2006.02.07 Two types of astrology

[Sacred Fool]

For some reason, Westerners place an enormous emphasis upon which sign their sun is in.  In Vedic astrology, that is one significant fact among 261 others.  The relationship between the planets, the "houses," the "birth star," the astrological signs and whatnot, all these strands (or lines of force) weave an highly complex pattern which can be used to give some insight into the struggles one faces.  And then it goes on to describe what influences one might be facing at this or that given point in time.  

I seem to recall Ra saying something about the more deeply one knows oneself, the less these forces catch one unawares, or the more skillfully one can work with them.  Until one reaches such a state, a model of the dynamic flow can potentially give useful insight.

Oddly enough, I had a Vedic astrological reading done recently (my first competent reading).  I'm still chewing through my notes, combing out useful insights. The astrologer recommended a couple of pujas.  Yesterday I had a Rahu puja done for me at a local Sai Baba (of Shirdi) temple.  The energy of that place already feels like coming home to me and the shakti of the puja was wonderful.  

I might add that, although I feel that way about the energy, I'm the only white dude I've ever seen hanging around there and I don't speak a word of Hindi (or Tamil or whatever) while the priest's--and many other's--English is scant and hard to understand.  Even so, it all works out.  There's not much talking goes on there.  It's more worship and seva oriented (totally volunteer, save for the priest).  People come and go.  I show up irregularly and dig the vibes in sweet meditation.

It helps put me in a good mood, so, therefore, I haven't been wildly ranting in these forums so much of late.