Jyotish, the Ancient Vedic System of Astrology

The Sanskrit term “Jyotish” is derived from the root “joti” meaning “light” and “isha” meaning “god”. Thus, it means the science of light- the light within each of us that is a microcosm of the light of the universe.

This science of light was divinely revealed to the rishis, or sages, ten to twenty thousand years ago, and passed on orally for generations. Later they were finally transcribed and became an important limb of what has been called the world’s oldest scripture, the Vedas. The study of Jyotish is an integral component of tantric practices, along with repetition of the mantra, worship of the Goddess and the initiation by the Guru.

Jyotish is the science of self-realization through which everything becomes known. While Western astrology is extremely beneficial for analyzing character and personality, the Vedic system is an amazingly accurate and predictive science that reveals everything imaginable, from mundane to spiritual, from sexual to cerebral, from past lives to future incarnations.

The Jyotish chart is a blueprint of our karma resulting from our past lives, showing how that karma affects our current life. It reveals to us our tendencies and talents, our weaknesses and strengths, our abilities and attachments, everything that affects our body, mind and spirit, and when, where, when, and how events are likely to occur. More importantly, Jyotish offers remedial measures, such as gems and mantras, not only to minimize or to improve the negative aspects of our charts, but to correct and even alleviate any adverse planetary influences. Vedic astrology provides us with tools to confront our demons and also indicates the best times to successfully undertake our pursuits.

Tantra is a holistic art that weaves many threads of knowledge into a vibrant tapestry. The tantra aspirant would benefit by having some knowledge of Vedic Astrology, for this is a blessed gift to us from the ancient rishis and the Universe.