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Outwitting the Stars
Issue 39 Volume 9 28 September 2026
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Area 51 Astrology: The week in 51 words or less
Jupiter/Ketu in Leo — spiritual expansion, detachment from ego-driven recognition, and a loosening of attachment to authority or self-image.
Mars (Cancer) — emotional courage or unhelpful sleepiness? Your choice.
Venus℞ (Scorpio) — re-evaluating love, relationships, money, and comfort, potentially effecting existing partnerships or financial decisions.
Pitru-Paksha, SEP 26 — OCT 10: honour your departed ones
℞ = retrograde motion
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Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri (1855–1936) Self-realised Indian Kriya Yogi, Vedic astrologer, and the spiritual guru of Paramahansa Yogananda.
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“The message boldly blazoned across the heavens at the moment of birth is not meant to emphasise fate—the result of past good and evil—but to arouse man’s will to escape from his universal thraldom. What he has done, he can undo.”
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Dear friend, neighbour and fellow traveller;
In “Outwitting the Stars”, a chapter in Yogananda Paramahansa’s spiritual calssic, Autobiography of a Yogi , Shri Yukteshwar, Yogananda’s guru, makes it clear that astrology is a tool to climb higher, not to become stuck halfway up. Astrology is a wonderful system for revealing one’s tendencies, but once the nail is in the wood, there is no longer a need for the hammer.
Sri Yukteswar was an enlightened yogi who also happened to be a Vedic astrologer. In an era when blind faith was giving way to science, he sought to make Vedic and Christian teachings credible to the scientific mind — especially in the West. He wanted to present the spiritual path as a science and sent his greatest disciple, Yogananda, to America to get the ball rolling. Anyone familiar with the Self-Realisation Fellowship sees very clearly this melding of Yoga, Christianity, and science.
In 1894, at the behest of his guru’s guru, Yukteshwar wrote Holy Science, a compact discourse that seeks to bridge the gap between Eastern and Western spirituality by showing parallels between Christian and Hindu scriptures. He also lays down fundamental principles of astrology, and of the movement of the stars through a cycle of four epochs called yugas. Most significantly, he emphasises that profound Self-mastery allows one to transcend the mechanical reliance on planetary positions.
Consider these quotes from Outwitting the Stars:
On astrology as a useful tool
“All human ills arise from some transgression of universal law… By a number of means—by prayer, by will power, by yoga meditation, by consultation with saints, by use of astrological bangles—the adverse effects of past wrongs can be minimised or nullified.”
On astrology as a debilitating crutch
“Superstitious awe of astrology makes one an automaton, slavishly dependent on mechanical guidance. The wise man defeats his planets—which is to say, his past—by transferring his allegiance from the creation to the Creator. The more he realizes his unity with Spirit, the less he can be dominated by matter. The soul is ever-free; it is deathless because birthless. It cannot be regimented by stars.”
On the inherent power of being in touch with one’s divinity
“God is harmony; the devotee who attunes himself will never perform any action amiss. His activities will be correctly and naturally timed to accord with astrological law. After deep prayer and meditation he is in touch with his divine consciousness; there is no greater power than that inward protection.”
Yukteshwar’s teaching is clear: the horoscope is a diagnostic tool to identify karmic patterns, but the destination is complete spiritual self-reliance where no external tool is needed.
So… why am I, an astrologer, sharing this with you all? Am I trying to put myself out of a job? Absolutely! 😄
I want you to become unpredictable because in the next several years it is your unpredictability that will be your strongest ally against any far-reaching changes arising from AI (Artificial Intelligence) and soon coming, AGI (Artificial General Intelligence), a “next-step” set to transform human society as we know it.
More about these two in upcoming isues.
🤗
Warm thoughts and many blessings,
astrologyofjoy.com
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Case Study: Using the stars to leap ahead
Last week, I mentioned how astrology is not a crystal ball, but a karmic map of our past, the study of which allows us to steer a better course for our future — in effect, becoming unpredictable. I also mentioned how you can bring significant change by knowing your Ketu/Rahu axis and where the nodes are currently positioned.
A shout out to my youngest daughter
A month ago, my daughter unexpectedly found herself needing a new place to live in short order, a situation compounded by bare bones finances and two dogs and a cat. Sharing her situation with me over the phone, I suggested to her that she utilise to her advantage what was being revealed in the Cosmos.
