Jyotiṣa

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Jyotiṣa (Sanskrit jyotiṣa, from jyótis- "light, heavenly body": also spelled Jyotish and Jyotisha in English) is the ancient Indian system of astronomy and astrology (also known as Indian astrology, Hindu astrology, and of late, Vedic astrology). It has three branches:[1]

The foundation of Jyotisha is the notion of bandhu of the Vedas or scriptures, which is the connection between the microcosm and the macrocosm. The practice of Jyotisha primarily relies on the sidereal zodiac, which is different from the tropical zodiac used in Western astrology in that an ayanamsa adjustment is made for the gradual precession of the vernal equinox. Jyotisha includes several nuanced sub-systems of interpretation and prediction with elements not found in Hellenistic astrology, such as its system of lunar mansions (nakshatras).

Astrology remains an important facet in the lives of many Hindus. In Hindu culture, newborns are traditionally named based on their jyotish charts, and jyotish concepts are pervasive in the organization of the calendar and holidays as well as in many areas of life, such as in making decisions made about marriage, opening a new business, and moving into a new home. To some extent, astrology even manages to retain a position among the sciences in modern India.[2] Following a controversial judgement of the Andhra Pradesh High Court in 2001, some Indian universities even offer advanced degrees in astrology.[3]

Contents

History

Main article: Indian astronomy
Further information: Astrology and astronomy
Further information: Hindu chronology

The term jyotiṣa in the sense of one of the Vedanga, the six auxiliary disciplines of Vedic religion, is used in the Mundaka Upanishad and thus likely dates to Mauryan times. The Vedanga Jyotisha redacted by Lagadha dates to the Mauryan period, with rules for tracking the motions of the sun and the moon.

The documented history of Jyotisha begins with the interaction of Indian and Hellenistic cultures in the Indo-Greek period. The oldest surviving treatises, such as the Yavanajataka or the Brihat-Samhita, date to the early centuries CE. The oldest astrological treatise in Sanskrit is the Yavanajataka ("Sayings of the Greeks"), a versification by Sphujidhvaja in 269/270 CE of a now lost translation of a Greek treatise by Yavanesvara during the 2nd century CE under the patronage of the Western Satrap Saka king Rudradaman I.[4]

The first named authors writing treatises on astronomy are from the 5th century CE, the date when the classical period of Indian astronomy can be said to begin. Besides the theories of Aryabhata in the Aryabhatiya and the lost Arya-siddhānta, there is the Pancha-Siddhāntika of Varahamihira.

The main texts upon which classical Indian astrology is based are early medieval compilations, notably the Bṛhat Parāśara Horāśāstra, and Sārāvalī by Kalyāṇavarman. The Horashastra is a composite work of 71 chapters, of which the first part (chapters 1-51) dates to the 7th to early 8th centuries and the second part (chapters 52-71) to the later 8th century. The Sārāvalī likewise dates to around 800 CE. [5] English translations of these texts were published by N.N. Krishna Rau and V.B. Choudhari in 1963 and 1961, respectively.

Historically, the study of astrology in India was an important factor in the development of astronomy in the Early Middle Ages.

Elements

Rāshi – the signs (zodiac)

Further information: sign (astrology)
See also: Varga (astrology)

A zodiac divides the 360 degrees of the ecliptic into 12 equal parts. Each twelfth part (of 30 degrees) is called a sign or rāshi[6]. Whereas Western astrology uses the tropical zodiac (where the signs are measured from the point of the Spring Equinox on the ecliptic), the Jyotisha system favors the sidereal zodiac (where the signs are aligned with their eponymous constellations). The difference, due to the precession of the equinoxes, becomes noticeable over time. After two millennia, the origin of the ecliptic longitude has shifted by about 22 degrees. As a result the assignment of planets to their sign positions in the Jyotisha system is consistent with the actual zodiac, while in Western astrology the planets fall into the following sign, as compared to their placement in the sidereal zodiac, about two thirds of the time. The Sanskrit names of the signs are direct translations of the Greek names (dhanus meaning "bow" rather than "archer", and kumbha meaning "water-pitcher" rather than "water-carrier").

