One of the first things you learn when studying astrology is that you cannot make snap judgements based on one or two factors in a person’s natal chart. While popular perception of astrology in the Western world is formed primarily through superficial and generalised Sun sign horoscopes, those who have been studying it for some time know that making sweeping statements is not a correct way to approach this profound art and science.
A child is born on that day and at that hour when the celestial rays are in mathematical harmony with his individual karma. His horoscope is a challenging portrait, revealing his unalterable past and its probable future result. But the natal chart can be rightly interpreted only by men of intuitive wisdom; these are few.
Sri Yukteswar
The issue with humanity is not that we make assumptions. Everyone does that to some degree. Forming generalised statements is a type of security mechanism that allows people to detect possible dangers and to quickly assess a situation at hand. For instance, when we meet a stranger that behaves suspiciously, we can make an assumption that he or she may pose a danger to our health and well-being. Whether our perception is true or not, we are better off trusting our first impression. The problem is that many people make assumptions in non-threatening situations and later on fail to investigate whether their judgements were free from error. They simply do not bother to gather right information and compare different viewpoints. They are content with superficial impressions, which are never fully accurate.
It is impossible to approach astrology in this manner, unless you want to make a page with memes about Sun signs. The more charts you carefully examine, the more open-minded, empathetic, and compassionate you become. Learning and doing astrology makes you realise that human beings are complex creatures. As an example, a superficial reading of someone’s horoscope might suggest that a debilitated planet makes that person literally doomed or incurably stupid and unable to manage their life effectively. When you learn more about planetary strengths (Shadbala) and conditions (Avasthas), as well as analyse divisional charts in greater depth, you may discover that the native in question possesses many positive character traits or skills that help him combat that unfortunate debilitation. Consequently, you become less fault-finding in real life, because you begin to understand the complexity of human behaviour. Realising that outer appearances can be deceiving, you are more likely to ask questions and delay your judgements until you get to know someone or something better.
This is the magic of studying Vedic astrology. Since I have started delving deeply into this God-given, celestial science of counselling, I have become more peaceful, compassionate, and considerate of other people’s inner states. I have found more efficient ways to be there for my friends and well-wishers. When it comes to those who are not particularly fond of me, I have learned to treat them with understanding. They too have their own struggles and even though I find it wiser to keep them at bay, I try to understand what factors have shaped their behaviour. This makes it easier for me to forgive them for what they have done.
Wishing you much tranquillity and goodness,
Karol
Celestial Trail 