Vedic Astrology

Classical Vedic astrology uses the seven visible planets; the Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn, along with the two lunar nodes, the north and south nodes, Rahu and Ketu.

The effects of the distant planets are crucial. Many of their effects can be abserved through the functioning of the lunar nodes. Yet though Vedic astrology uses seven planets it requires more calculations than a regular western astrological chart as it goes into much more detail in regard to the location and strength of the planets. Vedic astrology divide the zodiac in the twelve signs and twelve houses with planetary aspects, much like western astrology but with some differences, particularly in regard to the aspects.

Vedic Astrology: An Ancient Knowledge of Behavior and `Management Time from India

The oldest and most important indian scriptures, if not the world, are called the Vedas, a Sanskrit word meaning "knowledge". The Vedas are called "apaursheya" or beyond the realm of man and time. According to the tenets of philosophy, the Vedas were not authored but documented by seers or ancient wisemen called "rishis", who with there visionary powers, cognized the mechanics of creation. Vedic Astrology comes from this ancient work (hence the use of the word Vedic). Jyotisha or Jyotish is the actual Sanskrit name for Astrology and means the "eye or light of nature". It describes the ability of an astrologer to view the mechanics of people's behavior as well as the projected cycles of fortime and misfortunes.

The Fundamentals of Vedic Astrology

The fundamentals of Vedic Astrology were framed by ancient philosophers and blessed by 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, concepts of repeating time cycles could have even have existed several thousand years prior to that in oral form. Parashara's book, "Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra" is the classic on Vedic Astrology and most scholars study Parashara today as the father of Vedic Astrology.