Vedic Astrology ( By Sri. M.P.Radhakrishnan Nair)
OM
Vedic Astrology or Vedanga Jyotisha is Jyothissastra or Jyotish in short in Sanskrit. Earliest mention of Vedic astrology comes in the Vedas, originated more than 5000 years before Christ, preceded by details of this Divine Science supposed as being revealed by Lord Siva to his Spouse Goddess Parvati. According to many others, Vedic Astrology was revealed to mankind by Lord Brahma who in his infinite wisdom is the only God amongst Gods and humans to truly know the future. Vedic Astrology cannot be taken on any level other than the level of Vedanta, since it contains the quintessence of the Philosophies of the entire world. The signs of the stars give prophesies and presages. They point out the force of supernatural things, and put forth true judgments and disclosure.
Vedanta is one of the world's most ancient religious philosophies and one of its broadest. Based on the Vedas, Vedanta affirms the oneness of existence, the divinity of the soul, and the harmony of religions. Vedanta is the philosophical foundation of Hinduism; but while Hinduism includes aspects of Indian culture, Vedanta is universal in its application and is equally relevant to all countries, all cultures, and all religious backgrounds. Vedanta came from ‘Veda’ (Knowledge) and ‘Anta’ (the end or goal). Knowledge here means God; so Vedanta is the search for God or search for self-realization. According to Vedanta, God is infinite existence, infinite consciousness, and infinite bliss. The term for this impersonal, transcendent reality is Brahman, the divine ground of being. Yet Vedanta also maintains that God can be personal as well, immanent and assuming human form in every stage. God dwells within our own hearts as the divine Self or Atman. The Atman is never born nor will it ever die. Neither stained by our failings nor affected by the fluctuations of the body or mind, the Atman is not subject to our grief or despair or disease or ignorance. Pure, perfect, free from limitations, the Atman, Vedanta declares, is one with Brahman. The greatest temple of God lies within the human heart. Our real nature is divine; God-realization is our birthright. Sooner or later, we will all manifest our divinity—either in this or in future lives—for the greatest truth of our existence is our own divine nature. Vedanta affirms that all religions teach the same basic truths about God, the world, and our relationship to one another. Thousands of years ago the Rig Veda declared: "Truth is one, Sages call it by various names." The world's religions offer varying approaches to God, each one true and valid, each religion offering the world a unique and irreplaceable path to God-realization. The conflicting messages we find among religions are due more to doctrine and dogma than to the reality of spiritual experience. While dissimilarities exist in the external observances of the world religions, the internals bear remarkable similarities. God dwells within our own hearts as the divine Self or Atman. The Atman is never born nor will it ever die. Neither stained by our failings nor affected by the fluctuations of the body or mind, the Atman is not subject to our grief or despair or disease or ignorance. Pure, perfect, free from limitations, the Atman, Vedanta declares, is one with Brahman. The greatest temple of God lies within the human heart. Our real nature is divine; God-realization is our birthright. Sooner or later, we will all manifest our divinity—either in this or in future lives—for the greatest truth of our existence is our own divine nature.
The four Vedas of the earliest Sanskrit hymns and verses are Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda, and Atharva Veda. The Atharva Veda contains plenty of references to Jyotish, used in the context of finding out auspicious times for starting rituals etc. The ancient Hindu Scriptures, accepted as Sanatana Dharma or Vaidika Dharma, considered as the breath of the Lord and comprising the greatest and voluminous literature in the whole world, in the form of Sruti or revelations, Smriti, Vedas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas, Upanishads, Tantrs, Puranas, Ithihasas and the like, extol the importance of Jyotish, in them. However Vedic Astrology or Vedanga Jyotish is supposed to be the first written documents on Astrology in its ancient form in India. Sanatana Dharma is not for any particular religion, it is for every one of us, irrespective of caste, creed, color or age. Knowingly or unknowingly, we followed many of its norms and we are still following them, and we will follow in future, for our well being. Most famous modern Philosophers and writers are seen endorsing its prospects and hopefully if followed, I feel certain that it may gradually fill the void of spiritual bankruptcy and one of its consequent results of recession, aswell.
