Introduction to Astrology - Basic and Intermediate Levels
Siddhānta • Saṁhitā • Horā Unfolding the Timeless Wisdom of Vedic Astrology, or Jyotisha Shastra, is one of the divine sciences gifted to us by the great Rishis of ancient India. As one of the Vedanga...
Course Overview
Siddhānta • Saṁhitā • Horā Unfolding the Timeless Wisdom of Vedic Astrology, or Jyotisha Shastra, is one of the divine sciences gifted to us by the great Rishis of ancient India. As one of the Vedangas—the six essential limbs of the Vedas—Jyotisha is considered the very eye of the Vedas, providing vision, timing, and insight into all spiritual practices. This sacred science is not something one can fully grasp in a single lifetime. It is a lifelong journey of study, tradition, and intuition, requiring dedication and reverence. Yet, every step taken in its direction brings profound benefits—for the self and for society. Why Study Jyotisha? As the ancient verse declares: “Yo jyotiṣam vetti naraḥ sa samyag dharmārthakāmān labhate yaśaśca”
“He who truly understands Jyotisha attains Dharma (righteousness), Artha (wealth), Kāma (fulfilled desires), Moksha (liberation), and fame.” Through the study of astrology, one learns to recognize auspicious moments, understand the forces shaping destiny, and guide both personal and collective action toward the good. Jyotisha becomes a tool not just for prediction—but for protection, guidance, and upliftment. By observing the planetary alignments from the smallest moment to the grandest time cycles, one learns when to act, when to wait, and how to align with cosmic order (ṛta). This knowledge naturally inspires one to act righteously and encourages others to do the same—thus uplifting society as a whole.
The Legacy of the Rishis The great sages of India—Aryabhata, Bhaskaracharya, Varahamihira, and many others—unlocked the secrets of the cosmos and encoded them in brilliant Sanskrit texts. Their work combines astronomy, mathematics, spirituality, and intuition in a way that remains relevant even today. To truly appreciate and understand these classical texts, a foundational knowledge of astrology is essential. Without it, one cannot unlock their deeper meanings or apply their teachings in real-life contexts. This ancient wisdom is a treasure more valuable than gold. It is our responsibility to preserve it, practice it, and pass it forward—for it holds the key to a more harmonious future. The Structure of Jyotisha: Three Core Branches Vedic Astrology is divided into three main branches, each offering a unique dimension of insight: 1. Siddhānta – The Scientific Core The mathematical and astronomical branch of Jyotisha. It deals with planetary motions, eclipses, time cycles (Yugas), and celestial mechanics. This is the foundation of accurate astrological calculation. 2. Saṁhitā – The Collective Field This branch studies how cosmic forces influence the world at large—covering weather patterns, natural disasters, mundane events, and even principles of Vaastu (sacred architecture). It reflects the macrocosmic application of astrology. 3. Horā – The Personal Lens Focused on individual lives, Hora explores birth charts (Jātaka), question-based predictions (Prashna), and timing for events (Muhurtha). It is the most widely practiced and deeply personal branch. Through these three limbs, Jyotisha weaves together the threads of the past, present, and future, helping us understand the patterns of life like beads on a sacred garland.
Starting Your Journey: Foundational Learning Every student begins with the Panchāng—the fivefold Vedic calendar. Understanding its components is essential for choosing auspicious times and interpreting planetary influences: Tithi – Lunar dayVāra – Day of the weekNakshatra – Lunar constellationYoga – Planetary combinationKaraṇa – Half of a tithiThis knowledge forms the basis for Jātaka (natal chart) analysis, where one examines the planetary positions at the time of birth to uncover karmic patterns and life direction. Once this foundation is laid, students explore topics like fate prediction (Phala) and Muhurtha (auspicious timing)—tools that help individuals and communities walk the path of Dharma. A Rare and Sacred Opportunity The subjects explored in Jyotisha are rarely found in modern education. Yet their relevance and power are timeless. If one has the opportunity to study this divine science, it should be embraced wholeheartedly. Astrology is not merely for forecasting the future—it is for illuminating the present. It is a tool of wisdom, a mirror of the self, and a light for others.
More Than a Course—A Cosmic Invitation Whether you are a seeker, a scholar, or a curious learner, this course offers a unique chance to: Deepen your spiritual insightMake wise life decisionsServe others with clarity and compassionConnect to the living stream of Vedic traditionJyotisha empowers us to align with the flow of the universe—and in doing so, align with our true self. Join us, and begin your journey into the timeless, sacred science of the stars.
LevelTopic (English)Topic (In samskrita)Course Duration समय
Pratham Sopān – The First Step
While the Pratham Sopaan focuses on the foundational knowledge like: Panchang
Tithi, Nakshatra, Karana, Yoga
Zodiac signs and planets' nature
In the context of astrology or spiritual teachings, "प्रथमसोपान" refers to the "first step" or "beginning stage." It signifies the foundational level or initial phase of a particular study or practice. In astrology, it can refer to the starting point of learning the science of astrology, where one would be introduced to its core principles and concepts. It could also be used in a broader sense to describe the first step in any discipline or journey of knowledge. Would you like to explore the first step in astrology or any other subject specifically?
