Jyotish - The Vedic Astrology

Vedic astrology is an ancient science of astrology originated in India over 8000 years ago. It is called "Jyotish" in Hindi, which means "the knowledge or science of light." Since Vedic astrology or Jyotish is a part of Vedas (ancient Indian Hindu scripts), it is known as Vedic astrology. It is an analysis and forecasting system, based on astronomical data, that allows its practitioners to carefully assess and understand behavior, to measure the effects of the past, the influence of the present and the tendency of events to unfold in the future.

The zodiac for Vedic Astrology has 12 signs or constellations from Aries to Pisces. But rather than emphasizing on the Sun Signs, Vedic Astrology uses the Ascendant Sign, Moon Sign, and a part of the Sun Sign.

Jyotish is distinctly different from the astrology  in the West. The difference is that in Jyotish we use the sidereal zodiac, which is based on the fixed, observable positions of the constellations, as we see them in the sky. Western astrology, in contrast, uses what is called the tropical zodiac. The tropical zodiac is based, not on the fixed, observable positions of the constellations but rather on the relative and changeable position of the sun.

 In Vedic Astrology, the palm is used as a support and cross-reference to the astrological chart. Unlike the Western concept, which separates the two, astrology and palmistry in India have gone "hand-in-hand from ancient times. From the palm the relative strength of the planets in the birth chart can be determined. It also helps in rectifying the horoscope if there is some doubt about the birth time. And it provides the astrologer with additional information about personality, life potentials, future trends, and events.

Jyotish is also a great healing system. In fact, it is probably the most fundamental of all healing systems, because it is based on a profound understanding of the root cause of suffering. In this respect, Jyotish does not focus on healing only the physical body. It treats all aspects of life. In the process it employs a wide range of techniques which, although unfamiliar to most westerners, are very effective. The healing methods employed by Jyotish are unique and varied. Based on the horoscope, for example, the Jyotishi (Vedic Astrologer) might recommend that the client wear a particular gemstone, chant a mantra, give money to a charity, or have a Yajna (fire ritual) performed in order to enhance the client's career, finances, relationships or physical health. These techniques are called upayas and have been passed down through an aural tradition over thousands of years.

The Zodiac is made up of 12 different sun signs. Your date of birth determines which one you are.

Sign Name	Sanskrit Name	Planet	Number	Element
Aries	Mesha	Mars	1	Fire
Taurus	Vrishabha	Venus	2	Earth
Gemini	Mithuna	Mercury	3	Air
Cancer	Kataka	Moon	4	Water
Leo	Singha	Sun	5	Fire
Virgo	Kany	Mercury	6	Earth
Libra	Tula	Venus	7	Air
Scorpio	Vrishchika	Pluto	8	Water
Sagittarius	Dhanus	Jupiter	9	Fire
Capricorn	Makara	Saturn	10	Earth
Aquarius	Kumbha	Uranus	11	Air
Pisces	Meena	Neptune	12	Water

 

This chart is read in a counter-clockwise direction, beginning at the top middle triangle.

The first house or ascending sign or Lagna sign is always placed in the top diamond, labeled here as the First house (1).

If there is 5 in the first house it means Leo lagna.