Interview with David A. Goldstein, Ph.D.

Juliana Swanson: Thank you, David, for taking time from your busy consulting schedule to grant us this interview for Jyotish Star.

David Goldstein: My pleasure!

Juliana Swanson: It is also my personal delight to do this interview with you, because  when we became friends at the ACVA conferences a long time ago, we found  out that we have something else in common besides astrology, which is  that we both attended Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio. I was  there in the early 70’s and you were there later on.

David Goldstein: Yes, I was there from 1978-1982.

Juliana Swanson: The fact that you went to Antioch Yellow Springs says a lot about your  adventurous spirit of living and learning.  Please let us in on your  Antioch days.

David Goldstein: My four years at  Antioch College were some of the best years of my life. I chose Antioch  because I was in an unconventional, anti-establishment phase of my life.  They accepted me on early admissions, so I finished high school in 3  years and went to college at 17.  Since Antioch offered work-study  (co-ops), I was drawn to that type of experiential education.  You could  try out all types of real jobs and travel all over the country. I  worked for six months at NIH in Bethesda, MD in the neurological  diseases laboratory of a Nobel Prize winner, at the age of 18, an  incredible experience. Another time, I worked at an Osteopathic Medical  hospital, and on yet another co-op, I went to Oregon and worked on a  goat farm. I still see life as one big co-op. I'm always thinking about  moving to new locations, and can't get that out of my blood.

Juliana Swanson: When did you find yourself interested in Vedic Astrology? Were you  initially involved with Western (Tropical) Astrology? Or, have you  always worked with Sidereal Astrology and practiced Jyotish?

David Goldstein: My  first exposure was to Western Astrology during childhood years. My  older sister, Julie, had several Western Astrology books around the  house during the 1960’s and 70’s. So, I read some of them and was  particularly impressed with Steve Arroyo, Jeff Green and Robert Hand’s  writings. I ended up dating a girl in college in 1979 whose father was a  Western astrologer and he was friendly with Robert Hand, who lived in  the New England region. I recall going to his house briefly and  conversing, but at that time I was fully committed to scientific and  medical studies, so I did not get deeply involved. Fast forward, during  graduate school in psychology, I privately decided to learn Western  Astrology and combine that with my traditional psychological training in  the future. This was something I filed away in my mind but did not act  on until later.

Juliana Swanson: Did you do some formal studies in Western Astrology?

David Goldstein: I started taking a correspondence course in Western Astrology and was  studying seriously, yes. I had several consultations with a few  different Western astrologers over many years during college. The omen  at that time was that I kept meeting astrologers in many places without  trying. One astrologer from Ohio in particular was phenomenal, Lynn  McCown. She was one of the few astrologers I had met who successfully  integrated Western and Vedic Astrology using her own unique methods, and  made highly accurate, insightful comments and predictions related to  the past and future. Again, I privately filed that experience away in my  mind, continuing to study the sciences in college. 

Juliana Swanson: I  do not know Lynn but have heard of her. I read that she calls herself a  “Karmic Astrologer,” that she also attended Antioch and still lives in  Yellow Springs.

David Goldstein: Yes, correct, I  believe she did refer to the title, "Karmic Astrologer” and she is an  incredibly gifted person. By using the term, “karmic,” you are probably  referring to the fact that she has the ability to describe past lives  through the chart itself. I recall asking her exactly “how” she was able  to derive such vivid details. Her answer was purposely veiled;  something about using the different degrees of the planets and combining  techniques from both western and Vedic astrology. And, she used the  term “Vedic” back in 1978 and that was the first time I had ever heard  of Vedic astrology. Again, another omen of what was to come. I remember  that she calculated the chart using an equal house system and used the  Tropical Zodiac.

Juliana Swanson: How and when did you make the leap to Vedic Astrology?

David Goldstein: In the early 90’s, I happened to read an issue of Mountain Astrologer  that was devoted solely to Vedic Astrology. I was extremely impressed  and compelled to learn more. I was living in South Florida at that time  and James Braha was the nearest Vedic astrologer I could find. I went to  his house and spent several hours with him. That meeting changed my  life forever. Intuitively, I knew my path would move toward Jyotish. For  a short time, I studied both Tropical and Sidereal/Vedic Astrology.  Then, I completely moved to Vedic Astrology by 1995.

