Hindu astrology, also called Indian astrology, jyotisha (Sanskrit: ज्योतिष, romanized: jyotiṣa; from jyót ‘light, heavenly body’) and, more recently, Vedic astrology, is the traditional Hindu system of astrology. It is one of the six auxiliary disciplines in Hinduism that is connected with the study of the Vedas.
The Vedanga Jyotisha is one of the earliest texts about astronomy within the Vedas. Some scholars believe that the horoscopic astrology practiced in the Indian subcontinent came from Hellenistic influences. However, this is a point of intense debate, and other scholars believe that Jyotisha developed independently, although it may have interacted with Greek astrology.
Vedic astrology is based on the teachings of the Vedas. Here the planets are read in terms of their impact on the last life and the simultaneous effect on the present, going by the notion of Karma. In Hindu astrology, only the planets till Saturn are used. The other tools used for predictions are dasha, prashna, muhurta, varshaphal, lunar nakshatra and harmonic charts.
Astrology has a twofold purpose. On one hand it is used as a tool to select the right month the right date and the right time to start various auspicious rites and rituals so that the results are better. On the other hand it is used as a guide to study the destiny of an individual.
Indian astrology is based on the theory of fate. The good and the bad actions of the past life determine your fate or Karma of your present life, and the actions of your present life determine your future Karma. According to Indian astrology, a person is born at that place, on that number, and on that moment when his fate is in perfect mathematical harmony with the progress of the stars in heaven. However, it does not preach total dependence on fate. Astrology lets you know what you were born with, what your possibilities are, the limitations, your strong points, and your drawbacks. What type of life partners and professions suit you and what to expect is also indicated. It also prescribes various remedial measures to ward off the bad effects and to enhance the good results. Astrology is your roadmap of destiny. However, your fate is in your hands. The scriptures guide us by telling us what is good and what is bad; what to do and what not to do; how to do and how not to do. You are given a piece of land and the seeds to sow. How much effort to put into it, what amount of manure and water to add, and when how to reap the produce is your job. After that, it is you who have to act using your knowledge intelligence, discrimination, and experience. Fate is like a game of cards where you cannot help the cards that have been dealt to you but how to play them is in your hands. You may get good cards but if you play badly you will lose and you may get bad cards and still win if you play carefully. Don’t blame the roadmap if you get drunk, drive badly, and have an accident! In the Mahabharata Lord Krishna advised Arjuna and also to Duryodhana. One listened and the other did not!