What is Jyotish, Vedic Astrology?

By Dr. Jai Maharaj, Jyotishi, Vedic Astrologer

October 3, 1997

Copyright (C) 1997 Mantra Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

Jyotish is the most time-tested system of astrology in the world. The Sanskrit word is rooted in "jyoti" which means light, as the light of knowledge. Jyotish signifies the "science of light". In western countries, Jyotish is often referred to as Vedic, Indian, or Hindu astrology. Jyotish knowledge can be traced back to the Vedic civilization in northern Bharat (also known as India). Indeed, Jyotish is a part of the vedic sciptures -- many manuscripts and translations of which are available.

Please see the article "A Brief History of Astrology" located here.

We use the sidereal (according to the stars) positions of the planets against the backdrop of the relatively-fixed stars in Jyotish -- just as one "sees them in the sky", as astronomers do, and as do more than 90 per cent of astrologers in the world.

This is the most important difference between Vedic and tropical astrology. Tropical astrologers base their zodiac on the equinoxes instead. The result is that the positions of the planets they calculate continues to change with respect to the stars.

The arithmetical difference between planetary positions calculated sidereally and tropically is a value for what is called the precession of the equinoxes, or the Ayanaunsh. Today, this difference is 23 degrees 49 minutes and 17 seconds according to the official government calculation.

Planetary positions in the sidereal and tropical systems coincide approximately every 26,000 years, the last such occasion being about the beginning of the Christian era.

I have discussed this difference in more detail in the article "Simplified Basic Concepts" available here.

In Jyotish, the positions of the planets and other significant points are calculated with respect to a person's, or event's, birth data. Essentially, these are the time, date and place of birth. The results are then used to calculate numerous charts and tables -- about a hundred in all. It is the job of the astrologer to study them simultaneously and derive useful information based on the rules of interpretation created by our ancient sage-scientists. This study of the charts, a synthesis of information, can typically take about 10-15 hours and includes a decision about what remedial actions can be taken to enhance the person's life -- spiritually and materially.

The mention of remedies cannot neglect a discussion of health and disease and how they are related to astrology. What we call "medical astrology" in the West is an integral a part of Jyotish. Planets, the named divisions of the zodiac, nodes, stars and aspects between them are studied and their association with our body organs and tissues analyzed to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of illness. The system is holistic in that parts are correlated with the whole.

A note about Jyotishis, or Vedic astrologers: most of us were trained in our career from early childhood -- reciting and memorizing Sanskrit verses without knowing what they meant! Later as the study continues, usually at the feet of the father and Guru, they begin to make sense. The juvenile sense of rebellion slowly turns into fascination and respect. Since it is foreseen that the practice of Jyotish of the father will be taken over by the child and clients from all walks of life will be encountered, many a young Jyotishi looks forward to education in the medical, legal, business, political and other fields as well. Such is the family tradition in Jyotish; knowledge has been passed down the generations for over 8,000 years.

Jyotish is inseparable from its sister sciences of Yog, Ayurved, Tantr and others. A Jyotishi must learn them to a certain degree before beginning a practice. Most important, a Jyotishi is always learning and teaching. The end of learning is the end of the astrologer.

Please feel free to write if there are questions or comments. I will try to respond if I have the knowledge. Otherwise, the messages will be referred to persons who know more. It is a blessing that there is no shortage of them and of whom I beg forgiveness for my errors.