Vedic Astrology FAQs 3

Vedic Astrology FAQs 3

Summary: Further FAQs on Jyotish Astrology, including questions about ‘Sun signs’, compatibility analysis between partners, determining the most auspicious time for new beginnings such as marriage (Muhurta), and the use of ‘birthstones’.

Q. Does Vedic Astrology use ‘Sun signs’?

A. No. In Jyotish, our ‘Sun sign’ is considered a relatively minor influence. Much greater importance is placed on factors such as the ascendant, the strength and placement of the planets, the Moon sign, and the lunar constellations or Nakshatras.

On a personal note, I find ‘Sun signs’ great fun (for example: me – Aries, my wife – Scorpio!). However, even Western Astrologers regard Sun signs as only one small part of a much broader and more detailed analysis. Therefore, simple ‘Sun sign’ astrology, especially the type commonly found in newspapers and magazines, should be viewed as entertainment rather than serious applied astrology capable of providing meaningful guidance.

It is also worth remembering that a person’s ‘Sun sign’ in Jyotish may differ from their Sun sign in Western Astrology because the Vedic system uses the sidereal zodiac.

Q. Can Vedic Astrology provide guidance on the compatibility of marriage partners?

A. Yes, it certainly can. Jyotish is capable of offering reliable compatibility assessments for people involved in a wide range of relationships, including marriage, business partnerships, and other forms of association. It is important to understand that ‘compatibility’ means the individuals are likely to work well together with fewer disagreements or tensions. In the context of marriage, compatibility does not necessarily indicate that a couple will be in love or find one another physically attractive.

To conduct a compatibility analysis, a Jyotish Astrologer must first prepare the birth charts of both individuals. This requires details such as the place of birth, date of birth, and, most importantly, an accurate birth time for each person.

Alongside the main birth charts—where factors such as the ascendant, 7th House, Mars placements, and other key indicators are examined—the astrologer will usually analyse the 9th divisional chart (Navamsha) and the birth Nakshatras (lunar mansions). In some cases, a numerical scoring system may also be employed. Such analysis requires considerable astrological knowledge and expertise.

As with most matters in Jyotish, situations are rarely entirely positive or entirely negative. Nevertheless, a skilled Jyotish Astrologer should be able to provide sound advice regarding a couple’s ability to live harmoniously, establish a home, raise children, manage a business together, and cooperate successfully in other areas of life.

One final point: if a couple are already married, it is generally considered unethical to request a compatibility analysis from a Jyotish Astrologer. In such circumstances, the services of a marriage guidance counsellor would be far more appropriate.

Q. Can Jyotish Astrology tell me the best time and date on which to get married?

A. You may be familiar with the saying, “there is a time for every purpose under heaven.” The good news is that Jyotish can identify highly favourable dates and times for beginning many important activities. These may include getting married, launching a new business, making long-term investments, laying the foundation stone of a new home, and much more.

Beginning an activity at the most auspicious time ensures that all the ‘forces of nature’ are supporting the intended outcome. Choosing the right moment can also reduce obstacles and make progress smoother and more effortless. The enlightened Master Maharishi Mahesh Yogi [1] often said: “Well begun is half-done!”

This specialised branch of Vedic Astrology is known as finding the best Muhurta (an auspicious time period). It follows its own set of rules and principles and requires additional skills and knowledge beyond standard birth-chart interpretation.

Determining the most suitable Muhurta involves analysing combinations of factors such as the day of the week, lunar days (tithis), the Nakshatra (lunar mansion or constellation) occupied by the Moon, the time of day, and many other considerations. These factors must then be assessed in relation to the individual’s birth chart, particularly their birth Nakshatra or ‘birth star’.

The process also includes examining current planetary positions, avoiding periods when the Moon transits regions associated with eclipses, and considering numerous other astrological influences. This involves substantial work on the part of the astrologer, who must balance all these factors alongside the specific requirements of the event being planned. The result is a selection of dates, days, and time periods that are considerably more favourable for achieving a successful outcome.

On a personal note, I used this process to determine the ideal date, day, and time for my own marriage over 35 years ago. It appears to have worked rather well!

Q. I’ve heard that there is something called ‘Medical Astrology’. Is this for real?

A. Yes, Medical Astrology does exist. However, if you have a health concern, it is always preferable to seek advice first from a qualified Doctor—whether trained in Western medicine or Ayurveda—rather than from an Astrologer.

