PART V: THE PROPITIATION OF PLANETS AND REMEDIAL MEASURES
29.Upayes (Remedies and Propitiation)
29.2 Yantra specific to the grahas
30.Supernatural Origin of Gemstones
30.2 Matching stones to planets
30.4 Qualities of a good gemstone
30.8 Using gemstones Āyurvedically
33.Pacifying Grahas (Daily Routines and Rituals)
1. Quick reference guide – planets at a glance
FOREWORD
For scholarly astrologers, Jyotish: The Art of Vedic Astrology is one of the most important books of the last four decades. It is an encyclopaedic text providing the origins of the myriad body of ancient Indian astrological techniques, and a real contribution to our field. It is enormously detailed and spectacularly researched. This is a book that will thrill academic-minded Vedic astrologers who want to dig deeper into every facet of the miraculous star language.
Anyone expecting an ordinary introductory book will, I dare say, be disappointed. And, in any case, there are now enough introductory texts written by both Westerners and Easterners to satisfy all tastes. The material you are about to read is not ordinary because Andrew Mason is as far from an ordinary astrologer as anyone I have ever met. He is passionate about metaphysics, determined in his ways, and driven to find the truth and historical accuracy of all astrological material.
Unlike the focus of my work and writing, which has been generally to determine which techniques work the best and which fall short so we can produce the most accurate horoscope readings possible, Andrew wants to discover the roots and very basis of all astrological knowledge. What, for example, are the origins of gemstones as remedial measures, and when were gems first mentioned in ancient texts? What is the basis for planetary Upayes (healing methods)? How are planetary yagyas performed, and are they more powerful than talismans, yantras or other methods? Which ancient texts appear most trustworthy, and are their statements borne out by direct observations of the skies? What does Sûrya Siddhânta say and why? What did Varāhamihira conclude?
Andrew, to be frank, is very nearly a questioning machine who has actually had to learn to manage his unrelenting curiosity and drive for answers in order not to offend teachers and mentors. From Andrew’s view, no astrological knowledge or technique should be blindly accepted without some solid historical basis and proven logic – or at least before given serious deliberation. This has not always sat well with Andrew’s teachers, for many different reasons. But it is this intense drive that is responsible for the detailed and intricate information you are about to read, and the reason Andrew addresses so many issues – mathematical, technical and theoretical – that are so often ignored or treated superficially by others.
Upon first reading this book, I called Andrew to discuss what was, for me, an overwhelming amount of detailed, technical material. I asked whether he felt he might have included too much information. To my surprise, his response concerned his fear that he had ‘short-changed the reader by not including enough!’ Therein, of course, lies the beauty of this text for those who want to delve deeper than ever before. Not only is there an enormous amount of information, the work is detailed and meticulous.
Like many astrologers, Andrew came upon the star language in a roundabout way. In his twenties, he was plagued with a painful injury and spent 12 years seeking a cure. This led him to Āyurveda, the Hindu healthcare method that incorporates Jyotish, which grabbed him so profoundly that he opted to study in Śrī Laṇkā on a one-year internship, longer than the three-month requirement. Eventually, as happens to many Āyurvedic students, a fascination with astrology took hold and never let go.
This book is divided into five major sections, and I would love to point to the best, most fascinating, one. The task, however, is impossible. Every section is more intricate and insightful than the next. When asked for his opinion, Andrew said he favours the section on Upayes, healing methods. As he explained, ‘Everyone has aspects of their horoscopes that are challenging. What good is Jyotish if it doesn’t provide cures and ameliorations?’ I agree completely, and have argued for decades that too many Westerners practicing Vedic Astrology ignore or downplay astrological Upayes. But, to the question