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ISBN: Print 978-1-64611-307-1 | eBook 978-1-64611-308-8
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For my many teachers, which includes my clients, students, family, and Jyotish instructors, who have taught me so much throughout my journey. Especially to my principal Jyotish teacher, Souvik Dutta. To my husband, who is my greatest teacher in life.
CONTENTS
My initial exposure to astrology was through Western sun sign astrology. It was a few years after I began studying Western astrology, in early 2000, when I was introduced to Jyotish, the Vedic system of astrology from India. At the time, I was between corporate jobs and contemplating a change of direction in my career. Instead of immediately jumping back into a career-oriented role, which would have been my normal pattern, I decided to take a break and find a part-time job that would allow me to connect with a personal passion.
I saw an ad in a local alternative paper for an administrative role supporting a Vedic astrologer, and I decided to apply for the job even though it was significantly below my experience level and pay grade. Looking back, I believe I was intrigued due to my love of astrology, even though I had never heard of Vedic astrology. I am surprised even today that it took me so long to learn about Vedic astrology, especially because I was a serious yoga practitioner for many years, and I was studying Ayurveda, the natural medicine of India.
Whether by luck or by design, I was offered, and accepted, the job. My subsequent experience and exposure to the ancient astrology of India eventually changed the course of my life. My transition from the Greco-Roman-based Western astrology system into the Indian system of Vedic astrology was a perfect fit for me and for my lifestyle.
After a few months, circumstances dictated that I return to my conventional career path, but my passion for learning more about Vedic astrology never waned. I continued to immerse myself in my Jyotish studies. After I had completed almost a decade of study and reading in my free time, the universe conspired for me to leave my corporate career behind to begin a full-time, professional Vedic astrology practice.
Along my lifes path, I have been fortunate to have studied with incredible teachers from the United States and India, exploring the various types of astrological systems of India, including Krishnamurti Paddhati, Jaimini, Naadi, and Parashari astrology, and studying the nakshatras deeply for many years. Since I began this incredible journey into Jyotish, I have read thousands of birth charts and been blessed with many wonderful clients. I have also been provided the opportunity to teach introductory and advanced courses and workshops, both independently and on behalf of educational institutions.
My most significant learning experience was with my Jyotish guru, Souvik Dutta, my longtime teacher from India, who now resides in the United States. Souvik was initiated into his spiritual life at the age of eight by his guru in India. He learned Jyotish from three distinct lineages: Tantra, Parashari, and Naadi. The main text I studied with him was the Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra (BPHS), although over the years he has also shared some of his wisdom from the Tantric and Naadi lineages. The primary sources of Jyotish knowledge I am sharing with you in this book come from my studies of the BPHS, under the guidance of Souvik.
American culture typically approaches learning a new subject through taking part in a course, usually with an accompanying book containing supplementary course materials. Formal education will also often make great use of research conducted on the Internet. However, in modern India, the sources of education, including the keys to Vedic astrology, are still not found in books, but are instead passed down through lineages through oral tradition. This is known as shruti , translated as that which is heard.
Most of the more recent Indian astrological texts that have been translated from Sanskrit into English or other languages are almost impossible to comprehend without the guidance of a teacher. There is a fundamental philosophy inherent in this tradition; not everyone is intended to unlock the secrets within Jyotish.
However, dont let this intimidate you. If you arent ready to commit to studying Vedic astrology with a teacher and just want to learn the basics in a manner that is easy to understand, you have come to the right place. This book will provide you with a foundational understanding and aid you in taking the first steps of your journey into Jyotish.
