Remedies in Astrology

Different types of remedies are used in astrology and spiritual traditions. These include:

• Gemstones.
• Crystals.
• Mantras.
• Yantras.
• Offerings, donations.
• Rituals.
• Auspicious times and dates (Muhurt).

Each remedy has a different purpose, as they do not all function in the same way. For example:

• Gemstones: Traditionally connected with particular planetary qualities.
• Crystals: Used in many modern spiritual practices as symbols of certain qualities or intentions..
• Mantras: Uses sound, repetition, concentration and devotion.
• Yantras: A sacred visual design used for focus and worship.
• Offerings, charity: Encourages giving and helps reduce attachment to possessions.
• Rituals: Create discipline and a clear intention.
• Auspicious times: Help in choosing an appropriate time for an important action.

Therefore, we should not assume that every remedy works through exactly the same method. Two important questions to ask in this context are:

1. “What is this remedy supposed to support?”
2. “What does the person need to do along with the remedy?”

An Astrologer's View of Remedial Recommendations

When someone goes to an astrologer, they often already know what they want. Common questions that astrologers are often asked are on the lines of:

• “I want to save my relationship. Is there a remedy for this?”
• “I want a promotion. How can I get one?”
• “How can I get out of debt?”
• “I want a job in this particular field. What should I do?”
• “How can I overcome my health problems?”

However, very rarely do people ask:

• “Is this relationship actually good for me?”
• “What is this difficult period trying to teach me?”
• “Is this really the right career for me?”
• “What do the current planetary influences indicate?”

That is, a person first usually decides the outcome they want, and then asks for a remedy to get that result. This is where we need to stop and think.

Maybe the real purpose of a remedy is not to help us escape every situation we dislike. Maybe its purpose is to help us develop the strength and ability to deal with what life is asking of us.

As an astrologer, the question I have to ask myself is “Am I helping people understand their situation? Or am I simply giving them a remedy to get the result they have already decided they want?”

If an astrologer only hands out remedies, without helping the person understand their unique circumstances, according Vedic astrology, such an astrologer stops being a ‘Jyotishacharya’ (astrological guide) and becomes an ‘Upayacharya’ (a solution provider).

The Correct Way to Apply an Astrological Remedy

An astrological remedy should not simply be thought of as a magical silver bullet. It should be thought of as support to our intent and actions. For example, if someone is deficient in calcium, iron or protein, a doctor may recommend a supplement. The supplement supports the body, but it does not replace the body's normal functions. The person still needs to work towards better health. In a similar way, an astrological remedy may be used to support a person in developing or accessing particular qualities. Examples of this may be:

• Someone who is emotionally disturbed may need greater calmness.
• Someone who reacts impulsively may need better selfcontrol.
• Someone who has lost confidence may need greater courage and inner strength.
• Someone facing financial problems may need better financial planning or advice.

In such cases, the remedy should lend support to these efforts. But there is one very important question to address.

Maximising the Benefits

A remedy may help you find strength, but you still have to apply that strength. If a remedy gives you courage, you still have to take necessary action. If it supports clarity, you still have to make the right decision. If it creates a calmer state of mind, you still have to decide on an appropriate response.

That is why a remedy should not be thought of as a shortcut. It is support for your journey forward. Hence, perhaps the first responsibility of an astrologer is not just to tell someone which remedy will give them exactly what they want. It is to help them understand what they actually need.