A study of lives of people on the basis of nakshatras has proved to be generally true. Below are, therefore, given the trails etc. according to the nakshatras.

Ashvini ‑ Thinker, Scholar, teacher, interested in medicine and astrology, writer, honest, unsteady, suffers from boils engaged in domestic quarrel&

Bharnl ‑ Powerful, attacks enemies suddenly, cunning, takes interest in religious affairs, photographer, cheat, performs law, action and ambitious.

KrIttika ‑ Desirous of knowledge, lover of animals, unhealthy, given to enjoyment, spiritual sadhaka, having faith in saints and sadhus, Interested In picking up quarrels, lawyer, conservative in religion.

Rohini ‑ Loves purity, liar, interested in music, social worker, happy, believer in soft desirous of name and honor, enhances the interest of honest truthful people

Mrigshira ‑ Wealthy, earns by Illegitimate means, has little trust, progressive, Interested In speculation and gambling trader, executive, efficient‑thinker Influential, religious, exhibits occasionally false pomp and show at festivals.

Andra ‑ Sweet‑tongued  lovingly social, revered pure hearted regretful, weak hearted  badly sick of ordinary financial status, does dishonorable deeds  , unforesighted, clashes with relatives, leads a vie and aggressive life.

Punarvasu ‑ Acts thoughtfully, teacher, wise, suffers from dental‑trouble, gets money from in laws  happy in old age, loves white  dress, angry, proud, ambitious, attains  high and important office, immoral, indolent, suffers from pains in hands and feet.

Pushya ‑ Unhealthy, efficient, devoted to Shiva, Profits by machinery, quarrels unnecessarily with friends, business‑minded, loves relatives, mentally worried, has ordinary financial status and blunt.

Ashlesha ‑ Wealthy, loves wife, sexually weak, selfish, lover of dishes, gets hurt suddenly, steals occasionally, lazy, friend of low people, suffers from trouble to wife, smiling, truthful.

Magha ‑ Interersted in secret acts, angry, suffers sudden losses, has trouble in ear, has free voice, highly sexual, grabs other’s wealth. Faces obstacles constantly for progress, unhappy, suffers from skin‑troubles, worried, low salaried.

Poorvaphaliguni ‑ Expert at weapons, lover of animals, business‑minded, works in religious institutions, suffers losses in sale and purchases, unsuccessful in efforts towards rise, loves name and honour, suffers venerally, has no faith in his own religion, has scar on head, worried, courageous.

Uttaraphaiguni ‑ Sweet‑tongued, efficient, poor, loves seclusion, animal manager and lover, devoid of parental care, with keen memory, efficient artist, lover of relatives.

Hast ‑ Dishonest, untruthful, proud, hard‑working, suffers from trouble to parents, careless. Loves music, tall, succeeds through hard work, Lover of watery places, earns by animal‑breeding.

Chitra ‑ Has ear and eye trouble, wonder‑worker, easily irritated, efficient as a leader, engaged in increasing bodily strength, poor, desirous of education, experienced, faces enemies, honest.

Swati ‑ Brave, leader, lives in dreams, lucky, harms self  and relatives in rage, independent thinker, prey to obstacles stubborn, tactful, healthy, keen intellectual, subject to injuries.

Vishakha ‑ Foreign traveller, painter, loves truth, efficient fighter, thoughtless, clever, business‑minded, good advisor, orator, progressive, believes in astrology etc.

Anuradha ‑ High thinker, honest worker, loves his religion, holds modem views. Keenly interested in philosophy, Vedas and astrology, honoured, devoid of paternal care, tactful, efficient, persevering student, suffers in early age, progressive. Patient hearer, capable of putting forth his view‑point, high executive, interested in music.

Jyeshtha ‑ Good writer, proud, given to luxury, suffers from brothers, good speaker, unhealthy, lazy, animalbreeder, blind believer in friends. Meets obstacles in progress, opposed to his own family, progressive.

Moola ‑ Self‑willed, opposed to old generation, troublesome to father, suffers in belly, adamant, wanderer, efficient in magic, omens, tantric knowledge etc., earns from sale purchase of medicines, loves embellished clothes, victorious over enemies, keen at studies, loves purity, suffers in old age, makes progress through studies.

Poorvashadha ‑ Gets honor, suffers in early age but leads happy comfortable life in middle age, highly sexual, has contacts with many women. loves seclusion, weak bodied, efficient in vocal music, Profits through women, suffers from parental trouble in childhood, mentally 11, much worded, efficient and easily successful.

