A Practical Guide to Hindu Astrology

Most of the books on Astrology, first describe the attributes of the astrological signs, planets and houses, then deal with the question of interpretation of a horoscope. The method of interpretation generally involves listing the effects of all planets in all signs and all houses one by one. This method of interpretation suggests as if planets produce results individually. Other kind of books lists a series of dicta or Yogas given by the great astrological seers. In both the cases it becomes difficult to draw any definite conclusions from a chart. This is because the results of one planet in a particular sign or house may contradict the results of another planet in a different sign or house. Or conclusion of one dictum may contradict that of the other. This causes confusion in the mind of a reader. He has to consult the book for every chart because it is very difficult to memorize all the results. By studying this type of a book, a reader rarely becomes an astrologer. Since the method of interpretation in this book involves the close study of the signs of Zodiac, houses of horoscope, and planets, a separate section has been devoted to all of them. The first section deals with the astrological signs and describes their names, symbols, and the places attributed to them. The second section deals with the twelve houses of the horoscope. A lot of examples are given here to facilitate interpretation of the houses regarding the matters of health, finance, domestic happiness, children, spouse, travel, vocation, etc. Through these examples it is clearly demonstrated how a beginner in astrology should combine the attributes of the houses, signs and planets to arrive at the conclusions. The third section deals exclusively with the planets. Here, the attributes and other associated issues of the planets are discussed in the following format: First, a short preliminary note is given. Then, the essential attributes are elaborated. In the fourth section, the aspects of the planets, and the reasons behind their strengths and weaknesses are given. One chapter deals with the special combination of planets known as Raj-Yogas. Then the system of ‘Maha-Dasha’ and Antra-Dasha of planets (ruling-periods) is introduced. The last chapter deals with some important issues such as professions and Mangal-Dosha. Since the main emphasis of this book is on interpretation of a horoscope, erection of a chart is described in the end. This section deals mostly with the calculations. The astronomy side of the signs and planets is developed slowly throughout the book. A detailed sample chart as used in India since Vedic times is also given.