Truṭyādi Praḷayāntakāla Kalanā - Māna Prabhedaḥ Kramā - Chchāraścha Dyusadāṁ Dvidhā Cha Gaṇitaṁ Praśnāstathā Sottarā: I Bhūdhiṣṇyagrahasamsthiteścha Kathanaṁ Yantrādi Yatrochyate Siddhāntaḥ Sa Udāhṛtotra Gaṇitaskandhaprabandhāya Budhaiḥ II
The branch of astrology known as 'Siddhanta' deals with the nature of time periods from the smallest unit (Truti) to the great deluge (Pralaya), solar time, planetary motion, mean planet calculation, true planet calculation, eclipses, the relationship between the rising and setting of planets, the determination of positions of the Earth, planets, and stars, and the construction of instruments required for the purification and verification of the calculations involved in all these. This is the field of astrology referred to as 'Siddhanta.'
The branch known as 'Ganita Skandha' encompasses the mathematical processes used to logically analyze and interpret these Siddhantas in a systematic manner. The branch of astrology that deals with the influence of planets and stars on human society is known as 'Samhita.' The Samhita section contemplates the auspicious and inauspicious effects on people caused by the retrograde motions, risings, settings, planetary conjunctions, stellar combinations, and the rulership of the year by various planets, such as the Sun and others.
Similarly, the Samhita section of astrology elaborates on various topics essential to modern human life, such as the proximity zones of the Sun and Moon, the sub-solar zone, meteor showers, atmospheric phenomena, earthquakes, cyclones, rainbows, plant growth, architecture, water exploration, forestry, floods, and other natural calamities. It also covers topics like the characteristics of men and women, gemstone testing, and more. Additionally, the Samhita includes the study of auspicious and inauspicious timings, known as Muhurtha, which is an integral part of this branch.
In short, all scientific branches, both physical and spiritual, that influence modern human life are interconnected with astrology. Therefore, understand astrology, practice it, propagate it, and respect it.
Astrology possesses a unique interpretive style that intricately weaves together all scientific domains, both physical and spiritual. This is because astrology is fundamentally rooted in the phenomenon of 'time.' Time is something that transcends human comprehension. Yet, humans have relied on various mediums to conceptualize and experience time through different states and conditions. No science can present its intellectual constructs without relying on the linguistic 'symbols' of time. Similarly, the practical examination of 'time' cannot be undertaken without relying on astrology. The statement 'Tasmadidam Kalavidhana Shastram' implies that astrology is the science crafted to invoke the infinite concept of 'time' through human reasoning and logic, thereby illuminating the mysteries of the universe. Thus, we must understand astrology as a discipline designed to bring the vastness of 'time' into the realm of human consciousness and unravel cosmic secrets.
Since 'time' is the foundation of all scientific thoughts, both physical and spiritual, all scientific inquiries inevitably pass through the lens of astrological reasoning.
Ekaḥ: Śabdaḥ: Suprayuktaḥ: Samyakjñātaḥ: Svarggeloke Kāmadhuk Bhavati
The Agni Purana proclaims that when a sound is well understood and appropriately applied in the right place, all divine blessings and prosperity come to reside within that person. The essence lies in the purity of speech. By paying homage to the sun, who embodies the form of Brahma, and to the planets, which represent divine deities, the words that flow from a jyotishi (astrologer) with the prayer "Satyam kurvantu Bhāratīm" (May the Goddess of Speech uphold truth) are divine. The very essence of time, which is the soul of the universe and pervades all existence, takes the form of sound and manifests as words flowing from a jyotishi. When unwavering devotion, selfless surrender, and enthusiastic scientific inquiry are harmoniously integrated within a jyotishi, he truly embodies the title of "Daivajna" (divine knower). The words of such individuals bestow divine blessings upon both the speaker and the listeners, making them worthy of divine grace.
Long ago, a man who prided himself on being a scholar lay under a large banyan tree, pondering the mistakes he believed God had made in the creation of the universe. He thought to himself, "What a fool this God is! Creepers that spread on the ground bear large fruits—pumpkins, gourds, and the like—but this enormous banyan tree bears such tiny fruits. What a pity! If I had been the creator of this universe, such contradictions would not exist. I would have made large fruits grow on large trees like this banyan and small fruits on smaller plants." As he lay there, lost in thought and criticizing God's work, a small fruit from the banyan tree fell and struck him right on the forehead.
