ASTROLOGY AND THE DEVOTEE

by Hamsavatar dasa

 

                Is Vedic astrology something devotees can use? We’ve often heard that “a devotee should depend on Krsna.” Taking advantage of the knowledge of Vedic astrology does not necessarily interfere with dependence on Krsna. Vedic astrology is a spiritually based science meant to help us execute duties in life by giving us the correct timing for specific actions. It is a holy science, one unfortunately given a “black eye” in modern times because many unscrupulous persons degraded it to a system of mere fortune-telling. That is not its intended purpose.

 

AUTHORIZED

                Astrology is a bona fide Vedic science propagated by the topmost devotees of the Lord. The father of Vedic astrology is Parasara Muni, the father of Vyasa, and the authorized scripture is the Parasara Hora Sastra. Parasara states in the last chapter of Parasara Hora Sastra that his preceptor was the sage Saunaka, the author of Rigveda Pratisakhya and other Vedic texts. Narada Muni was Saunaka’s instructor in this science, and Narada Muni’s instructor was  Lord Brahma. Astrology propounds devotional service unto the supreme Lord as the ultimate goal of human life. For instance, chapter two of Parasara Hora Sastra  is entitled "Great Incarnations of the Lord," and begins by Lord Rama, Lord Krsna, Lord Narasimha and Lord Varaha.

               

 ROAD MAP

                A horoscope is like a road map. One who has a good map of  the UK can drive from London to north Wales in the dead of night, knowing the best roads to traverse and the dangers of certain curves, embankments, etc. Therefore they know when to go slow and when to speed up.  A horoscope will also show times that may be difficult, so that one can exercise caution, and when there are peak times for certain activities such as monetary investments in business and commitments such as marriage.

 

MEDICAL ASTROLOGY

Perhaps astrology is not relevant for one in the renounced order of life, who has no prescribed duty other than constant preaching and chanting of the holy name. However, most devotees are not sannyasis nor advanced transcendentalists. Most devotees have their dharma to perform such as caring for their families or working to earn money. Like ordinary people, many devotees have difficulties in balancing the different areas of their lives. For instance, marital disharmony and divorce are major problems in the West today, and our devotee communities are also affected.

                Vedic astrology can help us understand our physical and psychological strengths and weaknesses. That can help devotees better control their lives and avoid the problems that come from falling victim to negative tendencies. Thus they can have healthier and more productive lives.

For example, Ayurvedic medicine considers astrological influences in diagnosis and treatment (as do other medical systems such as the Chinese and the ancient Greek). In the past all Ayurvedic doctors were also astrologers. The combination of these two sciences gave them a complete system for diagnosis and treatment of both physical and mental diseases. The combination of horoscope and stethoscope for diagnosis of the physical condition worked well universally. Up until a few hundred years ago, even in the West, knowing astrology was a prerequisite for becoming a physician. 

Vedic astrology can  diagnosis and help prevent disease far beyond the scope of modern medical science. Medical astrology can foresee not only diseases a person is likely to contract in their lifetime, but also what parts of the body are likely to be affected and when that might occur. The strength of our horoscope will indicate the strength of our body and its ability to resist disease. There are certain "yogas," or combinations of planets, which indicate health or disease. With this knowledge a person can better regulate his diet and physical exercise.  “A ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

A person’s mental health can also be understood from his horoscope. The psychological condition as a whole can be understood through a careful study of the birth chart. There are combinations and planetary conjunctions that can indicate a troubled mind, neurosis, or psychosis.

 

OTHER USES

Proper reading of one’s horoscope can give other practical and beneficial knowledge about oneself . The birth chart can indicate occupations in which householders can successfully earn an honest living.  One reason why arranged marriages within Indian society are usually successful is that they are made using the services of a qualified Vedic astrologer. The marriage arrangements unite couples who are compatible. It’s foolish to choose mates by "falling in love," with no foresight for the future of the relationship. That has led to physical, emotional and sexual abuse, which have tragic consequences in people’s lives.

                 It requires a great amount of knowledge and experience to correctly practice astrology.   For instance, a medical astrologer must know not only how to diagnose disease but also how a person can attain and maintain health--physically, mentally, and spiritually. Just as astrology is accepted and used to great effect by people in the East, it is to be hoped that sincere and knowledgeable practitioners of  Vedic astrology will also earn it recognition in the West.

               

For consultations, further details, and information on lectures and workshops in your area telephone Hamsavatar at (01424) 423019; Fax: (01424) 465398; or write to 6 White Rock Gardens, Hastings, E. Sussex TN34 1LD England U.K.