Astrology Nugget 17:
Written on: January 26, 2023
I want to clarify that my articles aren’t presented as dogma requiring blind faith—quite the opposite. Vedic scriptures fundamentally differ from Western religious traditions in their approach to knowledge. Rather than demanding unquestioning belief, they invite personal verification through self-discovery. Vedantic teachings more closely resemble a chemistry laboratory, designed to demonstrate and foster understanding rather than merely presenting information about life. Vedic astrology (Jyotisha Shastra), as one of the six limbs of the Vedas (Vedangas), builds upon these foundational principles of observation (via the “inner eye”), dialogue, practice, and realization. In this spirit of open dialogue, I offer insights that might enhance your observations, potentially leading you to confirm or expand upon these perspectives.
As mentioned previously, we now turn our attention to how we respond to changes—specifically those indicated by celestial positions and movements. It’s crucial to dispel the misconception that planets and stars directly cause our misfortunes or blessings. Such attributions to celestial bodies are fundamentally misguided. What exists is a synchronization between changes in our physical plane (and consequently our psychological state) and celestial positions/movements. The underlying cause of this synchronization extends beyond this article’s scope.
Life’s difficulties often stem from our misalignment with changes occurring within us (changes visible through the “telescope” of astrology). This misalignment arises from four primary factors: lack of awareness of changes, inadequate training to handle changes, insufficient practices to align with changes, or unwillingness to adapt. The latter three factors fall within the domain of human response and warrant deeper examination. Depending on the specific cause of misalignment, we can develop appropriate responses to alleviate suffering. Fundamentally, effective response involves harmonizing ourselves with inevitable changes rather than resisting them.
Lack of training to handle changes Our value foundation established through family, parenting, and education provides tools for managing life changes—whether through health-restoring actions, supporting others’ recovery, improving collaboration, solving problems, or meeting needs. However, when confronting unfamiliar situations like anxiety, depression, solitude, or cross-cultural interactions, we struggle due to educational limitations. Overcoming these challenges requires dedication to necessary learning.
Lack of practices to align with changes Awareness and training alone prove insufficient without implementation. Laziness and misplaced priorities often prevent necessary practices, though numerous other factors may contribute. Misalignment persists through complacency and inability to prioritize different practices based on their benefits. Resolution requires attitudinal realignment and disciplined approach.
Unwillingness to align with changes This resistance pattern emerges from fixed mindsets anchored in strong attachments to personal notions, creating closed-mindedness and inertia. It may lead to uncritical acceptance of proposed solutions driven by deep-seated biases. The typical response becomes “blaming planets” for difficulties while “awaiting better times”—both representing misconceptions. Overcoming this pattern demands combining attitudinal realignment with educational growth.
While these insights provide pathways from inaction to action, a higher-level response exists—the sattvic response, involving detachment from outcomes while performing necessary actions. This principle, rooted in Vedantic teachings on moksha, enables one to remain unaffected by external changes. For self-realized individuals, astrological data becomes merely information, incapable of disturbing their peace because they exist in alignment with the universal nature of Atma, transcending identification with body, mind, and intellect. As this extends into spiritual territory, we’ll conclude this discussion here.
The final article in this series will explore how transformation progresses through stages and why sustainable growth follows cyclical rather than linear patterns.
Author: L.N. Venkataraman
To reach out, email to: venkat@adaptive-instruction.in
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