FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

1. WHAT IS VEDIC ASTROLOGY (JYOTISH)? (WHAT IS THE ORIGIN OF THIS BODY OF KNOWLEDGE?)
Vedic Astrology (Jyotish) was cognized well over 5,000 years ago in ancient India and provides a sacred body of knowledge and divine wisdom which reveals each individual’s life path & purpose. ….READ MORE


2. HOW CAN VEDIC ASTROLOGY HELP TO IMPROVE MY LIFE?
The Vedic astrological chart may be viewed as a blueprint or road map of the soul’s past, present and future potential, with an emphasis on spiritual development and meeting one’s true dharma (purpose) along the pathway to enlightenment. Knowledge is true power.…READ MORE


3. HOW IS VEDIC ASTROLOGY DIFFERENT FROM WESTERN (TROPICAL) ASTROLOGY?
Several major features distinguish Vedic astrology from the more familiar western (tropical) astrology known to most westerners. One of the most salient differences resides in how each astrological system calculates the positions of the planets. Western (tropical—refers to the seasons) astrology considers the first day of spring each year as the first degree of Aries…READ MORE


4. HOW DO I SET UP A FORMAL APPOINTMENT WITH DR. GOLDSTEIN?
All appointments are set up in advance. The easiest and most efficient method for requesting an appointment is to submit your request by completing the secure on-line form on this website.…READ MORE


5. WHAT TYPE OF CONSULTATION IS MOST APPROPRIATE FOR MY SITUATION? HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD I SET ASIDE FOR THE APPOINTMENT?
New clients should request the “Initial Comprehensive Consultation.” This session allows for a complete analysis of your natal chart, explanation of your current mahadasa and bhukti (major/minor) planetary cycle, and to have your concerns and questions addressed….READ MORE 


6. WHAT INFORMATION DO I NEED TO SUPPLY BEFORE THE APPOINTMENT?
On the order form, you will be asked to provide your: Birth Date, Exact Birth Time (Hour & Minute) (include the source of your birth time), City (county if known)/State and Country of Birth. Your mailing address, telephone number, and email address are also required…READ MORE


7. ABOUT BIRTH TIMES:   (FINDING YOUR BIRTH TIME, ACCURACY OF BIRTH TIMES, WHAT TO DO IF YOU CAN’T OBTAIN YOUR BIRTH TIME)
First, try to obtain your birth certificate and check for the birth time. If the birth time is not listed, then try to locate a baby book, official hospital document or other formal document listing your birth time. Check with family members, parents, relatives or siblings.…READ MORE 


8. IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HAVING THE SESSION BY TELEPHONE VS. IN-PERSON?
There is no qualitative difference between having a consultation by telephone or in-person. The same information is obtained from your birth chart in either instance. You will receive the same focused, professional level of service with a telephone consultation as you would receive in-person…READ MORE  


9. WHAT IS YOUR PAYMENT POLICY?
Payment is due at least 48 hours in advance of your scheduled appointment. Payment may be made by credit card, check or money order. Credit card payments may be submitted securely, directly from this website, or you may call in your information to my secure voice mail system…READ MORE  


10. HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY VEDIC ASTROLOGICAL CONSULTATION?
Once your appointment has been formalized, you will have ample time to think about and meditate on what information you hope to receive from this consultation. At your option, you may submit in advance (by email or on your order form), a list of questions or concerns that you would like addressed during your session. This is not required. But, it may help you to focus on what is most important to you at this time.

Set aside 15-30 minutes prior to your appointment to sit quietly, contemplate, meditate, have a cup of tea and relax. It is always best for you to be rested, calm and centered when having a Vedic astrological consultation. You’ll gain more from the experience. You should be in a quiet, private room during the session. Be sure that your phone is charged and in good working order. Try to set aside uninterrupted time for this purpose. You may wish to take some notes or write down some important dates that are mentioned. It is not required that you take notes, since you will have a complete recording of the session when completed. 


11. SHOULD I SUBMIT MY QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS IN-ADVANCE OF THE APPT.?
At your option, you may submit in advance (by email or on the order form), a list of questions or concerns that you would like addressed during your session. This is not required. But, it may help you to focus on what is most important to you at this time. 