Uttarashadha ‑ Efficient in painting etc. anxious for clean clothes, gets honor, orator, well‑developed in body, good in intellect, short‑lived, proud, liar, stammer profits through trade etc, adept in household affairs, has strong will power, provides well for future.

Shraven ‑ Naughty, devoted to parents, proud, interested in business of liquids, acts after due thought, opposes friends, fond of eating and drinking, unhealthy, profits from business sales and purchases, efficient in transacting land business wealthy and interested keenly in religious affairs.

Dhanishtha ‑ Unforesighted, gets obstacles in way to progress, lover of martial acts, poor, rises through hard work devoted to wife, honest, wears clean clothes, angry, broad, seeks progress, profits through iron and suffers in clashes with others.

Shatbhisha ‑ Disposed to serve others. Performs clean and pure acts, religious, fickle, acts without due thought, occasionally suffers through his own acts, interested in machinery business, high thinker, saint, conservative in religious matters.

Poorvabhadrapad ‑ Devoted to good. Shuns women, given to comforts, worshipper, priest, meets with unexpected success, gets wealth unexpectedly in old age, two”, [over of children, interested in educational affairs.

Uttarabtmdraped ‑ Happy‑minded, makes progress, specially honored by women, liberal, magnanimous, emotional but acts with due thought, prey to sudden loss, suffers from enemies, lazy, lover of education, belongs to highly cultured family, friend of government officials.

Revati ‑ Lover of education, open‑minded, highly gentle, pilgrim, does not act as an intellectual, happy married  poor, loves seclusion, devoted to God, meets obstacles towards progress, possesses spiritual power, does not think much, profits from friends.

Position of nakshatras on the human body. In astrology the 27 nakshatras are taken as stationed in the various parts of any human body as under:

(1) Krittika on head, (2) Rohini on fore‑head, (3) Mrigshira on the eye‑brows, (4) Ardra on eyes, (5) Punarvasu on nose, (6) Pushya on Chest, (7) Ashlesha on ears, (8) Magha on lips, (9) Poorvaphalguni on the right hand, (10) Uttaraphalgunl on left-hand, (11) Hasta on fingers, (12) Chitra on neck, (13) Swati on chest (upper portion), (14) Vishakha on Chest Proper, (15) Anuradha on Belly, (16) Jyeshtha on Digesting Organs, (17) Mool on Loins, (18) Poorvashadha on the back, (19) Uttarashadha on the spinal cord, (20) Shravan on waist, (21) Dhanishtha on rectum, (22) Shatbhisha on the right leg, (23) Poorvabhadrapad on the left leg, (24) Uttarabhadrapad on the lower leg, (25) Revati on ankles, (26) Ashvini on the upper portion of the feet, (27) Bhami on the lower part of the feet.

Nakshatra results. When a particular nakshatra in the birth‑chart is transited by natural malefic planets, the portion of the body represented by the nakshatra suffers. I in a similar manner when the same is transited by a natural benefic planet, the portion of the body represented by the nakshatra is nourished and strengthened.

Guna Classification. All the 27 nakshatras have been classified as Satvic, Rajas, or Tamas and thus serve to determine the good and bad points of nature. Satvic Nakshatras are Punarvasu, Vishakha, Poorvabhadrapad, Ashlesha, Jyeshtha and Revati. Rajas Nakshatras are Krittika, Uttaraphalguni, Uttarashadha, Rohini, Hasta, Sharavan, Bharani, Poorvaph alguni, and Poorvashadha.

Tamas Nakshatras are Ashvini, Magha, Moola, Ardra, Swati Shatbhisha, Mrigshira, Chitra, Dhanishtha, Pushya, Anuradha and Uttarabhadrapad.

Nakshatras are divided on the basis of sex as males females and eunuch.

Male Nakshatras are Ashvini, Punarvasu, Pushya, Hast, Anuradha, Shravan, Poorvabhadrapad and Uttarabhadrapad

Female Nakshatras are Bharni, Krtttika, Rohini, Ardra, Ashlesha, Magha, Poorvaphalguni, Utaraphaiguni, Chftra, Swati, Vishakha, Jyeshtha, Poorvashadha Uttarashadha Dhanishtha and Revati.

Eunuch Nakshatras are Mrigshira, Moola and Shatbhisha.

