Astrology Notes - Herong's Notes - v2.13, by Herong Yang
Jyotisha - Indian or Hindu Astrology
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:
Table of Contents
►Quick Introduction to Astrology
►Jyotisha - Indian or Hindu Astrology
Basics of Astrology and Astronomy
Introduction to Western Zodiac Signs
Horoscope and Horoscopic Astrology