This section describes what is Jyotisha - Indian or Hindu astrology.
Jyotisha is also called Vedic Astrology, because it is part of the oldest scriptural texts of Hinduism called Vedanga.
There are six disciplines in Vedanga:
Shiksha: phonetics and phonology
Chandas: meter
Vyakarana: grammar
Nirukta: etymology
Jyotisha: astrology and astronomy
Kalpa: ritual
Similar to Western Astrology, Jyotisha uses planets called "graha" in Sanskrit:
"Surya" - The Sun, representing soul.
"Chandra" - The Moon, representing mind.
"Mangala" - The Mars, representing energetic action.
"Budha" - The Mercury, representing communication.
"Guru" - Jupiter, representing the great teacher.
"Sukra" - The Venus, representing wealth, pleasure and reproduction.
"Sanaiscarya" - The Saturn, representing career and health.
"Rahu" - The ascending lunar node.
"Ketu" - The descending Lunar node.
Jyotisha also uses 12 signs called "Rashi" in Sanskrit:
Mesha - Aries
Vrishabha - Taurus
Mithuna - Gemini
Karka - Cancer
Simha - Leo
Kanya - Virgo
Tula - Libra
Vrishchika - Scorpio
Dhanus - Sagittarius
Makara - Capricorn
Kumbha - Aquarius
Meena - Pisces
Jyotisha uses a horoscope chart different than the Western astrology, see the picture below:
