Introduction
"Although there are many paths to learning astrology, it is good to know certain things for better predictions..."
— Divine grace, guru blessings, and the feeling of gratitude.
Although there are many paths to learning astrology (Jyotishyam), it is good for us to know certain things in order to give better predictions. Even without reading this article, you will be able to practice astrology, but I am going to discuss a few important aspects such as divine grace (Daiva Krupa), the blessings of the Guru (Guru Anugraham), and the feeling of gratitude (Kritajnata Bhavam).
Astrology as Vedic Science
Necessity is the mother of invention. The many needs that arose for mankind, the growing knowledge, the received Vedas, observation, research, the power of penance (Tapas), and the scope of time (Kalam) and nature (Prakriti) as they currently exist -- all of these have given us astrological knowledge that helps us predict the future. Astrology is a Vedic science (Veda Vidya). Nature is deeply mysterious and enigmatic; it reveals only as much as needs to be known, to whom it needs to be known, and only at the right time.
It is like a sharp knife -- it can be used for both good and evil. That is why the great sages (Maharshis) wrote it with intent (Sankalpam), so that only the wise could understand it, so that a single word could carry multiple meanings, and so that only the right person would grasp the true meaning.
Therefore, if we respect nature, understand Dharma with sensitivity, and make sincere effort, there is a possibility of those secrets being revealed to us.
Planetary Requirements to Become an Astrologer
The last sign in the zodiac is Pisces (Meenam), which signifies devotion to God and the path of liberation (Moksha). In the zodiac, the 4th, 8th, and 12th signs are water signs (Jala Rashis).
Mercury (Budha)
The significator of mathematics, reading, and comprehension of what is read.
Jupiter (Guru Graham)
Signifies the wisdom that comes from what has been studied.
Saturn (Shani)
Reveals how to practically apply the knowledge gained. Saturn is the significator of karma and diplomacy -- it enables one to know what to say, to whom, and how much. Saturn is a very important planet for practicing astrology.
Ketu
The planet that signifies liberation (Moksha Karaka Graham).
The connection between Jupiter and Mercury indicates Brahmana Yoga. Caste (Kulam) is determined by one's qualities (Guna), not by birth. The connection between Saturn and Mercury gives the possibility of understanding the mathematical knowledge related to karma.
Jupiter, Saturn, and Ketu are all planets of spiritual progression.
The 6th, 8th, and 12th houses are called Trikams (Trikas). The 3rd house is the 8th from the 8th (Ashtamat Ashtamam). These positions indicate dangers and adversities.
For an astrologer, there will be a connection with these planets and these houses, and those planets will be placed in favorable positions, thereby giving the ability to understand karma.
Since an astrologer is a teacher (Guru), the houses of speech (2nd and 3rd), and the 5th and 9th houses related to knowledge -- the Mantra Sthanas (houses of sacred knowledge) -- will likely be elevated.
Even if all of this does not make sense right now, you will understand it much better through the upcoming articles on horoscope analysis (Jataka Vishleshanam). After reading those, come back and revisit this.
Nature (Prakriti)
Every element in the environment we live in is nature itself. Nature is God (Daivam), and God is nature.
A human cannot survive without the five elements (Pancha Bhutas). Without understanding the results of karma, it is difficult to gain mastery over time (Kalam).
Without time, we are all no different from puppets. If nature gives us the body, it is with the thread of time that we continue our life's journey. To make that journey comfortable, we must certainly use the helmet called Dharma.
Time (Kalam)
Creation is immensely vast. According to Hindu scriptures (Puranas), time is measured in Manvantaras and Yugas. Compared to that, I do not even know how to express that our life is barely more than nothing. No one is born with 100% predestined karma. In some circumstances, life gets entangled in unavoidable situations (due to karma), but the rest is in our own hands. If we understand just one thing -- rather than thinking about for whom we are practicing astrology -- we can find answers to questions like why were you born, what should you do, and many more. If we waste the invisible time, life becomes futile.
Influence of Planets
We feel the heat just by standing near a hot vessel. We have grown up experiencing the Sun's heat and the Moon's coolness. Therefore, the influence of planets on living beings is undeniable.
We usually look at planets only from an astronomical perspective.
But in astrology, they are regarded in their Mantra form (sacred essence). They are treated as deities (Devatas), and the karmic consequences of each action are taken into consideration. Planets are part of nature itself. Every living being is a being of karma. It is said that one is afflicted by planets from birth itself.
In reality, whether we remember or not, nature carefully records the karmic results of the good and bad deeds we perform in the form of planetary positions (Graha Roopam). When we are born again, it is determined through the planetary configuration at birth what should happen in this life.
Seven Qualities of an Astrologer
It has been taught to us that if one possesses seven qualities, life will be comfortable. Let us try to understand what they are. By possessing these qualities as an astrologer, only good will come to society through us.
Adveshi (Non-hateful)
By not hating others and being free from envy, we remain mentally peaceful. Because of the absence of hatred, even if the person who comes is an enemy, we will make the effort to share our knowledge with them in the right manner.
A good example is from the Mahabharata -- even though Duryodhana was the enemy of the Pandavas, the youngest among the Pandavas, Nakula and Sahadeva, were astrologers. Because they were free from hatred, they set the Abhijit Muhurta for Duryodhana to win the war. Later, Lord Sri Krishna confused Duryodhana and ensured that the war did not begin during that auspicious moment.
Nitya Santoshi (Ever-content)
Only when we are happy can we listen to another person's troubles peacefully and give proper advice. Another thing is that if happiness becomes a habit regardless of what we have or do not have, regardless of what anyone gives or does not give, there is the possibility of delivering good astrological predictions with consistent contentment.
Ganitajna (Mathematician)
An astrologer needs to calculate planetary transits (Graha Gatulu), planetary periods (Dashas), divisional charts (Varga Chakras), and many other things. In the current era, everyone uses software, but even so, if we have the ability to do mental calculations, there is the possibility of giving wonderfully accurate astrological predictions through that power of mental estimation.
Vagmi (Eloquent Speaker)
Knowing the horoscope result is one thing, but conveying it to others in an understandable way without causing fear is another art altogether. Therefore, being a good orator is beneficial.
Kushala Buddhi Man (Sharp-minded)
One needs to understand a matter with subtlety and intelligence. Only then can we calculate and convey predictions appropriate to their context. Even if we do not naturally possess this ability, we can cultivate it through meditation (Dhyanam) and the experience of teachers (Gurus).
Siddha Mantram (Mastery of Mantra)
Like a Siddha (perfected being), mantra practice (Mantra Sadhana) is essential for an astrologer. It grants concentration and sharp intellect, and one can see improved accuracy in astrological predictions as a result.
Ooha (Intuition)
Through this mantra practice, astrologers develop the power to intuit the correct answer, enabling predictions beyond calculations. Developing the right intuition power is also a matter of good fortune.
If the person seeking predictions has performed good deeds (Satkarmas) and accumulated merit from past lives (Poorva Punyam), then even if the astrologer is as small as an ant, those seekers will have the fortune of receiving excellent astrological predictions.
Brihaspati & Goddess Parvati -- The Secret Knowledge
Brihaspati & Goddess Parvati Rahasya Vidya
There is a curse from Goddess Parvati that astrology shall not bear fruit.
Time does not flow the same way across all worlds (Lokas). Brihaspati, the preceptor of the Devas, performed penance (Tapas) for 100 years and attained astrological knowledge.
After completing his penance, Brihaspati, the Guru of the Devas, went to Mount Kailasa to seek the blessings of Goddess Parvati, who is Adi Shakti (the Primordial Power) and Para Shakti (the Supreme Power).
The gatekeepers (Dwarapalakas) there asked him to wait. After waiting for a long time, he was finally granted the audience of the Goddess.
Goddess Parvati was pleased and conversed with Brihaspati. Brihaspati then requested her to bless the astrological knowledge he had acquired.
She questioned him: "If your astrology is so great, can you tell me what happened from the time you arrived at Kailasa until the time I came to meet you?"
Brihaspati began: "O Mother, you were performing an oil bath (Abhyangana Snanam). At that very moment, Lord Maha Shiva came to you. You covered Shiva's eyes with your hands. When that Lord tried to see with his third eye, you kissed that eye" -- this is what he revealed.
Upon hearing this astrological revelation, Adi Shakti cursed in anger that his Jyotish Shastra (science of astrology) would become useless. When Brihaspati pleaded in many ways, she relented and modified the curse: astrology would bear fruit only when the astrologer follows the rules and ethical boundaries while giving predictions.
This story teaches us that when it comes to women, we must have at least basic common sense about what to say, what to ask, what not to ask, and how far to reveal any matter.
The King & the Elders of the Kingdom
The King & the Elders The Value of Wisdom
This is a story I heard somewhere. In a certain kingdom, a king ordered all the old people in his kingdom to be killed due to some incident. His army carried out the king's command and eliminated all the elderly people.
A few days later, due to floods and famines, the kingdom was left without any food to eat.
The king and his army tried in many ways to escape this crisis. In the entire kingdom, only one old man had survived. Some people went to him and revealed the problem.
The old man gave a piece of advice: since there were no seeds left in the kingdom for sowing, he told them to dig up the soil on both sides of the path where grain had always been transported, and to try cultivating that soil. Just as the old grandfather suggested, sprouts emerged from that soil, and they were able to grow grain once again.
