Jyotish
The Science of Light
Jyotish is commonly called "Vedic astrology," but this translation obscures more than it reveals. The word comes from jyoti (light) - it is the science of light, the study of how cosmic light patterns influence earthly existence.
Unlike Western astrology's focus on personality and prediction, Jyotish is fundamentally a tool for understanding karma, timing, and the soul's journey.
Start Here
New to Jyotish? Begin with What Is Jyotish for an introduction to Vedic astrology, its purpose, and how it differs from Western systems. Then explore Reading a Birth Chart to understand how the pieces fit together.
The Building Blocks
Understanding the fundamental components of every chart.
- What Is Jyotish - Introduction to Vedic astrology
- The Nine Grahas - The planets as cosmic forces
- Grahas Overview - Planetary significations
- The Twelve Rashis - Signs and their qualities
- The Twelve Bhavas - Houses and life areas
- The Nakshatras - The 27 lunar mansions
The Planets in Depth
Understanding each graha's nature, significations, and influence.
- Jupiter (Guru) - Wisdom, expansion, grace
- Saturn (Shani) - Discipline, karma, time
- Mars (Mangala) - Energy, courage, action
- Venus (Shukra) - Beauty, pleasure, relationship
- Mercury (Budha) - Intelligence, communication, commerce
Chart Interpretation
Learning to read the cosmic map.
- Reading a Birth Chart - Approaching interpretation systematically
- Planetary Dignity - Exaltation, debilitation, and strength
- Yogas - Planetary combinations and their effects
- The Atmakaraka - The soul indicator
Timing Systems
Understanding when karma ripens - the predictive heart of Jyotish.
- Understanding Dashas - Planetary periods
- Transits and Their Effects - Gochara
- Annual Charts - Varshaphala
- Karma and Time - How destiny unfolds
Application and Integration
Using Jyotish for self-knowledge and skillful living.
- Jyotish and Self-Knowledge - Using the chart for inner work
- Jyotish and Ayurveda - Health and constitutional indications
- Remedial Measures - Working with difficult placements
- Yoga and Jyotish - Spiritual practice timing
Suggested Learning Path
For a systematic understanding, read in this order:
- What Is Jyotish - The purpose and framework
- The Nine Grahas - Know the planets
- The Twelve Bhavas - Know the houses
- The Twelve Rashis - Know the signs
- Reading a Birth Chart - Putting it together
- Understanding Dashas - Timing
Get Your Chart Read
For personalized birth chart analysis - understanding your planetary strengths and challenges, dasha timing, and how to work with your chart skillfully - explore written consultations.
Understanding your Ayurvedic constitution complements chart analysis. Take the free Prakriti Quiz to understand your physical and psychological nature.
Tools & References
Interactive tools and quick references to support your study.
- Nakshatra Finder - Discover your Moon nakshatra
- Nakshatras Quick Reference - All 27 lunar mansions at a glance
- Grahas Quick Reference - The nine planets at a glance
See all tools and resources.
A Note on Study
These articles explain Jyotish principles but do not offer chart readings. Interpreting a chart requires years of study and should be done by a qualified Jyotishi who can consider the full picture.
The goal here is to help serious students understand the system well enough to:
- Engage meaningfully with their own chart
- Recognize patterns in timing and experience
- Ask better questions of qualified practitioners
- Integrate Jyotish insights with Ayurveda and Yoga practice
Go Deeper
Satyora Foundations brings Ayurveda, Jyotish, and Yoga together in a structured self-paced course. Understand how these sciences connect, learn to recognize patterns, and build practices suited to your nature and timing. Learn more →