Learn Jyotish – Resources for Students of Vedic Astrology

The topics presented in this section are at ‘foundation level’ – the minimum we need to know in order to even begin the process of understanding chart interpretation. They cover:

• • Key information on planets and their indications
  • Planetary ‘strengths’ or ‘powers’
  • Chart formats in Jyotish Astrology
  • The Twelve Houses and their indications
  • ‘Good’ and ‘Bad’ Houses in Jyotish
  • Planetary Antidotes or Remedial Measures
  • Vedic Astrology – A Paradigm Shift
  • Vedic and Western Astrology: Key Differences
  • Natural Benefics and Malefics
  • Functional Benefic and Malefic Planets
  • Functional Benefics and Malefics for All Ascendants
  • Planetary Aspects
  • Mahadashas – Planetary Periods
  • Birth-time Errors
  • Transits

Article currently being prepared:

• • Elements of basic birth-chart interpretation

Taken as a whole, these articles should enable students to ‘put together the pieces of the jigsaw’ and to start examining the Vedic birth-charts (in the sidereal zodiac) of themselves, their family and friends.

The collated information in this section is aimed at Westerners who want relatively simple ‘key points’ for initial studies. I am aware that Jyotish is multi-layered, with more subtle chart interpretations being available at deeper levels of awareness. However, we all need to start somewhere and the very practice of Jyotish can itself lead to deeper states of awareness!

Most professional Vedic Astrologers will probably agree on more than 95% of the topics presented here. Where there is disagreement in the detail this often arises from differences in the versions of the standard Jyotish texts available, or the different interpretations of any ambiguous sections in the texts. Some knowledge has also been lost over the long passage of time. However, many principles can be verified by looking at a person’s chart and then comparing the predictions from Jyotish with the actual reality of their life experiences.

Parashara Taken as a Reference

Where possible, I have always used Maharishi Parashara as highest authority. This is simply because I have a particular affinity to this tradition of Masters which included the illustrious Shankaracharya of Jyotir Math (H.H. Brahmananda Saraswati) and whose disciple Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, brought meditation techniques to the West. Students should be aware that astrologers linked to other traditions may view things slightly differently from the information presented in this section; this is not a problem and adds to the joy and dynamism of the Vedic knowledge!

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Further Resources on Jyotish

Introduction to Jyotish. A range of articles for people entirely new to Vedic Astrology. Including: Introduction, FAQs, Origins and Karmic Implications.

Key Concepts in Jyotish. Articles covering the Sidereal Zodiac, Planetary Forces, Forecasting Analogies and ‘Planetary Antidotes’.

For Western Astrologers. Articles examining major differences between the two systems and the paradigm shift needed by Western Astrologers wanting to understand the subject.

Learn Jyotish. An extensive collection of articles covering key facts, concepts and methods. Aimed at ‘foundation level’ students. Includes essential information needed before beginning chart interpretations. Covering: Chart Formats, Planets, Houses, Mahadasha Periods, Transits, Aspects, Birth-time Errors, Natural and Functional Benefics / Malefics, Chart Interpretation Basics, etc.