What is Astrology?

“Astrology represents the summation of all the psychological knowledge of antiquity.” Carl Jung
 
Astrology provides knowledge about the planetary influences affecting our physical environment, our mental state and our spiritual aspirations.  It shows the correspondence between the movements of the planets and the events in the lives of individuals. 

ASTROLOGY is a universal language; it is not culture specific as we all experience the same Moon, Sun and heavens. As a science it helps us to study the movement of the planets and as a philosophy it provides us with knowledge to understand ourselves. Like a floodlight it exposes a broader horizon for seeing how interconnected everything is as well as exposing the purpose and meaning behind the seemingly endless cycles of death and rebirth.  Its wisdom provides a link between heaven and earth that shows how we are all in this together. 
 
The tiniest atoms to the highest mountain are all governed by the same Divine order.  Each person is a universe in miniature. By understanding ourselves as cosmic beings we become more at ease with ourselves and more easily see the interconnectedness in the world around us.  Astrology gives us a language to do this by linking our native stories in our own tongue with the experiences from our environment.  That the story survives for thousands of years is testament to the importance of its lesson for our survival and the development of our culture as well as ourselves.  Words help us to explain or name our experiences but they are not enough when we make our connection with the holy and magical moments that expand our lives. The wisdom of astrology is based on a universal language that is translated into our local experience for the purpose of Self-realisation and not just as a predictive tool.
 
It requires a combination of knowledge in Astronomy, Maths, Philosophy, mythology as well as a keen sense of awareness at an intuitive level.  It is a subject that over the years has pulled me in, to the point of pure devotion.  When all the world is at war it is reassuring to look out at the heavens and know that there is a bigger plan, we may not be able to see it yet, but for me Astrology has been the key to being able to get some answers. What is hard to comprehend is how easily people who have not studied it dismiss it as a form of entertainment or worse still as rubbish. 

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What is Jyotish?

From the rich cultural heritage of India comes the Divine Science of Astrology. Its Sanskrit name is JYOTISH, which means Science of Light, because it enables us to see the Divine Plan for our lives. Jyotish provides profound knowledge into planetary influences affecting our physical environment, our mental state and our spiritual aspirations including relationships, work, family etc.  Jyotish (Vedic Astrology) is a Divine Science given to us by the Maharishis (great sages) of India for the material as well as spiritual benefit of mankind. Their teaching outlines the correspondence between the movements of the planets and events in the lives of individuals. 


What is the purpose of Astrology?

To give you a deeper understanding of yourself and what motivates you.  It provides you with a formula through symbol and story on your circumstances and how the world works. Astrology aims to:

- Look in and identify the "I" behind your experiences. 
- Put you in touch with your "Divine spark" while relieving you from the bondage of "Self". 
- Provide insight into your strengths and weaknesses. 
- Learn how you can remedy problem situations. 
- Strengthen your spiritual faith in the Divine plan for your life. 
- Inspire you to celebrate your uniqueness. 

Astrology or Jyotish gives us an opportunity to take a deep, meaningful look at what is of real value in our lives. An opportunity to reconnect with our inner wellspring of resources through meditation on WHAT INSPIRES, as this is your signpost or inner guide for where you need to put your attention. For each soul the process of clearing our blockages that separate us from Divinity is very unique, we all have our own purpose that needs to be meditated on and understood. We have a unique purpose in life and we know we are engaged in that purpose when we are involved in activities that increase our vitality. 


What on earth am I doing here?

The power at the core of our being is the pure light of goodness which shines out in a smile or a kindness from that radiant being, the True Self. We start asking the big questions on those cloudy days when we fail to let our light shine.  We become willing to take a more serious look at ourselves and what's gone wrong. Every symbol provides a spark which gives a deeper insight into the passing clouds, providing relief and new possibilities to let our light shine again. 

​Astrology provides a method for self-examination, which gives a glimpse into all aspects of our lives from the Personal to the Universal.  Nature has a way of teaching us the Ancient wisdom philosophy of 'as above so below'.  Common sense tells us that we must sort ourselves out first by finding meaning in:

- The One who becomes the many
- Being in two minds
- Being true to our nature
- Coming home to ourselves 
- Being in our element
- Our achilles heel
- The Angels on our shoulder
- Being as sick as our secrets
- Having the wings to fly
​- What can I do
​- How can I help
- Resting easy as my Soul sings the little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine, let shine, let it shine, let it shine...


Why Vedic Astrology?

The brilliant minds of India have combined their ancient wisdom with computer power to give us unique tools to aid us in our path to self-realisation.  Jyotish or Vedic Astrology is a Divine Science that for 1000’s of years has been protected and continues to be made available to the curious souls that find her.   To compare the difference between what we know as astrology. I use a food analogy where Newspaper astrology is like chocolate, Western Astrology is your regular meat with two veg. while Vedic Astrology is a freshly produced pure organic vegetarian meal prepared to suit your constitution. 

My background was in Western Astrology and for nearly one year I tortured myself comparing until I finally surrendered.  Not in one lifetime could it be possible to learn all there is to know and in comparison with some of the learned minds I have met I am only in kindergarten. The greatest blessing of Vedic philosophy is its reminder to us that we are spiritual beings having a material experience and the Astrology chart is the map of what that experience is likely to be. 

​The role of the Astrologer is to raise awareness on how we can best fulfil the Divine plan that brought us here.  It has excellent techniques for timing when we are to develop in different areas as well as offering remedial measures to aid our journey. Astrology is a tool for self-realisation and empowers us to work with rather than against our unique purpose.