Astrology and Spiritual Growth

THE YOGA SUTRAS OF PATANJALI

Roy Eugene Davis' Commentary on the Yoga Sutras.

All astrology deals with the likely outcomes of past actions: the way our actions contribute to the experience of our outer environment, condition our body, emotions and thoughts, and thus determine our character and personality traits. If this was all that had to be considered astrology would be an exact science. Our past activities would completely condition our future. But we are more than the body, emotions and mental traits that we so often identify ourselves with.

We are all blessed by free will and our lives are largely shaped by the interplay of fate (karma) and free-will. We all have freedom of choice and the extent to which we exercise this ability determines the extent to which our lives are conditioned by manner in which astrological influences affect and condition us. No one should feel completely conditioned by their past karma (which is indicated by the positions of the planets in our horoscope).

Certainly past karmic influences will arise and our lives are shaped by the choices we have to make. However, our future is determined and unfolds from our states of consciousness and our mental states, which continually modify the future that is suggested by the conditions of the birth chart, which has much to say about our subconscious conditioning but less to say about the consequences of our taking control of our lives and becoming more Self-determined.

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, although primarily a treatise on the practice of Samadhi, contains a wealth of knowledge for the Vedic astrologer (and the person intending to rise above their astrological influences). An astrologer who practices and properly comprehends the message within the Yoga Sutras is better equipped to counsel those who are seeking guidance. Study and meditation on the Yoga Sutras serves to deepen intuition as well as provide concise knowledge on the most efficient means of transcending the karmic condition.

What is the Horoscope and How do we Change Karma

Vedic Astrology Horoscopes look very different from the western natal chart.

The birth chart is a collection of your past habits, tendencies, actions, thoughts and momentum in a particular direction through life.  This can be called karmic, because habits, tendencies, thoughts and actions are what create a person’s karma.  Just like any habit, circumstances can be changed by thinking differently, acting differently, challenging and changing one’s belief’s systems, and putting energy and momentum in the direction you would prefer to go. This is sometimes easy, and sometimes hard.  It depends on how much time and attention you have already invested into the path which you are currently traveling.  It also depends on how attached you are to certain thoughts, beliefs, actions, etc.

This is one reason why regular meditation and prayer can be so helpful, as it directs your attention to a consciousness beyond the small confined human circumstances and gives space and openness to be receptive to unplanned good fortune and to other ways of seeing the world. Vedic astrology has a number of remedial measures that help to assist this process, such as gemstones, mantra, service, behavioral changes, etc, but truly, an effective expansive regular meditation practice is invaluable while transcending the indications of the chart.

The Purpose of Astrology

It is often difficult to see our shortcomings or even our strengths unless someone else points them out to us. Astrology provides a keen glimpse into the areas of our life that are fully supported and that a client might be taking for granted. It can also show areas that are weak and need strengthening through remedial measures. A Vedic astrologer can ascertain the resources available to a client and give advice on making the most of what is available.

Vedic astrology can pinpoint times to take actions that are supportive of particular endeavors. Imagine a client expressing interest in moving to

Timing is everything.

another country and starting a new business. Success for that endeavor could be indicated in the chart, which is one reason the client had the inspiration in the first place, but the astrological influences do not indicate success for said venture until five years down the road. If an astrologer did not share this information with the client, she might make the move and start her business only to struggle needlessly for the next five years.

 H uman beings incarnate to fulfill four main purposes in life:

• P roper livelihood in accordance with our natural tendencies.

• T he ability to procure resources for our needs.

• E njoyment of our life circumstances.

• Liberation of consciousness from the mistaken sense of individual isolated existence.