Jyoti is a Sanskrit word meaning light or flame. In reference to astrology, its meaning points to the light of the Sun, the “power station” that gives life to all things in our solar system. Without the Sun, our solar system would not exist. Earth would not exist. You and I would not be here.
The word light when used in astrological context regarding our Sun, the solar system, and the constellations does not merely refer to their emanating radiance that can be seen with our eyes or with instruments, but also energy, vibration, and consciousness. Likewise, the word jyoti in meditation refers to the divine light or flame within you.
When Vedic Astrologers call their practice “Jyotish, the science of light” they are primarily referring to light as awareness, light as consciousness, light as the innate stream of wisdom that is deep within us but that is also deep within the Sun, the solar system, and constellations. Light or consciousness connects us to the planets and them to us; they are, in a sense, organs of our greater planetary body, the Cosmic Man (Mahapurusha) to our microcosmic individual selves.
The ancient rishis from where the system of Jyotish originated taught that incarnating Souls on Earth and the Earth itself are under the rule of immense Cosmic intelligence and Cosmic energies– and that we are all part of this larger Life. We see from our charts, derived from the moment of our birth, our connection to the bigger picture and our roles we play while we are here.
Our birth charts are more than a reference for guidance with money, careers, health, and relationships. The chart is a special, sacred image to guide our light, our consciousness; it is a script for our roles to play, an outline for our karma and our responsibilities. And for so many, it is an unknown or unappreciated map folded up and never used (some by choice and others because they are unaware, scared, or doubtful of it).
Perhaps the most generous gift astrology offers us is the comforting light of awareness that enables us to participate in our lives– conscious of our Soul’s intention. We can use our charts as lighted lanterns so that we don’t have to fumble through the darkness. Though the light does not magically remove our struggles nor prevent all of our occasional defeats, it sheds light on the way through, allowing us to see the twists and turns along our path. The birth chart is our compass encouraging us and moving us forward with symbols and the language of the solar system to the discovery of our unique destiny.
*
By Renate Maria Bell – certified Vedic Astrologer, Jyotish Visharada, and approved teacher with the Council of Vedic Astrology. She can be reached at renatembell@aol.com 2022© Do not use, post, repost, or reprint in part or whole without the expressed written consent of the author.