Spiritual development

[HENNIGAN11]

All of us in our own way are independent and take our own decisions. What we decide and act has its own consequences. So from a higher perspective what ever we do, think and decide has its consequences on us. It is equally important to realize that from the perspective of the spiritual advancement of the soul periods of material misery are at times the greatest gift.

When the spirit, out of its own free will, desires spiritual development, this may mean tough lessons are necessary. The relationship between misery and evolution is though hard to see, but it is wise to have faith in God. Jyotish is God’s gift. It gives us the opportunity to have a closer look in our lives, to get a thought of what will happen in our life, even in day to day activities. It may also provide us with insights as to how we may live more effective and joyful lives.

The astrology which is known in the West is different from India Astrology. The Western astrology developed primarily in ancient Greece and uses the tropical zodiac. The Indian astrology called jyotish, in Hindi is based on the sidereal zodiac. The tropical zodiac is shaped by the trip the Sun makes from the start of spring (Aries) up to the ending of winter (Pisces). The sidereal zodiac is based on fixed stars in the universe. While talking about constellations, we talk regarding the fixed clusters of stars in the sky, not the mathematical partition of the Sun's journey.

These two zodiacs were identical, but in course of time have drifted apart, by a phenomenon which is termed as the precession of the equinox. The degrees difference is called the ayanamsa. Ayana means progressed, and amsa means part. Thus Ayanamsa means progressed part. In the present century the Ayanamsa is more than 23 degrees. An s a result most people have a different Sun sign according to Vedic astrology.