Astrology is a very deep subject, but most people consider it a kind of superstitious guide to material progress. If you use astrology only for guidance in material matters, you will be doing its teachings an injustice. Astrology is too vast, both mathematically and philosophically, to be rightly grasped except by people of profound understanding. In ancient times, astrology was seen primarily as a guide to spiritual development. To use astrology for material purposes was considered a lower application of what is essentially a divine science.

Astrology is the study of man’s response to planetary stimuli. All parts of creation are linked together and interchange their influences. No matter what your environment, the surrounding rays of the earth and universe will have an impact upon you. Astrology was intended to assist you on your inner journey, by helping you become more aware of the interrelationships between the objective universe and the inner aspects of yourself.

Understanding the Chakras Online CourseThe relation of the stars to the human body and mind is very subtle. There is a correlation between the six centers (chakras) in the spine, which become twelve by polarity, and the twelve signs of the zodiac. Millions of volts of electrical current are lodged in these spinal centers. If your body and your mind are very strong, you will be impervious to the evil vibrations from the stars when they begin to shed their rays upon you. But if your body and mind are weak through transgressions of wrong eating, wrong thinking, bad character, and bad company, then the stellar rays will have the power to affect you.

How the stars affect us

The stars influence your life only in accordance with patterns that you yourself established in the past. A child is born on that day and at that hour when the celestial rays are in mathematical harmony with his individual karma (past actions). The astrological configurations serve only as symbols of karmic influences, which you have set into motion in the past. The stars and planets themselves can no more choose how they will affect you than you can select your own karmic destiny.

The message boldly blazoned across the heavens at the moment of birth was not meant to emphasize fate, the result of past good and evil, but to arouse your will to escape from this universal bondage. What you have done, you can undo. You can overcome whatever effects are now prevalent in your life because you created them by your own actions in the first place, and because you have inner spiritual resources which are not subject to planetary pressure.

The best way, therefore, to improve your lot is deliberately to act in such a way as to counteract the evil effects of past deeds. Especially if this course of action springs from inner attunement with God, or is adopted under the wise guidance of one who knows God, it will serve as an antidote to all baneful actions of the past.

Avoid passive dependence on astrology

Superstition means to seek guidance from effects, in ignorance of their causes. Many people look to the heavens for signs instead of choosing the wiser path of seeking guidance in their souls, from God. Some people refuse to do anything for themselves until the planetary positions are favorable.

While it is not unwise to initiate worthwhile undertakings at astrologically auspicious times, it merely affirms your passive dependence on fate to wait for a shift in the planets’ positions before making important changes in your life. Anything you do with deep faith in God will blossom under better influences than you could hope to find by consulting the heavens for favorable aspects.

Do not wait for changes in astrological influences to change your destiny. Look, rather, to Him who made the heavens and the earth and who alone can grant you eternal freedom. The lawful effects of your karma may seem irrevocable, but the effects of past actions can be changed by seeking God. Unless you remember that, you can not spiritualize astrology.

How to spiritualize astrology

While studying astrology in a reasonable way, you must always remember that God’s influence is the supreme influence. You have been given the free choice and intelligence, as a child of God, to surmount the difficulties of life. Strive unceasingly, from a center of inner calmness, to surmount every material, mental, and spiritual difficulty. Cooperate with His will by offering up to Him all the strength of your human will. You should always say, “Lord, I trust in Thee, and know Thou canst help me, but I too will do my best to undo any wrong I have done.”

If you can hold onto your happiness during all the difficulties in your life, then you will begin to rise above the influence of the stars. If you can retain your smile in spite of repeated challenges, that is a sign of the awakening of the consciousness of divinity within you. Through all such actions, you are changing your body and mind and how they are affecting the twelve centers in your spine. As a result of these changes, the stars will begin to smile upon you.

