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Jyotisha (jyotiṣa, in Hindi and English usage Jyotish) is the Hindu system of astrology, one of the six disciplines of Vedanga, and regarded as one of the oldest schools of ancient astrology to have had an independent origin, affecting all other schools in and around India. The Sanskrit word derives from jyótis (disjointed as "Ja"+"Ya"+"O"+"T"+"ish" to get the root meaning as "water or birth"+"in addition to" + "earth" and "stars" + "knowledgeable" equating as one who is knowledgeable, or enlightened with knowledge, of birth, fate, and relationship to water, earth and stars) or which means "light, brightness", but in the plural also "the heavenly bodies, planets and stars".
Jyotish has historically been part of a continuous "holistic" approach to living and to spiritual practice within the life of Hindus predominant in India.
Jyotish is often discussed as the instructional element of the Rig Veda, and as such is a Vedanga, or "body part" of the Vedas, namely called the Eye of the Veda, for its alleged ability to view both phenomenal reality and wisdom itself. Part of a larger Vedic curriculum including mathematics, architecture, medical and military applications. Jyotish has its own sophisticated reference to the noumenal: the planets are "grahas", which are thought to seize or act upon created beings and influence their actions and life.
As Hindus believe that humans have fortune and misfortune in life because of karma, many use Jyotish to understand the downs in life due to the influence of planets, i.e., Navagraha and perform religious ceremonies to mitigate bad karma.
Foundations
Jyotish's many lineages or paramparas emphasize that its study is a sadhana or technique of mental and existential development. In modern times, it is a chief source of reference for many Hindus and other astrologers. Vedic astrologers will frequently prescribe special stones or meditation techniques using mantras to those facing difficult or unclear futures as predicted by means consistent with Jyotish methodology. While in past centuries, Brahmins had been the primary practitioners of Jyotish, since the last century, a renaissance of study of Jyotish and other Vedic sciences emerged in India and the west.
The foundation of jyotish is the notion of bandhu of the Vedas, which is the connection between the microcosm and the macrocosm. Surya, the Sun, is a manifestation of Vishnu, a central aspect of the Supreme, and is also the Atman within man. The term "Vedic astrology" has been recently introduced by American and Western astrologers in the 1980s and 1990s, leading to collaborative organizations such as the now-international [1].
In India, Jyotish is still commonly used to aid in important decisions in life. In Hindu culture, newborns are traditionally named based on their jyotish charts, and jyotish concepts are pervasive in the organization of the calendar and holidays as well as in many areas of life. Astrolgy is perceived to be vital in Indian culture, in making decisions made about marriage, opening a new business, and moving into a new home.
Branches of Vedic / Hindu Astrology
Vedic astrology (Aagam Shaastra / Jyotisha- futurity sciences) has three main branches:
- Siddhanta (Astronomy): Astronomy & its application to astrology
- Samhita (Mundane astrology): Covers Mundane astrology, predicting important events related to countries such as war, earth quakes, political events, astro - meteorology, financial positions, electional astrology; house & construction related matters (Vaastu Shaastra), animals, portents & omens etc.
- Hora (Predictive astrology):
This branch has the following different styles / sub branches:-
- Jaatak Shaastra / Hora Shaastra (Natal Astrology / horoscopy): Prediction based on individual horoscope.
- Muhurt or Muhurtha (Electional astrology): Selection of beneficial time to initiate an activity to get maximum fruition from the life activities.
- Swar Shaastra (Phonetical astrology): Predictions based on name & sounds.
- Prashna (Horary astrology): Predictions based on time when a question is asked by querent / querist.
- Ankjyotisha / Kabala (Numerology): A branch of astrology based on numbers.
- Nadi Astrology: An ancient treatise having detailed predictions for individuals.
- Tajik Shaastra / Varsha Phal (Annual Horoscopy): Astrology based on annual solar returns.
- Jaimini Sutras: A non-conventional method of timing of events based on Famous Indian astrologer, Acharya Jaimini.
- Nastjaatakam (Lost Horoscopy): Art of tracing / construction of lost horoscopes.
- Streejaatak (female astrology): A special branch of astrology dealing with female nativities.
