Explore Vedic Astrology and Its Importance!!

Introduction

Jyotish or Indian Astrology is also known as Hindu astrology or Vedic Astrology. Jyotish (or Jyotishyam) originates from the Sanskrit word Jyotis- "light, heavenly body". The term Hindu astrology has been in use since the early 19th century, whereas Vedic astrology is a fairly recent term, entering common usage in the 1980s with the amalgamation of Ayurveda or Yoga. Vedanga Jyotisha or Astrology is the earliest writings about astronomy within the Vedas.

However, according to historical records, horoscopic astrology in the Indian subcontinent originated from Hellenistic influences, post-dated the Vedic period. Astrology or Jyiotisha remains a significant facet in the lives of many Hindus. In Hinduism, newborns are traditionally named based on their Birth Chart or Jyotiṣa charts, and astrological concepts are prevalent in many areas of life, such as in taking any decisions made about new business, marriage and moving into a new home.

Vedic Astrology is the fundamental form of Indian astrology. Vedic Astrology is considered as an important part of the ancient scriptural writings of India, known as Vedas that existed 1000 of years ago in the Indian subcontinent. The Vedas are the key source of knowledge and has six most vital parts. Vedic Astrology is the eyes of Vedas. In the new era, Vedic Astrology is acknowledged as the most influential & practiced astrology globally.

Zodiac Signs, Houses and Planets in Vedic Astrology

As per Indian astrology, there are 12 zodiac signs, 12 houses and 9 planets. The 9 Planets are placed in twelve different houses and the distribution of 12 Sun signs in the 12 houses is made according to the time, place & date of birth of a person. This type of distribution is termed as Kundali, natal chart, birth chart or horoscope chart. A horoscope chart reflects the strength of nine planets in the chart – its aspects, sign, house, lordship and conjunctions.

Birth Star and Dasha System in Vedic Astrology

As per the Dasha system, a long life of an individual is considered 120 years, divided into nine major periods of nine distinct planets: Sun (6 yrs.), Mars (7 yrs.), Moon (10 yrs.), Rahu (18 yrs.), Ketu (7 yrs.), Saturn (19 yrs.), Jupiter (16 yrs.), Mercury (17 yrs.), and Venus (20 yrs.). Every main period is further divided into sub-periods.

The order of the periods remains the same for each person, except for the starting point which is calculated by the precise position of “Birth Star” or “Nakshatra” in degrees & minutes in the horoscope chart. “Nakshatra” is the sign where the moon is located at the birth time. Hence, Dasha system is exceptional for every person.

Planetary Transit in Vedic Astrology

Transit of nine different planets is another important tool required to do an in-depth analysis of one’s birth chart. The Planets are in constant motion and transmit their position periodically. Few Planets are fast moving like the Planet Mercury (28 days), Planet Sun (1 month), and Planet Mars (28 days) and the ever transiting Planet Moon (2.5 days). Planets like Planet Rahu & Planet Ketu (1.5 years), Planet Saturn (2.5 years) and Planet Jupiter (1 year) and are slow moving planets. Vedic astrology provides a transparent picture of what an individual can expect to experience during a transit of the Planet.

Ashtakavarga in Vedic Astrology

Ashtakavarga is a vital dimension of Indian Astrology. Famous Sage Parashar described this system of examining a horoscope chart to his daughter, Gargi and is believed to be the last chapter of Veda “Parashar Hora Shashtra”, where he clearly depicts that Ashtakavarga will be most valuable portion of Astrology for people during “Kalyug”. It is an extremely developed system of learning horoscope, based on the relation between the placements of two planets in an individual’s horoscope chart. It is an important tool in understanding the strength of a specific transiting planet.

Purpose of Vedic Astrology

The only purpose of Vedic astrology is to make persons aware about the future probable events, challenges and prospects in his / her life. This precious knowledge can be used for taking correct decisions and making life better in various aspects. The previous knowledge of future events is a great tool that helps to plan for future in advance, take smart decisions and be better fortified to handle things. It empowers one to plan proactively, giving him better control of his/ her life, success and happiness.