Vedic vs. Western Astrology: Whose Calendar Wins the Battle of the Stars?

Many cultures throughout time relied on nature and the stars as their time keepers. The calendar systems of the ancient world reflected the agricultural, political and ritual needs, characteristic of the societies in which they flourished. As culture and technology progressed, many calendars and systems became standardized. One calendar however still aligns with nature — let me show you the way. 

The astrological system we’re most familiar with is Tropical or Western astrology, which is a fixed zodiac based off of sixty years of observational research, by Roman Astronomer / Astrologer Ptolemy, dating around 100 A.D.

The Sun on the Spring Equinox at that time was close to zero degrees Aries, although this calculation isn’t eternally true. Because of the profound losses to libraries (including the burning of the library of Alexandria), knowledge about this Western system of astrology was lost. Based on these observations, it was assumed that this point never moved and thus the tropical zodiac became fixed.

Vedic astrology (Jyotiṣa), sister science to yoga and Āyurveda, is a precise zodiac based on the observational and fixed positions of the stars, as they move across the ecliptic and calculates for the wobble of the Earth and the procession of the equinoxes.

Due to this procession, the two systems move one degree away from each other every seventy-two years and currently have a difference of approximately twenty-four degrees (ayanāṃśa). On a side note, each of the twelve signs in the zodiac have thirty degrees. 

How does this relate to you? If you were born May 1st, for example, your sun would literally be in the sign of Aries — versus Taurus, per tropical astrology. Sun is a minor placement in Vedic astrology, which is more Lunar-based and this at least offers you an insight into planetary placement.

If you look up at the sky, Saturn can currently be seen in Aquarius, as of January 18th, 2023 (versus tropical Pisces) and will remain there for another couple years. 

Sidereal calendar, Italy 1775-1770

Which Age Are We Really In? 

Today, we have a variety of calendars, both Solar, Lunar and the Vedic calendar (amongst others), which is Lunisolar. The Lunisolar calendar calculates the ritual month based on the Moon and the agricultural year on the Sun. The Solar year, the time it takes for the Earth to complete its orbit around the Sun, is about 365 1/4 days (with its established 12 months). A Lunar year is calculated from the 354 days, which is the time it takes for the Moon to return to the same placement in relation to the Sun or to complete thirteen lunar phases.

From the perspective of the solar year, the Gregorian calendar, established in 1582 by Pope Gregory XIII, the new year is celebrated on January 1st (Sun in Sidereal Sagittarius). A few places in India, including the Tamil new year, celebrate every April 14th, when the Sun transits into Sidereal Aries and the Mayan calendar, on July 26th (Sun in Sidereal Cancer).

In Northern India, the Hindu new year known as Diwali, falls on the new moon in the month of Kārtika (October/November). The Lunar and Chinese new year are marked by the first new moon of the Gregorian year and the Hebrew calendar, with Rosh Hashanah, on the new moon closest to the autumn equinox. Many, including the Persian new year, celebrate with the vernal equinox on March 21/22.

The Vedic calendar (calculated with the panchānga), which is Lunisolar, honors the astronomical new year with the new moon (sun and moon) in Pisces or new moon closest to the vernal equinox. The chart of this day symbolizes the karmic trends for the year to come. 

Because of the precession of the equinoxes, the vernal equinox moves through all the constellations of the Zodiac with a 2160 year cycle, over the 25,920 (the distance from Earth to center of galaxy in light years and the parallax differential of the Earth) year precession period. Presently, the vernal equinox is in the constellation of Pisces and will take another 130 years or so to approach Aquarius. Yes, Aries does mark the beginning and since the new moon closest to the vernal equinox (which marks our age) currently lands in Pisces, we’re indeed in the Piscean age.

Vedic 9 Planets

Vedic Timekeeping: Thoughts to Contemplate

Sidereal Calendar

May we consider that the Sun moves one degree per day, never retrogrades and is our constant time keeper. With that said, how many degrees are in a circle? 360, right?! This marks twelve months and twelve zodiac signs, establishes the winter and summer solstices, spring and fall equinoxes, and the agricultural year. Have you heard of any calendars talking about a 360 day year?

As for the Moon, with its orbit around the Earth of twenty-seven days, seven hours and lunar year of 354 days, the ritual month is calculated with its thirteen lunar months. This is a different thought compared to standardized calendars and is something I find to be very interesting.

