Aswin's Astrology
Indian, Hellenistic, and Medieval Astrology
Periods of Life
Firdariã is a time lord technique from the Persian astrological tradition and astrologer Al-Andarzaghar (7th century CE – Book of Aristotle), however seems to be the source of this technique, Abu Ma'shar (9th Century CE - Kitāb taḥāwil sinī al‐mawālīd - On the Revolutions Of The Years Of The Nativities) popularised Firdariã because of the wide reach and influence of his works on the future astrological traditions.
In the 11th century, Tunisian Astrologer, Abu 'l- Hasan Ali b. Abi 'l-Rijal (better known as Al-Rijal), a court astrologer in the Zirid dynasty wrote a comprehensive treatise on astrology called "Kitab al-Bari' fi Ahkam al-Nujum" (Complete Book On The Judgement Of The Stars) and he also dealt with Firdariã comprehensively. His work was further translated into Latin by the late medieval European astrologers.
Chapter 3 of this book comprises translation from Abi 'l-Rijal’s work on the Judgements of the Fardãrs of the Stars (A 11-page section in the Latin manuscript) from Latin along with additional commentary and footnotes by the author (Aswin Subramanyan). In this book you will find a modified version of calculating the distribution (participation) periods of the planets where the Nodes of the Moon (Rahu & Ketu) are included as participating planets. The author has also changed the way the participating periods are calculated where the proportions of the Fardãrs are applied in the participating periods as opposed to every planet ruling the same number of years. This book can be read by anyone who is familiar with the fundamental principles of planets, signs, houses and aspects.
**REVIEWS OF THE BOOK**
In this concise text an ancient and powerful astrological technique for dividing the life into periods of time is given new life. The Persian Firdaria is a technique that has become increasingly underrated and even ignored in the modern revival of ancient techniques because of its simplicity and apparent lack of diversity. Yet Aswin proves that this is not the case as he employs and expands the technique utilizing it in conjunction with bounds, 12th parts and solar revolutions. He even takes a bold further step echoing the great astrologers of the past, by altering the technique so as to include sub-periods of time ruled by the nodes. Yet perhaps the author’s greatest contribution in this book is to unapologetically bridge the gap between astrological traditions by freely incorporating many traditional methods and perspectives of classical Jyotish, the tradition the author was trained in from a young age and even traces a long family lineage therein. Today there are more schools of astrology than one can count on their fingertips, yet in ancient times astrologers were not concerned with labels and thus freely borrowed techniques and perspectives from various cultures and fellow astrologers without concern for corrupting their school of thought, for they did not care about such ideological purity but prioritized techniques and methodologies that would sharpen their reading capabilities like a fine blade. Increasingly, the astrological community is moving toward a synthesis of techniques and traditions and away from the dead letter adherence to texts and schools of approach. This book constitutes a much needed step in the direction of such a synthesis, and for that alone it is an extremely valuable contribution to the field.
LARS PANARO
Astrologer, Writer
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This book by Aswin Subramanyan a fifth-generation astrologer fills a much-needed gap in the knowledge of ancient time lord techniques. Where Aswin has the advantage over many Western astrologers is his in-depth knowledge of traditional Indian astrology and the important role of the Nodes. Most Western astrologers tend to overlook the effects of the Nodes but here Aswin blends the two systems and in so doing has produced a coherent workbook suitable for all levels of astrologers. He carefully and clearly illustrates the effects of the Fardãr with their participating time lords, using charts of both celebrities and from his client work. It is beautifully laid out and is a must have for any astrologer looking to be able to guide their clients into the future.
SHARON KNIGHT
Chair of the Association of Professional Astrologers International (APAI)
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This book is a great introduction to a timelord technique used by traditional astrologers, as well as a showcase of a different, innovative way of calculating Fardar periods.
For the uninitiated, Firdaria is one of several timelord techniques used by practitioners of traditional astrology to evaluate and predict the quality and themes experienced in the upcoming time periods of a person’s life. Using a timelord technique refers to the use of assigning major emphasis to a specific planet in highlighting specific themes a person will experience within a time period, based on predetermined principles . If you are seeking out this specific book, you probably have at least an intermediate to advanced understanding of astrology. If not, it may enhance your experience going into this by doing a little bit of prior research on the archetypes of the different signs and planets, planetary dignities and debilities, reception, and the significations of the different houses, but Aswin explains everything in a way that is easy to follow.
