What are the Basics of Vedic Astrology?
Studying astrology can be challenging, especially when encountering unfamiliar terminology in websites or books. Many terms used in astrology basics are not part of our everyday vocabulary, and even when they are, their meanings may differ in an astrological context compared to an astronomical one. This can make understanding your natal chart or astrology in general more difficult.
To help you overcome this, we’ve compiled a glossary of commonly used astrological terms. Reviewing these definitions will enhance your understanding and make your learning journey smoother. For additional terms, we recommend consulting specialized books, which can be valuable resources for your ongoing study.
Glossary of Terms
Aberration
Aberration refers to the apparent shift in the position of a celestial object due to the combined effects of the speed of light and the relative motions of the observer and the object. This phenomenon causes the observed location of the object to appear slightly different from its actual geometric position. Aberration is a key concept in both astronomy and astrophysics, influencing how we perceive the exact placement of stars, planets, and other celestial bodies from Earth.
Aphelion
Aphelion is the point in a planet’s orbit when it is farthest from the Sun. At this stage, the planet is at its maximum distance from the Sun, resulting in the longest radius vector, which is the line connecting the center of the Sun to the planet. This point is significant in understanding orbital dynamics, as it represents a position of minimal solar influence, affecting the planet’s speed and the duration of its orbit.
Ascendant
The Ascendant, or the Rising Sign, is a crucial element in Vedic astrology. It represents the point of the zodiac rising on the eastern horizon at the exact time and location of your birth. This point marks the beginning of the first house in your horoscope and serves as the foundation for the entire birth chart. The Ascendant influences your physical appearance, personality, and overall approach to life. There are 12 possible Ascendants, each corresponding to one of the zodiac signs, shaping your chart’s unique energy and characteristics.
Aspects
Aspects are a fundamental concept in Vedic astrology that describes how planets “view” or influence other planets and signs. Each planet aspects the sign or planet directly opposite it (7th house), but some planets have additional special aspects. For example, Mars also influences the 4th and 8th houses, Jupiter the 5th and 9th, and Saturn the 3rd and 10th. These aspects affect the houses and planets they target, with the outcome positive or negative depending on the nature and condition of the aspecting planet and its relationship with the aspected planets.
Celestial Latitude
Celestial Latitude refers to the angular distance of an object in the sky, measured north or south of the ecliptic plane. This measurement is taken along a great circle that passes through the poles of the ecliptic and the celestial object in question. In Vedic astrology, understanding celestial latitude helps accurately determine the position of planets and other celestial bodies relative to the ecliptic, which is crucial for precise astrological interpretations.
Conjunction
A conjunction occurs when two celestial bodies share the same apparent celestial longitude or Right Ascension in the sky. This alignment signifies that the planets’ energies are merging, often intensifying their combined influence on a person’s natal chart. Conjunctions can lead to powerful and dynamic interactions between planetary forces, significantly impacting the areas of life they govern, depending on the planets and houses involved.
Celestial Equator
The celestial equator is an imaginary great circle on the celestial sphere, positioned exactly halfway between the poles. It represents the projection of Earth’s equator into space, intersecting the celestial sphere. This circle is fundamental in astronomy and astrology, as it helps define the coordinates used to map celestial objects. In Vedic astrology, the celestial equator plays a crucial role in understanding the movement of planets and stars, influencing various astrological calculations and interpretations.
Combust Planets
When a planet comes too close to the Sun, it becomes “combust,” meaning it is overwhelmed by the Sun’s powerful rays and temporarily loses its strength and influence. This phenomenon affects all planets except for the North and South Nodes of the Moon, known as Rahu and Ketu. Understanding combustion is crucial for interpreting a natal chart, as a combust planet’s energy may be diminished, affecting its role in your astrological profile.
Constellation
A constellation is a distinct group of stars forming a recognizable pattern in the sky, often named after mythical Greek heroes, gods, or objects from ancient legends. In Vedic astrology, constellations, known as Nakshatras, play a crucial role in mapping the celestial sphere and influence astrological readings. Each constellation represents a specific sector of the sky, influencing the characteristics and fate of individuals based on their birth star and planetary positions within these star clusters.
Declination
Declination in Vedic astrology refers to the angular distance of a celestial object (like a planet or star) north or south of the celestial equator. This measurement is similar to latitude on Earth and is crucial in understanding the position and influence of celestial bodies in a horoscope. By studying declination, astrologers can gain deeper insights into the intensity and effect of planetary energies, helping to refine predictions and interpretations within a birth chart.
Ephemeris
An ephemeris is a detailed table that lists the precise positions of celestial bodies (such as planets) at specific intervals, typically covering an entire year. It’s an essential tool in astrology, providing the foundational data needed to create and interpret natal charts. Learning to read ephemeris is crucial for understanding astrological movements and influences, as it helps astrologers track planetary positions and make accurate predictions.
