In the Spring issue of VOX, you will find my sky observations for March, April, and May of the year 2024. The spring of 2024 is quite significant: eclipses, planetary transits, planetary alignments, and challenging aspects… While I usually discuss one of the celestial events, this time I would like to share a different topic related to astrology with you: Xishkari.
I learned the concept of Xishkari during the 2nd International Karma Astrology Conference through the presentation of my dear mentor, Iranian astrologer Ehsan Khazeni, and it caught my attention. Xishkari is a term specific to Persian (Iranian) astrology. Therefore, before explaining Xishkari, I would like to briefly introduce you to Persian cosmology so that I can emphasize the significance of Xishkari.
According to Persian cosmology, Ahura Mazda, the creator of the universe and the maintainer of this order, initially created twin spirits: Spenta Mainyu and Angra Mainyu. Spenta Mainyu is benevolent while Angra Mainyu is malevolent. Spenta is characterized by choosing truth, righteousness, and light, embracing goodness and the more benevolent aspects. On the other hand, Angra, also known as Ahriman, is characterized by a preference for destruction, deceit, darkness, and the embrace of death. Therefore, since the beginning, the duality between light-darkness and life-death has been observed under the representations of these two entities. All created beings are also divided into two orders. Some living beings, such as cows, humans, and sheep, align with Ahura Mazda, while some wild creatures align with Ahriman. There is a constant struggle between these two forces, and this struggle essentially shapes the history of the world. Humanity continuously experiences situations where it is exposed to choices between good and evil.
So, do humans have the power to assist Ahura Mazda?
The Avesta, the book of the prophet Zoroaster, mentions five powers of humans: Ahū (Life), Daena (Conscience), Baudha (Intellect), Uravan (Psyche), and Fravahar (Protective Force). Along with the body, these five powers function in humans throughout their entire lives. Some of these powers come before birth, while others continue to exist even after death.
Fravahar is different from the other four powers. It comes to humans innocently and sustains its life in innocence alongside humans, departing from them with the same innocence when death occurs. It is the winning card of Ahura Mazda because it is the only power that can stand against Ahriman. Ahriman can take lives with his evils, close the conscience, and affect intellect and psyche. Fravahar, protected from Ahriman, also protects humans. In other words, humans can assist Ahura Mazda by utilizing the power of Fravahar.
The word “Fravahar” comes from the same root as “Far.” “Far” means the light bestowed by Ahura Mazda to kings and prophets. The word “Far,” which also carries meanings of splendor, nobility, blessing, and grace, is not entirely unfamiliar to us. If I say, “the light in your eyes has dimmed,” I’m sure you all remember this word. Now, what if I say “Aferin” to you? “Aferin” is a word used in both Iran and Turkey to express approval when something good is done. When I learned its meaning, I was deeply moved; it means Mayy light be upon you.” Although it doesn’t exist in Turkish, in Iran, there is also an opposite word: “Neferin,” meaning “May light not be upon you.”
The word “Far,” meaning light, varies according to the individual, and initially, the light a person carries may not be very bright. What makes this light shine is solely the individuals themselves. Ancient texts say, “Some people are born with a strong, bright light, while others attain this light through the Xishkari path. However, due to bad behavior, the ‘Far’ abandons the person.” This implies that if we understand what Xishkari is and act accordingly, we can polish our own “Far” just like turning on a car’s headlights.
“Xish” encompasses everything related to the self, “I,” “me,” “myself,” and anything related to the individual. On the other hand, “Kār” is related to work, action, deed, duty, and responsibility. As we know, Turkish also has the suffix “-kar,” and this suffix imparts the meaning of “the person who does” to the noun it is attached to: rebellious, content, obedient, deceitful. Therefore, “Xishkari” can be understood as the person who takes action for themselves, their own duties, and things that belong to them. To simplify a bit, you can think of it as “the person who fulfills their life purpose.”
Those who discover their “Xishkari” will see their “Far” shining, and as a result, their lives gain meaning. They become the center of their own worlds. Therefore, individuals who find their Xishkari draw firm boundaries to protect it. If someone is actively engaging in their Xishkari, those around them show respect, and when they need support in that aspect, people turn to them. In such situations, life itself, or nature, also directs others toward that person. In other words, someone focusing on their Xishkari is perceived as trustworthy by nature. Well, there should be a benefit to protecting oneself from Ahriman, after all.
“Far” can be illuminated through the actions you take, and the map for this is hidden within your own focus. Originally known as “Fardar” but commonly referred to as “Firdarya,” it is a technique to find your true path. However, can we determine what actions we should take throughout our lives without knowing astrology? The answer is yes.
