A Quick Guide To Vedic Astrology
Jyotisha is derived from the Sanskrit language and means “light, heavenly body”. Therefore, jyotish [Vedic Astrology] is ‘the science of light’ and is a sophisticated science originating from the ancient Vedic traditions of India. Jyotish [Vedic Astrology] is distinctly different from what we consider astrology in the west. The main difference is that Jyotish relies on sidereal zodiac which is based on the fixed, observable positions of the constellation as we them in the sky. On the other hand, western astrology uses tropical zodiac which relies on the relative and changeable positions of the sun.

Aries Ascendant
Mars is the ascendant Lord for Aries and Ayurveda looks upon mars as being a pitta planet. Aries individuals have a moderate build along with good muscle development. Mars makes for great debaters and can make for great attorneys. These individuals are bold, daring, and quite adventurous. At the same time, the fiery and critical nature of mars can quickly make these guys hot tempered and therefore easily prone to arguments. In the same manner, mars makes these individuals head strong, self-assertive, and full of initiative.

Taurus Ascendant
Venus is the ascendant Lord for Taurus and Ayurveda looks upon venus as being a kapha planet. From a physical standpoint, venus individuals may very well be the best looking and most attractive of all planetary types. Often Venus type individuals have attractive eye, shiny hair with glowing skin. Psychologically, Venus type are romantically inclined. They can be quite social as they enjoy doing things more so with others as opposed to being alone. These individuals have a colorful imagination with vivid dreams and overall are blessed with a creative flare for both art and design.

Gemini Ascendant
Mercury is the ascendant Lord for Gemini and Ayurveda looks upon mercury as being a vata planet. Mercury often creates tall, thin framed individuals who are attractive. These individuals have youthful looks who are quite expressive. Gemini individuals often are talkative and chatty. The ascendant Lord mercury governs speech, intellect and communication. The 2nd House of Speech is ruled by the Moon – which happens to be enemies of Mercury – which may imply that all this excessive talking may not always serve the highest good. Therefore, Gems … watch your tongue.

Cancer Ascendant
The moon is the Ascendant Lord for Cancer and Ayurveda looks upon the moon as being a kapha planet … however … the moon can also be a vata planet if it’s waning. Because the moon being mostly a kapha planet, these individuals often have well-developed bodies and due to the water element, cancer types often have thick, shiny oily hair. Cancers, being ruled by the moon, often are emotional, sensitive and changeable like the moon. They find themselves often taking on the nurturing role always willing to help others in a loving fashion. Overall cancer individuals are loyal, dependable and make good friends and stable marriage partners.

Leo Ascendant
The sun is the ascendant Lord for Leo and Ayurveda looks upon the sun as being a pitta planet. The fire element [of the sun & pitta] provides for good digestion, good circulation, and the ability to burn away toxins and pathogens with a healthy & robust immune system. Leos have a moderate build with good muscular development. The eyes of Leos are full of light, perception, and are quite lustrous. Leos have a kingly or royal demeanor with a very strong will. It’s due to these qualities that leos strive to be leaders and authoritative figures.

Virgo Ascendant
Mercury is the ascendant Lord for Virgos and Ayurveda looks upon mercury as being a vata planet. Virgo is symbolized by the “maiden” and is thought to indicate both shyness with a special interest in purity. Interestingly, mercury, the planet of Intellect, is exalted in the sign of Virgo which implies brilliance to the mind. Even further, we can see that venus is debiliated in the sign of virgo which further implies that virgo individuals are highly intellectual people who often weigh in with thought versus feelings.

Libra Ascendant
Venus is the ascendant lord for Taurus and Ayurveda looks upon venus as being a kapha planet. Libra is symbolized as the shop keeper’s weighing scale. Saturn is exalted in the sign of libra and is mutual friends with the Ascendant Lord Venus. Saturn also happens to own both the 4th and 5th houses which gives libras a special interest in both politics and government … often after the age of 35 yrs.

Scorpio Ascendant
Mars is the Ascendant Lord for Scorpios and Ayurveda looks upon mars as being a pitta planet. Scorpio is symbolized by the scorpion and we know that it is filled with poison. Scorpios often have an interest in chemistry, pharmacology, and drugs which explains the natural calling towards medicine. Even further, mars is a significator for accidents, surgery so these individuals not only have a calling for medicine but more specifically, surgery and even further … Trauma Surgery!

Sagittarius Ascendant
Jupiter is the ascendant lord for Sagittarius individuals and Ayurveda looks upon jupiter as being a kapha planet. Sagittarius is depicted as “the bow” which signifies the ability to ‘Aim High’ and therefore have the ability to prevail over enemies. It’s interesting to note that no planet looks to jupiter as an enemy – although jupiter is enemies to venus and mercury. This can be explained further if we take a look at venus who owns both the 6th house of enemies and the 11th House of friends. As mentioned, venus happens to be enemies with the Ascendant Lord Jupiter and therefore it’s not uncommon for Sagittarius FRIENDS to become ENEMIES and their ENEMIES to become FRIENDS.

Capricorn Ascendant
Saturn is the ascendant lord for Capricorns and Ayurveda looks upon saturn as being a vata planet. Capricorn is symbolized as a crocodile or a generic Seamonster. This symbolizes the ferocious bite that the crocodile takes onto its prey and also explains how capricorns are able to bite into and sink thier teeth into their goals. We can see this further by looking at saturn, Saturn is Exalted in the sign of libra which happens to be the 10th House of Career. Saturn allows capricorns to steadfastly move towards their goals patiently. Often Saturn delays, however, saturn does not deny. Therefore, capricorns often have slow, steady, and gradual progression yet ultimately cross the finish line, eventually.

Aquarius Ascendant
Saturn is the ascendant lord for Aquarians and Ayurveda looks upon saturn as being a vata planet. Aquarius is symbolized as “the pot” which contains water often representing the enjoyment in gathering knowledge. This can be appreciated by taking notice of venus – the pleasure seeking planet in 2 houses of education [i.e. 4th and 9th Houses]. If we take a look at saturn we can see that Aquarians often have the theme of GAIN and LOSS. This is because saturn owns both the 1st and 12th House. The 1st house gives the GAINS while the 12th House creates the LOSS.

Pisces Ascendant
Jupiter is the ascendant lord for Pisces and Ayurveda looks upon jupiter as being a kapha planet. Jupiter is symbolized as two fish, swimming in opposite directions. We can see here that jupiter is exalted in the sign of cancer … which happens to be the 5th House for Pisces. This gives pisces individuals the love for wisdom and the passion for teaching. It’s also interesting to see that the 5th House is ruled by the moon. The moon represents one’s emotions and is a signficator for poetry. This explains the fascination with poetry which pisces naturally have.