As promised, a calendar that is in alignment with the true position of the stars, which takes into consideration both the exact position of the Sun and Moon in the sky and their relationship — the Vedic calendar. The Vedic almanac (panchānga) is very precise and tracks the lunisolar festivals and auspicious dates to begin important events which are based on the constellations (twenty-seven within the twelve zodiac) and the tithi. A tithi is the time it takes for the Moon to increase in distance from the Sun by 12 degrees and tracks the duration of the two phases of the moon (fifteen waning and fifteen waxing). Since the motion of the Sun and Moon are always varying in speed, the length of a tithi varies from 19-26 hours. 

Some Festivals are tracked by the Sun, like Makara Saṅkrānti (Suns entrance into Capricorn and the beginning of the Sun’s journey Northward) which falls every year on January 14th, and other festivals like Diwali, the Festival of Lights (Hindu new year) are based on the Moon. The panchānga is also used to calculate auspicious times for important events such as getting married, moving into a new house or beginning a journey. Who knew that the calendar could assist in attuning us closer to the rhythms of nature. 

So, Which Calendar Will You Choose? 

Know that I’m here to support you on your journey home to yourself. If you’d like to talk about you and take a deeper look into your Vedic, Sidereal placements / star map (around 23 degrees behind your tropical chart) please visit Vedic Astrology to book a consultation.

Article Published in Millennial Magazine

Navigating Pisces and Virgo: Rāhu and Ketu's New 18-Month Cycle

Navigating the Mystical Currents: Rahu and Ketu in Pisces and Virgo (October 2023 - May 2025)

In the intricate tapestry of Vedic astrology, every celestial movement holds the promise of transformation and the key to weaving our destinies. As we stand on the threshold of a celestial transformation, the transit of Rāhu and Ketu into Pisces and Virgo on October 30, 2023, marks a profound shift in the cosmic narrative that will resonate until May 18, 2025. This celestial journey ushers in a period of revelations and the unearthing of hidden truths, a time when the desire for rebirth stirs within us, beckoning us to transport into the next phase of weaving our destiny.

Lunar Eclipses and the 18-Month Cycle

Lunar eclipses are cosmic gateways, offering us instant exposure to concealed realities. As the full moon eclipse (10/28) approaches, it brings to a close the 18-month theme of self-sovereignty and radical self-love. These themes have been interwoven with profound lessons in unconditional love, devotion, and the intricate process of healing and reconciliation within our relationships.

This is the second eclipse occurring in Aśvinī (Aries) after the Solar Eclipse we had in April. We may witness that which began in April of this year, beginning to bear fruit with this eclipse cycle and even experience new life with this next six month cycle between eclipse seasons (now in the axis of Pisces / Virgo).

The transition on the 30th of October is no mere astrological event but a shift of cosmic significance. As the lunar nodes shift from the Aries/Libra axis into the realms of Pisces and Virgo, the celestial energies urge us to contemplate: What is being revealed to you in this transformative moment?

Gandanta: The Vulnerable Point Between Fire and Water

This transition places us in the heart of gaṇḍānta (karmic knot | 10/15-11/14), a vulnerable, unstable point, between the fiery realm of Aries and the watery embrace of Pisces. Rahu, the ever-hungry shadow planet, finds itself in the mystical domain of Revatī in Pisces, while Ketu, the force of karmic release, continues to reside in the discerning realm of Citrā in Virgo.

Revatī is the last of the Vedic lunar mansions and is known as the Wealthy Star. This constellation holds the energy contained within the gap, the source codes which usher in the transition from death to rebirth — from endings into new beginnings.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Revatī teaches us to expand our vision to see the bigger picture held within Universal mind, and that which is attuned to collective consciousness. This celestial anointment awakens one’s heart and births the unconditional love, and power of nourishment and protection associated with the Great Mother.

Pisces North Node: The Path of Healing and Generosity

…

How to Use Eclipse Season to Embrace Change & Growth

How to Use Eclipse Season to Embrace Change & Growth

Artwork by Mysic Mamma

The universe has a way of reminding us of its power and majesty in the most spectacular ways. Eclipse season brings those rare moments when the sun, moon, and Earth come together in a cosmic dance that never fails to inspire awe and wonder.

While some ancient traditions held eclipses as thresholds that triggered spiritual growth and transformation, modern Vedic astrology offers a roadmap and GPS system to help us navigate these celestial cycles. With eclipse season upon us, it’s time to explore the story behind these mesmerizing events and discover what they have in store for us.

