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what is astrology, and where did it come from?
To state it simply, astrology is the study of planets, stars, satellites (our moon), and mathematical or calculated points in space. In this context, astrology is very similar to astronomy. Astrology, which did not develop separately of astronomy in ancient India, takes these observations a step further, and in addition to the movements and positions of the aforementioned subjects of observation, astrology takes into account their influences, their interactions, and their interconnectedness with the rest of the universe to include humanity. Vedic astrology posits that these subjects of observation are like a mirror, or a signpost, which when observed according to certain principals, give insight into underlying or hidden influences which shape our various states of existence and life's affairs. Some branches of astrology elaborate on these concepts more than others, as there are intrinsic cultural, religious, philosophical, and spiritual implications at their core. Indian, or 'Vedic' astrology is a prime example of this. Indian astrology, not unlike several other branches or forms of astrology, makes use of the positions of planets and stars at the precise time of physical birth, and in some cases, at the time a specific question is posed. This configuration of stars and planets when mapped out as a chart are called Jatakam, Janma Kundali, or conversely, Prasna Kundali when plotted in reference to a direct question related to mundane matters or specific exterior concerns. These are what are referred to as natal charts, and horary charts respectively. Among many characteristics unique to Indian Astrology are it's use of different reference points in an astrological chart for diverse purposes, various ecliptic coordinates, and longitudinal differences. Some of these have since been adopted by modern, 20th century astrologers who practice what is known by several names including Western, 'Classical' or 'Greek' astrology. The unique use of the earth's moon as a reference point for astrological calculations along with a unique system of lunar asterisms are also among many attributes which set Jyotisha apart from other forms of astrology. Astrology as it has been practiced in India for 7,000 years to date does not exist separately from the Vedas. It is not a stand-alone body of knowledge that can be correctly understood, effectively applied, or studied without familiarity with it's origins and environment. As I am writing this, people who live in the most modern and quickly advancing cities in India and abroad are visiting marvelous, ancient temples dedicated to nine planets to offer prayers regarding their families and their well-being. In Hindu, or Indian astrology, planets and stars are either living, intelligent divinities, or they are the abodes of divinities. Planets and stars are sacred. They are by no means just slow moving lights, or random masses of burning gas and plasma. Parents of prospective couples are sitting with Jyotishi (astrologers) to match birth charts, and others are seeking astrological counsel for the commencement of their businesses or groundbreakings. Astrology in this sense is a living tradition that has an accompanying body of religious beliefs and cultural practices unique to it's place of origin. There are many astrological traditions rooted in different cultures and there is no single origin of astrology as a whole. Astrology is the language of the stars and planets, and we all stand under the same sky. In the same way spoken and written language are common occurrences among all civilizations, astrology itself cannot be attributed to one culture or region. For as long as humans have had eyes, we have been able to observe the skies above us, make observations about the passage of time, and come to different conclusions about the observed phenomena. In other words, no one has a monopoly on astrological sciences, although some may find a sense of validation or empowerment by being able to pinpoint or stake claim to one. However, Indian (Jyotisha) or 'Vedic' astrology as it has come to be popularly known outside of India since the mid 1980's, is from India, and unfortunately that has become less obvious to many people for several reasons. In a day and age where appropriation of ancient, living traditional systems, and cultures is par for the course, the fact that these traditions cannot exist in authenticity separate from their cultural contexts becomes problematic as far as proper representation is concerned. Not many people outside of India, who walk into a Yoga studio are vaguely reminded for even an instant about anything Indian, let alone Vedic arts and sciences, or Hinduism. In a similar manner, as Indian or Hindu Astrology gains popularity abroad, it tends to also become further hybridized outside of it's historical and cultural environment. It becomes more and more detached from the actual religious and traditional lineages through which it has been transferred for ages. Vedic astrology is indeed Vedic simply because it's core principles and concepts are in fact rooted in the Vedas, which in turn are the oldest known written religious scriptures. Indian astrology has intrinsic cultural, and religious ties to Hinduism, Hindu philosophy, Indian history, and Indian culture. These aspects of this branch of astrological science must be emphasized for the sake of clarity and understanding. Indian astrology in it's most ancient form is considered one of six supporting sciences in relation to the body of religious texts known as the Vedas. There has been much interaction between the civilizations on the Indian subcontinent and others in lands both distant and near since ancient times. There has been much exchanging of ideas and methods concerning the field of astrological sciences. Even so, the branches of astrology that have come to be known as classic Greek, or western astrology, and what is known in India as Jyotisha remain distinct from each other. The underlying truth is that these systems of astronomy, time calculation, and astrology developed independently of each other and were later influenced by each other to varying degrees through cultural exchange and contact. Observing the different systems from an astronomical perspective makes this obvious as the application of one of these systems outside of their respective latitudes without making adjustments to calculations would yield very large and obvious errors or disparities. Jyotisha has had no real decline in popularity or decrease in importance. It has never become obsolete, or experienced a lapse in study and practice. In 2001, after a judgement issued by a high court in India, some major universities in India offer advanced degrees in astrology and this same decision was upheld by the Supreme Court of India in 2004. Astrology in India retains it's place among the classic arts and sciences. With that being said, there has been no need to 'revive', retrieve, or re-discover Jyotisha. Conversely, it has only in recent times become known outside of India, as have other aspects of Indian culture, religion, and spiritual practices, which is one reason it is no longer uncommon to encounter a 'Vedic' astrologer just about anywhere in the world. Since the first recorded mention of Jyotisha in the Vedanga Jyotisha, which dates back to about 1400 BCE, Indian astrology and astronomy have only experienced growth and further advancements, making Vedic astrology one of the most sophisticated and developed systems of astrological science in the world.
