About Vedic Astrology

There really is no end to how much can be written about Vedic Astrology, or Astrology in general. My intention for creating this website is to present my own work with Vedic Astrology to assess charts and give useful information to individuals looking for this kind of interpretation of their life conditions. However, I do feel it is important to present some history, greater details and various aspects of mythology, science and skill that need to be used to truly utilize Astrology as an agent of self discovery. It can help people come to a level of clarity and inspiration for why there is such a thing as Astrology, and how we can use it for what it was meant for - self discovery and the timing of events.

This is a very old and exciting topic of study and contemplation. The origin of Vedic Astrology dates back at least to 7000 years, likely even older. This topic did originate in, what in current times, we call India, and while the knowledge related to this topic was organized in the sub-continent by various Sages with great minds, it actually is increasingly believed that Vedic Astrology would not have come about without the help of various outside influences. Let us keep in mind, to say "Ancient India" is somewhat of an incorrect title for this place in the world. The reason is because "Ancient India" was comprised of many different Tribal and early Empire states. These Tribal and Empire states were for the most part Vedic culture oriented (save for some indigenous groups and Islamic empires that took control of certain areas of mainly the northern regions), but they had their own interpretations and applications of Vedic knowledge/culture within their regions. In fact, "India" was not even a nation when the British came and colonized the territory, while at the same time, the British empire actually only took control of the northern and some of the middle sections of this region, where the deep south and parts of the north east were not actually under British control for a long period of it's earlier colonial rule there.

Mean while, trade routes connecting present day Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Iran, the middle east in general, and China, were bringing not only goods/resources but also sciences and knowledge from the various connected cultures in the trade circuits. These influences which eventually became formally organized as Vedic Astrology likely stemmed from trade which occurred between cultures of the ancient world. The ancient Indian spiritual culture gives affirming details on the origin of Vedic Astrology in India, and certainly gives reason to believe India is largely the original home of not only Vedic, but many, Astrological systems used in the world today. However, further research should be done by the reader (if you are that interested on the history behind Vedic Astrology), since there are several views and opinions on the history of how Vedic Astrology came into being.

One historical contribution to Vedic Astrology stems from sometime several thousand year ago; it is believed people from ancient Greece distributed along the trade routes of the time, Greek astrological information and these books/documents entered into India eventually. From there, the Indian people began to study Greek Astrology with great fascination and in this way it would be with reason to consider the validity of Greek influence on Vedic Astrology at least at a certain point in history. The Vedas do mention Astrological information, as well as mythological Vedic books like the Mahabharata. And these ancient Vedic books date back further than the arrival of the Greek Astrological knowledge entering into India. However, Astrology is an evolving topic and therefor historical research is increasingly confirming a significant contribution to Vedic Astrology from the ancient Greek culture. 

Due to the evolving civilizations of the middle east, India and reaching into southeast Europe of ancient times, there was likely a larger area of Vedic civilization/culture than what the geo-political map of India shows today. In fact, Vedic Civilization likely was more central to present day Pakistan and Afghanistan and eastern Iran more than in present day India. However, the Vedic culture spread heavily east and south from its original stronghold and established thoroughly in present day India through the passage of centuries. Due to this history and geographic place-location linked to Vedic culture, we can assume that Greek, Persian and other cultures (even Alexander the Great) eventually mixed, influenced and played a role in formulating each other's cultural knowledge. Therefor, the Vedic Astrology we utilize today, is well a Vedic tradition of science and insight, but heavily contributed by various nearby cultures and civilizations.

Due to the depth and complexity of Vedic Astrology, I cannot dismiss any of the historical origins of this amazing system of knowledge and science. Again, for the readers who are seriously interested to investigate more deeply into the various origins and time line that help to define how Vedic astrology came into being, then please pursue this area of research. And, if you find any valuable information, please communicate with me what you may discover! 

Despite the historical origins of Vedic Astrology, the Astrological knowledge eventually became a totem in Indian life a very long time ago, and the Sages of Vedic culture did exist as living wise people. These Sages are responsible for organizing the Vedic Astrological science, math and insight into the written Sutras and Shashtras, which all practitioners use throughout the world today in order to apply all activities related to Vedic Astrology. In this way Vedic Astrology is a reliable and valued source of insight and education.

Earlier on it is believed that Vedic Astrology was used in conjunction with Vedic scriptures to aid in the timing of various rituals, festivals, marriages and societal decision making. It was a period in history where there was no awareness of the three outer planets (Uranus Neptune and Pluto) so does not utilize these three planets in the classical system, though in modern times many Astrologers practice Vedic Astrology incorporating the three outer planets too. Later on, caused by various shifts in collective consciousness and cultural evolutions, Vedic Astrology began to be used more particularly as a tool to shed 'light' (Jyoti) upon an individual's conditions and life story. In this way, it began to be looked to for helping people live their lives. At a deeper level, Astrology is one of the three ancient sciences of India (Ayurveda, Yoga and Astrology). Therefor, it is a practice of contemplation which looks at the reality of how karma functions in our lives, as well as the natural cycles of planets through the Zodiacs can bring guidance in various conditions in manifested reality.

Jyoti (known in Sanskrit as, 'Light') would be a form of knowledge related to Astrology, Numerology, Palm reading, etc. Jyoti is that which shines 'light' and is not necessarily only tied to Astrology or the other various mystic divination methods.

Janam Kundali is the name used for the Birth Chart, and currently Astrological work is utilizing the Birth Chart to read an individuals life story. The Jyoti (light) of Astrology is seen both in the Kundali (Birth Chart), as well as is the Jyoti (light) of the mind's awareness which perceives all that is held in the Kundali (Birth Chart).