Juliana Swanson: Was that when you become affiliated with ACVA (the American College of Vedic Astrology)?

David Goldstein: Yes, I attended my first ACVA conference in 1995 and met some of the  best and brightest Jyotishis in our field. I made personal contact with  several of them and attended many ACVA conferences every year from that  day forward. I studied intensively and was mentored by Dennis Harness  for several months to get oriented to Jyotish. Then, I was among the  first group of students to complete the Level I and Level II ACVA  certification training tracks in the late 1990’s. Ever since that  fateful meeting with James Braha, my life transformed and became  completely devoted to Vedic Astrology as it still is today.

Juliana Swanson: You have a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. Do you practice as a clinical psychologist now as well as an astrologer?

David Goldstein: I no longer practice as a clinical psychologist. My professional consulting practice is 100% dedicated to Vedic Astrology. 

Juliana Swanson: I assume though that your background in psychology is quite helpful to your work as an astrological consultant.

David Goldstein: Absolutely. In fact, I would not be in this profession without that  psychological background and training. First, the process of obtaining a  Ph.D. in a traditional university requires an enormous amount of  dedication, focus and perseverance. One must juggle not only advanced  courses and exams, but also engage in research, teaching, tons and tons  of writing, publishing papers, and in Clinical Psychology, working with  patients—all of this simultaneously. For the grand finale, there’s a  several hundred-page dissertation based on research results, which must  be “defended” against a committee before the Ph.D is awarded. This goes  on for five years, including a clinical internship, without any breaks,  seven days a week.

Juliana Swanson: That is a significant commitment. Please go on.

David Goldstein: This educational training conferred many salient skills that I continue  to use daily in my Vedic Astrology practice. Moreover, the clinical  training prepared me well for what I have encountered in my astrology  consulting practice. I learned how to deeply understand the underlying,  often unconscious, psychological dynamics and motivations that take  place in any type of therapeutic situation. Engaging in an astrological  consultation is just that, a therapeutic one where the client will often  try to play out certain issues with the astrologer. The psychological  training taught me how to “detach,” “listen,” and be an aware observer,  without any emotional ties to the client or expectations regarding  outcome. This is a skill that is taught and ingrained in the student in  formal clinical psychology programs. I could write an entire volume  about this topic. 

Juliana Swanson: I hear that,  especially the part about an astrological consultation being a  therapeutic one. The psychological counseling model is not everyone’s,  of course. For instance, some contemporary Vedic astrologers follow more  of a coaching style in astrological consultations, which is quite  different in some ways from the kind of counseling that you are  qualified to do. As another example, Vedic astrologers in Eastern  culture have been more involved with making predictions or recommending  upayas (remedies) without offering any counseling component …not that  Vedic Astrology can’t be used to gain psychological insight.

David Goldstein: I have never accepted the viewpoint that Vedic Astrology is only good  for predictions and that Western Astrology is better for explaining the  psychology. Nothing could be further from the truth. The Vedic  astrological chart is full of deep psychological information and  patterning if you focus your lens in that direction and know what to  look for. The Vedic astrological chart is actually a diagnostic tool if  you have the advanced academic training in psychology, psychiatric  diagnosis and personality theory. For example, I can determine whether a  client’s reported “depressive episode” is an ingrained long-term  chronic pattern or if it is more of an acute problem that will likely  end after a particular dasha, bhukti or transit influence is over. It’s  all there.

I’m not suggesting that every astrologer should follow  my model, and I don’t necessarily counsel. I discuss the psychological  dimensions of the chart to help awaken the person about his or her  intrinsic personality, and to help explain why his or her life moves in  the direction that is experienced. That is different from counseling. In  my consultations, I also offer specific predictions, recommendations  and remedial measures, where warranted. So, I do both.  But, all  astrologers practicing in the West should realize that there is  definitely a psychological dynamic going on between the astrologer and  client. If that aspect is ignored, you will miss an important dimension.  Dr. Harness has emphasized this in several of his lectures over the  years, as well.

Juliana Swanson: Thank you for clarifying these finer points, with which I wholeheartedly agree. Please go on!

