Jyotish

This article is still under construction and will be subject to regular updates, changes, and additions. To be notified of changes, email the author at: himmy85@hotmail.com.

Introduction

            In this article, I will talk about Jyotish – Vedic Astrology. Please note, that I’ve assumed that you’ve already read the beginner and intermediate level articles. Do not try to read this article without first reading the others in those sections.

 First allow me to clear some possible confusion. One common misunderstanding is that there is no religious connection between Hinduism and Vedic Astrology. In fact, behind the complex mathematics, calculations and precision of Vedic Astrology is deep foundation built entirely of religion and religious philosophy that is often not understood by the “How is my day going to be” askers. Vedic Astrology is very closely linked to the concepts of God, Karma, Salvation, and Spiritual Progress. But one thing at a time.

             Another even more common misunderstanding regarding Vedic Astrology is the sad comparison to Western astrology, which very often leads to the mocking question “Do you actually believe in Astrology?”. To the effect of what a wise guru once said, “The question is not of belief in Astrology.  The scientific way of looking at it, is whether it’s true or not”. And my friends, anyone with experience with true Vedic Astrology will definitely insist that it can be frighteningly true. The tendency to jeer at Vedic Astrology (this jeering you’ll notice only occurs in the western world) roots from the western worlds experiences with non-Vedic astrology. This “newspaper astrology” is dangerously limited summary of the immense depth of Vedic Astrology and now acts as the greatest insult to true astrology. The predictive field of Vedic Astrology does not end at one's emotions, feelings and vague descriptions of day to day occurrences. Scientifically testable predictions are made without breaking a sweat by some of the better Vedic Astrologers even of today. Specific dates and times of events and occurrences in one's life can be made. Dates of injuries, accidents, educational matters, marriages & divorces, birthdates of children (past or future), changes in residence, relationship matters, and almost anything and everything else your imagination could come up with can all be traced accurately by Vedic Astrology. The burning question is whether or not any given astrologer can do this or not. As a student of Vedic Astrology for almost 5 years, I can attest to the daunting complexity of Vedic Astrology. This is not a subject that can be learned by reading 10-12 how to books. It's a field one should be ready to dedicate the rest of his life to understanding. In the Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra (the most authoritative text on Vedic Astrology) Maharishi Parashara explains to a disciple why he chose to omit such a huge amount of technique and information regarding the instruction of astrology. He explains that the people of our age will nothave the discipline or intellectual capacity to learn astrology at a higher level. He has therefore left us with enough information to get by and research outward from. It is not for no reason that Ph.D level programs are available in astrology. I would blame the limitations of western astrology on the fact that the vast majority of the western world – especially its scientific community – thinks nothing more of astrology than some cheap entertainment for the intellectually challenged.

Why is that the case? I’ll provide a simple explanation. Vedic Astrology has been used in India for thousands of years. Among the many considerations and calculations that contribute to the frightening accuracy of Vedic Astrology is the consideration of the “Ayanamsha” or as it is known in English, the consideration of the “Precession of the Equinoxes”. Basically, the earth’s axis of rotation (imagine a line connecting the north and south poles) constantly changes and is not constant. Every few hundred years this tilt changes. Ok, hold that thought. Now, recall the 12 signs of the zodiac. Aries, Pisces, Aquarius etc.  The 3-dimensional space around the earth (specifically around the person who’s astrological chart is being considered) is divided into 12 sections as in the picture to the left (picture credit: http://www.osfa.org.uk/pictures.htm). Each of these signs is representative of something related to the individual. In western astrology one says “my sign is aquarius”, what they are actually saying is “in my chart, the sun ‘s position falls in to the section of 3 dimensional space around the earth that is called ‘aquarius’” (hence the phrase “my sun sign is…”). What they are actually saying is sadly incorrect. Allow me to elaborate. The entire basis of astrology delicately rests upon the positions of these planets around us relative to these 3 dimensional sections to which we’ve given the names “Capricorn, Aquarius, Aries” etc. When the earth changes the angle of its axis of rotation, the positions of these signs relative to us change. This means that the positions of the zodiacal signs (those lovely 12 divisions of space) are not the same as they were a few hundred years ago. Vedic Astrology has accounted for this. Unfortunately, western astrology has not. Can someone say “oops”? This HUGE factor has now rendered western astrology incorrect for most people’s astrological charts. The western astrologers have reduced the accurate science of astrology to a form of cheap newspaper entertainment, which is almost never accurate and attempts to narrate the lives of everyone whose birthday falls within a one month range. Very, very upsetting for the true Vedic Astrologer.

           So far you’ve learned that Vedic Astrology, also known as “Jyotish” is very closely related to religion. You’ve also learned that it is not the same as the western astrology that most of us are familiar with, and is thus not inaccurate, unreliable and vague as many may be tempted to believe. One of the beauties of Jyotish is that it (when used by an experienced astrologer) is so accurate, that it can be tested statistically for accuracy and reliability. Why has such a test not taken place? Simple. The unavailability of good astrologers to those interested in studying its accuracy, as well as the lack of experience of those who do end up testing it. A true astrologer becomes a truly spiritual man. One who has no need to prove anything to anyone. On a personal note, this is one of my goals. To bring the reputation of astrology to a level that does justice to the great science.