Ephemeris Time
Ephemeris Time (E.T.) was introduced in 1960 to provide a more accurate measure of time, addressing irregularities caused by tidal friction and other factors affecting Earth’s rotation. Unlike Universal Time (U.T.), which is based on the mean solar time at Greenwich and can vary, Ephemeris Time increases uniformly, offering a consistent time scale for astronomical calculations. In 1984, the term E.T. was replaced by Dynamical Time (T.D.T.), which continues to be used in celestial mechanics and astrological calculations.
Eclipse
In Vedic astrology, an eclipse refers to the temporary obscuration of a celestial body as it passes through the shadow of another. During a solar eclipse, the Moon casts its shadow on Earth, blocking the Sun’s light, while in a lunar eclipse, the Earth casts its shadow on the Moon, darkening it. Eclipses are considered powerful astrological events, often symbolizing significant shifts, transformations, or disruptions, influencing both personal and collective energies in profound ways. Understanding their impact is key in Vedic astrology.
Eclipse Year
The Eclipse Year, also known as the Draconic Year, is the average time it takes for the Sun to return to the same position relative to the lunar nodes (Rahu and Ketu). This period marks the interval between successive solar or lunar eclipses occurring at the same node. Understanding the Eclipse Year is crucial in Vedic astrology, as it helps astrologers predict when and where eclipses will occur, offering insights into their potential influences on individual and global events.
Ecliptic
The ecliptic is the apparent path the Sun traces across the sky over a year, as observed from Earth. This path represents the mean plane of the Earth’s orbit around the Sun and is central to understanding planetary movements in astrology. The ecliptic is also where the zodiac signs are positioned, making it a fundamental reference for calculating planetary positions and their influence on human life in Vedic astrology.
Equinox
The Equinox occurs twice a year when the Sun crosses the celestial equator, resulting in equal lengths of day and night across the Earth. These points mark a significant balance of energies, symbolizing a time of equilibrium between light and dark. In Vedic astrology, the Equinoxes are important celestial events that influence the balance of natural forces, often seen as opportunities for new beginnings and spiritual alignment.
Geocentric Position
Geocentric Position refers to the apparent location of celestial bodies as observed from Earth’s center. This perspective is crucial in Vedic astrology because it reflects how planets and stars influence life on Earth. Using the geocentric position, astrologers can accurately interpret planetary influences, alignments, and their effects on individual horoscopes, providing insights into personal and cosmic dynamics.
Heliocentric Position
Heliocentric position refers to observing and calculating planetary positions with the Sun at the center of the solar system. Unlike the geocentric model, which views the planets’ movements relative to Earth, the heliocentric perspective offers a broader understanding of planetary dynamics by considering the Sun as the focal point. This approach provides deeper insights into the planets’ true motions and their influence within the solar system.
Horary Astrology
Horary astrology, a specialized branch within Vedic astrology, focuses on answering specific questions based on the exact time they were asked. Unlike natal astrology, which uses birth charts, horary astrology creates a chart for the moment a query is made. This chart, known as a “Horary Chart,” allows the astrologer to predict outcomes and provide insights into events related to the question. It’s a powerful tool for addressing immediate concerns and making informed decisions.
Hour Circle
In Vedic astrology, the Hour Circle is a crucial concept. It refers to a great circle on the celestial sphere that intersects the celestial poles and runs perpendicular to the equator. This circle is essential for measuring celestial coordinates and understanding the positioning of celestial bodies in relation to the observer’s location on Earth. By studying the Hour Circle, astrologers can gain insights into the timing and influence of planetary movements on individual horoscopes.
Inferior Planets
Inferior planets are those whose orbits lie closer to the Sun than Earth’s orbit. In Vedic astrology, Mercury and Venus are classified as inferior planets. Because they are positioned between the Earth and the Sun, these planets have unique astrological influences, particularly in their phases of retrograde and conjunctions, which affect communication, relationships, and personal values. Understanding the dynamics of inferior planets can offer deeper insights into how these celestial bodies influence our daily lives and astrological charts.
Meridian Circle
In Vedic astrology, the Meridian Circle is an essential concept. It refers to the great circle that passes through the celestial poles and intersects with the zenith, the point directly above a specific location on Earth. This circle helps define the local meridian, which is crucial in determining the positions of celestial bodies relative to the observer’s location. Understanding the Meridian Circle is key to accurate astrological calculations and interpretations.
Node
Understanding astrology basics requires grasping the concept of retrograde motion and celestial nodes. Nodes are crucial points where the orbit of a celestial body, like the Moon, intersects a reference plane, such as the ecliptic. In Vedic astrology, these intersections are known as Rahu (the Ascending Node) and Ketu (the Descending Node). Rahu and Ketu are not physical planets but are considered powerful lunar nodes that influence karma, spiritual growth, and life events, making them essential to chart interpretation.
