Jyotiṣa (Jyotisha)
Jyotisha is a science, an art, a path, and a practice. The root word of Jyotisha translates to Light. In our not so distant past (5000+ years ago), the sages of India cognized the living breathing practice of Jyotisha through direct observations of the stars and correlating phenomena on earth and its people. Jyotisha is where science and spirituality is thought to be the same. It is studied as an oral tradition and supplemented by knowledge from books.
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Jupiter
The planet Jupiter is one of the five true planets in Jyotisha. The four other true planets are Mercury, Mars, Venus, and Saturn, with Sun and Moon considered luminaries. Generally, planets can be categorized as benefics or malefics. Jupiter, whose other name is Bṛhaspati, is known as the great benefic. Before we take a closer look at Jupiter, let’s step back a moment to see how Jyotisha engages with planets.
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Muhūrta (Timings)
Muhūrta is a beautiful and simple concept, yet a vital way for us to engage in our life using the concept of correct timing. Think of Muhūrta as the proper action at the proper time!
Muhūrta is finding the proper time to initiate an event or activity. This can be any event that is important to you. It sets a precedent or foundation of what you expect to see in this event’s success. Just like ensuring you have a solid foundation to build this new beginning on.
Learn More…
Jyotiṣa (Jyotisha)
Jyotisha is a science, an art, a path, and a practice. The root word of Jyotisha translates to Light. In our not so distant past (5000+ years ago), the sages of India cognized the living breathing practice of Jyotisha through direct observations of the stars and correlating phenomena on earth and its people. Jyotisha is where science and spirituality is thought to be the same. It is studied as an oral tradition and supplemented by knowledge from books.
Jyotisha, this science of the Light of Life, is part of the Vedic wisdom sciences and arts which includes Āyurveda, Yoga, and Vāstu (Vedic architecture). Citing a quote from my teacher Bette Timm regarding what this Light encompasses, “The light by which we see the planets - observational astrology - is outer light…Inner light can be thought of as cognition or intuition…” published in Nāmarūpa Issue 13, Volume 02.
In Jyotisha, Now is the moment, and can be made significant, as a new beginning, for learning, for adapting to our current situations, and for growing. Jyotisha gives us rhythm and understanding. Individually, we have a rhythm. Each day has its own rhythms, as do months, the stars, planets, and earth. In the wisdom of Jyotisha, we move our rhythm to match the rhythms and patterns of the earth and stars most beneficial to our purpose and dreams in this Now.
Jupiter
The planet Jupiter is one of the five true planets in Jyotisha. The four other true planets are Mercury, Mars, Venus, and Saturn, with Sun and Moon considered luminaries. Generally, planets can be categorized as benefics or malefics. Jupiter, whose other name is Bṛhaspati, is known as the great benefic. Before we take a closer look at Jupiter, let’s step back a moment to see how Jyotisha engages with planets.
Planets are called Grahas in Jyotisha. Graha is a Sanskrit word which translates as “to grab” or “to seize”. As we evaluate various planets’ influences on events and people, we look at how the planets (grahas) seize these events and people, for better or worse.
Some qualities of Jupiter to contemplate as you invite the study of this great benefic planet in your life are; Jupiter’s color is yellow, with yellow sapphire as it’s gemstone of choice, which can be substituted with citrine, yellow tourmaline, or topaz. Jupiter represents good counsel, philosophy, deep wise thinkers, education, ceremonies, refinements, pilgrimages, and higher knowledge. Speaking the truth is one way of manifesting Jupitarian qualities in one’s life.
Jupiter signifies our dharmic action in the world. We can think of dharmic action as an innate activity which fulfills our quest to be of service to self, family, or society. Jupiter is known as the teacher to the Gods, the great teacher of dharma, the good work. Knowing how Jupiter shows up in your chart is a great start to emphasizing these dharmic actions in your life.
One way to assess how to engage Jupitarian qualities in your life is by looking at where Jupiter is placed in your birth chart, which houses and constellations of the chart he is influencing and being influenced by. Another way is by looking at where Jupiter is currently transiting in your chart as well as the influence of other planets and constellations. Jupiter usually spends approximately 12 months in transit through a particular constellation sign. It will be my honor to assist you in your dream to bring Dharma back in a big way in your life.
Muhūrta
Muhūrta is a beautiful and simple concept, yet a vital way for us to engage in our life using the concept of correct timing. Think of Muhūrta as the proper action at the proper time!
Muhūrta is finding the proper time to initiate an event or activity. This can be any event that is important to you. It sets a precedent or foundation of what you expect to see in this event’s success. Just like ensuring you have a solid foundation to build this new beginning on.
Muhūrta is where we begin to alter our karmas. We choose auspicious moments by choosing the right moment, and we participate to engage in the event in a specific way. By picking the right moment, we infuse the moment with the best possible astrological energy, bringing in a divine force for success in the endeavor. Everything starts well with proper timing and intention.
Muhūrta allows us to begin to use our free will to improve our lives and to work with our karmas in a more useful and meaningful manner. Muhūrta in and of itself can be an Upāya, a Sanskrit word which means taking a remedial measure to improve one’s life.
Some events we can use for Muhūrta are: marriage, new business, conception, beginning a trip, taking medications, beginning a spiritual practice, initiations, using a mantra.
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Muhūrta (Timings) Readings
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Astrocartography (Relocation)
About Rita Balian
I have been studying Jyotisha, this science of life, for over 12 years. As far back as I can recall, I have seen myself as a child of “Mother Earth”, and yet, have always been fascinated by the heavens and looked to the skies in utter curiosity at the luminaries, planets, and stars! Meeting my teacher, Bette Timm many years later, re-ignited the spark again, and I began my traditional studies. Jyotisha is an ancient science, and Bette honored this ancient art and science by teaching me in the student/teacher fashion, supplemented by books and computer software. My favourite pastime with Bette is gazing up and locating the planets as they transit the skies.
As I continue to learn, I offer immense gratitude and blessings to Bette Timm, to her teacher, Hart de Fouw, and to the Lineage of masters who cognized and passed down this ancient yet relevant art and science of coming back to ourselves in The Light! Always in awe!