Understand Astrology and using it as Guidance, and Not Fear by Akanksha Srivastava | Is Jupiter really a Shubh Grah?

Celebrated Astrologer and Astro-Numerologist Akanksha Srivastava believes that astrology should be used as guidance, and not be treated as blind faith. Indian Vedic Astrology is an ancient wisdom written and preserved for centuries. For centuries, this ancient science was not meant to create fear, dependency, or blind belief. It was meant to guide individuals to understand their karmas and live consciously.

Yet, in today’s time, it has become a source of complete fear, blind faith, or complete disbelief. People in the world are in 2 extreme positions when it comes to astrology. One extreme believes blindly in it, and the other extreme disregards it as blind faith or superstition. The truth is: Do not believe in Astrology, understand Astrology. That is why Akanksha Srivastava started this series, where she aims to make individuals understand Astrology.

You can watch the series on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMQXh2VZRY119d6m35j4B0-vutenN1ExA&si=lTdzGzCMUkJphzaC

Astrology and Free Will

One of the most common questions asked by people is: “If astrology predicts the future, then where is free will?”

As per Akanksha, astrology does not aim to change the future. The future is not rigid; it is always evolving. It is like a flowing river. It evolves with actions, consciousness, and awareness.

Astrology reveals patterns, tendencies, karmic imprints, and not a frozen destiny.

In a birth chart, there are certain houses that reflect your past life karmas. These are areas where change is difficult because the results are already set in motion. But many other houses represent free will, present effort, and conscious choice. Astrology makes us understand which is which.

Astrology as a GPS, not a Prison

Compare astrology with GPS Navigation. When you enter a destination into a GPS, it shows multiple routes:

• Faster route
• Safer route
• Longer but smoother route

But the choice is yours on which route to take. It is never forced by the GPS.

Similarly, astrology shows:

• Possible Challenges
• Favourable Timings
• Safer Decisions
• Risky Path

All these paths take you to your destiny. You can reach your destiny by choosing the variety of paths offered by astrology. It never forces or compels you to choose a path. Your actions are your choice. Therefore, astrology has to be used as guidance, not compulsion.

People’s belief in astrology, as per their needs

Human nature is interesting. We tend to believe in astrology only when our desires match the predictions. If a chart indicates:

• Success: We feel happy, accept, and praise astrology
• Delay or Failure: We are dejected, angry, and reject astrology

For example, if our past karmas indicate that marriage in this life will bring suffering, an astrologer may advise against marrying at all in this lifetime, or probably delay the marriage significantly. But many people ignore such guidance because it does not align with emotional desire. And disregard astrology completely.

How to choose the right astrologer?

Astrologers should not be judged. Choose the one who as per you gives the right guidance. A genuine astrologer:

• Gives guidance and not fear
• Encourages wisdom
• Suggests actionable remedies
• Respects free will and not control

However, if a person’s 9th house (house of guru, wisdom, and blessing) is afflicted:

• They may never get the right teacher
• They may doubt genuine guidance
• Even after receiving correct advice, they choose to ignore it

Some birth charts indicate that no amount of external help can change a person. In such cases, suffering becomes the spiritual guide for the individual that leads them towards awakening.

Faith is important; blind slavery is dangerous.

If astrology indicates:

• Health Challenges: The message given is preventative, not fatalistic. It makes you look at your diet, exercise routine, get health checkups done, and change your lifestyle.
• Financial Challenges: The message is to prepare you to save money, avoid risky investments, and build stability.

Understanding Jupiter: The Guru

In Vedic Astrology, Jupiter is considered to be the Shubh Grah. It is the largest planet in the birth chart and symbolises:

• Wisdom
• Dharma
• Faith
• Knowledge
• Expansion
• Divine Grace

If Jupiter is in the Trikon houses (1st, 5th, and 9th) of the birth chart, it indicates good karmas from past lives. Such individuals possess:

• Ethical thinking
• Spiritual Inclination
• Always helping others

However, Jupiter faces a lot of struggles. As per Akanksha, no planet is completely good or completely bad. Every planet, apart from giving blessings, also teaches lessons. Like Jupiter.

Jupiter in The Ascendant Position

When Jupiter sits in the Ascendant position (1st house), the person is seen as very lucky and wise. But, such people become:

• Extremely Humble
• Tolerant
• Self sacrificing
• Always keep everyone happy

Outwardly, they appear strong and fortunate.
Inwardly, they may feel emotionally suffocated because they ignore their own needs.

Affliction of Jupiter

Many fear when Jupiter receives malefic influence. But this perspective is incomplete. Sometimes, an afflicted Jupiter is actually a blessing in disguise. For example, when Mars influences Jupiter. Mars represents:

• Courage
• Action
• Self-assertion
• Personal strength

Jupiter represents:

• Wisdom
• Morality
• Sacrifice
• Compassion

When Mars affects Jupiter, something powerful happens. The person begins to:

• Prioritize self-respect
• Set boundaries
• Choose personal happiness
• Balance kindness with courage

Without Mars, Jupiter may give wisdom without strength. With Mars, wisdom gains the courage to act. Society often teaches: “Do not be selfish.” But spiritual truth is subtler. There is a difference between:

• Selfishness that harms others
• Self-care that protects your soul

Jupiter teaches compassion.

Mars teaches self-protection.

Together they teach:

“Be kind—but do not abandon yourself.”

Sometimes, being “selfish” for your mental peace, dignity, and happiness is not wrong. It is necessary for spiritual balance.