Astrology is said to be the study that divulges the effect of the cosmic world namely the impression of the stars and planets on the mundane lives of human beings. Astrology has been the earliest of all sciences. It began its journey when the ancient people noticed a definite pattern in the motions of celestial bodies. Astrology says that the personality and other character traits of each individual depend on the position of moon, sun, planets and stars during the time of birth of each individual. The mystery of the celestial body enticed the quest seekers and they set forth for the quest of truth. And in the sudden insight of enlightenment, they discovered the correlation of these two occurrences. Henceforth, the vast exploration of a deep wisdom started taking a form. On the basis of these positions, astrology defines the present life, future probabilities, fortunes and certain other prophecies. Ancient sages of India recorded their amazingly in-depth and scientifically precise knowledge in “Vedangas”, which are the various branches of knowledge. “Vedic astrology” or “Jyotish” (Jyoti + ish = light of God) forms an integral part of Vedangas along with other branches as Mathematics, Astronomy, Grammar, Ayurveda and Music.

As per history, sage Parashara is said to be the founder of astrology and his findings are the quintessence of Hindu Astrology. Astrology has its own course of origin and development in other cultures as well. Many western astrologers claim that Greeks brought astrology to India with invasion of Alexander the great. Later on Indians developed this branch to a great extent by themselves. Indians were known to be in touch with Greeks and Sumerians, and hence there are a vast number of similarities to all these branches. Jyotish Shastra has covered almost each and every aspect of human life in its continual process to understand and improvise itself. It has manifested those efforts in certain branches and applications. These benefits of astrology are being imbibed by scores of people round the world on a daily basis. Some of the major branches and applications of “Vedic astrology” are Natal Astrology, Electional Astrology, Mundane Astrology, Horary Astrology, Medical Astrology, Meteorological Astrology, Horoscope Match Making, etc.

Apart from these, in ancient eras, the study of foretelling were of several other forms namely the Nadi shastra which is said to be the fascinating branch of knowledge that reveals the human destiny written on palm leaves by Ancient Sages of India. One can have the humbling experience of facts being narrated about all aspects of life like name of the spouse, about progeny, chosen career, parents, siblings and even about the past and future births with preternatural details. Moreover, Lal Kitab is also considered as one of the several means of foretelling. This is a unique form of astrology that provides unbelievingly simple remedies for the most complex and difficult of all problems. Lal Kitab remedies are very easy and economical against the tedious rituals of mantra ‘jaap’ and ‘pooja vidhan’.

Among all the several ways of foretelling, Vedic astrology is considered as the most reckoned methods of defining human destiny. The Vedic astrology is based on accurate calculations of astronomy and the exactness of the prophecies dazzles modern scientists till date. And yet the depth of the knowledge crosses over mundane life’s issues, roping everything with a spiritual thread. Although it is said that an individual is born at the destined time and place according to his karmic pattern that he is obliged to fulfill, he has the liberty to make a new karmic patterns in his life. Astrology helps people to gain more insight in inherently bestowed blueprint of the life and helps them to generate good karmas. This is the fundamental objective on which the analytical, predictive and remedial faculties of Jyotish are based.

In defining an astrological chart, the astrologer needs to consider the position and movements of the planetary bodies. In astrology, Planets are the celestial bodies, whose movements are tracked by keeping earth as the central point. These heavenly objects cast their influence on earth, nature and its inhabitants to a great degree. Although, technically Sun and Moon are not planets, Rahu and Ketu are just lunar nodes; still they are essentially referred as planets in Hindu astrology. There also exist a period known as Maha Dasha that refers to the ruling of a particular planet in the lifespan of an individual.

The planets are divided into two groups according to their basic qualities and energies: Malefic planets are capable of producing unfavorable effects on the areas of life represented by the bhavas (houses) they affect by placement or aspects. Sun, Mars, Saturn, Rahu, and Ketu are Natural Malefics. While benefic planets influence the horoscope in an uplifting and positive manner, Moon, Jupiter and Venus are Natural Benefics. Mercury is a Neutral planet. Each planet imparts a distinct property to human beings. For example, Moon affects the emotional and thinking patterns, Mercury rules the communication skills, and so on. The zodiac in which the planet is placed highly affects the basic qualities it imparts. The energy can be manifested in negative and positive traits owing to the overall assessment of the horoscope, and most importantly, to a person’s free will.

According to astrology, there are twelve houses in horoscope. On the basis of the date, time and place of birth of any individual, the natal chart is made. Moreover, the Nakshatras play an important part in preparing horoscope. The concept of Nakshatra is exclusive only to Vedic astrology and they are the backbone of astrology and were taken into account even before Sign system was considered.

In astrology, there are some stones and other beads that are considered having some certain power to combat the evil effects of human destiny. Such are the effects of Rudraksha beads which have unique electro magnetic properties and are influential enough to affect human life. These elegant beads of different types can influence different aspects of human body, mind, soul and karma. Moreover, relationship between mankind and Gemstones is much more than ornamental purpose. The uses of the proper gemstones, according to ones planetary influences, go a long and positive way to achieve fulfillment in one’s destiny. Since, the gemstones have the power to affect human mind, body and soul.

In defining different sections of Indian and Hindu astrology, some other forms of prediction includes Numerology, Tarot Cards, Palmistry etc which are also equally popular and provide reliable forecasting. The birthdates and names of individuals are analyzed properly in Numerology to realize the interpretations of these certain things. As per Numerology, these things are taken for consideration due to the fact that they affect ones destiny. Tarot Cards is another way which depicts that present and future of human destiny. If a picture could speak a thousand words, then Tarot cards speaks of infinite wisdom and insight. Tarots are gaining more and more popularity in modern times, transcending all barriers of region, language and religion. The concept of Tarots and its explanation are related with the symbol rich cards of Divination. Apart from these ways, Palmistry is another Indianised technique of future forecasting that has its root in ancient past. The hands of human beings speak volumes about the personalities, thinking, destiny, emotions, past, present and future of an individual. The basics of Palm reading are relatively easy and one can learn and appreciate this ancient branch of Samudrik Shastra, easily.

In Indian astrology, there are some hindrances that are taken care of if found in Natal Chart. Sade Sati is one of these deterrents that bar the human destiny to grow. The period of Sade Sati is dreadful one and it occurs in everyone’s life. However, with the correct knowledge of the concept, one can know about this unlucky period of seven and a half years and make the best use of it.

It has been said that astrology is based on astronomy and for that reason the accurate position of the Solar system during the time of birth of any individual is required for perfect reading.