Learn Astrology: Introduction

This is first part of a weekly series on learning Indian astrology by famous astrologer Punit Pandey. Keep visiting https://www.AstroCAMP.com for regular learning. If you want to read this article in Hindi, please click here.

Generally most of the people are interested in astrology and want to learn this ancient science. But the biggest roadblock and most difficult question they face is – where to start learning from?

Quite a few succeed in finding a guru with their persistent endeavor, but these gurus teach astrology in such a complicated way that scares off even the earnest aspirants. Most of the astrologers begin teaching with birth-chart making; and its complicated mathematical calculations diminish learners' enthusiasm and frighten them away. And rest of the pupils run off after hearing complex and high-sounding terminology of astrology.

If certain basic principles are followed sincerely, it can make astrology learning a pleasant and fulfilling experience. Those who want to master science of astrology must always bear these points in their minds:

1. Begin studying astrology in step by step fashion.
2. Until a principle is understood completely, do not move to the next one or the other book.
3. Do not just read, but assimilate whatever is read.
4. Do not read astrology books without guidance of an experienced guru. Reading more books can confuse you, as there are many junk astrology books in the market.
5. In the beginnings, pay your attention toward analyzing birth-charts rather than making them.
6. Initially start analyzing the birth-charts of your friends and relatives who you know well.
7. As far as possible, learn Sanskrit synonyms of English words used in astrological terminology.

One can advance rapidly in his endeavor to learn astrology, if one keeps above points in mind and stick to them.

Astrology can be divided in two sections: mathematical astrology and predictive astrology. Mathematical part of astrology mainly contains creation of birth chart. In this part of astrology, different positions of the planets are calculated on the basis of time and place etc. On the other hand, predictive astrology is used for foretelling events of future. In this series, we will discuss mathematical portion later and initially focus on predictive astrology. At the time of child-birth, a map of the positions of planets in the cosmos is created, and this map is known as birth-chart or janma kundali. There are various software available in market these days that can be used to calculate mathematical data required and to create birth-charts. You can start with free online astrology software available at https://www.MyKundali.com.

Entire astrology is based primarily on nine planets, twelve signs, twenty-seven Nakshatras and twelve houses (Bhava). Generally predictions are based on permutations and combinations of these elements. Names of nine planets are as follows:

Sun and Moon are considered to be a star and a satellite respectively according to the modern astronomy. But Indian astrology uses word Graha which is translated to Planet in English and includes Sun and Moon for predictive purpose. Similarly, North Node (Rahu) and South Node (Ketu) are astronomical points, and also called Graha (Planet) for predictive purpose.

Indian astrology is earth-centric. Zodiac is a circular belt and all planets seem to be moving on this belt. If this zodiac is divided into twelve equal parts, each part is known as a zodiac sign. These twelve zodiac signs are Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces. Similarly, when this zodiac is divided into twenty-seven equal parts, each part is called a Nakshatra. We will discuss about Nakshatras at length later in this series.

Mathematically a circle is of 360 degrees. Therefore one zodiac sign, which is one-twelfth of zodiac, comprises 30 degrees. Nonetheless, there is no need to go much into the mathematical portion and it is enough to know now that each zodiac sign is of 30 degrees.

Each sign is governed by a planet. Let us have a look at it:

This is it for this week. In next part of the article, we will discuss the nature of zodiac sings and planets; and also how they can be used to make forecasts.

Until then, goodbye