Vedic astrology, also known as Jyotish Shastra, is an ancient Indian astrological system that has its roots in the early texts of Hindu philosophy, the holy Vedas. Much more than a tool for predicting events, Vedic astrology is a divine science that provides a spiritual map of an individual’s karma, life journey, and soul purpose. It recognizes the deep interconnection between cosmic energy and individual destiny. Unlike modern horoscopes that focus primarily on personality and future predictions, astrology provides insight into spiritual development, karmic lessons, and a person’s dharma – a higher calling in life. In Sanskrit, “jyotish” means “light,” and is often referred to as the “eye of the Vedas.” This spiritual metaphor suggests that Vedic astrology sheds light on the path of life, revealing the unseen forces of karma and divine will. The sages of ancient India developed this science to understand cosmic rhythms and align human life with the universal order. By studying the pla...
In astrology, the term “retrograde” refers to the period when a planet appears to move backwards in the sky from our perspective on Earth. This optical illusion is caused by the different speeds at which planets orbit the Sun. While this phenomenon is astronomically predictable, its astrological implications are far-reaching. Retrograde planets disrupt the natural flow of energy and bring about inner reflection, procrastination, or even karmic reviews. They serve as cosmic checkpoints, urging us to pause, reevaluate, and realign our actions with deeper truths. When planets are direct or transiting in your natal chart, they often mark important turning points in your life’s destiny. When a planet is retrograde in your birth chart, it means that the lessons that planet is guiding are more internal and karmic. For example, if you were born with Mercury retrograde, your communication style may be more introspective or reflective, and you may need to work harder to express yourself clearly....