This is by far one of the most common questions I am asked and it is quite different, in many respects, to Western Astrology. Vedic Astrology is the Sidereal form of astrology, which means that it is based on astronomical accuracy. For example, when a Jyotishi says that Saturn is transiting Aquarius, one can look up at the sky and see that Saturn is actually in the constellation of Aquarius.

Primarily due to the processional cycle (which is the slight tilt in the Earth's axis and its slight wobble on the axis) the starting point of the zodiac shifts slightly every year. Western astrology is based on the seasons and once upon a time, around 1500years ago, the beginning of Spring used to align with Aries. However, due to the processional cycle of the Earth, this shifts our view of the sky by one degree every 72 years. This means that now in our current time the Spring Equinox falls at about six degrees of Pisces.

As a result, at present time, Vedic Astrology and Western astrology are 24 degrees apart in interpretation, which is almost an entire zodiac sign apart.

Vedic Astrology offers us astronomically precise insight into the cosmic energies and influences at play at the time of our birth, and at whatever time it is now by accurately reflecting the cosmos as it currently is.

What I truly value about Vedic Astrology is its incredible accuracy and depth to inform and enlighten anyone willing to explore it.

You may be surprised by the results you receive in a reading and some bubbles may burst, but the other beautiful thing about Vedic Astrology is that it is a holistic approach that looks at the entirety of one's chart in order to interpret its meanings.

Furthermore, while the Vedic system interprets aspects from all 12 Zodiac signs, it also includes analyses from 27 Nakshatras (or Lunar Mansions) and 108 padas (or slices) of the sky that offer further insight into oneself and the collective energies.

Vedic astrology also uses the Dasha system, which is a highly sophisticated way of seeing which planet's energies are of dominant influence in our lives for several years at a time and why.

Vedic Astrology is the oldest, and as I was taught in India, the original, most ancient form of astrology known to humanity ~ it was first mentioned in the Rig Veda, which is the oldest sacred text known to our existence. Out of this complete science of Jyotish came all other forms of astrology which each took bits and pieces from it. This is why people and leaders around the world come to Jyotish for their insight and guidance.

Rashi means slice and refers to the 12 zodiac slices of the sky at 30º each. In the West, these slices are known as signs.

Aries - Mesha - Ruled by Mars - Mangala
Taurus - Vrishaba - Ruled by Venus - Shukra
Gemini - Mithuna - Ruled by Mercury - Budha
Cancer - Karka - Ruled by the Moon - Chandra
Leo - Simha - Ruled by the Sun - Surya
Virgo - Kanya - Ruled by Mercury - Budha
Libra - Tula - Ruled by Venus - Shukra
Scorpio - Vrischika - Ruled by Mars - Mangala
Sagitarrius - Dhanu - Ruled by Jupiter - Brihaspati
Capricorn - Makara - Ruled by Saturn - Shani
Aquarius - Kumbha - Ruled by Saturn - Shani
Pisces - Meena - Ruled by Jupiter - Brihaspati

All is space and just like how on Earth different locations (slices of space) hold different energies, the same is inherently and logically true on a grander scale for the rest of the cosmos.

Every Rashi is 30º multiplied by 12 equals 360º surrounding the Earth.

In Sanskrit the ascendant sign is known as the Lagna ~ the Rashi that was rising on the Eastern Horizon at the moment of birth. This changes every 2.5hrs.

The Nakshatras offer us further insight into how the Rashi / Sign expresses within the individual.

Nakshatra literally means Start Map.

While the Rashis are a big star cluster, the Nakshatras are a smaller star cluster. Each of the 27 Nakshatras have 4 padas (3º20') totalling 108 padas, or slices, of the sky. Each of the 12 Rashi has 9 padas totalling 108 slices of the sky.

The purpose of sharing all these numbers and math you is not to confuse anyone, but to express and enliven the Divine Intelligence and elegance that is at work within the cosmic web. We, as humans, did not not create this system, but many, many millions of moons ago, we learned how to interpret its significance and meaning.

Most people (even many Astrologers) are confused about the Nakshatras, also known as Stars, or constellations, and "Lunar Mansions". The most common misconception about the 27 Nakshatras, is that they are linked with the 12 Zodiac signs of the Sun; however, while the 12 Zodiac signs are based on the movement of the Sun, the 27 stars, or Nakshatras, are measured by the much more rapid cyclical movement of the Moon through specific constellations.