By communing with God, you will reinforce the power of the twelve spinal centers, which will then act in cooperation with the twelve signs of the zodiac. The deeper your communion with God, the more you will automatically harmonize the influences of all planetary forces and transcend the evil effects of the powerful, but distant, planets.  In these ways, you can spiritualize astrology.

Seek help, therefore, not from the stars and planets but from Almighty God. God is harmony, and if you attune yourself to Him you will never perform any action amiss. Your activities will be correctly and naturally timed to accord with astrological law. After deep prayer and meditation, you are in touch with His divine consciousness; there is no greater power than that inward protection. By plunging deeply into your own divine nature, you will discover those deeper levels within yourself that enable you to rise above all karmic realities.

The masters go beyond astrology

Some people study astrology to ascertain the influence of their karma through the medium of planets, thus trying to counteract evil influences by astrological foreknowledge. But the great masters go beyond astrology. The man of realization does not choose any auspicious hour to perform noble deeds or initiate new wholesome ventures. He acts, moves and sleeps under the one influence of God. He consults God instead of the stars for guidance.

Although there is a certain vibratory influence of stars upon all human lives, a man of infinite will power tuned in with God, uses his free will to change his circumstances. He marches on, influenced only by the Sun of all Suns, the Almighty Spirit. To him, from the depths of his determination and faith, all things are possible. He burns the seeds of difficulties in the fire of wisdom, consults only God for guidance, and performs all of his actions according to divine guidance.

Superstitious awe of astrology makes one an automaton, slavishly dependent on mechanical guidance. The wise man defeats his planets – which is to say, his past – by transferring his allegiance from the creation to the Creator. The more he realizes his unity with Spirit, the less his domination by matter. The soul is ever-free; it is deathless, because birthless. It cannot be regimented by stars.

If you live by astrology or anything else you will be bound by it. Depend wholly and solely on God. Live by God alone. Then nothing can hurt you.

Follow the way to inner freedom

In karma’s realm, karma rules supreme. Yet all human beings have the power to withdraw to another realm altogether. You cannot change the outer astrological influences but you can do a great deal to change the way you receive them inwardly.

Instead of accepting fatalistically the decrees of karma, follow the inner way to freedom. Meditate daily. Commune deeply with God. Learn from Him, through the silent voice of intuition, the way out of soul-degrading serfdom to bad habits. Ultimately, by ever deeper meditation, you will reach a point where you receive your influences from God alone.

43 Comments

  1. This really was an uplifting article for me since I was desperately seeking a solution for the present difficult life situation of a very intimate person in my life , which has been attributed to adverse astrological positioning of his birth stars.This article has helped me to proceed fearlessly again in the path of single minded prayer.

    With thanks,regards and prayers, jayasree

  2. Great article. If you’re interested in astrology applied to yogis, I am a disciple of Yogananda and I’ve published a book called Astrology for a Yogi

    the book is for sale on Amazon

  3. Astrology is very helpful for the devotee to learn to swim with the tides instead of against them. Astrology can help you to become more aware of certain forces acting in your life and how to handle them more effectively. Of course, as Yogananda states it is best to be centered in God, which is above all planetary influence.

  4. Thank you thank you thank you. I love you.

    I have a dear friend who has introduced me (and indeed we discovered some together) of astrology. And while the predictions are often uncanny, my heart has said that while these influences appear strong we, as the image and offspring of God, must remember how to transcend all limitation except our perpetual reliance on the Uncreated One from whom we flow. And truly that is not limitation but the realization of thankfully submissive limitlessness.

    Since childhood it has been the cry of my heart to know God. As I mature I see that as synanomous or at least cooperative with remembering who I truly am. And I hear in you the voice of one who remembers well – better than I.

    And for that I love you!

  5. Dear Sir,

    You changed my life Completely, I was bound to Astrology and always worried about my planetary positions. But now it’s all changed. from now on, i’ll be with God and only God forever.

