FAQs - Founder , Branches and Philosophy of Astrology

September 23, 2007

1. What are the limbs of Vedas

Astrology is probably the oldest knowledge known to mankind. As a subject it has survived for more than thousands of years.

Indian astrology rooted in astrology can be traced back to the Vedic literature, the oldest literature in the world

There are six anga (limbs) of Vedas:

Siksha

Chhandas

Vyakarana

Nirukta

Jyotish

Kalpa

Astrology is considered the eyes of the Vedas.

2. Who are its founders?

According to Bhattotpala, the Sun God is the first author of Astrology, It is said that astrology was propounded by eighteen eminent Rishis. They are:

1. Surya

7. Kashyapa

13. Lomash

2. Pitamaha

8. Narada

14. Paulash

3. Vyas

9. Garga

15. Chyavan

4. Vashishtha

10. Maricha

16. Yavana

5. Atri

11. Manu

17. Bhrigu

6. Parashar

12. Angira

18. Shaunaka

3. What are the branches of Astrology?

Astrology has been broadly divided into three divisions:

1. Siddhanta or Ganita - It deals with the calculation of Grahas positions. Nowadays, it is known as astronomy.

2. Samhita - This comprises mundane astrology and various other prognostic materials such as sakuna (omens) etc.

3. Hora - It is concerned with the life of human beings.

Taking into consideration modern trends and tastes, astrology can be further divided into the following minor branches:

1. Jataka or Natal Astrology - It deals with the birth moment and the interpretation of planetary motions and their angular relationship to the earth in terms of human characteristics, behaviour and activities.

2. Prasna or Horary Astrology - It deals with the casting of a chart for the birth of a question, idea, or event that seeks resolution.

3. Muhurta or Election Astrology - It attempts to choose the most auspicious moment for commencing any new undertaking or function.

4. Medical Astrology - This branch of Natal Astrology is concerned with health and the physical strength/weakness areas of sensitivity etc. in the body.

5. Corporate Astrology - It deals with the finance of companies.

6. Esoteric Astrology - This branch of astrology deals with the degree of evolution of the individual whose chart is under consideration. It is a study of the more subtle, hidden energies that underlie and influence the phenomenal appearance of our world.

7. Mundance or Judicial Astrology - It literally means "astrology of the world ". It refers to the influence of planets on the masses, cities or countries. The prediction of natural and political calamities such as famines, floods, cyclones, fires, lightning. earthquakes, political upheavals and holocausts.

8. Meteorological Astrology - It uses astronomical information to understand and predict weather conditions.

9. Agricultural Astrology - It is the application of astrology to planting and harvesting crops.

10. Remedial Astrology - It deals with interpersonal relationship among various human beings

4. What is the philosophy of Astrology?

The discipline of astrology is founded on the doctrine of Karma and Reincarnation. The "Doctrine of Karma " is an occult law of cause and effect - we are reaping in this life what we have sown in our past life.

In fact "Destiny" is nothing but the composite fruit of one's own actions during previous lives. Astrology is a science, which depicts an individual's destiny pattern with a particular set of planetary conditions in birth chart. In other words, our destiny has been brought about by the exercise of freewill in the past.

5. Why should we study Astrology?

We are neither utterly bound, nor on the other hand are we entirely free. Within inexorable destiny, there is option and room for the operation of free will. Astrology can be a valuable aid in not only knowing our destiny and its present implications but also a guide in achieving final liberation.

6. Do planets and stars really have any effect on the lives of individuals and nations?

Yes. Though it is not possible to verify planetary influences in the same manner in which physical science verify facts; but the repeated occurrence of a particular phenomenon at a given set of astrological conditions did make it possible to ascertain the nature of planetary effects on humans.

7. Is Astrology a science?

Jyotish has its base in Astronomy, which is generally accepted as the science of stars and planets. The predictive aspect of astrology is a science, in the sense that it is a systematic, organized and formulated knowledge. However, the mechanism of influence of planetary movement on terrestrial phenomena, has not yet been demonstrated by "methodology" or any known scientific apparatus. Its validity can be established with the help of statistical evidences.

British astronomer Percy Seymour in his book "Astrology: The Evidence of Science" has put forth a scientific theory of planetary influence.

8. If Astrology is a science, how can prediction go wrong?

Very often, we find that predictions go wrong. At times the remedial measures suggested by astrologers do not produce the desired result. It is just like the diagnosis going wrong at times, or a certain treatment failing. But, in spite of such failures, medical science is not declared unscientific. If we go deeper into the study, in order to find out why predictions fail, we find the fault does not lie with the 'science of astrology' but with the 'persons' who have made the prediction. In this respect our ancient seers and sages laid down the qualifications that any astrologer should possess.

9.What are the basic qualifications of an astrologer?

1. An astrologer must have acquired sufficient knowledge of astronomy. He should be good in mathematical calculations. He should be able to visualize planet's effect on life as per accumulation of karma.

2. He should study the various original books on astrology propounded by our sages and also books published by modern scholars.

3. An astrologer must be truthful, virtuous and noble in words, deeds and in his behaviour. This ethical discipline is necessary for attaining inner poise, which is an aid to keep concentration that generates intuitive understanding. Self discipline and a detached and objective approach are, thus necessary for correct interpretations of horoscopic charts.

4. An astrologer by his upasana and sadhana (various observances of devotional and spiritual ethics and practices) has to develop a kind of sixth sense.

5. In assessing astrological forecast, an astrologer must bear in mind, the limitations of the human brain, as well as the scope and limitations of the various sciences.