Jyoti means light in Sanskrit, and Jyotish the Science of Light. It’s a body of knowledge that explains humanity’s connection with the cosmos and it has been used for thousands of years. Vedic astrology has distinguished itself as an effective method for analyzing behaviour, unfolding karmic patterns, understanding dharma, predicting events, and more.
It is considered knowledge by the divine and there is a certain responsibility on the part of the practitioner to maintain the purity and intention of astrology to essentially be of help to others. You could say the astrologer is an instrument for the welfare of the community. The tone is not that of a strict money-making machine, but rather a profession of service. The astrologer is directly invested in the well-being of the people, and astrology is used to support the family unit and the general harmony of the community. Thus, we can see astrology interpreted to be a tool for upholding the more for all.
The most ancient textbook of Vedic astrology is Lagadha’s Vedanga Jyotisha. Vedanga literally means “a limb of the Veda.” Vedanga was the name given to six areas of science which deal with different areas of Vedic knowledge, as followed by their associated body part.
- Shiksha (Phonetics) – Nose
- Chanda (Prosody) – Feet
- Vyakarana (Grammar) – Mouth
- Nirukta (Etymology) – Ears
- Kalpa (Ritual) – Arms
- Jyotish (Astrology) – Eyes
Since timing is crucial when performing Vedic rituals (Puja, Homa, etc), the science of light, Jyotish, was included as one of the Vedas. Jyotish is therefore considered “the eye” of the Vedas.
One thing I’d also like to mention is that when sitting with an Enlightened Master, one cannot fail to see how they are completely undivided in the sense of timing. All rituals, events, and happenings fall into place and time with Astrology. Not because of it. This means one can not only use Jyotish to plan events but also to see how an Avatar “does not miss a beat”.
Finally, in Vedic Astrology the time of question (prasna) should be given the same importance as the time of birth. Human births are regulated according to the law of karma and hence the time of birth is significant. Similarly, a person proceeds to an astrologer to ascertain his future promoted by a Divine force and hence the time of question is equally important