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Learning Sanskrit Part 1: Vowels

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Yogasutra 1.23: Īśvara

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Love & Hate || Spoken Word

By Hemal P. Trivedi

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Home Sweet Home || Spoken Word

By Hemal P. Trivedi

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Vedic Astrology

“I’m a Virgo, it means I’m analytical, critical and mysterious.” We hear these phrases frequently  associated with the signs of the zodiac. Because Western astrology is often associated with the horoscope section in the Sunday newspaper, it undermines the complexity of both Eastern and Western astrology. The fact of the matter is that Vedic astrology is a highly complex system of calculations and predictions that include personality reading derived from various classical texts like Bṛhat Parāśara Hora Śāstra. Phala Dīpīkā, Sārāvalī, Bṛhat Jātaka and many more. In the U.S., when it comes to pop-culture astrology, we are taught to classify ourselves as a particular sun sign: ex: Virgo, Taurus, Capricorn, etc. However, along with the Sun, Vedic astrology (and Western) acknowledge 7 other planetary deities (Moon, Mars, Jupiter, Mercury, Venus, Rahu & Ketu) that are each located and dispersed throughout the 12 signs of the zodiac and in different houses (some in the same). These combinations provide immense variation in reading an individuals personality. For example, if the Sun is in Leo (ruled by Sun & Sun is in its own sign) in the first house of Self/Body, it is often read that the individual will have immense confidence in oneself (often arrogant), and will get authority/respect quickly however, if the Sun is in Libra in the first house, (Libra=sign of debilitation), the individual may struggle to get the authority and respect in life, or have to work twice as hard.

Furthermore, let us analyze the phrase: “She’s a Cancer, she’s emotional.” Although in Western astrology, this can hold some merit, emotions are linked to the Moon, not one’s Sun sign. Thus, if one wants to see one’s emotional reactivity, one needs to see where the Moon is placed, with what aspects and in what house. If the Moon is placed in the fourth house, the individual is very much emotionally linked to the home, especially the mother. If the Moon is placed in the 7th house, the individuals emotions are inextricably linked to one’s spouse. The point is that there are countless variations, many of which are mentioned in these classical astrological texts. 

Each planet has aspects (sights). For example, Jupiter has aspects for 5, 7, 9. This means that Jupiter not only impacts the house it is in but also impacts the 5th, 7th, and 9th house from it. This creates further variation. 

It is important to understand this because in modern Hindu culture, (in many households) Vedic astrology is very much respected. Hindus consult astrologers before making decisions (career, marriage, business, etc). From an outsiders point of view, it may be difficult to understand how one can make a decision based on being a Virgo, but from the insider, there is great complexity in these astrological predictions that should be brought to awareness.

12 signs, 7 planetary deities, 12 houses, and thousands of variations.

From my experience, a reading from a trained astrologer who is well-versed in the texts and adept at factoring the current time period can provide insightful information about oneself. This is for the reader to explore.

-hpt