Vedic Astrology helps to resolve doubts concerning children, health, spiritual growth, and other subjects. Suggestions regarding donations, gemstones, herbs, mantras, yantras (mystic diagrams), and rituals are integral parts of the system. As all Astrological studies are based on Astronomy, Vedic Astrology was also based on Astronomy. Aryabhatta, Bhaskaracharya, Kalidasa, Varahamihira, Bhattolpala, Jaimini etc., are a few among the world renowned Astronomers, dealt with Astrology also, in ancient India. Some others though not famous Astronomers, dedicated their lives for the cause of Astrology and contributed precious and valuable information through their hard work and research on the subject. These people with the meager resources they had, and with their naked eyes identified the various planets and measured the distance to them from the earth and found out their sizes and shapes. Their recordings when verified later with those found out with the help of telescopes invented by Galileo were exact and accurate. They predicted correctly the time of solar and lunar eclipses that are to come for many hundreds of years ahead, aswell.
Vedic Astrology is very sharp, because there is provision to go deep into the root cause of the matter since each sign and planet is divisible into 60-minute parts called the shashtyamsa. By studying these minute parts in detail the intricacies can be realized. Moreover the saptavarga and the ashtakavarga studies also reveal the manifold characteristics of various planets in detail. The planets are supposed to be hereditary transmitters from one generation to the other. Births and re-births are taken place to complete the cycle of life. The horoscope indicates the residues of the results of the deeds of the past births or ‘karma phala’. In this birth one will carry three sorts of karma, sanchitam, that is stored from the past birth, prarabdham, accumulating in this birth and agami stored for the future. The doctrine of karma says so. When the karma phala is exhausted there will be no more births. The microcosm becomes one with the macrocosm, which is the materialization of life as if a drop of water becomes one with the sea.
Amongst other amazing aspects of Vedic Astrology, the most impressive one is the Dasa System or the periods and duration of planetary cycles in human life (exclusive to Hindu Astrology) where predetermined periods are designated to the nine planets and a detailed interpretation is available at birth. The interpretation of Nakshtra or constellation of stars, is the most superior and sophisticated method of analysis. Vedic system is also the only reliable system to offer remedial measures to the adversities of malefic planets, some of which are mentioned even in the Atharva Veda. Vedic Astrology covers Karmic, Spiritual and Materialistic aspects of one's entire life with the timing of events. It is really richer and more accurate than all other systems especially for the prediction of events with Time Frame. This tells us, not only what is going to happen in our life, but also when it will happen, provided the analysis is deep, authoritative,scientific,classical,unblemished,impartial,and with full Providence.Nakshatra (Star or Constellation) is further division of the Zodiac into 27 parts, each part of 13 degree 20'. This division is based on the average daily motion of the Moon, in the Indian Astrology. These Nakshatras are zone or group of stars or a major star, which are at a great distance from our Solar system. Each Nakshatra or Star is ruled by a planet, called 'Star Lord’ in this system. Two or more planets in the same RASHI (SIGN) and same BHAVa (HOUSE) in a horoscope can give different results.
Vedic Astrology is considered as the supreme knowledge granted to human beings by the God, Almighty. If it is not properly used it will cause ‘tantra virodha’ causing havoc in life, to the person who misuses it. It should therefore be used only after deep study, dedication and full Providence, in its proper perspective. The three time periods namely past, present and future are supposed to be the transcendence of time and space in Vedic Astrology. It is therefore true knowledge. It is the path of eternal bliss. The conscious, unconscious and subconscious are contained in it. Old Indian sages say that no knowledge is complete with out the knowledge of Astrology. It is the most valuable possession human beings can have. Vedic Astrology can be used to find out the ways to cure diseases, to gain any knowledge, to make friends with any one and gain his intimacy, to answer questions, to lead healthier and happier life, to get through interviews, to negotiate successfully most difficult business deals, to determine the sex of a child, to gain wealth, to evaluate the position of stocks and shares, to win horse races, to speculate successfully and to lead a better, meaningful and contented life. One who uses Vedic Astrology in its proper perspective attains Moksha or eternal liberation also, through which our Creator is realized to fulfill the ultimate purpose of our life. There are so many branches to Vedic Astrology like Jathaka or Nativeity Chart; Prasna or Horary, Muhurta or Electional Astrology, Vana Nireekshana or Meteorology, Nashta Prasna or Missing persons or things, ‘Deva Prasna’ or the affairs of Temple or Church, and the affairs of all Sanctum Sanctorum, and the like. Authoritative texts are there to study deep into those subjects.
There were hundreds of thousands of books in Astrology in ancient India. Originally most of them were written in palm leaves, chemically prepared for the purpose. Almost all books were written in Sanskrit. The most voluminous literature in the world namely Tantra is also written in Sanskrit. These books were later translated into many Indian and foreign languages and were spread throughout the world. Many famous universities in the world, besides India, have manuscripts and copies of these books with them. The Vedas, Upanishads, Agamas (Sastras or science) Puranas, Ithihasas like Ramayana, Maha Bharatha, Maha Bhagavatha, Bhagavad Gita and many other books, depicting the culture and rich heritage of India and conveying the message of good will, peace, fraternity, moral principles and human values etc. were all printed originally in Sanskrit. Since these books are available in many languages, it is not difficult to get them and study by interested people.
