Interview by Arsh Kaur

I have always been interested in astrology, despite the doubts about its accuracy. I will admit that I check zodiac horoscopes in newspapers – only to keep a mental checklist if it’s right or wrong!

To find answers to the complexities of astrology, I met Vedic Astrologer Shivaji in his home office in Edmonton. Shivaji looked every bit the traditional Indian priest in his marigold orange attire, except a little younger – perhaps in his thirties. Colorful posters of Hindu gods covering every inch of his office walls, and his traditional attire, made me a little skeptical of his ideas about the modern world.

“People often relate personalities to zodiac signs,” Shivaji began. He compared looking at zodiac signs to seeing what we want or expect to see rather than an accurate reflection of reality.

Arsh: “Like confirmation bias. In psychology, it is a term that we search and favour information in a way that confirms our prior beliefs.”

Shivaji: “Yes. A birth chart, on the other hand, reveals the real story of destiny. It is like a personal cosmic blueprint formed by date, time and place details of birth, and it’s unique for each person.”

He elaborated on some of the complex parts of the birth chart such as:

1. Nakshatras (Lunar Constellations) affect personality traits and life occurrences.
2. Rashis (Zodiac signs) shape one’s overall behavior.
3. Dasha (planetary periods) significantly influence life events. Planetary positions of celestial bodies play an important role in showing how different areas of life are impacted.
4. Lagna (Ascendant) is important in understanding one’s life path and characteristics.

These elements come together to reflect an individual’s traits and destiny, rather than giving a general attribute.

Arsh: “I have always thought of astrology as a future prediction, an intuition. What is astrology?”

Shivaji: “Astrology is not only about future telling. It is a skill of insightful observation – looking into the innate characteristics to guide an individual on educational pursuits, career paths, and the major influences planetary positions on their life.”

Arsh: “If planets decide our future, is our fate set in stone?”

Shivaji: “Not really. Planets can act as a catalyst but your actions are always the main chemical.”

He explained: for example, suppose two persons are speeding on the same road. If one person has a favorable planetary alignment, they might not get a ticket. Meanwhile, if the other person has a less favorable planetary alignment, he might get a speeding ticket.

Arsh: “Can we take control of our fate or change it?”

Shivaji: “Yes. We can, at any point, take control of our lives through our actions and Spirituality. I mean, by making our every action, our every breath conscious. Consciously eating, listening, and taking actions – for the good. Giving mindful positive input to our brain through conscious awareness.

“We can change our fate by doing good deeds.

“For example, you have Saturn’s less favorable influence on you. If you’re being lazy, your life is gonna go downhill. But if you work hard you will get 100x results for your efforts. Because Saturn hates laziness and loves hard work.”

Arsh: “I see. I am very lazy and I complain all the time that I don’t get the wanted results. But when people tell me that my laziness is the reason, I don’t believe them. Perhaps, I am more inclined to listen to a planet that’s hating me for being lazy.”

Shivaji: “You’re not the only one. Humans are prone to believe in superior things.”

Arsh: “Being conscious of every action sounds like a lot of work. Is it achievable?”

Shivaji: “Absolutely. We only need to be willing to make sacrifices for personal growth. Also with chanting mantras, meditation and worshiping God, we can transform our lives.”

Arsh: “Are psychics similar to Astrologers?”

Shivaji: “Psychics often rely on intuition, whereas mastering astrology demands dedicated study and consistent practice. Intuition comes with spirituality. So, you combine both to be better at astrology.”

Arsh: “Can you predict the future of the earth?”

Shivaji: “While I might not possess this foresight yet, there are practitioners who have mastered the science of planetary repositions. They can predict the position of the planets, thus predicting the future.”

Arsh: “What is the current influence of planets on the world as a collective?”

Shivaji: “In this time of technological saturation, our attention is divided to a point that is difficult for a human mind to handle. Our energy is scattered. Consciousness is lost and this is affecting our mental well-being.”

Arsh: “Why did you learn astrology?”

Shivaji: “It is my legacy. It has been passed down to me by my forefathers.”

Arsh: “Can anybody learn it?”

Shivaji: “Yes. One has to study the Vedas, the book of astrology. You have to find a knowledgeable Guru (a teacher) that can guide you and your practice.”

Arsh: “What is your purpose as an Astrologer?”

Shivaji: “I want to improve people’s lives. I want to serve as a guide to help lead people fulfilling lives.”

My chat with Shivaji has reshaped how I see astrology now. He cleared my misconception that it’s a mere intuition; it is a complex process of observing planetary positions and connecting them to our lives. I felt relieved that he didn’t say that our future is set in stone by astrology, but that our actions matter the most.

Shivaji explained everything with confidence and friendly examples, and it has made me understand the power of our choices. Not only did he answer my questions, but he also read my birth chart and said things about my past that were spot on. Though I did not want any future predictions, he told me about Saturn’s current influence on me. I am ready to change that and take control.

Vedic Astrologer Master Ramachandra (Shivaji)
1927 95a St NW, Edmonton
780-394-9718
Available by appointment only