How to Learn Astrology?

Let’s start with one of the most proficient Astrologers of our time, who is also the brain behind AstroSage.com, Mr. Punit Pandey. He is not only an Astrologer, but also a software engineer. His sound knowledge on cutting edge technology as well as Vedic Astrology is going to become the base of upcoming renaissance in the field of Astrology. The change has already begun, become the part of it by joining hands with our Hi-Tech Astrologer Mr. Punit Pandey:

Learn Astrology #1 - Don’t Just Read, But Assimilate

I always recommend following to the beginners to learn astrology -

• Do not just read, but assimilate whatever is read. Reading is not important but applying whatever you have learnt on practical charts is important. Reading too many books can confuse you.
• 99% books available in the market are junk and useless, so select books that are advised by a learned and experienced astrologer.
• Learn one system at a time. There are too many systems in astrology like Traditional, Jaimini, Tajik, KP, Lal Kitab etc. Trying to learn more than one system at a time will confuse you. So, learning more than one system at the same time should be avoided at all cost.
• If you can get a teacher, it is the best.
• In the beginning, pay your attention toward analyzing birth-charts rather than making them. Calculation is important, but you can learn calculation later. There are free software available like www.MyKundali.com and you can use them for calculation and birth chart making.
• Initially start analyzing the birth-charts of your friends and relatives who you know well
• As far as possible, learn Sanskrit synonyms of English words used in astrological terminology.

I recommend following books for learning astrology -

• All books by Shri JN Bhasin especially "Astro Sutras" and "Art of Prediction" are excellent for beginners.
• How to judge a nativity by BV Raman and Gayatri Devi Vasudev.
• If you can read Hindi, start with "Shri Jataka” by Dinesh Puranik or "Jyotish Ratnakar” by Devkinandan ji.
• Generally choose a book where lots of examples (and birth charts/ case studies) are given.
• One should avoid Brihat Parashar Hora Shastra initially as it can overwhelm beginner.
• If you do not have guidance available on books, pick up a book from a reputed publication like Motilal Banarsidass or Ranjan Publication. Do not buy books from cheap publication houses.

~ Punit Pandey

Now, let’s come to another Astrologer Pt. Hanumaan Mishra, who is associated with many big names for his accurate predictions. His sound knowledge is admired by many including the shining stars of Tinsel Town. Pt. Hanumaan Mishra gives his views for the beginners of Astrology:

Learn Astrology #2 - Start with Predictions

According to me, the students of Astrology should stay at bay from the calculation part of the astrology in the beginning because it is not that interesting. However, prediction part is quite interesting and motivates for learning astrology. Hence, students start taking deep interest from the beginning. Generally, Astrologers suggest the students to begin with Jyotish Praveshika, but I started with Phaladeepika, which has proved itself best from the beginning till present. Apart from this, 'Bhartiya Jyotish Shastra' of Sri Durga Pustak Bhandar, Allahabad is the book with simple and concise description along with cheap rates for the beginners of Astrology.

~ Pt. Hanumaan Mishra

Astrologer Nitin Dutta is amongst the new age experienced Astrologers. With his years of practice on Vedic Astrology, he gives his views for the beginners in this way:

Learn Astrology #3 - Find Correct Interpretation for a Principle

I think that Astrology is not a subject that can be understood on your own. Merely reading a "good" book would not serve any purpose. There has to be a direct interaction between the teacher and the student. A single principle may be having multiple interpretations. Therefore, a beginner always needs a teacher to understand the correct principle.

Reading published articles by expert Astrologers who are willing to share knowledge is one valuable source of learning Astrology. A series of articles dealing with foundation principles of Astrology would serve the purpose better than reading a book.

~ Nitin Dutta

Acharya Raman holds a vast knowledge in Vedic Astrology. His years of experience and genuine service has made him a big name in the world of Astrology. Let’s know what he has got for the beginners:

Learn Astrology #4 - Practice with Charts of Family & Friends

In the present scenario, there are many books available in the market to learn astrology and are making things more confusing. Finding the right book to start with a practical and systematic approach is indeed a difficult task. One must start with Dr. B.V. Raman’s – ‘Astrology for Beginners’ and K.N. Rao’s book – ‘Hindu Jyotish Ka Saral Adhyayan’ to get a systematic logical approach toward Astrology. One should stay away from all those fat books with big prices and big names of modern day. Initially, practice the concepts on own family members and friends without considering yourself an Astrologer. It is a long journey and full of pitfalls. One should stress on cultivating intuition and logic simultaneously.

