Astronomical Birth Chart

Since the advent of civilization Astronomy and Astrology were granted as the threads of the same discipline. But with the progression of the wheel of time, the perception and development of this discipline got bifurcated. However, we can’t still completely separate them.

While making a horoscope, a lot of astronomical details are required based on which astrological predictions are made. Astronomy involves the study of phenomenon, objects, atmosphere, space, stars, constellations etc. which are outside the sphere of Earth.

Here, we would discuss some of the astronomical dimensions that are used in astrology as well, for prediction and astrological guidance. It is believed that the astronomical phenomenon and celestial bodies influence life on Earth.

The concept of Astronomical birth chart is nothing but the use of astronomical information, and permutation and combinations for preparing a horoscope of a person.

 

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The Solar System

The Solar System consists of planets and other celestial bodies revolving around the Sun, moon, meteors etc. Again, there is the inner and outer solar system. Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars fall under the inner solar system. Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune fall under the outer solar system. In between inner and outer solar system there exists the asteroid belt which stretches like a boundary between the two.

The planets, constellations, Sun and Moon are used as some of the main parameters that are used in Astrology for predictions.

 

Geocentric and Heliocentric systems

In Geocentric system the Earth is considered as the universal midpoint. In Heliocentric system the Sun is considered as the universal midpoint.

In astrology the Geocentric system is used for making horoscopes. The Earth is taken as the Universal midpoint with all the heavenly bodies revolving around it. When we stand on Earth, we observe the Sun rising from the east and setting in the west and apparently, Sun too is seen revolving around the Earth. This path of Sun around Earth is called ‘Ecliptic’.

 

The Zodiacs in Relation to Astrology

The sky around the Earth in 360° round belt which is called the Zodiac. This is an imaginary belt. It is divided into 12 equal parts. Each part measures to 30°(30 degrees). There are nakshatras carpeted around the Zodiac. In each of the 12 parts, two and a quarter nakshatras are located. Each part of the Zodiac is called a Sign.

The names of the 12 parts of Zodiac (Signs) are:

Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces.

These 12 signs are used to make the Astronomical birth chart.

 

Astronomical Parameters in Casting the Astronomical birth chart

 

‘Hora’ and ‘Scopos’ makes the word Horoscope. ‘Hora’ means time or hour and ‘Scopos’ is the observer. The above diagram is the blank horoscope (North-Indian style).

There are 12 parts in the Horoscope. Those 12 parts are 12 houses, and each house is also allotted with one sign.

For casting a horoscope various astronomical parameters are used viz., calculation of longitude and latitudes of planet, sidereal time, IST/ZST, LMT, GMT, degrees of constellations, time etc.

Without astronomical parameter the casting of astrological birth chart is impossible.

 

 

Mid heaven (Meridian Cusp), Ascendant and 10^th Cusp

As we came across earlier in this article that the zodiac is 360° imaginary round belt around the Earth which is divided into 12 parts with each part measuring to 30° each; each 30° is called a Sign. Now we know that there are four horizons viz., eastern, western, southern and northers horizon. The sign rising in the eastern horizon at the incidence of birth is called the ‘Ascendant’ or ‘Lagna’.

When the apparent path of Sun intersects the meridian of a particular place on Earth it is called the Midheaven (Meridian Cusp/MC). This Midheaven coincides with the 10^th house of horoscope which indicates the current ‘karma’, career, actions, name and fame, financial gains and prosperity through karma, honor etc.

 

Divisional Charts

The whole concept of Divisional charts is used to analyze a horoscope with a bird’s eye view for detailed and better quality of astrological predictions. The divisional charts are derived from the main horoscope of a native regarding various dimensions of life. Each divisional chart carries information regarding one or more aspects of life.

They are derived from the natal astronomical birth chart through astronomical parameters and calculations.

D1 chart is the main birth horoscope of an individual. Apart from that there are some divisional charts listed here viz., D2, D3, D4, D5, D7, D8, D9, D10, D12, D16, D27, D30, D45, D40, D60 etc. Read more about Divisional Charts 

 

Upagrahas/ Sub planets

These are sensitive points that are mathematically calculated using astronomical parameters. They are not physical entities. They generally point towards adverse times in life of an individual.

Each planet has its own upagraha.

• Sun- Kala
• Moon- Paridhi
• Mars- Dhuma
• Mercury- Ardhaprahara
• Jupiter- Yamagantaka
• Venus- Indrachapa
• Saturn- Mandi/Gulika
• Rahu- Pata
• Ketu- Upketu

They are calculated using the longitude of Sun.

 

Positional Strength of Planets

Planets tend to behave strongly and positively when they are placed in certain directions around the Earth in the four hemispheres. This is called the positional strength or Digbali.

These four directions/hemispheres are indicated in the horoscope as well. As mentioned earlier, the Ascendant is the Eastern direction.

• Jupiter & Mercury – Powerful in the East
• Saturn – Powerful in the West
• Moon & Venus – Powerful in the North
• Sun & Mars – Powerful in the South

 

Conclusion

The natal horoscope or astronomical birth chart of a person requires mathematical permutations and combinations which are derived from astronomy. In ancient India astronomy and astrology were considered the same which is evident from eminent treatise like ‘Surya Siddhanta’ and ‘Sidhantashekhara’.

Mentioned here are some of the inseparable limbs of Astrology which require the exact positions and degrees of the celestial bodies which are derived from astronomy and implemented in casting a horoscope for prediction.

The sole purpose of casting horoscopes is not just prediction of events in a person’s life. It is used as a guide where there is darkness in the path, and an individual does not know how to move forward. It shows the right direction in times of need when one doesn’t know where to tread in life. With the right use of Astrology, humankind can be benefited in a huge way as it guides using the foundation of morality and Dharma.