Understanding the Basics of Jyotish Shastra – Part 2

In this article we will begin to understand the concept of dasha, yogas and using Jyotish Shastra for divination and prediction. Furthermore, if you are a beginner in jyotish then I would recommend that you cover the first part of Understanding the Basics of jyotish shastra where we talked about the fundamentals, the nine planets (navgrahas), the 12 houses, and rashis.

Dashas 

Dashas are a method of progression of either planets or signs to time the manifestation of results promised in the natal chart. They show which planets will be ruling at particular times and influence various life events. There are different types of dashas such as Vimshottari, Ashtchori, Char and Yogini. Each dasha has a different duration and sequence depending on the nakshatra (star) that one is born under.

Dashas are the timing of a planet’s influence on an individual according to their natal chart. They provide an astrologer with information about when various events might manifest in that person’s life, as well as how long it will last. The most common dasha system used is called Vimshottari Dasha which is calculated using the Moon’s position at birth. 

Each dasha period lasts a certain number of years and can be further broken down into planetary periods known as Antardashas. These periods reveal more detail about how the energies of each planet will manifest during that specific time period. For those wanting to learn Jyotish Shastra, understanding Dashas is essential for making accurate predictions and gaining insight into a native’s life path and potential outcomes based on their natal chart.

Vimshottari dasha, a planetary dasha based on the position of the Moon’s Nakshatra (constellation) at birth, is one example of a dasha. It divides a person’s life span into 120 years and assigns different periods to various planets. For example, if an individual was born in Ashwini Nakshatra, which is ruled by Ketu (the Moon’s south node), their first dasha will be Ketu for 7 years, Venus for 20 years, Sun for 6 years, and so on. The effects of each dasha are determined by the planet’s placement and aspects in the natal chart.

You must know your Moon’s position at birth to calculate your Vimshottari dasha, which determines your Nakshatra (constellation) and pada (quarter). Each Nakshatra has a ruling planet and a specific number of years. For example, Ashwini Nakshatra is ruled by Ketu and has a dasha period of 7 years. Each pada has 3°20′ of arc, so divide the dasha period by 4 to get the dasha balance at birth. If your Moon is at 10°15′ in Aries, which falls under Ashwini Nakshatra pada 4, your Ketu dasha balance at birth is (7/4) x (13°20′ – 10°15′) / 3°20′ = 1.75 years. Then, using the Vimshottari dasha system, you can follow the sequence of planets to determine your current and future dashas. You can also use online calculators that will do this for you based on your date of birth.

Do you know your nakshatra or birth star?

You can find out your nakshatra by using a nakshatra calculator online. You need to enter your full date of birth, time of birth and location of birth into the calculator and submit your info. The calculator will then tell you your nakshatra or birth star along with other astrological details.

Aspects (Yogas) and their importance

There are many different aspects, or yogas, that makeup Jyotish. These yogas are combinations of planets that create a certain pattern in the sky and affect the lives of individuals. Each yoga has its own importance and can represent various aspects of life such as material wealth, health, relationships, occupation, spiritual growth etc. While some yogas are beneficial for an individual’s overall well-being and growth others can be detrimental depending on their positions. It is important to understand how these yogas interact with each other to get an accurate reading from Surjyotish Shastra.

For example, if two yoga-forming planets are in different positions relative to each other they may cause negative influences in a person’s life while if they occupy identical positions then the effects would be more positive. Therefore it is necessary to consider all these factors before determining any outcome from Jyotish Shastra’s readings.

There are many types of yogas, and it is not possible to list them all here. However, some of the common categories are:

Using Jyotish Shastra for Divination & Prediction

For predictions we use a variety of techniques, such as analyzing a person’s birth chart, to interpret the energy of the Universe and decode its influence on people’s lives. The basic elements include knowledge of planets, stars, and signs; understanding how they interact with each other; and interpreting their influences on our lives. Additionally, it takes into account aspects called “bhava” which signifies the qualities associated with particular planets or zodiac signs in order to assess potential outcomes regarding health, wealth, career, relationships and more. By combining all these elements together in one comprehensive system – it provides practitioners with incredible insight into a person’s life path and potential destiny.