Other related branches
- Graha Samudriki (Astro- Palmistry): Palm reading as horoscope.
- Hasta Rekha / Samudrika Shaastra (Palmistry): Based on palm reading.
- Padatal Shaastra (Plantarology): Based on reading of lines & signs on the sole.
- Shakun Shaastra (Omens): Predictions based on omens & portents.
- Swapna Vidhya : Interpretation of dreams.
- Kapal Vidya (Phrenology)
- Aakriti Vidya (Physiognomy): Based on structure & moles on the body.
- Kerala Jyotisha: Predictions based on querrist reply regarding name of flower or colour or touching part of body.
- Remedial Astrology: Various modes of propitiation of planets based on planetary positions in nativity, transits, elections & for religious functions.
In Vedic literature guidance is given on two other branches viz, Electional astrology and Remedial astrology.
Hindu and Western astrology
The most easily referred to difference between the two lies in the method of measurement of the Zodiac. Vedic astrology uses primarily the sidereal zodiac (in which stars are considered to be the fixed background against which the motion of the planets is measured), whereas most Western astrology uses the tropical zodiac (the motion of the planets is measured against the position of the Sun on the Spring equinox). This difference becomes only noticeable over time, after the course of several centuries, as a result of the precession of the equinoxes. Synchronically, the two systems are identical, with just a shift of the origin of the ecliptic longitude by about 22 degrees or days, resulting on the placement of planets in the previous sign in Western charts about 80% of the time.
Both Jyotish and Western traditions have existed for millennia. Vedic astrology includes several nuanced sub-systems of interpretation and prediction incorporating unique sacralized elements not found elsewhere, such as its specific system of lunar mansions (called nakshatras, encompassing a pantheon of archetypal deities). The nakshatras are used to pick auspicious times of day or month for every human activity as well as to provide insight into the motivations and guiding characteristics of humans and events coming under their influence. Nakshatra cycles, or dashas, are developing a reputation in contemporary culture for the accuracy with which they time events.
A further unique concept in jyotish rarely seen in Western astrology is the concept of Dashas - a mathematical analyses that breaks down human or the subject's lifetime into various sub-periods based on the location of Moon at birth.
Predictions in jyotish incorporate various elements around the birth chart - influences of transits (similar to Western Astrology though more focused on houses or bhavas) as well as Dashas.
Modern approaches to Jyotisha
Vedic astrology includes a number of techniques and approaches that have accumulated over the eons with little consensus on what gives consistently accurate results. This collection of techniques and approaches is sometimes referred to as Classical or Traditional Jyotish. However, the march towards new insights and applications continues in the modern epoch, as in earlier times, with the objective as ever to achieve more precise analysis and accurate predictions. In the 1960s, H.R. Seshadri Iyer, introduced a system including the yoga point, which has become popular in also the West. In the early 1990s, V.K. Choudhry introduced the Systems' Approach for Interpreting Horoscopes, a simplified system of Jyotish.
Another modern school of Jyotish, is KP (Krishnamurti Paddhati), developed by Shri Krishnamurti from India. It mainly bases the analyses more on the stars (nakshatras) by sub-dividing the signs (rashis) many times. KP has stunning evidences to predict an event with precise accuracy as the timeframe is concerned. It can successfully narrow down the timeframe even upto the day, and it is often correct.
It has to be understood that not necessarily a new school is always a further step of purification to this old science. If studied carefully, it is understood that SA (Systems Approach) goes far distant from what we can really call to be Jyotish or Vedic Astrology, as it differs on the very fundamental principles of Jyotish.
Fundamentals of Jyotisha
Vedic astrology i.e. Jyotish contains some concepts that are not found in any other school of astrology. Some of the important building blocks are discussed below.
Graha - the planets
Graha literally means any heavenly body or point that can cast an impact on human affairs. It may be translated as planet for ease. Graha also includes lunar nodes (Rahu and Ketu) and sub-planets (upgrahas) which are not planets but no less effective than planets. The extra-saturnine planets (Uranus, Neptune and Pluto) are not included in the category of Graha.