David Goldstein: Many  psychological dimensions are revealed in the Vedic horoscope itself.  The planets reveal the deeper personality style and just how that soul  will play out his or her lifetime because of that ingrained personality  structure. Personality is genetic and immutable to change, and the  individual has to learn how to work within that reality in order to  thrive and advance. Understanding personality from a comprehensive  theoretical perspective (not just as a series of traits) has enhanced my  ability to relate to individual clients, reach them and understand how  they are likely to receive and deal with the information provided.

Juliana Swanson: In what ways would you say that your work as a psychologist has  elevated your ability to be effective not only for your astrological  clients but also for your own well-being?

David Goldstein: I  understand how to set proper boundaries, and how to detach, yet be  present in the moment with the client. I learned how to remove myself  from that interactive equation and not get caught up in clients’ dramas  and dilemmas. Since I worked clinically as a psychologist with  individuals experiencing terminal illness, serious debilitating chronic  diseases, death and dying, as well as a host of other medical problems  in that role, I became quite comfortable assisting people who go through  major life transitions and crises. It does not throw me off center or  upset me. It’s all part of the reality of life experience, this wave of  ups and downs that we all experience during certain dashas and bhuktis.  It’s very familiar. During these intense crisis periods, a client may  really open up and awaken and that’s where Jyotish has immense healing  potential. I’ve witnessed this over and over, and that’s the gratifying  part of this knowledge, seeing it being applied and of practical use for  most people.

Juliana Swanson: Clearly, your long journey has afforded you a broad perspective. Where are you from?

David Goldstein: I was born and raised in South Florida. 

Juliana Swanson: What was it that spurred your interests in psychology and metaphysical knowledge?

David Goldstein: My entire life has always been transformative. It never stands still,  that’s for sure. My journey has been one of combining knowledge from the  fields of science and psychology with metaphysics and Vedic astrology.  My patient parents had to deal with many sudden changes and decisions I  made.  Never, in my wildest dreams did I anticipate becoming a Vedic  astrologer professionally. At the age of six, I asked my father for a  chemistry set. He told me that I would receive the set if I first  memorized the entire periodic table of chemical elements. I did so and  indeed he purchased the set to reward me. To this day, I can recite that  table, which just demonstrates the plasticity of the brain in early  childhood. By age eight, I was sure I would become a microbiologist and  started studying microbiology. I continued this orientation into high  school, focusing on science and math courses.

Juliana Swanson: Where or when did this fast track to traditional science intersect or start running parallel with your interest in metaphysics?

David Goldstein: Well, at 14, I was initiated into Transcendental Meditation (TM) and  began meditating from that age. I was drawn to consciousness expansion  and the concept of “enlightenment.” Ram Das (Dr. Richard Alpert)  actually came to my high school and gave a great lecture, which  influenced me a great deal. I read many of his books including, Grist  for the Mill and Be Here Now. I studied the Tao De Ching. I read the  Bhagavad Gita, among other sacred texts. At Antioch, I learned T'ai chi  ch'uan and practiced that for several years. All of these practices  opened my consciousness in many ways. The reason I took a second major  in college of “Philosophy” was prompted by my interest in existentialism  and eastern philosophy. So, these parallel interests were germinating  for many years. My long journey took me first into the sciences,  molecular biology, medicine, and psychology and then finally to Jyotish.  It seems like a natural, logical progression to me. But, many are  confused by it, as if these disciplines don’t go together. Yet they are  intimately linked when one has direct experience with them.

Juliana Swanson: What did you do after completing college, prior to becoming a  Psychologist and Jyotishi? Did you have a different educational path, or  have you always been on your current path?

David Goldstein: As you might surmise, I’ve taken circuitous pathways to arrive here.  While at Antioch College, I decided to complete pre-med courses, with  two majors, Biology and Philosophy. I was accepted to medical school and  completed the first year. Then, I left, walked out and moved to  California. I wanted to shake things up and did not do well with such  regimentation (medical school was a lot like being in the military).

Juliana Swanson: Spoken like a true Antiochian! What did you do next?