Planetary Lordship. The nine planets have lordship over the nakshatras. The ruling dasha at birth is always of the planet that is lord of the nakshatra occupied by Moon at birth. Thus it is important to know the planetary lordship over the nakshatras. The lordship is asunder:

In order to determine the ascendant i.e. the specific degree etc. of a specific sign rising in the eastern horizon at the moment of birth query etc. We must know

(a) The time of birth or query etc. as the case may be,

(b) Time of sun rise on the day of birth.

It is not necessary to adopt different methods for the determination of births taking place before noon, afternoon, before midnight, after midnight etc. One uniform method is adequate, whatever be the time of birth.

Determination of lagna or ascendant depends on Ishta i.e. the time elapsed between the moments of birth. Supposing a birth takes place at a station at 10.30 a.m. and the sun rises at that station on the day of birth at 5.37, then 10.30 minus 5.37 i.e. 4.53 a.m. would be called the Ishta. Similarly suppose a birth takes place at 2 a.m. in the night between 25th and 26th Aug. at a particular station and Sun rises at that station on 25th Aug. at 5.15 a.m., then the difference between 2 a.m. + 5.15 i.e. between 26 hours and 5.15 hours ie. 20 hours and 45 minutes would be the Ishta.

Since the sun rise time varies from place to place according to its longitude, we must know the extent of its variation from the standard line for India Le. Longitude 82 30 East. For example Jodhpur is situated at Latitude 26.18 (North) and Longitude 73.04 (East). The difference between the longitude of the standard point in India i.e. 82.30 and the longitude of Jodhpur i.e. 73.04 = 90.26. Since 360 degrees retraversed in 24 hours, it would take 4 minutes for one degree to traverse. Hence 9 degrees and 26 minutes difference would be equal to 37 minutes 44 seconds at that rate. In other words Sun would rise 37 minutes and 44 seconds later than it would at the standard point. Hence If we know from the almanacs the time of sun rise for a particular latitude of the place of birth we can know the local time of sun rise by adding to or deducting from the time of sun rise for the Latitude of birth place, the difference in minutes corresponding to the longitudes of the place of birth and that of the standard point, according as is, the west or east of the standard point. In the example given above for Jodhpur, we have added the time of birth in Indian Standard time as Jodhpur is west of the Indian Standard point.

Having known, thus the correct Ishta on the basis of the correct local time of sun rise we can with the help of the table of ascendants for the place of birth or for latitude very near it, find out the ascendant or lagna.

After determining the Ishta we should ascertain from the almanac the longitude of the Sun for the time of birth. This longitude is given for ready reference in all good almanacs. Suppose the Longitude ls 1O 24 45 44. In this figure the first two digits viz. 10 + 24 i.e. sign no 10 +degrees 24 would suffice for our purpose. The figure against 10 signs + 24 degrees In the table should be taken out and added to the Ishta as ghatees and palas. The resultant figure should be seen in the same table. The sign and degrees under which it or the figure very near it appears is the sign and degree of the ascendant.

For example if we have 25 ghatees and 8 palas as ishta and longitude of Sun as 10o 24′ then in the table of ascendants we have the figure 58/24/44 corresponding to ft. By adding 25 8 to ft we have the total 23/32/44. On looking up 23 32 44 in the table we find 23 29 27 as the nearest figure to ft. On the left side of 23 29 27 we find the sign Leo, while on top of ft there is the digit 2 denoting the degree. Hence the lagna or ascendant is the second degree of Leo.

After having arrived at the ascendant in the manner indicated above we should then indicate the planets by appropriate symbols in the same signs in the birth chart in which they are found in the almanac, thus finalizing the preparation of the horoscope.

The aim of astrology is betterment of human life and to give indications for good and bad events of the future. For practical purposes astrology is divided into two parts i.e. the astronomical or mathematical part and the astrological or predictive part. Astronomical part is further sub‑divided into Karam, Tantra and Siddhanta. The astrological part is subdivided into Jatak (natal), Tajik (Annual), Muhurta (Electional), Prashna (Horary), and Shakun (Omens). These are the main sub‑divisions.

In this site, light has been thrown primarily on “predictive” Part. Mathematical processes are necessary for predictive knowledge, but these have been dealt with in other books. The mathematical portion of the science can be ascertained through the reliable almanacs. It is not necessary that every man should be a good astrologer but for leading a systematic life it Is not only desirable but essential to have a working knowledge of the science of astrology. In the following pages a brief description of the astrological laws is being presented.

