Vedic Astrology

**Vedic astrology**, also known as **Jyotisha** (), is the traditional Hindu system of astrology, with its origins in ancient Indian scriptures called the Vedas. It is one of the six Vedangas, or ancillary disciplines of Vedic literature, and plays an important role in Hindu religious and cultural practices.

## Etymology

The Sanskrit word _Jyotisha_ is derived from _jyoti_ (light or celestial body) and _isha_ (lord or knowledge), and is often translated as the "science of light" or "knowledge of the heavens."

## History

The roots of Vedic astrology date back to the Rigveda (c. 1500 BCE), which contains hymns referencing celestial phenomena. The system was later formalized in classical texts such as the _Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra_ (attributed to sage Parashara), and the _Brihat Samhita_ by Varahamihira (6th century CE). Over centuries, Vedic astrology evolved to incorporate elements of myth, astronomy, and philosophy.

### Grahas (Planets)

Vedic astrology recognizes nine primary celestial influences, known as the _grahas_:
- Surya (Sun)
- Chandra (Moon)
- Mangala (Mars)
- Budha (Mercury)
- Guru (Jupiter)
- Shukra (Venus)
- Shani (Saturn)
- Rahu (ascending lunar node)
- Ketu (descending lunar node)

### Rashis (Zodiac Signs)

The zodiac is divided into 12 signs (_rāśis_) beginning with Mesha (Aries) and ending with Meena (Pisces). Unlike Western astrology, Vedic astrology uses the sidereal zodiac, which aligns with the constellations rather than the equinoxes.

### Bhavas (Houses)

The astrological chart is divided into 12 houses (_bhāvas_), each representing different aspects of life, such as personality, wealth, relationships, and career.

### Nakshatras (Lunar Mansions)

The zodiac is further divided into 27 (sometimes 28) _nakshatras_, or lunar mansions, which offer more nuanced astrological interpretations.

## Divisional Charts

Vedic astrology utilizes multiple charts known as _divisional charts_ to analyze specific aspects of life. The most commonly used include:
- Navamsa (D9) – for marriage and spiritual path
- Dasamsa (D10) – for profession
- Saptamsa (D7) – for children

### Dasha Systems

The _Vimshottari Dasha_ system is a widely used predictive tool in Vedic astrology. It divides a human lifespan into planetary periods ruled by the nine grahas, each influencing the native's life in a specific way.

### Gocharas (Transits)

_Gocharas_ are the transitory movements of planets through the zodiac. Astrologers analyze these in conjunction with dashas to forecast outcomes and suggest remedies.

## Applications

Vedic astrology is applied in:
- Personal life guidance
- _Kundali matching_ (compatibility for marriage)
- Determining auspicious dates (_Muhurta_)
- Health and medical astrology
- Political and financial forecasting

## Comparison with Western Astrology

Vedic astrology differs from Western astrology in several key areas:
- It uses the sidereal zodiac instead of the tropical zodiac.
- Greater emphasis is placed on the Moon sign, _nakshatras_, and planetary periods (_dashas_).
- Divisional charts and lunar nodes play a larger role in analysis.

## Scientific Reception

Vedic astrology, like other forms of astrology, is considered a pseudoscience by the mainstream scientific community. Studies have shown no statistical validity to astrological predictions.

## Related pages

- Hindu calendar

## Other websites

- astrology course
- how to learn vedic astrology course