Indian astrology…

Hindu astrology…

Vedic astrology…

To beginners, these may seem like completely different things, but they are all about Jyotish, astrology, which is divided into:

1. Traditional (Indian Ganita or Siddhanta).
2. Predictive (Phalita). It is further divided into:
   mundane, predicting particularly important events, such as political changes, wars, earthquakes (also called Samhita or Medini Jyotisha);
3. horary (Hora), based on the analysis of the horoscope that is drawn up at the moment the question arises.

As you can see, it is easy to get confused.

To avoid this, we recommend that you study this material carefully. It contains all the basic information about Jyotish, presented in the most simplified and accessible way possible.

Jyotish: what it is and how it differs from Western astrology

Jyotish is much more than the astrology familiar to most people today.

It is part of the Vedic tradition.

It is a way of understanding karmic tendencies, the life cycle, and the destiny of each individual through the specific arrangement of the planets.

Jyotish was formed in ancient times, when the Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra and the Vedas appeared, i.e., approximately in the first millennium BC. At the same time, oral traditions are even more ancient.

Jyotish differs from Western astrology in the following ways:

Sidereal zodiac. This astrology uses a zodiac that is “linked to the stars,” i.e., sidereal. Western astrology uses a tropical zodiac, which is linked to different seasonal points. The difference is approximately 24°.

1. Emphasis on dharma and karma. In Jyotish, the chart reflects the paths that the soul has taken in its development and the karmic lessons it has experienced. In Western astrology, such emphases simply do not exist and are not provided for.
2. The special role of nakshatras. For a more detailed analysis of the signs, 27 nakshatras or the system of lunar mansions are used.
3. Precise predictive methods. Prediction in Jyotish is based on rigorous methods such as planetary periods (dashas) and transits (gochars).
4. A radically different system of aspects and houses.

Most interpretations and aspects differ greatly from those familiar to Western tradition.

That is, it would be more correct to consider Jyotish not only as a predictive system, but also as a spiritual and philosophical system based on the concepts of karma and the zodiac. Western astrology, on the other hand, is more focused on the tropical zodiac, character, and psychology.

Where to begin studying Jyotish

It all starts with the basics. For Jyotish, these are the sidereal zodiac, planets, houses, and signs.

Ideally, in order to avoid subjectivity and gain accurate and systematic structural knowledge, one should take a course at a specialized school and additionally study books with verified and accurate information on their own.

Beginners in Jyotish will find the following interesting and very useful:

1. Shastras. These are classical texts that can be considered the “foundation.” They are, in fact, the primary source. It is from them that readers gain knowledge about the meanings of bhavas (houses), which have remained unchanged for thousands of years.
2. The “Bible” of Jyotish, the Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra (Maharshi Parashara). This is the unconditional basis. Without studying it, no further analysis will be possible.
3. The structured Phaladipika (Mantreshvara). The text was written in the 13th-15th centuries, i.e., after Parashara. The knowledge in it is presented in an understandable and very specific way. The main focus is on describing the effects of the planets in the houses that work best and most often in modern conditions.
4. The complex but beautiful Brihat Jataka (Varahamihira). It is very important for beginners to study this text. It will help you understand the details of many issues, especially the power of the planets and nature for different zodiac signs.Работы современников тоже заслуживают внимания. Более того, в них информация часто описывается понятнее и доступнее.

Contemporary authors in Jyotish, as a bridge between the West and the East

Ideally, the author should be able to explain metaphysics in a clear way without losing depth. Ideally, their approach should resonate with “conscious astrology.”

Who fits this description?

Without a doubt, the best book for getting started in Jyotish is Robert Svoboda and Hart de Frow’s Light on Life: An Introduction to Indian Astrology. In it, the authors do not simply list interpretations, but also explain the philosophy of dharma and karma in a very understandable way.

They did a very thorough analysis from a psychological point of view. It is ideal for anyone interested in the concept of “life as a flow.”

