Fashion Observer Magazine June. 2014 | Page 167

ABOUT VEDIC ASTROLOGY It is by no means an easy task to begin writing about an ancient science. However, my fascination and curiosity with astrology has been unquenchable for over 10 years, and recently, my shift to exploring vedic astrology has opened up many new doorways and shed light on many questions I have had about life, the universe and my role in it, as well as our collective roles that we are all playing out here on earth; the stage where the celestial and planetary rays manifest their potentials. I do not wish to claim title of being a ’vedic astrologer’ however I write to share my fascination with the subject, as I learn about it and experience its application, as well as combine it with stories, mythologies and archetypes that relate deeply to the human psyche and the human experience. “Jyotish” literally means the Science of Light, as it is a study of the light from the stars and planets. Light is codified information. Light illuminates the dark shadows of ignorance, and so the knowledge and understanding of the great heavenly bodies serves to en-lighten our minds, hearts and souls. The ancient Seers, or Rishis, studied the movements of the planets against the starry celestial backdrop, and the relationships that occur between them. They understood how these relationships had a direct effect on the quality of our daily lives on earth. As they observed these events, the knowledge was passed down orally from master to pupil. LEARN THE FUNDAMENTALS The study of the stars through astrology is fundamentally about understanding the universal archetypes that manifest within us; where we experience all the latent energy and potential of life. Many people think that astrology is about Fate; that what is written in the stars is unchangeable and “thou shalt repent forever more” No. Astrology is about becoming a Self-Master. It is about waking up to the forces that coalesce inside; the gradual realisation that we have the ability to direct the impulses, desires, thoughts and feelings that arise from inside us, that in fact, by harnessing