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ACVA Journal 1:1
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Entering the Universe of Vedic Astrology
Chakrapani Ullal
One of America’s leading jyotishis describes the fundamentals of the Vedic “Science of Light.”
Like many of you, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to expand my knowledge of myself and
others, and of the nature of life itself, through the study of Vedic astrology. I consider myself fortunate
indeed to be involved in an endlessly fascinating subject which offers inexhaustible scope for exploration
into the deepest realms of the ultimate questions of life, and which at the same time allows me to provide a
service to others through practice of its techniques. The fact that you are reading these words bears
testimony to your similar interest in broadening your understanding of astrology. For those of you who are
new to Jyotish, the Vedic science of the stars, I will endeavor to give some general understanding.
Essential Elements of Vedic Astrology
Vedic astrology is based on the sidereal zodiac, as opposed to the tropical or vernal zodiac of
Western astrology. The sidereal system uses the virtually unchanging backdrop of the stars to define 0
degrees Aries, the starting point of the zodiac, while the tropical system places 0 degrees Aries at the Sun’s
ever changing yearly position during the vernal equinox. One major consequence of this difference is that
Vedic astrology does not give the Sun the same prominence it enjoys in the Western system. Instead, while
acknowledging that the Sun is the significator of one’s essence or soul, Jyotish places greater emphasis on
the Moon. The Moon represents the mind (not only the emotions, as in Western astrology), which is seen as
the agent of perception and therefore is the major determining factor in how one interacts with the world.
The Vedic seers also taught that even though thousands of stars appear in the sky, there are nine
grahas or planetary bodies which bear most directly on the lives of those on earth: the Moon, the Sun,
Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and the Moon’s north and south nodes, called Rahu and Ketu
respectively. The sages conceived these nodes as crossroads of magnetic influences which were
consequently full of potency, and gave them the stature of planets. Classical Vedic astrology does not
recognize the influence of Uranus, Neptune or Pluto, but subsumes the qualities and experiences Western
astrologers attribute to these outer planets under Rahu and Ketu instead.
Vedic astrology is frequently called predictive astrology because of its accuracy in prognostication.
This predictive abilitity is due to the high degree of subtlity and refinement of the various systems it
employs, such as the nakshatras or lunar mansions. There are 27 nakshatras or asterisms, each occupying
13% 20’ of the sidereal zodiac. The placement of a planet in a nakshatra (such as Ashwini) modifies the
influence of the sign (such as Aries) it is in, coloring the planet with the nakshatra’s distinctive energy.
Each nakshatra is further subdivided into four quarters, which further delineates the qualities and behavior
of the planet.
In addition, Vedic Astrology employs a system of mathematical analysis called Shadvarga. These
six divisions (shad = six, varga = division) allow the astrologer to calculate the precise strength of a planet,
helping one assess the planet’s true potency. This assists the astrologer in determining not only how
powerfully a planet will act in a natal chart, but how seriously to reckon its transits.
Still another important method of delineation used in Vedic astrology is the unique system of aspects
called yogas. Yogas reveal the power of the association of planets in relation to each other. When planets
form yogas, they create specific results which can be quite dramatic.
Planetary Cycles
Among the most important tools of the Vedic astrologer in making accurate predictions are the dasa
systems, or systems of planetary cycles. Jyotish employs about 52 different dasa systems which address
every phenomenon on earth including science, technology, art, politics, weather and natural calamities.
Some dasas are applicable to a broad spectrum of life while others apply to very particular circumstances.
For example, astrologers who focus on natural cataclysms as well as catastrophic events frequently use
Kalachakra Dasa or Sarvathobhadra Chakra Dasa in addition to the more commonly used Vimshottari
Dasa system. Vimshottari Dasa is the mostly widely used system of planetary cycles in India, though a
serious astrologer will use more than one dasa system while giving a reading in order to corroborate and
cross reference his or her findings.
Dasas are based on the Moon’s position in one of its “mansions” at the time of birth. This is one
reason why the 27 nakshatras, or lunar mansions, are so important. Each nakshatra is ruled by one of the
planets (remember the Moon’s nodes are also considered planets, albeit “shadow” planets, since unlike the
other planets they have no material body), which heavily “flavors” the events of that nakshatra’s cycle. It is
by carefully analyzing the dasa that one can arrive at the timing of events.
Let me conclude my remarks by pointing out that Vedic astrology is so vast a science as to be
impossible for any one person to even begin to fathom in any one lifetime. It is only through repeated study
and observation that we can come to absorb a fraction of this knowledge to any deep extent. It is wise,
therefore, to maintain an attitude of humility and respect when approaching Jyotish, while recognizing that
each step along the continuum of one’s expanding understanding provides its own reward in the way of
invaluable insights.
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Chakrapani Ullal’s oustanding work in Vedic Astrology was highlighted in the October 24, 1994 issue of
People magazine. Chakrapani can be contacted at 12044 Kearsarge St., Los Angeles, CA 90049, 310/4769942.