Most people come to astrologers to understand when they will marry, have a child, buy a place, move to a new home, travel abroad, launch a business, change a job, to name but a few. So then, how do you decide which astrologer to consult as they all seem to have differing opinions? There are two main points to consider when choosing an astrologer: 1) Timing, a good astrologer should be able to, with reasonable accuracy, help a client determine when to take action and when to do nothing. For example, if you have been searching for the right job for six months, and nothing good seems to show up in your life, there could be challenges in your birth chart and/or current dasha period that show you would get better results if you make attempts at a later date. So essentially, with the help of astrology, you can intensify your efforts at the opportune time rather than consistent untimely efforts, for ultimate success.
And 2) a good astrologer should offer a spiritual perspective. Your birthchart is a reflection of your overall aura and in this way you can only be born at that very moment that your aura resonates with the aura of the nine planets in the sky. So what does this mean then? Astrology can potentially uncover your soul’s karma that has ripened in this lifetime. And at the very least, this can then lead to self-awareness at the deepest core. So not only does astrology offer optimism and hope, but also a higher perspective, an understanding of that which is karmic, fated (difficult to change) as opposed to that which offers free will (easier to change), leading to a deeper acceptance of ourselves and those around us.
Unfortunately, there is no governing body for astrology and thus, no code of ethical conduct. For instance, there is the Law Society for lawyers, similarly accountants and financial advisors have regulatory bodies that tell them what they can and cannot do, not only that but they have to go through rigorous testing to become qualified. But for astrology, it all depends on interpretations. As such, here are some of my thoughts: choosing an astrologer with integrity is important, someone who is honest, ethical, and consistent; and an astrologer that has a spiritual bent should be valued, not simply one who is an academic in the field, as you need sound knowledge of the subject AS WELL AS sharp intuition. And how do you cultivate this intuition? By cultivating regular spiritual practice, for instance, someone who regularly practices kriya, meditation, yoga, mantras, so in other words, practices what he/she preaches! What we want in a good astrologer is someone who can read beneath the surface, and someone who has a matured outlook on life as this will bring depth to any reading.
Below are some excerpts from the classic texts with reference to what makes an astute and skilled astrologer from a more technical point of view:
RAHU/KETU play key roles. According to Maharishi Parashara, when Rahu or Ketu occupy the Karakamsa or the 5th from it, the native becomes an astrologer, among other things. In addition to the Karakamsa, the combination can also be seen from the Navamsa Lagna, Rasi Lagna, Chandra Lagna and the Karaka Lagna. Although the intensity of the results will vary.
Rahu exemplifies mysticism, occult, metaphysical studies, and astrology. Rahu is the karaka for depth and darkness. Jyotish is a form of knowledge which is not accessible to everyone. It requires one to delve deep into the matters pertaining to creation like all the occult subjects. Hence, it is a key significator of all occult knowledge, including Jyotish.
Whereas Ketu exemplifies religion, astrology, spirituality, occult and mystical disciplines. Ketu is the graha for intuition and pattern recognition. It indicates ability to solve highly abstract problems, which can’t be solved by logical deduction. Ketu’s problem solving includes processing of huge amount of information and recognition of patterns. Ketu does not have a head, hence its thinking is not structured and sequential. However, that makes it very effective in looking at the holistic picture to connect the dots which are not apparent to the eyes otherwise.
Budha is the significator of the knowledge of Astrology, Astronomy and Mathematics. It is also the significator for Mimansa, which is reconciliation of multiple branches of knowledge. Disciplines such as Jyotish requires one to understand and reconcile the knowledge from multiple branches of knowledge.
Surya is the giver of the Jyotish knowledge. He gave the knowledge of Surya Siddhanta to Maya Danav. Surya Siddhanta is one of the more accurate treatise of computation of graha. Surya is the governor of the solar system and the zodiac and thus called the King. Jyotish is known to be the eyes of the Vedas as it helps in looking through the deeper secrets. Surya being the governor of the eye sight, is strongly associated with the knowledge of Jyotish.
Guru is the giver of all kinds of knowledge including Jyotish. Whilst Budha helps in memorizing and retention of information, Guru helps in understanding (processing) it, so that one is able to apply them in real life situations. Guru-Mangal, Guru-Surya and Guru-Budha yogas are excellent yogas for Jyotish shastra.
