by Veno

For an astrologer the main keys to discerning the right path for an individual is to study the atmakaraka and the nodes Rahu and Ketu in the horoscope.

The atmakaraka planet shows the aspiration of the soul in the present incarnation. This planet is the filter through which the rest of the horoscope finds expression. If the atmakaraka is weak or afflicted, at the deepest internal level the individual will have strong impulses to take the wrong turns in life. Therefore understanding the highest expression of the atmakaraka planet and conscientiously following that is the only way to approach life.

The importance of the nodes in the chart cannot be overlooked. They are the thread which the entire horoscope delicately rests upon. Rahu shows the untapped potential in the present life which will unlock the true power of the horoscope. The correct harnessing of Ketu's talents and expression has to be sought before Rahu can operate properly. If one just goes headlong into the Rahu area in the chart, without understanding the balancing role of Ketu, it is impossible to handle one's Rahu energy in the right way. Ketu provides the soil in which Rahu can plant its roots.

Unless one moves towards their Rahu area, life remains an unfulfilling experience. When one consciously develops their Rahu potential, the rest of the planets in the chart operate from their correct perspective. If a person shys away from what Rahu indicates in the chart, the rest of the planets tend to function in an uncohesive manner and the individual will always feel that something is missing from his/her life without knowing why.

Like all planets, when Rahu knocks on one's door at a certain time in life one should grab its opportunity. Because it is our natural instinct to shy away from Rahu's opportunities, (most of us do not even recognize it as an opportunity, unless we have some knowledge of Astrology), we will pass up on once in a lifetime chances that would put us on certain paths which can change our lives for the better …

A moment changes everything …Astrology is the timing aid which helps us know the defining moments of our lives … Unless the world begins to acknowledge the importance of the stars and the role they play in our lives, humanity remains on a devoluting path …unable to navigate themselves..

It is always easy for a person to deceive themselves into thinking that they don't need a guidemap to get through life… that if reincarnation is there, it doesn't matter if a mess is made of this life.. there's always the next time…

Why not indulge again and again in one's personal whims…it's more fun and takes less efforts.. .why not just keep on enjoying the ride, the ups and downs of one life to the next, who needs that boring discipline, control and penance? why should the ego have to suffer? ….isn't love and compassion supposed to be enough on the spiritual path?…