There are nine planets that Hindu or Vedic astrology considers. These are Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn. In addition to this there are two mathematical points called Rahu and Ketu which have been given the same importance as planets. These mathematical points are where the orbit of earth around the Sun intersects with the orbit of Moon around the earth. Vedic astrology recognizes trans-Saturnine planets but does not give them any importance for predictive purposes.

The horoscope gives the distribution of the planets in the heavens at the given moment. Vedic astrology divides the Zodiac into twelve parts called signs. These are Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces.

The zodiac is also divided into twelve houses and each of these rules over a particular part of human existence. For example the Lagna or Ascendant or the first house rules over everything pertaining to birth. It represents the color and stature of the body as also the particular limb of the body represented by the sign in Lagna. It represents wealth, honor, status and life span. It stands for the self of human beings and is used to determine the source of livelihood. Lagna also represents the infancy period. For more details read the Blog about how astrology works.

Astrology in today’s context is a very handy tool. In the fast paced life of the modern age decisions need to be quick and sound. Human intellect can often make a mistake at these times. Astrology unerringly guides one to the right answer. Vedic astrology is used for marriage matches. It is also very useful for partnership related questions. It matches the spiritual, intellectual, emotional and sexual nature of two human beings and gives an unequivocal Professional and finance based inquiries also benefit from astrological predictions.

Manglik Dosh arises when Mars occupies the twelfth, first, second, fourth, seventh or eighth house in a chart. This can throw a spanner in the smooth running of marriage. It is important to recognize and remove this problem before marriage. One very important use of astrology is in finding the right time (Muhurta) for starting something new. It could be a journey, a new venture, a new house or a car. Vedic or Hindu astrology accurately finds the time for starting something new so that it is done successfully and quickly.

Hindu astrology is Nakshatra based; meaning that the Zodiac is divided into twenty seven segments of thirteen degrees and twenty minutes each. The nine planets give specific results when placed in different parts of a Nakshatra. This is unique to Vedic astrology. Hindu Vedic astrology is Lunar; and this is its major difference compared to western astrology. For us, the placement of the Moon in a house, sign, Navansh and Nakshatra becomes very important. Western astrology only deals with the position of Sun to designate a birth sign.