The mystical sciences are such that most of their essence is unknown or suspected as unreal by the common populace. Such attitudes are not without some merit as so many of so-called mystics, soothsayers, astrologers or seers of this modern age are simply charlatans who prey upon the weaknesses of those in distress that seek their unworthy counsel. This is not a valid description of those few who have sincerely dedicated themselves to these arts and given the “gift” of higher sight and senses, though.

 Leaders and citizens of the world have sought the true practitioners of the divine art of prediction from kings and queens to politicians, from businessmen and teachers to parents, students and the spiritual preceptors of all religions. When Lord Jesus was to take his birth upon this earth over 2000 years ago the “Three Wise Men” (as they were called in later writings) came to find him.

 They followed certain constellations of stars and the planetary configurations to find that place where they knew this divine Son of God would take his birth. Their mission was to take the dust of his blessed lotus-like feet upon their heads. They knew that he would be the incarnation of a force to change the course of the seekers of spiritual salvation.

 Who were these wise men? Why they were astrologers and seers of the highest order, coming from Persia and India to find this blessed child. When Lord Krishna of the famous Bhagavad-Gita was to be born it was already foretold in the Vedas where He would take his birth and which constellation of stars would be prominent.

Such predictions of the coming of God or His pure emissary are the rarest of occurrences. Yet still this divine art of predictive ability is given as a great gift which can be bestowed upon sincere seekers of the truth to enlighten those who seek their counsel. The science of Vedic astrology is one such mystic art of prediction and it is being taken up by some of the most gifted practitioners in the world today.

Those of Hindu faith or other paths “foreign” to the average westerner are not the only ones to practice such systems today. The mystical arts are being studied and practiced by many Americans and Europeans, besides those of the east who are long more familiar with them. I have met priests in England and Europe who have attained incredible ability through their dedication to such forms of astrology. One wonderful woman who is a vicar of the Church of England has been hailed as one of the most gifted seers of the truth in that country. Her counsel to her parish takes on awesome proportions as she can advise them along their paths in life due to her abilities in this realm.

This science of astrology is meant to be one that can provide guidance to those in search of the correct path to take. It is one which can provide the answers to questions far beyond that which we can see and hear with our limited senses. For those seeking to know their higher destiny and the spiritual path they have followed in other times and places it opens up the eye of spiritual destiny. For those in need of answers and guidance in matters of career, finances or loving relationships it opens their eyes to that which cannot be changed as well as how to attract the fortune in life that they so desperately are seeking.

Just imagine if your parents had been blessed with the guidance of knowing your own nature and destiny when you were a child. How many times were we pushed into things that were ultimately of no use to us in making headway in life? How many mistakes were we forced to make just because there was no possibility of gaining such “higher” guidance. How many failed relationships might have been avoided by prior knowledge of the time and circumstance surrounding that person in your life?  How many times did an investment go sour or a business deal have hidden pitfalls? The art of prediction is certainly divine. It is inspired and transmitted by and through forces beyond our daily perception of time and space.

Having said that it is only accessible in its true power and potency in the hands of one who themselves is dedicated to such pursuit in the service of those who seek their counsel. In the same way as we are careful to know the credentials and history of an attorney, accountant or doctor whose counsel you seek, we must exercise as much or more caution when seeking the counsel of one who is said to be able to see the future.

Would you hire an accountant whose clients repeatedly are fined by the IRS? How about an attorney who rarely wins his or her cases? Would you listen to a doctor who weighed 300 pounds and chain-smoked cigarettes as to how best to maintain optimum health?

 Do not discount that which may not be easily understood by your external senses. Nor is it right to discount any valid arts, sciences or truths due to the poor examples purporting to be representatives. Seek knowledge in life and gather any and all tools that may be bestowed upon you to attain success in your goals, be they for the present or the future. The sages of ancient India say “to become self-realized one must understand their past, present and future”. The more knowledge one has of their own past beyond this one life and the more knowledge one has of their ultimate destiny the less room there is for fear.

Fear is the most incapacitating feeling that can overcome a person. Whatever the fear is, it can be destroyed by knowledge of what underlies it. To be forewarned is to be forearmed, it is said, and that is true as to difficulties that may arise which can be avoided. Yet it seems to me that to become fearless and confident of our paths in life should be even more glorious. To become as successful as humanly possible in our goals would then seem to be a natural consequence. Were we to gain such grace and knowledge in life then peace and tranquility of mind would certainly then be with us. What greater wealth could life possibly afford a person? What’s more is that it is the birthright of every person on earth to achieve, if only they will open to truth wherever it may be found.

Howard Beckman (Hamsavatar) is a Vedic astrologer, ayurvedic practitioner, author and counselor residing in Pecos where he is a director of the Vedic Cultural Fellowship. For information on Vedic astrological consultations or the Pecos Yoga and Ayurveda center call  757-6194. Or go to www.vedicworld.org