Astrology: Ancient and Modern
My plan is to write several posts on various aspects of how we get our information as well as a more in depth exploration of both astrology and healing. First of all, whether the Earth is part of a geocentric or heliocentric system does not affect the reliability of astrology. Likewise, whether the Earth is flat or a globe is a matter for experts to decide but does not really matter in terms of horoscopic interpretation. Where esoteric astrology is concerned, the astrologer’s beliefs regarding an intelligent Creator versus a Big Bang or any other theory might play into certain slants where interpretation is concerned . . . such as whether we have destinies or simply random experiences. Whatever the bias, there will be mountains of peer-reviewed papers supporting the view of the proponent for one concept or another.
The reason certain speculations or theories do not jeopardize the interpretation of astrologers is that horoscopes are based on observations of positions. Well, that is not 100% true because most people today use computers that have calculated the probable positions based on data from 1950 that was fed into the computers of the U.S. Naval Observatory. Who knows how many martinis were downed before astronomers could agree on the future wobble of the Earth on its alleged axis or on the eccentricity of an orbit; however, the positions are usually correct within one degree.
The bottom line here is that we respond to what seems to be, and I can remember articles I read as a child in the Los Angeles Times about the energy of a star going straight through the Earth as if there were no obstruction at all. The report was allegedly based on scientific experiments, but who knows if the conclusions were warranted or hypothesized. The point might be that the Copernican Revolution was just one incident in the long history of astronomy. If you doubt this, think of string theories and intelligent design . . . and the agnostic idea of a Big Bang explaining the complexity of the Universe.
Before going too far, I would like to present a brief summary of the Hindu concept of yugas. In this context, the yugas refer to recurring cycles in which the overall ethical state of humanity is expressed. In Krita Yuga, people are virtuous and live long lives. In Treta Yuga, there is a decline in both morality and longevity. Deterioration is greater still in Dvapara Yuga and Kali Yuga is characterized by extreme decadence and short life expectancies . . . with a very small percentage of people being upright. Fortunately, Kali Yuga is the shortest but the one most relevant to our current world situation. So far as the understanding of divine principles goes, the comment by Boganathar was that as Kali Yuga approached, he was concerned for the plight of humanity. He gathered together some sages, and they agreed that the best approach to the degradation would be to promote the concept of Bhakti, i.e. devotion or love for the divine.
To make this clear, in the ancient Indian system, the goals of spiritual practice are traditionally thought to be achieved through good deeds, devotion, or wisdom. These are what they sound like. Through charity and service to others, one builds good karma. Through devotion to ideals and reverence for higher principles or the Creator, one merges with the object of one’s love. Through wisdom, one becomes enlightened, a realized being with a transcendental nature. Though the practices differ, the common denominators are reduction of the role of the ego self that gives space for the growth of compassion and understanding.
Pundits are not in agreement as to whether or not Kali Yuga has ended. Some say it will end in 2025. Sri Yukteswar calculated that we entered Dwapara Yuga in 1699 AD. Some push the date back by more than 5000 years. I feel that we are nearing the very end of Kali Yuga, and my thinking is based on the depravity of current global systems in which the ruling elite have assumed they are above the law and the tendency to use force to achieve one’s goals rather than cooperation and assent. In addition, we can factor in demonic strategies to block our access to spiritual inspiration and guidance.
For example, if the newly elected administration is successful in removing fluoride from public water supplies, we will have taken a major step forward towards moving from spiritual blindness to spiritual alignment. Fortunately, we have a cure in the form of tamarind.
A second sign that we are emerging from Kali Yuga into Dwapara Yuga would be if there were wiser use of resources and a more equitable distribution of wealth. In today’s world, there are many billionaires and even some trillionaires while countless people live in poverty or only slightly above subsistence levels.
A third sign would be a reversal of the recent movement to eliminate consequences for crimes involving theft and even arson, rape, and sometimes murder. There is a letter of the law and a spirit of the law so to rise above the misery of Kali Yuga, the spirit must guide and not be trampled under ridiculous excuses for exaggerating the importance of the legalese used in courts.
Another sign would be a reduction in the use of weapons and warfare and a reliance on plebiscites and populations to override the ambitions of tyrants. In this context, I will argue that many corporations are tyrannical in that they exploit resources and the public to promote their bottom line at the expense of what is best for the Planet and its life forces, by which I mean to include people, animals, plants, and all the forms of life and majesty found in the natural world. When we see real changes in behavior at the top, we will know that Kali Yuga is over.
Copyright by Dr. Ingrid Naiman 2024 || All Rights Reserved
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Image Credit:
Yugas: Peter Hermes Furian || Dreamstime.com
I have had the privilege of knowing Ingrid for many years now and have benefited from her expertise, wisdom and knowledge of this ancient astrological system and how she 'reads' the signs. And this post is just an example of how deep her knowledge goes. Thank you, Ingrid for sharing this incredible ancient way of seeing the past, present and future.
ANNOUNCEMENT: Ingrid passed away peacefully in her house on Jan 23, 2025. She will be remembered by her beloved friends.