Specifically, Ketu’s transit in June into Leo is telling her (and the rest of us) that actions undertaken for self gain, even survival, would be less likely to succeed or go smoothly if in doing so she sacrificed her authentic potential as an unlimited piece of life throbbing with possibility. I expressed how Rahu in Aquarius was telegraphing the best way forward, that it is through the group dynamic we will find sure footing. I suggested to her that in the world of needing a new place to live, she look towards a place to share with others. What that could look like was up to her.
Turning a suggestion into conscious action, my daughter posted on social media for flatmates while simultaneously seeking a house to share rather than an apartment to rent. What happened next was a textbook example of using astrology as a tool, not a crutch. Nearly overnight, she found the perfect four bedroom house, with the perfect landlord, and the perfect flatmates, one of whom was her best friend who suddenly became available, and another she knew from primary school.
What her experience exemplifies is how useful astrology can be when we use it to direct our self-effort. Rahu is a wild horse. Unless we take the reins, it will just as likely lead us down a road of pain and suffering. My daughter activated her Rahu energy consciously, and through her conscious choice, found the answer.
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Libra Sun: I am You, You are Me
23 September — October 22
The Sun in Libra reflects our quest to feel complete
Libra represents “the other” and marks the transition from the first half of the zodiac (“I”) to the second half (“We”). The Sun in Libra drives us to know our deepest Self through the other. It reveals how we relate to the Self as a manifestation of what appears to be separate from us. In reality, what is “out there” is a mirror of what is inside.
If you struggle in relationships, look towards the dynamic between you and the sense of other. Emotions like fear, dread, and unfeeling shows a Saturn based perspective rooted in the past. Passion, possessiveness, and competition is Mars, and Moon, Venus, and Mercury dominance is friendly, pleasant, and graceful. Love, exhilaration, and joy is Jupiter-based and reveals union with “the other” and a significant step towards experiencing the One Reality. In truth, you and I are one in the same.
Aditya
Before the arrival of the Greeks, the ‘zodiac’ used in India was a 360 degree circle based upon the Sun’s movement (Aditya literally means sons of Aditi, the mother of all). The Aditya corresponding to Libra is Tvashta which relates to the “chariot maker.” Planets in Tvashta indicate the inclination to build something for the benefit of others.
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Important dates (2026+)
JUL 27 2026 thru MAR 26 2028: Rahu in Aquarius: It’s been a long time since we had Rahu in a friendly sign. Innovation, especially in humanitarian fields, will blossom. The danger? AI without boundaries.
JUN 30 2026 thru July 2027: Jupiter in Leo. Put your good intentions to work. With Ketu, authentic Self is valued over ego-driven self.
JAN 2026 thru 2039: Neptune in Aries. Plans gain traction when you see through illusion, especially illusions generated by those in leadership.
FEB 14 2026 — APR 12 2028: Saturn in Aries: Weakening foundation; supports taking calculated risks. Prudence is fine; being obsessively cautious denies needed change. Seek real support; not crutches.
APR 25 2026 thru 2033: Uranus in Gemini: Will AI run amuck or will technological breakthrough herald a new era of peace?
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David learned Vedic astrology while a ten-year resident in the ashram of Gurumayi Chidvilasanada. Certified by the world-renown Vedic scholar Dr. David Frawley, he has worked with clients around the world since 1992. David also holds a Masters in Archaeology with Distinction and is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. He currently resides in Fife, Scotland.
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CONSULTATIONS
Comprehensive Reading:
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New client, 2-hr reading + 2–3 hrs prep…£120
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Returning client, 2-hr reading + 2-3 hrs prep… £95
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NEW! Karmic Quick Fix – £29 (30 min)
A focused conversation for a specific question — a sudden issue, help with a decision, best use of a transit — something that’s come up since your last reading. Not a substitute for in-depth analysis.
Choose your topic(s): Relationships, compatibility, career, finance, health, relocation, event timing, solar return, Saturn return, etc.
**MP3 audio file included with all readings
More Information
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Get Your Personal Ebook!
Beautifully crafted, personally written, printable 20+ page eBook available with any reading £79. Standalone £108.
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Over 20 pages written especially for you, packed with chart analysis, diagrams, and action points. A comprehensive guide and map to your life thru Vedic Astrology.
Includes Natal Analysis, Varshaphala (Current Solar Return), Ketu/Rahu Life Trajectory and Opportunities, Chakral Strength and Wellbeing, Aditya Zodiac, Avasthas (planetary afflictions), and much more.
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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 fulfilment in their spiritual and personal lives 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 Scotland.
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