1. Horoscope Reading / Natal Chart Analysis

Natal chart analysis is a very important part of Horoscope reading. A natal chart can provide insight into a person’s character and future trends in their life. It shows the position of the planets at a specific moment in time and reflects the energies that are present at that moment.

The Moon plays a key role in the natal chart analysis as it is the most influencing planet and affects all other planets. Its sign, house placement and aspects of other planets can give an indication of how one’s emotions manifest throughout life. The ascendant or lagna also plays an important role when interpreting a birth chart since it shows how one expresses themselves outwardly to others, as well as their physical characteristics, health disposition and vitality.

Additionally, planetary placements such as Mars and Mercury signify ambition, courage and communication skills respectively which helps to further understand how an individual works with their environment to fulfill their goals. Lastly, Inr or Intuitive Reading is also important for understanding what might be hidden from direct observation of the birth chart itself but more so acts as guidance for self-discovery on how to make sense of those energies on our own terms.

A natal chart looks like a circular diagram divided into 12 sections called houses. Each house represents a different area of life, such as personality, relationships, career, etc. The houses are also associated with one of the 12 zodiac signs. Inside the circle, there are symbols for planets and other celestial bodies that show their positions at your birth time. The planets influence different aspects of your character and destiny according to their sign and house placement.

2. Prashna Kundali – Horary Astrology

Prashna Kundali, also known as Horary Astrology, is a method of Vedic astrology used to answer specific questions. It is based on the placement of planets in an individual’s horoscope chart at a given moment. The prashna chart is made up of twelve segments (houses) that symbolize different areas of life like relationships, career, wealth etc.

Through Prashna Kundali one can learn about a particular event or person’s future through the analysis of planetary positions. This type of astrological reading helps the individual understand their own behavior and gain insight into how events will unfold in their life.

By studying Prashna Kundali one can gain an understanding of the hidden forces that shape our lives and make better decisions for their future. It is helpful for those seeking spiritual guidance or wanting to learn more about Vedic astrology and its principles.

3. Muhurta – Electional Astrology

Muhurta Electional Astrology uses astrological principles to select the best time for a particular event or activity. It determines the most auspicious moment in which to begin important projects, and it can help determine the most beneficial outcomes from any undertaking. Muhurta Electional Astrology involves analyzing various elements including planets, constellations, tithis (lunar days), nakshatras (lunar mansions) and yogas (planetary combinations).

Additionally, this form of astrology takes into consideration the south node and north node of an individual’s moon chart in order to gain insight into their karma and destiny. By looking at these different elements together, one can discern if certain events or activities are going to be more successful when begun at certain times according to cosmic timing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Jyotish Shastra is a powerful tool for understanding the energy of our lives and how it impacts us. It provides insights into our karmic destiny, relationships and financial prospects. The power of this ancient form of astrology lies in its ability to provide an accurate assessment of one’s life and provide guidance on how to make positive changes. Drishti, or planetary influences, are used to understand the effects that planets have on individuals. Raja techniques can be used to determine auspicious times for taking actions such as marriage or starting a new business venture. With regular practice, Jyotish Shastra can help individuals unlock their full potential and develop greater clarity about themselves and their future.

The Shastra offers many unique benefits that are not found in other forms of astrology. Its holistic approach recognizes the interconnectedness between people, their past karma and their relationship with divine forces while also providing practical advice on how to take advantage of auspicious planetary influences. This combination allows individuals to move towards their highest potential while also remaining grounded in reality. By gaining greater insight into one’s true nature through Jyotish Shastra, more conscious decisions can be made which ultimately lead to greater personal growth and peace within oneself.

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