Number Sanskrit Name Western Name Element
1 Meṣa "ram" Aries (Κριός "ram") Fire
2 Vṛṣabha "bull" Taurus (Ταύρος "bull") Earth
3 Mithuna "twins" Gemini (Δίδυμοι "twins") Air
4 Karka "crab" Cancer (Καρκίνος "crab") Water
5 Siṃha "lion" Leo (Λέων "lion") Fire
6 Kanyā "girl" Virgo (Παρθένος "virgin") Earth
7 Tula "balance" Libra (Ζυγός "balance") Air
8 Vṛścika "scorpion" Scorpio (Σκόρπειος "scorpion") Water
9 Dhanus "bow" Sagittarius (Τοξότης "archer") Fire
10 Makara "sea-monster" Capricorn (Αἰγόκερως "goat-horned") Earth
11 Kumbha "pitcher" Aquarius (Ὑδροχόος "water-pourer") Air
12 Mīna "fish" Pisces (Ἰχθείς "fish") Water

Bhāva – the houses

Further information: house (astrology)

A house is a zodiacal division according to local time and location (i.e. an effectively "moving" division of the sky from the perspective of a fixed observer, rather than a fixed portion according to the stars as is true of the signs.) Houses are enumerated counter-clockwise from the house on the eastern horizon, passing through the "other side of the sky" and the western horizon to return to the starting point.

More than one system to align houses with signs are recognized in Jyotisha. One is what Western astrologers call the whole sign house system, another is Sripathi, akin to a Porphyry house system. The modern Krishnamurti Paddhati also incorporates a Placidus house system.

The significance of the 12 houses are:[7]

  1. Lagna - Nature of Native, Appearance, Health, Character, Purpose of Life
  2. Dhana - Wealth, Family, Domestic Comforts, Early Education, Inheritance
  3. Parākrama - Younger Brothers and Sisters, Communication (Talking, Writing, Business Documents), Intelligence, Later Education, Short Journeys
  4. Suhṛda - Mother, Emotions, Education, Home, Property and Land, Surrounding in Old Age
  5. Suta - Children, Lover, Recreation, Devotion, Speculation and Gambling, Creativity
  6. Ripu/Roga - Health, Maternal uncle and aunt, Litigation, Servants, Mental Worries, Enemies, Foreigners
  7. Kāma - Spouse, Business Partner, Death, Trade, Agreement, Honour and Reputation
  8. Mrityu - Death & Longevity, Failure, Suffering, Sexuality, Occult, Dowry, Inheritance, Imprisonment, Torture
  9. Bhāgya - Luck, Higher learning, Philosophy & Religion, Mentor or Guru, Father, Prosperity, Travel
  10. Karma - Profession, Status, Power, Father, Mother-in-law, Government and Business
  11. Āya - Friends, Hopes, Earnings, Club or Social Activities, Elder Brothers and Sisters, Daughter/Son-in-law
  12. Vyaya - Expenses, Sleep, Spirituality, Travel & Pilgrimage, Secret Enemies, Imprisonment, Hospitals, Asylums, Liberation

Graha – the planets

Main article: Navagraha
See also: Dasha (astrology)

Graha literally means any heavenly body or point that can cast an impact on human affairs. It may be translated as planet for ease. Graha also includes lunar nodes (Rahu and Ketu) and sub-planets (upgrahas) which are not planets but no less effective than planets.

There are nine grahas[8]: the two luminaries, the five visible planets and the two lunar nodes. The extra-saturnine planets (Uranus and Neptune) are not included in the category of Graha.