What in the Universe?

            Jyotish can be used to predict any and all areas of one’s life. It can be used to predict tendencies and actions of the individual, as well as events caused by external forces. Many people who believe in astrology try to satisfy their desire to explain everything scientifically by concluding that the planets and stars influence our actions through their electromagnetic radiation, which in turn affects our minds and the way we think. Though I applaud the attempt, I’m afraid I must say that theory is incorrect. It explains the phenomenon of astrologically predictable action by assuming that all things astrologically predictable are done by the self. This does not explain how Jyotish can be used to predict accidents or events caused by forces other than ourselves. The planets and stars directly affect various areas of our lives, not just through our minds, but through many mechanisms. Does this mean that the planets and stars simply act as indicators of what will be? No, this can not be true either. Many remedies directed towards improving or lessening the effects of the planets on us can be used to change what is happening in our lives. This proves that the planets are not just indicators of what will happen, but are actually the cause (of course all events are ultimately reactions to our past actions, so to say the planets are liable for what happens to us is not really fair to the planets). The planets and stars and their influences act as the physical force through which our karma (reactions to our past actions; good, bad and ugly) manifests in our present lives. This is why close analysis of the astrological chart (called the “kundli”) can provide much information about our past lives, as well as our actions and tendencies in those lives. For more information on Karma and Reincarnation, read my article on “The Karmic Cycle & Reincarnation”.

How it Works

First of all, as I explained earlier, the 3 dimensional space around us is divided into 12 sections, each of 30° (30° x 12 = 360° total), just the way a pizza can be divided into 12 pieces, each 30° segments of the 360° around the whole pizza. Each 30° segment is a sign, such as Aquarius, Capricorn, Aries, etc. The specific regions of these divisions (pizza slices) are where they are, because of the constellations that fall in these divisions, many light years away. So, the division that the constellation “Aquarius” falls in, is called the sign of Aquarius.

Once one understands how these segments work, it is important to understand the planets. Traditional Jyotish considers the following planets (the correct term is not planets, but grahas which when translated to English, means “celestial body”, since some of these “planets” are not actually planets, but stars, or mathematically calculated points): Sun, Mercury,  Moon, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu. Rahu and Ketu are not actually physical bodies, but mathematically calculated points related to the points of intersection of the paths of the Sun and Moon. Each of the signs represents different areas of our life. Each of the grahas also represents different areas of our life as well as different types of influences that can affect the areas of our life indicated by the sign, depending on the nature of that graha.

At any given moment these 9 grahas (previously referred to as planets) fall in one of the 12 signs (divisions - the pizza slices explained earlier). Where they fall determines every detail of our life. Details which can be extracted to different levels of depth and precision depending on the astrologer.

The next concept is of houses. Each of the 12 divisions of space can be called by their sign names, or by their house number. In a kundli (astrological chart), each of the 12 signs are given house numbers starting at a house determined to be the first house. Each house number now represents a different area of our life. (As you can see the complexity increases with every paragraph of this article. This is just the tip of the iceberg. It is this complexity that allows 12 signs and 9 grahas to determine so many different aspects of our lives.) For example the first house represents the individuals character, body (specifically the head), personality (amongst other things). The second house (sign numbered 2) represents the capacity for wealth, and the face. The third house represents the individuals creativity, courage, physical strength, etc. Further details will be included in tabular form shortly. You may be wondering how one determines which house to number “1” and start counting houses from. This is determined by determining the “rising sign” or “ascendant”. At the time of birth the 12 constellations (there are more, which are considered differently) are not all visible, as some are blocked by the earth and therefore out of our line of sight. So from our perspective on earth, the first sign visible from the individual’s position, on the eastern horizon is known as the ascendant. This sign is called the first house. Counting begins from there.

So far in this section, you’ve learned about signs, grahas, and houses. So when an astrologer creates a kundli (astrological chart) for someone, he determines which planets were in which signs at the time of birth. Then he considers which signs are assigned which house numbers, and considers which planets fall in which houses. It is generally agreed upon that considering which planets falls in which house is more important that which planet falls in which sign. Another important factor that influences when grahas and placements will take effect and cause events is the dasha system, in which is it determined when grahas will have an increased power of influence. By analyzing the kundli as well as various combinations of grahas gaining power by dasha or by their current transit through those same 12 divisions of space, one can accurately predict when something will happen.

            There are other important factors to consider such as house rulerships, nakshatras, divisional charts, planetary aspects, planetary strength and weakness, and many even more advanced concepts. Covering more advanced topics (though even the ones listed here are fundamental for even a novice astrologer) is beyond the scope of this article and is more an issue of Jyotish instruction than understanding what Jyotish is.

