Astrology

Basics Of Astrology

The foundation of astrology is based on the planetary and astral positions relating to the individual’s time of birth as it has a direct impact on that individual. Reason being that the distant celestial objects can mold an individual’s personality, affect the quality of relationships viz. romantic & others, can find out their financial state and fortune, foresee the trajectory of their existence on the earth. It is more or less a guiding light, where an experienced astrologer helps a person in recognizing one’s life and making them focus on areas that can help them on the family, financial and career front, etc. By now, astrology has been considered as a valid and accurate science over the centuries. It stands to be in a popular space where people have developed a deep faith and belief. Individuals now invest their belief in enhancing their destiny by following the piece of advice provided by their astrologer, which is in line with the movement of stars like the sun, moon and other planets.

The Four Elements

There is a straight correlation between celestial bodies and their configurations with each other. Not just this but the movements in the processes viz. fire, air, water, and earth, are existent. These elements have been believed to be the building blocks of the universe. And express the imperative nature of the different signs. To make things more interpretable with respect to astrology, the principles of physics were incorporated. After which it was studied that there is a clear division between the eternal, circular motions of the heavenly element with limited linear motions of the 4 sublunar elements which include: fire, air, water, earth.

Let’s see the qualities associated with each element corresponding to the zodiac sign:

• Fire: Associated with the following zodiac signs: Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius. Fire exhibits the qualities of positivity, assertiveness, energy, enthusiasm, impulsiveness, inspiration, courage, power, passion, and initiation. The zodiac signs in this category are referred to as the exuberant and physically active group.

• Earth: Associated with the following zodiac signs: Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn. Earth exhibits the qualities of cautiousness, responsibility, reliability, ambition, practicality, focus, discipline, dependability, solidity, and perseverance. The zodiac signs in this category are referred to as the practical and grounded group.

• Air: Associated with the following zodiac signs: Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius. Air exhibits the qualities of lightheartedness, joy, curiosity, restlessness, independence, communication, impracticality, entertainment, intellect, and trust. The zodiac signs in this category are referred to as the mentally and emotionally agile group.

• Water: Associated with the following zodiac signs: Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces. Water exhibits the qualities of compassion, forgiveness, understanding, emotions, creativity, intuitiveness and spirituality. The zodiac signs in this category are referred to as the intuitive and family-oriented group.

A Piece Of Brief Information About Vedic Astrology

Vedic astrology is perceived to be the most accurate type of astrology with respect to its predictions and can foresee the certainty of forthcoming incidents. Hence, it is referred to as celestial science (and not an unethical pseudoscience) and is much more accurate in comparison with Western astrology. Though Western astrology aids in calculating on varied and more planets viz. Uranus, Neptune, Pluto, and Eri. However, its accuracy remains low in contrast to the Vedic calculation systems. The calculations performed by Vedic astrology is 90% based on two major celestial bodies, which is the sun and moon. Owing to the reason that these celestial bodies that we witness day in day out have the maximum impact on humans as well as other living creatures present on the earth.

As per Vedic astrology, the calculations majorly and solely rely on the birth ascendant, which is of paramount importance for a person’s lifestyle.

Mostly, astrologists have a sense of belief that the rising sign and especially planets on it or within a few degrees of the ascendant bring into play an impact, which is equal to or more powerful than the Sun and Moon. An individual’s ascendant denotes the manner in which others perceive him/her, also the general impression created on other people and that individual’s spontaneous reactions. So, it reflects the zodiac sign/the sun sign that was ascending on the eastern horizon the very moment when the individual was born. Upon meeting that individual, people come into interaction with his/her rising sign.

The Ten Planets:-

While executing the calculations the astrologers refer to the Sun and the Moon as planets. Doubtlessly, they do realize that this isn’t actually the scenario, however, since they have a strong impact on our lives, it is appropriate to contemplate them as planets while having a look at the horoscope chart. By and large, this is done for the purpose of understanding astrology. The ten planets encapsulated in the astrological study include the Sun, the Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. In accordance with astrology basics, each of these relates to a different side of an individual’s personality.

