Everything in this universe operates on strict mathematical principles and laws. Not even one small bird falls from the sky except under the direction of these laws and principles. Hindu astrologers share these same beliefs. Those who have mastered the art can, knowing only your date, time and place of birth, tell you when you will marry, how many children you will have, what kind of work you will do and the exact date of your death.

The Hindu priests and wise men, though fatalistic in this regard, still tell us that in order to actualize our destinies, we have to follow our Dharma. Dharma defined briefly means 'right action,' purpose in life, doing what only you can do better than anyone else on the planet and doing that in the service of your fellow man. They say we still have to do the right thing and persevere in our lives, even though we are already fated to be a certain way and have things turn out the way they do.

Most everyone would agree that exercising our unique talent for the benefit of all mankind would be very fulfilling, but who knows what that special super-duper right action is? My analogy is a fingerprint, even identical twins have different DNA and fingerprints. Even though they have much in common, each has their own karmic path and dharmic contribution. The fate part is the spiraling grooves of a thumb print where each year we meander down the maze of life, daydreaming as we go, responding to the people and events that we meet along the way.

Astrology, is the map and the cards describe the role you are playing and the sequence of events. Most of us get smarter the older we get and just when we finally figure out what our purpose in life is, we are too old to do anything about it, (other than grumble and grouse about it with our nursing home-mates).

These laws and mathematical principles have been available to us for 5,000 years here in China. The Hindu astrologers have been using hand-me-down Greek astrology charts for 2,000 years, then repackaging it as Veda astrology, essential stuff for finding your Dharma. Now, who would have thunk, that Deepak Chopra sold all those books, tapes and lectures telling us how to live our lives based on 5,000 year old Chinese mathematical calculations.

Let me use Josh-er-roo as an example of how it works. This Saturday, October 8th, 2011, is Josh's 28th birthday. Even though he thinks he knows what he is doing, where he is going and kinda-sorta how he's going to get there, he is willing to entertain some prognostication based on ancient mathematical laws and principles.

For starters Josh and people born on October 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 8, 9 and 10 are Libra II's. Their week of birthdays is called the Week of Society because they are always on the leading edge of what's happening in their world. The paradox is that although their social skills are highly developed, they are often loners. John Lennon, of The Beatles fame, being the best example, was recognized the world over, but Yoko Ono was his only friend. The advice for Lennon and Josh: "Try to find your true heart's desire and then don't let go or get sidetracked."

October 8 is the Day of High Romance and life for these people is one big romantic adventure. They possess great intellects and have insights into every mystery of life save their own - they neglect to understand themselves. Charity does not begin at home for those born on October 8; Sigourney Weaver is the poster child for championing many causes but failing to identify what she is about.

The answer to the Dharma question for Josh, is the Way of Experience: to lead the simple life and learn who they are. Again, it's the paradox where Josh and his fellow travelers, Vincent van Gogh, Cher, Andy Warhol, James Whistler (Whistler's Mother), and Donald Trump are pursuing multiple fantasies and never take time to smell their coffee. The most important suggestion for Josh is: get to know yourself at a deep level. Develop a more realistic assessment of your abilities. Take care not to get to overly involved in your fantasies. Try to live life in terms of the ordinary. Can't you see Josh gritting his teeth over this last piece of advice. But that is why it takes us until old age to understand our mission, we don't want to live life in terms of the ordinary. We don't want to accept our fate.

The cards are daily, 52-day, and annual mile markers along our karmic path. The spiritual theme for Josh this coming year is learning to give unconditional love, love without attachment. His ego card is the Eight of Diamonds which predicts he will find the money he needs for a special purpose, like going to grad school. Relax Josh, take it easy and contemplate on this, of the 366 meditations in The Secret Language of Birthdays, by Gary Goldschneider and Joost Elffers, honest to God, this one is yours: Astrology is the psychology of the Universe. It must be destiny. tegory