The Lunar Nodes and Their Connection to Eclipses

To understand the significance of eclipse season in Vedic astrology, we must first delve into the role of the lunar nodes, Rāhu (राहु) and Ketu (केतु). Unlike actual celestial bodies, these nodes are considered shadow (chāyā) grahas (planets) that arise from the intersection of the Sun and Moon’s paths, also known as the ecliptic.

Positioned 180 degrees apart from each other and traveling in retrograde motion, these nodes are integral to the story of eclipses and play a vital role in shaping our spiritual journey. As a sister science to yoga and Āyurveda, Vedic astrology offers insights into the deeper significance of these celestial cycles and how we can navigate them with greater awareness.

According to ancient Vedic mythology, Rāhu and Ketu were born during the churning of the cosmic ocean (Samudra Manthana). As the story goes, Rāhu disguised himself as one of the devatas (gods) in order to drink the nectar of immortality. Lord Vishnu, tipped off by the luminaries, beheaded Rāhu just as he took a sip.

The drop of nectar went down his throat, making him immortal. As Rāhu’s body was cut in two, he became known as the immortal head and Ketu, the headless body. Feeling betrayed by the luminaries, the nodes continue to devour them multiple times every year, causing eclipses (grahaṇ) that fascinate and intrigue us to this day.

Understanding the Shadow Energies of Rāhu and Ketu

Rāhu, the head of all things, is regarded as the great awakener whose primary goal is to indulge our senses with worldly pleasures. Under Rāhu’s domain, we are propelled towards experiencing illusions, desires, obsessions, taboos, rebellion, and unconventionality.

In essence, Rāhu’s energies are driving us towards the pursuit of material gratification and are closely linked to the challenges and lessons that we must face and overcome in this present life.

Ketu, on the other hand, is closely associated with liberation (moksha-karaka) and is deeply linked to our past-life karma. It’s said that Ketu serves us by cleaning out our closets, and loosening our ties to the material world. In some circles, Ketu symbolizes our mastery from a previous life and exudes energy akin to Mars.

Exploring the Nodes: How They Eclipse the Luminaries

Artwork by Mystic Mamma

In Vedic astrology, the lunar nodes Rāhu (ascending) and Ketu (descending) play a crucial role in the story of eclipses. These shadow planets travel through each sign for roughly 18 months and complete a full cycle through the zodiac every 18 and a half years. Understanding their location can help us determine where the eclipses will occur.

Currently, from fall 2022 to October/November 2023 (depending on the calculation method used), Rāhu is journeying through Aries, while Ketu moves through Libra. Due to their retrograde motion, they will later pass through Pisces (Rāhu) and Virgo (Ketu) for another 18-month cycle.

Eclipses typically occur four to seven times a year, coming in pairs of lunar and solar eclipses, and sometimes accompanied by a third eclipse. They are triggered when either node comes into conjunction with or within 18 degrees of a full moon (lunar eclipse) or new moon (solar eclipse).

Navigating the Energies: What to Expect During Eclipse Season

Eclipse seasons are potent times for spiritual growth, providing a unique opportunity for self-reflection and deep transformation. These cosmic portals activate mystical energies that expose what lies beneath the surface, often resulting in heightened emotions and a sense of being eclipsed.

Lunar eclipses bring about instant revelations, typically within a few days, while solar eclipses serve as an omen for the energies that will unfold during the next six months. Pay attention to the constellation of the solar eclipse as it becomes a vulnerable point to watch for any planetary triggers over the following six-month cycle.

However, it’s important to be aware of potential negative effects during eclipse season. These include earthquakes, violent storms, and an increase in accidents, especially in areas where the eclipse is visible. Traditionally, it is advised to avoid travel and major changes on the day of and around the eclipses, if possible, and delay auspicious activities like starting a business, changing homes, or getting married (one week before and after the eclipses).

Keep in mind that there are rare cases where this cycle can bring about the opposite effect, which is another reason to delve deeper into your individual astrological placements. With mindfulness and awareness, you can navigate these powerful energies and make the most of this transformative time.

Harnessing the Energies of Eclipse Season: A Guide

This is a time to challenge what you think you know and go deeper within yourself. Take a step back, pause, and allow the potent energies of the eclipse portal to be harnessed. Use this time to work on yourself and take advantage of this opportunity to excavate into your subconscious.

Pay attention to what has been trying to reveal itself to you in the past few weeks and take note of what needs untangling in your life. Be curious and embrace vulnerability as your greatest ally during this time. Stay grounded and be prepared for unexpected challenges.