The Moon lives in and moves through roughly one constellation per day. Each Nakshatra represents an area of the sky equal to 13º20', which naturally totals 360º elliptical circumference of the sky we are surrounded by on Earth.

The Nakshatras may also be used to help determine personality type, they are used in determining compatibility and very important in addressing and identifying auspicious timing for life's important decisions.

One of the fundamental uses for the Nakshatras, which must be part of every Jyotish reading in order for it to be whole and complete, is in the determination of one's Dashas, or planetary periods.

Dashas are the planetary periods, or "seasons", of one's life that profoundly influence the predominant themes and particular karma of certain periods.

The full Dasha system totals 120years (which is seen as ideal length of human life in the Vedic teachings). However, since most people do not live 120 years at the moment (though lifespans are getting longer and longer), most of us will not experience all possible Dasha periods in this life. Nevertheless, it is extremely important and illuminating to know which Dasha period we currently in, which one is next and which ones have already played out throughout our lives thus far.

Ultimately, the planetary periods, or Dashas, provide a simply and fully comprehensive system for determining the effects of planets through the course and evolution of our lives. Once one understands what the Dashas are, they provide perhaps the most accurate way for realizing how great the planets' influence on our lives truly is ~ it is worth having a Jyotish reading for the knowledge of one's Dashas alone.

There is a Dasha for each of the 7 major planets and the nodes of Rahu and Ketu and they vary anywhere from 6yrs ~ 20yrs in length.

Each Dasha is very unique and offers great insight into our journey. Knowing your Dashas means you can plan for future goals very effectively, receive great insight into your past, and work with the present influences in your life in highly intelligent ways.

The Dashas can reveal to us the major transitions in our life and character. Some changes in life can be sudden, dramatic, and profoundly life-changing events and the Dashas provide the key to understanding and preparing for them.

WIthin the major planetary period (Maha Dasha), which can be 19 yrs in the case of Saturn for example, or 17 years in the case of Mercury, there exist minor periods (Bhukti Dashas), which can run from days, weeks, months or years and offer us further insight into the predominant aspects influencing one's life.

The times of transition from one Maha Dasha into another are extremely potent times in one's life. When we become aware of these times, and are guided in how to work with them well, these times become incredibly auspicious and useful for manifesting, evolving and realizing our dreams and our dharma.

Janma Kundli is the Sanskrit term for "birth chart", but there's more to it.

Janma means "incarnation" ~ this life. Kundli refers to "kundalini", which is the cosmic energy life force within all of us. This energy rests coiled, like a snake, at the base of our spines. As we awaken, this energy rises up along our spines, through the chakras until it reaches the pineal gland or third eye. There are many articles on this website that go into nature of kundalini and how to work with it, but in essence, it represents our highest potential.

Therefore, Janma Kundli is a term that refers to one's highest potential for this incarnation. As a Jyotishi, when I cast and interpret your Janma Kundli, or birth chart, I am offering you insight and exploration into the possibilities of this present incarnation.

The Janma Kundli shows us a snapshot of how the solar system was designed at the particular moment of your birth. Three things are required: the place, the year and the time. If you do not know the exact time, we have methods for figuring it out.

Upayas is often translated as "remedies", which in a sense is what they are; however, above and beyond a simple but effective suggestion such as wearing a particular gemstone or supplementing with a particular herb (both of which may be an upaya for the individual), upayas offer us different ways to up-level our consciousness, deepen our self-awareness and evolve.

Knowledge is liberating. Developing great self-awareness gives us the ability to respond rather than react to life. Miracles happen when the Laws of Nature ( Dharma) is observed and challenges convert into the Way when important lessons are learned.

No Jyotish reading is authentically, spiritually and scientifically, complete without some Upaya to help us work with our karma, our challenges and our gifts and dharma. Therefore, a Jyotish reading with a Jyotishi trained in the most authentic and traditional way, often includes initiation into a personal mantra and / or kriya practice. What each person receives as part of their upayas is unique to them.

Of course everything is only an offering and a suggestion on my part based on my interpretation and channelled guidance through your chart and our time together. As many wise people have often said, "I can only show the door, you must choose to walk through."

Thankfully, in our world, small keys open big doors and when you are ready to walk through that door, Jyotish offers you the key.