At this point, there are four questions we need to focus on to understand if an action is our own Xishkari:
1- Do I consider this action to be my duty?
2- Do I have enough skill and ability for this action?
3- Do I enjoy doing this action?
4- Does this action bring me more freedom?
If the answer to all four questions is “Yes,” then that action is my Xishkari; if not, something seems to be off for me.
Let me give you an example from myself:
The action I engage in is “editing,” which means improving something that has been done to present it in the best possible way to people. Let’s see if “editing” is my Xishkari. Let’s answer the questions right away:
- Yes. I believe editing is my duty. In fact, not only can I identify areas that need correction in a text, but I can also quickly notice shortcomings in other things that have been done and feel a strong urge to fix them.
- Yes. I have enough skill and ability for editing. I both have education in this field and it is evident that I quickly grasp what needs to be done in this area.
- Yes. I enjoy it so much that sometimes I get carried away while working, not even realizing when I exceed my working hours.
- Yes. I can earn income from editing, allowing me to lead my life freely without depending on others.
All four of my answers turned out to be “Yes.” This means I have found my Xishkari in the flow of life. Now, go ahead and answer these questions for yourself. Wishing that your “Far” shines throughout your life…
However, please know that celestial bodies are just tools that give us the opportunity to observe our lives. Therefore, never forget that the will to shape your destiny lies within you!
ARIES
March: The struggle you experience internally in the group you are in may surface itself. You should choose yourself and draw the correct borders. Remember your skills to increase your gains and take action in this field. Revisit your habit of acting together and try to stay in your center.
April: This is a period when you should turn your focus on yourself. Remember that things that you procrastinate, saying, “I will handle them later”, harm you, and take action in this regard. If you are planning to take a loan from a bank, it would be better to do it next month. The surgery you are planning may happen this month.
May: This is a period when you will encounter unexpected opportunities to increase your gains. It is important that you act with caution so that this opportunity does not turn into a failure. You can take new steps more comfortably. You may start new training and get into a commercial relationship with different cultures.
TAURUS
March: Uncertainties existing in the unit you are working on may clarify, your teammates may change, or you may change your unit. Sticking to your treatment protocol is important in terms of getting rid of your disease. If you lay the problems on the table, you will see the remedies. Revise your daily routines.
April: Problems in your income flow may tire you spiritually, and you may have difficulty in noticing the resources. When you advance without getting caught in the trap of praising or criticizing yourself, you will be able to solve your problems easily. Some facts may surface in your bilateral relations.
May: A nice development regarding your health may be experienced, or you may start to eat with a more focused on pleasure and experience unpreventable weight gain. Uncertainties related to debts, alimony, salary, and credits may be clarified due to your determination, and you may get what you deserve.
GEMINI
March: Changes in your title may happen both in your professional and social life. Along with this change, you may get new training or visit a place you have never been to. Some developments may occur concerning your children’s studies, exams, or diseases.
April: You are in a period when you should stay in the group you are already in and revise, especially in familial matters. You may be inclined towards inertia in your professional life or diseases, or you may tend to take action without thinking. If you are supposed to undergo surgery, trust your physician.
May: You may suddenly decide to go on a vacation or feel the need to isolate yourself from society for some reason. Always keep in mind that acting against laws will hurt you the most. You should know that your secret affairs will not remain hidden; be careful about the probability of getting ostracized due to your dirt files.
CANCER
March: Someone from your inner circle or your sibling can get married or get into a partnership relationship. You may start new training as a student or a trainer. You may need the approval of your family to settle abroad. A foreigner may join your family, which may engage the family’s agenda for some time.
April: You may drop off your title in your professional or social life and get into a new experience you are not familiar with. This new experience can be connected with abroad or related to a new environment and training. You may hear things about yourself from others. You may become a parent.
May: Your social environment may provide you with unexpected gains. You may gain unexpected acceleration in your career. An issue related to your professional life, routines, or diseases may be clarified. You may quit a training program halfway and complete unfinished training.
LEO
March: Unexpected expenditures may come to the agenda. There are opportunities to make money in the short term. You may be promoted and change your position for a new one. A sparkle may unexpectedly occur between you and an acquaintance, and you may find yourself in a relationship.
April: You may reject the opportunity for a country or city change due to a lack of self-confidence. You may be inclined towards protecting your standards. You may experience problems in communication with your partner. The possibility of moving may come to the agenda. Do not let your elderly family members neglect their health check-ups.
May: Your family may apply pressure on you to evaluate opportunities abroad for your career. You may be on the threshold of some transformations related to your home and family life. You may have to deal with your children’s health issues. You should make use of opportunities that will reveal your skills.