It’s important to consider an individual’s personal chart to understand the specificities of their experience. For example, if the eclipse takes place in your rising (lagna), moon, or sun sign, you will experience a greater impact. This could bring about a change, reveal something deeper about yourself, or bring something unplanned.

For assistance in navigating what this means for you personally, know that I’m here to support you on your journey. I believe that this is a powerful time for personal transformation and growth, and I am here to help you harness the energies of the eclipse season to their fullest potential.

Whether it’s gaining a deeper understanding of your personal chart or exploring the challenges that arise during this time, I am here to help guide you. For a private consultation, please visit https://linktr.ee/chayacollective. Remember to stay grounded, centered and embrace the journey with an open heart. Love All Ways.

Article Published in Millennial Magazine

Boost Your Well-Being with These 7 Essential Ayurvedic Tips for Spring

As the seasons shift, nature is providing us with an opportunity to realign with ourselves and the greater cycles and rhythms. We’re being reminded to slow down and listen, as our ancestors once did. To lean into self care, nourishment, creativity, and contentment, which is ultimately an inside job.

Āyurveda, the sister science to yoga and Vedic Astrology, is an ancient medical system which has been practiced for over 5,000 years. Roughly translated from Sanskrit as the “knowledge of life,” Āyurveda contains the wisdom to realign us with our true nature. By attuning ourselves with the ever changing cycles of nature, we effortlessly drop back into the consistency of our own being.

Spring beckons rebirth and a time to flourish. Ice thaws, blossoms unfold and the nourishing rains cleanse us of impurities that accumulated during winter. This is an optimal time to renew and heal, detoxify your system, and invigorate with heating practices which keep your immune system strong.

A basic principle of Āyurveda is “like increases like and opposite qualities bring balance.” Spring is the season that is marked by kapha (water and earth elements), which awakens the qualities (gunas) of heaviness, dull, static, moist, oily and smooth, and the sweet, sour and salty tastes. Therefore, during spring, it’s wise to follow a kapha balancing diet and routine.

As we step into Spring, here are 7 Āyurvedic tips to align you with nature.

1. Rest

Get extra rest during this time, ideally eight plus hours to keep your immunity high. The Āyurvedic routine emphasizes being asleep before 10pm (when pitta’s cycle begins; pitta refers to productivity) and up before 6am (before sunrise) to keep your energy vital.

Waking up before kapha’s cycle sets in (at 6am), makes for an easier exit from bed, not to mention, it’s the best way to avoid any build up of heavy, dull and static energy in the mind and body.

2. Movement & Surya Namaskara 

Daily movement and asana practice (stretching) is suggested. Since kapha is heavy and cold by nature, it is recommended to increase exercise during spring to keep the energy moving. Exercise and invigorate your system with a heating yoga practice and warming activities.

Exercise is most ideal during kapha time, which is 6:00-10:00 AM/PM. Heating and invigorating practices during the morning cycle and a pleasant, evening walk after dinner are ideal. Saunas, steam baths and sacred fires are perfect detox rituals, when accessible. 

Sūrya Namaskāra (Sun salutations) is a perfect detoxifying and energizing practice (begin with 3-6 rounds and build up). 

Discover Sūrya Namaskāra here.

3. Pranayama

Breathwork to balance spring or kapha, is warming and invigorating. Practices such as bhastrika (bellows breath), and kapalabhati (skull shining/breath of fire) both work wonders to cleanse the sinuses, boost digestion, and increase body temperature (please consult a teacher). They’re so effective that they can even remove kapha phlegm within minutes.

For a more gentle and mild, yet warming practice, you can work with Sūrya bhedan:

Sit upright, close the left nostril with the right ring finger, inhale deeply and slowly into the right nostril, retrain for a couple moments and then exhale slowly, quietly and fully, out of the left nostril, while covering the right nostril with the thumb. Retreat this practice, inhaling in the right and exhaling out of the left for around two min (you can build up slowly).

4. Spring Diet 

A healthy springtime diet encourages meals that are light (less unctuous/oily) and easy to digest. Favor warm foods and drinks and avoid cold beverages, left overs and raw foods.

Eat more foods which contain the pungent, bitter and astringent tastes and fewer foods with the sweet, sour, and salty tastes, especially refined sugar, dairy, wheat, red meat, and processed foods — which all increase the qualities of kapha.