Suddenly, he jumped up, trembling, and with folded hands, he stood still, staring at the banyan tree. He thought to himself, "What if, instead of the small fruit created by God on the banyan tree, something as large as the pumpkin or gourd from my imagination had fallen on my face?!" Reflecting on this, he exclaimed aloud, "O Lord, how true and precise is your creation of the universe!" Similarly, astrology is divine and, therefore, an eternal truth. It is the doubts and imaginative criticisms of science that turn into errors. Hence, let us align ourselves with the truth.
"Sūrya Ātmā Dṛgīśvara:"
The Sun and other planetary deities, who control even the subtle movements of the universe, manifest around the divine sage through astrological worship. By recognizing this divine presence in every moment and in every collection of beings through the measures of time, a divine sage realizes God Himself. Not only today, yesterday, and tomorrow, but also the evolution of time since the beginning of the universe becomes illuminated as knowledge. This visionary insight itself is the essence of being a sage. 'The words of grace from the lineage of sages, who have known God and become embodiments of divine forms, have taken shape as the great science of astrology.' Therefore, those who worship astrology are securely placed in the heart of God.
How did the universe manifest? Did time exist before the universe? Can the origin of the Earth be understood through the Sun and other planets? Can the cause of the evolution of the five elements (Panchabhuta) on Earth be understood by studying the rotation, revolution, mutual influences, eclipses, rising, and setting of celestial bodies?
The contemplations and discussions aimed at finding answers to all these questions highlight the timeless relevance of astrology. In a sense, these streams of thought in astrology have paved the way for numerous philosophical principles. For the study of Indian astrology to be complete, it is necessary to reinterpret astrological theories from the perspective of Indian philosophies.
"Jātakaṁ janma tadadhikṛtya kṛtograntha:" A book that signifies birth. The Jātaka (horoscope) is a book that indicates both subtle and gross symbolic representations of the time of birth. It is a text that elaborates on the physical and mental growth of the newborn child, the influence of the surrounding time-space conditions on the child, and the life transformations that occur as a result. These are explained in accordance with the positions, movements, and behavioral changes of celestial bodies such as the Sun, Moon, planets, and stars.
Many people often ask, 'What is the relevance of remedial measures if what is predicted in the horoscope is divinely ordained?' However, if we can understand in advance where there might be dangers on the paths we must take, such foresight will surely make the journey smoother. Just as we carry an umbrella when there is a possibility of rain, recognizing the good times and bad times that may arise in life, and performing good deeds with a heart full of devotion to God, is a great way to achieve success in life. Jātaka analysis (horoscope analysis) is indeed a valuable tool for this purpose.
“Karmārjjitaṁ Pūrvvabhave Sadādi Yattasya Paṅktiṁ Samabhivyanakti” “Pūrvvabhave Sadādi Yatkarma Ārjjitaṁ Tal Paṅktiṁ Yā Samabhivyanakti Sa Horā Bhavati”.
Whatever karma has been acquired in past lives, which eternally exists, and whatever aligns its sequence, that becomes the 'Hora'.
Hora' is an indicator of the results of good deeds (punya) and bad deeds (papa) performed by each individual in their past lives, reflecting the experiences of their virtuous and sinful actions.
The Supreme Soul, 'Adityan' (the Sun), is the witness to the evolution of the body composed of the five elements. The presence of that light eternally operates within life. No matter how many bodies the soul takes on, the Sun, as the witness, reveals the sattvic, tamasic, and rajasic states of the soul.
“Ādityānāṁ Ahaṁ Viṣṇu:”
The term 'Vishnupada' means 'one who pervades.' Therefore, Vishnu is the soul. For astrologers, the Sun is not merely a burning celestial body; it is also a special star that rises in the east and sets in the west, and this phenomenon cannot be trivialized. The Sun is the great truth that exists as the soul in all living and non-living beings ... it is the embodiment of knowledge ... it is the Supreme Brahman ... it is Adityan (the Sun).
The eternal consciousness is the cause of the universe. That very knowledge shines as light, pervading everything. Those who embrace astrology as a path of worship to realize the principle of Vishnu, the Supreme Brahman, ultimately reach the same state of experience known by the great sages.
“Aham Brahmāsmi!" “Tat Tvam Asi” “Prajñānaṁ Brahma”