Jyotish is the science of understanding the subtle influences that come to us from the cosmos. These influences are a reflection of the law of karma. Karma means "action" or "deed," the principle of "cause and effect," as well as the consequences or fruits of our actions. Both the Bible and the Vedas agree that we "reap what we sow."
Our karma means that our present circumstances, and everything we are now receiving, is a result of some prior thought or action. Karma includes acts of commission as well as omission, i.e. things we could have done, and did not do. The external events of our lives are ruled by past karma - this requires an attitude of acceptance. Our "free will" means that our future is shaped by our actions in the present.
Jyotish is not fatalistic. A basic tenet of Vedic knowledge is that our true Self is eternal and transcends all influences of time and space. We may always return to that Self, going beyond our outer limitations. Jyotish shows us how to adapt to our cycles of karma; we can’t change the weather, but knowing it's going to rain, we bring an umbrella. This adaptation includes the use of upayas (remedial measures) that help ward off harmful influences or strengthen beneficial ones. The seeds to improving our destiny are here in the present - our progress depends on cultivating a greater awareness of how this works.
You can make or break your karma by taking your life into your own hands and becoming a master of your fate, by seeing the pattern of cause and effect, back into the dim past, and forward into the bright future. By gaining conscious control of our thoughts and attitudes, and by right action, we can control the flow of karma.
We are born at a particular space/time in the universe. When the soul takes birth, it descends through the heavens and the atmosphere before reaching the Earth. It can only take birth in the physical plane at a time in harmony with its nature and destiny. The great clockwork of the cosmos is in a particular position at the time of our birth. A wise mother is able to give a most auspicious start in life, by seeding a child at the correct time, and influencing the actual time and place her child is born. In any case, we have to make the best of our karma. The birth chart represents the seed pattern of our lives; like a seed, its development depends on the environment as well.
Jyotish holds that sadhana (spiritual practices) help neutralize the effects of karma. The main upayas of Jyotish are also spiritual and consist of ritual, mantra and meditation. Wearing the gemstone of a planet will promote positive energy. Propitiation of the planets through puja (ceremony) is an integral part of Hindu life. Each planet has a deity, whose names may be chanted, and associated articles, which may be offered in worship or given in charity.
Jyotish helps us to understand how to optimize our potential so our lives develop according to our true destiny. It gives us an idea of the trends and periods of life - when to act, and when not to act. It helps us understand our strengths and weaknesses, where we need to put extra attention in order to attain fullness in our lives. It offers practical remedial measures that help to alleviate areas of difficulty indicated in the chart.
Consultations include: Birth Chart, Annual Chart, Astrolocation (finding your best place to live), Relationship Compatibility, Muhurta (selecting the optimal time for commencing an important activity), Birth Time Rectification, or specific questions related to any area of life. return