what to expect
- online session conducted via zoom
- experienced and encouraging facilitator
- friendly learning environment
Foundations of Vedic Astrology: A Four-Week Introduction to the Science of Light
with Kavi Karnapura Dasa
This four-session course offers a clear and approachable introduction to Vedic astrology (Jyotiṣa) through its philosophical roots and practical applications. Designed with the Bhakti community and spiritual practitioners in mind, the course presents astrology as a contemplative tool — a way to understand our inner tendencies, life patterns, and spiritual direction through the lens of the wisdom of the sages. We’ll explore it as a practical tool for understanding our inner patterns, our purpose, and the spiritual moment we find ourselves in.
The material is accessible to newcomers while still rich enough for seasoned yogis wanting a deeper connection to the Vedic tradition of Jyotiṣa.
______________________________
Session Outline
Session 1 — Jyotiṣa: The Science of Light
• What astrology is and how Jyotiṣa developed within the Vedic tradition
• The meaning of light in spiritual practice and self-understanding
• Sāṅkhya philosophy: sattva, rajas, tamas and how they shape the mind
• Introducing the “big three”: Ascendant, Moon, and Sun
• A guiding metaphor for reading the birth chart as a life-map
Session 2 — The Grahas: The Planetary Archetypes
The nine planets and their psychological signatures
• Understanding the planets as living archetypes rather than abstractions
• Their elemental qualities, roles, and modes of expression
• How planetary light becomes clear or obstructed
• Continuing the chart metaphor: how each graha contributes to our life’s navigation
Session 3 — Dharma, Artha, Kāma, Mokṣa: The Four Aims of Life
Interpreting the houses with purpose
• Introducing the puruṣārthas and their role in spiritual psychology
• How the 12 houses reflect the full spectrum of human experience
• Why dharma houses feel different from kāma or mokṣa houses
• Linking planets and houses to form a meaningful interpretation
Session 4 — The Year Ahead: Navigating Cycles & Karma
A practical introduction to timing and transits
• Jupiter and Saturn as the two major “teachers” of any year
• What to expect from Mars, Venus, and Mercury retrogrades in 2026
• A gentle introduction to Rāhu and Ketu and their karmic themes
• How students can identify major life-themes in their own chart for the coming year
Through his ongoing project Eye of the Vedas, Kavi explores astrology (jyotiṣa) not merely as a predictive tool, but as a yogic tool for self discovery. He is passionate about empowering seekers with the timeless wisdom of Vedic astrology to enhance their lives and deepen their practice.
