A Brief History Of Hindu Or Vedic Astrology

By Jose Edwards


When it comes to astrology, there are a number of different forms and aspects. In one case, Vedic Astrology, also known as the Jyotisha or Hindu form is one of the most popular. For, the practice has been around since the 19th century. While this is the case, the term Vedic is a far more recent term.

While there are some astrologists whom suggest the Hindu astrological practice was derived from Hellenistic practices, thus post-dating the practice to the Vedic period, there are many others whom disagree. In addition, while a number of authors have suggested that original forms of astrology only included information provided by omens, dreams and physiognomy, the majority still base interpretations and predictions on the alignment of planets and stars in the universe.

Both forms of the practice were originally thought to be part and parcel to the occult. While this may have once been the case, Indian universities are now offering advanced degrees in Vedic astrological practices. In the beginning, the offerings were not without protest from local scientists whom see the practice as nothing more than a pseudoscience. However, the High Court favored the practice in a 2001 court case, thus allowing the universities to continue providing such degrees.

The practice is also considered one of the six disciplines which support Hindu observances and rituals. In the beginning, the Hindu form used a calendar to determine sacrificial ritual dates and had nothing to do with planets. While this is the case, demons were mentioned in some forms of the practice. Then, later the term graha, the word formerly recognized as demon became known to mean planet which led to new interpretations of the zodiac.

Coming from a basic foundation focusing on a connection between the microcosm and macrocosm, the sidereal zodiac is much different from the tropic zodiac. In addition, there are interpretations and predictions in the Hindu zodiac which often do not exist in the Western one. Ultimately, both aspects of astrology are used to determine personality aspects and future events though the latter is often much more difficult when it comes to the Hindu zodiac.

The Nirayana or sidereal Nirayana consist of an imaginary belt 360 degrees in diameter which like the Western or tropical zodiac is divided into multiple sections. In the Vedic tradition, each part is known as a rasi while in Western astrological practices the parts are known as signs. While extremely similar, the measurement of planets differ among the two astrological practices.

Both forms appear to be synchronously identical though this is not the case. For, the Western zodiac measures the location of the planets against the Sun at the Spring equinox. Whereas, the Vedic form uses the stars which are fixed in place to measure the position of the planets. As such, while often appearing to be identical, each form often provides different interpretations and predictions at the same time of year.

In addition, Hellenistic astronomy and astrology have always transmitted the 12 zodiac signs beginning with Aries. Whereas, the first introduction to Greek astrology to India was through the Yavanajataka, meaning sayings of the Greek which date back to the earliest centuries known to man. While this is the case, the only version to survive being the Indian astronomical text to define the weekday dating back to 476 A.D.




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