Sanskrit Name English Name Abbreviation Gender Guna Represents
Surya (सूर्य) Sun Sy or Su M Sattva Soul, king, highly placed persons, father.
Chandra (चंद्र) Moon Ch or Mo F Sattva Mind, queen, mother.
Mangala (मंगल) Mars Ma M Tamas energetic action, confidence and ego
Budha (बुध) Mercury Bu or Me N Rajas Communication and analysis
Brihaspati (बृहस्पति) Jupiter Gu or Ju M Sattva the great teacher
Shukra (शुक्र) Venus Sk or Ve F Rajas wealth, pleasure and reproduction
Shani (शनि) Saturn Sa M Tamas learning the hard way. Career and Longevity
Rahu (राहु) Head of Demon Snake
Ascending/North Lunar Node		 Ra M Tamas a Asura who does his best to plunge any area of one's life he controls into chaos
Ketu (केतु) Tail of Demon Snake
Descending/South Lunar Node		 Ke M Tamas supernatural influences

Nakshatra – the lunar mansions

Main article: Nakshatra

A nakshatra (Devanagari: नक्षत्र) or lunar mansion , is one of the [27][9] or 28 divisions of the sky, identified by the prominent star(s) in them, that the Moon passes through during its monthly cycle. Each nakshatra represents a division of the ecliptic (of 13 degree 20 minutes), similar to the zodiac. Traditionally the nakshatra position of the Moon is computed for the newborn's mental make-up, and calculations of planetary periods (dasha). Each nakshatra is further partitioned into four equal segments known as charan or pada[10]. Nakshatra is important in Astrological match making, Muhurta, Panchanga and Praśna affairs.[more information requested]

In ancient India, nakshatra was more important than rāśi. Rgveda mentions Nakshatra 11 times, while rāśi is mentioned only 4 times (in the sense collection rather than a zodiacal division).

Horoscopy

Lagna – the ascendant

One's ascendant, or lagna, the rāshi which is rising on the eastern horizon at the time of one's birth, is the most influential and important one. Another important impact is of the Janma Rāshi, the rāshi in which the moon lay while one was born. In addition, Sage Parasara mentioned a few special ascendants or Veshaish Lagni before mentioning the results of various divisional charts and houses. His mention that houses can be counted from special lagnas clearly indicates that he wanted special lagnas to be used instead of lagna for some clear purposes. Some important special lagnas are follows.

Drishti – the aspect

Aspect is one of the most important phenomena that not only interlinks the planets with each other but also playing a role of bridge between signs. In Jyotisha the word Drishti is tantamount to Aspect, means glance or sight. It is the transfer of influences to another graha or rāshi as a result of their situation in relation to each other.

The hierarchy of aspect can be categorized into two types as;

1- Aspect based on Planet or Sign’s Nature
This is the system of aspect studied in Jyotisha. This holds that certain planet or sign sights another planet or sign depends on its nature. This can also be divided into two kinds, namely;

Graha Drishti should prefer when analyzing

Rāshi Drishti should prefer when analyzing

2- Aspect based on Relative Distance
This is the same method in vogue in Western Astrology. Tajik Varshaphala (Vedic Solar Return Chart) applies this technique to erect 14 different types of aspects also known as varshaphala yogas.

Argala – the intervention

Significations of various houses are interlinked. Support provided by one house to another is called Argala and the obstruction offered to supporting houses is called Virodha argala.

Graha (planets) in 2nd, 4th and 11th house cause argalas on a given house, whereas the planets in 12th, 10th and 3rd cause virodha argalas to 2nd, 4th and 11th respectively.

Benefic generally give shubha argalas, malefic offerpapa argalas. If however a malefic has an argala on house of which it is a significator, such an aragala can be termed as shubha. For example a malefics in 10th house cast papa argala to 9th house as 10th house is second from 9th. This may make the newborn non religious and give bad relations with boss/teacher, provided there is no virodh argala from 8th.

Arudha – the mounted image

The term Arudha Pada is also known as "Pada". Arudha literally means "mount" and refers to the IMAGE of a sign falling on another due to "reflection of the rays emanating from it and being reflected by its lord.

