It is a whole Science in its own right, generally known as occult Science. Material Science studies the forces of material nature that operate behind the physical appearances and by that knowledge it learns to manipulate matter in unprecedented ways. So too biological sciences and psychological sciences learn about and thereby can manipulate living beings and the mind, alter their operations by combining and recombining their forces. Similarly, there are yet deeper and subtler forces whose knowledge and power can be gained through a methodical study of occult sciences. In fact, if we look carefully physical science with the discovery of the quantum world and psychological science with the discovery of the effect of thoughts and feelings on the body has already entered in the occult world unwittingly. Of course, the method and the way that men like Ravan approached the occult was mainly through a combination of Rajyoga, which he could not succeed in due to the tremendous ego. He (and his son Meghnad and sister Soopernkha) also practiced some kind of Tantra through which he had gained a certain mastery over the subtle forces of life. The names used for the navagrahas are based on the nature and working of these forces vis a vis the characteristic property of the planets. It is the same as the word Agni is used for physical fire as well as for psychological movements such as push, drive, enthusiasm, urge for progress, Godward aspiration. Basically, in the Indian cosmology the world is not a flat material reality but a many layered system of worlds, energies, forces and beings. The deeper you go and the subtler the forces we can handle, the greater the power we wield. Again, we can use the analogy wherein the discovery of quantum particles and forces empowered man tremendously.
But here is a lesson to learn. Even if one can master all these countless forces and do marvellous things with them yet destiny finds its way and God’s Will has the final word. The rishis followed the spiritual path, that is knowing and surrendering to the Divine Will. They did not strive after powers but got them as a gift of the Divine Grace. Spiritual life takes us to the supreme Original Power, the Divine Mother which is the ultimate Shakti and before which no power can stand.
There are talks on occultism and spirituality on AuroMaa channel that touch upon the subject in more detail.
