What comes to one’s mind when one hears the phrase “Vedic Astrology”? Is it the practice of Astrology which dates back to the Vedic times? Yes, you guessed it right. To put it more formally, Vedic Astrology is a system which uses the positions of planets and constellations to make predictions and prophecies. Vedic Astrology is more commonly known as Hindu Astrology or Jyotishya.
The Vedic Astrology traces its birth in the Vedas, the spiritual texts of the Hindus. For about 8000 years, this system has been trusted by the Indian Society and major decisions like new business opportunities and marriages are ventured into only after consulting an expert in this field. The word Jyotishya means the “science of light”, which means that the light from celestial bodies reaching the surface of the earth is used to make predictions about human events. Astrology is not restricted to the geographical boundaries of India, but is also widely accepted by the western countries. The Western Astrology was established by The Greeks about 3000 years ago, but the basic concept they follow differ from the one being followed in India. They believe that the Sun, being the center of the entire solar system, is responsible for the happenings on the Earth. But Vedic Astrology is more trusted in our country due to its reference in the Vedas and certain inefficiencies of the western form of astrology.
So, how exactly the astrologers make accurate predictions about an individual using their knowledge of Vedic Astrology? Well, Vedic Astrology uses a sidereal system of calculation to determine the current position of constellations. There are 28 constellations in astrology also known as Nakshatras. These 28 Nakshatras consist of 12 zodiac signs (rashi), 9 planets (graha) and 12 houses (ghar). An astrologer uses a Chart or Kundali to make sense of this data. According to when and where a person is born, a Kundali is prepared by placing these 12 zodiac signs and 9 planets in different houses. This is the reason one’s Kundali is also known as Janam Patri. This arrangement of planets and signs in the Kundali is used by the astrologers to interpret the language of celestial bodies to make predictions and consult the client in the best possible manner.
This information of birth is also used to arrange the dashas, that means a predictive timeline of an individual is chalked out. This information clearly shows the various life events pertaining to the individual. It can be used to determine past events in one’s life and can also be used to determine the personality of the individual. This information is used by the experts to guide their clients to take right decision in life and also help them move in the right direction.
It is believed that karma plays a huge role in determining one’s future. Astrologers use their knowledge to guide their clients in the right direction even when the planetary positions and the stars are not in favor of the person. Many practitioners have been using their vast knowledge of astronomy, stemming from the vedas, to offer practical solutions to the people seeking their help.