At a basic level, Jyotish can indicate possible karmic health issues carried forward from previous lifetimes. It is important to note that it deals only with karma brought into this life and not with health influences arising from current environmental factors, lifestyle choices, diet, or similar circumstances. By identifying imbalances within the birth chart, Jyotish may recommend a variety of remedial measures, often referred to as ‘planetary antidotes’, designed to help rebalance planetary influences.

At a more advanced level, Medical Astrology can examine the relationship between planetary influences and the Ayurvedic doshas. Here, Ayurveda and Jyotish complement each other and can work synergistically. In some cases, Jyotish may provide valuable insight into long-standing health conditions or illnesses that are difficult to diagnose. The process works as follows:

At the basic level, Vedic Astrology assigns each of the twelve houses in the birth chart to a specific region of the body. For example, the 1st House is associated with the head, the 5th House with the stomach, and the 12th House with the feet. If a particular house is afflicted or weakened, it may suggest potential health issues related to that area of the body.

Additionally, each of the nine planets used in Jyotish corresponds to specific physiological functions. Venus, for example, is linked with the reproductive system, while Saturn is associated with bones and joints. Therefore, difficulties involving a particular planet may indicate health concerns connected with the bodily systems it governs.

Combining these principles, a Vedic Astrologer might identify a tendency toward joint or bone problems affecting the feet if a problematic Saturn were located in the 12th House. However, before drawing such conclusions, the astrologer would also need to consider factors such as the overall strength of the chart, the ascendant, and other supporting influences.

Because Jyotish employs sophisticated predictive techniques, it can also indicate periods when particular health issues are more likely to arise. For instance, during the seven-year period associated with a problematic Ketu (the Moon’s south node), there may be a greater probability of illnesses that are difficult to diagnose, particularly in the area of the body governed by the house occupied by Ketu.

At a more advanced level, Jyotish combined with extensive Ayurvedic knowledge can offer considerably deeper diagnostic insights, preventive guidance, and remedial recommendations. Unfortunately, very few practitioners possess the level of expertise required in both disciplines—typically involving degree-level study in Jyotish and Ayurveda. One notable authority in this field is Dr. D. Frawley [2], who has written what is widely regarded as the definitive work on the subject.

Q. Does Jyotish use anything similar to the ‘birthstones’ found in Western Astrology?

A. First of all, it is worth noting that the modern concept of ‘birthstones’—wearing specific gemstones according to one’s birth month—has far more to do with the jewellery trade [3] than with astrology, whether Western or Vedic.

That said, the belief that gemstones can act as talismans has existed throughout much of human history. As far back as the 5th century, St. Jerome is believed to have linked certain gemstones with particular astrological signs [4]. As a result, the idea of wearing gemstones for astrological purposes is deeply rooted within our collective consciousness.

Jyotish does indeed recommend gemstones as one of many possible remedial measures intended to help balance planetary energies within the birth chart. However, this requires careful analysis of the individual chart, with particular attention paid to the ascendant.

Not every gemstone is suitable for every person. Some stones may be highly beneficial for one individual while proving unfavourable for another. The suitability of a gemstone depends entirely upon the unique planetary configuration within the birth chart. Consequently, although expensive and often given as symbols of affection, it is not always true that “diamonds are a girl’s best friend”!

Footnotes

[1] Maharishi Mahesh Yogi was an enlightened Master and disciple of the revered spiritual leader Swami Brahmananda Saraswati, the Shankaracharya of Jyotir Math. Maharishi played a major role in bringing knowledge of meditation, Jyotish, Ayurveda, and Vastu to the Western world.

[2] Dr. David Frawley, Ayurvedic Astrology: Self-Healing Through the Stars, 2006, Lotus Press, ISBN-13: 978-0940985889.

[3] The concept of modern ‘birthstones’ was formally standardised in 1912 by the American National Association of Jewellers (now known as Jewellers of America). Before this, the idea had been popularised by Jewish gemstone dealers in Poland during the 18th century.

[4] St. Jerome referred to the twelve stones on the breastplate of Aaron, the High Priest of Israel, as described in Exodus. These stones were believed to confer protection and special powers upon the wearer. He also promoted the idea, originally suggested by the historian Josephus, that particular stones corresponded with the twelve signs of the zodiac.