Vedic Astrology

Introduction to Vedic Astrology

Vedic astrology is an ancient sience 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 fundamentals of Vedic Astrology were believed by ancient philosophers to have been instituted by Brahma, the creator. This knowledge was then passed down to various Rishis and to man. Vedic Astrology, in its current form, is thought to have been written several thousand years ago by Maharishi Parashara, although, following India's concepts of repeating time cycles, the work could have even have existed several thousand years more prior to that in oral form. Parashara's book, "Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra" is the primer on Vedic Astrology and most scholars view Parashara today as the father of mainstream Vedic Astrology.

Differnce Between Vedic Astrology and Western Astrology :

There are many differences between Vedic astrology and Western astrology, but the main difference is that the Vedic astrologers use the Sidereal system or fixed zodiac while Western astrologer use the Tropical system or moving zodiac. Another important difference is that Western astrology mostly deals with one's psychological patterns and personality while Vedic astrology deals with more of practical matters and one's karmic patterns.The Nine Grahas (Planets) and Rashis (Zodiacs) of Vedic Astrology

The Nine Grahas or Planets used in Vedic astrology are:

Common Name	Sanskrit Name
Sun	Ravi or Surya
Moon`	Candra
Mars	Mangala
Mercury	Budha
Jupiter	Guru
Venus	Shukra
Saturn	Shani
Rahu	Rahu
Ketu	Ketu

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

	Sign Name	Sanskrit Name	Symbol	Planet	Number	Element
	Aries	Mesha	The Ram	Mars	1	Fire
	Taurus	Vrishabha		Venus	2	Earth
	Gemini	Mithuna	The Twins	Mercury	3	Air
	Cancer	Kataka	The Crab	Moon<	4	Water
	Leo	Singha	The Lion	Sun	5	Fire
	Virgo	Kany	The Virgin	Mercury	6	Earth
	Libra	Tula	The Scales	Venus	7	Air
	Scorpio	Vrishchika	The Scorpion	Pluto	8	Water
	Sagittarius	Dhanus	The Archer	Jupiter	9	Fire
	Capricorn	Makara	The Goat	Saturn	10	Earth
	Aquarius	Kumbha	The water Carrier	Uranus	11	Air
	Pisces	Meena	The Fishes	Neptune	12	Water