Keeping the reflection in view, the Karaka (Significator) can be taken to be the Moon. Count from a sign to its lord. Then count as many signs from the lord to arrive at the ARUDHA PADA. For example, if the Lagna Lord is in the fifth house, then count five signs from the Lagna lord to arrive at the ninth house. This ninth house becomes the arudha Pada for the Lagna.

Exception: The Arudha Pada cannot be in the same sign or the seventh from it. In case this happens, then choose the tenth house therefrom. For example, if the Lagna Lord is in the 4th house, then the Arudha lagna should be in the 4th from the 4th house i.e. the 7th house. But since this is not allowed, the tenth therefrom should be chosen. The tenth from the 7th house is the 4th house and the 4th house becomes the Arudha Lagna.

Arudha of 1st house is also called PADA LAGNA or ARUDHA LAGNA. Arudha lagna stands for "manifestation of self, in this maya (illusory) world". In this manner Arudha Pada can be computed for all the houses. They are called Dhana Pada (2nd), Bhratripada (3rd), Matri Pada (4th), Mantrapada (5th), Satrupada (6th), Dara Pada (7th), Roga pada (8th), Bhagyapada (9th), Rajyapada (10th), Labhapada (11th) and Upapada (12th). Jaimini discussed Arudha lagna (AL) and Upapada (UL) extinsively in his classical treatise.

Yoga – the planetary combinations

In Jyotish, Yoga means yoka or combination. Yogas are certain planetary combinations. Jyotish classics explaines hundred of thousands of yogas. Chandra (lunar combinations for general luck), Dhana (wealth related) and Raja (power and success related) yogas are often studied. Nearly eight hundred astrological yogas have been mentioned in ancient and early mediaeval Indian texts.

Shadbala – the sixfold strength

Shadbala means sixfold strength. Although these strengths are combinedly used for finding the effect of planets on the lives of the natives, there is more use of the strengths and we get the clue of those uses from their names. These strengths need not be used only predicting the results of the dasa, however, can be used for normal horoscopic interpretation.

Shad Bal consists of the following strengths

These strengths are computed for the seven Grahas from Sun to Saturn. The lunar nodes (Rahu and Ketu) are not considered.

Birth charts

Further information: Natal chart

There are three different Jyotish chart representations, for showing the rāshi (signs) and bhāva (houses) which are apparently equivalent but quite different in function. The following images show the same birth chart in the two main notations - North Indian and South Indian. A third notation is followed in Eastern parts of India.

Birth Chart (northern format).png
Birth Chart (southern).png

In the North Indian notation, the house positions are fixed (1st house top middle, with the rest following in counterclockwise order) and the signs of the zodiac are placed sequentially therein, starting from the Ascendant (rising zodiac sign) placed in the 1st house, and indicated by numerals in the chart (1 for Aries, 2 for Taurus, and so on).

Conversely, in the South Indian notation, the signs of the zodiac have fixed positions (Aries always occupies the 2nd box from the left in the top row, with the rest following in clockwise order), and the first house is marked "As" (for ascendant) with the rest following in clockwise order.

The charts contain twelve sections, houses or bhāvas, each of which is related to a rāshi in an equal house system when rough and hurried computations are needed, but when precision is needed bhāvas are made according to Bhāvachalita in which houses are unequal due to elliptical nature of apparent orbit of the Sun.

Panchangam (almanac)

Main article: Panchangam
Further information: Hindu calendar

A panchangam (Sanskrit pañcāṅgam ) is a Hindu astrological almanac (or calendar), which follows traditional Indian cosmology, and presents important astronomical data in tabulated form. It forecasts celestial phenomena, such as solar eclipses, and weather (rain, dryspells), as well as more mundane occurrences. A typical Panchanga has tabulations of positions of the Sun, Moon, and other planets for every day of the year at a fixed place (longitude, latitude) and time of day (in 24-hour format IST). Remaining data can be calculated using the relative difference from this fixed place and time. Panchangas may contain information for more than one year, such as the Vishvavijaya Panchanga which is for 100 years.

