Jyotish: The Art of Vedic Astrology [English] By Andrew Mason (Author) & James Braha (Foreword)

Author: Andrew Mason (Author) & James Braha (Foreword)

Publisher: Singing Dragon

Binding: Paperback

Details: 

**"Jyotish: The Art of Vedic Astrology"** by **Andrew Mason** (with a foreword by **James Braha**) is a comprehensive guide to understanding the ancient Indian system of astrology, also known as **Vedic astrology** or **Jyotish Vidya**. The book aims to introduce readers to the foundational principles and practices of Vedic astrology, offering both theoretical explanations and practical tools for using this system of astrology in daily life.

### Overview of the Book

**Jyotish** is an ancient astrological tradition from India, which has been practiced for thousands of years. Unlike Western astrology, which primarily focuses on the **zodiac signs** and the **sun’s position**, Vedic astrology (or **Jyotish**) works with the **lunar zodiac** and considers the **positions of the planets**, the **houses**, and the **nakshatras** (lunar constellations) at the time of an individual's birth.

In **"Jyotish: The Art of Vedic Astrology"**, Andrew Mason provides a detailed introduction to the principles of **Vedic astrology**, along with tools for interpreting an individual’s birth chart, predicting trends in life, and offering remedies for mitigating the effects of difficult planetary influences.

### Key Themes and Concepts in the Book

1. **Foundational Principles of Vedic Astrology**:
   - The book begins with an explanation of the **basic structure of Vedic astrology**, including the significance of the **12 signs**, **9 planets**, and **12 houses** in the birth chart.
   - **Rashi** (zodiac signs) and **Grahas** (planets) form the cornerstone of the analysis in Vedic astrology.
   - **Nakshatras**: A unique feature of Vedic astrology is the use of the **27 lunar mansions** or **nakshatras**. The book explores how these lunar constellations influence the individual’s nature, behavior, and destiny.

2. **Understanding the Birth Chart (Janma Kundali)**:
   - A significant portion of the book is devoted to understanding how to create and interpret an individual’s **birth chart** (Janma Kundali) using the **vedic system**. This includes understanding the positions of planets in the **12 houses** and their relationship to one another, as well as the **Ascendant (Lagna)**, which is the starting point of the chart.
   - **Aspects** between planets, **dasha systems** (planetary periods), and **transits** are introduced as tools for predicting how planetary influences affect the individual over time.

3. **Planetary Periods and Dashas**:
   - One of the key features of Vedic astrology is the **Dasha system**, which divides a person’s life into periods governed by different planets. Mason explains how to calculate and interpret the effects of these planetary periods on a person's life journey.
   - The **Vimshottari Dasha**, the most widely used system in Vedic astrology, is examined in detail, explaining how the timing of events in a person's life is influenced by the position of planets during specific dasha periods.

4. **The Role of the Houses in the Birth Chart**:
   - The 12 **houses** in the natal chart represent different areas of life, such as career, relationships, health, family, and wealth. The book elaborates on how the planets placed in specific houses influence those life areas.
   - Each house governs a particular domain, and the strength of planets placed in these houses can provide insight into how a person will experience success, challenges, and personal growth in those areas.

5. **Remedies in Vedic Astrology**:
   - **Remedies** in Vedic astrology are a vital aspect of the practice. Mason covers the various methods used to counteract negative planetary influences, such as:
     - **Gemstones**: Wearing specific gemstones associated with different planets to strengthen their positive influence.
     - **Mantras and Puja**: Chanting specific mantras or performing pujas (rituals) to appease planets and bring about positive change.
     - **Charity and Service**: Offering charitable acts or service to mitigate negative planetary effects.

6. **Spiritual and Philosophical Insights**:
   - Vedic astrology is deeply connected to the **spiritual philosophy** of Hinduism, and the book discusses how astrology can serve as a tool for understanding the soul’s **purpose** and **karma**.
   - The influence of **past karma** on the present life, as understood through the positions of planets, is a core concept in Vedic astrology. The book explores how one can gain a deeper understanding of their life’s challenges and growth opportunities by looking at their chart through the lens of karmic law.

7. **Practical Application**:
   - **Jyotish: The Art of Vedic Astrology** is not just a theoretical book; it also provides practical tools and case studies for interpreting birth charts. Mason includes numerous examples to demonstrate how to read charts and apply the principles of Vedic astrology to real-life scenarios.
   - The book helps readers understand how to predict major life events, such as career changes, marriage, health concerns, and financial success, based on the planets and their movements.

### Foreword by James Braha

**James Braha**, a well-known expert in **Vedic astrology**, writes the foreword to the book. His introduction provides additional context to the work, explaining how Vedic astrology differs from Western astrology and why it is a profound and useful system for understanding the intricacies of life. He praises Mason's approach as clear, accessible, and accurate, making the complex principles of Vedic astrology approachable for beginners while still offering depth for more advanced students.

### Target Audience

- **Beginners**: The book is particularly suitable for beginners who are interested in learning Vedic astrology. Mason explains the core principles in a way that is easy to understand, without overwhelming the reader with technical jargon.
- **Intermediate Practitioners**: Those with some background in astrology will find this book a valuable resource for deepening their understanding of Vedic astrology’s unique methods and techniques.
- **Astrology Students**: Those studying Vedic astrology academically or as a career can benefit from the structured, in-depth explanations and practical examples provided.
- **Spiritual Seekers**: Since Vedic astrology is closely tied to the philosophy of karma and self-realization, the book will appeal to individuals interested in using astrology as a tool for spiritual growth and understanding.

### Conclusion

**"Jyotish: The Art of Vedic Astrology"** by **Andrew Mason** is a well-rounded introduction to the fascinating world of **Vedic astrology**, providing a comprehensive yet accessible approach to this ancient system of cosmic wisdom. The book effectively demystifies complex astrological concepts while also providing a solid foundation for those looking to use Vedic astrology in their personal and professional lives. Whether you're a beginner or an intermediate practitioner, this book is a valuable resource for understanding the art of interpreting **birth charts**, predicting future events, and using astrology as a tool for personal and spiritual growth.

Number Of Pages: 400

Release Date: 18-05-2017

EAN: 9781848192102

Package Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.0 x 1.1 inches

Languages: English