An astrology loving regular reader of this column has expressed his reservations on taking up serialised philosophical issues off and on. “Would it not mean philosophy encroaching upon the space assigned to astrologyIJ” he asked. “Absolutely not, because astrology distanced from philosophy will become heartless and shall lose its dynamism,” I replied.
Remember, any life related science has to be applied within the scope of design parameters underlying our existence – the laws of nature – which remains the prerogative of philosophy. And, without having a fair understanding of the construct of universe and that of a man, chemistry of mind, and interconnection of the man with nature, astrology will fail to serve our purpose. Also, the continuum in time and space running through successive birth-death cycles would not be understood. And mind it, without acknowledging continuum in the cause-effect chain driving a being, astrology will lose its relevance. For, astrological predictions are premised on this very self-evolved ground. And then astrology will end up being just a blind-belief, as is subscribed to by a good number of ignorant people that ‘what is fated cannot be dented’, which it is not.
Here, I wish to add that the mandate given to me by the managing editor of this journal is, ‘Astrology demystified’. Purposely so, as to establish that astrology is a dynamic discipline purported to add quality and value to life through conscious efforts. As has already been explained in the ‘Can we shape our destiny’ series, if we suffer in life, it is on account of the vagaries of our own mind. And, we are not just hopelessly fated creatures bonded to the trappings of preordained destiny. In fact, given the ‘power of freewill’, which is duly aided by the faculty of discriminate intelligence, we are very much empowered to shape our destiny through conscious efforts.
Applying the above prerogative, we can identify, acknowledge, and address the limitations of our mind. Having overcome our shortcomings, we shall be able to figure out and hone our inlaid potential, come out with our best, and turn life into a beautiful experience. It is following this spirit that Swami Vivekananda observed: “We do not suffer in life because our destiny is so scripted; we fail because we do not strive sufficiently to unfold infinite power within”.
Unless we have a fair understanding of the dynamics of life in holistic terms as explained by philosophy, it would not be possible to comprehend the true essence and spirit of astrology. Failing which, astrology will turn to be a destiny defining discipline as is pursued by charlatans and also subscribed to by a good number of unaware people. On the contrary, those conversant with philosophy use astrology as a diagnostic tool to read a person’s inherent mind-traits and accordingly guide them how to secure a qualitative existence with ease and comfort.
Remember, the inherent urge to evolve is ingrained in man’s construct. For, we are all necessarily born imperfect, thus calling for working upon one’s frailties and evolve. Those who ignore are bound to end up as a hapless victim to one’s own making.
Without having fair exposure to philosophy, it will be difficult to gather divergent mind-traits of twin brothers through just a mechanical reading of their charts. The two being born within a gap of just one minute, their charts apparently look the same, indicating similar trends. But those conversant with philosophy will be tempted to look at the finer co-ordinates of the two charts to figure out the difference, amidst lot of similarities in the two. The sub-sub lord of the third cusp identified with basal instincts, of one — call him A — is owned by debilitated Saturn, which is locked in adverse formation to mischievous Neptune, and occupies the lunar asterism of Ketu posited in a fixed and airy sign Aquarius. That makes him an introvert type, inward looking, self-reflecting subjective type, who may not easily open up, as he may be little low in confidence. He is susceptible to suffer from inferiority complex.
In case of the other — call him B — has Mercury as the sub-sub lord of the 3rd cusp. That makes him outgoing, extrovert, objective type, over confident, and quick to react and respond to an impulse. For, Mercury is posited in a fiery sign Aries, occupying the lunar asterism owned by the Sun, which enjoys due support of Uranus.
The difference in mental dispensation of A and B is because of carry-over of cause-effect chain from the previous birth.
The writer is an astrologer, vastu consultant and spiritual counsellor. Write to him at G-5, Basement, Jungpura Extension, New Delhi 14 Tel: 9818037273/ 24310031 Email: pioneerqueries@bharatastro.com Website: www.bharatastro.com