Indian astrology Jyotish.

     Origin

    Sanskrit term «Jyotish», which means «light», emphasizes that Jyotish is a science of light or doctrine of light. Jyotish history goes back to the time immemorial. This science is said to be a gift of Gods sent to people. One of the most famous work on Jyotish is Bṛhat Parāśara Horāśāstra, which is a dialog between sage Parāśara and his disciple Maitreya. Maitreya asks questions with regard to the divine disposal and methods to master the astrology science. And Parāśara gives him replies. There are lots and lots of ancient treatises on Vedic astrology and even much more comments to them that explain various aspect of this science. Scientists feel that most treatises were written in the Middle Ages (AD) or a bit earlier, and in ancient times that knowledge was handed down from experts to disciples. Some coincidences in Indian astrology and Ancient Greek one set people thinking that in the past there were some ties-in and interchanges between the said cultures. However, the most Jyotish methods are solely Indian inventions.

     Practice

     The basis of Jyotish calculations includes Zodiacal signs (Rashi), planets (Grahas), planets aspects, houses (Bhavas), the ascendant (Lagna) and connections between planets and houses (Yogas). Work with Jyotish astrology is based on the idea that a human being is inextricably connected with the Universe. Every sign and planet, house and karaka (various significators) correspond to a certain sector of life. An exact calculation of the planet position is of great importance: It is essential to identify correctly not only the Zodiacal sign and house since every degree has an effect on the overall picture. Even the smallest detail of the horoscope denotes favorable conditions or hardship in one activity sphere or another basing on the alignment of stars.
When making calculations, the first thing to be taken into account is the «perpetual cycle» of three principal gunas (characteristics of nature), from which nine Grahas (planets), twelve Bhavas (houses) and twenty-seven Nakshatras (lunar mansions) originate. The combination of all these factors at the time of birth becomes a starting point and specifies the trend of consequently developing tendencies and events in the web of a person’s life. The said refers not only to a human birth but also to the breaking of new ground or building up of a business. Interpretation of stars position in Jyotish differs from Western way to do the same.

      Mythology

      In Jyotish planets are considered not only cosmic objects but localities of Gods, who rules over these planets. While on the subject of planets, the Indian mean these very Gods. They feel that Graha is a living divinity. Every God is of his own temper, history and relationships with other Gods. According to convictions of the Indian, there are nine Grahas (Gods’ planets) in all in the Solar System, which have a pronounced effect on fate of people - Surya (the Sun), Chandra (Moon), Mangala (Mars), Budha (Mercury), Shukra (Venus), Guru (Jupiter), Shani (Saturn), Rahu and Ketu (mythic lunar nodes). Even though all Grahas in mythology are male divinities (having wives) but at the same time some planets embody the male energy and others – female energy. Male planets are the Sun, Jupiter, Mars, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu. And such planets as Venus and Moon are among female ones. Mercury is of a dual and combined nature. In Indian astrology the greatest attention is above all centered on the Moon position in the horoscope. Moon is the nearest to the Earth and moves faster than other planets with respect to the Earth so its influence is the strongest one felt. Also, Moon is called «manasa-karaka», which means «significator of the mind» - a planet that is responsible for the mind and consciousness. And character and fate depend on the consciousness in a great measure.

       Philosophy and ethics

       It is no coincidence that the name «Jyotish» was taken for Indian astrology. The Indian have a strong belief that the astrology’s purpose is to bring the light, help and hope for a better future to a person. A Jyotish astrologer shall be able not only to calculate horoscopes correctly and give their interpretation but also be a man of insight and tact as well as quite dependable and wise so that he would not tell somebody the information that may do this person an ill turn. An astrologer’s words produce a strong impression upon people and may assert influence over their decisions and actions. An astrologer shall be neutrally sensitized to the fullest extent as well as be a «transparent medium» and good psychic in order not to introduce his own opinion into the horoscope’s interpretation. The unwritten rule of Jyotish is not to announce the hardest moments observed by an astrologer in the horoscope. And an astrologer shall warn of forthcoming difficulties and harmfulnesses very tactfully without putting the wind up and blackening the picture. Most often he just keeps the horoscope’s negative aspects on the down low and tries to find a guiding light in the horoscope for this person. A proficient in Jyotish shall be initiated into mantras addressed to all nine planets. So in case of necessity he furnishes a client with the mantra that will help to neutralize adverse effects of one planet or another. The mantra received from an astrologer shall be practiced on a regular basis. It shall not be passed over to somebody else since this mantra is meant for just your very situation. Also, Jyotish astrologers offer a number of other means to neutralize the negative influence of various planets including certain precious stones, some penances and rites to be carried out on appropriate days of the week, charity, clothes and interiors of recommended colors and lots and lots of other things. For example in order to neutralize the malign influence of Saturn it is advisable to wear clothes in black, hand round metal coins to beggars or feed crows on Saturdays. Also, to propitiate weakened Moon in the horoscope, it is possible to observe Mauna (the vow of silence) on Mondays, worship Lord Shiva, wear white clothes, give presents to women and Brahmins or feed children. Jyotish is not just astrology but a system of the world view and way of living. A Jyotish astrologer is not just a proficient. He feels planets’ influences as something real (in the same way as we feel the weather changes), senses their qualities, interprets signs given by the world around and just concentrates his life to it. The spiritual purity and such personal qualities of an astrologer as the compassion, responsiveness, unselfishness and honesty are of great importance in Jyotish. That is not just anybody, who is able to become a successful astrologer. It is possible only for ones, whose horoscopes display appropriate talents. A person is capable of being a good astrologer and make correct predictions only if there are certain combinations of planets in the horoscope.