I look like any other woman you might pass on the road. I don’t wear a saffron robe, a bead mala or carry a crystal ball. So, when I’m introduced as an astrologer, it makes for some interesting reactions and conversations. Someone who has known me for a while discovered my ‘secret identity ’ and exclaimed, “But, I don’t want to know the future, I am too scared.” I have heard different versions of this statement many times over. I am writing this for those who think I am some sort of Oracle who can prophesy their future through a Vedic astrology reading. 

What is Vedic Astrology?

Jyotisha is the precious knowledge passed on to us by the wise ones who came before us. They observed and learned that life on Earth follows certain rhythms and patterns influenced by the Grahas (or planets) visible to us on Earth. These Grahas move against a backdrop of fixed stars that have been used to mark sections of the sky as portions called Nakshatras (lunar mansions) and Rashis (signs).

What is Jyotish?

‘Jyoti’ means light, and I believe that Jyotish is the knowledge that helps us shine a light onto ourselves and our life path. I advise people to use Jyotish as a light to help them see themselves and their lives better and thereby improve their lives.

Astrology for Self Discovery

The wise tell us that we should first know ourselves before we set out to know the world. Self knowledge is easier said than done. A birth chart in the hands of a person who knows how to interpret it is a snapshot of a person, their inclinations, strengths and weaknesses. Instead of undergoing tests and quizzes to see this information, one can simply analyse the birth chart. It tells you your strengths so that you can utilise them well and build on them. It also clearly tells you your weaknesses so you can work on them.

Astrology to Decode Cycles of Growth and Development

Many people, in time, grow into very different versions of their original selves. Their evolution depends entirely on their life experiences and how they have reacted to them. But Jyotisha can tell you which facets of your character and which areas of your life will be the highlight for a certain time period. So, you can make life plans and self improvement plans accordingly.

Astrology for Red Flags and Warning Signs

The Met department is not always right about the weather. But, their warnings warn us to carry an umbrella on some days and can even save lives with red alert warnings. One does not ignore the weather forecast simply because they are not always right! Similarly, a Vedic astrology reading can give you forewarnings of things that MIGHT happen. One example of this is a reading that I gave a person who had a rift with his parent for a long time. He was letting things rest, perhaps hoping that time would heal wounds. When reading his chart, I saw red flags that caused me to worry about his parent. I suggested that it was time to sort things out as his parent’s health did not look good for the coming year. The son reconciled with and spent a few weeks with his parent. Sadly, his parent passed away. I could have been wrong. But, by warning him, I hope that I, as a Jyotishi, helped him and his parent to better their relationship before it was too late to do so. This is a practical example of how Jyotisha can guide us. Some so-called Jyothishis issue unwarranted warnings and then use the fear in their clients’ minds to sell them expensive gems or remedies. Sometimes, Homas and other rituals can help. But beware of an astrologer who sells you the reading and the remedy.

Astrology for Planning and Big Decisions

If you are planning to move overseas, you must spend a lot of time and money making arrangements. There is no guarantee of getting that Visa or work permit. Jyotish can tell you if you should make arrangements immediately or wait before you try. It helps you plan better.

Kundali Matching for Marriage or Relationships

Jyotish has long been used for matchmaking. Even people who don’t know the first thing about astrology, will go to a Jyotishi to match horoscopes for a prospective bride or groom. However, this practice has over time been diluted to the extent that some Jyotishis use the bare minimum criteria, such as the Moon nakshatras alone, to approve or reject a match instead of thoroughly analysing the charts in question. There are more Grahas than the Moon in a birth chart, after all. Many couples have been separated and not allowed to marry by such astrologers. But, if your potential partner is a creep or has a tendency to be violent or sadistic, your astrologer can warn you. It is up to you to look for tell tale signs and decide.

Astrology for Marriage Counselling

When a couple runs into trouble in a marriage, a skilled Jyotishi can serve as a marriage counsellor. The Jyotishi can use Vedic astrology chart interpretation to help the couple better understand their individual approaches to marriage and find a better understanding of each other. If either or both of the people involved are in particularly stressful Dasha or transit periods, the Jyotishi can counsel them that this is a temporary phase and guide them on how to navigate it.

Astrology for Career Guidance

I sent my children to a career counsellor before choosing the subjects they wanted to pursue and their career options. I was delighted to see that my analysis of their charts and the counsellor’s analysis of their strengths and interests perfectly matched. Just as I would expect the career counsellor to guide my children into self discovery and not force them into any particular career, one can use a Jyothishi’s advice to explore strengths, weaknesses and interests to present possible options to a person. It also helps a parent to rest easy knowing that their child is on the right educational and career track.

If you have ever wondered, “Is this a good time to ask for a raise?” or “Should I switch careers now, or wait for next year?”, you could just ask a Jyotishi! Your Vedic chart has immense potential to guide you on the highs and lows of your career.

Astrology for Healing

Sometimes, we blame ourselves and our loved ones for terrible incidents in our lives. When we get our birth charts read and understand the patterns in them, we stop blaming ourselves and each other for things that have transpired. Instead, we understand that each challenge holds a lesson for us to learn and grow. And that we were born with the static potential to face and learn that particular lesson.

So, Can Astrology Predict the Future?

Astrology is a guide to the flows and patterns of your Karma. How you deal with the ups and downs is your free will. So, an astrologer cannot see your future like a movie and tell you exactly what will happen. They can, for example, say that you are likely to have a health issue at this time, so please do not ignore any small health issue and take care of yourself. It is your free will to take better care of your health and visit a doctor or ignore health issues at your own peril.

So, in response to the person who said that she was scared to visit an astrologer because she is scared to know the future, I say: “As a Jyothishi, I cannot predict the exact future, but I sure can help you face it better!”

Instead of googling “Vedic Astrology 6th house” or “Vedic Astrology 8th house”, learn Vedic astrology chart interpretation as a whole or go to someone who does. The guidance you will get from a Vedic astrology reading can improve your life and how you face it.