New Year's Tips and Recommendations
...plus a little special offer from me to you!
Happy 2025 everyone!
I don’t know about you, but I’m glad that 2024 is officially out of here. It was a challenging year for me personally, not to mention in the world at large.
As I wrote in this post, 2025 is most definitely going to be a year of big shifts and changes. May it be a year that brings healing, joy, success and knowledge to each of you!
Although I don’t really believe in New Year’s resolutions, I do think it’s great to start the year with new projects and ideas. Here’s a little list I made to help you get inspired.
For those who would like to learn Vedic chanting…
I suggest checking out the courses at Veda Studies. The founder, Shantala Sririmaiah is very kind, patient and knowledgable. I’ve taken several of her self-paced courses and participated in events and I was always impressed at how clearly she explains Sanskrit pronunciation and meaning in simple language that even a beginner can easily follow.
This site offers many free beginner-friendly community events as well as self-paced and live courses suitable for students of all levels.
For those who are interested in purchasing a gemstone for remediation…
I’ve been putting off my post about using gemstones for remediation in Vedic astrology because its a complex topic in many regards. I plan to write it in the next couple of weeks, so stay tuned (and subscribe if you don’t already)!
In the meantime, if you would like to consider buying a gemstone to boost a planet in your chart (and have a bank account that allows you to do so), I suggest checking out the website Oocha Mani. The site is run by an astrologer and jeweller practicing in the same Jyotish tradition that I do. His pieces are high quality and absolutely gorgeous.
To purchase one, you must first book a Vedic gemstone consultation where you discuss which gemstone is ideal for your chart and why. This is a very important step: The wrong gemstone can bring a whole lot of problems, while the right one can be a powerful way to boost and support the good stuff in your chart.
For those who can’t afford a gemstone and want remedies beyond mantras and donations…
I highly recommend the talismanic materia available at Sphere + Sundry. The materials here are created using the Picatrix, a medieval grimoire on astrological magic, and similar esoteric texts – although Caitlin and Austin Coppock definitely bring in their own spin and ideas.
I’m trained in astrological magic and have made many talismans over the years, with some success. However, the materia offered at Sphere + Sundry is next-level good. I use several of their oils regularly and am particularly fond of their (slightly less expensive) powders, which can be used in a variety of ways.
As is always the case, you’ll get the best results with their materia if you choose products that best fit your astrological chart, needs and challenges. I suggest using their “Filter by application” setting to help with this. I’d also be happy to advise you on this as well as offer a coupon for $10 off your purchase, so feel free to get in touch.
If you want to start learning Vedic astrology…
If you want to learn Vedic astrology, Science of Light is the place. The courses are interactive and incredibly well-structured. Freedom Cole has the incredible ability to present the enormous knowledge and technical complexity of Jyotish in a step-by-step process that allows you to gain a solid foundation in a traditional Vedic astrology lineage. I took three of the courses here and they all blew my mind.
For those who have little to no knowledge of Vedic astrology, I recommend starting first with either the 6- or 12-week course. If you have some knowledge, you can also jump into the (absolutely amazing) Practioner’s Course 1.
Be forewarned, however, that this course requires commitment. When I took it several years ago, I spent at least 8 to 10 hours a week on the course materials, or sometimes more when the topic was particularly challenging. Any less than that means you’ll likely fall behind. When this is the case – or if you don’t feel up to completing the practicum at the end – you can also repeat the course for a small fee.
Besides Science of Light, I also suggest the YouTube channels/content of the following Vedic astrologers:
Komilla Sutton: Komilla’s work is particularly beginner friendly.
Visti Larsen: A true master. There are lots of great videos on YouTube where he discusses Vedic astrology-related topics with other astrologers. Many of these are more suitable for people who have at least intermediate knowledge of Vedic astrology. He also offers self-paced courses at RAMA, some of which are more beginner friendly.
Narasimha Rao: A great mundane Vedic astrologer who tends to focus on future predictions for countries, elections, etc.
Pandit Sanjay Rath: The paramguruji (supreme teacher) in my tradition. Amazing stuff here for intermediate and advanced students. His wife Sarbani Rath also has some great videos as well.
If you would like to book a Vedic astrology consultation…
Why not do it with me?
As a special New Year’s gift, I’m offering a 15% discount on any consultation. Just use the coupon code 2025 when booking and the discount will come off automatically. This offer is valid until the end of January on any booking.
Michelle R. Dean is a Vedic astrologer and writer based in Berlin. To find out more about Michelle, swing by here.