Maru Dana, Ph.D., Life Holistic Coach

I am a born teacher. I am a very curious person, eager to go to the essential, to the core of things. At the age of 22, I began doing research in metaphysics when I was determined to find the answers to as many "why" questions as I could. So, I became a spiritual truth-seeker and, without being aware of my decision, at that moment, I embarked on a fascinating journey that led me to meet some very special teachers. I developed a fluent and intimate dialogue with one of my teachers, my higher self. I never doubted this inner, angelic voice because I could clearly identify that what I was listening to was not a product of my own thinking. Instead, I trusted this voice and became very obedient to the messages that what I was receiving. Some of the messages that I received were to help others or were telling me to use more positive, thinking phrases in my ESL classes, or while talking to people in the street. At some point, I realized that I was being trained to empower others as well as myself.

I have always felt very comfortable and very happy sharing what I have discovered and what I have learned. Teaching has been my passion, and although I really wanted to become a medical doctor, I decided to listen to my inner voice and earn a B.A. in teaching English as a second language instead. My interest in medicine remained strong. I was still eager to talk to doctors so I taught myself the medical and technical vocabulary in English and found a teaching position in a hospital. When I came to the States, my bilingual skills along with my natural, teaching capabilities came to play an important role. Countless opportunities opened up, allowing me to make the most of my translating and interpreting skills both at work and in my personal life. I don't believe in coincidences. In my first job I became a Spanish interpreter for psychologists and psychiatrists, most of these professionals had a very knowledgeable, spiritual background. I felt very fortunately to be able to interpret sessions in which hypnotherapy was used along with meditation and relaxation techniques. These opportunities encouraged me to continue on with my research and I found myself spending endless hours at the library and at different metaphysical stores. My research paved the way and soon I started working as a distant healer. Still, I felt that there was something missing in my life. I felt that I was not fulfilling my real purpose.

Then, a friend introduced me to a very knowledgeable astrologer who read my chart and depicted a potential yet to be known and developed. He told me that I had what it takes to be able to translate symbolic languages into ordinary, plain English (or Spanish) and that I had to start delving into that direction. Therefore, I continued my research into metaphysics, I practiced karma yoga and thanks to a dear friend, I started a new fascinating, spiritual journey that lasted a little bit over three years. I began receiving the Self-Realization Fellowship lessons written my Gurudeva, Paramahansa Yogananda. I am now delighted to say that by meditating on those lessons steadfastly every single night I found the answers to all those questions I had 20 years ago.

In mythology, Chronos, Saturn is the Lord of Karma; his keywords are discipline, responsibility, patience, and endurance. This god rules time (chronology is a word derived from this god) and hard work. These are the two essential elements we all need to develop so that we can unfold our mission, our purpose in life. We need time to live, learn, and unfold our purpose in life. Kabbalah mentions that time is the gap between cause and effect (karma). Saturn's energy will bring us rewards provided we do our karmic homework. That is to say, by learning the lessons we came "here" to learn, we will feel less heavy, we will feel lighter. Then, we will begin on our journey of becoming wise and receiving much love and light. En-light-en-ment (in light) is the journey in search for the divine within.

I was able to work out some of my difficult, karmic lessons in life while studying how to translate the symbolic language of the stars. The study of astrology became my passion. Astrology became a great metaphysical tool for me to help clients and friends empower themselves. The daily practice of interpreting astrology allows me to delve into the human, inner nature and discover a strength otherwise hidden from the conscious self. Last, but not least, timing is everything in interpreting this subtle art; astrology is the bridge that functions like a mirror; "as above, so below," as in Earth, as it is in Heavens.

So now, I will invite you to let your soul-ar, inner light shine far and bright. We are spiritual beings having a human experience; we have free will to make conscious, responsible decisions. Even though, we may be experiencing a great, harmonious flowing energy around us, it is up to us to make the most of that beneficial, God-given opportunity. Don't waste your time, learn how to enjoy everything in life, even the karmic moments because those are the ones which make your soul spring to the surface and as a result you end up learning a lot about your inner self.