~ Acharya Raman

G. K. Adith Kasinath is the ocean of knowledge in the field of KP System. Since years, he is helping people with his fluency in concepts of Astrology. Let’s know what he has got for the beginners:

Learn Astrology #5 - Approach Astrology as a Science

I recommend the following books for the Beginners of KP astrology.

1. A Basic Vedic Astrology book - for the introduction on the Zodiac signs, planets, stars and their Karakas and so on.
   Useful tutorial is available in www.astrosage.com which can be studied well.
2. Fundamental Principles of Astrology (KP reader 2): This may be required to refer now and then. Because, keeping everything in mind just by studying won’t be possible. But referring this book could be useful for the Karakas of the planets, signs etc.
3. Casting of a KP chart (KP Reader 1)
4. Predictive stellar Astrology (Reader 3)
5. Nakshatra Chintamani by Dr.Chandrkant R Butt
6. Further Lights on Nakshatra Chintamani by Dr. Chandrakant R Butt
   Books of Dr.Chandrakanth Butt (5 and 6) would be easier to understand the rules and application.
7. Horary Astrology (KP Reader 6)
8. Sublord speaks by K.M.Subramanian
9. Astro Secrets by M.P.Shamnugam
10. The Transit (KP reader 5)
11. Marriage (KP reader 4)
12. Then, the books on medical astrology, Profession, Education etc.

My small suggestion to the beginners to learn astrology:

• Start learning the subject as a science. As you start understanding the basic fundamentals of KP sub-Lord theory, start studying on many known charts with known events to tighten your grip over the subject
• Try to check the zodiac on open sky or in the "Google sky" practically, also the planetary positions and their transit in the zodiac
• Try to apply the rules or principles and do postmortem on known cases
• Do not think that you have to get well versed with all the concepts of Astrology for studying the charts. You have to keep studying the charts by your own either in the examples given or any known charts along with your studies. This would help you understand practically
• You can start doing experiments on horary method, which could be an eye opener and you will get motivated with its positive results
• Study well the charts with your proper application of the knowledge; this can fetch you good experience.

~ G. K. Adith Kasinath

Venkat G. Subramanian is amongst the Astrologers who stand tall in the world of Astrology for their deep knowledge and years of experience. Let’s know here his words for the beginners of Astrology:

Learn Astrology #6 - Start with Fundamentals of Astrology

Beginners should know the fundamentals in Astrology like all 12 zodiacal house signs from Aries to Pisces, 9 planets and 27 stars. The basics on their properties on qualities and characteristics are available in various WEB sites. Calculation of Housing systems with Placidus system is most vital, besides using KP Ayanamsa for Nirayana system. Keeping all these in mind, the beginners may select their own choice of books / e-books other training materials. They have to attempt to practice side by side either with own natal details or with the chart of close relations as the corresponding events are known to them practically for verification. It is advisable to go through the Panchang / almanac details and the phase position of Planet Moon (Thithi Pravesh) and Transit of Sun and other planets in the orbit. Books are plenty focusing with same basic details from Western authors as well as from Indian authors.

This process will build strong foundation and perfect framework to all beginners of Astrology. Basic urge, dedication besides increase in the level of tolerance would help the students to improve their skill level.

~ Venkat G. Subramanian

VGR Pavan holds the command over the concepts of Vedic Astrology as well as KP System. Using his years of experience and collecting the memories of his Astrology learning days, he shares the secret of becoming a proficient Astrologer this way:

Learn Astrology #7 - Focus on Fundamentals

Suggested book is – ‘Fundamental Principles of Astrology’ by Krishnamurti Publications, Chennai.

I suggest beginners to have thorough grasp of fundamentals like signs, planets and Bhavas (houses). The more one delve into these topics the successful will be the predictions. I suggest ‘Fundamental Principles of Astrology’ which is said to be “KP reader II”. In this book, great details are given about Karma and reincarnation theory in a lucid language.

The real theme of Astrology and the concept of destiny which is said to be the basis of “It” are explained with convincing arguments. Author Sri KSK succeeded in presenting the information about signs, planets and houses without repetitions. As a diver in all the three systems of Astrology, he knew which will be useful for us hence created this masterpiece. It is no less to the standard of western astrology works and much refined than Indian school of thoughts. The info about Rahu-Ketu is helpful in timing events. Readers can get insightful Knowledge about the science of astrology.

This book followed by Predictive Stellar Astrology otherwise “KP Reader III” is a powerful means for learning KP. This technique of prediction is indeed a marvel. One should verify and test a particular horoscope with past events by applying Vedic, western and KP. Then alone one can come to know about its worth. As said by Sri KSK, “People with open mind and truth seeking nature will surely accept my KP”.

