Astrology
Vedic Astrology – the Science or the Quackery?
Vedic Astrology is an ancient science that was pioneered by Sage Parashara about 5000 years ago, during the Mahabharata era. As accurate as it can get, it has undergone several “upgrades” in terms of editions or versions or interpretations of it – done by renowned sages and scholars of the yore.
While we have heard about the terms Vedic or Western Astrology, Tropical or Sidereal Astrology, I am of the belief that most of these western forms have emerged after the advent of modern technology and computers, prior to which only the Vedic astrology had its golden era.
There are others who had written about astrology in various forms such as Maharshi Jaimini, or Lal Kitaab Astrology, whereas modern astrologers such as Professor K N Rao, Shri B V Raman, etc. revolutionized our understanding of modern astrology. While western astrology might rely on the concept of the Sun’s position from the beginning of time, not considering the axial tilt of earth, Vedic astrologers and sages have been far ahead and have considered this positioning – also known as Lahiri Ayanamsha.
The Charts
The Lagna or a Birth chart represents the relative positioning of the nine planets at the time of one’s birth and as seen from the place of one’s birth. In Vedic Astrology, based on these planetary positions in various Zodiac signs and Asterisms (Nakshatras), we analyse a person’s past, present, and future as it also indicates the pending Karma. Because the position of these planets in different zodiacs cannot be changed, the destiny of an individual cannot be changed, but be only altered to decrease the adversities (if present or seen in the birth chart). Moreover, all the 12 houses represent 12 different states of planetary energies – the way these energies act in the manner indicated by the constellations. The ® symbol next to some of the planets concerned in a chart represents a relative “Retrograde” motion of the planets (if present) whereas the © symbol next to some planets would indicate “Combustion” of the said planets i.e. the planets can have lessened effects because of their proximity from the Sun. Planets also cast aspects (grah drishti) on other planets in each chart.
The Lagna or a Birth chart represents the relative positioning of the nine planets at the time of one’s birth and as seen from the place of one’s birth. In Vedic Astrology, based on these planetary positions in various Zodiac signs and Asterisms (Nakshatras), we analyse a person’s past, present, and future as it also indicates the pending Karma. Because the position of these planets in different zodiacs cannot be changed, the destiny of an individual cannot be changed, but be only altered to decrease the adversities (if present or seen in the birth chart). Moreover, all the 12 houses represent 12 different states of planetary energies – the way these energies act in the manner indicated by the constellations. The ® symbol next to some of the planets concerned in a chart represents a relative “Retrograde” motion of the planets (if present) whereas the © symbol next to some planets would indicate “Combustion” of the said planets i.e. the planets can have lessened effects because of their proximity from the Sun. Planets also cast aspects (grah drishti) on other planets in each chart.
Apart from the birth chart or the D-1 chart, there are many divisional charts that an Astrologer needs to consider for a detailed reading (as those divisional charts represent further granularity and details in various aspects of life e.g. marriage, career, vehicles, parents, children, etc).
The 9th divisional chart or a Navamsha chart is the most important divisional chart and represents each of the signs being divided into 9 divisions each – hence “Nav” “Amsha”. This divisional chart is a combined result of the D-1 chart and Nakshatras of all planets – hence it shows the quantum of success or failure delivered by the planets in the D-1 chart. If a particular planet is afflicted both in D-1 and D-9, then the positive effects associated with that planet are deemed to be adversely affected. The vice-versa is also true.
Although the views of many astrologers concerning the D-9 chart are disputed – some say it gets activated after one’s marriage and others say it does not, I still think this is the second most important chart for any native and governs “Fortune” in-general, which means whether a planet would give its results at its best or at its worst would also depend on its placement in the D-9 chart. As 9th house, the house of fortune and the planets posited therein are considered the most important for a native, similarly the D-9 chart, and the planets placed relative to the placements in D-1 define an individual’s overall Karma and what are they destined to do in this lifetime.
Why Sidereal Astrology?
A Lagna or a Birth chart represents the relative positioning of the nine planets at the time of one’s birth and as seen from the place of one’s birth. In Vedic Astrology, based on these planetary positions in various Zodiac signs and Asterisms (Nakshatras), we analyse a person’s past, present, and future as it also indicates the pending Karma. Because the position of these planets in different zodiacs cannot be changed, the destiny of an individual cannot be changed, but be only altered to decrease the adversities (if present or seen in the birth chart). Moreover, all the 12 houses represent 12 different states of planetary energies – the way these energies act in the manner indicated by the constellations. The ® symbol next to some of the planets concerned in a chart represents a relative “Retrograde” motion of the planets (if present) whereas the © symbol next to some planets would indicate “Combustion” of the said planets i.e. the planets can have lessened effects because of their proximity from the Sun. Planets also cast aspects (grah drishti) on other planets in each chart.
Apart from the birth chart or the D-1 chart, there are many divisional charts that an Astrologer needs to consider for a detailed reading (as those divisional charts represent further granularity and details in various aspects of life e.g. marriage, career, vehicles, parents, children, etc).
The 9th divisional chart or a Navamsha chart is the most important divisional chart and represents each of the signs being divided into 9 divisions each – hence “Nav” “Amsha”. This divisional chart is a combined result of the D-1 chart and Nakshatras of all planets – hence it shows the quantum of success or failure delivered by the planets in the D-1 chart. If a particular planet is afflicted both in D-1 and D-9, then the positive effects associated with that planet are deemed to be adversely affected. The vice-versa is also true.
Although the views of many astrologers concerning the D-9 chart are disputed – some say it gets activated after one’s marriage and others say it does not, I still think this is the second most important chart for any native and governs “Fortune” in-general, which means whether a planet would give its results at its best or at its worst would also depend on its placement in the D-9 chart. As 9th house, the house of fortune and the planets posited therein are considered the most important for a native, similarly the D-9 chart, and the planets placed relative to the placements in D-1 define an individual’s overall Karma and what are they destined to do in this lifetime.
The Planets
The Sun, Saturn, Rahu, Ketu, Mars, Waning Moon are considered naturally malefic planets (Paap Grah), whereas Jupiter, Venus, Mercury, and Waxing Moon are considered naturally benefic planets (Punya or Saumya Grah).
Outer planets i.e., Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto aren’t considered in Vedic Astrology for predictive purposes. Moreover, other planetary bodies such as asteroids etc. aren’t considered as well. However, Rahu and Ketu, which are mathematical points along the axes of The Sun and The Moon, are considered as Shadow Planets and used for predictions in Vedic Astrology.
