M S Shivakumar (40),
who researches and practises astrology as his passion, is a Learning &
Development professional. He has served at the top level in L&D department
of Fortune 500 companies across the globe. Shiva, a highly qualified
person and alumnus of many prestigious institutions including IIM, strongly believes that the principle
of astrology is to "Make things Happen" rather than "Watch
things happen or wonder what happened".
In an exclusive interview with K. Srinivasan, Editor in Chief, Shiva
shared some interesting aspects of astrology. Excerpts:
What is the history
of Astrology? Who first developed this
concept and when?
It is very difficult to say when the concept of astrology was
developed in India. Vedas and Upanishads
talk about the planetary movements and their impact on the human being. Many Rishis have contributed to this
knowledge. Even the Epics like Ramayana
and Mahabaratha have references about astrology. Astrology dates back to 6000 to 10000
years. Vedic Astrology is also known as Jothisha.
In ancient days, this knowledge was passed on to the disciples
through Guru Parampara. It was not available to the common men, to
prevent misuse of this concept. In those
days, there were experts, who advised the kings while taking important
decisions, based on astrology.
There are three major categories in Astrology. (1) Siddhantha
(Panchanga based), (2) Samhitha (for kings and their kingdoms) and (3) Hora (time-based prediction of events).
Parasara Maharishi conducted a detailed
study from the Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas and scriptures, written thousands of
years ago. He filtered and consolidated
the concept of astrology. Several
schools of thought came up later. The Parasara
school of thought is mainly followed. Jaimini, Saravali, Jathaka Parijatha, Saravartha
Chinthamani were the main schools of thought that came up later.
What is the basic concept of astrology?
How is astronomy used in astrology?
Anything that is related to the 'out of earth'
atmosphere is known as astronomy. The Study
of the connection between the Celestial (study of sky) and the Terrestrial
(study of earth) is astrology. It is
purely based on the metaphysical principle, using the mathematical
relationship. Astrology involves a lot
of mathematics. Mathematical relationship is needed to understand and express
the quality of energy of planets (sound, shape, angles, numbers, etc.)
Planets and stars emit energy of different strengths
at a variety of instances. These energy and its frequencies are the cause of
the creation, sustenance and ending of events in one's life.
Astrology involves 27 stars, 9 planets and 12 Bhavas (houses). To predict an event that can occur in future, we may need
to analyse 2916 data points for accuracy (27 x 9 x 12), which will let us know
the influence and impact of planets and stars on an event.
If a person starts learning astrology at the age of
8, dedicating 8 hours per day for 800 years continuously, he will learn only one-sixteenth
of astrology. It involves a lot of
cosmic intelligence and calculation of planetary movement.
There are three levels of consciousness – simple
consciousness (5th sense), self consciousness (6th sense) and third cosmic
consciousness (7th sense). Each
consciousness can speak to each other.
The planets in the universe communicate with each
other through light, heat, rays, neutrinos, x-rays, etc. It has a huge impact on the human neural
network. To understand cosmic consciousness, one needs cosmic intelligence.
If you see the astrologers, they normally prepare
two charts (Rasi and Navamsa), based on the date of birth,
time and place. They are called Divisional
Charts D1 and D9. These charts indicate the planetary positions at the time of
birth of a person. We can make 144 such charts to understand deeply. The charts
can be prepared from D1 to D144.
How Astrology Works?
There are three outcomes – event, experience and
environment. Events are like
occurrence of job, wedding, position, health, wealth, etc. Experience
is emotions and feelings, derived out of an event. Environment is the boundary of the limitation
within which a person's life operates.
Potential and Manifestation are the two wheels of astrology. A person may have
great knowledge about business or may be highly talented. The potential of the
person can be so high that he can make things happen and can become rich. But
in reality, if you check, he would not be able to produce success or achieve
growth. That is called manifestation.
One planet determines the skill and another planet
determines the results. One may have the potential, but if not manifested in
reality, it is of no use.
In order to make use of the best time and increase
the success rate, the branches of astrology like Kaala, Ganitha, Jaataka, Prasna, Murtha and Nimitta help.
Vidhi, Madhi and Gadhi - Vidhi is fate, what is shown in the chart. Madhi
can be utilised to escape Vidhi's
difficulties or challenges. Gadhi is known as Surrender to
Almighty.
Bucke, a Canadian psychiatrist, says "cosmic
consciousness is an interconnected way of seeing things, which is more of an
intuitive knowing than it is a factual understanding. Astrology is not just a belief but knowledge
about belief.
Action + confidence + faith = belief
It is like cautioning and helping a person to
achieve maximum potential to manifestation.
Astrology can never go wrong. An astrologer can go wrong.
Is Astrology a Science or an Art?
According to me, astrology is pure science. Today, astrology is seen as the 'Law of
Possibility' rather than the 'Law of Accuracy'. Dr. Percy Seymour conducted research
on the Mechanism of Astrology in Plymouth University (USA). He concluded that planets
move like tidal tugs; they interact with each other, and they have an impact on
human lives. He also claimed in his book titled "The Scientific Proof of
Astrology" that the movements
of the sun, the stars and the planets can influence the brains of unborn
children in measurable ways. Several
researches on astrology have been initiated in various universities across the
world.
There are scientists
who do not consider astrology as science.
Everything need not be classified under science. I feel the
opposite of science is not pseudo science, myth, spirituality or belief. I call it 'unexplored science'.
Science and spiritual belief co-existed for ages. Even today, we see many scientists who believe
in spirituality, culture and values. People who are rational are also
spiritual. It is not either science or culture, rational or spiritual. It
is a combination of both.
By positioning ourselves on both sides, we may be able to
understand the subject better. A single-sided perspective will only increase
the blind spots.
Proven science can only work within limited and restricted
grounds. Studies are still being carried out in the unexplored areas of
supernovae explosions, gamma ray bursts, and cosmic microwave background
radiation.
Although it consumes time, we need scholars to conduct more study
to bring in evidence, logic and witness behind astrology and get the fullest
benefit to mankind and take this subject to a larger audience for more fruitful
findings.
How Western Astrology Differs from Indian Astrology?
Western astrology is sun sign-based. Indian astrology is moon-based. Vedic astrology is the oldest. All other schools of thoughts, whether Indian
or Western, are derived from Vedic Astrology.
Astrology is a wonderful science that provides
guidance to maximise growth and success and minimise loss or distress. It helps you to be at right place at right
time with the right people, with the right health and the right intention,
guided by the right Guru or God
Almighty. Make use of this science and
be benefited!
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