In this book, Aswin touches upon Sect (the planets that are more beneficial/difficult for someone based on daytime or nighttime births), annual profections (A straightforward timing technique that relies on understanding the whole sign house system and what area of life each house represents) and solar return charts. Aswin provides clear and concise examples of how to use these in conjunction with Firdaria.
Aswin introduces an innovative way to calculate Fardar periods which involves factoring in the nodes of the moon in sub periods and the proportion of the major ruling years into the sub Fardar period of that planet. He also provides tidy, thorough explanations of how to delineate each Fardar period and sub period based on the condition of the ruling planets. A great read and I will be certainly keeping this book handy as a reference.
MEREDITH SAHL CAZIMI
Astrologer
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For anyone interested in strengthening their understanding of traditional astrological practice, I strongly recommend Firdaria: Periods of Life by my good friend Aswin. In this work, Aswin provides both an historical overview of this timelord technique as well as practical guidance on how to use it with the natal chart as well as other timing techniques (solar returns, annual profections, transits, etc). But he goes beyond this and actually modifies the technique as well. The calculation for the periods of time is changed, and the lunar nodes are given an expanded role. This approach is a refreshing update to an ancient technique, and Aswin does it in a way that makes sense and is consistent with the astrological tradition. Please do yourself a favor and order yourself a copy of this excellent work!
MATT DAVIS
Astrologer
Exploring the Relationship between Moon Phases & Planets to Improve & Illuminate Your Life
Authors Tara Aal, from the US, and Aswin Subramanyan, from India, have come together to take a fresh look at the Moon and its synodic phases with each of the planets, including the outer planets - Uranus, Neptune and Pluto. Astrology by Moonlight is the result of one of the most unique collaborations from the astrological community bringing together two different people from contrasting cultural and astrological background united by the vision to expand upon Dane Rudhyar's soli-lunar phases.
This book explores in detail the Moon's synodic relationships with each planet using the sol-lunar phases and throws more light into the utility of phasal relationships between the planets in a more psycholically pragmatic way. This book certainly will open up a new dimension of astrological thought process if you are beginner and will enhance your existing astrological setup if you are a seasoned astrologer. Either way, get ready to experience the roller-coaster ride!
**REVIEWS OF THE BOOK**
"How does the ever-changing Moon dance with the rest of the planets in your chart? In Astrology By Moonlight, Aal and Subramanyan eloquently answer that question. Their approach is fresh, creative, and boundary-shattering."—Steven Forrest, author of The Inner Sky
"Tara Aal and Aswin Subramanyan meld the principles of Western evolutionary astrology and the centrality of the Moon in Jyotish, the Hindu system of astrology, to produce a fresh understanding of lunar symbolism in personal development. The result is a novel and thought-provoking treatise that expands our understanding of the role of the Moon as a symbol in human psychology and astrological predictive work. East truly meets West in this volume, and it is well worth reading and contemplation."—Anthony Louis, author of Horary Astrology
"Astrology by Moonlight proves today's astrology can be penetratingly accurate, widely accessible, and filled with genuine wisdom. The root power of the book derives from a comprehensive and cross-cultural explanation of the astrological Moon on which any astrologer or astrolyte would be foolish not to take notes. This deep analysis is then impressively applied to the Moon's phases with each planet. This is truly a book for our times in that it addresses each of us as complex embodiments of the flow of consciousness rather than as products of a frozen birth chart."—Adam Gainsburg, founder of Soulsign Astrology
"This thorough and thought-provoking book is a powerful collaboration between two astrologers who come from different astrological traditions yet create a synergy and resonance that opens doors to both the heart and the mind. Get ready to explore new territory by joining these two fine astrologers as they traverse the rich undercurrents that exist when you delve into how each planet connects to the Moon through the phases. Not only will it expand your astrological knowledge, it will expand your awareness."—Lesley Francis, professional astrologer, intuitive, and facilitator