In Vedic
philosophy, a person’s life is viewed as an interplay and
fulfillment of four main goals of life, termed
Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha:
Dharma translates loosely as
life purpose, individual right action and ethics;
Artha as wealth and material
stability;
Kama as physical enjoyment,
emotional fulfillment and affection;
Moksha translates as spiritual
liberation (or the full cessation of mental suffering that has been
created by distorted perceptions of the other three areas of life).
The birth chart vividly reveals
how these four primary impulses find meaning, expression and timing
in a person’s life.
While Vedic astrology is known for its predictive strengths it also recognizes the interplay of both fate and free will. Along with the interpretation of the birth chart, Vedic astrologers will traditionally suggest remedies to balance the effects of difficult planetary influences. Remedies are often in the form of specific lifestyle suggestions and spiritual practices. The self-understanding that Jyotish offers often serves as a primary remedy in and of itself.