We are living in a mathematical age. Our lives, from the personal to the communal, from the communal to the international, from the biological and physical to the economic and even to the ethical, are increasingly mathematicized. Despite this, the average person has little necessity to deal with the mathematics on a conscious level. Mathematics permeates our world, often in "chipped" form.
Astrology which very often had links to astronomy and religious practice, demanded exact planetary positions, and astrology stimulated and supported mathematics for long periods of time and led to intellectual controversy. Astrology carries with it an implication of rigid determinism and this came early into conflict with the doctrine of free will.
The extent of the historic relationship between mathematics and astronomy should not be underestimated. There is much that can be and has been said. Practically every major theme of mathematics, its concepts, its methodology, its philosophy, has been linked in some way to astrological concepts.
A common misconception is to confuse astronomy with astrology. Astronomy is the scientific study of the universe. Astrology is “astromancy”, or divination by the stars. As science communicators dealing with astronomy we often find a strong interest amongst the public in astrology — how the stars and planets directly affect our individual lives. Nowadays astrology is at odds with the scientific nature of astronomy, but this has not always been the case. Presented here is a background to astrology, to give a deeper understanding of where it has come from and why it has such an enduring place in all forms of global media.
Historically, astrology and astronomy were not considered entirely separate fields; much of an astrologer’s time was spent working on star charts or taking meticulous measurements. Observations repeated thousands of times allowed the prediction of certain celestial events and, as a result, terrestrial events . Proceeding from the correlation between celestial and terrestrial events, a control of the latter by the former was imagined. The planets or “wandering stars” were perceived as a coded communication from the deities; hence observation of tiny planetary movements was a way of interpreting the will of the Gods.
“Sahobhirvisvam paricakramu rajah purva dhamanyamita mimanah
Tanusu visva bhuvana ni yemire prasarayanta purudha praja anu”
Planets with their super natural powers move around in various planes and control the overall existence as well as non-existence of all beings. Strictly in accordance with their strength, they confer all Karmic effects, both good and bad, to one and all. So, they are the ultimate executors of this entire creation. Astrology is a science which reveals an individual’s environment, patterns of behaviour, potentialities, propensities, fortunes, misfortunes, his vicissitude of life, his past, present and future. In short, it is a blue print of his destiny. In modern times, we find various researches in various fields and aspects. On observing these from astrological point of view, we find all the sciences are related to astrology.
The micro form of Sun rays in human being is called as mind (manas). The light reflected by various planets is showing its effects on mind in different ways and the resultant is the diversification of thoughts. The ascendant, the Natal Moon sign and the light of various planets at the time of birth of an individual are taking the form of manas (mind).
A prevailing mindset towards astrology assumes that it is somehow similar to other psychics, disciplines, and it inevitably ends up being placed in the same category as clairvoyance, tarot reading, psychometry, prophecy, spirit channeling, talking to the dead and the like. The truth is that astrology is quite different from all other disciplines and it is in a class by itself. This study will serve as a foundation for laymen, students and enthusiasts alike who wish to further their understanding of this study, which in ancient times had been considered “the king of sciences”. Astrology is based on the relationship of all stellar bodies to the earth. It is primarily concerned with all the bodies in our solar system including the planets, the Sun, the Moon, asteroids and comets.
The Stellar bodies outside our solar system i.e. the fixed stars and constellations are also important, but only as far as they serve as a backdrop to movements within our orbital system. The relative shape of our solar system is disk shaped. All the planets revolve around the Sun in the same direction from left to right as they pass in front of the Sun and from right to left as they go behind.
In Sanskrit, astrology is called “Hora Sastra” meaning the science that treats the Time. It is also called “Jyotisha” or “Knowledge of Light from Jyothi” or light that is the root cause for all known creation.
No brain can ever deny the influence of planets upon men and how they affect, deter and facilitate his future career on the three planes of human existence, viz., physical characteristics, mental peculiarities and spiritual aspirations. The Sun, by his daily movements and the change of seasons, brings to perfection the embryo in plants and animals and brings about changes on the Earth. The Moon being nearest to the Earth exercises much influence on it and as she wanes and waxes, rivers swell, the tides of the sea are ruled and the plants and animals affected. Astrology must not be confused with fatalism, witchcraft and card shuffling. It interprets what it conceives to be the future of man as moulded by his previous Karma and indicated by the planetary positions at the time of birth.
It is recorded that Newton was attracted to the study of mathematics and astronomy by the contemplation of an astrological figure of the heavens. When one has acquired a thorough knowledge of the everlasting and ever-changing influences of the stars, he will be able to prognosticate correctly the mental and physical qualities of the man and the fortunes and misfortunes that await him and his progress in the world whose actual moment of birth is accurately known.
THE ORIGIN OF ASTROLOGY
It is a part of Vedas and is called a Vedanga. The belief is that this science was taught by Lord Shiva to His consort Parvathi, which was passed on to Brahma who in turn passed it to sages like Brahmadeva, Vasishta etc. the following sloka says:
“Surya pithamaho vyaso vasishtauosuraha
Kasyapa narada garga mareechirangeerasa.
