Astrology of Joy

Newsletter 18/AUGUST/2025 AI and You

Written by

David

in

Astrology Monday! AI and You! Friend or Foe? 🫢
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This Week’s Focus

AI and You: being human is your big advantage
Issue 33 Volume 8          18 August 2025
Technology is moving in a direction where artificially, a computer will be able to think a million times better than human beings, because thought is fundamentally computing. Data is assimilated and then it comes out with something sensible from that. As computers evolve, a computer will be able to do this far better than a human being. This evolution is not even going to take a very long time. It will happen in a short time. Then there will be no value for human thought. All the thinkers will be out of business!

But that is only intelligence. That is not consciousness. Our thought, our emotion, these have nothing to do with consciousness. Once everything is well, what are human beings supposed to do? Human beings are supposed to be joyful, blissful and do something that no mechanical thing can do. A robot can do everything that you can do – except it cannot meditate because there is no consciousness. So, ultimately, only meditators will be employed!

Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, yogi, mystic, humanitarian, NYT bestselling author
Astrology Monday:
Just the facts, please! 
An American icon from 60s television, hard-boiled detective Joe Friday always insists on “just the facts”.

This week’s no-nonsense forecast:
Sun square Uranus
Sudden changes and fluctuations in your worldly affairs bring insight and innovation — if you stay calm, resolve what part of you is reacting, then plot a steady course through the tempest. 
Venus conjunct Jupiter: body’s desire loses to heart’s desire…
And this is a good thing. Venus, your love of comfort, pleasure, and relationship, can distract you from your highest, selfless intentions to make the world a better place. Jupiter in Cancer, however, makes Jupiter win this battle. Be warned, however: Venus in Cancer can still make for quick love affairs that only serve to entangle you in regret.

Ongoing
Saturn and Neptune both retrograde since mid-July…
…and both in Aries for the first time since the 1700s! Saturn and Neptune proceed hesitantly in “forge ahead” Aries; however, when retrograde, these two planets underscore a beneficial change of direction that supports a more truer vision. Use August to reevaluate where you’re going and most importantly, where you want to go. This is an amazing opportunity to get on track.
Uranus in Gemini!
Uranus entered Gemini for four months, giving us a preview of his ways for the next seven years. On November 8, 2025, Uranus exits Gemini and returns to Taurus, then on 26 April, 2026: Uranus re-enters Gemini, beginning the main phase that will last until 2033. Hint: Uranus is is your authentic nature crying to be freed. If you are struggling, it simply means you are not honouring your authenticity. You are living a lie and Uranus wants to put an end to your falsehoods and pretence. Let it show you the way.
Jupiter in Cancer
Jupiter in Cancer is an opportunity to improve your self-image through service, creativity, and abundance when you seek to act upon your highest intentions. Keep your Jupiter pointed high. Jupiter can become distracted and very ordinary if you allow it to serve your passions and your need for comfort and pleasure. Nothing wrong with these as long as they don’t take the lead.

Quick World View
The road to peace in Ukraine now moves back to Washington, DC, where Trump, Zelensky, and EU leaders shall discuss the next move. Trump’s mindset has been benefitting from a friendly 16-year Jupiter Dasa (period) which softens trauma. Exalted Jupiter in Cancer second from the Sun indicates sincere attempts at negotiations and though the Saturn/Venus in his natal chart indicates an unhelpful resistance to compromise, his Jupiter eventually wins out. This is a plus for peace.

Zelensky, too, is benefitting from a nice Jupiter second from his ascendent which also indicates sincere attempts to end the war. As long as he leads with his Jupiter and not his Saturn/Mars in Leo, a sign of war, he will do what is best for everyone.

Putin’s chart is interesting. Mars is currently in close conjunction with his Saturn, a sign of frustration that leads to war. That it is in his 12th in Libra (relationships) indicates a man who could bring destruction upon himself because of unwillingness to let go what is not helpful. This makes him dangerous, especially with Uranus now in his 8th. Somehow, though, this appears to be more of a problem for him and Russia than Ukraine. As it is, his Mars/Saturn conjunction is widening, creating more space for diplomacy, a positive sign for the peace process. Let’s hope that space is filled with common sense and understanding.

It’s a challenging situation, but my fingers are crossed. 🙏🏻
Dear wonderful neighbour and fellow traveller;

For many professional healers, therapists, and life coaches, a legitimate question is, “What effect will AI have on my business model?” A quick search and you find AI emotional support therapists, life coaches, even corporate coaches tailored to your company, and, yes, even AI astrologers… what to do? 🤨

Long past simply receiving search results and auto-generated text, one can now receive guidance and support from an AI “therapist” created to look like whoever makes you feel comfortable. One such website explains how you can have a “therapist” on call 24/7 who will “understand and respond to your emotions, offer tailored insights, and guide you through difficult situations.”

