Hindu Astrology Zodiacs

Hindu Astrology Zodiacs

Nirayana and Sāyana Zodiacs:

In Hindu astrology, there are two main zodiac systems: Nirayana (sidereal) and Sāyana (tropical). Both zodiacs consist of 12 equal parts, known as signs or rāśis, each spanning 30 degrees. The key difference lies in the method of measurement. Jyotiṣa predominantly uses the sidereal zodiac, considering stars as a fixed background against which planetary motion is measured. Western astrology, on the other hand, relies on the tropical zodiac, aligning planets based on the Sun's position during the spring equinox. Due to the precession of equinoxes, the two systems have deviated by about 22 degrees over two millennia.

The Twelve Signs (Rāśis):

Aries (मेष, meṣa): Represented by the Ram, associated with the fire element, and ruled by Mars. It is a movable (chara) sign.

Taurus (वृषभ, vṛṣabha): Symbolized by the Bull, linked to the earth element, and ruled by Venus. It is a fixed (sthira) sign.

Gemini (मिथुन, mithuna): Depicted as Twins, associated with the air element, and ruled by Mercury. It is a dual (dvisvabhava) sign.

Cancer (कर्क, karka): Represented by the Crab, aligned with the water element, and ruled by the Moon. It is a movable sign.

Leo (सिंह, siṃha): Symbolizing the Lion, connected to the fire element, and ruled by the Sun. It is a fixed sign.

Virgo (कन्या, kanyā): Represented by the Virgin Girl, associated with the earth element, and ruled by Mercury. It is a dual sign.

Libra (तुला, tulā): Depicted as the Balance, linked to the air element, and ruled by Venus. It is a movable sign.

Scorpio (वृश्चिक, vṛścika): Symbolized by the Scorpion, associated with the water element, and ruled by Mars. It is a fixed sign.

Sagittarius (धनुष, dhanuṣa): Depicted as the Bow and Arrow, aligned with the fire element, and ruled by Jupiter. It is a dual sign.

Capricorn (मकर, makara): Represented by the Crocodile, connected to the earth element, and ruled by Saturn. It is a movable sign.

Aquarius (कुम्भ, kumbha): Symbolizing the Water-Bearer, associated with the air element, and ruled by Saturn. It is a fixed sign.

Pisces (मीन, mīna): Depicted as Fishes, linked to the water element, and ruled by Jupiter. It is a dual sign.

Nakṣhatras (Lunar Mansions):

The nakṣatras are 27 or 28 equal divisions of the night sky used in Hindu astrology, identified by prominent stars. Each nakṣatra spans 13° 20′ of the ecliptic and is divided into quarters or padas of 3° 20′. Of particular importance is the Abhiśeka Nakṣatra, holding authority over others. The junction of two rashis or nakṣatras is known as Gandanta.

Daśās – Planetary Periods:

The Daśā system determines active planets during specific periods, influencing an individual's state of being. Various dasha systems exist, including those for planets (grahas) and zodiac signs (rāśis). The Viṁśottarī Daśā system, applicable universally in the Kali Yuga, is widely used. The first Mahā-Daśā is determined by the natal Moon's position in a nakṣatra, with each mahā-daśā divided into sub-periods or bhuktis.

Navagraha – Celestial Bodies:

The navagraha, or nine planets, include:

Surya (Sun)

Chandra (Moon)

Budha (Mercury)

Shukra (Venus)

Mangala (Mars)

Bṛhaspati/Guru (Jupiter)

Shani (Saturn)

Rahu (North node of the Moon)

Ketu (South node of the Moon)

These celestial bodies are believed to influence human decisions and mental states during their respective periods.

Gocharas – Transits:

The study of gochara involves the movement of grahas (planets) since birth, interacting with natal chart grahas. The study is primarily based on the transits of the Moon, Mercury, and Venus, along with the slower planets Jupiter, Saturn, Rahu, and Ketu.

Yogas – Planetary Combinations:

Yogas are combinations of planets in specific relationships, influencing various aspects of life. Rāja yogas provide fame and authority, Dhana yogas signify wealth, and Sanyāsa yogas are formed by specific planet placements, indicating potential renunciation.

Bhāvas – Houses:

The Bhāva Chakra, representing the 360° circle of life, is divided into twelve houses (Bhāvas), each associated with kāraka planets influencing interpretations. Bhāvas personalize Rāśis to individuals, revealing their impact on various aspects of life.

Dṛiṣṭis – Planetary Aspects:

Drishti refers to the aspect of planets to entire houses. Planets cast forward aspects, influencing other houses based on their positions. The principle of Drishti is devised from the analogy of an army in a war field.

Hindu astrology, with its intricate system of zodiacs, nakṣatras, dasas, and yogas, provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and interpreting celestial influences on human life.