12. DO YOU RECORD THE SESSION?
Yes, your session will be professionally recorded on compact disc (CD) for your convenience. You do not have to record the session yourself…READ MORE 


13. WHAT ABOUT CONFIDENTIALITY AND PRIVACY?
Please see PRIVACY POLICY 


14. WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE TO CHANGE MY APPOINTMENT DATE?
If you need to change the date and or time of your scheduled appointment, send an email or call directly to request an appointment change. 48 hours notice is requested to change an appointment…READ MORE 


15. CAN I SET UP AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE MY HUSBAND, WIFE, PARTNER, CHILD’S OR OTHER PERSON’S CHART ANALYZED?    WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE FOR THIS?
Yes, you may set up an appointment to have the chart of another individual analyzed. In the case of adults, it is important to have the permission of the person whose chart you are requesting for analysis. If requesting a compatibility study, it’s helpful for both individuals to participate in the session, but this is not required. If you are offering the session as a gift for someone else, it is necessary that you first ask the person if this is an experience they want to pursue   (before you or the other person requests a formal appointment).

In the case of children, this is a delicate issue and I will need to know the purpose of the consultation in-advance. You may send an email describing the situation involving the child, for consideration.  I will then determine the appropriateness of the consultation on a case-by-case basis.


16. I HAVE AN IMPORTANT EVENT IN THE PLANNING STAGES. CAN I HAVE A CHART SET UP (MUHURTA) SPECIFICALLY FOR THE EVENT?     HOW DO I PROCEED?
Yes, when you have the option to set the date and/or time of an important event, it is very beneficial to have a chart set up for the event. This is known as electional astrology (“Muhurta”). You will need to email specific information along with your request for the muhurta...READ MORE 


17. HOW OFTEN SHOULD I RETURN FOR ANOTHER CONSULTATION?
The choice to return for another consultation is based on your personal needs. Many clients return yearly for updates on their current year, often around their birthday. Other clients return to ask specific questions about areas that are relevant and of interest, as the years advance. Others return when they know their major planetary cycle (dasha) and/or minor planetary cycle (bhukti) is/are about to change. 

These are major transition points in life and it is helpful to have some detailed information during these periods. There are also personal major transition points (such as marriage/divorce, career change, moving, or making a significant change in life direction) which tend to correspond with changes involving the natal birth chart. During these periods, clients request an appointment to learn more about the situation and to gain insight.


18. HOW CAN I UPDATE MY MAILING ADDRESS, EMAIL ADDRESS OR TELEPHONE NUMBER?
You may do so directly on this website. CLICK HERE


19. ARE THERE ANY REMEDIAL MEASURES THAT WOULD BENEFIT ME BASED ON MY VEDIC ASTROLOGICAL CHART?
Yes, there are remedial measures which help to reduce the severity of difficulties revealed through the natal astrological chart. The most effective remedial measures require some personal effort, attention and desire for improvement. Remedial measures work on several different dimensions, depending on the actual agent or action involved……READ MORE  


20. HOW DO I GET ON YOUR MAILING LIST FOR THE MONTHLY OUTLOOK NEWSLETTER?
You may do so directly on this website. CLICK HERE


21. I’M INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT VEDIC ASTROLOGY. WHAT BOOKS DO YOU RECOMMEND?
There are several excellent texts on the subject geared to beginners and more advanced Vedic Astrology students that I recommend…READ MORE  


22. HOW DO I PURCHASE YOUR LECTURES ON CD? WHAT TOPICS ARE AVAILABLE
    Previous lectures on CD are available by pre-ordering directly from this website.  You may place your order and make your payment directly from this secure website.  Fee for each CD: $25 (includes shipping/handling).
    CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE LECTURE LIST 
    CLICK HERE TO ORDER CD's
    
    
23. I’M INTERESTED IN STUDYING VEDIC ASTROLOGY MORE SERIOUSLY. DO YOU OFFER CLASSES OR TUTORIALS?         DO YOUR COURSES COUNT TOWARD ACVA CERTIFICATION CREDITS?
Yes, I offer both tutorials and classes (advertised on this website when offered). If interested in tutorials, you should send an email describing your interest and background in Vedic Astrology. There are certain criteria required for the study of Jyotish. Tutorial students are selected based on sincerity of interest and level of scholarly ability. All tutorials and courses offered by David Goldstein, Ph.D. will count toward certification credits for ACVA (American College of Vedic Astrology) certification in Vedic Astrology (Levels 1 and 2). Dr. Goldstein is a frequent lecturer at ACVA conferences.


24. I’D LIKE TO PARTICIPATE IN YOUR ONCOLOGY RESEARCH PROJECT. HOW DO I EMAIL THE BIRTH DATA OF A KNOWN INDIVIDUAL DIAGNOSED WITH THE DISEASE CANCER?
Your interest and willingness to participate in this research project is needed and sincerely appreciated. In order to participate, there are detailed instructions and a short form to complete on this website.
To securely email birth data, CLICK HERE
To learn more about the privacy policy involving research data…READ MORE