Astrology for Spiritual Seekers (Jyotish Yoga)
Astrology is an ancient science. The word means “astral logos” or “star law.” In India astrology is referred to as jyotish, and the study and use of astrology for obtaining moksha is jyotish yoga.
An example of the use of astrology in sadhana can be found in Paramahansa Yogananda’s Autobiography of a Yogi in the chapter “Outwitting the Stars”.
Here Sri Yuktiswar patiently explains to my parapara guru Yogananda, “Just as a house can be fitted with a copper rod to absorb the shock of lightning, so the bodily temple can be benefited by various protective measures. Ages ago our yogis discovered that pure metals emit an astral light which is powerfully counteractive to negative pulls of the planets.” Sri Yukteswar goes on to explain that in addition to metals, gems and plants also can be used magically to ward off negative vibrations from inharmonious planetary aspects to one’s birth chart.
Ayurvedic tradition makes extensive use of astrology, and metal and gem preparations. Two of the most commonly used metals for astrological remedy are parad, which is fixed mercury; and ashtadhatu, which is an alloy of eight metals: gold, silver, copper, zinc, lead, tin, iron, and mercury. Custom metal amalgams are also crafted, specific to a particular astrological chart.
If you are interested in gem stones for these purposes, I recommend the books Gem Therapy by Benoytosh Bhattacharya, and The Curious Lore of Precious Stones by George Frederick Kunz. My own book Herbal Alchemy details the astrological use of plants, and my upcoming book Namarupa: the Magic of Tantra Mantra has plenty of information about another extensively used type of astrological remedy, mantra.
An astrological chart prepared for the moment of your birth reveals your samskaras. These are the energy patterns or habits which create the karma in your life, both positive and negative. To bring these patterns to conscious awareness transmutes and reduces the negative tendencies. It also shows you how to promote your positive tendencies (your talents) and how to overcome obstacles on the path to enlightenment.
I was fortunate that the guru who initiated me was also an astrologer. His spiritual discipline coupled with his deep knowledge of astrology gave me hard-to-come-by insight into this esoteric science.
Many people believe that if they are on a spiritual path, they do not need an astrologer. This is true, if indeed one is attentive and intuitive enough to read all the subtle cues the universe gives us on a daily basis. However, even the Dalai Lama has his own personal astrologers. If he feels that he benefits from the science, no doubt most of the rest of us would also find its guidance beneficial.
So, sure, astrology is not necessary if you feel that you are far advanced of the Dalai Lama, but otherwise, you might find that knowledge of your personal mandala, your astrological chart, is very helpful.
If you are on a spiritual path and are interested in having a spiritual reading, please contact us and tell us about yourself and your needs. We may or may not be able to do your chart for you. If we feel that it might be auspicious, we will respond with questions and continue the process until a decision is made. You can contact us via e-mail at hurley(at)tantrayoga.us
Chart costs are compatible with all income levels. We do not deny chart readings for spiritual purposes for lack of funds.
Phillip Hurley
The images on this page are based on the Dendera zodiac, the oldest known graphic representations of the astrological signs.
