Vedic Astrology

Jyotish (or Vedic astrology) is the ancient Indian system of astronomy and astrology, and one of the auxiliary disciplines of Vedic religion. It has always been seen as a continuous holistic approach to living. In India, Vedic astrology is commonly used to aid in important decisions in life. In Hindu culture, newborns are traditionally named based on their jyotish charts. Astrology is often seen to be fundamental in Indian culture, in making decisions about opening a new business, marriage, or moving into a new home.

The practice of Vedic astrology primarily relies on the visible or sidereal zodiac, which is different from the tropical zodiac used in Western astrology. The tropical zodiac is used in Vedic astrology only to predict the course of nature itself, such as the weather.

Vedic astrology also includes a number of sub-systems of prediction and interpretation with unique elements not found in Western astrology, such as its specific system of lunar mansions (called nakshatras). These are the 27 or 28 divisions of the sky, identified by the prominent star(s) in them, that the Moon passes through during its monthly cycle. They are used to pick auspicious times of day or month, and can also be used to provide an insight into the motivations humans or events coming under their influence.