Vedic Hindu Astrology : Classification and Organization (Part 1)

Our Sages or Rishis of the Vedic period (Narada, Vasistha, Saunaka, Jaimini and others) were able to perceive several eternal truths through their deep meditation (thapas). The mysteries of the sun, moon, other planets and constellations (stars) were also revealed to them by the divine power. There after they adopted myriad ways to calculate the movements of planets and constellations and wrote scriptures to explain the eternal truth to their disciples. They used verses (slokas) to explain the concept of time. Maharishi Parasara was responsible for the most ancient treatise on Vedic Hindu Astrology. Historians have noted the active research on mathematics and astronomy. They have reported the presence of an astronomical observatory. It was forming part of the school of mathematical astronomy at Ujjain. The celebrities like Varahamihira, Brahmagupta and Bhaskara II contributed to the growth of Hindu astrology. Varahamihira's works - Brhat samhita, Brihat Jatak, Daivagyna Vallabha and Yogayatra are considered as classics in Hindu astrology.

Classification of Vedic Hindu Astrology

Vedic Hindu Astrology has three main sub-divisions: Siddantha, Samhita and Hora.

Siddantha: Siddhanta (Sanskrit) means 'conclusions arrived at last.' Jyotish Siddhanta means ultimate conclusions or understanding arrived at in astrology. This division deals with the application of the postulates or doctrines of astronomy to improve the understandings of astrology. Example: Vedanga Jyotish by Lagadha, Saravali by Kalyana Varma.

Samhita: According to Hinduism Dictionary published by Himalayan Academy the term Samhita (Sanskrit) means 'Any methodically arranged collection of texts or verses.' It is a 'collection of hymns in relation to 'Mundane Astrology.' Wikipedia defines mundane astrology as the 'application of astrology to world affairs and world events.' The predictions related with the occurrences of lunations, eclipses, and appearances of comets on and its effects on nations, provinces, regions and communities. The most feared out effects are earthquakes, rain and floods, famine and other natural calamities. It also includes war, election, finance and trade, health and family welfare, housing and Vastu Sastra etc. Example: Brhat samhita by Varahamihira, Charak Samhita,Satya Samhita, Sur Samhita

Hora (predictive astrology): Hora (Sanskrit) means time. The word also means arithmetic division (varga). The Hindu astronomers and mathematicians gave a different understanding to hora. According to them hora means the astrological sub-division devoted to planets in zodiac signs (houses). The 'Hora'deals withis branch of astrology devoted to the 'study of the quality of time.' Maharishi Parasara has coined this terminology in his classic work 'Brihat Parasara Hora Shastra. '

The Hora or predictive astrology is further sub-divided into ten more branches:

1) Natal Astrology (Hora Shastra or Jatak): Jatak (Sanskrit) means natal chart. Hora shastra deals with natal astrology or horoscopes of individuals.

2) Electional Astrology (Muhurt or Muhurtha): Electional astrology deals with auspicious time best suitable according to individuals' horoscopes. Muhurt (Sanskrit) means auspicious time.

3) Phonetical Astrology (Swar Shaastra): How sound will be helpful to individuals? Beneficial names and the syllables that sounds better from individuals' point of view.

4) Horary Astrology (Prashna): Answering queries from individual, after consulting the horoscope charted on the basis of the place and time on which it was asked.

5) Numerology (Anijyotisha / Sankhya sastra): Merriam-Webster defines Numerology as "the study of the occult significance of numbers."Analysis and prediction of best names based on numerology principles.

6) Nadi astrology: Nadi astrology is able to reveal the past, present and future of the individuals from the palm leaf manuscripts compiled and documented in Tamil Grantham by Sages and Rishis like Agastya, Kakabujanda etc.

7) Almanac (Varsha Phal or Tajik Shaastra): Almanac or annual horoscopy based on Hindu calendar system (based on movement of sun, moon and planets)

8) Jaimini Sutras: Maharishi Jaimini Sutras enable individual to predict time of events precisely within a fortnight / month

9) Lost Horoscopy (Nastjaatakam): This branch deals with the lost horoscopes. Guides the astrologer to trace and construct the lost horoscope.

10) Female Astrology (Streejaatak): This branch is totally devoted with nativities of female

Reference Sources:

1)Electional Astrology http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electional_astrology
2)Hinduism: Details about 'Vedic Astrology' http://hinduism-guide.com/hinduism/vedic_astrology.htm
3)Hora (astrology) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hora_(astrology)
4)Horary astrology http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prasna_Shastra
5)Jaimini Sutras http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaimini
6)Nadi astrology http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nadi_astrology
7)Phonetical astrology http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phonetical_astrology
8)What is Jyotisha Astrology? http://www.exploreastrology.co.uk/JyotishaAstrology.html
9)Jyotisha http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vedic_astrology