Jatak.

The term denotes the “native” on whose birthchart we may be considering.

Tajik.

The term denotes the system whereby the annual‑chart is interpreted.

Planets. There are nine planets in astrology. Uranus and Neptune are also included among the planets these days. Names etc., of planets follow below.

Tithi.

One Kala of Moon is called Tlthi. ‑its measure is the difference between the longitudes of the Moon and the Sun. The tithis from moon‑day (Amavasya) to the full‑moon day (Poornima) belong to the bright‑half (shukla) Paksha) of the lunar month while those from full‑moon day to new‑moon day belong to the dark‑half (Krishna Paksha). In Indian astrology tithis are counted from the start of the bright lunar half month.

Nomenclature of Tithis

1,6,11              Tithis are termed               “Nanda”

2,7,12              Tithis are termed              “Bhadra”

3,8,13                Tithis are termed             “Jaya”

4,9,14               Tithis are termed        “Rikta”

5, 10, 15          Tithis are termed             “Poorna”

Lord of Tithis

The Devata  lord of the first tithi is “Agni”, that of the second is “Brahma,” of third “Gauri”, of 4th “Ganesh”, of 5th “Shesha”, of 6th “Karttikeya”, of 7th “Sun”, of 8th “Shiva”, of 9th “Durga”, of 1 10th “Kala”, of 11 th “Vishvede­vah” of 12th “Vishnu”, of 13 “Kama”, of 14th “Shiva”, of Poomima “Moon”, and of Amavasya, ‑ “Pitridev”.

The Indian names of the planets are given below:

Name of the planets           Indian name

Sun                                                    Surya

Moon                                              Chandra or Chandrama

Mars                                                Mangal or Kuja

Mercury                                        Budha

Jupiter                                          Guru or Brihaspati

Venus                                             Shukra

Saturn                                             Shani

Dragons‑head (node)               Rahu

Dragons‑Tall (node)                  Ketu

Uranus                                          Varuna

Neptune                                         Varuni

Moon occupies an important place in the birth chart of an individual The sign occupied by Moon at birth is called technically the Janma Rashi. it Is through the Janma Rash that the temper and propensities of a man’s mind are known. Sun is the source of light. It has, therefore, specific influence on eyes. The inmost thoughts of man can be known through a study of his Sun. In this manner good and bad results relating to the life of a native are assessed by astrology on the basis of the position etc. of planets.

All the planets have a definite rate of‑ motion in their orbits These planets Influence beings on earth in consonance with their rate of motion. The birth‑chart of an individual is thus a map of the planets etc., as it is at the moment of birth. Ecliptic is the orbit In which the earth revolves round the Sun. It is the path in which other planets do revolve round the Sun. The whole path extends to about an angular distance of 7 degrees. Mercury  orbit extends to an angular distance of 7 degrees on the eliptic of Venus to 30 ‑23′ ‑35″ of Mars to 10 ‑6l’‑20, of Jupiter 3 ‑41‑18 8″, Saturn 2‑29‑40 of Uranus 00 0‑46‑2 ‑Lr, of Neptune 10 ‑40′‑2m, of Moon 40 ‑56′to 50‑20′. Thus It is dear that the path of the planets is 7 to 8 degrees above or below the eliptic This eliptic or sign path is divided  into 12 equal parts of 30 degrees each. The shape of these 12 parts resembles animals on earth and hence their names Aries (Lamb), Taurus (Ox), gemini  (Twins), Cancer (a small sea animal), Leo (Lion), Virgo Girl Capricorn (Crocodile), Aquarius (Watery), Pisces  (Fishes). Since man’s fate Is linked to the motion of planets and planets have a starry, background that background has been divided into 27 equal parts each called a nakshatra which is equal to 130 20′ The time taken by earth to reach the same star is called and its duration is 365 days 9 minutes and 9.7 seconds. The earth is inclined on its axis at an angle of 23‑26‑52 Due to this inclination the terrestrial equator (extended) cut the  eliptic at two points called the equinoxes (ayanas). In consequence the sun remains in the northern and southern ayanas for six months each. As already stated the 30 degrees of the zodiac constitutes a sign or rashi the total being 360 degrees. The 12 signs are the basic factor in the horoscope.

