Vedic Astrology

In India, the study of astrology can be traced to the Vedic times. Glimpses of astrological traditions
are visible in the Atharvaveda . 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.

The basic difference between the Vedic and the Western astrological traditions 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. Vedic astrology uses the twelve
constellations from Babylonian, but also has an additional "lunar" zodiac based on 27 lunar
constellations or Nakshatras . The names of the 27 Nakshatras are:

1 Ashwini 10 Maagh 19 Mool

2 Bharani 11 Poorv Phalguni 20 Poorv Ashadh

3 Krittik 12 Uttar Phalguni 21 Uttar Ashadh

4 Rohini 13 Hasta 22 Shravan

5 Mrigashir 14 Chaitr 23 Dhanisht

6 Ardra 15 Swati 24 Shatabhish

7 Punarvasu 16 Vaishakh 25 Poorv Bhadrapad

8 Paushya 17 Anuradha 26 Uttar Bhadrapad

9 Ashlesh 18 Jyeshtth 27 Revati

According to Vedic astrology, all celestial bodies, be they 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, strengths, weaknesses. Horoscope, or the natal chart is therefore the construction of
basic placement of planets at the time of birth. The resulting chart is used to understand and better
respond to general life issues as well as particular situations. The interpretation of the chart
incorporates the angular relationships between the planets and the signs of the zodiac, the area of the
chart in which they fall and other symbolic indicators to examine the different experiences and
psychology of the individual.

An astrologer then analyzes the pertinent information, exploring how the various aspects of the
client's personality may be integrated and finding ways to draw the greatest fulfillment from the
energies symbolized in the chart. Remedial actions are then taken to enhance the person's life both
spiritually and materially. It also defines the actual traits of an individual's life, his marital compatibility
and his future, based on 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, observed that it's
essential to look into the natal chart of a patient before embarking on any course of treatment,
especially if surgery is required.

These constellations are based on the approximate number of days that the Moon takes to complete a
cycle relative to the stars. The Vimshottari dasa predicates the moon's position through the lunar
science in the Indian tradition. This is also used to calculate Muhurtas , or auspicious time to begin any
job.

Vedic astrology considers the movement of two luminaries namely the Sun and the Moon, five major
planets, i.e., Mercury, Mars, Saturn, Venus and Jupiter, and the two nodal points of the Moon, namely
Rahu and Ketu. The twelve equal sections of the Zodiac are given below in the order as they are:

Indian Western
 1 Mesh Aries

2 Vrishabh Taurus

3 Mithun Gemini

4 Kark Cancer

5 Simha Leo

6 Kanya Virgo

7 Tula Libra

8 Vrishchik Scorpio

9 Dhanush Sagittarius

10 Makar Capricorn

11 Kumbh Aquarius

12 Meen Pisces
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