It was because of the experience that old man possessed that the kingdom was saved from a great crisis. The reason I am telling this story is that we are not born as divine beings -- we are merely human. If an old man with only 80 years of experience could save an entire kingdom with his knowledge, then the astrological wisdom acquired through thousands of years of penance (Tapas) and experience should be of immense benefit to us.
That is why we must worship the great sages (Maharshis) every day and seek their blessings (Anugraham).
Branches of Astrology
Astrology is divided into various branches depending on the circumstances. I will describe the current classification.
Phalita Jyotishyam
Predicting life events based on planetary positions.
Siddhanta Bhagam
Calculating the movements of planets.
Muhurta Bhagam
Determining what actions performed at what times yield the best results, and how it strengthens the power of intention (Sankalpa Balam).
Prashna Jyotishyam
Providing complete answers about a specific question or matter.
Samhita
Teaches how to perform remedies (Pariharas), rituals (Kratuvu), and worship (Pujas).
This is how astrology has been divided.
The 18 Sages of Astrology
Suryah Pitamaho Vyaso Vasishto-tri Parasharah
Kashyapo Narado Gargo Marichi-r-Manu-r-Angirah
Romashah Paulishashchaiva Chyavano Yavano Bhriguh
Shaunako-ptadashaashchaite Jyotish-shastra Pravartakah
Most of us may not know many sages beyond Sage Parashara, but based on the above shloka (verse), let us worship all 18 sages of astrology and seek their blessings.
Among them, some specialized in the theoretical division (Siddhanta Bhagam), some in predictive astrology (Phalita Bhagam), others in compendiums (Samhitas), and still others in horary astrology (Prashna Jatakam) -- in this way, they provided us with astrological knowledge in many different forms.
My Experience While Learning
"Due to the analytical thinking and questioning nature within me, I wanted to discover the truth in astrology. Since my father was an astrologer, I used to pester him relentlessly with all kinds of questions."
— My first Guru, my father.
My father always followed Nakshatra-based astrology (Nakshatraa Jyotishyam) and used to give wonderful astrological predictions based solely on planetary longitudes (Graha Spatam).
He did not like to spoon-feed knowledge. He would explain a concept to me only after I had struggled hard enough and understood its value on my own. He was my first Guru (teacher).
However, in 2014, he passed away due to health problems. My life suddenly changed, like a frog from a well being thrust into the outside world. I felt the need to give more accurate predictions, so I decided it would be good to learn other systems of astrology as well.
After my father passed away, I would spend all day studying and contemplating horoscope charts (Jataka Chakram). For about six months, my father would come to me in my dreams every night and resolve all my doubts.
Much like in the movie "Shankar Dada MBBS" where Gandhiji appears to Chiranjeevi, my father used to conduct midnight classes for me.
Later, I thought long and hard to recall a certain person's name. When I finally remembered, I went to Khammam to meet him and speak with him. He advised me to learn the Krishnamurti Paddhati (KP System).
Then, another friend, approximately 70 years old, gave me all the books he had carefully preserved. After that, I learned KP astrology as well, and in the same course, I also got the opportunity to learn Western Astrology.
I struggled a great deal for birth time rectification (Janma Kala Samskaram). Through the internet, I met Sri PVR Rayudu, a retired missile scientist who was approximately 90 years old, and with his blessings, I learned that as well.
In this way, at every step, the divine has been cooperating with me in one way or another. When God has graciously given me all faculties and opportunities in good order, I am trying to share the knowledge I possess -- this wealth -- with others. However, if I have 100% of ideas, I am only able to share about one percent of them, and that is my greatest regret.
Omens (Nimittam)
Nature is so magnificent that whatever horoscope prediction we are making, its result appears before our very eyes in the form of some omen (Shakunam).
For example, suppose the native (Jatakudu) is living abroad, and the question is whether he will stay there or return. At that very moment, if your mother comes to speak with you, you will see in the horoscope the possibility of that person returning to the motherland.
Purity of Speech (Vak Shuddhi)
There is a blessing in astrology that no other profession has -- you never need to lie to anyone.
By consistently giving astrological predictions to the best of our knowledge, there is a possibility that what you say will eventually come true. This is the Vak Shuddhi (purity of speech) that nature has blessed us with.
Whenever a negative result appears, we should advise the person to take precautions against upcoming dangers, but we should never say that this exact danger will definitely happen in this specific matter.
The reason is that even if your words carry just 0.001% of power, my intention is that no harm should come to them because of our words.
However, many people want to know specifically in which area the negative outcome will occur. Keep this in mind when you speak.
Conclusion
We cannot say with complete certainty that this Vedic science of astrology comes solely through willpower (Sankalpam) and effort (Prayatnam). For delivering the right prediction at the right time as an astrologer, the blessings of Gurus (Guruvula Anugraham), divine strength (Daiva Balam), and meditation (Dhyanam) are likely to be of great assistance.