Even though Vedic astrology, or Jyotish, has been practiced in the West
for over twenty years many people still know very little about it and
see it as an unfamiliar and/or confusing system of knowledge. Adding
to the confusion is the common perception that Western astrology is
more psychological and Vedic Astrology is more spiritual.
I personally believe that a great deal of insight can be derived from
either system. In order to grow spiritually we must have an
understanding of our psychological blocks as well as our greater
spiritual identity. In competent hands, Western astrology is extremely
useful in understanding family of origin issues, core negative
imprinting, and blocks to full self-expression.
As we start to get perspective on the past and heal some of the wounds
of the personality there is a natural desire to understand the true
meaning of our individual existence. In other words we start to
ask…what am I here for? What is my life purpose? What is my mission
on Earth this lifetime? These questions, of course, are at the heart
of each person’s quest…..to realize our timeless, eternal nature
and to see how to express that self-knowledge fully in the world.
Depending on whether the Vedic astrologer actually “practices what
they preach,” Vedic astrology can take the quest for understanding
of our life purpose or dharma to a whole other level. If, however, the
Vedic astrologer is not deeply immersed in their own spiritual path (sadhana),
then what you get from a Vedic astrologer will not be any better than
what you’d get from a Western astrologer, and actually could be much
worse!
Using Vedic Astrology from a higher level of consciousness, the Vedic
astrologer can help clients understand their highest dharma in this
lifetime. The beauty of Vedic Astrology is that it is part of an
integrated 5,000 year old tradition that includes yoga and ayurveda.
Drawing from the wisdom of the ancient Vedic knowledge received
through rishis (seers), Vedic Astrology not only reveals the
individual dharma (svadharma) but reveals how to deal with karmas
created in the past that are unfolding in the present.
Used consciously, both systems of Astrology can be used for the
highest levels of understanding and healing. At the essential level,
Western astrology and Vedic astrology have the same purpose…..to
eliminate suffering through understanding and to reveal our true
purpose and eternal identity.
James
Jarvis, M.A.
is a transpersonal counselor, master astrologer, and LifeQwest™
Coach who specializes in helping you "Design the Life of Your
Dreams." Sign up for James' bi-monthly LifeQwest™ E-zine and
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