Is one system of astrology 'better' than, or superior to another?
This is a question that almost doesn't deserve an answer, but it is a legitimate inquiry, especially given the current environment of competition and the race for legitimacy. To answer this question accurately we have to understand that this is tantamount to asking if water is superior to fire, or if a triangle is superior to a circle. No one system of astrology is superior to another, but the skills and knowledge of one astrologer in the context of their respective field of astrology or practice may be superior to another, who may not have as much experience or practice in that field or any for that matter. It's not a matter of the system of astrology, it's about whether or not the astrologer is able to examine in detail and accurately decode what is in front of them based on the principles and concepts that are relevant to the field of astrology they claim. This applies to astrology from India, which is made of several branches or schools, and has a high degree of sophistication and development. This same idea applies to other branches of Astrology such as classic Chinese astrology with it's various branches, and to classic Greek astrology as well as other forms of astrology that developed in Mesopotamia or the Middle East. There is no superior branch of astrology, but if someone wants, for instance to examine compatibility between themselves and another person, a system of Astrology that is more or less totally based on the movements of the Sun just won't cut it. Maybe for planting and harvesting, certainly. If someone wants to know about which asterism or lunar mansion their ascendant was in when they were born, their personal transits based on their natal moon or ascendant, the nakshatra in which their natal moon was placed, and the implications of those things, then Indian astrology is by far the way to go. Chinese, Greek, or Mesopotamian astrology (Greek astrology hasn't always been Greek, and 'Greece' is only known as such outside of the Hellenic Republic, which is it's official name) and western astrology are highly beneficial in their own unique ways, as is Indian astrology. Some draw on each other by way of concepts to a certain degree, and each is more suited for certain things. No branch of astrology is intrinsically superior to another or 'better'.
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*WHAT Vedic ASTROLOGY IS NOT*
In order to have a clearer understanding of what Vedic, or Indian astrology is, it is necessary to have an understanding of what it is not. Jyotisha, or Indian astrology, which has it's origins in the Hindu Vedas, is also popularly known as Vedic astrology outside of India. Jyotisha is not a form of entertainment or a form of stage magic. People make critical, real-life decisions with the guidance of Jyotisha on a daily basis. Astrology as it has become known outside of India in many instances has come to be associated with mysticism, gross assumptions about Sun signs or people born in the same month, fortune telling, or fraudulent psychic scams, and inaccurate information from books on grocery store shelves that are a waste of money and time. Vedic astrology is none of these, but rather an ancient science and highly sophisticated art-form which developed thousands of years ago, and has retained it's place among the classic Vedic arts and sciences without a lapse in study or practice. Vedic astrology does not take a one-size-fits-all approach, and it's concepts are not based on superficial observations that may apply to all or many people in any given circumstance. Indian astrology addresses individuals as unique entities, each with a unique configuration of stars, planets, and other factors specific to their person. Conversely, Indian astrology bases observations on these factors to examine the emotions, thoughts, circumstances, along with the internal and external spheres unique to each person. Vedic astrology is highly regarded among multitudes of people from varying walks of life, as it has been for ages on the ancient Indian sub-continent. It is closely related to religious goals, spiritual objectives, and overall welfare or progress in life. It is not meant to be a form of poetry, or a set of riddles that leaves a questioner or seeker more confused or confounded than they were before they sought counsel with an astrologer. With Indian astrology, conclusions are not made based on the personal sentiments of the astrologer. There are no best guesses or blind assumptions. In essence, what is given to a client or a seeker by way of answers is what is revealed by correctly mapping out error-free astrological charts, based on accurate information provided by the seeker, which is then thoroughly examined and decoded by the astrologer based on principles and procedures specific to Vedic astrology and perhaps his or her lineage or tradition within Indian astrology. The underlying factor in this equation is the hidden connection or affinity between all things. Through this connection, certain aspects of existence more or less mirror others. An astrologer is trained, and aspires to examine astrological subjects of observation and how they relate to any given subject or situation through a body of knowledge that is as old as the Vedas themselves. Hindu astrology is one of six supporting sciences to the Vedas and their teachings. Indian astrology is not founded in fatalism, or the idea that fate and destiny are static, and cannot be changed or altered. Those ideas don't conform with core ethics propounded by the Vedas nor the premise for Jyotisha being a supportive science of Vedic teachings. True, ethical, and authentic Indian astrology does not advocate the notions of doom or helplessness, but rather is a means by which a person can modify or nullify what is harmful and enhance what is desirable or beneficial. This applies to both inner and outer aspects of existence. Indian astrology, and astrology in general are not quick fixes for all of life's problems. True astrology does not make a person's life free of uncertainty or free of challenges. Contrary to popular belief, Hindu astrology does not make decisions for anyone, and is not founded in superstition or the logic that astrology holds the solutions to all of life's challenges and difficulties. No form of astrology takes away the need for an individual to have critical thinking skills, and to make sound decisions, but astrology is highly effective and efficient in augmenting both. Indian astrology as an astrological science does in fact provide guidance, understanding, and the knowledge necessary to change ourselves and our circumstances, so that we are able to move away from what is unwanted, and attain the things that are most ideal and beneficial to us.
