Indian astrology or ‘Jyotish’ is often referred to as Vedic astrology. Though there is no mention of astrology in the Vedas, it is believed to date back to the Vedic period and also many prayers and remedies prescribed in indian astrology are also in the Vedic system.

Astrology is the science of the effects of the planet’s movements on people’s lives. Astrologers need to know the correct positions of the planets and zodiacal fixed star signs in relation to any place on earth at any given time. When the correct positions of the signs and planets are identified, astrologers can make astrology charts that are then used to help a person make positive choices in life. Vedic astrology believes that planets and stars can influence events on Earth, and a soul incarnating in a body at a specific time and place, reflects conditions of the greater whole. Vedic astrology is interlinked with Karma, fate and free will. Fate in Karma refers to a present condition being the result of past actions from previous lives. Free will in Karma means that the future is created by present actions.

Based on the planets at the time of birth, sixteen divisional charts (Varga’s) are prepared, by dividing the degrees of the planets. These charts are examined to work out the strength and weakness of planets and houses. For example, one-ninth division called Navamsa to study spouse and married life. The last Varga, Shodashamsa, is prepared by dividing the planet’s degrees in to one-sixtieth parts. Vedic astrology uses an additional 27-fold division of the zodiac called Nakshatra (star constellations). Nakshatra positions of planets are examined in the birth chart and are Vedic astrology is one of the oldest forms of astrology. It evolved over 5,000 years ago and is based on a body of knowledge known as the 'Vedas,' which translates to 'knowledge' or 'wisdom,' and is referred to as Jyotish, -- the ‘light of the heavenly bodies’. Today, Vedic astrology is acknowledged as one of the most powerful forms of astrology in practice and is followed by millions around the world.

While Western astrology is known for its emphasis on the psychological nature and personality of the individual, Vedic astrology's primary focus is on predicting cycles and events of the future, putting more emphasis on understanding when certain events are likely to take place. Vedic astrology gives a better view of: a person's karmic tendencies and when such tendencies are likely to manifest for that person through a unique system of planetary time cycles, called 'dashas,' for which there is no corresponding method in Western astrology. One of the aphorisms offered by this body of knowledge is:

The planets in Vedic astrology are referred to as 'grahas' and ancient scriptures refer to them as the lords of karma and destiny. It is believed that the birth chart of an individual is based on their past karma, which is bestowed upon them by the nine planets. However, it is not Vedic astrology's purpose to replace an individual's responsibility to decide what is best for them. The role of astrology is to make one aware of the presence or absence of certain tendencies, and should be used as a tool for making better decisions. Ultimately, the purpose of astrology is self-knowledge, self-awareness and improvement.

Vedic astrology follows the same combinations of the houses, signs and planets as those in Western astrology. But for those of us familiar with the Western birth chart, there will be many differences. The Vedic birth chart is square, instead of the round chart wheel of Western astrology. The houses, signs and planets also take on different meaning under Vedic astrology. The more recently discovered outer planets -- Neptune, Pluto and Uranus are not considered in Vedic astrology for the purposes of interpreting a chart, however, the Lunar Nodes are. The North Node is known as Rahu and the South Node as Ketu. Each planet is also given rulership over a particular sign of the zodiac and it is referred to as its lord. The ruling planet transfers a large part of its influence upon the sign it rules and planet ruler ships play a very important part in Vedic science. 

Another major difference between the two is that Western astrology uses the Tropical Zodiac, which is based on the equinoxes. The beginning of the Tropical Zodiac or its first degree of Aries is always with the spring or vernal Equinox. Vedic astrology uses the Sidereal Zodiac which tracks planetary movements against the actual movement of the stars, and the first degree of Aries or the start of the Sidereal Zodiac starts approximately 24 degrees ahead of that of the Tropical Zodiac. So unless you were born between the 15th or 20th of any month, you will find that your Western Sun sign and ascendant, as well as some of the planets are moved back by one sign in your Vedic chart.

Western astrology considers the Sun as the center of our universe, and therefore the most significant influence in our lives. Vedic astrology, on the other hand, uses the 27 constellations of the Moon -- called the Lunar Mansions or Nakshatras -- as the primary source of predictive techniques. The Sun represents one's soul while the Moon represents one's mind. Both are important, and both have a significant place in astrology

To make the necessary observations and to translate these observations into terms of correspondence with events occurring on the Earth, both physical and psychological, Hindu Astrologers evolved a rational procedure which is based on five main factors:
1. The Zodiac fixed background to which all heavenly bodies are referred. This background is divided into twelve equal parts.
2. The Asterisms-Subdivisions of the Fixed Background or Zodiac into smaller sections marked by the Fixed Stars.
3. The Solar System-The Sun, the Moon and the planets which, like the Earth, comprise our own Solar system. The motions of these bodies from one point to another point, within the fixed background and in relation to the Earth.
4. The Houses-Imaginary space divisions, radiating out vertically from any particular point on the Earth's surface, and marking out divisions of space, traversed by this point during each twenty-four hours, as the Earth revolves on its own axis.
5. Time-Any given moment at which an event occurs.

THE ZODIAC

In order to determine these positions and groupings accurately, Astrologers use a fixed background or plane of reference called the Zodiac.The Zodiacal Circle is in the same plane as the Ecliptic which is the approximate path of the Earth and Planets in their motion around the Sun. The Zodiac, therefore, is merely the Ecliptic extended limitlessly into space.