‘Subham’
Vedanta is one of the world's most ancient religious philosophies and one of its broadest. Based on the Vedas, Vedanta affirms the oneness of existence, the divinity of the soul, and the harmony of religions. Vedanta is the philosophical foundation of Hinduism; but while Hinduism includes aspects of Indian culture, Vedanta is universal in its application and is equally relevant to all countries, all cultures, and all religious backgrounds. Vedanta came from ‘Veda’ (Knowledge) and ‘Anta’ (the end or goal). Knowledge here means God; so Vedanta is the search for God or search for self-realization. According to Vedanta, God is infinite existence, infinite consciousness, and infinite bliss. The term for this impersonal, transcendent reality is Brahman, the divine ground of being. Yet Vedanta also maintains that God can be personal as well, immanent and assuming human form in every stage. God dwells within our own hearts as the divine Self or Atman. The Atman is never born nor will it ever die. Neither stained by our failings nor affected by the fluctuations of the body or mind, the Atman is not subject to our grief or despair or disease or ignorance. Pure, perfect, free from limitations, the Atman, Vedanta declares, is one with Brahman. The greatest temple of God lies within the human heart. Our real nature is divine; God-realization is our birthright. Sooner or later, we will all manifest our divinity—either in this or in future lives—for the greatest truth of our existence is our own divine nature. Vedanta affirms that all religions teach the same basic truths about God, the world, and our relationship to one another. Thousands of years ago the Rig Veda declared: "Truth is one, Sages call it by various names." The world's religions offer varying approaches to God, each one true and valid, each religion offering the world a unique and irreplaceable path to God-realization. The conflicting messages we find among religions are due more to doctrine and dogma than to the reality of spiritual experience. While dissimilarities exist in the external observances of the world religions, the internals bear remarkable similarities. God dwells within our own hearts as the divine Self or Atman. The Atman is never born nor will it ever die. Neither stained by our failings nor affected by the fluctuations of the body or mind, the Atman is not subject to our grief or despair or disease or ignorance. Pure, perfect, free from limitations, the Atman, Vedanta declares, is one with Brahman. The greatest temple of God lies within the human heart. Our real nature is divine; God-realization is our birthright. Sooner or later, we will all manifest our divinity—either in this or in future lives—for the greatest truth of our existence is our own divine nature.
The four Vedas of the earliest Sanskrit hymns and verses are Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda, and Atharva Veda. The Atharva Veda contains plenty of references to Jyotish, used in the context of finding out auspicious times for starting rituals etc. The ancient Hindu Scriptures, accepted as Sanatana Dharma or Vaidika Dharma, considered as the breath of the Lord and comprising the greatest and voluminous literature in the whole world, in the form of Sruti or revelations, Smriti, Vedas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas, Upanishads, Tantrs, Puranas, Ithihasas and the like, extol the importance of Jyotish, in them. However Vedic Astrology or Vedanga Jyotish is supposed to be the first written documents on Astrology in its ancient form in India. Sanatana Dharma is not for any particular religion, it is for every one of us, irrespective of caste, creed, color or age. Knowingly or unknowingly, we followed many of its norms and we are still following them, and we will follow in future, for our well being. Most famous modern Philosophers and writers are seen endorsing its prospects and hopefully if followed, I feel certain that it may gradually fill the void of spiritual bankruptcy and one of its consequent results of recession, aswell.
Vedic Astrology helps to resolve doubts concerning children, health, spiritual growth, and other subjects. Suggestions regarding donations, gemstones, herbs, mantras, yantras (mystic diagrams), and rituals are integral parts of the system. As all Astrological studies are based on Astronomy, Vedic Astrology was also based on Astronomy. Aryabhatta, Bhaskaracharya, Kalidasa, Varahamihira, Bhattolpala, Jaimini etc., are a few among the world renowned Astronomers, dealt with Astrology also, in ancient India. Some others though not famous Astronomers, dedicated their lives for the cause of Astrology and contributed precious and valuable information through their hard work and research on the subject. These people with the meager resources they had, and with their naked eyes identified the various planets and measured the distance to them from the earth and found out their sizes and shapes. Their recordings when verified later with those found out with the help of telescopes invented by Galileo were exact and accurate. They predicted correctly the time of solar and lunar eclipses that are to come for many hundreds of years ahead, aswell.
