CONSTITUENTS OF ASTROLOGY
ByThe 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