The theories in the Surya Siddhanta and Grahalaghava formed the basis for the plethora of Panchangas in the past in different regions of the country - a culturally complex system. Thus, the Government of India has prepared the National Panchanga or the Indian national calendar in 1957 (was proposed by Saha and Lahiri in 1952), which is used in predictive Astrology. The Lahiri Ephemeris published annually is the most widely used English almanac in Jyotisha apart from the many Panchangas published in local languages, which are mostly based on the National Panchanga.

In modern India

David Pingree notes that astrology and traditional medicine are the two traditional sciences that have survived best in modern India, although both have been much transformed by their western counterparts.[11]

There are a great number of contemporary publications, reflecting the persisting importance of astrology in Hindu culture, and the corresponding economical attractivity of the market in India. Notable modern authors include Sri Yukteswar Giri (1855-1936), Bangalore Venkata Raman (1912-1988), Bejan Daruwalla (b. 1931), V. K. Choudhry (b. 1951), Sanjay Rath (b. 1963) & Prash Trivedi (b. 1975).

Innovations

New approaches developed by Hindu astrologers in the modern epoch include the following:

Controversy

Further information: NCERT controversy and Saffronization

In the early 2000s, under the Bharatiya Janata Party led government, astrology became a topic of political contention between the religious right and academic establishment, comparable to the "Creation science" debate in US education. The University Grants Commission and the Ministry of Human Resource Development of the Government decided to introduce "Jyotir Vigyan" (i.e. jyotir vijñāna) or "Vedic astrology" as a discipline of study in Indian universities, backed up by a decision by the Andhra Pradesh High Court, despite widespread protests from the scientific community in India and Indian scientists working abroad.[12] In September of the same year, the Supreme Court of India issued a notice to the Ministry of Human Resource Development in reaction to petition. [13] In 2004, the Supreme Court dismissed a further petition, judging that the teaching of astrology does not qualify as promotion of religion.This refuted all the claims set by the petitions filed in the court.[14]

Notes and references

  1. ↑ What is Jyotisha Astrology
  2. ↑ "In countries such as India, where only a small intellectual elite has been trained in Western physics, astrology manages to retain here and there its position among the sciences." David Pingree and Robert Gilbert, "Astrology; Astrology In India; Astrology in modern times" Encyclopedia Britannica 2008
  3. ↑ Mohan Rao, Female foeticide: where do we go? Indian Journal of Medical Ethics Oct-Dec2001-9(4) [1]; T. Jayaraman, A judicial blow, Frontline Volume 18 - Issue 12, Jun. 09 - 22, 2001[2]
  4. ↑ Mc Evilley "The shape of ancient thought", p385 ("The Yavanajataka is the earliest surviving Sanskrit text in horoscopy, and constitute the basis of all later Indian developments in horoscopy", himself quoting David Pingree "The Yavanajataka of Sphujidhvaja" p5)
  5. ↑ David Pingree, Jyotiḥśāstra (J. Gonda (Ed.) A History of Indian Literature, Vol VI Fasc 4), p.81
  6. ↑ The 12 Rashis
  7. ↑ The Twelve Bhavas
  8. ↑ The 9 Grahas - Planets
  9. ↑ The Nakshatras ~ an Overview
  10. ↑ The 27 Nakshatras - Lunar Mansions
  11. ↑ David Pingree, review of G. Prakash, Science and the Imagination of Modern India, Journal of the American Oriental Society (2002), p. 154 f.
  12. ↑ T. Jayaraman, A judicial blow, Frontline Volume 18 - Issue 12, Jun. 09 - 22, 2001[3]
  13. ↑ Supreme Court questions 'Jyotir Vigyan', Times of India, 3 September 2001 [4]
  14. ↑ Supreme Court: Teaching of astrology no promotion of religion; Introduction of Vedic astrology courses in universities upheld

Bibliography

Further information: Jyotiṣa bibliography
Encyclopedic treatments
Academic literature
Popular introductions

See also

External links