SIDEREAL ASTROLOGY
"Learned astrologers can indicate
what may take place in the future.
Only the Creator can say what will definitely
happen."----The Astrological Magazine of India
Vedic depicition of the Nava Graha or
Nine Planetary Deities: Surya, the Sun god is always located in the
center, and surrounded clockwise from the top by Shukra (Venus), Chandra
(Moon), Mangala (Mars), Rahu (Moon's North Node), Shani (Saturn), Ketu
(Moon's South Node), Brihaspati (Jupiter), and Budha (Mercury).
These nine deities are considered to be the planetary hierarchy
ruling over their 9 respective gem catagories.
The practice of "Jyotish" (the
Science of Time) or Sidereal astrology has been in continuous use in India
for thousands of years and in recent years has become increasingly popular
in the West as well. This method gives clear indications about one's
personality and personal proclivities, and also uses predictive methods
which are useful for short or long range planning in one's life. The study
of the twelve houses of the Sidereal horoscope reveals one's destiny in
all areas of life. For example, the first house and the Sun in one's chart
will indicate the health of the person. The second house and Jupiter
reveal one's karmic destiny in the area of finances. Similarly, Saturn and
Mercury represent one's profession and business, the ninth house
represents religious pursuits, and there are even formulas for
understanding the past and future lives of the soul.
The Sidereal or Eastern system of
astrology is based on the position of the belt of fixed stars and
constellations in the heavens, whereas the Tropical zodiac or the Western
astrological system is based upon the position of the Sun in relation to
the Earth. The first degree of the Sidereal zodiac is measured from a
point 180 degrees opposite the star Spica, whereas the first degree of the
Western zodiac occurs when the Sun reaches the position above the equator
known as the vernal equinox, on or about the 22nd of March each year.
Originally, the first degree of the zodiac
was common to both systems. Due to the peculiarities in the Earth's
orbit, however, the belt of stars and constellations appears to shift in
relation to the Tropical zodiac. As a result, the two zodiacs are drifting
apart. This is called the "procession of the equinoxes," and
today the difference between the two systems is calculated at about 23
degrees. Thus, if a person is born on January 1, he will have the Sun in
Capricorn according to the Western system, but according to the Sidereal
system the Sun will be at approximately 16 degrees Sagittarius.
By practical experience, and in light of
the advice of the great sages of India, the use of the Sidereal method is
preferable. It is mathematically more correct, and it also penetrates into
the subtle elements of nature, such as mind, intellect, and spirit to
present a more complete picture of our soul's sojourn in the realm of time
and space.
The Sidereal astrological system notes the
strengths and weaknesses that a person will experience in life, and also
recommends remedial measures for improving our future. The karma or
destiny which we are born with has been accrued by pious and impious
activities in previous births. The spiritual astrology of India opines
that karma is not eternal and can be changed. There are several ways
to strengthen our planetary karma.
The easiest method is to wear gemstones
which attract the pure vibrations of the planets. According to
a person's birth chart gems can be recommended to counteract negative
influences, strengthen auspicious planets, or, according to a
person's particular desire, a gem may be worn to help fulfill a certain
ambition. A good astrologer should be consulted for particulars.
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