Indian Vedic astrology is the ancient Indian system of astrology. The
term derives from the ancient language of Vedas, Sanskrit, where “Jyoti”
means Light or flame and Ish means God. Jyotish thus means Lord(Ray)of
the light. Jyotish is variously referred to in English as Hindu
astrology, Indian astrology and Vedic astrology. Jyotish is a knowledge
to use divine light that remove ignorance.
The Vedic system of astrology is one of the six disciplines of Vedanga, the auxiliary disciplines of Vedic religion. As such, Jyotish has historically been part of a continuous holistic approach to living and an integral practice based on the ancient spiritual tradition of India. The foundation of Jyotish is the notion of bandhu of the Vedas or scriptures, which is the connection between the microcosm and the macrocosm. Its purpose is to offer humanity a means to understand the role and expression of karma in individual and collective life. Indeed, Hindus believe that humans have fortune and misfortune in life because of their kama. Many use Jyotish to understand setbacks in life due to the influence of planets and perform religious ceremonies as Yagyas to mitigate or avoid the pain of separation in life.
The practice of Vedic astrology primarily relies on the visible or sidereal zodiac, which is different from the tropical zodiac used in western astrology in that an ‘Ayanamsha’adjustment is made for the gradual precession of the vernal equinox. The tropical zodiac is used in Vedic astrology only to compute Ascendent (Lagna), although the end result is converted to sidereal lagna. Prediction of weather and related phenomena is traditionally made according to sidereal system, especially through horoscopes for the moment of solar transition into sidereal constellations and signs at ancient centre of India.
Vedic astrology also includes several nuances sub-systems of interpretation and prediction with unique sacralized elements not found in western astrology, such as its specific system of lunar mansions(called Nakshatras,encompassing a pantheon of archetypal deities). The Nakshatras are used by some astrologers to pick up auspicious times of day or month for every human activity as well as to provide insight into the motivations and guiding characteristics of human and events coming under their influence. Nakshatra cycles based on the natal placement of the moon or vimshottary dashas are developing a reputation in contemporary culture for the accuracy with which they time the events, unfolding conditions in one’s life. When combined with an analysis of planetary transits, significant events in life become predictable.
In India, Jyotish is still commonly used to aid in important decisions in life. In Hindu culture, new borns are traditionally named based on their birth Nakshatra, and Jyotish concepts are pervasive in the organization of the calendar and holidays as well as in many areas of life. Astrology is perceived to be vital in Indian culture, in making decisions made about marriage, opening a new business and moving into a new home.
The Vedic system of astrology is one of the six disciplines of Vedanga, the auxiliary disciplines of Vedic religion. As such, Jyotish has historically been part of a continuous holistic approach to living and an integral practice based on the ancient spiritual tradition of India. The foundation of Jyotish is the notion of bandhu of the Vedas or scriptures, which is the connection between the microcosm and the macrocosm. Its purpose is to offer humanity a means to understand the role and expression of karma in individual and collective life. Indeed, Hindus believe that humans have fortune and misfortune in life because of their kama. Many use Jyotish to understand setbacks in life due to the influence of planets and perform religious ceremonies as Yagyas to mitigate or avoid the pain of separation in life.
The practice of Vedic astrology primarily relies on the visible or sidereal zodiac, which is different from the tropical zodiac used in western astrology in that an ‘Ayanamsha’adjustment is made for the gradual precession of the vernal equinox. The tropical zodiac is used in Vedic astrology only to compute Ascendent (Lagna), although the end result is converted to sidereal lagna. Prediction of weather and related phenomena is traditionally made according to sidereal system, especially through horoscopes for the moment of solar transition into sidereal constellations and signs at ancient centre of India.
Vedic astrology also includes several nuances sub-systems of interpretation and prediction with unique sacralized elements not found in western astrology, such as its specific system of lunar mansions(called Nakshatras,encompassing a pantheon of archetypal deities). The Nakshatras are used by some astrologers to pick up auspicious times of day or month for every human activity as well as to provide insight into the motivations and guiding characteristics of human and events coming under their influence. Nakshatra cycles based on the natal placement of the moon or vimshottary dashas are developing a reputation in contemporary culture for the accuracy with which they time the events, unfolding conditions in one’s life. When combined with an analysis of planetary transits, significant events in life become predictable.
In India, Jyotish is still commonly used to aid in important decisions in life. In Hindu culture, new borns are traditionally named based on their birth Nakshatra, and Jyotish concepts are pervasive in the organization of the calendar and holidays as well as in many areas of life. Astrology is perceived to be vital in Indian culture, in making decisions made about marriage, opening a new business and moving into a new home.