    Thank you anf many merits for you,

  6. I have been reading many articles from ananda clarity for the past few months. All of the articles are worth reading a thousand times.
    Recently I am under lot of stress for material concerns and despite reading this article n no. of times am under 2 minds if I should seek advice or not.
    Guess I need to start practicing sadhana regularly than just worrying.

    Love,
    Sarika

    1. blank

      Dear Sarika,

      Why not do both. These are some articles that you might find helpful.
      Joy to you,
      Nayaswami Nakin

      Strategies for Overcoming Fear by Paramhansa Yogananda Fall 2013
      How to Banish Tension and Fear by Swami Kriyananda Summer 2012
      Tools for Dealing with Change by Nayaswami Jyotish and Nayaswami Devi Summer 2010
      How to Have Courage, Calmness, and Confidence by Paramhansa Yogananda Spring 2010

  7. I am going through troubled times in my life and was consulting astrological charts to find some solutions. I was further disappointed when I came to know that things for me are going to be bad in every aspect for a very long time. I was hopeless and beaten but then my friend talked about free will and my desire to seek God. He also sent me this article and this has made me feel much better. I am filled with hope again. I know that my present actions will undo whatever my past life karma is and also that God will not fail in supporting me in that. Thank you for the article. It has brought me relief and peace. May God bless you.

    1. blank

      Dear Shailaja,

      Astrologers are to some extent limited by their own spiritual development in what they can understand in a person’s chart. In other words, an astrologer who is not spiritually advanced might not be able to ascertain the potential for spiritual advancement in another’s chart. I hope this helpful.

      Joy to you,
      Nayaswami Nakin

  8. I would like to add next to will-power and faith you can also ask God for the grace to change your circumstances, which allows Him to effectively change your karma through his grace.

  9. This is truly a remarkable article. It presents a new, unique perspective on astrology which, I confess shamefacedly , I follow rather mechanically, seeking only material satisfaction !

    Yogananda’s logic that there is an entity in the Universe, or beyond which rules us all, and controls even planetary movements etc, is our ultimate goal. We can approach this entity( call it God the holy spirit, or whatever you will) only through our relentless quest for self improvement, cultivating humility,patience and sympathy for all. And the way to bliss lies through sincere prayers and meditation .
    I sincerely request others who access this site whether I have understood the article properly, or have missed out something even more important.
    With respect for all,
    Ashis Biswas ash

  10. Yes..Ashis, Great comment above.

    Very Thankul to the Article. I am going through life’s sorrows and problems. Because of my worries, I have tried many ways of prediction such as palmistry, horoscope,numerology.. done whatever I could do. I was very much depressed when my astrologer told me that your horoscope is bad so you are facing problems and anyway you are going to suffer that . Once,even I asked my astrologer , can’t I change my future by my will-power, but he was silent. I was much depressed.
    Then I decided to search on web to find the answer. I typed my quesion — “can we change astrology through will” and yes .. I found this link.

    I am very much grateful to read this article.
    And now have confidence that by God’s grace , I can come out of my worries.

    Thanks with love
    Preeti

  11. So i am curious is there anyway to lets say do away with the basic influences of you’re zodiac I was born in the year of the dragon bur month of cancer and these two contradict each other in several ways like the dragon is very independent but as a cancer I am conflicted because I need love as a dragon I was to be social bur cancer makes me not want to be social it took a long time to realize these contradictions were even taking place or what they are and if I can’t do away with one or the other then can I master them to the point where its irrelevant?

  12. Namaste and many thanks for the excellent article by Paramhansa ji, its really an eye opener and if set in life will have profound effects, i m really greatly inspired by this article

  13. There are few masters like paramahamsa Yogananda who shows the light to dark souls like me. i am really blessed to read this article. let the light shows grace on all suffering beings.

  14. Please read Autobiography of a Yogi, Chapter 16, “Outwitting the Stars” for further insight from Sri Yukteswar and Master on this topic.

