The applied branch of Jyotisha that interprets the influence of celestial bodies on earthly life.
Jyotisha, the "Science of Light," has two complementary branches: Siddhanta Jyotisha (mathematical astronomy — calculating planetary positions, eclipses, and time) and Phalita Jyotisha (predictive astrology — interpreting planetary influences on life).
Vedangam focuses primarily on the astronomical foundations — the Panchangam, Nakshatras, and time science — which form the bedrock upon which astrological interpretation rests. Accurate astronomy is the prerequisite for meaningful astrology.
The 12 Rashis divide the ecliptic into 30-degree segments. Unlike Western tropical zodiac, Vedic astrology uses the sidereal zodiac aligned with actual star positions, with an Ayanamsha correction.
The 27 Nakshatras provide a finer division of the sky (13.33 degrees each). They are fundamental to Vedic astrology — the birth Nakshatra determines the Dasha system and key personality traits.
The nine Grahas — Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu, and Ketu — are the cosmic agents of karma. Their positions at birth and transits through life form the basis of all predictions.
The Kundali maps the sky at the moment of birth, showing planetary positions across 12 houses. It serves as a cosmic blueprint unique to each individual.
The Vimshottari Dasha is a 120-year planetary period system based on the birth Nakshatra. It assigns specific time periods to each Graha, creating a timeline of planetary influence.
Muhurta Jyotisha determines the most auspicious times for important activities — marriages, travel, business ventures, and ceremonies — by analyzing planetary positions.
A key difference between Vedic and Western astrology is the zodiac system. Western astrology uses the tropical zodiac (fixed to the equinoxes), while Vedic astrology uses the sidereal zodiac (fixed to the stars). Due to the precession of the equinoxes, these systems have drifted apart by approximately 24 degrees — nearly one full sign. This difference, called Ayanamsha, means that a person's Sun sign often differs between the two systems.
The sidereal system maintains alignment with the actual position of the constellations, which is why Vedic astrology emphasizes the Nakshatras — they are directly observable star groupings, not abstract geometric divisions.