Astrology is the study of planetary influences and their affect on the world and everything in it. Astrology is usually limited to human beings-their nature, and their affairs.
Indian Astrology is considered to be one of the oldest, most accurate and consistent form of astrology all over the world. It is a natural cosmic science based on real astronomy. The birth chart cast on the Indian System makes adjustments for the fact that our Universe (Zodiac) is moving and not fixed (the Big Bang theory). This system is over 7000 years old and proves that ancient Indians had a great grasp of astronomy much before any other civilization.Also the Indian system takes into account the fact that the zodiac is epileptic and not circular, due to which the twelve houses in a birth chart are not 30 degree each but vary according to the time of birth. Due to these differences the birth chart, cast on the Indian system would come out different from that done on any other system and is considered much more accurate.
Indian astrological studies consist of 27 constellations, in 12 lunar mansions. The movements of the two luminaries - Sun and Moon, five major planets (Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Venus and Mercury) and the two nodal points of the Moon i.e., Rahu and Ketu are considered, and their positions marked. Indian Astrology does not recognize extra Saturnine planets like Pluto, Neptune and Uranus.
The Moon is taken as a very important planet for predictions, though it is a satellite of the earth. The complete predictive mechanism is based on the Moon Sign and not the Sun Sign. The Moon, at the time of birth is found in a particular position or in a particular star, which is taken as the star of a person. This star is used to find the major and sub-periods of a person's life. The Moon changes its Zodiac sign in 2¼ - 2½days compared to the Sun, which is stationary on a sign for 30 days. Therefore for every "12" changes in a year for the Sun, the Moon changes nearly "146" times, resulting in greater accuracy in prediction.
Also the Moon signifies the Mind. Since the Moon is the heavenly body closest to the earth, the magnetic influences of all other planets reach the Earth through the Moon.
Also since the mind is ruled by the Moon and all influences on the Human Being whether physical, mental, psychological or supernatural is effected through the human mind, the moon is very significant. The human body which is ruled by the Sun may or may not respond to the mental / psychological / supernatural influences.
A Horoscope is thus based on detailed mathematical calculations detailing the longitude and latitude of planets at the time of birth. This portion is a science, since a horoscope if cast correctly will be same every time even if made by different people. On the other hand, the interpretation of the horoscope is a Fine Art and involves experience as well as Intuitive Powers for prediction.
This leads to two different astrologers giving differing predictions.The Vedas (1500 B.C.), which are the oldest religious literature available, bear references to this science. "Jyothisha or Astrology" is one of the limbs of the "Vedas". Hindus were the original masters who had the thorough knowledge of astronomy and many rituals and religious rites were related to the position of planets and their motions.
Long before Kepler, Copernicus, Brahe, Galilio and other galaxy of astronomers were born, the Hindu sages had already gained much knowledge on the stellar or planetary universe.
Indian Astrology has been divided into three main branches of study: Siddanta, Samhita and Hora. Siddantas are those who are devoted to the astronomical study of celestial bodies Samhitas deal with mundane astrology, earth quakes, floods, volcanic eruptions, rainfall, weather conditions economic conditions and effects of sunspots. Another very important branch is the Phalitha Jyothisha branch, which concentrates on the system of predictions. This branch has six sub-divisions, namely, Jathaka, Gola, Prasna, Nimitta, Muhurta and Ganitha.
Apart from these schools of planetary interpretations, we have the Nadi system which gives pen pictures of life and destiny patterns of people born at 12,24,48 second intervals. These have been written on palm leaves. Very few experts can read and understand these, but the results and predictions are found to be amazingly accurate.
In India Astrology is taken very seriously and serves various purposes:
- To predict future events.
- To match the birth-charts of couples at the time of marriage to ensure a successful married life.
- To provide Life reading containing issues of a person's personal life.
- To determine the Muhurath (the best time to start any auspicious ceremony).
- To determine which stars are affecting one's life.
- To provide a remedy for problems.
- To determine the right Gemstone to be used to become successful.