David Goldstein: In California, I worked as a molecular biologist at the Linus Pauling  Institute in Palo Alto in 1984-1985 and co-published several papers in  cancer molecular biology. At the ripe old age of 23, I had Rahu visions  of grandeur, believing I could win the Nobel Prize, alongside my  mentors, for solving the cancer cell puzzle mystery.

Juliana Swanson: Oh Rahu! I imagine he had all sorts of surprises in store.

David Goldstein: But of course! I lived next door to the East/West bookstore and read a  lot of metaphysical literature. I was offered the incredible opportunity  to attend Stanford and work on a Ph.D. in Cancer Biology. I turned that  down because I could not envision myself working as a bench scientist  breathing neurotoxic, carcinogenic chemicals for the rest of my life.  Also, I could not stand harming animals for medical research purposes  (I’m a huge animal lover). That really upset me. So, I began going  deeper, studying psychology and metaphysics during that time, and took a  few college courses at the University of California.  

Juliana Swanson: And so how did you come to earn a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from there?

David Goldstein: Back in South Florida at age 26, I was pleased to be accepted into the  University of Miami Ph.D. program in Health Psychology. Upon completing  my Ph.D., I worked in different medical settings and had a private  practice. But, something was missing and I was not content. That’s when I  came back to astrology, found Jyotish, and the rest is history. My  career naturally fell into place and took off powerfully once I  acknowledged my true dharma. I now understand that I had to go through  these life-changing transformations to get to a higher place, and  evidently still do.

Juliana Swanson: What teachers inspired you, mentored you or were your strongest support along the way?

David Goldstein: This is going to be a long list. First and foremost, my father Charles  Goldstein has been the most important teacher of all. Both of my parents  supported and planned for my education from the day I was born. My  mother, Betty, was a huge supporter of education from day one. They  worked very hard and made many sacrifices to give me that gift of many  years of higher education. My father instilled in me the belief that I  could be anything I desired. He encouraged me to follow my dreams in  life, but to also work hard and be the very best I could possibly be, to  work beyond 100%. Whatever I believed I was capable of, he told me to  go beyond that, and never to be afraid of making a mistake, but to be  fearless as I moved through life. He told me to plan for the future,  think ahead, but to live life NOW, to “be here now.” That is what you  have with certainty, this moment in time. My father’s life philosophy  gave me a world of freedom and bolstered my independence and  self-confidence.
And as my father is so honorable, he also required  that I admit, try to resolve and own up to any errors and be responsible  for every action. He taught me to take reasonable risks, to step out of  the box and not to worry about what other people do or say. He  demonstrated this to me daily through his own actions.

Juliana Swanson: What an incredible human being as well as a fine teacher and a great  reflection of your auspicious karma. Is your father still alive?

David Goldstein: Yes, he is alive, age 80 and going strong! Anyone who meets my father  is extremely fortunate. Everyone loves to be in his presence. They feel  his generous spirit and they crave his wisdom. People constantly seek  him out asking for advice, to this day, and he is not an astrologer or a  psychologist!

Juliana Swanson: What was/is his profession?

David Goldstein: My father has been a successful businessman after having been poor  during his early life. He had the vision, and he created his success all  with his own efforts, blood, sweat and tears, against all odds. He  never let hard times, setbacks or adversities stop him. After he  retired, he became a great sculptor and fine artist. He has painted  hundreds of paintings. I plan on doing the same thing in later years,  developing my artistic side. I actually come from a family of artists  and professional musicians. My great-grandmother, for example, played  violin for the Czar in Russia in the 1800’s. My father loves life and  all of its curves and turns. He really knows how to taste everything  that life has to offer. He is unbelievably positive and optimistic about  everything, but he is also a realist! He sees the big picture, always.

Juliana Swanson: How did your father feel about your interest in Vedic Astrology as a career?

David Goldstein: When I told him that I wanted to pursue Vedic Astrology, he was very  open-minded about it, which shocked me. Here I was giving up a  prestigious position to follow something about which he had no  knowledge. We all know that “astrology” has suffered historically from a  dubious reputation in the western world. Yet he was supportive. Over  the years, he has developed an enormous respect for this knowledge and  the path I have carved out.

Juliana Swanson: And your Jyotish mentors, teachers?

