Hey, you let me make your astrological predictions. Spoiler alert, today you will be reading this very informative and enlightening article related to the secrets of Astrology. If you are not an actual astrologer or astrology minded, you might find this sentence fake or mystical. A prediction is a prediction.
But how true are predictions based on Vedic astrology? Is it voodoo or any black magic or events caused by planetary influences? Hold on to your laptop, Kindle cloud reader, or mobile phone tight cause this article is going to bust common myths of Astrology.
Origin of Vedic Astrology
Jyotish Shastra is perhaps the oldest astrology in the world which is a system mentioned in ancient Hindu scriptures. Here, Jyotish means ‘the science of light or heavenly body,’ and Shastra means ‘knowledge on the particular field.’ It is a Sanskrit term that deals with the astral light pattern.
Jyotish Shastra is an important limb of the Vedas. It is much more than a simple divination system. It is a great Vidya (Spiritual Science), deeply embedded in a profound philosophy of life. The origin of Astrology is often considered to be linked with ancient mythology. Greek Mythology to be exact! The Zodiac signs are linked with some figures from mythology typically gods and goddesses.
Astrology Myths and Misconceptions
Since astrology is an ancient science, which is perhaps difficult even for modern science to interpret, there are many dimensions and corners of his realm that many people misinterpret. Due to this, there are lots of false ideas about ancient science. Here are 10 Misconceptions and Myths About Astrology or Jyotisha Shastra.
1. Astrology Is Based On Magic and Paranormal or Psychic Activity.
Those who don’t believe in astrology often write it off as something mysterious magical activity. Still, the truth is, astrology is really just based on an ancient science in the Vedas. Astrological predictions are based on a birth chart (natal chart) created with information about the place and time of birth. The chart with astrological houses itself is an imprint of how the planets, stars, and universe aligned at that precise moment.
It makes sense that astrology is also called ‘Jyotish,’ which translates to “science of light.” It is based on the objects we know are in the universe, and there’s nothing too mysterious about that.
2. Jyotish is not ‘Rays’ From Other Planets.
Jyotish literally means the “lord of light” but is often translated as the “science of light.” “Jyoti” means light, which refers to the luminosity of the stars and planets. However, since our outer reality reflects our inner reality, the light also refers to the light of God within.
So, some people have a misconception regarding Jyotish that the rays emanating from the planets affect our lives or have some concern with our destiny, but that is a myth. Rays can only produce some physical effects, just like Sun rays produce heat & give away light. Similarly, rays emanating from the Moon on a Full-Moon day are responsible for producing tides in the sea. They have no concern about our destiny.
3. It Is Just About Your Weekly Zodiac Sign/Horoscope.
Reading daily horoscopes online is just an entertaining hobby for a lot of Avid horoscope readers. And more to that, judging one’s personality traits based on Zodiacs are in trend, especially in Western Astrology. In reality, astrology is much more meaningful than a diversion.
Karma and planetary alignments are the cornerstones of Vedic astrology. It’s essentially your accumulated karma that results in whatever happens in the future. Let’s say your chart shows that this seed is an apple seed. That means the potentiality of the seed is to become an orange tree, grow hundreds of thousands of oranges, and live its life for whatever period of time. This is the potentiality of every single chart. The birth chart shows the seed that can achieve its fully-grown destiny to bear the fruits of your karma.
The astrological readings of your interactive birth chart are the blueprint of your destiny, written in a language that only the actual astrologer understands. That’s a lot more significant than just how will be your daily events, good or bad!
4. It Can Accurately Predict Future Events and Even Change Them.
People often make a perilous mistake with regard to astrology; they don’t understand its true goal. Popular opinion suggests it can be used to anticipate future events, but this is not the case. Instead, it should be seen as a tool that allows people to take charge and rally against hardships in life.
Astrology encourages success by emphasizing one’s disconnection from the universe. Moreover, it serves as an advisory for those who require direction, alerting them to possible missteps. It can help guide you to better decisions by pointing out whatever can be wrong.