“Whether it’s stress at work,” it continues, “relationship struggles, or just needing someone to listen – your AI Therapist is here to help. You can open up freely and explore your thoughts without worrying about being judged. Your AI therapist provides a safe, empathetic space to sort through your emotions, offering guidance and support when you need it most.” Of course, tucked away at the bottom, there is a disclaimer that reminds us that the AI bot is not a licensed therapist and is for educational purposes only. 😁

As a yogi and mystic, I am not concerned. Even if astrologers become extinct, I do not approach life from a place of rigid necessities. Being spiritual means I am flexible and like water, I simply fill whatever container is offered. Masters of human consciousness know very well that a human being can be in chains while living a life of luxury while the person in prison can be in complete freedom. We are not always in control of what happens to us, but we are in complete control of our experience.

Nevertheless, the game is being played. If you are a creative or a healer or therapist concerned with the approach of AI, simply become more of what it cannot — more human. Being human is something AI will never do. Why? Because AI exists only in a physical reality, but a human being’s consciousness goes far beyond the physical, mental, and emotional. This is what makes us human and why human potential is unlimited. It’s in our nature and something no machine will ever possess no matter how many Hollywood movies show otherwise. 😉

 🤗

David 🔆

Astrology Monday

Weekly Planning Forecast

Virgo Sun…
23 August — 22 September

The Sun in Virgo highlights an important attribute of the Virgo nature: it’s a sign that indicates the building of something wonderful for the benefit of human beings, whether in thought or in deed. If you have the Sun in Virgo in your birth chart or Mercury, Saturn, or Rahu, you have an abundance of this attribute. Indeed, it is deeply ingrained in who you are and can serve you well when you recognise its worth.

Virgo relates to the physical world and the things we attempt and accomplish in the outer world in order to find fulfilment: education degrees, job, career, house, car, etc. Spouse and family come in the next sign, Libra. Though our search for happiness in the outer world ultimately leaves us unfulfilled, as it should, it is a necessary part of the journey we human beings take from material to spiritual. 

Sun in Aditya Tvashta…
Fun Fact: Zodiac comes from the Greek zodiakos (kyklos) which literally means “circle of little animals” and reveals how astrological knowledge was shared between the cultures of Greece and India beginning in the time of Alexander the Great.

Before the arrival of the Greeks, the ‘zodiac’ used in India was a 360 degree circle based upon the Sun’s movement (Adityas). The Aditya corresponding to Virgo is Tvashta which relates to the chariot maker. This highlights the nature of Tvashta as the sign that relates to building something that allows human beings to have an easier and more comfortable existence, to “move” from one aspect of life to another. 😊
 
Moon Planner
Has the Moon got you hurried and harried?

No worries! The Moon represents the feminine and your capacity to receive and recognise the resources you have available to fulfil your emotional needs.  Too often, we get distracted with what is not ours and miss out on the available opportunity, experiencing disappointment and disillusionment, or worse, we become like my hairy friend, Monsieur Lou Garou. 🤭

New Moon in Aquarius
Saturday, 23 August: New Moon in Virgo (07:06 BST )
New Moons are best spent quietly in meditation and reflection to allow for latent insights to rise to the surface so you can allow them to work their magic.

This Virgo New Moon is a powerful opportunity to gain insight into the health of your connection to the material world. Both the Sun and Moon have just entered Virgo giving insights into new beginnings or helpful modifications to old methods. Ketu (South node) is also in Virgo giving you an opportunity to dig into your past and uncover unhelpful ways you are negotiating your way through the world. Ketu challenges us to rise above survival mode and embrace new directions. When we energise the Ketu-Sun-Moon dynamic as a friend, we become more indrawn, aware, and perceptive. This in turn brings insight which can happen suddenly, in meditation, or even while dreaming during sleep.

