BOOKS ON INDIAN ASTROLOGY (JYOTISH) IN ENGLISH

Hindu astrology is generally known as ‘Phala Jyotisa’. If astronomy deals with the physical movement of the planets and the stars that are seen directly by the eye, astrology (the phala-jyotisa part of the science of luminary cosmic objects) deals with the unseen results and effects they have on our lives, to be experienced in course of time.

The most important basis for this phala jyotisa or Hindu astrology is the belief that the stars and planets at the time of birth of a child, have a profound influence on its life, determining the duration of its life, general condition of its body and psyche, important events in its life and so on.

This is determined by mapping the janmarashi (the rashi or zodiacal sign) based on the nakshatra or asterism at the time of birth) and the janmalagna (the rashi in the eastern horizon at the time of sunrise, on the day of birth). The zodiac comprises the 12 rashis (from Mesha, or Aries to Mina or Pisces) in which the 27 nakshatras or asterisms (from Ashvini to Revati) are distributed.

Each one of the seven planets, the two nodal points (designated as Rahu and Ketu) and the twenty-seven asterisms, has its own effect—good or bad—on the human being, depending upon the janmarashi and the janmakundali. The problem, however, is in interpreting their combined effect at a given point of time, which depends not only on the astrological calculations, but also on a certain degree of intuition.

Hence, determining and predicting the future is the most difficult part of Hindu astrology. About 40 methods have been projected out of which the one known as ‘Vimsottaripaddhati’ has been more widely accepted, mostly in South India. The Astottaripaddhati is more common in the North. Based on the Vedanga Jyotisa, the ‘siddhantas,’ secondary works on Hindu astronomy and astrology, came into being in the later period.

Works of Aryabhata, Varahamihira and Bhaskaracarya belong to this group. These works have their commentaries—generally known as ‘karikas’—further amplifying the subject. Works of Parasara and Jaimini, the Suryasiddhanta (author unknown), Varahamihira’s Pancasiddhantika, Brhatsamhita and Brihat Jataka are considered the most important works of Hindu astrology.

Another interesting aspect of Hindu astrology is the prasna sastra or the science of answering questions. Here, a horoscope is cast for the time the question is asked and the results predicted, based on it. The five major treatises on Hindu Predictive Astrology are Brihat Jatakam of Vrahamira, Saravali of Kalyanverma, Sarvartha Chintamani of Venkatesh, Jataka Parijata of Vaidyanatha and Phaladeepika of Mantreswara.

Vastu

Vastu is the layout of a building site. Before constructing a building there, the land has to be reclaimed from the gods and goblins who might be living there for aeons. This ritual of pacification is known as vastusamana. Generally a mandala (geometrical drawing), a square divided into 9 x 9 (= 81) or 8 x 8 (= 64) smaller squares is used for this purpose. This is called vastumandala.

There is an interesting legend connected with this mandala. When Shiva fought with the demon Andhaka, a drop of sweat fell from his forehead on the earth. It assumed the form of a fierce demon who attempted to devour the worlds.

Then all the gods and spirits rushed towards him, felled him to the ground (face downwards) and pinned him there, all of them being stationed on him. The vastumandala contains him with his head in the direction north-east, and, with his hands and legs folded. He is now called Vastupurusa. If he, as also the gods on him are propitiated, the building will be firm and safe.

FAQs

Q1. Which planet is responsible for a good astrologer?

Planetary Positions to Become an Astrologer. The conjunction of Mercury and the Sun with Jupiter or getting the aspect of Jupiter will make a person a good astrologer. Moon with Ketu in the 3rd house or 9th house or 12th house with Saturn or Jupiter will make native earn through the routes of astrology. Jupiter and Mercury along with Ketu are the natural significators of interest in Jyotish.

There are whole lots (tons) of combinations for a good astrologer. All nine planets are equally responsible for a good astrologer. Astrology is not about a single planet or house, everything has to be seen holistically. However, what makes a good astrologer would be based on the strength of favorable Yogas in the chart.

