ness.” The jyotishi or Vedic astrologer can be viewed as a priest or priestess, life coun-
selor, teacher, and sage.
As in Western astrology, the rasior natal chart is based on the date, place, and
exact time of birth. The exact moment of birth is usually considered to be the time of
the first breath or cry of the newborn. Many jyotishis also use the time when the
umbilical cord is cut. Planetary calculations are based on the sidereal zodiac, which is
based on the fixed positions of the stars. Western astrology is based on the tropical
zodiac (seasonal). There is an approximate difference of 22° to 24° between the tropi-
cal and sidereal zodiacs, depending on in which part of the last century one was born.
To calculate the Vedic natal chart by hand, subtract approximately 23° from the tropi-
cal positions of the subject’s natal planets and ascendant. For example, 3° Virgo sun in
Western astrology would be around 10° Leo in the Vedic natal chart.
According to Vedic philosophy, the natal chart represents an individual’s past
karmic patterns. In Vara ̄hamihara’s Brihat Jataka,the natal chart reflects “the results of
the good and bad deeds done by men in their previous births.” Thus, this system is
based on the theory of reincarnation and the laws of karma. It is important not to con-
fuse the theory of astrology with fatalism. According to Vedic astrologer Chakrapani
Ullal, the Hindu system of astrology emphasizes that “the planets are only the indica-
tive forces and they do not determine the events of life in a fatalistic way. It is for the
person concerned, to make use of the indications available, to change the course of
one’s life by using one’s willpower, self-effort and by gaining the grace of God” (per-
sonal communication).The Grahas(Planets)
The basis for understanding astrology is to learn the significations of the planets. The
Vedic term for planet is graha,which means “demon” or “what possesses a person.”
The planets represent the maya,or illusions that can veil one’s divine nature. One
must learn to befriend all planets and make them allies. The position of the planets in
an individual’s birth chart reflects the person’s strengths as well as areas that may need
to be healed. Each planet signifies certain aspects of life. The following is a list of gra-
has and their karakasor significators (i.e., what they indicate in a person’s life):
Sun/Surya:Physical appearance, health and general vitality, soul
(atman) nature, father, nobility, and leadership or status. Heart, circula-
tion, right eye, and head.
Moon/Chandra:Emotions and perceptual mind, mother, early child-
hood, memory and past experience, and influence on the public.
Breasts, left eye, stomach, and womb.
Mercury/Budha:Rational mind, speech, writing, language systems,
intelligence, logic, discrimination, and education. Nervous system,
lungs, mouth, tongue, and skin.
Venus/Shukra:Wife, beauty, art, music, singing, flowers, gems, coopera-
tion, harmony, happiness, marriage, contentment, and love. Reproduc-
tive system, kidneys, and face.Vedic Astrology (Hindu Astrology)
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