These twelve equal sections or divisions of the Zodiac are called the Signs of the Zodiac and are named and numbered as follows:  (l ) Aries  (2) Taurus     (3) Gemini     (4) Cancer    (5) Leo     (6) Virgo    (7) Libra     (8) Scorpio    (9) Sagittarius     (10) Capricorn
(11) Aquarius     (12) Pisces 

Vedic Terminology :   (1)  Mesha     (2) Vrishabha     (3) Mithuna     (4) Karka     (5) Sinha    (6) Kanya    (7) Tula  (8) Vrischika     (9) Dhanu    (10) Makara     (11) Kumbha     (12) Mina

THE ASTERISMS  or   NAKSHTRA

It was observed by the ancient Astronomers that many changes occurred within the 30 degree zones mapped out by the Zodiac. It was therefore, found necessary to subdivide each of the twelve sections or Signs of the Zodiac. Using the belt of Fixed Stars which encircle the Earth at the Equator as markers, they divided the Zodiacal Background into 27 sections, the boundary of each being marked by a particular Fixed Star, located close to the Zodiacal belt. These sections are known as the Asterisms or Nakshatras.

They begin at the same point in the Constellation Aries which marks the beginning of the Zodiac,. and since each extends over an arc of 13 deg-20', there are therefore twenty-seven of them in the complete circle of 360 degrees.

PLANETS

The Zodiac and the Asterisms form the fixed background to which all the variables or moving points used in Astrology are referred to as a sort of backdrop, in front of which the drama of our solar system is played.

Navagraha (Nine Planets)

According to Vedic Astrology, the planets are relay stations for the reception and transmission of stellar-energies. The seven major or visible planets are normally listed in order of the days they rule: Sun, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn for Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Order of Navagraha (Nine Planets)

Of the planets, the Sun and the Moon, as the two luminaries are most important. Next in importance are Mars, Jupiter and Saturn as the major planets beyond the orbit of the earth. Then come Venus and Mercury as the major planets within the orbit of Earth and therefore always close to the Sun. The Lunar nodes, north and south, called Rahu and Ketu, regarded as shadowy or secondary planets, are of yet less importance. After them, in significance, we can place the distant planets of Uranus, Neptune and Pluto.

Navagraha and the Qualities of Nature

The planets are generally given the three qualities as follows:

Elements of the Navagraha(Planets)

The traditional association of elements and planets in Vedic Astrology are as follows:

Navagraha(Planetary) Natures - Benefic and Malefic

To make the necessary observations and to translate these observations into terms of correspondence with events occurring on the Earth, both physical and psychological, Hindu Astrologers evolved a rational procedure which is based on five main factors: 1. The Zodiac fixed background to which all heavenly bodies are referred. This background is divided into twelve equal parts. 2. The Asterisms-Subdivisions of the Fixed Background or Zodiac into smaller sections marked by the Fixed Stars. 3. The Solar System-The Sun, the Moon and the planets which, like the Earth, comprise our own Solar system. The motions of these bodies from point to point within the Fixed Background and in relation to the Earth. 4. The Houses-Imaginary space divisions, radiating out vertically from any particular point on the Earth's surface, and marking out divisions of space, traversed by this point during each twenty-four hours, as the Earth revolves on its own axis. 5. Time-Any given moment at which an event occurs.

THE ZODIAC

In order to determine these positions and groupings accurately, Astrologers use a fixed background or plane of reference called the Zodiac.The Zodiacal Circle is in the same plane as the Ecliptic which is the approximate path of the Earth and Planets in their motion around the Sun. The Zodiac, therefore, is merely the Ecliptic extended limitlessly into space.

These twelve equal sections or divisions of the Zodiac are called the Signs of the Zodiac and are named and numbered as follows:(l ) Aries     (2) Taurus     (3) Gemini     (4) Cancer     (5) Leo     (6) Virgo     (7) Libra     (8) Scorpio     (9) Sagittarius     (10) Capricorn     (11) Aquarius     (12) Pisces

Vedic Terminology : 1. Mesha     2. Vrishabha      3. Mithuna    4. Karka     5. Sinha      6. Kanya     7. Tula     8. Vrischika     9. Dhanu     10. Makara      11. Kumbha     12. Mina

THE ASTERISMS or NAKSHTRA

It was observed by the ancient Astronomers that many changes occurred within the 30 degree zones mapped out by the Zodiac. It was therefore, found necessary to subdivide each of the twelve sections or Signs of the Zodiac. Using the belt of Fixed Stars which encircle the Earth at the Equator as markers, they divided the Zodiacal Background into 27 sections, the boundary of each being marked by a particular Fixed Star, located close to the Zodiacal belt. These sections are known as the Asterisms or Nakshatras.

They begin at the same point in the Constellation Aries which marks the beginning of the Zodiac,. and since each extends over an arc of 13 deg-20', there are therefore twenty-seven of them in the complete circle of 360 degrees.

PLANETS

The Zodiac and the Asterisms form the fixed background to which all the variables or moving points used in Astrology are referred. A sort of backdrop, in front of which the drama of our solar system is played.

Navagraha(Nine Planets)

According to Vedic Astrology, the planets are relay stations for the reception and transmission of stellar energies. In Vedic Astrology, the seven major or visible planets are normally listed in order of the days they rule: Sun, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn for Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Satutday.

Order of Navagraha(Nine Planets)

Of the planets, the Sun and the Moon, as the two luminaries are most important. Next in importance are Mars, Jupiter and Saturn as the major planets beyond the orbit of the earth. Then come Venus and Mercury as the major planets within the orbit of Earth and therefore always close to the Sun.

The Lunar nodes, norh and south, called Rahu and Ketu, regarded as shadowy or secondary planets, are of yet less imporatance. After them in significance we can place the distant planets of Uranus, Neptune and Pluto.

Navagraha and the Qualities of Nature

The planets are generally given the three qualities as follows:

Elements of the Navagraha(Planets)

The traditional association of elements and planets in Vedic Astrilogy are as follows:

Navagraha(Planetary) Natures - Benefic and Malefic