Q2. Can astrology be scientifically proven?

Astrology holds that there is a relationship between astronomical phenomena and events or descriptions of personality in the human world. But astrology has been rejected by the scientific community as having no explanatory power for describing the universe. Scientifically no evidence has so far been found to support the premises or purported effects outlined in astrological traditions.

There's very little scientific proof that astrology is an accurate predictor of personality traits, future destinies, love lives, or anything else that mass-market astrology claims to know. Astrology is founded on understanding the positions of the stars, which seems like a scientific search in itself. But there is no or none of science to back up whether astrology impacts our personality and lives.

Q3. Is astrology reading accurate?

If the intent of the astrologer is genuine, astrology can wonderfully guide individuals to take the right decision (Dharma) and the right action (Karma) for an improved life. If this helps to sort the problem, there is no tool of greater accuracy than astrology. If not, it is complete hogwash. That’s the only proof needed to establish its existence and merit.

How it works is, most of the time the astrologer, after going through the client’s birth chart, would say extremely good about the client’s future providing him with positive vibes. He will go home happy and positive without worrying about the negativity. Because of positive thoughts, the universe will fetch him something that he is thinking of, which is also positive.

Q4. How do I start studying astrology?

Modes of learning astrology

🔶So many online platforms are there at one’s own pace.

🔶An Astrology classes channel on YouTube.

🔶Learn Astrology Foundations class in person with a Classic Master Astrology Teacher by listening to audio courses.

🔶Reading books on Astrology.

🔶Attending a local meet-up or another group to meet other people interested in astrology.

🔶Learn - Basics of Astrology, Significance, Effects, the behavior of planets, Zodiac Signs, Understanding of Dashas, Reading of Horoscopes, Comparisons and Predictions, Study of Constellations, Doshas and Defects on Horoscopes & Make flashcards.

🔶Review the basics over and over.

🔶Practice with your own birth chart and the birth charts of the people in one’s life.

🔶Follow the astrological calendar.

Q5. What is the most accurate astrology reading?

Vedic Astrology: Unlike other types of astrology, Jyotish has been practiced uninterrupted for thousands of years in India and beyond. This continuous application allows for a deeper rigor and precision (accuracy) in a Vedic reading than Western astrology and other types of astrology to interpret on the novice level.

Therefore calculates horoscopes based on the updated ecliptic path. Vedic Astrology has more accurate calculations and detailed methods involved, thus more reliable. The best thing about Vedic astrology is that the astrologers not only assess the natal chart over here but also the dasas, the periods of different planets moving through different signs, and their influence on their lives. Also, Vedic Astrology focuses on Moon sign over the Sun sign.

Q6. Where can I learn Indian astrology?

Some of the top colleges like the Indian Institute of Astrology, Sastra University, and Shree Maharshi College of Vedic Astrology, Indian Institute of Vedic Astrology, etc offer various diploma courses on Astrology website links

🔶Institute of Astrology Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, New Delhi.

🔶Jyotisha Bharati by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Mumbai.

🔶Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (BVB), Bengaluru, Kendra.

🔶Indian Council of Astrological Sciences Centers.

Books : on Siddhanta. The mathematical aspects of astrology. There are two which I love. First is B V Raman’s A Manual of Hindu Astrology (1935), and the second is B. Suryanarain Rao’s The Astrological Self Instructor (1893). Navagraha Purana by V S Rao.

Q7. Is Indian astrology accurate?

Coming to accuracy, I don't think anyone would give a 50 percent above accuracy. It's not scientific, therefore not empirical. It's a calculation like the weather, a possibility. The reasons are usually based on Karma, Our thought Process, Our Hard Work, and our belief in spirituality.

Therefore, one may assume to consult a good astrologer is not to know the future, but to reshape our minds, to think in a positive way, and therefore work hard. A belief in the supreme with prayers and other solutions can create a positive impact on one's life. This is the reason, Vedic Astrology is still a thing in this century. For astronomical accuracy, use Vedic astrology and its sidereal zodiac and avoid Western astrology.