Vedic Astrology In India, the study of astrology can be traced to the Vedic times. Glimpses of astrological traditions are visible in the Atharvaveda . Vedic astrology in India, more popularly known as Jyotish, relies more on the sidereal (according to the stars) positions of the planets, just as one sees them in the sky, against the positions assigned to few relatively fixed stars. The basic difference between the Vedic and the Western astrological traditions lie in the technique of calculations. Western astrologers base their zodiac on the equinoxes. The positions of the planets the westerners calculate, continue to change with respect to the stars. Vedic astrology uses the twelve constellations from Babylonian, but also has an additional "lunar" zodiac based on 27 lunar constellations or Nakshatras . The names of the 27 Nakshatras are: 1 Ashwini
10 Maagh
19 Mool
2 Bharani
11 Poorv Phalguni
20 Poorv Ashadh
3 Krittik
12 Uttar Phalguni
21 Uttar Ashadh
4 Rohini
13 Hasta
22 Shravan
5 Mrigashir
14 Chaitr
23 Dhanisht
6 Ardra
15 Swati
24 Shatabhish
7 Punarvasu
16 Vaishakh
25 Poorv Bhadrapad
8 Paushya
17 Anuradha
26 Uttar Bhadrapad
9 Ashlesh
18 Jyeshtth
27 Revati
According to Vedic astrology, all celestial bodies, be they the sun, the moon, the planets or stars, influence the terrestrial phenomena, or indicate such phenomena by their various configurations. The configuration of the planets and stars at the moment of birth determine one's basic life story � inclinations, strengths, weaknesses. Horoscope, or the natal chart is therefore the construction of basic placement of planets at the time of birth. The resulting chart is used to understand and better respond to general life issues as well as particular situations. The interpretation of the chart incorporates the angular relationships between the planets and the signs of the zodiac, the area of the chart in which they fall and other symbolic indicators to examine the different experiences and psychology of the individual. An astrologer then analyzes the pertinent information, exploring how the various aspects of the client's personality may be integrated and finding ways to draw the greatest fulfillment from the energies symbolized in the chart. Remedial actions are then taken to enhance the person's life both spiritually and materially. It also defines the actual traits of an individual's life, his marital compatibility and his future, based on the position of planets at the time and place of his birth. Health and disease are integrally related to astrology. Even the famous Greek physician, Hippocrates, observed that it's essential to look into the natal chart of a patient before embarking on any course of treatment, especially if surgery is required. These constellations are based on the approximate number of days that the Moon takes to complete a cycle relative to the stars. The Vimshottari dasa predicates the moon's position through the lunar science in the Indian tradition. This is also used to calculate Muhurtas , or auspicious time to begin any job. Vedic astrology considers the movement of two luminaries namely the Sun and the Moon, five major planets, i.e., Mercury, Mars, Saturn, Venus and Jupiter, and the two nodal points of the Moon, namely Rahu and Ketu. The twelve equal sections of the Zodiac are given below in the order as they are: Indian
Western
1
Mesh
Aries
2
Vrishabh
Taurus
3
Mithun
Gemini
4
Kark
Cancer
5
Simha
Leo
6
Kanya
Virgo
7
Tula
Libra
8
Vrishchik
Scorpio
9
Dhanush
Sagittarius
10
Makar
Capricorn
11
Kumbh
Aquarius
12
Meen
Pisces
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