Healing Journeys with Suzie Daggett
There are so many approaches to understanding who we are and what is our purpose here on earth – it is endlessly fascinating to me. Most of these approaches are ancient in origin. One such discipline, The Vedas, has a foot in both the ancient and modern world. Vedic Sciences (an English phrase) come from the Veda, a 5,000 year old text that originated in India to express the wisdom tradition of Hinduism. Yoga and Ayurveda are two of the better known aspects of the ancient Vedic tradition. To understand, teach and work with the Vedas requires deep study and a desire to better oneself. I had the opportunity to interview some local practitioners who practice Vedic Sciences, including Marty Cottler, Astrologer, Connie Anderson, Hand Analysis (who both studied with Ammachi in India), and Kasandra Green, Astrologer (who has studied the ancient Vedic text for over 30 years).
Marty Cottler:
How did you get interested in Vedic Astrology?
In the early 1990s, I consulted a Vedic Astrologer at Ammachi’s Indian ashram. I was amazed that someone who did not know me could derive accurate information about my life solely from my birth data. Since that consult, my interest and commitment to learning and practicing this discipline has continued to grow. Vedic Astrology has given me tools to expand my on-going integration of Western psychology and counseling with Eastern spirituality.
What Is Vedic Astrology?
The Sanskrit word for Vedic Astrology, Jyotisha, translates as the “knowledge of light”. One of its purposes is to help illumine our paths in life so we may more readily fulfill our goals. The Vedas state there are two primary life-goals: to experience worldly happiness and spiritual joy. A Vedic Astrologer interprets the observed conditions of the cosmos to understand how we are striving to fulfill these primary life-goals.
What does a client get out of a reading with you?
A consultation involves talking about one or more people’s lives, and can focus on any area: relationships, education, career, finances, health, spirituality, and so on. The Vedic Astrologer discusses important themes seen in the chart. Also, practical strategies are offered to help reduce suffering caused by negative experiences, and to build up happiness caused by positive experiences. The ultimate purpose of the consult is to help us lead more productive and creative lives.
Marty Cottler, Ph.D.; Sierra Center of Vedic Sciences, Reiki Master; advanced certification of Hasta Samudrika Shastra from the Vidya Vedic Institute, 530-272-2239
Connie Anderson:
What is Vedic Hand Analysis?
Vedic Hand Analysis, "Hasta Samudrika Shastra" in Sanskrit, has been taught and practiced for more than 5,000 years. Vedic Hand Analysis involves understanding and discussing what our hands reveal about our lives. The hands are mirrors, and our lives are reflected in their signs and symbols. Many people think hand analysis involves only looking at lines and marks on the palms. But shape and length, skin texture, and color of the palms and fingers are equally important.
How did you get interested in it?
Since meeting Ammachi in India in 1990, I have been involved with Eastern spirituality. When I was seriously ill six years ago, I consulted a Vedic Astrologer. He recommended Reiki treatments. My involvement with Reiki opened a new world of working with energy, developing my intuition, and recognizing the signs and symbols of the unseen. I became fascinated with hands, and began studying with Hart deFouw, a contemporary master of Vedic Sciences. Learning and practicing Hasta Samudrika Shastra is a life-long endeavor, and I feel blessed to learn and practice this tradition.
What does a client get out of a reading with you?
A Vedic Hand Analysis consultation requires two sessions. During the first, I take pictures, prints, and measurements of the person’s hands and fingers. During the second, I interpret the results of my analysis and discuss health, career, family, relationship, and so on. I offer my understanding of people’s strengths, and my advice about how to realign areas of life that are out of balance.
Connie Anderson, Ph.D; Sierra Center of Vedic Sciences, Reiki Master, Vedic Hand Analyst, 530-470-8704
Kasandra Green:
What is Vedic Astrology?
Thousands of years ago, “seers” (realized Masters) understood that the movement of planets in our solar system affects human beings through their nervous system. Much of what they understood was written down and handed down orally. Vedic astrology is one of the sciences from this tradition, “Ayurveda” and yoga are sister sciences within the same tradition.
How did you get interested in it?
I have practiced yoga and meditation since my early teens, so I was already in tune with the Vedic tradition. When my daughters were young, we had readings for everyone in the family. I was surprised at the deep self-understanding and insights I gained, so I began studying Vedic astrology as a hobby. From my study, I gained more spiritual depth and started understanding everyone around me better. Later I studied more seriously, leading to my current profession as a Vedic astrologer. I still use it to guide major life decisions for myself and to guide my children’s decisions’ as they become young adults.
What does a client get out of a reading with you?
My astrology readings are opportunities for clients to see the map of their life. They can understand their life’s purpose and see the meaning inherent in different time periods. Greater knowledge and understanding helps my clients accept life’s challenges. I also offer traditional Vedic remedial measures that can actually change events and energies. This gives my clients guidance and hope.
Kasandra Green, Vedic Astrologer, Spiritual Counselor, Violin teacher, 530-432-0285
Healing Journeys is a column written by Suzie Daggett for the Grass Valley Union newspaper. Suzie interviews a variety of health practitioners most Fridays in the Wellness section. Click here to read past articles. Enter "Suzie Daggett" in the search box to get listing of all articles. |
