The Dangers of Simplistic Astrological Interpretations
Why Context Matters in Decoding Horoscope 🧎🏼
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It is dangerous to see a planet in a sign only and interpret it out of context. We often hear statements like, “My Shani dasha has started and since Shani is in the 10th house, my career is going to be adversely affected,” or “I knew my Rahu is in the 7th house so I was expecting a divorce in Rahu Antardasa.” Such simplistic interpretations can be misleading. Here are the major dangers of believing such hypotheses:
The Complex Nature of Astrology🧎🏼
1. Astrology Requires In-depth Knowledge: Astrology is a complex subject. It takes many decades of study and practice to understand the planetary movements and their effects comprehensively. We have discussed this in an earlier article about how to learn Astrology.
2. Importance of Special Dashas: Most references to "dashas" are about Vimsottari Dasa, a general-purpose nakshatra dasha of 120 years. However, Rishi Parasara in Brihat Parasara Hora Shastra emphasizes the significance of special dashas. For instance, if the Sun is in Lagna, Shashtihayani dasha is more appropriate than Vimsottari. Using the correct dasha can yield vastly different results.
3. Relevance of Divisional Charts: Often, references to horoscopes focus solely on the Rasi chart. Maharshi Parasara highlighted the importance of Divisional Charts. For example, Saturn in the 10th House of the Rasi chart can have multiple implications. It could relate to career, parenting, discipline, illness of children or resistance to emotional feelings (6th from the 5th), desires of mother (7th from the 4th), happiness index of the Spouse (4th from the 7th) and so on. To determine the specific impact, consulting the divisional charts is essential. If Saturn is debilitated in Saptamsa (D-7), it may indicate emotional issues between parents and children during Saturn’s period. If Saturn is well-placed in D-7, other divisional charts should be checked as this interpretation would not be valid.
4. Role of Free Will We have earlier discussed in detail about fate and free will. The position of a planet in a house or sign indicates guidelines for actions and inactions. This aspect is explained later with an example.
5. The Law of Attraction With incomplete knowledge, we may mislead ourselves, causing the law of attraction to work negatively. Constant fear and anxiety about planetary placements can lead to self-fulfilling prophecies, drawing negativity to prove our beliefs.
A Deeper Look 🧎🏼
lagneshe vyayabhavasthe dehasaukhyavivarjitah
vyarthavyayi mahakrodhi shubhdrigyogvarjiteh
(BPHS Vol. 1: Chapter 24, Sloka 12, Ranjan Publications)
Meaning: If the ascendant lord is in the 12th house without benefic aspects or conjunctions, the native will lack physical happiness, spend unfruitfully, and be prone to anger.
Now, consider this Rasi Chart example which is a horoscope of an actual person (identity hidden due to privacy concerns):
The Ascendant (Lagna) is in the 12th house, devoid of any benefic aspect or conjunction. Ideally, this person should be angry, lack physical felicity, and not be prosperous. However, in reality, this person is materially very successful, extremely healthy, and very wise in spending. How could this be?
By analyzing the Divisional Charts, we find promising aspects that offset the presence of Lagnesh in the 12th house in this case. Additionally, strong Yogas play a significant role. The most significant aspect of this person’s horoscope is the way he lives, by believing more in Free Will rather than fate.
The Significance of Free Will 🧎🏼
This quote from Bhagwad Gita reflects the importance of personal effort and self-control, highlighting the power of free will in shaping one's destiny.
The Rishis emphasized free will over fate. When Lagna is in the 12th house, one should live life like an ascetic, always willing to give—knowledge, money, any creative product etc. When such a person is in a mode of giving (Daana Mode), they will find material success, good health, and fortune. But if it is otherwise, we may well see the results as per the interpretation of the BPHS.
Astrology and its intricate connection with Vedas and Spirituality 🧎🏼
Astrology should not be read in isolation. It is a Vedanga, part and parcel of the Vedas. Interpreting a planetary period with Vedas and Spirituality in mind can change the perspective, opening up positive possibilities. The law of attraction starts working in a positive sense, enriching lives with pleasant experiences.
We have discussed that it is impossible to predict the future. It’s only the holistic interpretation of Astrological combinations through the lens of Vedas and in the envelope of Spirituality that makes sense. An outcome solely on the basis of Astrology would be senseless and dangerous.
Life is better off without Astrology 🧎🏼
If one is not familiar with the Vedas or rooted in Spirituality, it might be wiser to approach Astrology with caution. Without a comprehensive understanding, Astrology can seem intimidating and misleading. Instead of succumbing to our own negative constructs born from ignorance, life can be more fulfilling without an uninformed belief in Astrology. Ultimately, the goal is to live confidently and embrace life fully, regardless of planetary positions and their periods.
Such an insight sir..
Sir I have read it repeatedly, thank you Sir for sharing this valuable article, Om tat sat.