of an intelligent reality in which we are active participants. However, karma is not under control of the ego or the mind, but is the action of our inner being.

The Evolution of Consciousness

Modern science recognizes an evolution of form, noting how the bodies of different animals adapt over time, becoming more complex and sophisticated through succeeding generations. It has outlined a physical or bodily evolution from plants and animals to human beings. Since the time of Darwin, science has gone into great detail trying to explain this movement of bodily evolution in terms of the outer factors of natural selection, survival of the fittest and adaptation to changing environments, as if it were a process that occurred of itself by natural necessity.

Today’s science emphasizes genetics as the main mechanism behind this evolutionary process. It has discovered an underlying ‘genetic code’ behind the vast diversity of life, linking all creatures together in the evolutionary process. This marvelous genetic code is simpler, more concise and yet more powerful than any code or data base that the human mind can invent. So one must also ask: Can such a physical information code exist without any enduring intelligence behind it?

Yet the scientific account of evolution leaves any life-force or consciousness out of the picture except as a by-product of bodily processes. It is as though we are following the tracks of an animal and proposing an evolution of the tracks without positing any creature making the tracks, as if one track somehow manages to evolve into the next!

We can contrast this with the view of Yoga, the science of consciousness that arose in India, which recognizes an evolution of consciousness as well as one of form. Yoga neither denies evolution in order to justify a religious view of creation, nor reduces evolution to a blind play of material forces. Yoga teaches that form cannot evolve without consciousness. An inner consciousness brings about evolutionary changes of form, not the form itself, which is no more than a shell. The creatures that we observe in life are the result of an inner consciousness evolving its self-expression through the great movement of time.

Karma and rebirth are the means of this evolution of consciousness, its underlying modus operandi. Only an intelligence that is reborn can evolve in awareness. Otherwise intelligence would die with the body.

Vedic Astrology and our Karmic Code

The reincarnating soul is our ‘karmic being’ as opposed to our human personality that is but its mask. The soul, called Jivatman in Sanskrit, carries our karmic propensities called samskaras from one body to another.

Our karma, we could say, is the DNA of our reincarnating soul. Just as the body has its particular genetic code, the reincarnating soul has its particular ‘karmic code’. The soul’s karmic code is based upon the life patterns it has created, the habits, tendencies, influences and desires it has set in motion over many births. These karmic tendencies or samskaras like seeds ripen in the soil of our lives, taking root and sprouting according to circumstances. Our soul’s energy is filtered through our karmic potentials, which create the pattern of our lives down to a subconscious and instinctual level.

For the evolution of our species and for our own growth in consciousness, we must consider both the genetic and karmic codes. We cannot understand ourselves through genetics alone, which is only the code of the body; we must also consider the karmic code, the code of the mind and heart. Note how two children in the same family can share the same genetic pattern, education and environment and yet can have very different lives, characters and spiritual interests. This is because of their differing karmic codes.

Fortunately, there is a way that we can see our karmic code as clearly as our genetic code. Vedic astrology, which is called Jyotish or the science of light (Jyoti), helps us understand the laws of both time and karma. The Vedic astrological birth chart is the best indicator of our karmic code. The pattern of the birth chart is like the ‘DNA of the soul behind the current physical incarnation. The positions of the planets in the birth chart–not only relative to the twelve signs of the zodiac but more importantly in regard to the Nakshatras or twenty-seven mansions of the Moon–provide a wealth of knowledge through which we can read our karmic code in detail.

The Vedic astrological chart is probably the most important document we have in life and more important than our genetic code. Yet like our DNA it is a code written in the language of nature and needs to be deciphered by a trained researcher to make sense of its indications. Through the Vedic astrological chart we can understand the greater purpose of our lives, our vulnerabilities and our hidden strengths that help us fulfill our true karmic potential.

In addition to showing our karmic code, Vedic astrology can plot its unfoldment throughout our lives using its system of planetary periods, annual charts and transits. Through the use of planetary gems, mantras, yantras and meditation on planetary deities, Vedic astrology also provides us many methods to optimize our karma and take us beyond the limitations of our karmic code.

It is imperative that each one of us is aware of our karmic code and learns how to bring out it optimal potential. Vedic astrology is probably the best tool in this regard. This doesn’t mean that the birth chart will answer all our questions. We still have to act, but it can show us how to act in the best possible manner. In this regard, the birth chart is our karmic guide to life.

To change ourselves it is not enough to alter the genetic code. We must learn how to alter our karmic code. However, to change our karmic code is not much easier than to alter our genetics! It requires that we change the way we live, breathe, see and think, such as Yoga and other Vedic sciences instruct us.