Retrograde Motion
Retrograde motion refers to the apparent backward movement of a planet as observed from Earth. While all planets revolve around the Sun in the same direction, from our vantage point, they sometimes appear to move in reverse. This optical illusion occurs when Earth overtakes a slower-moving outer planet or when an inner planet, like Mercury or Venus, laps Earth. In Vedic astrology, retrograde planets are believed to exert a stronger, often more introspective influence, prompting individuals to revisit unresolved issues or reflect on past actions.
Retrograde Planets
In Vedic astrology, all planets except the Sun and Moon periodically change their motion through the zodiac and appear to move backwards, a phenomenon known as retrograde motion. The planet is symbolized with an “R” in the horoscope during this time. Retrograde planets are believed to exert stronger, more unusual influences, often bringing unexpected outcomes or revisiting past themes. After a period of retrograde, the planet resumes its direct motion, restoring its usual influence in the natal chart.
Sidereal Time (Sidereal Astrology)
Sidereal time is a way of measuring time based on the Earth’s rotation relative to the fixed stars rather than the Sun. It’s closely tied to the position of the vernal equinox, which marks the start of spring. Local Sidereal Time (LST) is the measurement of time based on the local hour angle of the vernal equinox. In Vedic astrology, sidereal time is crucial for accurately calculating planetary positions and understanding the alignment of celestial bodies at a specific time and place.
Superior Planets
Superior planets are those whose orbits lie beyond Earth’s orbit around the Sun. This group includes Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and the outer planets. These planets typically move more slowly across the sky than the inner planets and have a unique influence on astrology. Superior planets are often associated with broader, more long-term themes in life, such as growth, discipline, and transformation, making their positions and movements particularly significant in Vedic astrology.
Terrestrial Dynamical Time (T.D.T)
TDT is a precise and uniform timekeeping system used in Vedic astrology to calculate the positions of celestial bodies in the solar system. It ensures that the ephemeris, or the tables showing the positions of planets, are accurate by accounting for variations in Earth’s rotation. This system provides the necessary consistency for astrologers to make precise predictions and interpretations based on planetary movements.
Tenth House (M.C)
The Tenth House, often referred to as the Midheaven (Medium Coeli or M.C.), represents the point where the ecliptic intersects the meridian at a given location and time. This house signifies your career, public reputation, and the roles you aspire to fulfill in the outer world. It reflects your ambitions, achievements, and how you are perceived by society. The Tenth House is a powerful indicator of your professional life and the legacy you aim to leave behind.
Author Bio - Jayanti Ghosh and Soumen Ghosh
Embark on a journey of astrological discovery with confidence, guided by our resident Vedic astrology experts, Jayanti Ghosh and Soumen Ghosh, who have over 20 years of experience in Vedic astrology. Our content is meticulously curated, drawing from esteemed astrological texts and research from prominent astrologers like B.V. Raman and Dr David Frawley.
Learn More About Vedic Astrology
History of Vedic Astrology
Three main branches of Astrology exist to date. Though there are a few more, people are mostly familiar with the names of Western, Indian, and Chinese Astrology. We find the presence of it for the first time in Mesopotamia and the Babylonia (then Chaldea) in and around 3600 B.C. In that era, the subject was being used to predict or forecast the weather or the possibility of disaster and even to find the chances of wars that might occur in the future.
Characteristics of Zodiac Signs
Astrology signs play a very important role in unfolding individuals’ inner or hidden traits. Twelve astrology zodiac signs provide some general descriptions of the subjects. All individuals come under any of the twelve signs according to their date of birth. You may be interested to know how the signs in heaven can influence or control the lives on the earth. To understand better, we must know how the signs themselves are characterized.
Significance of the Planets
In Vedic astrology, the significance of planets is paramount as they play a pivotal role in shaping the course of an individual's life. Each planet represents specific qualities, energies, and influences that contribute to the overall astrological profile. The positions of these celestial bodies at the time of one's birth are meticulously analyzed to derive insights into personality traits, relationships, career paths, and various life events. The nine planets, or Navagrahas, are considered cosmic forces that exert both positive and challenging influences, guiding individuals on their karmic journey.
Understand a Vedic Natal Chart
The horoscope or astrology natal chart, astrology birth chart, or astrology chart is a diagram which reflects the picture of the relevant celestial bodies at the time of one’s birth. It shows in which signs the nine planets were positioned at that particular time and place. It also states another important aspect of astrology called the Lagna or Ascendant. The astrology chart plays a significant role in analyzing an individual’s life. The ascendant is calculated based on one’s place and time of birth. The ascendant is your individual 1st house and may fall in any of the 12 signs. From there, the other houses are marked.
