Stillness and Restraint
Apr 05, 2026 12:31 am
Dear Friend,
As I write this letter to you, Venus is just entering Bharanī. The deity of Bharanī is Yama, the god of death, a figure linked to fear and uncertainty. For a common man, Yama’s mention brings a sense of nervousness. However, the Ṛgveda presents a very different perspective on Yama. Yama is not just a figure of death but a divine gatekeeper between the sub-lunary world and the world of the divine. He is the one who ensures safe passage from this life into the next, marking Yama as a symbol of transition. This idea of transition is really important to Bharanī, making it the keyword that defines Bharanī Nakṣatra.
The Ṛgveda offers a profound understanding of the dual nature of existence, which reflects Bharanī’s manifestation which are transformation and stillness. In Ṛgveda 1.164.20, we find the metaphor of two birds in a tree and the verse speaks of two birds, each sharing the same refuge, but with distinct experiences. One bird partakes of the fruit of the fig tree, while the other simply watches. This metaphor is a perfect reflection of Bharanī’s symbolism, helping us understand the dual aspects of our existence. One part of our being is engaged with the material world, while another part remains detached and still, observing the unfolding of life. This naturally speaks to the stillness that Yama represents, as he watches over the passage from one life to another, as a facilitator of transformation.
The symbol of Bharanī, the female reproductive organ evokes the idea of birth and rebirth. This phase of life occurs in stillness, a deep process of transformation that occurs before the child enters the world. We may not fully understand what the quietness means in processes of birth but sometimes we experience them ourselves, not exactly in the same sense, but surely in terms of how we have to remain under the waters with restraint. Similarly, our own transitions unfold in silence before they manifest in the outer world, and speaking of under the waters, astrologer Tiana Bolden joined me to do a video talking about the current planetary transits through the Nakṣatras.
During these periods of transition, it’s easy to feel as if we are not making significant progress. However, Bharanī helps us to see that even in the stillness, important changes are taking place. Venus’ transit through Bharanī is appropriate for us to reflect on our need for comfort, union, and patience in relationships. There is a natural pull to push forward in relational matters, yet Aries, the detriment of Venus itself suggests that we may be in an unfamiliar situation where the timing is not right for bold action. Rather than forcing relationships to progress, we need to allow them to unfold naturally, trusting that in due time, the transition will complete itself.
Ultimately, stillness and restraint are crucial for our growth. Even when we feel like we are not actively pursuing goals or making bold moves, we are still making progress in unseen ways. The transitional phases brought on by Venus in Aries is a period for us to be patient, play the waiting game, and trust that subtle progress is leading us towards our future goals. This period is the one for contemplation, allowing the natural unfolding of life to carry us forward without rushing the process.
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My Book on Jyotiṣa
As many of you know, I am preparing to publish a portion of my Year-1 Diploma course material as a book, titled Foundations & Frameworks of Indian Astrology - Volume 1: Essentials of Jyotiṣa. I conceived this material with a deep commitment to dispelling misconceptions surrounding Jyotiṣa and returning to the authentic wisdom found in the ancient Vedic texts.
In this book, I dive into the symbolism and metaphysical rationale of the planets, Nakṣatras, houses, sidereal zodiac, and many other topics deeply rooted in creation itself. My intention is to create a comprehensive resource that goes beyond the surface to uncover the deeper meanings that guide us in understanding our life’s journey.
While this volume covers only half of the Year-1 course material, my broader vision is to develop a five-year course that will continue to evolve. My ultimate goal is to create a repository of Jyotiṣa that serves future generations long after I am gone.
If you feel called to support this mission, I would be deeply honored to welcome your contribution. Your support will enable me to continue drawing from timeless classics and the Vedas to build meaningful course materials and texts.
If you’d like to support this work and join me on this journey, please visit my support page:
Thank you for being part of this exciting chapter!
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Personal Consultations
My calendar for April 2026 is now open, and if you are interested in a personal session, I would be happy to work with you.
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Diploma in Indian Astrology - Batch 3
Enrollment for the year-long Diploma in Indian Astrology is open now. The classes will begin in June with 24 classes and 12 open sessions. If you are interested, I look forward to working with you. I made a video to explain the contents of the course, and if you are interested, click here.
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Inward Glance
Epictetus' Discourses: A Retelling
Book I, Chapter 10, 1.10.3 to 1.10.7
Epictetus paints a vivid picture of human inconsistency. The man who swore to dedicate himself to peace and tranquillity once he returned from exile suddenly finds himself drawn back into the chaos of Rome, as soon as he receives a letter from Caesar. This shows how fleeting good intentions can be when faced with external temptations.
Epictetus humorously predicts that, if the man had only waited long enough, he would have completely forgotten his prior resolve. Even his grand words would have been replaced by a complete reversal of his commitment. Epictetus wishes he could be there to remind him of his former words, showing how quickly a man can shift his focus when worldly matters intervene.
The deeper lesson here is about human nature. Epictetus is asking why people aren’t more active in focusing on what truly matters, in this case, the pursuit of virtue and peace. He points out that we often make grand resolutions and then abandon them as soon as something more immediately gratifying comes up. Epictetus is reflecting on how easy it is for humans to be distracted by external factors, losing sight of their higher goals.
He ends with a self-reflection: even he, a philosopher, has to remind himself daily of the importance of his studies. Yet, at times, he finds himself distracted by less important matters, like the trivialities of what others are reading. This honesty about his own struggles makes his message more relatable. It serves as a reminder to all of us that even the most dedicated individuals need constant reminders to stay true to their commitments.
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Have a wonderful time.
Until Next Letter,
Love,
