W. Ryan Kurczak - The Art and Science of Vedic Astrology: The Foundation Course

The Art and Science of Vedic Astrology

THE ART AND SCIENCE
OF VEDIC ASTROLOGY

RICHARD FISH & RYAN KURCZAK

Copyright 2012 by Ryan Kurczak
& Richard Fish

ISBN-13: 978-1475267655

Asheville Vedic Astrology
Asheville, NC Telephone
828-423-6636
Email:
web site: www.ashevillevedicastrology.com

CONTENTS

Introduction

The purpose of this book is to present a basic course in astrological technique and astrological knowledge, while providing a functional framework for the development of the intuitive capabilities characteristic of a competent astrologer. Astrological rules, the meanings of planets, houses, signs and their interrelationships form the body, the structure of astrology. The creative intelligence organizes the information and reveals the message of the horoscope to the astrologer. The full value of astrology is realized when the two unite.

In this regard, to be an astrologer requires sufficient intellectual skill to comprehend the concepts presented. In the words of Sri Yukteswar, Astrology is too vast, both mathematically and philosophically, to be rightly grasped except by men of profound understanding. If ignoramuses misread the heavens and see there a scrawl instead of a script that is to be expected in this imperfect world. One should not dismiss the wisdom with the wise.

With the advent of computer programs, much of the mathematical calculations no longer present a barrier. However, one intent on astrological study may still need to strengthen the mental faculty. If the mind does not initially comprehend the material, it will with time, intention to understand, and repeated exposure.

To the uninitiated, a Vedic astrological chart looks like a square, sectioned into twelve portions and randomly peppered with glyphs. Each section has a particular meaning. Each glyph represents a sign or a planet. Depending on what sections of the chart the glyphs fall and where they are relative to each other, many meanings are possible.

What takes one from an arm chair philosopher and makes them into an astrologer with valid insight?

A teacher is helpful. Anytime one converses with a person of skill and merit in a chosen field, learning is possible. By remembering the instruction of the teacher, knowledge is imparted directly. There is also a natural tendency to become like the company one keeps. Not only can teachers share knowledge and experience, they can also share their presence. When no teachers are available, the right study of books can serve the purpose.

Volumes have been written on astrology. The more one reads and commits to memory the multitudinous meanings of astrological variables, the deeper the reservoir of knowledge that is available for evaluating the horoscope. Add to that curiosity to discern the essence, or energetic signature, each variable represents and then the intuition begins to grow.

Vedic Astrology is best practiced by a person whose awareness is clear and whose intuition is highly developed. To this end, yogic meditation and lifestyle, which facilitate clarity of awareness, is recommended. More will be said about relevant yogic methods and philosophy later in the book.

Mastery provides a means for greater self-awareness. The more one learns about the planetary movements through the heavens and the relationship between sky and earth the more inclined one is to perceive that consciousness is a seamless whole.

The ultimate goal of Vedic astrology is to reveal the manifest nature of reality, as it is, beyond hopes, dreams, or delusions. People have different experiences in life. When they can make peace with where they are and make the best of the situations that are available to them, they can be freed from suffering. No longer prodded by obsessions or compulsions, they can act appropriately, naturally, and spontaneously.

Astrology and Self-Realization

The purpose of Vedic Astrology is to promote Self-realization. It encourages awareness of ones essence of being as superior to the transient phenomena with which most people identify, such as circumstances, personality and the body.

It teaches, Here are the trends of your life, the life experiences you sustain through behaving in the same ways repeatedly. If you keep living in the same way, here is an estimate of how your life will unfold. Now that you know the patterns you can change them, because the patterns are not you. When one is tired of feigning helplessness and confusion in life, Vedic Astrology outlines a way to responsibility and success. Verse sixteen of chapter two in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali reads, Pain which has not yet manifested is to be avoided. When you can avoid the pain, you free up your energy to focus on being a productive, conscious human being. Then your absolute and relative purposes are integrated.

Vedic Astrology is a spiritual discipline and the practice of enlightened living improves an astrologers ability to adhere to that discipline. It requires neutrality, objectivity, the ability to see and speak the truth, and the compassion to share information without inciting fear or emotional distress. Through meditation and practice of the yamas and niyamas outlined in Yogic literature, these qualities become manifest in the astrologer. Then the act of practicing astrology assists in clarifying the awareness of others.

It is important to note that superstitious reliance on astrological information dilutes the potency of the information provided. Looking to the position of the planets for answers to every decision made in life serves no purpose. Self-realized souls are guided by an inner knowing. Prior to Self-realization, we should do everything we can to encourage that inner knowing. If every challenge impels us to consult the planetary transits or the astrological chart, we are not allowing our own inner knowing to develop. When a person is sincerely in need of guidance, an astrologer can provide that guidance.

Astrology As Vedic Knowledge

All knowledge is within consciousness. As individualized units of Infinite Consciousness, the potential for all knowledge is within every human being. The sages and seers of old knew this truth. By studying the movements of the planets through space and the patterns they made, the sages realized that the state of the solar system reflected the nature of the circumstances in the moment. By understanding the cosmic influences, they could then relate appropriately to what life presented. Seeing the cosmos reflected within their own being, it became apparent that their own being was reflected within the cosmos. To know the reason why things happened as they did, they could look within or to the sky. Both led to the realization of the Self, and to a higher knowledge called the Veda.

When we know the fullness of our real Self, beyond delusions and illusions, we become a knower of the Veda. We are then Self-realized, enlightened. Established in our Self, our actions flow spontaneously. We know we are not the doer, but the contact point with creation through which consciousness expresses itself. Our actions are appropriate because impelled by the knowledge of our Self, the Self that is aware of all things and is in harmony with life. The Infinite Consciousness, or the Self, is naturally inclined towards harmony.

Yoga and Ayurveda

Vedic Astrology shares its roots with Yoga and Ayurveda. All three are sister sciences with one ultimate aim: to provide the proper structure in the physical world to allow the clarity of Self-realization to flow freely into material creation. Yoga provides physical and mental practices to tame the mind and the restlessness of the body. Ayurvedic lifestyle regimens harmonize the individualized mind/body constitution for optimal physical functioning. Vedic Astrology reveals the map and timing of habits and tendencies that may manifest in our life experiences. All for the purpose of elevating our awareness above the pull of the unconscious influences that can keep us bound to sorrow, grief and repeated needless suffering.