Shukra is the Guru of the Asuras and highly knowledgeable like Guru. Shukra gives knowledge that is practical and can used in attaining material success. It gives the knowledge of strategy and how to defeat enemies in war. Perhaps that is why Shukra is never defeated in a Graha yuddha. Like Guru, Shukra gives many forms of knowledge, including Jyotish.
Mangal is a fiery Tattva Graha like Surya, which is essential for vision. Jyotish is the eye of the Vedas and requires strong and pure Agni Tattva in the horoscope for the person to be able to see the future and become Trikalagna (seer of past, present and future). Mangal is the graha for logical analysis and problem solving and allows one to analyse very complex situations, break them down into smaller systems, and solve them efficiently. Yogas such as Ruchaka yoga and Guru-Mangala are excellent for the knowledge of Jyotisha shastra.
Shani is the Kala itself, time personified. He is also known as Surya Putra Mahakala and represent the seat of time in Ujjain, in the form of Mahakala Shiva. Shani represents Brahma, the creator of the universe, and thus the knowledge of creation. Thus, a well placed and pure Shani gives deep knowledge of philosophy and the knowledge of the cycle of creation and annihilation, the Brahma Vidya. Yogas such as Shani-Guru (Brahma Yoga), Shani-Shukra-Ketu (Tapasvi yoga) are good for understanding philosophies, including Jyotish shastra.
Chandra: Chandra being a luminary is also effective in giving some knowledge of the future, however, unlike Surya, its light is calm and cool, hence instead of giving the ability to look through darkness, it makes one imaginative and creative. Chandra is not known much for its ability to give Jyotish ability, but a pure Chandra can complement the abilities of other grahas in giving a reflective and imaginative mind.
The Sutras from Jyotish Classics say the following:
1. 2nd lord and Budha are strong
Jataka Tattva. 3.5.47. When the Dhanesha is strong, and Budha is placed in Kendra, Kona or Labha the native becomes best among astrologers.
Hindu Predictive Astrology (BV Raman): Mercury in a quadrant and the 2nd lord powerfully situated, makes one proficient in Astrology.
2. Budha in the 10th House
Hindu Predictive Astrology: Mercury occupies the 10th house makes one a professor in religious philosophy, astrology, mathematical sciences, teacher, judge etc.
3. Strong Guru in the 2nd house
Jataka Tattva. 3.5.48. When Guru is Uccha and is placed in Dhana Sthana, the native is best among astrologers.
4. Budha and Shukra in the 2nd or 3rd house
Jataka Tattva. 3.5.46. Budha and Shukra in the 3rd or the 2nd house make one the best among Jyotishshastris (gnaachau sottharthagau jyotirvidaam shresthah…)
5. Strong Guru and Shukra
Kundali Darpan. Guru in Kendra or Trikona and Shukra placed in exaltation makes the native an expert mathematician.
6. 2nd lord in the 11th House
Mansagari 3.24. When 2L is in the 11H, the native becomes adept in the affairs of the Graha (i.e., astronomy, astrology, cosmology etc.), wealthy, famous, looks after own community and other people in general.
Specific yogas granting knowledge of Astrology
- Mangal-Shukra
- Chandra-Shukra-Shani
- Surya in Mithuna Rasi (Surya in Mithuna Navamsa is even better)
- Chandra in Dhanu Rasi aspected by Budha
- Chandra in Simha Navamsa aspected by Budha
- Guru in Budha’s Rasi aspected by Budha
- Surya and Mangal conjoin in the 10th from Chandra
Other Combinations.
The 8th house / 8th lord play a major role in achieving proficiency in Astrology. Some key combinations include:
- From Janma Rasi or Janma Lagna, the 8th house should have conjunction or aspect from Shukra, Rahu or Guru.
- The natural 8th house of the zodiac, Scorpio should have conjunction or aspect from Shukra, Rahu or Guru.
- Influence of Rahu and Guru on the 2nd house and the 10th house.
- Budhaditya Yoga in the 2nd or the 5th house.
- Exchange of lords of 2nd and 10th houses.
- Presence of Budha in a Kendra, particularly the 10th house.
- Surya in the 5th house.
Ultimately, though, I believe that you will end up meeting that astrologer with whom you have a karmic link, at the specific time and place when you need an answer that perhaps only that astrologer can provide, so in essence it is best to go with your gut feeling, your intuitive voice, that tells you which one is best suited to you at that time. And accept what they bring to your life…
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