Let’s have a closer look at each one of them:

Sun

The Sun is a life-giver possessing radiating energy, creating inspiration, self-awareness, enthusiasm, and wisdom. Although the sun’s warm rays can be utilized for both good and ill. From an astrology perspective, the Sun passes through every zodiac sign for about a month each year thereby divulging what one wants from life. In cases where an individual’s sun is weak and affected it leads to pride, anger, conceit, and ego. As the sun relates to the conscious mind.

Moon

The Moon signifies fertility and is associated with sensitivity, imagination, feelings, emotions, the subconscious, and intuition. Additionally, it is related to nurturing, domesticity, and home and family life. Individuals who are dominated by the Moon are said to be emotional, sensitive, and adjustable. So, as per both basic and advanced astrology, the Moon is interrelated with the subconscious mind.

Mercury

Mercury commands the nervous system and intellect. It relates to self-expression and how well one gels with others. Mercury as a planet is synonymous with communication, this is the reason why it is associated with rapid thoughts, adaptability, oratory skills, quick perception and intelligence, etc. In contrast to these qualities that have been existent with the intellect/nervous system, travel is another element that co-exists here.

Venus

Venus is regarded as the goddess of love and sexuality. Hence, it denotes gentility, sociability, beauty, and arts. This planet is said to control the deep-rooted and finest human emotions, which encapsulates appreciation, love, and devotion. It determines and explains what one enjoys and how he/she holds close relationships.

Mars

This planet relates to audacity, also known as the god of war, signifies force, bravery, assertiveness, and physical drive. Diving deeper into its qualities it is related to boldness, frankness, endurance, and initiative. As the planet Mars divulges about one’s energy levels and sexuality.

People who are impacted/controlled by this planet are sharper at executing things instead of planning them. When Mars is in one’s favour then it gives away strength of character, leadership skills, and a strong aspiration to be successful. Not just this yet it also brings forth moral courage and the ability to perform things from the scratch by carrying ideas till the result/completion.

Jupiter

This planet is a symbol of wisdom, moderation, and generosity, where it divulges how one enjoys themselves. Moving further it is associated with good fortune and luck. Additionally, it attaches itself to a strong sense of wisdom, knowledge, levelling up learning, philosophy, ethics, understanding, and intelligence. Since Jupiter is believed to be always moving ahead, hence, it is associated with aspirations and career, when interpreting and understanding astrological significance.

Saturn

When it comes to constraints or restrictions, this planet comes into the picture and gets its name from the word saturnine. It divulges an individual’s sense of discipline, responsibility, focus, and character strength. It gives away qualities like tenacity, prudence, self-control, and concentration. When this planet is strong in one’s chart then it can offer positive energy that supports an individual in achieving his/her goals.

The Different Effects Of An Aspect On Each Individual

Aspect in simple words refers to the angles between the different planets in a horoscope. This is another imperative concept, which impacts understanding basic astrology. Where it can both strengthen or weaken, and affect the readings for every planet. Hence, both favourable and unfavorable aspects play a vital role. It is said that most of the time, a planet can be in a favourable aspect to one or more planets. However, on the contrary, and at the same time can be in an unfavorable aspect to the others. Intriguingly, individuals treat and use their aspects differently.

Where one individual might be suffering greatly under the possible effects of a discordant aspect. Although, on the other hand, some other person with the exact same aspect might witness positive energies inside the aspect and work with them.

In a nutshell

In spite of the astrology’s predictive powers, we must always consider this Sanskrit shloka that mentions the following : 

This means that “the movement of grahas can only predict the events for individuals who wish to seek information.

However, the one who can speak with exactness on events is none other than that one and only Creator”Here, this attaches to the fact that each individual possesses their own “free will”. It might be trivial yet holds a great significance of scope. And where free will prevail, Lord Sri Krishna mentioned to Arjun after reciting the Bhagwat Gita entirely from the 18th chapter, 63 verse:”iti te janam äkhyātam guhyād guhya-taram may vimrsyaitad asesena yathecchasi tathã kuru”. This means “I have explained to you a very confidential knowledge. Deliberate on this totally & then do what you wish to do”.