The portion of the eliptic rising on the eastern horizon of a place of birth at the moment of Is called the ascendant or lagna and is denoted as such in the birth‑chart. The various planets are shown in the birth‑chart in the signs where they are at the moment of birth. Thus the planetary position in the heavens is reflected In the birth‑chart.

Astrology has also been called Jyoti shastra i.e., the science of Jyoti or light. For this science throws light on the problems of life and death, comforts and discomforts, gains and losses etc. Planets are constantly throwing their influence around. At the moment of birth, a man is under the influence of a specific type or pattern of planets and signs and as such the man’s temperament and character Is molded accordingly.

Thus Astrology shows the heights of culture and civilization attained by us. The Rishis through their inspired knowledge led clarified the effects of planets on human beings. This speaks volumes for their acumen. The science of astrology lags behind due to death of such Rishis. Another reason for our diminishing astrological beliefs Is the dearth of up to date observatories and other astronomical equipment. There is, however, no doubt that the science of astrology, if studied minutely can prove a boon not only to science in general but also to man in his attempt to unravel the future and thereby accelerate his steps towards prog­ress.

All the planets (Rahu and Ketu excepted) perform the double function of not only revolving on their own axis (from West to East), but also round the Sun. Saturn is the most distant from the earth. Jupiter, Mars, the Sun, Venus, Mercury and the Moon come next in order of their distance from the terrestrial globe. Thus we see that the Moon is nearest to the Earth. The velocity of each planet diminishes as its distance from the earth increases.

We shall now give you an idea of the average motion of the various planets. Students are advised to have this information always at the tip of their tongue as it will prove useful to them when they come to actual working of the motions at the time of preparing a birth chart. It should not, however, be forgotten that motions that would be given here are only average motions. In actual practice the students will find very frequently that on certain days the actual motions are slightly less or more. This is due to the fact that the planets while revolving round the Sun, owing to cosmic influences, become somewhat irregular in their movements. To understand this very clearly a thorough knowledge of astronomy is required which is beyond the scope of our lessons.

The Sun moves at the rate of roughly one degree of the zodiac in one day composed of 24 hours and takes 365 days and 6 hours to complete a circle in the zodiac.

The Moon takes the average rate of one hour and 48 minutes to go through a degree of this space. Mars moves at the average rate of 45 days for 30 degrees or takes 1‑ 1 / 2 days per degree. Mercury moves at the aver‑age rate of 1‑ 1 / 2 degrees a day but there is difference between the movement of Mars and Mercury. Mercury is very close to the Sun and due to solar influence, his movement is very unsteady. He completes the average run in 27 days. He hardly takes a day to move in each degree, but moves on more rapidly for sometime, gets in front of the Sun and then begins to move slowly and goes backwards of the Sun. But in these double motions of backwards and forwards, Mercury never gets away more than 28 degrees in either direction of the Sun.

Jupiter is allotted one year in each sign of 30 degrees but generally it is found that he stays in a sign for a little less than a year. Venus moves almost at the rate of 1 degree per day. Saturn takes about 2‑1/2 years or 30 months to move in a sign of 30 degrees and thus he takes I month to move in a degree. Rahu and Ketu who always move in the reverse direction take 18 months to travel through each sign of the zodiac. As stated above Rahu and Ketu always move in the reverse direction. In other words they are always in retrograde motion. The Sun and the Moon are never retrograde. The remaining planets are direct In their motions, but in the course of their journey in the zodiac they are obstructed by certain invisible forces, as a result of which they become stationary for a while, get backward movements and again after sometime, they regain their natural courses. This phenomenon of going backwards is called retrogression It is said that these planets become retrograde when they are at a certain distance from the Sun and when they move away from that distance they become direct. It is also said that actually the planets never move backwards but appear to move in this manner as seen from the earth. As far as we are concerned we should remember that  the sun and the moon always have direct movement.  Rahu and  Ketu always moves backward. The other planets have both direct and retrograde movement.

It is said that the planets become retrograde when they are at a certain distance from the Sun and when they move away from that distance they become direct. It is also said that actually the planets never move backwards but appear to move in this manner as seen from the earth. as far as we  are concerned we should remember that  the sun and the Moon always have direct movement.  Rahu and  Ketu always moves backward. The other planets have both direct and retrograde movement.

We will advise the students to study this lesson very carefully as it will be the proper understanding of the basic facts about the Solar System that would enable them to grasp properly the lessons that will follow.