VIRGO
March: You may start a new relationship with an old friend, or you may start to think that it is now time to get married. You may take a new step for a new title in your career, provide consultancy, and create a change in your income. You may try to preserve the standards you are used to in your relationship as well.
April: When you get rid of the erroneous belief that you cannot increase your income, you will be able to make use of opportunities. You may make a new arrangement to protect your health. You may again start doing a job you did before. You may eliminate dysfunctional knowledge from your life.
May: You may be oriented towards training that will bring income. To avoid regretting it later, you should take this step after you have made sure that the training conditions are suitable for you. You may solve uncertainties regarding your home life not by letting things be but by taking action. You may undergo a small surgery.
LIBRA
March: It is possible that you will redetermine your daily routines for your health or start a new treatment for your disease. You may learn that s/he is hiding things from you. Although you may have difficulties in relations, you might choose to give memorized reactions such as changing your tune or remaining silent so that the order is not disrupted.
April: You may finish your relationship, partnership, or consultancy you are getting, or you may ignore this opportunity due to your fears. Your agenda regarding abroad or education can be suddenly interrupted. An investment you made in a field you have no idea can bring returns.
May: You may find a new area of investment, start to get a salary, and experience a development regarding inheritance or alimony. You may start doing business with your sibling or start a new job involving short trips and foreigners. Love sparkles may develop between you and one of your colleagues.
SCORPIO
March: If you are planning to be a parent naturally or through adoption, this may be realized. It is natural that you think about love relations, disappointments, and secret affairs. You must now take some steps to fix things related to your business life, daily routines, and chronic diseases.
April: Despite all your reservations, you must show the courage to change your habits as a result of your being yourself. You may get into an intense work tempo. You may suffer from headaches due to exhaustion. It is time for you to remove negative patterns from your life.
May: You may find yourself in a long-distance relationship at a time when you never expect. It would be the most correct attitude not to ignore realities while you are running after pleasure in the arena of relationships. You may establish a partnership and increase your income more than you can imagine. Be careful about the expenditures as well.
SAGITTARIUS
March: A new development regarding family and home can be experienced. You may move to a house or abroad. If you are planning to get pregnant, this may be realized this month. If you think that your skills are not revealed in the team you are in, you should know that you cannot change this situation with preconceived reactions.
April: An agenda regarding your children may develop, and you may experience communication problems with them. You may encounter an opportunity to prove yourself in an environment where you are a stranger. It would be to your benefit not to get engaged in illegal monetary activities, such as bets, investments, and the black market.
May: You should pay special attention to throat and neck diseases and not neglect your check-ups. Do not use supplements or creams just because they are popular. Create a healthy nutrition routine instead of pleasure-based nutrition. This is a period when you may notice some of your addictions.
CAPRICORN
March: You may decide to receive education in an area where you are trying to educate yourself on your own or may want to write down the information you accumulated. You may start an affair and take steps to make your relationship official. You may earn a new title in your career.
April: A disease that you are not aware of in a family elderly may emerge. You may decide to move to a new house or distant lands. Your chronic disease may regress, and your treatment may be terminated. You may learn about a secret fan and start a new relationship with that person.
May: You may be oriented towards natural therapy methods related to your child’s health. You may find an opportunity to turn your skills into money easily. You should take the things that prevent you from reaching your targets away from your life. You may start a loving relationship with someone from a different culture.
AQUARIUS
March: You may be in a period when you can make some savings. You should direct your money towards concrete instruments such as houses, land, fields, etc., instead of intangible investment instruments such as virtual money. A business or a chronic disease of yours may reach completion. You may receive education in the same area for the second time.
April: This is a period when unfinished things in your sibling’s life can be completed with your support. You may choose to start a new training that you believe you will never be successful in, though you want it a lot. You may start a new job or witness that a promotion you have been waiting for has finally been realized.
May: At home, things that need fixing may emerge, and you may buy a new item and redecorate your house. Introductions that will expand your family may happen in this period. You may get close to a friend of yours in the group of friends you are in and take the first steps of a relationship.
PISCES
March: You may take new steps regarding your health. You may include vitamins and mineral supplements in your life and pay attention to skin care. It may be the correct movement to remove some people from your life. You may decide to buy a new house. You may be drawn into secret relations.
April: You may be in a period when you are open to communication accidents with family members or your partner. You may feel that they do not understand you. This period is ideal for the maintenance of electronic devices at your home. You may decide to get training on a subject and establish business relations with foreigners.
May: You may go on short trips to discover new tastes and learn new things. You may come up with a business idea that will bring income and establish your own business. You may sign commercial agreements that will enable you to rebuild your career. You should not neglect your family either.