Introduction to Astrology - Nature of the Science, Divination Characteristics, Time Concepts, and more Jyotish Shastra Parichay – Introduction to the Science of Astrology
Shastra Swaroop – Nature of the Science
Daivajna Lakshana – Characteristics of the Divine Knowledge (Astrology)
Kal Swaroop – Nature of Time
Samvatsar – The Year (Cycle of Time)
Saur Masa – Solar Month
Chandra Masa – Lunar Month
Navavidha Kalaman – Nine types of time measurements
Panchang Jnana – Knowledge of the Panchang (Hindu Calendar)
Tithi-Vasara-Nakshatra-Yoga-Karana Jnana – Knowledge of Date, Weekday, Nakshatra (Constellation), Yoga, and Karana
Panchang Pathan Kram – Sequence of Panchang Reading
Panchang Shravan Phal – Results of listening to the Panchang
Akshar Mein Sankhya Jnana – Numerical Knowledge through Letters (Akshara)
Katapayadi and Bhut Sankhya Paddhati – Methods of Numbers: Katapayadi system and Ancient Numeration System
Jataka Swaroop – Nature of the Horoscope (Jataka)
Jataka Rachana – Creation of a Horoscope
Divaman-Ratriman-Udayadighati Jnana – Knowledge of Day, Night, Sunrise, and Related Calculations
Nakshatra Jnana – Knowledge of the Nakshatras (Lunar Constellations)
Dashavibhag – The division of the tenfold parts of the chart (Dasha System)
Kundali Nirman – Creation of a Kundali (Horoscope)
Jataka Lekhan Kram – Sequence of Horoscope Writing
Janan Kalik Dosh – Doshas related to the time of birth
Panchamarisht Dosh – Five Great Doshas (Defects)
Gandanta Dosh – Dosha associated with the junction of water signs (Gandanta)
Eknakshatra Janan Dosh – Dosha related to birth under a single Nakshatra
Dosho Ki Parihar Kram – Remedies and sequence to remove Doshas (Defects)
ज्यौतिष शास्त्रपरिचय-शास्त्रस्वरूप-दैवज्ञलक्षण-कालस्वरूप-संवत्सरसौरमास-चान्द्रमास-नवविधकालमानपंचांगज्ञानतिथि-वासर-नक्षत्र-योग-करणज्ञानपंचांगपठनक्रमपंचांगश्रवणफलअक्षरों मे संख्याज्ञान – कटपयादि और भूतसंख्यापद्धति जातक्स्वरूपजातकरचनदिवामान-रात्रिमान-उदयादिघटीज्ञान-नक्षत्रज्ञान-दशाविभागकुण्डलीनिर्माण-जातकलेखनक्रमजननकालिकदोष-पंचमारिष्टदोष-गण्डान्तदोष-एकनक्षत्रजननदोषदोषों की परिहारक्रम
04 months 15 - weeks (3*15=45 credits) 45 credits
द्वितीयसोपान
In the context of Jyotish Shastra (Vedic Astrology), "द्वितीयसोपान" would typically include: Deeper study of planetary characteristics and house analysis
Aspects (Drishti) of planets in more detail
Understanding dashas (planetary periods) like Vimshottari Dasha
Interpreting yogas (combinations) and doshas (flaws)
Basics of predictive astrology
Introduction to transits (gochar) and their effects
Strength (bala) of planets: Shadbala, Avasthas, etc.
Aries and the Twelve Zodiac Signs – Planetary Influence and Timing Meshaadi Dwadash Rashi Swaroop – Nature of the Aries and the Twelve Zodiac Signs
Navagraha Swaroop – Nature of the Nine Planets
Grahaon ka Varn-Karak Vastu – Planetary Characteristics, Color, and Significance of Each Planet
Grahaon ka Uchhsthan – Neechsthan – Planetary exaltation and debilitation
Grahaon ka Drishti – Planetary Aspects (Influence of planets on each other)
Grahaon ka Astachintan – Consideration of the planets' setting (influence of planets as they set or move away from the horizon)
Paraspar Shatrutva-Mitrutva Chintan – Analysis of mutual enmity and friendship between planets
Lagnaadi Dwadash Bhav Chintan – Analysis of the twelve houses starting from the Ascendant (Lagna)
Anisht Bhav Ka Chintan – Consideration of malefic houses (houses related to misfortune)
Saade Saat Shani – The Seven and a Half Year Saturn Cycle (Sade Sati of Saturn)
Gochara Phal Vimarsh – Transit results (effects of planetary transits)
Muhurt Swaroop – Nature of Muhurat (Auspicious time calculation)
Tara Bal Chintan – Consideration of Stellar Strength (Analysis of the power of stars or nakshatras)
Guru Bal Chintan – Consideration of Jupiter's Strength (Analyzing the power and influence of Jupiter)
Godhuli Muhurat – Twilight Muhurat (The auspicious time around sunset)
Abhijit Muhurat – Abhijit Muhurat (Auspicious time during the day)
Nakshatron ka Adhipati Jnana – Knowledge of the Lords of the Nakshatras (Lunar constellations)
Tithiyon ka Adhipati Jnana – Knowledge of the Lords of the Dates (Tithis)
Amrit Siddhi Yog – Amrit Siddhi Yoga (A highly auspicious time for beginning important work)
Mrityu Yog – Death Yoga (A planetary combination related to death)
Dagdha Yog – Burnt Yoga (A planetary combination related to destruction or difficulty)मेषादि द्वादशराशिस्वरूपनवग्रहस्वरूप- ग्रहों का वर्ण- कारकवस्तु-ग्रहों का उच्चस्थान- नीचस्थानग्रहों का दृष्टिग्रहों का अस्तचिन्तनपरस्पर शत्रुत्व-मित्रत्वचिन्तनलग्नादि द्वादशभावचिन्तनअनिष्टभाव का चिन्तनसाडे सात शनिगोचरफलविमर्शमुहूर्तस्वरूपताराबल चिन्तनगुरुबलचिन्तनगोधूलीमुहूर्तअभिजिन्मुहूर्तनक्षत्रों का अधिपति ज्ञानतिथियों का अधिपतिज्ञानअमृत्सिद्धियोगमृत्युयोगदग्धयोग
04 months 15 - weeks (3*15=45 credits) 45 credits
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Dr Radhakrishna