[Science of Light: An Introduction to Vedic Astrology: Volume 1] [By: Cole, Freedom Tobias] [September, 2006]

A great depth of information and clear writing style make this book a necessary addition to anyone wanting to seriously learn Vedic astrology (Jyotisha). It provides an introduction to the Hindu Gods, the process of creation/destruction of the Universe as explained in the Vedas, and Karma, and how this links to the planets and human birth. I would say this book is equivalent to a first year university coursebook, so for anyone completely new to Vedic astrology, I would suggest reading some more simpler introductions first and then move onto this book as your main source of learning for in depth understanding, if you are serious about learning Jyotisha. It has also inspired me to learn Sanskrit. Blessings and thanks to the Author for writing such an integrated book linking appropriate parts of the Vedas that go together, in a style understandable for a Western audience.

Great book to learn from.

There is a vast amount of information in this book and it is definitely not light reading. Very informative and deep.

Esta muy bien explicado y es una gran herramienta para iniciar el estudio de la astrología védica

This book wants to be a reference tool with all the basic notions of Parashara Astrology. For the most part, I think it succeeds in its endeavour. I bought the 2 volumes after reading some excellent excerpts, thinking that they would be the new "Light on Life". The author has merit. He has put together, in a very easy-to-understand form, many basic things that one could wander through many books to find. His writing is clear and sometimes he has some depth. But I am sorry to encounter some unexplainable mistakes (?) in the book. For exemple, the chapter on planetary Avasthas is a mystery to me. Why didn't the author respect Parashara's instructions on how to define them? The same for planetary relationships, here the author reverses completely their usually understood order. So instead of the Moon being inimical towards Mercury and Mercury acting as a friend towards her, we read that she is friendly towards him and that he is inimical towards her. This book makes me want to learn sanskrit in order to sort out the true from the false. If the author's understanding of Parasara's verses is so much different (sometimes opposite)from anyone else's, why didn't he explain his point of view? So my advice is "be careful"; read this author, but don't take everything for granted, as it is not. Many delineations the author gives I really didn't find working (I know it's not supposed to be cookbook, don't worry), and the worst thing, as another reviewer has noted, is that there is not a single exemple throughout. So the author doesn't explain his points, nor does he prove them through chart analyses, nor does he even acknowledge their difference. In the end, there is much to gain from this book, but I wouldn't recommend anyone to use it as a first and stand-alone learning tool. I think it would be safer to also read De Fouw's and Svoboda's "Light on Life" if you are a beginner, as those guys seem to have much more experience and at least they give us exemples. Also, Ernst Wilhelm's books and audio/video courses are invaluable.

This book reads like a university-level text, that covers all the fundamentals of Astrology, from A to Z. The author dives very deeply and thoroughly into each aspect of the science...A must-have for anyone wishing to deepen their relationship with Maharishi Parashara.

After spending years reading many books, dabbling in various systems of astrology, and studying various occult sciences, I finally came across Freedom Coles teachings and was able to garner some genuine wisdom. I studied the many facets of Western astrology, struggling to put the pieces together in a way that was coherent and emanated a feeling of transcendental truth. This book, in collaboration with Mr. Cole’s Science of Light course, was able to offer me that feeling of coherence and truth. Together they changed the way I see the world. The book itself is written in a somewhat oratory style, in keeping with Vedic tradition. It isn’t for someone who is looking for a simple explanation of astrology. It is intended to convey a deep and subtle understanding by building on primary principles and fundemental elements. The book is littered with tidbits of knowledge, and by simply reading the table of contents you will miss the gems and contextual information that are imparted by reading the whole book in its progression. As with any scholastic endevor, the text book is best served in its function by utilizing the guidance of a teacher. This is particularly true with knowledge of a mystical or archetypal nature, and the Science Of Light course serves this purpose beautifully. By purchasing this book and joining Mr. Coles course, I was struck with the feeling of being trained and immersed in an occult tradition, and the community of like minded and interesting people I have met through his courses has genuinely enriched my life. For the aspiring spiritual student, or someone wanting to learn mystical arts at a high level, this book and the corresponding course offers something you simply cannot find anywhere else.

I'm an astrologer. I was recommended the book my by Indian teacher of Astrology. Initially I struggled, and then also did a video-enabled course of same name by Mr. Freedom Cole. And I want to tell you that the book has the rare capacity to train you more than what 5 years of here-and-there training can achieve. The author has the rare capability to take some difficult concepts and stitch them to a framework that you'd like to keep with you at all times. If you want to push some strength to your jyotish sleeves, do this book. Better, do his course if you can afford. It may initially seem that you are swimming into myriad concepts as you go from chapter to chapter but, trust me, you will thank yourself later for having done the book.