Different Types of Astrology

Astrology is one of the oldest sciences mankind has known. It is part of the vedas which says study of movements of constellations and planets and their effect on animate world being called jyotisha.The vedas are related to the cosmic body which we know as Kaal Prusha with jyotish being its eyes as eyes alone see and observe the movements in the universe.

Vedic astrology is like a giant Banyan tree. It is impossible to completely separate the different branches of this banyan tree, because you never know when one branch merges into another. Before learning Vedic astrology, it is necessary to know the different types of Astrology.

In simple words Vedic astrology is divided into three parts:The first is Ganita which deals with Mathematical astrology.The rules of ganita are compiled in a treatise called Sidhanta.The second is Samhita which is a compendium or collection of laws of any branch of learning like the narada Samhita, garga Samhita, Vasistha samhita. These are used for predicting natural phenomenon like earthquakes, political and economical situations of a country and the world through planetary movements and combinations.

The third is Jataka or hora shastra is a predictive astrology for the individuals. It deals with the birth chart of a person at a given time and a given place.

Mathematical Astrology

Mathematical or ganita astrology involves Panchang and mathematical calculations. It also has many branches as follows. It gives calculations to determine the position and speed of planets. Mathematical astrology includes addition, subtraction, multiplication, square root, etc. It also explains the method to calculate the speed and position of earth, sky, etc.It has Sidhantas as many as eighteen in earlier times. The great astrologer Varahmihira considered only five siddhantas which were famous as Punch Siddhantika.

Samhita or Mundane Astrology

This branch of astrology deals with worldly events,like war, peace, earthquakes,floods,famine,religious riots, rise and fall of a nation, the economy of the country, about the political leaders and general prosperity of a nation and its people.Our ancient text are loathed with reference to the raj jyotish which every king used to have and take guidance from them.The Name of Vararhamihira was very famous as an astrologer in the kingdom of Vikramaditya.The Rama-Ravana war was started on amavasya.the Great Mahabharata war was also started on amavasya which were well predicted by astrologers at that time.

Jatak or Hora Astrology

It is the Natal predictive astrology which we as individuals are more concerned about.This branch of astrology is based on a person’s date of birth, place of birth and time of birth. With the help of this data a chart or horoscope is generated depicting the planetary position when the native was born and judged by an expert astrologer according to the laws of astrology and prediction given accordingly.The chart shows the planets in the form of avataras and karma of the native.The purpose of this is not determining the future but the psychology, beliefs and divination behind the process.

There are other Branches of Astrology which help us in understanding various aspects of prediction and understanding the forces of cosmos affecting us.

Prashna Astrology

In the absence of the birth data, the question is asked by a person about his query to an astrologer and the astrologer prepares a chart at the time of question to answer his query.It has some set principles which are applicable on the predictive part. However if the birth details are available then the accuracy of prediction will be more near to be true.Prashna chart gives quite accurate results for the particular question being asked.The scope of prashna chart pertains to the near future upto a maximum of one year.

Muhurta Astrology

This branch deals with determining the auspicious time for doing any work.Panchanga is seen to establish a proper muhurta for carrying out a particular work in a given time which will facilitate the completion of the task in an auspicious time.

Tajik Astrology

This branch of astrology deals with varshphal or annual astrology which has some set rules to decipher the predictions based on the date of solar return of the natives date of birth.