Astrology is a science based on planets. The planets in the universe affect human life and influence the characteristics of each and every individual on this earth. Certain people follow it and have a strong belief in it while others take it as baseless. If scientists would have accepted this science and did more research on it, probably we would have had courses of Astrology and Numerology in the universities.

In different parts of the world, astrology is used in different forms. For example, in India we use palmistry and horoscope and lately we have started using Numerology. In the western countries, more of Zodiac signs or Sun signs are used.

There can be different arguments in favor of Astrology for people who do not believe in it. According to scientists, the gravitational pull of Moon affects the ocean waves. If a heavenly body millions of miles away from the earth can affect the ocean tides, then it can also affect the human beings. Sun, millions of miles away from the Earth, lightens the earth, then why can’t it affect the human beings on this planet?

Basis of Astrology

Astrology is based on planets. The planets considered in Astrology are as follows:
- Jupiter
- Saturn
- Mercury
- Venus
- Mars
- Sun
- Moon
- Rahu, also known as Dragon’s head
- Ketu, also known as Dragon’s tail

In Astrology, Sun and Moon are considered as planets and they affect human life. Pluto, Uranus and Neptune being very far from earth, are not considered in Astrology as they do not affect human life significantly. According to some theories, Rahu and Ketu are considered as Uranus and Neptune as well but still the characteristics and effects of them are considered to be the same. To learn any branch of astrology, it is important to understand the behavior of these planets. Also the behavior of all the humans on this planet are affected and ruled by these planets only. In the modules 4-12 we will learn about the behavior of these planets and how are these planets and numbers are related. Every planet has a history, according to Vedic astrology. The behavior of the planets is governed by the history of that particular planet which we will discuss in the modules 4-12.

There is a variety of science used to predict the future and improve the quality of living and the origination of these is from different countries. Few of them are listed below:

- Horoscope Analysis
- Numerology
- Palmistry
- Zodiac system of Western Astrology
- Vaastu
- Feng Shui
- Tarot

Among the above, the first 4 are based on planets while the others are not. Since I have limited knowledge of Vaastu, Feng Shui and Tarot, I would not like to discuss much on these. We will discuss in brief about Horoscope Analysis, Palmistry and Zodiac System here. Zodiac will be discussed in more detail in the later modules.

Horoscope Analysis

Horoscope reading, also known as “kundli” is the most complex and the most accurate form of Astrology. Kundli is very popular in India and till date it is used more than numerology. The inputs required to make a kundli is date of birth, time of birth and place of birth. Nowadays there are softwares which can generate a kundli within seconds. Generally, every person has a unique kundli, as within a minute the combinations of kundli can change.
Kundli can be used for the following purposes:
- Match Making
- Career Predictions
- Travels
- Accidents
- Relationships
- Life Span
- Children and many more

But, as I said earlier, interpreting a kundli is very difficult, but still it remains the most accurate form of astrology. Horoscope is the best way to predict the future. In India, still 75% of the people match the horoscopes before getting married. For horoscope analysis, numbers are not considered as a parameter. Horoscopes are broadly based on planets, constellations, zodiac and transits of planets. Since this is the 1st module, I would not like to get into the technicalities and try to keep things simple.

Palmistry

Palmistry is also based on the same planets as discussed above. The science of palmistry is based on reading the lines on the palm of the right and left hand. Palmistry is the best way to see the present and near future since the lines on the palm keep on changing. Palmistry is broadly based on the following lines:
• Life Line
• Head Line
• Heart Line
• Fate Line
• Sun Line
• Health Line
• Line of Travel

Different areas in the palm represent different planets and are called Mounts. For example the area below the index finger is called Mount of Jupiter. If the area is well developed we can say that the native has a strong Jupiter and vice-versa. Generally, celebrities have well developed Mount of Venus and Mount of Sun.
The above information was just to give you a basic idea on Palmistry. We will not be referring to this branch of Astrology again in any of the modules.

Zodiac or Sun Sign

The 12 zodiac signs are very popular all over the world and generally a lot of people judge other people by their zodiac. Please note that the Zodiac only signifies the outer characteristics of a person, not how a person feels. Sun sign is the best to understand how a person would communicate with the world. It rules over a person’s ego, creativity, romance and sexual preferences.

Did you ever try to understand, from where does the Zodiac originate? Or what is the root of the Zodiac system?
The root of the Zodiac system is planets. Every zodiac is ruled by a planet that is how a zodiac gets its qualities. According to some theories, zodiacs are a group of constellations. This may be true but these constellations are ruled or most affected by different planets within the universe. The different zodiac and there ruling planets are as follows:

Aries – Sun
Taurus – Venus
Gemini – Mercury
Cancer – Moon
Leo – Sun
Virgo – Mercury
Libra – Venus
Scorpio – Mars
Sagittarius – Jupiter
Capricorn – Saturn
Aquarius – Saturn
Pisces – Jupiter

If you compare the qualities of the above planets with the respective zodiac, you will find a similarity which basically means that the zodiac gets its qualities from the planets. There are 2 modules which will explain about the zodiac, so you need not get into details at this moment.

Since this course is on Numerology, I would not like to get into the depth of the other branches of Astrology. Readers interested to know more about the above branches are advised to do research. However, they can ask questions to clarify any of their doubts.