Instead of the traditional "what life has in store for me" or “am I going to be rich?” approach to astrology, Jyotish (Vedic Astrology) could be used to give direction and support; helping improve our personal life, therefore making it more meaningful.

With Jyotish we can discover our behavioral tendencies and repetitive patterns we might be reproducing from previous lives. Sometimes we struggle with the same issues over and over again, but if we can understand our past, we can act in the present to better our future.

The proper guidance and instruction from a competent Vedic Astrologer should be able to help change those patterns of behavior. We should be able to find answers to the “why me?” type of questions by understanding our own birth chart, our karma, our own Purva Punya (past life credit due to good actions). Once we are familiar with the roots of our own suffering, then we can start to heal ourselves and become more capable of understanding others and their behavior in regards to the role they play or represent in our lives.

A once-in-a-life-time astrological reading could be very revealing, but an in-depth Jyotish reading results in an eye-opening experience for most people by elevating self-awareness and becoming better in specific areas we may be lacking. Such readings are beneficial when we need to take action (or avoid taking action) and get the best out of a particular period of our lives. Subsequent readings may be necessary for guidance in specific difficult areas or for timing events.

Mantras, as remedial measure (manas = mind; trai = to liberate or protect), are the best practice to break or transform mind patterns. Time and dedication is to be expected, and in some cases personal sacrifice, but the results are liberating and life transforming.

If the personal conviction and determination exist to change our lives for the better, then Jyotish is an excellent tool for personal growth.