Here are the list of nine grahas (heavenly bodies or "planets"):
| Abbreviation | Sanskrit Name | English Name | Represents |
| Sy or Su | Surya | Sun | Soul |
| Ch or Mo | Chandra | Moon | Mind |
| Ma | Mangala or Angaraka or Kuja | Mars | energetic action, confidence and ego |
| Bu or Me | Budha | Mercury | Communication |
| Gu or Ju | Guru or Brihaspati | Jupiter | the great teacher |
| Sk or Ve | Sukra | Venus | wealth, pleasure and reproduction |
| Sa | Sanaiscarya, Shani, or Śani | Saturn | learning the hard way. Career and Longevity |
| Ra | Rahu | Ascending/North Lunar Node | often described as a demon who does his best to plunge any area of one's life he controls into chaos |
| Ke | Ketu | Descending/South Lunar Node | supernatural influences |
Rashi - the signs
Sidereal zodiac is also an imaginary belt of 360 degrees (like tropical zodiac), divided into 12 equal parts. Each twelfth part (of 30 degrees) is called sign or rashi.
They also recognize twelve zodiac signs, or Rashis:
| Number | Sanskrit Name | Western Name |
| 1 | Mesha | Aries |
| 2 | Vrishabha | Taurus |
| 3 | Mithuna | Gemini |
| 4 | Karka | Cancer |
| 5 | Simha | Leo |
| 6 | Kanya | Virgo |
| 7 | Tula | Libra |
| 8 | Vrishchika | Scorpio |
| 9 | Dhanus | Sagittarius |
| 10 | Makara | Capricorn |
| 11 | Kumbha | Aquarius |
| 12 | Meena | Pisces |
One's Ascendant, or lagna, the rashi which is rising on the eastern horizon at the time of one's birth, is the most influential and important one. Of lesser importance but still some impact is the Janma Rashi, the rashi in which the moon lay while one was born.
There are three different Jyotish chart notations, which are functionally equivalent but quite different in appearance. The following images show the same birth chart in the two main notations - North Indian and South Indian. The third notation is followed in Eastern parts of India.
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In the North Indian notation, the house positions are fixed (1st house top middle, with the rest following in counterclockwise order) and the signs of the zodiac are indicated by numbers in the chart (1 for Aries, and so on). |
Conversely, in the South Indian notation, the signs of the zodiac have fixed positions (Aries always occupies the 2nd box from the left in the top row, with the rest following in clockwise order), and the first house is marked "As" (for ascendant) with the rest following in clockwise order. |
The charts are broken into twelve sections, houses or Bhavas, each of which is related to a rashi in an equal house system.
Bhava - the houses
Two house system is in practice among follower of Jyotish. First one is what Western astrologers call the whole sign house system while the second one is Sripathi akin to Porphyry house system. KP also incorporates Placidus house system. The significance of 12 houses are as follow.
- 1st house Native, Appearance, Character, Purpose of Life
- 2nd house Wealth, Family, Meal, Early Education
- 3rd house Younger coborn, Communication (phone, sms, chatting etc)
- 4th house Mother, Education, Home, Property, Vehicle
- 5th house Children, Lover, Recreation, Devotion, Creativity
- 6th house Health, Maternal uncle and aunt, Litigation, Servants
- 7th house Spouse, Business partner, Death, Trade, Agreement
- 8th house Sex, Longevity, Failure, Family of spouse, Dowry
- 9th house Luck, Higher learning, Travelling, Religion, Mentor
- 10th house Profession, Status, Power, Father, Mother-in-law
- 11th house Friends, Hopes, Earnings, Elder coborn, Daughter/Son-in-law
- 12th house Expenses, Sleep, Donation, Foreign stay
Nakshatra - the lunar asterism
Like sign or rashi, zodiac may also divided into 27 equal parts (of 13 degree 20 minutes each). This division of zodiac is called Nakshatra. Traditionally nakshatra position of Moon is computed for native's mental make up and calculations of planetary periods (dashas). Each nakshatra is further partitioned into four equal segments known as charan or pad. Nakshatra contains an important place in Astrological match making, Mahurtha, Panchanga and Prashana affairs.
See Nakshatra for list of lunar mansions
Veshaish Lagna - Special Ascendants
Sage Parasara mentioned a few special lagnas before mentioning the results of various divisional charts and houses. His mention that houses can be counted from special lagnas clearly indicates that he wanted special lagnas to be used instead of lagna for some clear purposes. Some important special lagnas are follows.