Our Collective Karmic Crisis

Our present planetary crisis, our crisis in consciousness, is also a ‘collective karmic crisis’. We are setting in motion long-term negative karmic consequences by our civilization out of harmony with life. Such powerful collective karmas can bring about deep disturbances in the world of nature, including alterations at geological and climatic levels that can go far beyond what our species can control. The coming century looks like an era of karmic rectification for the devastation already wrought by our current spiritually immature civilization. We need the wisdom to take us through this coming fire of collective experience and help minimize its potential destruction as nature once more demands that the soul within us comes to the front. As this was written originally fifteen years ago, the current pandemic is showing our karmic challenges.

The problem is that our culture does not believe in karma. We don’t teach the law of karma in our schools and or even many of our religions are ignorant of it. Many who speak about the law of karma act in violation of it as well. We think that if we make money or become famous that we have achieved the goal of life, regardless of the karmas we have set in motion for ourselves or for our world.

Our individual soul is a karmic center of consciousness that we must face sooner or later. When we die, the only thing that goes with our soul is its karma. The bodily self does not continue but the soul–the sensitive core of awareness within us that allows us to feel happiness or sorrow–goes on to wherever its karma may lead, which we must eventually experience.

The truly enlightened or Self-realized individual brings higher forces to the Earth from the power of liberated consciousness. That is how individual enlightenment can uplift the entire world, even without any overt external actions. Such individual enlightenment, however, is not the enlightenment of the separate self, which is a contradiction in terms, but that of the soul, our universal being which is inherently one with all. It does not occur through denying or ignoring karma but through reaching a level of action that is no longer external or bound by time.

While few of us can reach the state of supreme enlightenment, we can bring aspects of enlightenment into our daily lives. We can bring a unitary consciousness into our environment, establishing our relationship with all aspects of the conscious universe from greeting the Sun in the morning to remembering the stars at night. We must respond to the evolutionary message of our karma, which is to take responsibility for our world and look upon all creatures as our own Self.

Note our Vedic Astrology Consultations with Yogini Shambhavi to learn your Karmic Code.

https://www.vedanet.com/astrological-consultations/

All great ancient civilizations centered their cultures on profound systems of astronomy and astrology, connecting conditions and events on the Earth to cosmic influences deriving from the stars. Whether it is India or China, Egypt or Babylonia, or the Mayas and Incas of America, we find in each case an astrological foundation for their spiritual cultures. Astrology and its measure of sacred time formed the basis of their calendars which, looking to the heavens, sought to organize human life according to celestial forces more certain than our personal desires and calculations. The ancient cultures of Europe like the Greeks, Romans, Celts and Germans, had detailed systems of astrology, as have all communities that recognize the sacred nature of the universe.

Similarly, all systems of traditional medicine East and West possess corresponding forms of astrology, which were part of their theory and practice. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has the I Ching and Chinese astrology, while the Ayurvedic medicine of India has Vedic astrology. Traditional European medicine going back to the Greeks included western astrological traditions, which were part of pagan traditions overall.

Connecting healing and astrology – or the practice of medical astrology – is one of the deepest and most lasting investigations of civilization. It is as old as all great ancient cultures and their astrologically based rituals to keep human life in harmony with the cosmos. We have long looked to the stars and the heavens for guidance, grace and healing energy, for understanding human existence in a deeper perspective in which we can touch the eternal and the infinite.

Vedic Astrology and Ayurvedic Medicine

Vedic astrology is India’s traditional system of reading the stars, the planets and the entire movement of time. It was originally called Vedanga Jyotish, meaning the study of light (Jyoti) as a limb of the Veda (Vedanga). It was also called Jyotirveda, the Veda or ‘science of light’. Ayurveda, which means the ‘science of life’, is the corresponding Vedic system of natural healing for body and mind. Both are living branches of an ancient sacred science that arose in an older era in which humanity had a greater intuitive connection with the sacred universe. Unlike corresponding western traditions, their continuity, though shaken by hostile forces, has remained unbroken.  Both these systems are undergoing a renaissance today as we once more learn to look within.

Vedic astrology is an extraordinary predictive and counseling tool. There are many wonderful stories of how Vedic astrologers can pinpoint specific events in a person’s life with uncanny accuracy. Yet Vedic astrologers also can relate deep wisdom about a person’s life purpose, karma and spiritual path.

