According to a cover story in Life magazine, astrology is "Experiencing its biggest boom in 400 years". A recent poll found that 48% feel that astrology is probably or definitely valid, while only 20% of Americans do not believe in astrology.

My mother was definitely in the 20% group when I first told her about the Maharishi Vedic Astrology program. That is, until I calculated her birth chart based upon the time, date and place she was born. Over lunch that day I told her several things she had never discussed before about events in her childhood and her health. Within a few minutes she was commenting, "This is absolutely fascinating." After that, she actually began calling me from time to time for advice based on her birth chart.

That was several years and many lectures ago. Now I'm driving from Chicago to Minneapolis to lead a Maharishi Vedic Astrology program introductory seminar. I know I'll share the story of my Mom. I'm also confident that by the end of the seminar many others who hadn't given this science a second thought will also come to find it "absolutely fascinating". The seminar is taught by graduates of the Maharishi Jyotish Program Training Course, and anyone can attend whether they practice the TM technique or not.

In Minneapolis, I start by explaining that Vedic Astrology has its roots in the ancient Vedic Tradition of India, and is the grandfather of all astrological traditions. Lost to the West in its pure form for thousands of years, this mathematical science of prediction is now enjoying a revival worldwide.

Soon the 42 participants settle in to enjoy the videotape, "Maharishi Jyotish for Everyone". In his 40-minute talk, Maharishi begins by explaining the mechanics of creation, and by the end of the tape the group has a clear understanding of the practical value of this knowledge. Still, I can't help wondering what one participant—a professor from the University of Minnesota—is thinking, since he's not a Meditator, and is being exposed to Maharishi's knowledge for the first time.

Following a refreshment break, we connect live by video-conference with visiting experts in the Maharishi Vedic Astrology program. Everyone enjoys having their questions answered directly by a Vedic Pandit from India. Then I review the services provided, such as individual consultations, muhurta, compatibility analysis, and the Maharishi Yagya program.

At the end, I know the event is a success as hardly anyone is leaving. It's been a fortunate day for me, to be able to share such profound knowledge. I overhear the University professor say that now he can see what a practical science Vedic Astrology is. When he asks the local teacher how he can also learn the TM technique, I know it's been a fortunate day for everyone.

Call 1-800-888-5797 if you'd like to host an introductory seminar in your city. To set up seminars for businesses, call the Maharishi Center for Excellence in Management at 515-470-1361.

Charlie Heath has been a teacher of the Maharishi Vedic Astrology program since 1989, and is currently a Regional Secretary for Maharishi Vedic Science programs, organizing tours and courses for the Midwest region.