Vedic Astrology- Most Popular Astrology

The most popular among the sciences of Indian astrology is the Vedic astrology. In India it is known by the name Jyotish and deals with the sidereal positions of the planet. There is a basic difference in the technique of calculation in Vedic astrology and that of Western astrology. The zodiac of the Weatern astrology is based on the equinoxes. According to the Western astrology the position of planets changes with respect to the stars. Vedic astrology believes in twelve constellations from the Babylonian, and also has an additional “lunar” zodiac based on 28 lunar constellations or Nakshatras. The twenty eight Nakshatras are- Ashwini, Mrigshirsha, Ashlesha, Hasta, Anuradha, Uttarashadha, Poorvabhadrapada, Bharani, Ardra, Magha, Chitra, Jyeshtha, Shravana, Uttarabhadrapada, Krittika, Punarvasu, Purvaphalguni, Swati, Moola, Dhanishtha, Revati, Rohini, Pushya, Uttarphalguni, Vishakha, Purvashadha, Shatbhisha and Abhijit.
Since the ages of Veda, Vedic astrology is considered to be a noble science and dates back to 4000 years. The maharishis of the Vedic era founded, investigated and developed this science of astrology. Among the contributors the names of Aryabhatta, Parashar, Varaha, Mihira, Garga and Kalyan Varma are still remembered and revered. Vedic astrology is based on the following three seminal subjects-

1.) Planets- Vedic astrology recons only nine planets- i.e. Sun, Moon, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, and teo Shadowy planets Rahu (the dragon’s head) and Ketu (the dragon’s tail).
2.) Stars- the science of Vedic astrology identifies twenty seven constellations from Aswini to Revathy.
3.) Signs- The planets are believed to move under twelve signs of zodiac thus covering the entire sky from Aries to Pisces.

The basic principle of this astrology is the belief that all things are linked. The karma or fortune is determined by a predestined cosmic design. In this science birth is seen as the incarnation of a soul in a body at a specific time and place which is a reflection of the greater whole. Just as different flowers bloom at different time depending on the time that is congenial for them, birth too is dependent on the congenial position of the stars. Vedic Astrology believes in Dashas which are “planetary ruling system” that provide a system to judge the effects of the planets throughout a person's life, by indicating how the planets distribute their effects throughout a lifetime (Wiki Defination). The Dashas endows the Vedic astrologers with a tool for predicting the trends, changes and events in a man’s life with perfection and precision.