Zodiac

First we should know what is meant by the Zodiac. Zodiac is a broad belt in the heavens extending about 9 degrees on each side of the ecliptic. Ecliptic Is the path of the Sun which (path) passes exactly through the centre of the Zodiac. The Zodiac is an imaginary circle of 360 degrees and our ancient learned divided this circle into twelve equal parts of 30 degrees each. Each equal part of 30 degrees Is known as a sign (or a rasi). The Zodiac is called Bhachakara in Sanskrit, and it revolves on Its axis once in a day from east to west.

Signs or Rasis

Thus we have twelve signs in the Zodiac, namely: Aries (Mesha), Taurus Wrtshabh), Gemini (Mithuna), Cancer (Kataka or Karka), Leo (Simha), Virgo (Kanya), Libra (Tula), Scorpio (Wischik), Sagittarius (Dhanus or Dhanu), Capricorn (Makara), Aquarius (Kumbha) and Pisces (Meena). As already mentioned above, each of these signs has a stretch of 30 degrees in the Zodiac.

Planets

The planets which, according to astrology, have most powerful influence on the earth are nine in number, namely: Sun (Ravi, Surya), Moon (Chandra), Mars Mangal or Kuja), Mercury (Buddha), Jupiter (Guru or Brahaspati), Venus (Sukra), Saturn (Sani),  Rahu and Ketu The last two are called shadowy planets (chhaya grahas) as they do not have physical or celestial bodies like the other seven planets. Of the two places where the Moon crosses the ecliptic (that is, the path of the Sun), the north point is known as Rahu and the corresponding south point which is exactly 1800 away from the former is called Ketu. Inspite of the fact that they are not celestial bodies like other planets, they are very sensitive and effective points and it is on account of their powerful influence on the earth, our ancients have ranked them as planets in Hindu astrology.

In western astrology though some recognition is now being given to Rahu and Ketu, mostly these planets find little importance in their predictive system. On the other hand the western astrologers have given significant place to the newly discovered planets Uranus (also called Herschel), Neptune and Pluto. In Hindu Predictive Astrology, however, we do not generally give any importance to them, because they are at a very great distance from the earth, and very slow moving planets. The view taken is that their influence is more on mundane affairs that is, events affecting masses as a whole and not on individuals. We shall, therefore, exclude these planets from our lessons which are mainly intended for beginners.

Now to come to the planetary system with which we are concerned, let us mention that each planet exercises his influence on the earth according to his strength, position and dignity etc., in the zodiac at the time of birth of an individual or even in day to day affairs. As regards the influence according to power and position of a planet at a particular time, the necessary discussion will be held at the appropriate stage. In this lesson we shall mention only the preliminaries about them.

The Second house represents family, face, right eye, food, wealth, literary gift, and manner and source of death, self-acquisition and optimism. The Third house rules brothers and sisters, intelligence, cousins and other immediate relations.

The Fourth house indicates peace of mind, home life, mother, conveyances, house property, landed and ancestral properties, education and neck and shoulders. The Fifth house indicates children, grandfather, intelligence, emotions and fame. The Sixth house rules over debts, diseases, enemies, miseries, sorrows, illness and disappointments.

The Seventh represents wife, husband, marriage, urinary organs, marital happiness, sexual diseases, business partner, diplomacy, talent, energies and general happiness. The Eighth indicates longevity, legacies and gifts and unearned wealth, cause of death, disgrace, degradation and details pertaining to death. The Ninth rules father, righteousness, preceptor, grandchildren, intuition, religion, sympathy, fame, charities, leadership, journeys and communications with spirits.

The Tenth indicates, occupation, profession, temporal honours, foreign travels, self-respect, knowledge and dignity and means of livelihood. The Eleventh represents means of gains; elder brother and freedom from misery. The Twelfth rules losses ; expenditure, waste, extravagance, sympathy, divine knowledge, Moksha and the state after death.

The house opposite the ascendant must be one with which to form a pair and therefore the seventh house is attributed to wife. In the zodiac, Aries is the first house. The third house is Gemini. It represents arms. As arms protect our body so also our brothers are our helpers in the earthly life and hence the third house in general indicates brothers. The fourth house rules breasts. It is from the breast that the baby suckles its nourishment while happiness and pleasure proceed from the mind. It is not our purpose to try to explain the rationale of the attributes of the twelve houses. On the other hand we have suggested above that common-sense thinking enables one to appreciate what this rationale is. Take a haroscopc in which the fifth house is afflicted by unfavourable conjunctions and aspects. The subject will have no children or all or most of his children will die. Will this not suffice to prove that the fifth house is connected with children ? The ancient Maharishis discovered grand and glorious truths with the aid of Divya Drishti or introspection.