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what makes 'vedic' indian astrology unique?
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Jyotisha ('Vedic astrology') is prized for it's depth and ACCURACY. This is the whole reason for it's popularity around the world since it was discovered outside of India, and became well known in the mid-1980's (which is also when what most know as Jyotisha became known as 'Vedic' astrology). Someone unfamiliar with astrology apart from 'grocery store astrology', or newspaper horoscopes may not even be aware that astrology is in fact meant to provide accuracy and depth along with real meaning in practical ways as a legitimate science. Western astrology as it is popularly known, tends to revolve around a person's 'Sun sign'. In other words, the sign the Sun was in (and was in for an entire month) when a person was born. How accurate information about an individual can be gathered based on a sun sign alone is something only western astrologers would know. Because of the misperceptions surrounding astrology in general, and lack of ability on the part of 'western' or modern science to conduct impartial investigation on subjects which may fall outside of it's rigid and limited parameters, Western astrology, and subsequently other systems of astrology continue to be largely undermined in their utility and value. This also applies to astrological sciences from India and other ancient civilizations which have had their own scientific developments long before the advent of western science. In the hands of a skilled and learned Jyotishi, an astrological chart yields volumes of accurate and detailed information. Hindu astrology is investigative, predictive, diagnostic, and divinatory. In the context of Vedic astrology, the actual procedure or process of examining an astrological chart relies upon two factors which work together simultaneously. These are referred to as Ganit and Falit. Ganit specifically refers to the calculative and methodical aspects of chart reading, while Falit denotes refined sight, and encompasses the observatory, accurately predictive, and prognostacative elements of astrological examination. Merely looking at a chart, and following rules does not serve the astrologer or anyone else, although a legitimate and valuable chart reading is not possible without the fundamental rules, concepts, and applications unique to Vedic astrology. Western astrology is geared more towards psychology, emotions, and personality in the context of thought, and is usually limited to the transits of planets. Indian Vedic, or Hindu astrology, and Western astrology contrast sharply, although many falsely assume they are identical beyond superficial similarities. This is largely due to historical and cultural environments unique to each. The history of astrological and astronomical sciences as they originated in India spans back millennium, as do the Vedas and Puranas to which both sciences are inextricably connected. Vedic astrology is comprised of six main components, some of which are derived from Veda based astronomical sciences. These are known as Ganitam (Ganit), Gola, Jataka, Prasna, Muhurta, and Nimitta. Ganita or Ganit, as mentioned earlier is the area of purely mathematical and astrological calculations. This is one facet of Jyotish that makes it highly scientific and sophisticated. Likewise, Gola refers to purely astronomical observations. Jataka (plural; Jatakam) refers to natal astrology or the observation of how cause and effect, various energies, laws, and forces manifest in an individual's life through examining an astrological chart unique to one individual. Prasna is investigative astrology, or astrological divination which examines a specific question, and the circumstances surrounding it, usually relating to outward or mundane matters. This branch also incorporates core methods and principles from the Ganita and Gola areas. Muhurta is the selection of timings which are most conducive to fulfilling important objectives or carrying out specific activities based on astrological factors. Nimitta refers to observing and deciphering the movement of consciousness or energy in their manifestations as natural occurrences, otherwise known as omens. Nimitta as a stand-alone application or methodology does not fall directly within the scope of astrological observations in the context of chart reading, but at times it does, especially during face to face interactions. continued
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