~ VGR Pavan

S. N. Rao has also shared his views here. He is working with the concepts of Vedic Astrology and KP System since years. His accurate predictions have made him loved by the believers of Astrology. Let’s see what he has got for the beginners of Astrology:

Learn Astrology #8 - Cross-check with Past & Then Predict Future

Astrological analysis has two components. The first is the deduction of likely trends in the life of an individual. This determines as to what is in store for an individual in various areas of his life. The second and more important one is to determine the time when events in his life, according to the trends that are visible in his chart, would happen.

Indian astrology is popularly referred to as Vedic astrology. This is not because it is there in the Vedas. There is no mention of astrology in the Vedas. However, it is one of the Vedangas, i.e., limb or branch of Vedas, and dates back to the Vedic period. Several of the Poojas and remedial measures prescribed in the Indian astrology are as per the Vedic system. Hence, it is called Vedic Astrology. Astrology has a twofold purpose. On one hand it is used as a tool to select the right month the right date and the right time to start various auspicious rites and rituals so that the results are better. On the other hand it is used as a guide to study the destiny of an individual.

Our ancient literature on astrology has hints scattered here and there for timing the events, but no systematic guidance is available. The more one reads from the books, the more confused he becomes. It is left to the reader to determine and create his own style of deduction to analyze the charts and become an astrologer. This unique identity and method of deduction by each astrologer creates difficulty for a beginner who wants to enter in this field.

I would suggest that any new person who wishes to learn and understand astrology should begin with the basic of Vedic astrology. Some of the books are given below.

1. Brihat Jataka
2. Brihat Parashara Hora Shashtra
3. Kalyana Varma’s Saravali
4. Mantreshwara Phaladeepika
5. Horasara by Prithuyasas

Professional classes conducted by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan helps an individual to learn and understand astrology.

~ S. N. Rao

Rajeev K Khattar’s crystal clear concepts on Lal Kitab have helped many people. His keen interest in Astrology has made him outstand in the world of Astrology. Let’s see what he suggests for the beginners from his personal experiences:

Learn Astrology #9 – Match Your Experience With What You Have Learnt

I had started my study of Astrology from the following books:

1. Sun signs by Linda Goodman
2. Numerology and zodiac signs by Cheiro

These books are written in easy language and are available in India in English as well as Hindi languages. These books provide a fair idea about various aspects of astrology like personality traits, important years in life, health (types of illness / disease a person likely to face) and which profession to choose etc. Although these books do not provide in depth knowledge of astrology yet they make the subject easy to learn. One gets interested to know more after going through these books.

I suggest the beginners to make and maintain a record of birth details of friends, neighbors and relatives. Observe and match the characteristics with their zodiac signs and birth number as given in the books. I have observed that people born on 2, 11, 20 and 29 are soft hearted, principled and sensitive persons. People born on 6th, 15th and 24th of any month love luxuries in life and appreciate fine tastes. They are generally inclined toward glamorous professions such as cricket, modeling and films industry. Like this, beginners can also make notes on personality traits of the people as per sun signs.

The beginners must try to find and learn from reliable teacher of Astrology.

~ Rajeev K Khattar

Dr. M. S. Kondal is practicing Astrology for the welfare of society since years. He has got a good command over the concepts of Vedic Astrology and Lal Kitab. Dr. Kondal has helped many people with his passion and talent of finding accurate Astrological predictions. Let’s find here what he says for the beginners of Astrology:

Learn Astrology #10 – Don’t Jump On Conclusion, Study Thoroughly First

Every beginner has a strong desire to become an expert Astrologer. One wants to predict everything correct. But for this, one has to bear in mind that learning astrology is a continuous process. You should put efforts to understand whatever is in books written by the great astrologers and should try reading in between the lines. This thing comes by practicing and thorough study. I would suggest all the beginners not to jump to predictions and start telling future instantly by merely reading one or two books. First of all, you should read the literature for the particular subject thoroughly, understand it literally as well as use it practically. Best thing is to find out how a particular thing happened and what conditions made it possible. There are numerous branches of Astrology. Choose any one out of them, first master one branch and then jump to the other. For beginners as well as professionals, I would suggest the authentic book on Astrology by Nemichander Shastri named Bhartiya Jyotish .This book contains all steps essential to learn astrology from the beginning of chart making up to prediction and remedies. Including Dashas, Yogas and allied stuff you will find all the essential parts of Astrology well explained in the same book and contains great knowledge. So, there is no need to run from pillar to pillar for other books once you have it in your library.

~ Dr. Maneshwar Singh Kondal