Connecting the Dots

           By now you should have a basic understanding of what Jyotish is, and how it works. As promised, I’ll now explain how it all relates to religion. I will assume that you’ve already read my articles in the beginner and intermediate sections of this website, which is important to understand the following.

           We live. We act in ways that are good and bad. Every action has a reaction to teach us the good or bad in what we’ve previously done and guide us in the direction of God. This is karma. Those karmic reactions sometimes manifest in the same lifetime, but most often manifest in the next lifetime when appropriate circumstances can be set for our next incarnation to effectively learn the lessons karma wishes to teach us. The grahas act as the manifestation of the individual influences needed to teach us what karma must. So based on our past life actions, our future life reactions are determined. These reactions manifest through the grahas. The grahas must fall into certain houses and signs to create the correct lifetime environment and circumstances to teach us. These specific combinations of the placements of the planets are only possible at specific dates or times. Most often the next available time for the planets to fall in the right places takes place somewhere between 500-1500 after our previous life. Thus our next birth place and time are determined based on our previous actions. At the next birthtime, our soul returns to its next physical body and lives in the circumstances determined based on its previous actions. From here, the cycle repeats. Past life karma can usually be read most easily through the influences of the grahas: Rahu, Ketu and Saturn as well as other detailed significators. Spiritual progress can also be read by an advanced astrologer (most astrologers the average person will encounter do not fall into the “advanced” category, though their advertisement in the Yellow Pages may insist otherwise).
 

 Frequently Asked Questions:

1)      Does this mean that Vedic Astrology takes the stand of predeterminism? Does that mean my life has already been planned out and I don’t have the freedom of choice?

No. It does not mean that. Remember, that your current circumstances are predetermined, not how you act in those circumstances. The other thing to note is that even if you’re sour about the fact the just your circumstances are predetermined, remember that they were predetermined by your own actions in the past.For more on this, reread my article on Karma and Reincarnation.

2)   My circumstances in life are awful. Does astrology say that they will never change, and I will suffer for the rest of my life?

No, It does not say this – for a couple of reasons. First of all, recall the dasha system. The effects of grahas increase and decrease with time. These “timings” can have more light shed on them by an astrologer to help you understand how long they will last. The second part of my answer is, to some extent, “yes”. But remember, only to some extent. These influences will remain, since our lives and actions must go in the direction that the grahas indicate since clearly for whatever reason (reasons a good astrologer can explain) our spiritual growth depends on it. Third, there are remedies (in terms of rituals, prayers, etc) that can decrease, increase or improve the effects of a planet. I personally have seen drastic improvements with these remedies, but they do not completely eliminate the influence. The fact that you’ve, to some extent, learned the lesson being taught improves the effects of the remedy. Those who have a low capacity to learn will never be destined to meet an astrologer and benefit from the remedies in the first place. This is analogous to a student who’s learned how to study effectively and perform well. This student will learn the same lessons, without having to practice grueling and difficult study techniques and failing and repeating subjects. Freedom from karmic reactions defeats the whole purpose of karma. You must learn what you’re here to learn.

3) Why is it necessary to even have Jyotish? Why do we even need to know our future or past?

Though most astrologers don't seem to remember this little detail, it should be noted that the purpose of Jyotish is not to dodge the influences we don't like in life. A good astrologer will use Jyotish to explain one's life and reasons for one's circumstances in life. This information should be used to guide the individual towards an accelerated spiritual growth. This will automatically alleviate one's suffering. Understanding why were are where we are is the first step to understanding why and how to transcend it. Most modern astrologers have neglected study this field, let alone delve into it when consulting the lay man. This has reduced astrology to a means of prediction of problems and aversion as much as humanly possible. This in itself has karmic reactions for which the astrologer and the consulter are responsible.

4) Don't astrological remedies encourage worship to someone other than God Himself? Isn't this wrong?

Congratulations. If you asked this question, likely, you're beginning to understand Hinduism. Yes, it is wrong. Not wrong to a condemnable extent, but wrong in the sense that anyone performing remedies is likely doing it for material benefit (I've explained the definition of "material benefit" in previous articles). As Krishna explains in the Bhagavad Gita, a man is headed in the right direction when he's moved neither by pain or pleasure, and is steady in both, knowing that all physical or material pain or pleasure is part of this physical world's "maya" or illusion. As for alleviating one's misery, most misery shrinks to insignificance ii the eyes of a true devotee of God. Much other pain sufferable can be removed by God once one is in this self-realized state. Krishna explains this worship to other deities, when He explains that such worship instead of worship to Him is short sighted and spiritually useless, since true, patient devotees to Him will find all their needs met (the definition of "needs" changes when one becomes a true devotee). He explains that "all the benefits of a small river can be instantly matched by an entire ocean". The small reservoir of water is a metaphor for any deity being worshipped. The ocean (being vast) is metaphorically representative of God.

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