Parashara , Jaimini, Nadi, Chakras, Prasna(horary)
The practice of Indian astrology is believed to be the oldest and the only science that gazes into one’s future. There are various types of astrology, which are used to get an insight into a person’s life. Few predictions depend upon arithmetic calculations, few depend upon intuitive powers and few depend upon the theory of randomness.
Indian astrology can be broadly classified into the following systems -
1)Parashara style
2)Jamini style
3)Nadi astrology
4)Prasna
5)Chakras
Parashara style is used by 90% of the astrologers in India. The dasa in this method is based upon nakshatra and the aspects of the planets. This technique is easy to understand and the calculations involved are very simple. The results are so consistent that many Western astrologers are astounded at the accuracy of the predictions. Most of the classical texts are based on this style.
Most modern astrologers use the Jamini style. This was popularised by the famous astrologer K.N. Rao who lives in Delhi. This system uses rasi dasa and also the aspects of rasi for calculations. This is unique because the planetary aspects are not taken into consideration. Each dasa is used for a specific topic, for example Navamsha dasa is used for marriage and Shula dasa is used for death. The most famous book that explains this method is Jamini Sutras. Of course there are many commentaries written by B.V. Raman and by Sanjay Ruth on Jamini style.
Nadi Astrologers use a combination of palm leaves, thumb imprint and Parashara style of astrology for predictions. This unique method is one of the most famous methods. In this, the astrologer first takes the thumb imprint and then casts the horoscope. It is scientifically claimed that each person has unique nadi, and hence a unique life pattern. Most of the nadi readers are from Tamil Nadu. North Indians use Brigu Samitha, a similar method like nadi.
Kerala prasna is a style of astrology invented and used predominantly in Kerala. There is another method called deva prasna ,which is mostly used for temples and deities to predict about the temple and its happenings.
There are other two kinds of prasna – Thamboola Prasna and Chollie Prasna. The Choolie prasna or seashells are used for fixing the ascendant. Once the ascendant is fixed, the chart is chalked and analysed for predictions. In thamboola prasna the astrological parameters are converted into betel leaves, and then questions are asked.
Many Chakras are available in North India that represents Ram Chakras, Surya Kalanal Chakras, Chandra Kalanal Chakras. These Chakras are diagrams drawn on different materials. The different points of Chakras are attributed to the planets or to the nakshatra, and their aspects read. Based on the readings predictions are made. Normally in this method only one or two question are asked. The Chakras are kept in puja. The most famous chakras are Rama and Seetha Chakras.
Each system has its own advantages. People believe in the system that which fascinates him/her the most. There always remains a debate about which system leads to perfect predictions. This depends on the practice, meditation level and natural inclination, and also the client’s destiny in which he or she can be helped. Finally it all depends upon the user’s karma for accuracy.