Vedic Astrology is one of the terms utilized to refer to the native astrology of India, especially by practitioners of different traditions of astrology from areas outside of India. Vedic Astrology is a relatively modern term, arising in the West in the 1970s-1980s, in conjunction with the publication of self-help books detailing Indian practices such as Ayurveda and yoga. Other terms include Indian Astrology, Hindu Astrology, and Jyotish.
The term “Vedic” connects this astrology practice to the Vedas, the sacred writings of Hinduism, thus implies that this form of astrology is a sacred science. The Rig Veda, one of the most sacred ancient texts, did discuss the Nakshatras (lunar mansions) and other concerns relative to the moon, such as phases and eclipses.
