What is Astrology?

The natural instinct of man to know the unknown is the mother of all sciences, including that of Vedic astrology and the horoscopes.Through the help of the Indian horoscopes (the natal charts) an astrologer can understand the psycho physical nature of individuals.He can assess their latent potential, role in life, health, wealth, friends and foes, ups and downs, life span, diseases, kinds of obstacles or problems one can have, the relationship of the individual with his or her father and mother, brothers and sisters, superiors and subordinates, wife or husband and partners, and so forth. Planets, too, have friends and foes.They are exalted in one sign and exiled in another.Astrologers and gem therapists use gems to compensate for the loss of energy caused by the weak planets to provide missing chemicals and reestablish electro chemical balance, or to provide more strength to the exalted favorable planets.The Vedic seers realized that by Meditation, contemplation, and research one could know the mysteries of matter and mind.It only requires true understanding of the laws of nature, because from the gross material reality to the subtlest frequencies, all is a part of one single continuum of vibrations.Keen observation, right attitude, imagination guided by right knowledge, and systematic thinking can solve all mysteries. Truth is truth at all levels; matter and mind are two sides of the same coin. Ignorance creates mystery, bad body chemistry creates negative thoughts and wrong attitude. Right food, austerity, and penance can connect man with the divine, which is pure knowledge. Vedic Astrology studies man as a microcosm and considers him to be an indivisible part of the macrocosm; based on the assumption that the human body and psyche are influenced by celestial bodies, stars and planets of our solar system.

Is Astrology a science?:

It falls more in the category of metaphysics, the study of that which is beyond the physical. It's similar to other fields that are founded on ancient theories of energy patterns, like feng shui, acupuncture and yoga. Astrology at high levels is a mastery of its particular science and the intuitive arts. As the earliest known ordering of existence, long before recorded history, it's been called the "Mother of all Sciences."

The Celestial Clock:

Astrology's premise is that the planetary movements influence the Moments in Time. Since we're part of the story of the Universe, our moment of birth recorded on the celestial clock is meaningful. The planets continue to move, engaging with the fixed in time energies of our birth chart.

Students today can draw on the myths, symbolic associations and wisdom of past astrologers to come up with their own intuitive language. There are the long cycles of outer planets that show generational trends, and shorter ones, like the Sun's annual journey through the Zodiac.

Know Thyself:

Astrology is an incredible tool of self-discovery, no matter how far you decide to take it. At first, the pieces of the puzzle may not seem to fit. But if you stick with it, at a certain point it "clicks" and the orchestrations of the cosmic dance make sense.

If life seems like a series of meaningless events, astrology can be a comforting sign that perhaps things happen for a reason. It can shine light on inner contradictions and natural strengths. As a map of the psyche, the birth chart is a guide to self-understanding that never stops revealing new layers of insight.

Understanding Your Birth Chart:

Astrology can be baffling at first, because it involves a different kind of wisdom. There are three parts to any birth chart (click here for your own chart)-- planet, sign and house. There's a blending that happens in astrology that involves those three. As you learn more, your understanding deepens. You get a sense of what life lessons the Aries Sun in the 10th House holds for you.

After learning about the planets, signs and houses, it's time to look at aspects. This is the relationship between the players in your birth chart. Do they square each other? Or, are they in harmony with trines and sextiles.

The Chemistry of Astrology:

Astrology provides cosmic clues as to why you're attracted to, repelled by or indifferent to those you meet. It helps you take personality clashes less to heart, but also show potential red flags to watch out for. Some connections are sparked by friction, and astrology helps you take the long view, and see them as challenges that cause you both to grow.

Astrology and the Dating Game:

Just a little bit of Sun Sign wisdom fills you in on the dynamics of your potential romantic alliance. In the delicate beginning, it can shine light on the behavior of the Sun signs when romantic interest is piqued.

What are other uses of astrology for understanding relationships?:

Astrology can give you a deeper understanding of all your relationships -- with bosses, siblings, parents, children, friends and partners. Comparing a couple's birth charts alerts them to areas where their natures could come into conflict. Known as "synastry," this kind of analysis points out areas to challenge and support each other to fulfill your individual destinies. Astrology shows where karma is being played out, with hard but necessary lessons, and the potential for an alchemical miracle to take place over time.