Jyotish Shastra

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Vedic astrology, also known as Jyotish Shastra, is one of the oldest forms of astrology and has

deep roots in the Vedas, the ancient spiritual texts of India. It is a complex system that
integrates spiritual, philosophical, and astronomical elements. Here are the key Vedic aspects in
astrology:

1. The Planets (Grahas)

In Vedic astrology, planets are not just celestial bodies but deities with distinct energies
influencing human life. There are nine primary planets known as the Navagrahas:

● Sun (Surya): Represents the soul, vitality, leadership, and ego.


● Moon (Chandra): Governs the mind, emotions, and intuition.
● Mars (Mangala): Signifies courage, strength, and aggression.
● Mercury (Budha): Associated with communication, intellect, and reasoning.
● Jupiter (Guru): Symbolizes wisdom, expansion, and spirituality.
● Venus (Shukra): Governs love, beauty, art, and material pleasures.
● Saturn (Shani): Represents discipline, karma, and hardships.
● Rahu: The north node of the moon, associated with desires, illusion, and worldly
attachments.
● Ketu: The south node of the moon, linked with spirituality, detachment, and liberation.

2. Zodiac Signs (Rashis)

The zodiac in Vedic astrology is divided into 12 signs, each corresponding to specific personality
traits:

1. Aries (Mesha)
2. Taurus (Vrishabha)
3. Gemini (Mithuna)
4. Cancer (Karka)
5. Leo (Simha)
6. Virgo (Kanya)
7. Libra (Tula)
8. Scorpio (Vrishchika)
9. Sagittarius (Dhanu)
10. Capricorn (Makara)
11. Aquarius (Kumbha)
12. Pisces (Meena)

These signs form the basis for determining the placement of planets and their effects on an
individual.

3. Houses (Bhavas)
There are 12 houses in a Vedic astrology chart, each representing a specific area of life:

1. First House (Lagna): Self, personality, physical appearance.


2. Second House: Wealth, family, speech, resources.
3. Third House: Siblings, communication, short journeys, courage.
4. Fourth House: Home, mother, emotions, comforts.
5. Fifth House: Children, creativity, intellect, education.
6. Sixth House: Enemies, health, service, obstacles.
7. Seventh House: Marriage, partnerships, relationships.
8. Eighth House: Death, transformation, longevity, occult.
9. Ninth House: Dharma, higher education, spirituality, fortune.
10. Tenth House: Career, social status, authority, reputation.
11. Eleventh House: Gains, friendships, aspirations.
12. Twelfth House: Losses, foreign travels, spirituality, moksha (liberation).

4. Nakshatras (Lunar Mansions)

There are 27 Nakshatras, which are star constellations that divide the 360° zodiac into equal
parts. These Nakshatras provide deeper insights into a person’s nature, character, and destiny.
They are ruled by specific deities and have symbolic meanings. Some prominent Nakshatras
include:

● Ashwini (ruled by Ashwini Kumars)


● Bharani (ruled by Yama)
● Rohini (ruled by Prajapati)
● Mrigashira (ruled by Soma)
● Anuradha (ruled by Mitra)

5. Aspects (Drishti)

In Vedic astrology, planets cast their "gaze" or aspects on specific houses and planets in the
chart. The main aspects include:

● Full Aspect (7th house): All planets aspect the house directly opposite them.
● Special Aspects: Some planets have additional special aspects:
○ Mars aspects the 4th and 8th houses from its position.
○ Jupiter aspects the 5th and 9th houses.
○ Saturn aspects the 3rd and 10th houses.
○ Rahu and Ketu aspect the 5th and 9th houses.

6. Dashas (Planetary Periods)

The Dasha system is a unique predictive method in Vedic astrology. It breaks life into periods
governed by each planet, showing the planetary influences at specific times in a person’s life.
The most widely used system is the Vimshottari Dasha, where life is divided into 120 years,
each planetary period lasting a specific number of years. For example:

● Ketu Dasha: 7 years


● Venus Dasha: 20 years
● Sun Dasha: 6 years
● Moon Dasha: 10 years
● Mars Dasha: 7 years

7. Yogas

Yogas are special planetary combinations in a birth chart that bring about specific results. They
can be auspicious (good) or inauspicious (challenging). Some common Yogas include:

● Raja Yoga: Indicates success, power, and leadership when certain planets align
favorably.
● Dhana Yoga: Associated with wealth and prosperity.
● Sanyasa Yoga: Occurs when certain combinations lead to renunciation and spiritual life.

8. Transits (Gocharas)

The transits of planets, especially Saturn (Shani), Jupiter (Guru), Rahu, and Ketu, are
significant in Vedic astrology. These transits affect life events and can either support or
challenge the Dasha periods.

9. Karma and Dharma

Vedic astrology is deeply connected to the concept of karma (actions) and dharma (life’s
purpose). It views a birth chart as a karmic blueprint of a person’s life. By understanding
planetary influences, one can better align with their life path (dharma) and fulfill their karmic
obligations.

10. Moksha

The ultimate goal of Vedic astrology, unlike Western astrology, is spiritual growth and liberation
(Moksha). Certain houses (4th, 8th, and 12th) and planets like Ketu indicate spiritual inclinations
and the quest for moksha.

Summary

Vedic astrology emphasizes understanding one's karmic journey, aligning with dharma, and
attaining spiritual growth while navigating life’s challenges and opportunities through planetary
influences. It provides a rich, holistic view of both the material and spiritual aspects of life.

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