In applying the rules contained in astrological books to practical horoscopes one must definitely bear in mind that they are merely for his guidance. In addition to knowledge of astrology, one must also exercise discretion and common-sense coupled of course with a certain amount of intuition. Significations have been assigned to the various dignities and debilities of planets, the pros and cons of which must be carefully considered. No prediction should be given in a haphazard manner. If the fifth house is well disposed, and its lord occupies favourable situations the subject will be happy with regard to children. Suppos-ing Pisces is Lagna and Jupiter is in Cancer the fifth or suppose Kanya is Lagna and Jupiter is in Makara. Would the results in either case be the same ? In the first instance, Jupiter lord of Lagna is in the 5th exalted : In the second case, Jupiter lord of 4th is in debilitation. Can the results be same in both instances ? Common-sense tells us that the results must differ. An astrological student must bear  in mind all these differences and venture a prediction. The First house is called Thanu Bhava. It deals with or represents the beginning of life, childhood, health,  environment, personality, the physical body and character.

Before we explain what is Astrology or Jyotish we must make it quite clear to the students that astrology is not an art of fortune‑telling as understood. It is on the other hand as much an exact science like physics or chemistry. In fact it is a divine science which has come to us as a gift from the gods. In the ancient India our sages had developed by their untiring spiritual exercises a divine eye (Divya drishti) by which they could see the movements of planets and their effects on human beings. In those days of the past, astrology was a subject which all disciples of a Guru had to learn and it is through this media of instruction that it has come down to us. Astrology is a branch of Veda (Vedanga) with the aid of which it is possible to know about all the past and future events by considering the position of lagna and planets at birth or at the time of putting a query. Astrology has three broad divisions, namely: siddhanta samhita and Hora. Siddhanta deals with the astronomical side of the science, Samhita with the world events and Hora with horoscopy of human and animate objects­According to tradition, our sages who, with the strength of their spiritual powers, were able to have direct contact with our creator Lord Brahma, were initiated by the Lord into divine science. Then the sages propagated thew for the benefit of humanity. What at present we have in our Hindu astrology we owe entirely to those sages and the principles laid down by them still hold good as they were when they came from the mouths of those sages. It will be worthwhile for those who want to enter this divine field, to know the names of those great men who put these principles in writing for the benefit of others. They are Varahamihira, Kalidasa, Varunchi, Vashista, Vyas, Parashara, Venkatesa, Kashyap, Neelkantha, Jayadeva, Ganapathi, Satyacharya, Manitha, Jeeva Sharma, Bhaskaracharya, Aryabhatta and many others.

Though when our country lost its independence there was a kind of black out of this divine science; but the science did not die and went on flourishing and we now see today that except those who just for the sake of saying say that astrology is a great bluff, there is hardly any body who does not (though sometimes not openly) believe in this science and seeks its assistance, particularly when he is in distress.

It is true that astrology is a science of tendencies, and a fatalistic or deterministic approach to horoscopes and events is not called for. In this connection we may quote frequently repeated principle of astrology constantly:

“Phalani grahcharen suochyanti manishinah,

ko vakta tartaniyasya Vedhsam vina”.

Those who know astrology can indicate in a way what will take place in future. Who else, except the creator Brahma, can say with certainty what will definitely happen?”

We have stated this at length so that the students who are anxious to learn this great and divine science, whether as a hobby or for professional purposes should not take it as a joke or fun. They should also be clear that the lessons which will be given by us are not sufficient to make them a great Pandit in astrology. These lessons are aimed only to give them a complete grounding in the principles of Hindu astrology and with that strong base (if they make it so by their sincere and serious study of the lessons) they could plunge further into this field and advance their knowledge by study of the classical texts available in the market and by research and practical experience. Astrology is a wide ocean and one can spend his life in studying it and yet he would be far away from the perfectness but a sincere and serious attention to our lessons will undoubtedly make them able to cast and read a birth chart‑the limit of accuracy depending on their intelligence, insight, intuitive capacity, sincerely and lastly the grace of God.