Introduction to jyotish
At the very beginning of your interest in astrology, it will be best to give up the idea that astrology is some kind of odd superstition. The word „astrology“ is comprised of two words: „astro“ which relates to the study of celestial bodies and phenomena related to them; and the word „logos“ which relates to the logical application of that scientific study. The meaning of the word „Veda“ is knowledge or science. Vedas are ancient scriptures originating from the Indian sub-continent, written in Sanskrit. Vedic Astrology is astrology which has been studied since ancient times in India. Vedas are created from the breath of Sri Maha Vishnu in the form of hymns and mantras (sound vibrations) which self-realized seers have known since the beginning of the universe.
They are being transfered by the master-student principle. The first created being was Brahma; who, with the help of meditation, realized the truth of the Vedas. Vedic mantras appeared in his heart for the first time. After that, Brahma created planets and populated them. The first living being whom he created was Narada Muni, to whom he handed over the knowledge of the Vedas, including the knowledge of Jyotish (astrology) and Bhakti-yoga. Later on, Narada handed over his knowledge to Rishi Parashara, who handed it over to Rishi Maitreya. Throughout the millions of years Vedic knowledge has been tranfered from master to student in such a way that the master handed over Vedic mantras and their meaning to his student. Sri Vyasdeva (son of the Maharishi Parashara) was the first one who wrote down the entire Vedic knowledge.
Vyasadeva divided the Vedas into four parts and named them Rig, Sama, Yajur, and Atharva. The language of the Vedas is very complex and ordinary people can barely understand it. Knowing that, Vyasadeva also wrote the so called Vedangas, extensions and explanations of the original Vedas. Vedanga literally means „part of the Vedas“ („anga“ is a limb or body part). Since the Vedas completely emanated from Maha Vishnu’s body, they are equated with His body and shape. The six Vedangas represent the six limbs of Maha Vishnu’s body. Six Vedangas are: Jyotish, Kalpa, Nirukta, Shiksha, Vyakarana, and Chanda. Chanda is the leg, Vyakarana is the cheek, Kalpa is the hand, Jyotish are the eyes, Shiksha is the nose, and Nirukta are the ears of the Vedas.
The eyes are the most important part of the body, that’s why Jyotish (astrology) is considered to be the most important of all the Vedangas. Chanda deals with the metrics of Vedic hymns, Kalpa is a description of rituals and priests’ tasks during the rituals. Vyakarana describes grammar and spelling. Shiksha describes how to realize the vibrations of the Vedic hymns. Nirukta explains the meaning of certain words. As the eye of the Vedas, Jyotish highlights the Vedas and shows the meaning of these scriptures in the lives of people. Jyotish enables us to see God’s will and is capable of leading us (leading is a purpose of eyesight), so that we can reach the maximum potential of our lives. „God’s hand“ is in the lives of people, so that the final goal and purpose in life can be seen and understood by using Vedic Astrology.
The role of astrology is very important because it can help society to come out of the illusion by which it is absorbed. It can give us the knowledge by which we can differentiate good from bad, spiritual from material, and useful from useless. „Jyoti“ means light, and „Isha“ means God. Jyotish is a light (light of knowledge or wisdom) which is capable to lead us to God or to lighten our path to Him.