David Goldstein: Without the guidance and shared knowledge of numerous Jyotishis, I  would be lost. Every single Vedic astrologer who lectured at the ACVA  conferences over many years offered volumes of enormously helpful  knowledge. However, there are a few individuals with whom I studied more  intensively and with whom I spent a lot of personal time over many  years, and they had the greatest influence in elevating my knowledge of  Vedic Astrology. 

These include (in no particular order): James  Braha, James Kelleher, Nalini Kanta Das and Dr. Dennis Harness. I also  took Dr. David Frawley’s correspondence course in the beginning of my  studies, which was very useful. I’ve been influenced by Dr. Charak, Dr.  Raman, Chakrapani Ullal’s lectures, as well as Hart DeFouw’s lectures  and writings. Intensive workshops with Dr. Dennis Harness, Christina  Collins, Dr. Bill Levacy and Dr. Andrew Foss were invaluable.

There  are so many more Vedic Astrologers who shared much of their knowledge  and guidance over the years, too numerous to list. It would be like  listening to an Oscar award speech. If they lectured at an ACVA  conference, then, I was inspired and gained support from all of them in  some manifestation. I hope they all know how much I appreciated their  help and generosity in taking the time to answer my numerous questions  during conferences and beyond. I attended every ACVA lecture I could  possibly attend and for those lectures that I could not simultaneously  attend, I purchased audiotapes to review them. I made personal contact  with just about every Vedic astrologer who lectured and asked questions.  They were all very generous in responding to my relentless inquiries. 

Juliana Swanson: That is a powerful lineage of teachers and I can feel the weight of  their impact and importance through your deep expression of gratitude.

David Goldstein: So deep in fact that I have more to say about them!

Dr.  Dennis Harness was instrumental in mentoring me from the start. He  agreed to teach me Vedic Astrology from the very beginning. I asked that  he start with the most basic elements, as if I knew nothing of the  subject. I lived in Sedona for three months with my patient wife, to  completely immerse myself in Jyotish studies full time. Dennis was  patient, clear, supportive and organized; he assisted me in learning the  basic and most important factors—planets, zodiac signs, houses, yogas,  and chart synthesis. He’s a wonderful teacher, very patient and  understanding.  
I recall experiencing one of my first ACVA lectures  given by Nalini Kanta Das in San Diego and it literally sent chills down  my spine and I was completely mesmerized by his shakti. There was a  powerful, strong connection that I experienced with him. Since that  time, he spent numerous hours sitting with me in-person at his office,  generously going over and analyzing chart after chart. He is one of the  clearest, most astute, direct astrologers I have known, and most  importantly he taught me how to prioritize the most significant factors  when analyzing a chart.  Just sitting in a room with him was a healing  experience for me, even if we did not speak. He’s like a wise older  brother to me.
James Braha allowed me to review his second textbook  and comment before its publication, and that experience gave me a lot of  security when I was first beginning to analyze charts and meet with my  first astrology clients. Without his texts at that time, I would have  been quite lost. He has been a great friend and colleague for many  years.
James Kelleher has had a profound impact on elevating, I  should say, catapulting my knowledge level and predictive ability over  the past ten years. I became quite involved in all of his webinar  courses, which are exceptional. Through James’ teachings, I went much  deeper into so many important areas too numerous to name. Among one of  his most unique and important contributions was sharing his knowledge of  how to use the nakshatras to make more precise, detailed predictions,  and how to incorporate the use of all of the varga charts for  strengthening predictive depth and accuracy, in all areas of life. I  assisted James Kelleher in editing both volumes of his latest texts,  which are exceptional and make a unique contribution to our field. His  pragmatic, thorough, organized and “in the trenches” approach to Jyotish  is a breath of fresh air; it is this thorough, practical and  illuminating style to which I also ascribe.Juliana Swanson: What about  your spiritual gurus and path? Did you have an Indian teacher who  inspired you to learn Jyotish perhaps?

