Letter writer: Western astrology offers help with planetary energies, too

Thank you for Emily Nichols’ article on Vedic astrology in your March 2 issue [“Written in the Stars: Local Vedic Astrologers Decipher Map for Healing Inner Cosmos”] . I’m delighted to see this ancient and venerable form of astrology presented in such a positive light.

The article beautifully describes how Vedic astrology provides methods for harmonizing planetary influences. Unfortunately, in describing this as a “difference” between Western and Vedic astrology, it could give the impression that Western astrology does not do this.

This is simply not true. Helping my clients harmonize their planetary influences lies at the heart of my own Western astrology practice. Western astrologers may not prescribe gemstones and mantras. But we offer many other ways to help our clients improve their lives by influencing and consciously partnering with their planetary energies.

It’s also worth noting that Western astrology, like Vedic, can provide assistance in health matters. In fact, one of the world’s leading experts on Western medical astrology, Lee Lehman, lives right here in Asheville.

None of this is meant to denigrate Vedic astrology. I have personally benefited from its insights as a client, and I’m glad that we have so many excellent local Vedic astrologers helping so many people. But I feel obliged to point out that any competent Western astrologer, like their Vedic counterparts, can assist their clients in harmonizing troublesome planetary influences.

— Benjamin Bernstein
AstroShaman.com
Asheville