Tuesday

Astrology is often degraded to mere fortune telling

In today's modern western world astrology is often degraded to mere fortune telling, and thought of as having something to do with gypsies or others that make their living from the fears and superstitions of the general populace. There are many so-called psychics, astrologers, and the like out there that it's no wonder astrology is not given the respect it deserves in the minds of modern men and women.

The science of astrology dates back to the Vedic times of ancient India. The ancient seers had accurate information of the movements of the heavenly bodies, their relations to each other, and how these movements would affect a person's life. Verily astrology is the father of modern day astronomy. Unfortunately modern day astronomy for the most part does not consider how the movements of the planets and stars affect us on earth, or how they can give us knowledge about ourselves individually, and collectively. Many have seen the validity of astrology on a mundane level to understand how career, finances, relationships, etc. will manifest, but to think that this is the end-all of this great science is missing the higher meaning. It should make one think toward a higher purpose in life.

Astrology is based on the science of reincarnation, or transmigration of the soul. According to one's actions in the previous lifetime, or lifetimes, one enjoys, or suffers in this one. For every action there is an equal, or greater, reaction. This is known as the law of karma. What is to come in this life can be accurately foretold by the positions of the stars and planets at the time of birth. This is known as the astrological horoscope. We can understand the level of intellectual capacity possessed, as well as talents, capabilities, and best directions for an individual to take in order to achieve success in life.This is not just materially, but also on an astral and spiritual level.

Therefore astrology is meant to make us think about our true spiritual nature for the goal of human life is self-realization. What is the point of repeating birth after birth only to immerse ourselves in materialism time and time again? Astrology teaches us that we are not these bodies, but eternal, immutable spirit souls. Only the body is born and dies. For the soul there is no birth or death. If I must give up everything I've worked so hard for in this life at the time of death, then my work in acquiring material things is obviously not the goal. Any sane person can understand that at the time of death, or leaving the present body, everything in relation to the body is finished. We cannot take anything of this world with us. Therefore it should lead us on a quest to discover transcendence, or our spiritual nature, for this is eternal.

To stir one into spiritual contemplation is the real message and usefulness of the holy science of astrology. It is of the utmost importance in life that we discover our true selves, and our true nature of happiness and love. How to do so? The Vedas give us so many ways of advancing on the path, as do the higher precepts of all religions. The real problems of material life are birth, death, old age, and disease. Is there a way to solve these problems? Most assuredly, there is, and it is our birthright to know the answers. We must learn to balance physical, emotional, and spiritual health to live a complete, happy, and satisfying life. A qualified astrologer can help a person to understand what has been brought into this life, and how to shape destiny by attracting positive forces and repelling negative ones enabling maximum use of all God-given potentials. The result is greater clarity of perception toward inner happiness, peace of mind and a healthy, progressive lifestyle.

Howard Beckman (Hamsavatar das) is a director of the Vedic Cultural Fellowship and Pecos Valley Yoga and Ayurveda Center. He was trained in India for over a decade and has been a practicing Vedic Astrologer and Planetary Gemologist for over 30 years. He is the author of three leading books on the Vedic Sciences and is recognized as the sole gemologist in the U.S., who is also expert in the field of Vedic astrology and gem therapy. His most recently manufactured Balaji GL108 Navaratna Gem Lamp combines all of this knowledge and is the latest most innovative technology available on the market today. Being considered one of the world’s foremost authorities in both jyotish and ayurvedic gem therapy he is often consulted by other Vedic astrologers and ayurvedic practitioners for opinions and recommendations of gems for their clients.

Howard still consistently travels and works dividing his time between the US, the UK and India, as well as, maintaining a busy astrological practice seeing clients from all over the world, and does many consultations for clients by telephone and mail.

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