Sacred Stars
Exploring Vedic Lunar Mansions
Which stars did the ancient Vedic sky watchers pay attention to, and why?
Whether by the mystique of the Pleiades, the royal splendor of Regulus or the alure of Aldebaran – the eye of the bull of Taurus - the ancients have long been fascinated with certain stars that illumine the night sky.
Ancient India has produced a comprehensive system of 27 Sacred Stars across the ecliptic called Nakṣatras, or lunar mansions. The Nakṣatra system comprises the most ancient strata of Indian astrology. In vogue since Vedic times, this system remains quintessential to Indian wisdom traditions today, used to elect certain activities and make sense of situations, events and experiences.
This 4-week online course is taught by renowned wisdom teacher Dr. Raj Balkaran. It integrates philosophical teachings, captivating storytelling, and embodied esoteric insight to teach you the power and application of India’s sacred stars.
***This course counts as 12 hours of Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Credit***
Learning Outcomes
Learn each Sacred Stars'
- Location in the heavens
- Sanskrit mantra, sounds, symbol, deity, mythology
- Associated human qualities and auspicious activities
- Significance and special power (śakti)
- Utility in your personal chart
Classes Include
- academic content
- live storytelling
- esoteric wisdom teachings
- examples and case studies
- personal experiences
COURSE OUTLINE
Module 1
(Released November 25, 2022)
Sacred Stars 1-6:
Fire, Fertility and the Womb of Creation
Module 2
(Released December 2, 2022)
Sacred Stars 7-13:
Divine Nourishment, Serpent Power and Royal Splendour
Module 3
(Released December 9, 2022)
Sacred Stars 13-20:
Triumph, Friendship and the Galactic Centre
Module 4
(Released December 16, 2022)
Sacred Stars 21-27:
The Dragon, the Healer and Oral Transmission
Fire, Fertility and the Womb of Creation
Module 1
Sacred Stars 1-6
- Aśvinī the Equine (α/β Arietis)
- Bharaṇī the Womb (γ Arietis)
- Kṛttikā the Fiery (Alcyone)
- Rohiṇī the Fertile (Aldebaran)
- Mṛgaśīrṣā the Seeker (α Orionis)
- Ārdrā the Tear (Betelgeuse)
Divine Nourishment, Serpent Power and Royal Splendour
Module 2
Sacred Stars 7-13
- Punarvasu, Mother Divine (β Geminorim)
- Puṣya the Nourisher (δ Cancri)
- Āśleṣā the Serpentine (ε Hydrae)
- Maghā the Magnificent (Regulus)
- Pūrva-Phālgunī the Prosperous (δ Leonis)
- Uttara-Phālgunī the Patron (Denebola)
- Hasta the Hand (δ Corvi)
Triumph, Friendship and the Galactic Centre
Module 3
Sacred Stars 13-19
- Citrā the Spectacular (Spica)
- Svāti with Windy (Arcturus)
- Viśākhā the Triumphant (α Librae)
- Anurādhā the Friendly (δ Scorpionis)
- Jyeṣṭhā the Chief (Antares)
- Mūla the Root (λ Scorpionis)
The Dragon, the Healer and Oral Transmission
Module 4
Sacred Stars 20-27
- Pūrva Aṣāḍhā the Invincible I (δ Sagittarii)
- Uttara Aṣāḍhā the Invincible II (σ Sagittarii)
- Śravaṇa the Listener (α Aquilae)
- Dhaniṣṭhā the Famous (β Delphini)
- Śatabhiṣā the Hundred Healers (γ Aquarii)
- Pūrva Bhādrapadā the Two-Faced (α Pegasi)
- Uttara Bhādrapadā the Dragon (Andromeda)
- Revatī the Rich (ζ Piscium)
Course Instructor
Dr. Raj Balkaran is an expert in Indian traditions. Skilled at applying ancient Indian teachings to modern life, he dovetails academic training, live storytelling, and life wisdom to nourish his students’ hearts and minds alike.
He is also an avid spiritual practitioner and initiate into ancient Indian wisdom practices, which he has been engaged in for nearly two decades. He has extensive experience teaching academics, continuing studies learners, and practitioners alike, and is a seasoned online educator. See https://rajbalkaran.com for more information.
Questions about this course?
Contact him directly at [email protected].
