The Evolution of Indian Astrology: Roots, Celestial Bodies, and Pluto

The origins of Indian astrology, also known as Vedic astrology or Jyotish, date back over 2000 years, with some aspects possibly tracing even further to the Vedic texts believed to be around 3500 years old. This ancient practice has evolved through generations of experiential and clinical observations, solidifying its current form around 1500 years ago, with contributions from notable ancient astrologers like Kalidasa and Varahamihira.

The Ancient Roots and Celestial Bodies

Indian astrology is intertwined with the Vedas, the oldest scriptures in Hinduism. The planets, including Rahu and Ketu, are mentioned in these ancient writings. This indicates that the discipline is over 5000 years old, with its roots deeply embedded in the Vedas. Over the millennia, Indian astrology evolved through careful observation and understanding, mastering the position and impact of celestial bodies on human life.

The Focus on Proximity and Impact

One of the significant aspects of Indian astrology is its focus on celestial bodies that are in close proximity to Earth. According to the ancient Indian maha rishis, who were capable of locating the positions of stars and planets using naked-eye observations, Neptune and Pluto were not considered due to their distance from Earth. This exclusion is further supported by the fact that these outer planets have minimal impact on Earth's living beings. Therefore, the primary celestial bodies considered in Vedic astrology are the Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, and the nodes Rahu and Ketu.

Classical Astrological Framework

Traditional Indian astrology primarily adheres to a classical astrological framework that includes seven visible planets (Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn) and two nodes (Rahu and Ketu). These celestial bodies are considered to have a significant impact on human life and are pivotal in astrological calculations. The seven planets are seen as affecting Earth directly, with Rahu and Ketu representing the nodes of the Moon's orbit around the Sun, thought to have a profound influence on human life.

The Discovery of Pluto and Its Absence

While traditional Indian astrology does not include Pluto as one of the primary celestial bodies in its calculations, modern astrologers may occasionally incorporate Pluto into their practices. However, this is a relatively recent development and not part of the classical framework. Pluto was discovered in 1930 and, due to its distance and the negligible impact it has on Earth, it was not mentioned in ancient Indian texts or traditional astrology. Despite this, some contemporary practitioners may consider Pluto in their readings, reflecting the evolving nature of this ancient discipline.

Difference Between Astronomy and Astrology

Understanding the difference between astronomy and astrology is crucial. While astronomy focuses on the positional and physical aspects of celestial bodies, astrology places emphasis on the impact these bodies have on Earth and its inhabitants. Any Hindu almanac provides precise positions of planets, stars, and constellations for extended periods, showcasing the advanced knowledge of celestial positions in ancient times. However, in the context of astrology, only the heavenly bodies with a significant impact on Earth and its living beings are considered. This includes the 7 traditional planets (Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn) and the 2 nodes (Rahu and Ketu) in Vedic astrology.

Conclusion

Indian astrology, rooted in the Vedas and evolved over centuries, has a rich history and a focused approach to celestial influence. The traditional approach emphasizes the impact of planets close to Earth, aligning with the observable and relevant celestial bodies for human life. While modern interpretations have expanded to include Pluto, the core of Vedic astrology remains grounded in its classical framework, providing a timeless understanding of the cosmos and its effects on human life.