- Chandra Lagna (ascendant counted from natal Moon sign - very important langa)
- Surya Lagna (ascendant counted from natal Sun sign)
- Karak Lagna (significator taken as ascendant for all grahas)
- Varnada Lagna (for social company)
- Shri Lagna (for prosperity and marriage)
- Indu Lang (for wealth)
- Hora Lagna (for financial prosperity)
- Gati Lagna (for name and fame)
Varga - the divisional charts
The term Varga means Division and refers to the various divisions of a sign, based on which Divisional Charts (or simply D-Charts) is constructed. Divisional charts (Vargas or Amsas) are very peculiar to Jyotish, and they are not found in other systems of astrology. Ancient Indian Mentor and Expert, Maharishi Parashara describes 16 divisional charts which are as follows;
- Rasi D-1: Body, Phyiscal Matters and All Generall Maters
- Hora D-2: Wealth, Family
- Drekkana D-3: Siblings, Nature
- Chaturthamsa D-4: Fortune and Property
- Saptamsa D-7: Children/Progeny
- Navamsa D-9: Wife, Dharma and Relationships
- Dasamsa D-10: Actions in Society, Profession
- Dwadasamsa D-12: Parents
- Shodasamsa D-16: Vehicles, Travelling and Comforts
- Vimsamsa D-20: Spiritual Pursuits
- ChaturVimsamsa D-24: Education, Learning and Knowledge
- SaptaVimsamsa D-27: Strengths and Weakness
- Trimsamsa: D-30 Evils, Failure, Bad Luck
- KhaVedamsa D-40: Maternal Legacy
- AkshaVedamsa D-45: Paternal Legacy
- Shastiamsa D-60: Past birth/Karma
Maharishi Jaimini explaines 4 more divisional charts. They include;
- Panchamsa D-5: Fame & Power
- Shasthamsa D-6: Health
- Ashtamsa D8: Unexpected Troubles
- EkaDasamsa/Rudramsa D-11: Death and Destruction
Apart form Rashi (D-1); Navamsha (D-9), Drekkana (D-3), Dasamsa (D-10) and Trimsamsa (D-30) are considered significant divisional charts.
Drishti - the aspect
Aspect is one of the most important phenomena that not only interlinks the planets with each other but also playing a role of bridge between signs. In Jyotish the word Drishti is tantamount to Aspect, means glance or sight. It is the transfer of influences to another graha or rashi as a result of their situation in relation to each other.
Types of Aspect
The hierarchy of aspect can be categorized into two types as;
- 1- Aspect based on Planet or Sign’s Nature
- 2- Aspect based on Relative Distance
1- Aspect based on Planet or Sign’s Nature
This is the system of aspect studied in Vedic Astrology. This holds that certain planet or sign sights another planet or sign depends on its nature. This can also be divided into two kinds, namely;
- Graha Drishti
- Rashi Drishti
Graha Drishti should prefer when analyzing
- Nakshatra Dasha
- Chart with respect to the Moon
- Sahams i.e. Arabic Parts
Rashi Drishti should prefer when analyzing
- Rashi Dasha
- Chart with respect to Special Lagnas (AL GL, HL etc)
- Vargas i.e. Divisional Charts
2- Aspect based on Relative Distance
This is the same method in vogue in Western Astrology. Tajik Varshphal (Vedic Solar Return Chart) applies this technique to erect 14 different types of aspects also known as varshphala yogas.
Argala - the intervention
Significations of various houses are interlinked. Support provided by one house to another is called Argala and the obstruction offered to supporting houses is called Virodha argala.
Graha (planets) in 2nd, 4th and 11th house cause argalas on a given house, whereas the planets in 12th, 10th and 3rd cause virodha argalas to 2nd, 4th and 11th respectively.
Banefic generally give shubha argalas, malefic offer papa argalas. If however a malefic has an argala on house of which it is a significator, such an aragala can be termed as shubha. For example a malefics in 10th house cast papa argala to 9th house as 10th house is second from 9th. This may make the native non religious and give bad relations with boss/teacher, provided there is no virodh argala from 8th.
