Jyotish – Planetary Forces

Jyotish – Planetary Forces

Summary: This article addresses a common criticism made by some Western Astrologers regarding traditional Vedic Astrology—that it is limited or outdated because it uses only nine "planets." Jyotish maintains that there is no need to incorporate planets beyond Saturn, as it works directly with a field of perfectly codified information rather than with physical or subtle forces supposedly emitted by planets, asteroids, or other celestial bodies.

Planetary ‘Forces’ Don’t Exist in Vedic Astrology

Many Western Astrologers hold the view that planets—and even asteroids—emit some form of subtle influence or force, which has not yet been identified by modern science, and that these forces affect human life. Based on this assumption, they often argue that Jyotish Astrology is incomplete because it does not include the outer planets Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto, nor more recently recognized celestial objects such as Chiron.

However, as discussed below, Vedic Astrology approaches the subject from an entirely different perspective. Jyotish works directly with a field of structured and codified information that is complete in itself, rather than with any form of planetary force.

Although Vedic Astrologers may occasionally use the phrase "planetary force" when communicating with clients, this should not be interpreted as referring to an actual physical force. Instead, it simply describes the influence or effect that a planet signifies within an individual's life.

Key Points in Support of the ‘Codified Information’ Viewpoint

Jyotish regards the planetary arrangements present at the moment of birth as a form of cosmic code. Skilled Vedic Astrologers interpret this code and translate it into predictions concerning returning karma carried over from previous incarnations.

The placement of the seven visible planets (up to and including Saturn), together with the two lunar nodes [1], within the twelve signs, twelve houses, and twenty-seven Nakshatras, represents a highly sophisticated system of encoded information. This information provides everything required for understanding the major areas of life—Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha.

Planetary transits, as planets appear to move through the sidereal zodiac signs and houses, are likewise viewed as expressions of codified information rather than manifestations of physical forces.

The absence of any physical force is further supported by a fundamental Jyotish principle: the effects of planets vary significantly according to an individual's Ascendant or rising sign [2]. No comparable concept exists within traditional Western Astrology. The same planet can produce very different outcomes depending upon the Ascendant. If a genuine physical force were involved, such variations would be difficult to explain.

Jyotish also places great importance on Rahu and Ketu, the Moon's nodes. These have no physical substance whatsoever. They are simply mathematically calculated points where the Moon's orbit intersects the ecliptic [3]. Yet they indicate major karmic influences and tangible life experiences. If these points possess no material existence, it becomes difficult to argue that their effects result from any physical force.

Vedic Astrologers traditionally believe that Jyotish was "revealed" or "cognized." It was neither invented by humanity nor developed gradually through experimentation. Rather, it is regarded as Divine Knowledge that is complete in itself. Within this divine system there is no requirement to incorporate information from the outer planets or recently discovered asteroids. To do so would be viewed as a departure from the original teachings of the great sage Maharishi Parashara.

The idea of complete and perfect knowledge being provided by the Divine for the benefit of humanity is not unique to Jyotish. Similar principles are found in other Vedic sciences such as Ayurveda, the Vedic system of natural healthcare, and Vastu, the science of designing harmonious living environments.

Jyotish Astrologers Interpret the ‘Cosmic Codes’

To fully appreciate the foundations of Jyotish, we must move beyond purely mechanistic models of reality. The traditional Newtonian view, based on objects and forces, gives way to a deeper understanding in which consciousness is regarded as the fundamental basis of existence. At its core, the functioning of Vedic Astrology rests upon the Vedic model of reality.

Jyotish emerges from a tradition that views the universe as one perfectly integrated whole. Underlying this totality is an all-pervading field of Cosmic Intelligence. In our essential nature, we are part of that Cosmic Intelligence. It is therefore not surprising that the intelligence responsible for creating the universe should also provide insights into our past, present, and potential future.

As the enlightened Vedic Master Sri Sri Ravi Shankar stated:

"The purpose of astrology is to take you to the ultimate truth that the entire universe is one organism. It's one Being, one consciousness, one Self, that manifests itself into this varied universe."

(Published in the Art of Living's Daily Sutra, May 2003.)

In many respects, a birth chart can be compared to a strand of DNA within a sperm or egg cell. DNA stores vast amounts of information in an extremely condensed form. As time unfolds, that information is progressively expressed as tissues, organs, physical structures, and eventually a complete living being.

A similar process occurs in Jyotish. The information encoded within a birth chart gradually unfolds through time, manifesting as significant life events and karmic experiences—whether beneficial or challenging.

Jyotish Astrology consists of numerous axioms and mathematical rules that enable the astrologer to interpret how the highly encoded information within a birth chart may unfold into physical circumstances and karmic outcomes. This process is somewhat analogous to modern biochemistry, which can decode sections of DNA and relate them to recognizable physical characteristics.

For this reason, Jyotish does not require the concept of forces being emitted by planets or celestial bodies. It works directly with a field of information and intelligence that is already complete and self-contained.

Footnotes

[1]

Jyotish utilizes nine Grahas, or celestial influences, often translated as "planets." These include the Sun and Moon (which are not classified as planets from an astronomical perspective), Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. It also includes two calculated points known as Rahu and Ketu, the Moon's nodes, which are closely associated with eclipses.

[2]

For example, in Jyotish the planet Mars is generally considered highly beneficial in the birth chart of an individual with a Leo Ascendant because it rules both the 4th house and the auspicious 9th house, thereby functioning as a functional benefic.

By contrast, Mars is generally regarded as strongly unfavourable for someone with a Virgo Ascendant because it rules the 6th and 11th houses, making it both a functional and natural malefic.

Thus, the same planet can indicate positive outcomes for one individual and negative outcomes for another. Clearly, this cannot be explained by a physical force emanating from Mars itself. Rather, it supports the view that Jyotish operates through an integrated field of information or intelligence linking the individual to the Cosmic Totality.

[3]

"The lunar nodes are the orbital nodes of the Moon, that is, the two points at which the orbit of the Moon crosses the ecliptic. The ascending (or north) node is where the Moon moves into the northern ecliptic hemisphere, while the descending (or south) node is where the Moon enters the southern ecliptic hemisphere. Eclipses involving the Moon occur only near the lunar nodes. A solar eclipse occurs when the passage of the Moon through a node coincides with the new moon, while a lunar eclipse occurs when the passage coincides with the full moon."