Jyotish: A Vedic Astrology Podcast

I sat down with Vedic astrologer and teacher Dupada MacDonald to make dashas feel practical, humane, and surprisingly empowering. 
We explore the Vimshottari Mahadasha system as a way to time karma and growth, then ground it in real stories and concrete remedies you can actually use.

• what dashas are and why Vimshottari Mahadasha dominates modern Jyotish
• seeing each Mahadasha as a homework assignment for spiritual growth
• how strong and weak planets ripen as “lead singer” periods over time
• benefic and malefic planets and the yogic move beyond good and bad
• Venus and Sun periods as lived examples of pleasure, disillusionment, and soul driven clarity
• dharma, artha, kama, moksha and using motive to spiritualize any life aim
• subperiods and sub subperiods and how timing can get extremely specific
• remedial measures as strengthening the aura, not magical thinking
• Saturn support through Shani Daan, service, charity, and Saturday discipline
• mantras and inner practices including Ganesha and Mahamrityunjaya approaches

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If you're new to Vedic astrology and would like to learn how to read your own birth chart, I've put together a free guide called 10 Simple Steps to Read Your Vedic birth chart
Visit astrologywithsurya.com for more

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We trace the big transits of 2026 and translate them into simple, steady practices that turn noise into wisdom and sensitivity into strength. We show how to balance group input with personal authority without swinging between people-pleasing and pride.

• what planetary transits are and why they matter
• Jupiter in Gemini to Cancer from data gathering to inner guidance
• risks of information overload and how to protect practice
• Saturn in Pisces bringing structure to porous spaces
• feeling emotions versus numbing and distraction
• Rahu in Aquarius and Ketu in Leo balancing group and self
• practical routines for discipline, boundaries, and calm
• daily practices for meditation, prayer, and service
Visit astrologywithsurya.com for a free emotional healing guide for each sign and for information about readings, reports, and charts. 

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In this episode, Kalidas continues his exploration of the four aims of life through the lens of the astrological houses.
We focus on houses 7–12, grounding them in real-life examples and looking at what these houses reveal about our karma, relationships, and energetic imbalances.
It’s always a pleasure to talk with Kalidas — his faith and devotion come through naturally, and you can feel it as you listen.
Email: astrologywithkalidas@gmail.com 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/astrologywithkalidas
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrologywithkalidas/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVuY2Xxey7hcodPcopHzj0w

And visit astrologywithsurya.com for astrological insights, readings, and guidance.
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In this episode, I’m joined by Keshava Betts, an astrologer and teacher from Ananda Palo Alto, to explore astrology not as prediction, but as a tool for insight, healing, and meaningful change.
Keshava’s website is keshavabetts.com if you’d like to learn more. 
We talk about astrological counselling as a supportive, human process — how astrology can help people feel seen, make sense of difficult periods, and reconnect with their deeper purpose. Rather than telling people what will happen, Keshava shares how astrology can inspire clarity, responsibility, and inner movement at key moments in life.
This is a reflective conversation about using astrology in service of growth, compassion, and real transformation.
Visit astrologywithsurya.com for more episodes
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✨ In this episode of Jyotish: A Vedic Astrology Podcast, I’m joined by Kalidas Hansen to explore the four aims of life — Dharma (purpose), Artha (security), Kama (pleasure), and Moksha (freedom).
We focus on the first six houses of the birth chart and how each one reflects these universal aims:
1st house – Where will I find self-love?
2nd house – Where will I find security?
3rd house – Where will I find enjoyment?
4th house – Where do I need to think positively and express love?
5th house – Where is my creative purpose?
6th house – Where can I heal and serve?
Kalidas shares a beautiful, practical perspective on how these houses guide our journey of self-discovery and service.
Visit Astrology with Surya to get free spiritual tips for each sign of the zodiac.

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