Similarly, Ayurveda is a precise and comprehensive tool for physical and psychological well-being, optimal health, energy and vitality. There are many instances of Ayurvedic doctors introducing changes in a person’s life, from simple dietary or life-style modifications, to special herbs or internal cleansing that can literally rejuvenate us, countering long standing and intractable health problems.

These two Vedic systems  together in the ‘Vedic astrology of healing’ or ‘Ayurvedic astrology’. Ayurvedic astrology shows us how to optimize both our health and our destiny, our vitality and our karma, so that we can realize our highest potential in life, with our earthly life following the model of heavenly forces and their consciousness-promoting outcomes. Ayurvedic astrology shows how we can heal ourselves through the stars, bringing the energies of the cosmos into our lives so that we can once more touch the universal light and prana.

Ayurveda and Vedic Astrology

Ayurveda is called “the mother of all healing” because it embraces all forms of healing including diet, herbs, bodywork, surgery, psychology and yoga. It accepts anything internally or externally that promotes health, well-being and happiness. Ayurveda explores the qualities and effects not only of foods, medicines and behavior but also of climates, the weather and the stars (astrology).

Ayurveda provides an integral mind-body system of both diagnosis and treatment. First it shows us our individual constitution according to the three doshas or biological humors of Vata (air), Pitta (fire) and Kapha (water), as well as how this constitution is affected by everything from genetics to environment and emotions. Then it outlines various treatment measures to enable us to achieve optimal health and vitality. These range from simple dietary measures to complex herbs and special purification procedures. Ayurveda aims not only at the cure and prevention of disease but also at rejuvenation and longevity. Beyond ordinary health care measures it has special methods to allow us to achieve a higher level of vitality and awareness – a spiritual Ayurveda that is part of the practice of Yoga.

Possessing a similar scope to Ayurveda, Vedic astrology contains all aspects of astrology, including the reading of birth charts (natal astrology), mundane astrology (the effects of astrology on society), astrological timing and forecasting (muhurta), and answering questions (prashna). In addition to these, Vedic astrology encompasses all forms of divination, including palmistry and numerology, of which several Vedic forms exist. It includes astronomy and meteorology, which reflect karmic as well as forces of nature.

As a form of natal astrology and reading of birth charts, Vedic astrology helps us understand our personal lives in all areas, including health, wealth, relationship, career and spirituality. Like Ayurveda, it has a broad range of treatment measures including the use of colors, gems, rituals, mantras and the worship deities to aid in our greater well-being and life unfoldment. These are called Jyotish-Chikitsa, the therapies of light or astrology.

Ayurvedic Astrology

Vedic astrology and Ayurveda have a significant overlap. Vedic astrology contains a medical system based upon Ayurveda, while Ayurveda contains a system for the timing of disease and its treatment based upon Vedic astrology. We can designate this combined usage of Ayurveda and Vedic astrology simply as ‘Ayurvedic Astrology’.

Ayurvedic astrology is the medical branch of Vedic astrology for body and mind, adding to it the Ayurvedic view of health and healing. It uses the language of Ayurveda to understand the effects of the planets on the body and mind relative to health, disease and longevity. Ayurvedic astrology also uses Vedic astrology as an aid to Ayurvedic analysis, diagnosis and treatment, showing how planetary factors cause disease and balancing them can be an important aid in their treatment.

Ayurvedic astrology combines these two great disciplines, using Vedic astrology to plot the influences of time and karma and Ayurveda to show how these relate on to our state of Prana or vital energy. Combining these two great disciplines together, there is little we cannot treat or cannot understand.

Vedic astrology considers that the determination of physical and mental health is the foundation of all astrological analysis. Whatever other indications may occur in a chart – whether for career, wealth, relationship or spirituality – these cannot bear fruit if a person has significant physical or mental impairments. Traditionally, the ascertainment of health and well-being was the first factor to be examined by a good astrologer. This was not a matter of simply determining how long a person was likely to live, but part of a general determination of the vitality of a person, their energy to use the opportunities afforded them by the chart. In this regard, medical or Ayurvedic astrology is usually the first step of all astrological examination.

Ayurvedic astrology is not simply a physically-based medical astrology. It reflects the psychological and spiritual dimensions of Ayurveda. It is concerned with our well-being on all levels, which depends upon our connection to the Soul, the real person or Atman within. In this regard, Ayurvedic astrology is concerned with healing body, mind and spirit, using the tools of the entire universe, the foremost of which is the light of the stars and planets. It expands the field of Ayurveda to its broadest possible range.

Vamadeva Shastri (Dr. David Frawley)

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