Be watchful: Moon-Ketu naturally pulls us deep into our emotional mind allowing us to distinguish between helpful and unhelpful needs. This is especially true on the 24th when the Moon passes over Ketu. We should look upon what we discover with detachment and simply address them as something that needs to be addressed. If we become entangled in what we discover, we may find ourselves in the blues or depressed. What you discover is not you, but a reflection. As always, everything is a mirror pointing us back to ourselves not as a torture, but to help us see the false ideas we need to let go. ☺️
Important dates (2025 — 2026)
2025
JUL 14 — 8 NOV: Uranus in Gemini! Revolution brings innovation. Bend, but don’t break.
JUL 14 — AUG 31 Saturn retrograde in Aries: with Neptune can bring redirection
AUG 6 — SEP 22: Mars in Libra: right action in relationship brings bounty.
SEP 1 thru 28 NOV: Saturn retrograde in Pisces; great time to review long range plans.
Now thru 2026
Now thru JUL 26 2026: Rahu in Pisces: Loss of boundaries; excessive empathy; heightened creative expression and imagination.
Now thru JUN 30, 2026: Jupiter exalted in Cancer: Heart-centred approach brings rewards when emotions are tied to your good intention and not selfish gain.
SEP 1 2025 — FEB 13 2026: Saturn in Pisces: Tendency towards fear-based decisions; loss of boundaries; strong creative ideas
FEB 14 2026— APR 12 2028: Saturn in Aries: Weakening foundation; supports taking calculated risks. Prudence is fine; obsessively cautious denies needed change.
Hero’s Journey
The journey of the hero is about the courage to seek the depths; the image of creative rebirth; the eternal cycle of change within us; the uncanny discovery that the seeker is the mystery which the seeker seeks to know. ~ Joseph Campbell, 
True gurus are those who have reached the highest expression of human potential and help us find the way. Sadhguru is arguably the most accessible guru today through YouTube and live programmes. Initially, his life’s mission was to install the Dhyanalinga, an energy form not seen for over 2000 years, but after his body recovered from the enormous energy drain of such a profound process, he has devoted himself to touching the lives of as many as possible… 😉
 
Upcoming “don’t miss” hatha yoga programmes offered in Europe (incl Glasgow):

Free and low cost programmes and discounts…
Miracle of Mind! FREE Meditation App!

Recent science shows that even a short amount of time is enough to spark positive neuro-physical changes in your brain. Stick with it, and these quick sessions build up, boosting your mental resilience and overall happiness.

Launched by Sadhguru this past Mahashivratri, Miracle of Mind is a free app to download that empowers you through a daily 7 minute meditation. For more information, follow this link.

 
Consultations

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Visit astrologyofjoy.com/special-offer for more information.

What is the Astrology of Joy? It’s a tool for finding your bliss and living a joyful life. It’s a gentle “push” to get you back on the right track. Based upon the time-honoured system of astrology practiced in India for thousands of years, Astrology of Joy is inspired by David’s four decades living in ashrams, seeking truth, and learning from enlightened beings who taught, “You are more than a body and a mind. You are That!” 
 

New! Astro Chat
£45/hr… This reading is an open-ended discussion with me that works best as either a follow-up or a general exploration of any current issues in your life. Designed for the budget conscious or anyone seeking a review of their current astrological trends and trajectories. Audio file included.

In-depth consultations… the following readings are comprehensive and detailed and include 2 to 3 hours of pre-session analysis of your astrology charts before we meet.

Natal in-depth overview: perfect for new clients or as a comprehensive review
£199 new clients/£169 returning clients… 2hr online reading. Includes personal eBook and session audio file.
 
Varshaphala (6-month Solar return): 
£169 new clients/ £129 returning clients… 2hr online reading. Includes personal eBook and session audio file.

Specialised Consultations:
£129… 2hr online reading on one of the following (below). Includes session audio file. Optional: £29 add on eBook.
  • Relationship/Compatibility
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  • Spiritual Development
  • In-depth examination of any area of your choosing.

Rahu/Ketu Elemental Reading
£99… 2hr online reading. Includes session audio file. Optional: £29 add on eBook.
 
Muhurta Consultation
Auspicious date determination for wedding, baby planning, business start up, medical procedures, home purchase, etc.
 £79 for three month analysis. Months do not need to be successive.

Financial Hardship? It is my vision to make Vedic astrology available to all those who are willing to take steps towards their wellbeing. If you are eager to use Vedic astrology to make your life into a better reflection of who you really are, but financial resources are a genuine barrier, please contact me about your situation.

For more information, visit astrologyofjoy.com/consultations.


AstrologyOfJoy.com
About David: Personally certified by Dr. David Frawley, author and founder of the American Institute of Vedic Studies, David has been a professional astrologer for over 30 years. David learned the art and science of Indian astrology while a ten-year resident in the ashram of a realised spiritual master. David guides clients throughout the world on achieving everyday fulfilment in their spiritual and personal goals, relationships, and wellbeing.

David served as editor of Isha Yoga’s European newsletter for two years, was Vice President of the Rosia Montana Cultural Foundation in Romania, and has a Masters in Archaeology (with Distinction), studying the challenges and issues facing contemporary society from the archaeological perspective. He also wrote and published a parent-child picture book with his brother, Steve (illustrator), about the life of Adiyogi, the first yogi. He currently resides in Burntisland, Scotland, where he serves on the board of the Burntisland Harbour Access Trust helping maintain public access to the historically significant harbour.
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