This is the perfect season for broths, soups and kitchari (an Indian mung bean and rice dish). Do your best to avoid food after 7pm.                                                       

5. Self-Care

Meditation, dry brushing, and abhyanga (self oil massage) are ideal self care practices. Carve out time for creativity (writing, journaling, painting, dancing, singing, photography, playing music, using your imagination etc), read, enjoy silence, rest and rejuvenation, home cooking, playing in the ocean, listen to inspiring and healing music (raga/Indian classical melodies help align you with the season and time of day). Begin your day with hot water and avoid napping during the day. 

Spend more time in nature soaking up the healing, solar rays of the Sun and vitamin D. 25-30 min of sun exposure in the AM (after sunrise and before 8am) and in the evening (around sunset) can do wonders for your mental and physical health.

Detoxify your life, your mind and environment. Purge that which is no longer serving you and release any clutter you’ve accumulated over winter – this will leave you feeling lighter and energized to welcome our warmer months.

Burning incense, sage or essential oils is another way to purify your living space. 

6. Remedies

To build your immune system, take turmeric, ginger, garlic, and have Tulsi (holy basil) tea with black pepper. One of my spring hacks when experiencing fatigue or low energy is Immuno-Support Tea from Chandika herbs (boil 5 min and drink in AM/PM). 

If you’re asthmatic or begin noticing sensitivity in your lungs, you can steam with eucalyptus oil (boil water, add a couple drops, cover head with a towel and alternate four breaths in nose/mouth, this is also great for the skin).

At the first sign of a scratchy or sore throat, you can gargle with warm/to hot water, turmeric and sea salt. 

7. Neti Pot

Use a Neti pot (nasal irrigation with rock salt) to keep the sinuses clean and clear — this is for preventative purposes. Quality of water and salt are important.

You can also lubricate your nose and ears with mustard seed oil after Jal (water) neti for an added layer of protection.

Work with me:

Know that I’m here to support you on your journey home to yourself. For a more personalized, in-depth look into your health and how to navigate the current celestial weather, please visit Vedic Astrology to book a private Ayurvedic Astrological Consultation.

The same stream of life that runs through my veins night and day runs through the world and dances in rhythmic measures. It is the same life that is rocked in the ocean-cradle of birth and of death, in ebb and in flow. ― Rabindranath Tagore

Article Published in Millennial Magazine

Sūrya Namaskāra: Tending the fire within

Sūrya Namaskāra: Sun Salutations

Photo by Ivan Ditscheiner

Like our ancestors who walked across continents, hunted for food, built their own shelters and made their own medicine, since the beginning of time, we have honored the cycles and seasons that remind us of the ever-changing flow of life that we are intricacy apart of. Among our fast paced lives in the 21st century, how can we realign ourselves with the healing rhythms of Nature?

One beautiful practice, is to wake up with the sun and harness the life giving energies that are ever present to us with Sūrya Namaskāra a potent ritual of movement and breath…

DHARMA: Unveiling Your Life's Purpose

Some of us are lucky enough to know exactly who we want to be when we grow up and what our life's mission is. For the rest of us, it may take a lifetime and a lot of soul searching to not only know what truly sparks joy in our lives but then, how to offer our deepest gifts in such a way that we're uplifting the lives of our community around us, while living a deeply fulfilling and abundant life.

Now is the time of year when we're reminded of what we truly love about our lives and where we are encouraged to step powerfully into our dharma, our life's most fulfilling and evolutionary purpose. When I was 19 years old and just diving into my second year of University study, I was in a class studying the Bhagavad Gita, an ancient Indian scripture. Our brilliant and inspiring Yogi of a teacher invited us to discover our dharma through a simple exercise that I now offer to you.

I remember moving through these very steps on multiple occasions and was motivated then and now to cultivate the gifts I have to offer to all my relations, in service. The results: "Yogic Lifestyle Retreats & Consulting!" So, who's with me for yoga, kirtan, rock climbing, trekking and surf retreats? If stepping into your power resonates with your heart, message me today to schedule a free 30 minute "Discovery Call" and hear more about my Holistic Wellness Consulting Programs: tulsibagnoli@gmail.com

HERE'S WHAT YOU DO:

Draw four overlapping circles, as in the picture below. Innocently fill in each of the boxes, from your heart. Whatever falls in each of the shared boxes is then moved to the center circle and reveals your DHARMA. Remember to dive deep, explore, get creative and most importantly, have fun. Think out of the box and don't forget to look right in front of your face at what you're already up to. Please do let me know if you have a breakthrough.

ENJOY!