Similar to many, my quest for answers guided me to Jyotisha. In 2018, I discovered a Singaporean astrologer, Dr Raamachandran, who adeptly cast my horoscope, providing accurate insights into my life events. Notably, he emphasized the integral link between mathematical astrology, astronomy in Jyotisha, explaining discrepancies I had encountered when visiting astrologers whose interpretations were compromised by wrongly cast horoscopes due to time zone changes between the time of my birth and the current time in Singapore.
The Covid-induced circuit breaker period allowed me the opportunity to delve deeper into my interests. During this time, I came across Sal Biadora, a Filipino practicing sidereal astrology on YouTube. Following this, I explored the Cosmic Insights app and enrolled in a Cosmic Insights Beginner class conducted by Shri EK Dhilip Kumar. This experience unveiled the profound connection of Jyotisha to Vedangas and classical texts. As someone born in Singapore to Singaporean parents, this journey made me acutely aware of my limited exposure to culture, traditions, and scriptures, primarily due to the geographical distance from India.
Enrolling in the Cosmic Insights course motivated me to acquire my copy of The Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra—an ancient Sanskrit text on astrology attributed to the sage Parashara. This text serves as an extensive guide to Vedic astrology, exploring topics ranging from planetary positions and house effects to dashas. Renowned for its depth and precision, the text holds high esteem in the field, offering both theoretical knowledge and practical insights for astrologers.
In early 2021, I chanced upon a beginner astrology workshop organized by the Hindu Center in Singapore, where a fellow Singaporean, Dinesh Cheram, led the course. My prior exposure to the subject became apparent during interactions, catching the attention of Dinesh and other participants. A group of enthusiasts emerged from the session, and I contributed by organizing supplemental sessions. Through this, I connected with Dinesh, who, as it turned out, had already attended both beginner and advanced sessions with Shri EK Dhilip Kumar before I had attended the Cosmic Insights beginner course. Dinesh and I forged a strong friendship, and I supported him during his second session with the Hindu Center in 2022.
Our shared passion for astrology led to discussions on how we could acquire formal education and certifications in the field. Pre-Covid, most reputable organizations in India conducted in-person sessions, posing challenges for individuals like us living in Singapore. However, due to Covid, the shift to online platforms by the Indian Council of Astrological Sciences, founded by the late Dr. B.V. Raman, offered a viable path for our astrological education.
Dr. B.V. Raman, considered the modern father of astrology, advocated for a paradigm shift in perception, aspiring for the educated to recognize astrology as a science rather than dismissing it as mere superstition. His mission was to bridge the gap between traditional beliefs and modern intellect, emphasizing the rational and systematic aspects of astrology. By fostering an understanding of celestial influences grounded in scientific principles, Dr. B.V. Raman aimed to elevate astrology to a respected realm of knowledge accessible to the educated mind. This philosophy drew me towards joining ICAS.
I was thrilled when ICAS informed me that I could initiate my astrological journey by contacting the chapter of my choice. Given my early education in the Tamil language, I opted for the Chennai Chapter and connected with Shri Ramalingam. Encouraging Dinesh to join me, we enrolled in Jyothish Praveena in July 2021. Shri Ramalingam emerged as an exceptional mentor, exuding patience and understanding throughout the learning process. His influence has been instrumental in fostering my appreciation for Jyotisha. Weekend classes were the norm, with exams occurring every six months—fours papers in the first year and six in the second year. Achieving my Jyothish Praveena certification at the end of the first year marked a proud milestone.
During a visit to Chennai in July 2023, I had the privilege of meeting Shri Ramalingam at his residence. On the auspicious Guru Purnima Day, I visited him, and his mother graciously served me a simple lunch, for which I am deeply grateful for the hospitality. This experience left me contemplating how I could continue to contribute.
I recently participated in the seminar cum convocation ceremony in Chennai organized by Shri Ramalingam, where I had the honor of receiving the Visharada certificate as I concuded my final paper in Jyothisha in June 2023. The guest of honour for the event was Shri Rangachari, the Senior National Vice President of ICAS.
The central theme of the seminar revolved around the intriguing topic of Rahu and Ketu. It was truly remarkable to listen to esteemed speakers sharing extensive insights on this subject during the event.
It was a special occasion as we, the graduating batch, had the chance to meet in person. Given the online nature of the course, many of my batchmates were not local to Chennai. The exceptional turnout was particularly noteworthy, especially considering it coincided with Thiru Karthigai day, a widely celebrated festival in India.
My lunar birthday coincides with Thiru Karthigai day, and in 2023, became a doubly blessed day as I celebrated the achievement of graduating with the Visharada certificate from an esteemed institution.
Over the past five months, I’ve been actively participating in Jyothish courses conducted by ICAS – Chennai Chapter and apprenticing with Shri Ramalingam. As the new year approaches, I am poised to step into the role of a faculty member, with a primary focus on Mathematical Astrology during the first semester. This marks the initiation of my faculty journey, and I look forward to gradually expanding my responsibilities to encompass other courses in the subsequent semesters.
Jyothish Visharada
Shamala Parsee
1 Dec 2023