Why Bother Exploring Astrology - Barbara Pijan Lama Jyotisha

tadyatha om gate gate paragate parasamgate bodhi svaha

Shri Shri Ganapati

Why Bother Exploring Astrology?

The Ban

Astrology is under a significant intellectual ban in most of rational western culture. This taboo was established for the educated social classes of the West, with varying degrees of proscription, during the Enlightenment period, c. 1700 CE. (Of course, there is no such taboo in India.)

Taboo rules exist in all societies.
They are the single most effective method of social control.

When I, who hold three prestigious western academic degrees, am asked why I would endanger my intellectual credibility by entering this intellectual taboo zone, I usually answer: because of my Rahu (with a yogakaraka Shani in the bhava of knowledge treasuries and trine to L-10 Chandra).

(But that technical Jyotisha discussion is for later.)

There are some good intellectual reasons

to challenge an intellectual taboo, especially the western taboo against astrology.

Most of those reasons are essential scientific. Some are contemplatively philosophical; some are moral; and some are strictly rational!

One great question underlies our experience, whether we think about it or not: what is the purpose of life?

The simplest and most compelling reason to explore Jyotisha is that a broader, more mystical perspective on your life path and purpose has the potential to increase your overall sense of satisfaction with your life experiences and choices.

You can know what your spirit intends to accomplish here on Earth, and how well your true goals have thus far been realized.
You can see that, regardless of others' opinions, you are on the right track.
It can be shown that there are no permanent mistakes; and there are no victims.
It's all on schedule.

The contentment that this knowledge can evoke, may lead to self-compassion and self-forgiveness, which may lead to compassion for others.

Compassion creates happiness.

Rohini Ranjan

writes some clear and compassionate words about how astrologers practice their craft in a positivistic, empirical world. See http://www.boloji.com/astro/00314.htm (recommended).

updated:25 December 2012

Barbara Pijan Lama Jyotisha Vedic Astrology Surya Sun Chandra Moon Mangala Mars Budha Mercury Guru Jupiter Shukra Venus Shani Saturn Rahu Ketu Graha Planets Dasha Timeline Nakshatra Navamsha Marriage Children Wealth Career Spiritual Wisdom Cycles of Death and Rebirth

"And now my friends,

all that is true, all that is noble,

all that is just and pure,

all that is loveable and gracious,

whatever is excellent and admirable -

fill all your thoughts with these things."

~~ Epistle to the Philippians 4:8