Understanding the Basics of Jyotish
May 22, 2023
By Acharya Suresh
Understanding the Basics of Jyotish
Jyotish, also known as Vedic astrology, is one of the oldest systems of astrology originating from the Vedic period in ancient India. This comprehensive guide will introduce you to the fundamental principles of this profound astrological system.
What is Jyotish?
Jyotish, literally meaning "science of light," is a traditional Hindu system of astrology based on ancient Vedic texts. Unlike Western astrology, Jyotish uses the sidereal zodiac, which accounts for the precession of the equinoxes and aligns more closely with the actual constellations.
The Core Components of Jyotish
1. The Planets (Grahas)
In Jyotish, nine celestial bodies are considered:
- Sun (Surya): Represents the soul, father, authority, and government
- Moon (Chandra): Represents the mind, mother, emotions, and public
- Mars (Mangal): Represents energy, courage, brothers, and land
- Mercury (Budha): Represents intelligence, communication, and business
- Jupiter (Guru): Represents wisdom, children, and spirituality
- Venus (Shukra): Represents love, marriage, luxury, and vehicles
- Saturn (Shani): Represents discipline, longevity, and obstacles
- Rahu: North Node of the Moon, representing worldly desires
- Ketu: South Node of the Moon, representing spiritual liberation
2. The Houses (Bhavas)
The birth chart is divided into 12 houses, each representing different areas of life:
- Self, personality
- Wealth, family
- Siblings, courage
- Home, mother
- Children, creativity
- Enemies, illness
- Marriage, partnerships
- Obstacles, inheritance
- Fortune, higher learning
- Career, father
- Gains, elder siblings
- Losses, spirituality
3. The Signs (Rashis)
The zodiac is divided into 12 signs, each with unique characteristics:
- Aries (Mesha)
- Taurus (Vrishabha)
- Gemini (Mithuna)
- Cancer (Karka)
- Leo (Simha)
- Virgo (Kanya)
- Libra (Tula)
- Scorpio (Vrishchika)
- Sagittarius (Dhanu)
- Capricorn (Makara)
- Aquarius (Kumbha)
- Pisces (Meena)
The Birth Chart (Janma Kundali)
The birth chart is a map of the heavens at the exact time of one's birth. It shows the positions of planets in signs and houses, forming the foundation for all astrological interpretations.
Dashas: The Unique Time Periods
One of the most distinctive features of Jyotish is its system of planetary periods called Dashas. The Vimshottari Dasha system spans 120 years and divides a person's life into major and sub-periods ruled by different planets, helping predict when certain events might occur.
Conclusion
Jyotish offers a profound system for understanding our lives, tendencies, and potential futures. While this introduction covers the basics, Vedic astrology is a vast field with many specialized techniques and interpretations. For a personalized understanding, consulting with a knowledgeable Jyotish practitioner is recommended.