Astrology has its own course of origin and development in other cultures as well. Many western astrologers claim that Greeks bought astrology to India with invasion of Alexander the great. Later on Indians developed this branch to a great extent by themselves. The controversy exists till date. Egypt, Rome and China contributed to their own development. Indian astrology later on became an inspiration for Arabic and Persian astrologers. Indians were known to be in touch with Greeks and Sumerians, and hence there is a vast number of similarities to all these branches.

Astrology is the science of understanding the subtle influences that comes from the greater universe. These very subtle influences define our actual traits, potential, life pattern, marital compatibility, progeny, past and future. The insightful knowledge of our ancient spiritual teachers regarding various facets of life is passed on as the blessings of Jyotish. It is upto us to receive and cherish the divine knowledge for betterment and fulfillment of human life.

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 given below:

Natal Astrology is based on a natal chart based on the day, date, time and location of the person`s birth. The chart is then used to study the life patterns, inherent characteristics and timing of events to detail about his past and future. This is the most widely used application in astrology.
Electional Astrology deals in selecting the best time to initiate any given activity or project. Be it getting married, buying a new house, buying a car or launching a project. `Muhurtas` or an auspicious time is selected by studying the horoscope of the person who is going to carry on the work.
Mundane Astrology is the application of astrology to world affairs and world events. Weather forecast can also be included in this branch of astrology.
Horary Astrology is a very old branch of astrology in which an astrologer will try to answer a question by drawing up an astrological chart or horoscope for the exact time and place at which that question came to mind or when it was put to them. This is also commonly known as `Prashnakundali`.
Medical Astrology is an ancient medical system that associates various parts of the body, diseases and drugs as under the influence of different planets and signs.
Meteorological Astrology is the practice of using the placements of the Sun, Moon and planets in the sky to predict weather. It is also called as Natural astrology.
Horoscope Match Making is one of the most crucial applications of astrology in India. Finding out the harmony between the two life partners is one of the main feats of astrology. Gunas, yoni, lagna etc are considered for eventual assessment.