An authoritative primer to Jyotish, or Vedic Astrology, this book draws on the author's extensive study of the tradition. Andrew Mason explains in detail the practical applications of Jyotish, introduces the planets, signs and houses, as well as the many rich and highly entertaining mythologies of the system with an explanation of how to interpret them. He also covers Vedic Astrology's sister science, Ayurveda, and describes how they interact to provide insight into celestial timing, sustained health and general wellbeing. With sample charts that show the applications throughout, the book provides a complete an accessible resource on Jyotish for students of Indian astrology and Ayurveda practitioners. It will also be of interest to anyone with a passion for astrology.

Astrology is a great science based on sound principles and theory of karma through cycles of rebirth. A horoscope is basically a map of zodiac indicating position of planets in various signs/ Nakshatra at the time and place of birth. The delineation of a chart is the science and art of deciphering it as per the knowledge, intuition of the astrologer and divine help available to him. Therefore the first requisite is to have sound knowledge of nature and characteristics of houses, signs, Nakshatra and planets and their inter-relation. Next comes the basic tools like dasha, transit, yoga and divisional chart and their application in delineating a horoscope. Lagna is the single most important factor in delineating a horoscope. It is the very being of the native, his élan vital & basic potential. Unless the seed of a specific quality or event is contained in this basic potential, other planetary indications will not find suitable opportunities for manifestation. Lagna also determines the numbering of houses with lagna being the first. With the change in lagna, the significations of any planet will change drastically, as his house & lordship changes, although the sign & constellation of the planet remain unchanged.

Phaldeepika by Gopesh Kumar Ojha Published by Motilal Banarsidass, Delhi (www.mlbd.co.in) Mantreswar was the greatest astrologer of the 12th century from the South of India. He compiled in Sanskrit the principles of Predictive Astrology propagated by Maharshi Parashar, Jaimini and various other great astrologers in his famous work Phaldeepika. This is one of the best books on Predictive Astrology. It includes the essence of Parashar, Jaimini and many more masters. Four hundred and fifty Yogas of Bhavartha Ratnakar of Shri Ramanuja have been added to befit the title Phaldeepika; Bhavartha Bodhini. The 28 chapters in the book cover various topics: the characteristics, house divisions, strength of planets, career, various yogas, raja yogas, marriage, children, longevity, periodic influence of planets, the effect of transits and ashtakvargas. The 11th chapter exclusively deals with the nativity of women; the 22nd chapter gives the interpretations and calculation of the Kalachakra dashas. This English edition also includes many horoscopes, tables and a glossary of Sanskrit and Hindi words. The language is easy to understand and even beginners after studying this book for a few months will be able to arrive at the right interpretations and timing of events.

Transit of planets talks about the technique of making predictions on the basis of current position of planets on the horoscope of native. The main objective of Astrology is to predict the future of the native with the help of his horoscope. For making accurate prediction it is necessary to make an analysis of three factors. These three factors are YOGAS formed with the combination and permutation of planets, 2nd important factor is periods (dasa) and 3rd factor is transit. When a person comes with a query, first of all it should be analyzed that the query is related with which house, planets, the planet occupying this house and the planets aspecting this house. The determination of the auspicious or inauspicious results of that house shall be done by analyzing three factors. These are house, house Lord and significators. For example if the question asked is regarding marriage in that case we shall see that which planets are there in seventh house, this house is aspected by which planets. Marriage yoga for the possibility of marriage is there or not and in addition to that the position of significator of 7th house i.e. Jupiter/Venus should be analyzed. For females the significator of 7th house is Jupiter and for males the natural significator of 7th house is Venus. By analyzing the placement, combination, and benefic or malefic impact of these planets we conclude weather auspicious yoga for the possibility of marriage is there or not. After Yoga next important factor to be considered is major or sub period, the duration of main period is a long and sub period’s duration also can be 6 months or more than 2 years therefore, in order to predict the timing of an event during these 2 years the help of transit can be taken. Therefore, for predicting an event the importance of transit should be considered. Although it is a matter of long discussion to determine whether transit predictions should be made on the basis of ascendant sign or moon sign. For supporting the predictions from both, scholars have given logical and justifiable opinions. But, the conclusions that we have derived on the basis of our experience advocate that auspiciousness or inauspiciousness of the transit results of planets should be done on the basis of moon sign and what type of results i.e, which house results it shall yield would be decided on the basis of ascendant sign. For instance if moon is positioned in 7th house and the sign of Leo is there, therefore transit of Saturn into this sign shall cause negative impact of Saturn’s SADHESATI because transit of Saturn into Leo shows inauspicious results therefore there can be delay or problems in marriage and married life. Similarly what can be the results of transit of planets by considering the other important factors has been taken into account in this book. Because of lack of availability of books in the field of transit predictions this book has been written for catering the need of students of all India Federation of Astrologer’s Societies Delhi. This book shall be of immense help for solving the problems of students while studying the techniques of making predictions.