Those who strive for self-development and want to escape fatalism may enjoy Astrology of the Seers. In this book, author David Frawley shows how astrology, spiritual practice, and Ayurveda are connected. He provides excellent descriptions of the houses and planets, emphasizing how they are connected to energy.

For people with a Western mindset, Ancient Indian Astrology for Modern Western Astrologers by James Braha is a good choice. The practical descriptions of the houses are very clear and useful. He clearly explains how things work in the West and how they work in India. As a result, students find it easier to overcome cognitive dissonance.

Of course, it is worth mentioning K.N. Rao’s series of books, Learning Indian Astrology… with Ease. They pay little attention to psychology, but the structure of the analysis is brilliant. The author’s approach is very interesting. It helps to discipline the mind and explain how to see the main events in the houses of family and career without getting “lost” in a specific chart.

The book “The Eternal Wisdom of India: Vedic Astrology” by practicing astrologer William Livesey can be used as a simple introduction to Jyotish. Everything is explained step by step, with examples. The essence of the ancient system of analyzing human behavior and destiny as a whole is presented in a very exciting way.

R. Svoboda’s “The Greatness of Saturn” is often referred to as a “healing myth.” The book contains many legends about the creation of the world and about people living in harmony with different planets. The author also explains in detail what “Sade Sati” entails, the meaning of this concept, and ways to improve this period experienced by every person.

The key works in Vedic culture are the voluminous Shrimad-Bhagavatam and Bhagavad-Gita. They are not easy to read. But there are additional collections with commentaries that make it easier to understand their deeper meaning. By the way, keep in mind that this meaning can only be grasped through slow and “humble” study of everything described in the work, as well as through faith in everything that is said.

The wisdom of the Bhagavad-gita and the Srimad-Bhagavatam is also not easy to understand. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada’s review book will help with this. Everything is described in the simplest language. By the way, beginners will find another of his books, “In Search of Enlightenment,” useful. The nature of the soul, spiritual experience, self-improvement, and many other issues are considered from the point of view of the fundamentals of Vedic philosophy.

Vedic information is presented in an interesting and unusual way in R. Black’s books Journey in Search of the Meaning of Life and How to Negotiate with the Universe.

For those who seek conscious self-discovery, Eckhart Tolle’s The Power of Now is a good choice.

Top 5 TV series about Vedic culture

It is difficult for contemporaries to understand spiritual literature at first glance.

Films and TV series on related topics make it easier. They examine in detail both the subtleties and the essence of ancient culture, philosophy, and worldview.

For anyone interested in the culture of the Vedas, I recommend watching:

The TV series Shani Dev, based on the Skanda Purana (sacred text), presents ideas about the hypostases and energies of deities and planets, explains the reasons for enmity or friendship between different planets, and devotes considerable attention to questions about the structure of the world.

1. Epic… Incredible… Simply delightful, this series was filmed based on the ancient scripture “Mahabharata.” It was given the same name. It tells the story of the development of the universe, the existing castes, and the key rivalry between the Kauravas and the Pandavas. It was after their battle that Kali Yuga began, the age in which we now live.
2. The sacred image of Shiva, the Greatest God (Mahadev), and Vedic culture are inextricably linked. The series “God of Gods Mahadev” is based on legends from the Puranas about Shiva. The film can be called educational, as it explains Vedic philosophy well and immerses the viewer in the description of events.
3. The wise series Buddha, based on scriptures, legends, and a special Buddhist canon, is dedicated to Siddhartha Gautama Buddha. He is an important figure in Buddhism. The story about him immerses the viewer in the culture of the Vedas and helps to find the missing meaning.

Knowledge of Vedic philosophy will help you achieve happiness in your current incarnation and here on Earth. Develop your soul, don’t slow down its “growth,” watch relevant TV series, read suitable books, master upayas and spiritual practices.

The results will not be long in coming. Just start as early as possible.

Who knows… Perhaps this is your best incarnation. Don’t miss your chance!

Supplement your theoretical studies with films and TV series, immerse yourself deeper into the unique atmosphere of Vedic culture and philosophy. Don’t stop…

Read more about Roman Teos in his blog