Lomasha poulasya chavana yavana
Manaha sounaha kosta dadheecha jyotisastra pravataha »
According to the accounts found in the Puranas, even Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva were aware of the science of Jyotish, therefore it should have existed since the beginning of the creation of the Universe, which was hundreds and billions of years ago. Then this knowledge was passed down to the Maharishis, sons and grandsons of Brahma: Surya, Pitamaha, Vyasa, Vasistha, Atri, Parashara, Kashyapa, Narada, Garga, Marichi, Manu, Angira, Lomasha, Paulisha, Chyavana, Yavana, Bhrigu and Saunaka. Some of them have compiled their knowledge into books, which were preserved and rewritten during the ages. Some of them are Surya Jataka, Narada Samhita, Garga Hora, Bhrigu Samhita, and Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra.
Brihat Samhita, a classical treatise on astrology, also gives its version on the origin when it says:
“Prathamamun katita marealokya grantha
Visatha vathasayyagrantham
Nadilagna vipalarachanabamidhyarta
Sparsa maohi datrin”
So from the above it is clear that astrology has a divine origin and man has had no hand in its creation. But laws propounded by sages from time to time should be interpreted to suit conditions of the people, country and time for which predictions are made.
NEED OF ASTROLOGY AND MODE OF THINKING
Many people read their horoscopes and consult astrologers every day .Astrology is a scientific mode of thinking, which is just one mode among many like for economists there is a "marketing mode", for sociologists there are "social modes", and for psychologists there are "behaviour modes"..
Astrological calculations involve proven and recognised rules.
Calculation of the birth chart involves a great deal of astronomy, and its interpretation involves recognised rules. Altogether the birth chart contains more than enough combinations to describe situations in life. Different schools may differ in their working methods but normally this does not upset the astrological mode of thinking. The birth moment symbolises the start of the life plan.
IMPORTANCE OF HINDU ASTROLOGY
In Vedic astrology, we would try to trace out the spiritual status of the native and also the karmic forces activating the different life events, and approach the chart as a map for the different opportunities in the perspective of the native. Vedic philosophy is in full support of the astrologer, as the Vedas state that everyone is an eternal spirit soul and his contact with matter is just a temporary phenomenon, which can be overcome by the proper utilization of the native's free will. Therefore the astrologer can pinpoint the difficulties on the path of the native's self-realization and spiritual development, and can indicate him the proper way to elevate himself. The astrologer can suggest suitable remedies that will not only give relief from material suffering or fulfill his lawful desires, but also serve his ultimate benefit by elevating him to the plane of pure knowledge and consciousness, and, possibly, love of God.
He should also remember that all branches of Vedic knowledge were and are handed down through the Guru-Parampara or disciple succession, which helps them to preserve this knowledge in its original form, and prevents it from becoming corrupted or distorted.
REVEALING HIDDEN CAUSES
Astrology has adapted to changes in society throughout history, and as a result it continues to benefit from a positive public image. The commercial and social success of astrology, largely driven by the media, is surprising given the dominance that science enjoys within our society. Its foundations exploit the widely held belief that pervasive connections exist between the macrocosm (the Universe as a whole) and our microcosm (human society and social relationships). Astrologers aim to decipher the hidden meaning behind planetary movements and positions, which they believe correspond to human personality traits or predict major and minor life events. The lexical ambiguity, with which these predictions are made, however, produces results that can be neither proven nor disproven.
The knowledge of astrology may help to determine the astrological pattern of each individual and know the relative strength and weakness of several forces operating in each life to the degree that we are in possession of such knowledge. We can begin systematic and scientific character building. We elect times and seasons cosmically advantageous to unfolding undeveloped qualities, correcting faulty traits, and eliminating destructive propensities.
The educational value of astrology lies in its capacity to reveal the hidden causes at work in our lives. It enters into the intangible, yet ever present and potent, factors in life. It transcends form. It discovers Spirit. It demonstrates reality. It touches every walk of life. It counsels the adult in regard to vocation, the parents in the guidance of children, the teachers in management of pupils, the judges in executing sentences, the physician in diagnosing disease, and in similar manner lends aid to each and all, in whatsoever station or enterprise they may find themselves.
The planets are interdependent, and at the same time are controlled by one chief planet the Sun. Our ancient seers never ignored the empirical universe. We live in this universe and it is our duty to relate this universe with all our experiences and flights. In order to interpret the Vedic texts and to enable the people to follow and practise the Vedic injunctions there arose six ancillary disciplines called the Vedangas. One part of these Vedangas is Jyothisa which deals with astrology and astronomy. Literally Jyothi means light.
"The Vedanga has six limbs, viz. Jyotisha, Kalpa, Nirukta, Siksha, Vyakarana and Chanda. For the Vedas, the six important limbs, viz. the feet, the face, the hands, the eyes, the nose, and the ears are represented by Chanda, Vyakarana, Kalpa, Jyotisha, Siksha and Nirukta respectively. As astrology is the eye of the Vedas, it is given the pride of place. No person possessing all the organs intact but without eyesight can have individuality."