Arudha - the mounted image
The term Arudha Pada is also known as "Pada". Arudha literally means "mount" and refers to the IMAGE of a sign falling on another due to "reflection of the rays emanating from it and being reflected by its lord.
Keeping the reflection in view, the Karaka (Significator) can be taken to be the Moon. Count from a sign to its lord. Then count as many signs from the lord to arrive at the ARUDHA PADA. For example, if the Lagna Lord is in the fifth house, then count five signs from the Lagna lord to arrive at the ninth house. This ninth house becomes the arudha Pada for the Lagna.
Exception: The Arudha Pada cannot be in the same sign or the seventh from it. In case this happens, then choose the tenth house therefrom. For example, if the Lagna Lord is in the 4th house, then the Arudha lagna should be in the 4th from the 4th house i.e. the 7th house. But since this is not allowed, the tenth therefrom should be chosen. The tenth from the 7th house is the 4th house and the 4th house becomes the Arudha Lagna.
Arudha of 1st house is also called PADA LAGNA or ARUDHA LAGNA. Arudha lagna stands for "manifestation of self, in this maya (illusory) world". In this manner Arudha Pada can be computed for all the houses. They are called Dhana Pada (2nd), Bhratripada (3rd), Matri Pada (4th), Mantrapada (5th), Satrupada (6th), Dara Pada (7th), Roga pada (8th), Bhagyapada (9th), Rajyapada (10th), Labhapada (11th) and Upapada (12th). Jaimini discussed Arudha lagna (AL) and Upapada (UL) extinsively in his classical treatise.
Yoga - the planetary combinations
In Jyotish, Yoga means yoka or combination. Yogas are certain planetary combinations. Jyotish classics explaines hundred of thousands of yogas. Chandra (lunar combinations for general luck), Dhana (wealth related) and Raja (power and success related) yogas are often studied.
Shadbala - the sixfold strength
Shadbala means six fold strength. Although these strengths are combinedly used for finding the effect of planets on the lives of the natives, there is more use of the strengths and we get the clue of those uses from their names. These strengths need not be used only predicting the results of the dasa, however, can be used for normal horoscopic interpretation.
Shad Bal consists of the following strengths
- 1. Sthan Bal (Positional strength)
- 2. Dig Bal (Directional strength)
- 3. Kaal Bal (Temporalstrength), inclusive of Ayan Bal (Equinoctial strength)
- 4. Chesht Bal (Motional strength)
- 5. Naisargika Bal (Natural strength)
- 6. Drik Bal (Aspectual strength)
These strengths are computed for the seven Grahas from Sun to Saturn. The lunar nodes (Rahu and Ketu) are not considered.
Criticism
The majority of the scientific community believes that vedic astrology is a form of pseudoscience[2] and has no academic standing of any worth[2].
The introduction of Vedic astrology as a 'scientific discipline' to be pursued as a subject of study in universities in India, was severely criticised by many scientists.
A statement signed by many eminent Indian scientists read, "We the members of the Indian scientific community feel that the proposal by the UGC to introduce Vedic Astrology (Jyotir Vigyan) and Vastushastra in Indian universities is a giant leap backwards, undermining whatever scientific credibility our country may have so far achieved. We request the UGC to abandon this ill judged course of action."[3]
Romila Thapar, the eminent historian claimed that, "to call astrology 'scientific knowledge' and to say that this 'important science needs to be exported to the world' is to make fun of scientific knowledge, for, however important astrology may claim to be, its fundamentals are not in conformity with scientific knowledge."
