Vedic Astrology

Vedic Astrology, also known as Jyotish or Hindu Astrology, is the traditional astrology of India and stems from its spiritual and yogic culture going back thousands of years. It integrates karma and spiritual destiny with the unfolding of the current life of the individual. As such it goes far beyond the information generally provided by Western astrology. The field of Vedic Astrology has recently become much more accessible in the West as more noted scholars and students of the ancient sciences begin to write on the subject.

While there are similarities to Western astrology, there are also substantial differences. Vedic astrology, perhaps because of its spiritual background, delves deeply into the movements of life within the larger context of destiny, karma and vast movements of time and evolution through time. It is impossible to give a meaningful description of Vedic Astrology in a short overview, so we shall try to provide guidance on books that illuminate the field so that you can find resources that can introduce you to the subject in a realistic way.

Books on Vedic Astrology:

Astrology of the Seers

by David Frawley

304 pp Paper Back
ISBN: 0914955896
Vedic Astrology, also called Jyotish, is the traditional astrology of India and its profound spiritual culture. It possesses a precise predictive value as well as a deep interpretation of the movement of life, unfolding the secrets of karma and destiny. Astrology of the Seers, first published in 1990, is regarded as one of the classic modern books on Vedic astrology, covering all the main aspects of its philosophy, background and practice, including chart interpretation and methods of balancing planetary influences such as mantra and gem therapy. The present edition has been thoroughly revised and updated.

Fundamentals of Vedic Astrology

Vedic Astrology Handbook I

by Bepin Behari

Edited by Kenneth Johnson

280 pp Paper Back
ISBN: 0940985527
This book introduces the concepts and operations of Vedic Astrology. It presents the component's of the astrologer's art-the planets, signs, houses and lunar mansions. The author goes into the rules that determine planetary strength, the construction of the divisional charts and the principal combinations, and much more. The book presents the components of the astrological art -- the planets, the signs, the houses and the lunar mansions. They are presented within the context of a continuing process of self-discovery and spiritual development. The book goes into the rules which govern the determination of planetary strength, the construction of the divisional charts (vargas) and the principle yogas or combinations.

Planets in the Signs & Houses

Vedic Astrologers Handbook II

by Bepin Behari

Edited by Kenneth Johnson

256 pp Paper Back
ISBN: 0940985535
This book follows up on the foundation provided in Fundamentals of Vedic Astrology and delves into questions such as impulses likely to be generated by the planets in different signs and houses of the natal chart. The author makes this subject eminently readable and cuts through the obscurity of the centuries to present a clear and effective science with a deep psychological background and underpinning. Every planet precipitates its special influence depending on the sign in which it is placed and the house it occupies. This is virtually the only accessible volume in this field which offers a thorough treatment of this important subject.

Myths & Symbols of Vedic Astrology

280 pp Paper Back
ISBN: 0940985519
Vedic Astrology has a wealth of myths and symbols, some in common with Western Astrology. Many of the secrets of life and consciousness can be discovered through them. Students of mythology will also find it helpful in unlocking the astrological keys to the great archetypes of the psyche. This book also explores the Nakshatras, the 27 lunar mansions, a unique aspect of the Vedic system of astrology. Those who are studying Vedic or Hindu astrology will find this book to be invaluable in opening the door to the inner meaning of the planets and how they are viewed in the Vedic system. Many of the secrets of life and consciousness can be uncovered through the numerous myths and symbols that permeate the system. Mythology is the basis of astrology and astrology is the basis of mythology. Most myths relate to the cycles of time and light, as revealed by the stars and planets. They show our deeper connection to the cosmos and to the cosmic forces by which our soul or psyche is patterned.

For more information about Vedic Astrology you may want to contact:

American Council of Vedic Astrology

David Frawley provides a Distance Learning Course in Vedic Astrology. Contact him directly at:

Vedic Astrology Course

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