Today, here in Japan, we celebrate a festival called “Ta-na-ba-ta” (七夕). It comes from China, and if you can read Chinese or Japanese you will note that they literally mean “7th night” or, more poetically, “The night of sevens.” This festival occurs on the 7th day of the 7 month. It has accommodated itself to [...]
The First Group This is the development of the desire to understand oneself. First one is conceived (Ashvinii), then developed with difficulty in the womb (Bharanii), then is born and cut from the mother (Krittika), then one enjoys growth (Rohini), then one starts to look for a purpose (Mrigashiirzha), which becomes confusing and chaotic (Ardra), [...]
In a previous article (Psychology of Vedic Astrology) I introduced the psychological underpinnings available in Vedic Astro-Psychology. Now, in this article, I want to show you just how rich these three basic building blocks become when you consider all their layers. Please do have a look at the previous article first if you havent already, especially [...]
You have the sky itself, which is a complete circle. We measure it to have “360º”. From there we divide it in different ways to get astrologically meaningful sections. You are most familiar with how the sky is divided into 12 sections – the “12 signs of the zodiac”. This division is based on the [...]
Jyeshtha – The Protector I translate Jyeshtha as “The Protector” though the more literal meaning is the original, first, or eldest. The symbol of this lunar mansion is a round talisman granting supernatural protection. The word jyeshtha literally means “the eldest,” and is a title given to the eldest brother of the family signifying his [...]
One of the greatest misconceptions in astrology is that a sign is a uniform place all the way through. It is akin to thinking that America is the same in the north, south, midwest, etc. The people in the American midwest are very different from the people in the northwest, who are different from the [...]
I translate Anu-Radha as “Dedication and Devotion.” Anu-Radha is very closely tied to the nakshatra that comes just before her in the zodiac: Vishakha. Both share the same symbol: An “arch of triumph,” which is essentially a “finish-line.” However Anu-Radha’s archway has a blooming lotus flower in the middle, while Vishakha’s does not. This distinction [...]
I translate Mula as “The Root.” Mula marks the location of the center of the milky way galaxy – which is the Root from which our entire multiplicity of stars and solar systems has “grown.” This lunar mansion gives you the subconscious and uncontrollable instinct to search for “the roots” – the hidden truth buried [...]
I translate Uttara-Ashadha as “Ultimate Victory.” Vedic culture says that true victory cannot be had by any weapon or strategy that neglects morality. Without morality our victories quickly undo themselves. Thus the Vedic deity who empowers Ultimate Victory is the collective 10 sons of righteousness (known as the Vishvadevas). True victory can be found within [...]
I translate Purva-Bhadrapada as “Forelegs of Fortune.” The primary symbol of this mansion is the front wheels of a hearse. The front of the hearse indicates our fearful entry into the metaphysical realm which confronts death itself. The next mansion in the Zodiac after Forelegs of Fortune is Hindlegs of Fortune – the back of [...]