David Goldstein: It’s interesting that I found Jyotish on my own, without prompting from  others. I’ve had many Jyotish teachers and mentors along the way, as  described. When I sought them out, they were right there. But, I will  never follow one spiritual path or religion, as that is not my way. I  learn from several spiritual disciplines, most are from the East and  some are from the West. The tenants of Judaism are also central for me.  For better or worse, I will likely never follow a singular spiritual  guru or ever attend an ashram, have any group religious affiliation or  anything of the sort. Jyotish is my spiritual path and any sages or  teachers (in or out of body) of this discipline are my guides. I mean  absolutely no disrespect toward anyone who views this otherwise. I  approach Jyotish as a mystic and a professional, not from a religious  perspective. I’m completely against any type of dogmatism or  “groupthink” attitude when it comes to religion, spirituality or any  body of knowledge. Each individual must attune to his or her unique  lifetime and not judge others for taking a different track. “Let it be,”  said the great sage John Lennon.

Juliana Swanson: What advice will you give that could be helpful for students of Vedic Astrology?

David Goldstein: When I first attended ACVA conferences, I observed something that  completely blew my mind. These advanced Jyotish scholars and  practitioners with 20 to 30+ years of experience were sitting in on  these beginner’s basic lectures, listening attentively. I’d never  witnessed that in my previous years in academia. Why did they do this?  Because, they maintained the humble attitude that they can always learn  something new; that there might be an important kernel of wisdom or  information that would elevate their understanding or practice in some  way; that they will always be “students” of Jyotish, forever beginners. 

Juliana Swanson: This is the same Beginner’s Mind that is called Shoshin in Zen Buddhism. These ACVA teachers are very inspiring in this way.

David Goldstein: The best of them never let their egos get in the way. They did not  think of themselves as “experts” or that they knew more than everyone  else. To this day, that humble attitude remains critical to one’s  ability to advance in Jyotish, period. Nothing else really matters, it  is all commentary. The mediocre astrologers did not take the time to  refresh their minds with the basic foundational principles: planets,  houses, signs, nakshatras, aspects, and yogas. They kept reaching for  complicated techniques because they did not deeply connect with the  central Parasari principles, hoping to find some secret short-cut to  obtain a higher level of accuracy. None of that is necessary if you  deeply learn the basic, major principles. 

Juliana Swanson: In addition to maintaining this humble attitude in Vedic Astrology, can you offer any other tips?

David Goldstein: Try  to be organized, grounded and learn not to jump around the chart.  Decide if you want to go topic-by-topic or house-by-house, or develop  some systematic approach that is logical. It can get overwhelming and  chaotic to your client if you just go by stream of consciousness. You  can easily spend an entire lifetime focusing only on the planets and not  even touch a speck of dirt on Mount Everest. So, take your time and get  intimate with the basic foundational elements. When you get confused,  come back to the basics.  Test out fancy techniques, and determine which  techniques offer you consistent, reliable accurate results. Some  techniques work for one astrologer and fall flat for another. There’s  nothing wrong with that. There are several approaches that may be  followed. Find your own personal approach and don’t worry about what  other people are doing. Believe in yourself and make your own unique  contribution.

Juliana Swanson: This is great advice.

David Goldstein: I  would also suggest that if one has advanced knowledge in other fields,  that will be a great asset to the work of Jyotish, i.e., incorporate  those skills into your Jyotish work. Above all, approach Jyotish  seriously and respectfully, studying regularly for many years or a  lifetime. If the knowledge compels you and you feel pulled back to it,  then that’s how you know it’s the right path for you to pursue. Jyotish  itself is a spiritual discipline in its own right, without complicating  it with other spiritual disciplines. It is one of the Vedangas (limbs of  the Vedas).

Juliana Swanson: Do you recommend a particular style of learning Jyotish?

David Goldstein:  Study with several teachers over the years, not just one. That way, you  will learn many approaches to chart analysis and you’ll gain a broad  spectrum of knowledge. Soon enough, you will find that you resonate with  one approach more than another because that is in alignment with your  personality. Go spend time with those teachers in-person. Feel their  energy.  See how they live, work and how they function. Ask questions.  You’ll absorb their shakti and it will raise you. It’s a powerful  experience that you could never get from an Internet course, book or any  digital technology.

Juliana Swanson: I find for  many students it becomes challenging to handle all the intense  energetic and life shifts that come along with the Jyotish path, not to  mention the overwhelming amount of learning required. Do you have any  suggestions on navigating this exciting but often rocky road?

