About Vedic Astrology
Jyotish
the science of light
Vedic Astrology
Your Cosmic GPS
About vedic astrology
Vedic Astrology, called Jyotish in Sanskrit, means the science of light. It’s a sister-science to Ayurveda and Yoga. The Vedas are ancient Sanskrit texts that offer a blueprint for individual and collective spiritual evolution. Westerners are drawn to the Vedic sciences as we discover the benefits of Yoga, Meditation, and Ayurveda. Crystal healing, sound healing, color therapy, and aromatherapy all have roots in Ayurveda and Jyotish.
Vedic Astrology in Ventura, CA
What is Vedic Astrology?
Vedic Astrology is a sophisticated tool for understanding how the subtle energies of stars and planets affect you in real time. Your Natal Horoscope shows your soul’s purpose as well as how your personal planetary cycles affect past, present, and future. Jyotish uses the same signs and planets you’ll recognize from Western Astrology, but it uses astronomically accurate data—so you might be surprised at the differences. It’s the most ancient continuously-practiced form of astrology on the planet. Scroll down to learn the difference between Vedic and Western Astrology.
Ganesha, the patron of Vedic Astrology
Jantar Mantar in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India is a huge computer capable of accurate astronomical calculations AND astrology! Completed in 1734, this observatory is home of the world’s largest sundial. Its devices calculate planetary and stellar positions with accuracy that rivals modern telescopes. Vedic Astrology uses real-time data, so Jantar Mantar continues to give accurate calculations. The group of structures in front of the yellow building are for the 12 signs of the zodiac. Each structure shows when the Sun enters its sign. I visited the site in 2015 and was profoundly moved to connect with Vedic Astrology’s rich history.
How is Jyotish different from Western Astrology?
Western Astrology descended from Mesopotamian, Egyptian, and Greek roots (Chaldean and Hellenistic Astrology). It uses the Tropical Zodiac which is a calendar for Earthly seasons. However, the Tropical Zodiac is no longer astronomically accurate due to axial precession – a fancy way of saying the Earth wobbles as it hurls through space at 67,000 mph (107,000 kph). One reason your Astronomy 101 teacher might have said astrology is unscientific!
The Tropical Zodiac excels as a calendar for planting vegetable gardens and similar seasonal earth-based activities—but if you want to know how subtle stellar and planetary energies affect you in REAL TIME—go Vedic.
Vedic Astrology uses the astronomically accurate Sidereal Zodiac—used by astronomers for real-time data. What you see in the sky matches what you see in the chart. Vedic Astrology is a tool par excellence for gauging planetary and stellar influences on your life and on society as a whole - based on accurate, real-time data.
The difference between the Sidereal Zodiac and Tropical Western Zodiac is about 23°, so your Vedic signs may appear differently than your Western chart.
Vedic Astrology focuses on the 2 Luminaries (Sun & Moon) plus the 5 Visible Planets. The five planets that can been seen by the naked eye have a much greater impact on human affairs than more distant planets. Jyotish also emphasizes the role of Rahu and Ketu, “shadow planets” known as the Dragon’s Head (Rahu) and Dragon’s Tail (Ketu). Rahu & Ketu speak to your soul’s evolution and karma for past, present, and future lives. Sanchita, Prarabdha, and Kriyamana.
Jyotish and Hellenistic Astrology share a common legacy of Planets and Signs, but Jyotish also has modalities whose wisdom has been lost to the West—until now. The Dasha system (planetary cycles unique to you) and the Nakshatra system (a complete Lunar Zodiac) are finally available to Westerners with Vedic Astrology.
Remedies. The purpose of Vedic astrology isn’t to fatalistically accept the inevitable! Vedic Astrology offers potent metaphysical tools to help you overcome obstacles and make wise use of your gifts. Every reading includes remedies tailored to your specific chart. Remedies often include planetary mantras, targeted meditations, acts of charity, and balancing your aura with certain crystals, gemstones, or colors.
Vedic Astrology videos
Learn more about Vedic Astrology on my YouTube Channel