Vedic Astrology
In India, the study of astrology or Jyotishshastra can be traced to the Vedic times. Glimpses of astrological traditions are visible in the Atharva-Veda, one among the most sacred texts of India. Ancient Indian Vedic Astrology in India, more popularly known as Jyotish, relies more on the sidereal (according to the stars) positions of the planets, just as one sees them in the sky, against the positions assigned to few relatively fixed stars. This ancient system of Indian Vedic Astrology is thus quite scientific in nature, and employs many mathematical calculations to arrive at astute astrological predictions and prophecies.
The basic difference between Indian Vedic Astrology and the Western astrological traditions and systems lie in the technique of calculations. Western astrologers base their zodiac on the equinoxes. The positions of the planets the westerners calculate, continue to change with respect to the stars. Indian Vedic Astrology, on the other hand, bases its computations on the twelve constellations from the Babylonian calendar, and also has an additional "lunar" zodiac based on 28 lunar.
The names of the 28 Nakshatras are:
| Ashwini Mrigshirsha Ashlesha Hasta Anuradha Uttarashadha Poorvabhadrapada |
Bharani Ardra Magha Hasta Chitra Jyeshtha Shravana Uttarabhadrapada |
Krittika Punarvasu Purvaphalguni Swati Moola Dhanishtha Poorvabhadrapada Revati |
Rohini Pushya Uttaraphalguni Vishakha Purvashadha Shatbhisha Abhijit |
According to the Indian Vedic Astrology in India, all celestial bodies, be it the sun, the moon,, the planets or stars, influence the terrestrial phenomena, or indicate such phenomena by their various configurations. The configuration of the planets and stars at the moment of birth determine one's basic life story inclinations, characteristics, strengths, weaknesses. Horoscope, or the natal chart, is therefore the construction of the basic placement of planets at the time of birth. That is why it is termed as a Janam-Patri in Indian Vedic Astrology. This resulting chart or birth-profile is used to understand, and respond accordingly to life issues in general as well as particular situations in Indian Vedic Astrology. The interpretation of this Patrika delineates the angular relationships between the planets and the signs of the zodiac. The natal chart also shows the House or 'Sthana' in which these planets are placed with respect to other planets. Many other such symbolic or astronomic indicators, which help one to examine the different experiences and psychology of the individual are also explored through this astrologically computed chart in Indian Vedic Astrology.
A trained astrologer then analyses this pertinent information. He/ she explores, using his knowledge of Vedic system of predictions, as to how the various aspects of a client's personality may be integrated, and what the stars augur. Based on this analysis, he/ she suggests ways and means to make the most of the energies symbolized in the natal chart. Remedial actions are also taken or suggested to enhance the person's life - spiritually and materially. The Patrika or Kundali also defines the actual traits of an individual and sets to forecast and prophecy happenings in his life. This prediction covers the aspects of marital compatibility, health and future in general. All this information is prophesied on the basis of the position of planets at the time and place of his birth.
Health and disease are integrally related to astrology. Even the famous Greek physician, Hippocrates, maintained that it is essential to look into the natal chart of a patient before embarking on any course of treatment, especially if surgery is required.
The constellations or Nakshatras that are studied in Indian Vedic Astrology or Jyotish-vidya are based on the approximate number of days that the Moon takes to complete a cycle with respect to the stars. The Vimshottari dasha in ancient Indian Vedic Astrology predicts the moon's position as per the Lunar calendar employed for centuries in the Indian tradition. This is also used to calculate Muhurtas, or auspicious time in Indian Vedic Astrology to begin any job/ enterprise or initiate any relationship.