Vedic Astrology is very sharp, because there is provision to go deep into the root cause of the matter since each sign and planet is divisible into 60-minute parts called the shashtyamsa. By studying these minute parts in detail the intricacies can be realized. Moreover the saptavarga and the ashtakavarga studies also reveal the manifold characteristics of various planets in detail. The planets are supposed to be hereditary transmitters from one generation to the other. Births and re-births are taken place to complete the cycle of life. The horoscope indicates the residues of the results of the deeds of the past births or ‘karma phala’. In this birth one will carry three sorts of karma, sanchitam, that is stored from the past birth, prarabdham, accumulating in this birth and agami stored for the future. The doctrine of karma says so. When the karma phala is exhausted there will be no more births. The microcosm becomes one with the macrocosm, which is the materialization of life as if a drop of water becomes one with the sea.
Amongst other amazing aspects of Vedic Astrology, the most impressive one is the Dasa System or the periods and duration of planetary cycles in human life (exclusive to Hindu Astrology) where predetermined periods are designated to the nine planets and a detailed interpretation is available at birth. The interpretation of Nakshtra or constellation of stars, is the most superior and sophisticated method of analysis. Vedic system is also the only reliable system to offer remedial measures to the adversities of malefic planets, some of which are mentioned even in the Atharva Veda. Vedic Astrology covers Karmic, Spiritual and Materialistic aspects of one's entire life with the timing of events. It is really richer and more accurate than all other systems especially for the prediction of events with Time Frame. This tells us, not only what is going to happen in our life, but also when it will happen, provided the analysis is deep, authoritative,scientific,classical,unblemished,impartial,and with full Providence.Nakshatra (Star or Constellation) is further division of the Zodiac into 27 parts, each part of 13 degree 20'. This division is based on the average daily motion of the Moon, in the Indian Astrology. These Nakshatras are zone or group of stars or a major star, which are at a great distance from our Solar system. Each Nakshatra or Star is ruled by a planet, called 'Star Lord’ in this system. Two or more planets in the same RASHI (SIGN) and same BHAVa (HOUSE) in a horoscope can give different results.
Vedic Astrology is considered as the supreme knowledge granted to human beings by the God, Almighty. If it is not properly used it will cause ‘tantra virodha’ causing havoc in life, to the person who misuses it. It should therefore be used only after deep study, dedication and full Providence, in its proper perspective. The three time periods namely past, present and future are supposed to be the transcendence of time and space in Vedic Astrology. It is therefore true knowledge. It is the path of eternal bliss. The conscious, unconscious and subconscious are contained in it. Old Indian sages say that no knowledge is complete with out the knowledge of Astrology. It is the most valuable possession human beings can have. Vedic Astrology can be used to find out the ways to cure diseases, to gain any knowledge, to make friends with any one and gain his intimacy, to answer questions, to lead healthier and happier life, to get through interviews, to negotiate successfully most difficult business deals, to determine the sex of a child, to gain wealth, to evaluate the position of stocks and shares, to win horse races, to speculate successfully and to lead a better, meaningful and contented life. One who uses Vedic Astrology in its proper perspective attains Moksha or eternal liberation also, through which our Creator is realized to fulfill the ultimate purpose of our life. There are so many branches to Vedic Astrology like Jathaka or Nativeity Chart; Prasna or Horary, Muhurta or Electional Astrology, Vana Nireekshana or Meteorology, Nashta Prasna or Missing persons or things, ‘Deva Prasna’ or the affairs of Temple or Church, and the affairs of all Sanctum Sanctorum, and the like. Authoritative texts are there to study deep into those subjects.
There were hundreds of thousands of books in Astrology in ancient India. Originally most of them were written in palm leaves, chemically prepared for the purpose. Almost all books were written in Sanskrit. The most voluminous literature in the world namely Tantra is also written in Sanskrit. These books were later translated into many Indian and foreign languages and were spread throughout the world. Many famous universities in the world, besides India, have manuscripts and copies of these books with them. The Vedas, Upanishads, Agamas (Sastras or science) Puranas, Ithihasas like Ramayana, Maha Bharatha, Maha Bhagavatha, Bhagavad Gita and many other books, depicting the culture and rich heritage of India and conveying the message of good will, peace, fraternity, moral principles and human values etc. were all printed originally in Sanskrit. Since these books are available in many languages, it is not difficult to get them and study by interested people.