    1. Thank you Eric for a mention of this chapter. I have been going through one of the most challenging period of my life and have consukted many astrologers. Most talk about the bad planets. All this also put me on the path of spirituality and have learned so much in the last 10months. Yet I happened to meet an astrologer today and was again reminded of the bad effects. However, I was not devastated as I was 10 months back.
      I also wanted to find a way to get out of the planetary mess without depending on others – astrologers. My search lead me to this article and espcially your comment mentioning chapter 16. I had read this book 3-4 months back and found it very reaffirming. I needed to get rid of my fear of the bad planetary situation. And thanks to this article and your comment, I have. Self improvement through spiritual upliftment is the answer. I know now that I have been on the right path.
      Thanks a million!!
      Veenu

  15. Although I have read and understood this commentary over the years of my discipleship, the words of Master are always fresh. When we internalize them, we are able to share their truths with others. We live in times when people are preoccupied with notions of both “individual” and “collective” fate and kharma. They are anxious and reminded daily about humanity’s collective destiny, of nation they were born into.

    Since free will and not fate is the Path to Freedom, Sanghas are the smallest vortexes where people can consciously transcend collective kharma. Sanghas devoted to the Highest uplift therefore existing collective astrological / planetary currents. Sanghas influence thereby the workings of villages, municipalities, and entire nations. Just as the truths of science and religion merge, so also are ideological divides recognized by millions as man-made barriers toward Happiness, meaning Self Realization.

    Prominent examples of collective kharma – witnessed, and experienced by countless people and all forms of life – are the roles nations play today on the world stage.

    Sanghas are the place where personal and collective kharmic seeds, are transmuted; where seeds towards free-will-attunement with God are cultivated, and carried into villages, municipalities and corporations that express ultimately the Unity of all that is.

  16. For over three years I have been crippled by the fear of a particular, severe astrological influence. I have felt trapped and hopeless. This article causes me to ask, “Can I really be free of this?” I’m afraid to hope. I’ll read the references that Nakin Lenti posted earlier. I am thankful for this article.

  17. Thanks for a great article. I am being haunted by my planetary predictions. But reading about seeking the help of God has really given me great hope.

  18. Needed the advice after going through tough periods during shani sade-sati and ketu mahadasha. I was desperately seeking a way to surpass astrology and firmly believed that meditation and spirituality is above and beyond astrology, but this article affirmed the same. Thanks for the reassurance, it was very much needed :)

  19. So much clarity and truth in these words. Being a Scorpio I tend to delve deep into everything which often leads to over identifying with things, in this way, Astrology was no different for me.
    Luckily life reminded me there is a power far more powerful than the stars effects, love and god.

  20. Astrology calculations interpreting your future is correct but depends on the exactness of the observation in the natal chart. Very few experts are available in India.

    Guru seva is good and will nullify its results.

  21. This article is amazing. Great man of faith that you are.

    I just read an astrological report on how the “Cycles of Saturn” are affecting my life”. It stated that I am likely to be single into my late forties. I made the mistake to consult an astrological report instead of hearing and receiving guidance from the Almighty.

    Thank you for sharing this. Your insights have brought a lot of peace to my soul.

  22. Thanks for the great insight – I am actually into my regular sadhana and follow the dictum Let Thy will be done but suddenly got perturbed when someone told me about some disturbing events in dec . But anyway thanks to the Almighty . The Master gave me a message through and that’s the greatest Miracle . And thanks to eric i will read the 16th chapter Outwitting the stars in the Autobiography of a Yogi. Thy will , not mine , be done .

  23. Thank you! Questions have been answered by reading this! Timely, for me, indeed!

  24. Hi thank you for sharing your insight. I have been reading and trying to learn vedic astrology for the past few weeks. It’s like opening Pandora’s Box. IT IS SCARY. I am not going to touch that stuff again. Just freaks me out. I became depressed. Better to rely on The Source and increase our spirituality.