Classical Jyotish / Vedic astrology Treatises/Books/Texts
- Treatises on Nativity :
- Skanda Hora or Jyotishmati(God Brahma)
- Brihat Prajapatya (Daksha Prajapati)
- Vasishta Hora (Sage Vasishta)
- Garga Hora (Sage Garga)
- Kousika Hora (Sage Viswamitra)
- Sounaka Hora (Sage Sounaka)
- Brihat Parasara Hora Sastram (Sage Parasara)
- Jaimini Sutram (Sage Jaimini)
- Brigu Sutram (Sage Brigu)
- Vedanga Jyotish (Lagadha)
- Yavaneswara Hora or Yavanajataka (Sage Yavaneswara)
- Sphujudwaja Hora (King Sphujidwaja)
- MeenarajaHora or Vridha Yavana Hora (King Meenaraja)
- Saravali (Kalyana Verma)
- Brihat Jatakam (Varahamihira)
- Phala deepika (Mantreswara)
- Hora Saram (Prithu Yasas)
- Sarvartha Chintamani (Venkatesa Daivajna)
- Hora Ratna (Acharya Balabhadra)
- Jataka Parijatam (Vaidyanatha Deekshita)
- Chatkara Chintamani
- Kashyapa Hora
- Poorva Kalamritam (Ganaka Kalidasa)
- Uttara Kalamritam (Ganaka Kalidasa)
- Suka Nadi
- Deva Keralam or Chandra Kala Nadi (Achyuta)
- Tajaka Neelakanthi (Neelakantha)
- Pranasanushata Padhati
- Prasna Ratna
- Prasna Margam (Panakkattu Sankaran Nambootiri Brahmin)
- Daivajna Vallabha (Varahamihira)
- Kaalaprakashika
- Treatises on Hindu Electional Astrology
- Adbhuta Sagaar
- Brihannarad
- Brihatdaivygyaranjan
- Brihatjyotisaar
- Daivygyamanoranjan Daivygyamanohar Granth
- Ganak Mandan
- Gian Manjari
- Hindu Electional Astrology (V K Shridhar)
- Jaganmohan Granth
- Jyotiprakash
- Jyotirnibandh
- Jyotish Ratan
- Jyotishsaar
- Jyotish Chintamani
- Jyotirvidabharnam
- Kaal Khanda
- Kaal Nirnaya Deepika
- Kaal Prakashika
- Madhaveeyam
- Muhurtarnava
- Muhurt Bhaskar
- Muhurt Chintamani (Daivygya Ram)
- Muhurt Chudamani
- Muhurt Darpaan
- Muhurt Deepak
- Muhurt Deepika
- Muhurt Ganpati
- Muhurt Kalpadrum
- Muhurt Maala
- Muhurt Manjari
- Muhurt Martanda
- Muhurt Muktaavali
- Muhurt Prakash
- Muhurt Padavi
- Muhurt Saagar
- Muhurt Sangraha
- Muhurt Tattva
- Muhurt Tattvapradeep
- Muhurtarnava
- Muktaavali
- Narpatijacharyaaswarodaya
- Naardeeya
- Nibandh Chudamani
- Poorva Kaalamrit (2)
- Rajmartanda
- Ratan Koosh
- Ratanmaala
- Samarsaar
- Shiv Swarodaya
- Vaivahaar Pradeep
- Vivah Kautuhal
- Vivah Patal
- Vivah Pradeep
- Vivah Saar
- Vivah Vrindavan
- Vyvahaarochchya
- Yoga Yatra
- Vyvaharsaar
- Samhitas : treatises on mundane, portents, omens, meteorology etc.
- Brahmarshi Samhita
- Brihaspati Samhita
- Brihat Samhita
- Parasara Samhita
- Garga Samhita
- Rishiputra Samhita
- Guru Samhita
- Kashyap Samhita
- Lomasha Samhita
- Maanav Samhita
- Naagarjun Samhita
- Narad Samhita
- Shakalya Samhita
- Samaas Samhita
- Samhita Pradeep
- Samhita Sidhhanta
- Satya Samhita
- Sur Samhita
- Vaikhaan Samhita
- Vasist Samhita
- Siddhanta : Astronomy and Mathematics and its application to astrology.
- Ancient Surya Sidhata (Maya)
- Brahma Sidhanta (God Brahma)
- Lomasa Sidhanta (Sage Lomasa)
- Poulisa Sidhanta (Sage Poulisa)
- Pitamaha Sidhanta (God Brahma)
- Vasishta Sidhata (Sage Vasishta)
- Vridha Vasishta Sidhanta (Sage Vridha Vasishta)
- Garga Sidhanta (Sage Garga)
- Parasara Sidhanta (Sage Parasara)
- Pancha Sidhantika (Varaha Mihira)
- Modern Surya Sidhanta (Aryabhata II)