When the Jyoti (light) of the mind is refined with some form of meditation and spiritual practice, then we can perceive the information in the Kundali (Birth Chart) with greater clarity. And in turn, be able to explain this information in a manner that tells the story of an individual's Birth Chart.

In simpler terms, Astrology is a lens of perception. The concept is that, you use Astrology as a lens of perception like you would eye glasses, to help you see clearer. The eye glasses always come off after you finish using them. As well, it would be healthy to take off the lens of perception that Astrology is so as to not become dependent upon it.

If we know the blue print for designing a house, then we can begin making proper measurements and selecting correct tools to use in the construction. Astrology works much the same way, but through our mind, the tools being what our awareness gains through perception of the planets and signs in the Birth Chart. At the very least it can be entertainment and creativity, at a more deep level it can be an immense tool of insight and discovery for the more curious kind of people.

Astrology can be used as a tool for self inquiry and development, for individuals interested to utilize this science at a deeper level. We shape our reality through the mind's creative awareness. If we understand the nature of the mind, or how our mind is wired, then we can often more easily share our reality. Astrology aids our ability to both inquire into the nature of the mind as well as how it is wired to reveal how and why it functions the way it does. As well, Astrology helps us see how Nature itself functions, in the world at large.

In this way, Astrology is very much a science of nature, as well as a science of the mind and reality. There has been great debate between Astrological groups and Astronomical groups. However, it would be useful to consider that one scientific system would not be possible without the other. In other words, Astrological science cannot be without Astronomical science, and yet Astronomical science cannot be used in a more specific manner without Astrological science. By no means does an Astrologer need to be an Astronomer, or visa versa. However, if an Astrologer learned a bit of Astronomy, or an Astronomer learned a bit of Astrology, we would come to new realizations about the science of both topics. If the willingness were there to explore and see how interconnected these two sciences are, then the result would be that we could expand consciousness, knowledge and wisdom into new potential realms of evolution.

The scholarly aspects to Vedic Astrology go far beyond what Mosaic Vedic Astrology website was designed to explain. However, it would be useful to take a moment to address some perspectives about the ancient sages who compiled the poetic hymns of Vedic Astrology. The Sanskrit language (a deep study of history, language and culture alone) was utilized in ancient times in India to formally create texts which explain wisdom, mythology and various forms of science and arts of Hindu, Buddhist and Jainist spirituality. The history of Sanskrit language is unique and comes in various parts, which we will not venture into here. What is important to remember, is that Sanskrit was utilized to create many texts, including those texts of Vedic Astrological knowledge and science. As mentioned, the history of Vedic culture and Sanskrit language is beyond what this particular website aims to accomplish, so we will continue to focus on a very brief background of Vedic Astrology from this point of reference as it relates to Sanskrit scriptures.

The poetic hymns of Sanskrit writing are known as Shastras and Sutras. Whether Shastras or Sutras were used depends mainly on which time period in history the writing was taking place in, and which sage was doing the writing. Shastras and Sutras are Sanskrit words organized similar to a poem and are usually most related to Vedic scriptures. The basic difference between Shastras and Sutras relates to most obviously that Shastras are more lengthy and detailed descriptions, while the Sutras are more brief, yet directed descriptions. With the help of the unique Sanskrit language, these Shastras/Sutras were created to induce inquiry and deeper contemplation in the mind of those who read these hymns. In the hymns are all forms of story, knowledge/wisdom, and tools related to Vedic Astrology. To read these hymns, is to let one's mind go deeply into thinking about what they mean. Out of this deep thought induced by Sanskrit Shastras or Sutras, comes realization and increased insight.

There have been many Sages of Vedic Astrology over the many thousands of years this form of Astrology has been utilized. Since there is in fact a scientific element to Astrology, this topic of study has it's own history and evolutionary story. Some of the more well known Sages of Vedic Astrology are: 
-Parashara (often referred to as the "Father of Vedic Astrology"), who is the author of Brihat Parashara Hora Shastras.
-Jaimini, who is the author of Jaimini Sutras.
-Venkatesa Sarma, who is the author of Sarvartha Chintamani.
- Bhrigu, who is the author of Bhrigu Samhita 
Overall, there are said to have lived 18 master Vedic Astrologers who were well versed in Sanskrit and excelled in various spiritual, mystic, philosophical and scientific aspects of the human condition, mind and consciousness at large. There are as well a wide range of other sages and mastered individuals who have contributed over the eras to the topic of Vedic Astrology. To this day, Vedic Astrology is researched and evolved by the help of many individuals both in Sanskrit as well as many languages from around the world.

At times it seems that Vedic Astrology can fall into a few different categories. One category of classical, or traditional Vedic Astrology and the second category being that of evolutionary Vedic Astrology (which is a basis of classical/traditional understanding with a focus on how Vedic Astrology has/can evolve and change over time). Consciousness is the make up of this reality and world, the world and this reality is Consciousness in a material and experiential sense too. When we look into the nature of Consciousness and events related to it, we can see various conditions that are apparent. It is these conditions, events and natural phenomena occurring, as Consciousness, which Vedic Astrology at the deepest level seeks to inquire into. 

It is always interesting to ask ourselves what are our material, monetary, living and home situation(s) going to look like; or what is the best decision to make about these matters of our lives. However, once we move our attention and interests beyond the material, monetary, living and home situation(s) we will meet with our soul and spiritual existence - where more profound and earnest questions await us. It is in all of these areas of life, most importantly the spiritual and soul arenas, that Vedic Astrology can be applied to inquire, discover and enlighten. We are living in an interesting, strange and exciting period of time. To have an extra lens of perception like Vedic Astrology may well provide the guidance we need to live more holistic and conscious lives, for ourselves and all our relations in this Universal existence.