Therefore, although astrology is a subordinate part of Vedic knowledge, it still occupies a very prominent position, because with its help one can foresee the results of his actions. Maitreya also mentions the three branches of astrology, namely Hora, Ganita and Samhita.
“Those who know Astrology can only indicate in a way what will take place in future. Who else, except the creator Brahma, can say with certainty what will definitely happen?”-Jataka Chandrika
What is Vedic Mathematics?
Vedic Mathematics is the name given to the ancient system of Mathematics which was rediscovered from the Vedas According research all of mathematics is based on sixteen Sutras or word-formulae. For example, 'Vertically and Crosswise` is one of these Sutras. These formulae describe the way the mind naturally works and are therefore a great help in directing the student to the appropriate method of solution.
Residential Strength of a Planet - Avasiya Bala
This post is in response to a question about strength of planet in a horoscope, that was asked in Vedic Astrology forum on this site. The reader “had presumed that the higher the degree, the more matured the planet and hence more powerful the planet”.
Mathematical Astrology
Geocentric Model vs. Heliocentric Model
The heliocentric model places the Sun at the centre of the solar system. The geocentric model places the Earth at the centre of the solar system. Technically, it is not wrong to adopt the geocentric model, as we would be merely considering different frames of references. We live in a geocentric world. Astrology is preoccupied with how the planets relate to an individual on Earth, and hence their relative positions. Generally, the heliocentric model is good for explaining how things work in the solar system, in accordance with the laws of physics. By contrast, the geocentric model is suitable for descriptive purposes.
Inner and Outer Planets
The planets in our solar system play an important role in astrology. Analysis of them involves tracking their movement across the sky. This is not a simple task, as their motions are varied – some take days or even weeks to record any changes in position.Furthermore, only five of the planets are visible to the naked eye: Mercury, Venus, Mars,Jupiter and Saturn.
Mercury and Venus are situated between the Earth and the Sun and are called the minor, interior of inferior planets.
Mars,Jupiter and Saturn are situated far away from the Earth. Their orbits are outside the Earth’s orbit. They are called outer, exterior or superior planets.
What is the connection between what you see at the sky and the astrological chart? What are the Moon nodes exactly and how is it possible that sometimes planets seem to go backwards? Why is the Moon sometimes high or low at the sky and how to explain the Moon phases and Eclipses? Do other planets have phases, if so what are these and have they any meaning for the astrological interpretation?
What is the background of the difference between the sidereal and tropical zodiac?
We can give answers to the above questions in Astronomy linking with Astrology.
Rahu and Ketu
Rahu and Ketu have been considered in Hindu astrology as equivalent to planets or grahams. They are physical bodies but only mathematically calculated sensitive points having immense influence over the nativities on Earth.
Moon in its orbit, on a northerly course from south to north, crosses the ecliptic. This point of intersection is known as Rahu or Dragon’s head. 180 degrees away from this point, Moon on its southerly course, from north to south, again crosses the ecliptic. This point is called as Ketu or Dragons tail.
Ascendant/Lagnam means an auspicious moment, decisive moment, time of action. The point of ecliptic rising ,at the eastern horizon at the time of birth or occurrence of an event. Calculation of or drawing of zodiacal sign, at the time of birth.
In a horoscope, an ascendant represents general personality, opportunities in life, and the basic impulse motivating the individual. We requite following particular to cast a horoscope: Date of birth, Place of birth, IST/ZST, Local Mean Time etc. By knowing the longitude and latitude we can work out the Local Mean Time.
Example of calculating Chennai Local Mean time:
Earth completes one rotation in one= 24 hours= 1440 minutes.
360 degree moves in 1440 minutes
1 degree moves in 1440¸360 = 4 minutes.
The central/standard meridian of India is 82°30’(E) longitude. It passes through a place near Varanasi. The LMT of this meridian is the Indian Standard Time(I.S.T.) which followed throughout India.
Chennai at 10.20 AM IST. Chennai’s longitude is 80° 15’ (E)
Step 1. Difference between the central meridian and local meridian=82° 30’-80°15’=2°15’
Step 2. 2°15’ x 4 = 8 minutes 60 secs = 9 minutes
Step 3. As Chennai is in the west of the central place.
Required LMT = 10 hrs 20 mts – 0 hrs 9 mts = 10 hrs 11 mts
Vedic astrology is nothing but pure mathematics and Indian astrology teaches us the "Mathematics of Life". With the help of this web space, one will understand as to how the planets exert their effects on one's life i.e. body as well as mind and also how precarious one's life could be. Every individual negotiates a unique life which runs through continuous and ever changing process under the influence of planetary world.
Hindu astrology, a special education follows the mathematical way to know the effects of planets on us during its movement through the orbits on time to time. Hindu astrology is the subject which is a real friend to humanity. Mathematics gave birth to the Law of Probability. When this Law based on astronomical facts & figures is applied, it becomes the Wisdom of the Heavens, Astrology. People, without any prejudices & misconception should learn Vedic astrology for their self development & to get the most trusted guidance.