David Goldstein: Live  a clean, healthy, honest lifestyle. If your mind, body and soul are  healthy, clear, light, and energetic, then you will be able to tap into  this great body of knowledge at a higher level. Take breaks, get away  from the studies for periods of time and clear your mind. Try to  maintain a balanced, detached attitude with everything and you will then  be successful.

Juliana Swanson: OK, that sounds  like good doctor’s orders! Now let’s move onto the topic of your own  writing. Do you have books, either that you have written or that you  recommend to the aspiring student? Do you plan to write a book in the  future?

David Goldstein: I have published  numerous journal articles in the fields of Vedic Astrology, Health  Psychology, and in Cancer Biology over the past 30 years. The majority  of my Vedic Astrology publications were printed in the ACVA journals  since 2000. They may be found on my website as well.  http://www.dgoldsteinphd.com I love writing, probably more than anything  else. I write a monthly newsletter describing the transits in force,  some mundane astrology describing current events, and offer some  predictions and insights. This may be found on my website each month and  it’s become quite popular reading around the world. I offer a free  subscription to this newsletter, as a public service.

Juliana Swanson: Your newsletter is always at the top of my own reading list every  month! What a great service, greatly appreciated by so many. It must be  challenging to find time to write anything, with your busy consulting  schedule.

David Goldstein: I don’t multi-task  very well and currently, I am focused on maintaining my consulting  astrology practice and keeping up with a heavy client caseload. So, it  may be an excuse, but I find it hard to find the extra time to write a  book.  For me, it’s an all or none experience. I find it hard to start  and stop and pick it up again. Yet, I also find that I am constantly  writing on some topic. I also have this elitist, perfectionist attitude  when it comes to writing. I refuse to write yet another book about an  area that has already been published many times over. When I am ready to  offer a unique contribution, I will sit down and write the volumes that  are meant to be written. That day is coming in my future, no doubt. I  will likely be living in the mountains, and out of the trenches of  private practice, which occupies my daily existence at this time.

Juliana Swanson: Many of us in the Jyotish world will patiently await your book(s),  whenever the time is ripe. And now, changing topics again, would you  care to comment on being a vegetarian, or following an Ayurvedic diet?

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David Goldstein: In  keeping with my philosophy, I think each person’s physiology is unique  and the nutritional needs and dietary considerations must be tailored to  that person. This is a very complex subject, with many areas to  consider. Nutritional needs change across the lifespan as well. One size  does not fit all. To imply that everyone must be a vegetarian is  shortsighted.  Philosophically, I think it is much better for humans to  be vegetarian for the sake of the larger Universe. But, try telling that  to your cat. Even if someone stays vegetarian most of the time, that’s  an improvement over rejecting a vegetarian diet completely.

Juliana Swanson: Well said! And, do you follow a vegetarian diet at this time in your life?

David Goldstein: Yes I do, and I function fairly well on that for many reasons.  I’m  sure I would benefit from following an Ayurvedic diet tailored to my  strongly Pitta/Vata constitution. I love spices, but my body can’t take  them very well and I have allergies to just about every food in  existence, including many fruits and vegetables. But, I work with it and  rotate my diet, which helps enormously. Recently, I followed a strict  vegan diet for 3 years, lost some excess weight and did exceptionally  well, but I got bored and changed it again. It’s a work in progress and  constantly needs to be revised due to my food sensitivities. Nutrition  and diet are enormously important for health, well-being and  development. I spend a lot of time on this aspect of living and cook and  prepare most of the food I eat. I think the person who handles your  food injects his energy into it and that can either harm or enhance its  effects.

Juliana Swanson: Besides nutrition and diet, what else is important?

David Goldstein: Living  a healthy, clean lifestyle is of utmost importance and it takes  dedication and discipline, but one is nicely rewarded for the effort. I  also exercise regularly, run over 20 miles/week, hike trails, and engage  in weight lifting and kayaking. My connection with nature and many  animals is also a huge primary aspect of my existence. Oh, and don’t  forget to keep your sense of humor. My favorite movie is “Night at the  Opera,” starring Groucho Marx, my father’s hero! You can learn all about  life in that one single film.

Juliana Swanson: Thank you so much, David. This has been quite illuminating and again, we appreciate your taking the time to talk with us!