Let us put it this way: you can not grow a mango tree from a lemon seed. Perhaps the lemon seed can avoid getting certain diseases by choosing how you treat it and deal with it. If you know what individual journey will lemon seed face to become a tree, you can try making it better, but cannot convert it into a mango tree.
5. The Misconception about Its Practice!
The Jyotish doesn’t have to give readings to get experience. They can do retrospective research by studying past events in anyone’s chart without the pressure of having to give an accurate reading or offering sound advice.
For example, it’s helpful to analyze charts of actors who have won an Oscar or friends who have received a promotion at their job. It’s also helpful to analyze the charts of celebrities or individuals who epitomize specific character traits. There are also books and astrological journals with example charts that one can study.
By getting into the habit of continually studying charts, for instance, 3 or more per day, one’s understanding of Jyotish will accelerate dramatically.
6. Who is The Teacher of An Astrologer?
There is a huge misconception about who the master is in Vedic Astrology. Jyotish is based on an oral tradition. Traditionally, one studying Jyotish Shastra would sit with their guru for long hours reciting Jyotish texts, discussing principles, and studying charts. Over time the learner acquires the refined discernment of their teacher. There is no replacement for this kind of one on one tutoring with a qualified teacher.
Inevitably, while studying Jyotish Shastra, questions arise, which can only be answered by someone with quality experience. Such questions can only be answered by an experienced Jjyotishi or Jyotish guru. A guru is someone who dispels confusion and brings clarity. “Gu” means shadow or darkness, while “ru” means to disperse or remove.
7. Being A Student of Jyotish Shastra Is Easy
Jyotish Shastra is a science that has its own set of academic requirements. It has its own technicality measured by all the elements of Sahsatra, such as Bhawa, Gharha, Dhasa, etc.
For instance, astrology readings require the memorization of a large body of technical information. There’s no way around it. Just like the pianist needs to memorize scales until they become second nature, the Jyotish or astrologer needs technical information at the forefront of their awareness when analyzing a chart.
8. Delusion About Gemstones
The theory given by some astrologers that if we wear gemstones related to some planets, then the rays coming from those planets will penetrate those gemstones and will enter our skin, and will alter our destiny is not correct. It has been observed that gemstones produce some effects on the state of mind or, in some cases, the state of health of a person.
It is not the rays but the planetary positions at the time of a person’s birth, as seen from his birthplace, which correlates with the person’s personality and destiny regarding various life issues.
9. Jyotish Shastra Has No Spiritual Practice
Jyotish is a spiritual science that cannot be learned only through technical academic study. At some point in one’s development, the Jyotishi needs to combine both intuition and intellect to interpret astrology’s symbolic language correctly. And intuition can be developed only through spiritual practices.
Traditionally, the Jyotishi would be initiated into worshiping a personal deity or Ishta devata who would help illuminate their intuition. For instance, Vedic astrologers often worship Ganesha because he is considered the patron deity of Jyotish. Deity worship is devotion to a specific aspect of God and is not idol worship, which is another common misconception.
10. Jyotisha Is a Business
Jyotish Shastra was brought forth by great sages for the welfare and benefit of humanity. Professional astrologers have the same attitude, and their primary motivation is to benefit and serve others. The key to ethical behavior is a concern for the welfare of others. Thus, the original intention of the Jyotish is for the welfare of others while also earning money for their primary needs.
But there is still a huge misconception about the Jyotisha practice that it is only done for business purposes. But the actual aim of Jyotisha is the welfare of the people.
Astrology, like counseling, is a helping profession. Jyotish Shastra is also a powerful predictive system. Although the misconception exists, the theory of Jyotisha has its own components that help us know about certain upcoming predictions of our life. How the Jyotishi handles their relationships with clients is their own karmic responsibility. Jyotishi’s words can strongly influence others for better or for worse.