  25. Who so ever is writing this page ,you are great . Only meditation on lords true name is required

  26. Hey i am really grateful for this article it brings me peace I have been a Christian doing good to others not caring how they feel about me then I started to realize some of my closed friend hates me because I was full of good then one night I searched up why do people hate me even if I was good I read that article and below that article was a astronomer telling me he can read my future then I fell for it I have been so depressed lately because I swayed from Gods way I thought this astronomer was a Christian because she wore white clothes i will never in my life sway from God way i asked God for forgiveness for he is the only God of Israel and my sins are forgiven

  27. Interesting article. Paramhansa Yogananda ji clearly explained about astrology in his An Autobiography of Yogi, book. To some extent precious stones do help as said by Swami Yukteswar giriji. But we cann’t escape from will of God. Practiscing Mediation and daily spiritual sadhana will help you to follow the Law of Life.

  28. Very very…. Helpful artical
    Thank you so much for shearing this Information……!

  29. Thanks for putting the whole thing in perspective!! Makes so much sense!

  30. Thank God I read this post and it helped me a lot
    God bless you

  31. nov 1 1948 what can my astrology help me on my path

  32. Hello, Thanks for sharing this informative article, please keep sharing these types of facts and truth about astrology. I would like to share a piece of information with all the Mumbai People, your quest to meet the best astrologer in your own town ends here! One of the Best Astrologers in India, Dr. Vinay Bajrangi, will soon be in Mumbai.
    please visit the official website https://www.vinaybajrangi.com/dr-vinay-bajrangi-will-be-in-mumbai.php

  33. I appreciate your intention in writing this article. However i must question your belief of separating God and the stars. If you believe in both astrology and God, i think it makes sense to see the stars as not a separate phenomenon from God, but instead as God’s clockwork. If we live with this belief, then it doesnt make sense to not pay close attention to the stars, as they are of God’s creation too. I think finding and understanding astrology on a deep level means you were given the talent and the way has been paved for you to carry out your talent and equally as important take on more and more responsibility in this incarnation. Most likely you have earned that gift to be able to have it and use the knowledge. Let me explain why the impacts of the stars’ alignments are unavoidable. If you truly know and understand astrology beyond the basic levels, you will see when looking at individualized and mundane charts that the same type of events that happened are represented by the same patterns. It is living in denial to make like everything that has happened to us in life was because of our conscious actions. We all are constantly doing things unconsciously that affect others and the world in so many ways we dont even know, things that are basically impossible to realize or correct. Its impossible for us to prevent natural disasters. Not paying attention to the stars wouldn’t negate a natural disaster. That would just be living in denial and then consequently having to deal with the disaster in a worse way then you would if you actively prepared for it. So I dont think following the stars for best results is the same as not being devoted to God. Being devoted to God as we say, is more about choosing the righteous path, doing whatever you can do to make the world a better place. Its about the intent and the action you follow it up with. The results are actually not important. Because the reality is we are never in full control of ourselves, our destiny. There’s people who eat and live in the healthiest ways possible yet still develop disease. There’s people who heavily smoke and drink their whole life and live to be 90+ years old somewhat unscathed. Living 90+ years relatively healthy with smoking and drinking (abusing your body) doesnt matter, because you consciously chose a negative way of life. Point being its always about giving life your absolute all choosing the righteous path, the exact results we get at the end of the day are irrelevant. If it was only the results that mattered to you, then that would show you aren’t living for God. So even though we can never fully control the events that transpire, we can always consciously give it our all. That’s how you honor God. Hence by always using your knowledge to make a better world you are devoting yourself to God.

  34. Absolutely wonderful article. An eye opener. Helped to clear doubt regarding Fate Vs Free Will.
    Regards,
    Manu

  35. I observed this article on Yogananda’s point of view on astrology to be actually enlightening. It superbly highlights how Yogananda emphasised the significance of connecting with the divine supply of pleasure inside ourselves, as an alternative than completely relying on exterior astrological influences.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *