 Jyotish is Vedic Astrology, "The Science of Light." It appears that the roots of Jyotish go back at least 4000 to 6000 years. Unlike Western astrology, (click here for general astrology) Jyotish is clearly spiritual in both its roots and its approach. The concepts of karma and reincarnation are integrally related to the Jyotish approach. We are not qualified, and therefore will not attempt, to outline the technical differences between Jyotish and Western astrology. We do know many people who swear by their personal Jyotishi. If you find the books below move you to delve more deeply, we can give you the contact information for a handful of Vedic Astrologers who are highly regarded by many in our community. Please give us a call, or send us an email. For information on remedial Jyotish gemstones please click here: 
$24.95PaperbackCore YogasErnst WilhelmYoga means "yoke." In astrology, yogas are specific planetary configurations in the horoscope that yoke the individual to the fruits of his or her karmas. Core Yogas: Yokes to the Fruits of Karmas explains the important yogas that have been revealed by the ancient seers of Vedic Astrology. The important yogas that give success, wealth, happiness, and good qualities of character, as well as those indicating downfall, financial struggle, humiliation, suffering, and a degraded character are given. Guidelines for how to qualify a yoga are also given, in order to correctly judge the impact that a yoga will have on the individual. When I first heard about Vault of the Heavens, Ernst Wilhelm's first Jyotish book, I thought to myself, "Oh, no, not another Vedic Astrology book for beginners. We have too many on the market as it is." But I was very pleasantly surprised that it was clear, useful, cogent, and a very good learning tool for beginning jyotishis. Within the last year Mr. Wilhelm has come out with two new books, Core Yogas and Classical Muhurtha ("Muhurtha" is not reviewed here.) Both are truly excellent. I am entirely blown away by Core Yogas. A 'yoga' is an unusual combination of planets in Vedic Astrology that somehow defies the normal rules of astrological interpretation. Many, many books on yogas exist and most of them are useful, but it seems like one book is enough. If you own more than one, the others seem repetitious. Core Yogas is in a class by itself. First of all, Mr. Wilhelm has done fresh translations from the Sanskrit of the yogas themselves. Second, he gives plenty of real life example charts for each yoga so that the astute student of Jyotish cannot fail to see exactly how each yoga works. Third, his use of the English language is clear, concise and rather delightful! Fourth, he gives some seldom-seen but very useful yogas that I, as an eighteen-year veteran of doing Jyotish charts, have never seen, but that are very practical in real life chart interpretations. Fifth, there is a very nice 'Index of Yogas' in the back of the book. And, sixth, there is an exceedingly useful 'Quick Search Yogas List' just preceding the index. Mr. Wilhelm has turned over a new, beautiful, leaf of the theory and practice of Vedic Astrology in the West in the 21st century. Buy this book. It is recommended for all students (other than rank beginners) and practitioners of the Divine Science. I consider it the most useful book on Yogas that I own (other than the classics). Review by Michael Laughrin. 
$25.00HardcoverVedic Remedies in AstrologySanjay RathAn excellent addition to the personal library of any serious student of the Divine Science. There are almost 200 pages on mantras, perhaps the most powerful of remedial measures, in this volume. What he recommends on gemstone use is slightly confusing, but seems worthwhile nonetheless. Also included in this book are chapters on the use of yantras, rudraksha beads, and planets and their corresponding deities. This book should be bought by all those who counsel others through Vedic Astrology. Review by Michael Laughrin 
$27.00Paperback / CDVedic Astrological TerminologyNicolai Bachman and David FrawleyAn extremely important CD (and book) for those who are interested in remedial measures in Vedic Astrology. If one is in a life-threatening period, many jyotishis will recommend reciting the Mritunjaya (victory over death) mantra. But unless your pronunciation is very good, don't bother. Sanskrit is a strict language, and unless pronunciation is near perfect, do not do the recitation. This CD gives mantras for each planet, Ganesh, the Mritunjaya mantra, and others. If you want to use "mantra" remedial measures, buy this book-CD combination. Review by Michael Laughrin 
$35.00PaperbackBetz Ephemeris 1940-2040:100 Year Sideral EphemerisProduction WerksHighlights of the Ephemeris: Daily sidereal longitude positions of Sun, Moon. Moon's Nodes and all the true planets using Lahiiri Ayanamsha. Daily Latitude positions of the true planets. Monthly Latitude positions of the true planets. Moon Phases, times and positions. Solar and lunar eclipses : times, positions and analysis of obstructions. Planets crossing the ecliptic (o degrees latitude) times, direction and positions. Retrograde motion shaded for easy recognition. Monthly positions for: Lahiri Ayanamsha, Delta T., Julian Date. Star charts indicating the signs and Nakshatras. Star tables of the brightest stars with detailed positions and magnitudes. 
$25.00HardcoverVedic Astrology: An Integrated ApproachNarsimha RaoAn excellent resource book only for the serious student (intermediate and above) of the Divine Science. Mr. Rao covers advanced methods of interpretation such as Kalachakra Dasa, Ashtottari Dasa, and others I have never heard of, such as Drigdasa and Niryaana Shoola Dasa. Also there are several chapters on Tajaka methods, which are useful for the Hindu progressed chart. A very good feature of this volume is that there are many examples and practical exercises to give the reader a fuller understanding of the points that the author is showing us. The writing style is clear and logical and it is easy to understand what Mr. Rao is talking about. Review by Michael Laughrin 
$16.95PaperbackLight on RelationshipsHart de Fouw and Robert E. SvobodaIt's not fair! This reviewer paid $150 for a seminar on relationships given by Mr. de Fouw several years ago. The weekend was great, but it did not cover as much material as this book. Buy it if you have any interest in the comparison of two charts, whether from the perspective of Vedic or Western astrology. Review by Michael Laughrin 
$14.00PaperbackPredictive Astrology: An InsightDinesh S. MathurGives full meanings of each planet in each house. This is, in the opinion of this reviewer, one of the five best books on the astrology of India to be published in the 20th century. While his explanations of each planet, each house, and each sign are simple enough for the beginning student of Vedic Astrology, yet they are profound enough for even the advanced practitioner of the Divine Science. Superb! Review by Michael Laughrin 
$9.95PaperbackAstrological Applications of Kota ChakraK.K. JoshiThe Kota Chakra system may well be the most complete method of transit analysis available in Vedic astrology today. Astrological Applications of Kota Chakra is a well thought out, thorough exposition of this method of "super astrology," complete with examples, theories, and special applications of the system. This excellent book should only be bought by experienced students of the astrology of India. Review by Michael Laughrin 
$9.95PaperbackAstrology and Remedies of Lal KitabD.P. SaxenaLal Kitab (the Red Book) is supposedly one of the greatest of modern classics of Indian astrology that is expert on Varsaphal (Hindu progressed) charts and astropalmistry. The present volume, Astrology and Remedies of Lal Kitab, by D.P. Saxena, is useful to the practitioner or advanced student of Jyotish with simple, easy to do upayes, or remedies, for a variety of astrological afflictions. More needs to be brought out on the subject of upayes, and this book is a worthwhile offering to the astrological community. Review by Michael Laughrin 
$35.00CassettePlanet Meditation KitHarish JohariHow to harness the energy of the planets for good fortune, health, and well-being. Includes 5 one-hour cassettes of chanted mantras, 9 planet yantra color meditation card, and 32-page booklet 
$16.95PaperbackFundamentals of AstrologyM.R. BhatThis volume contains much wonderful information, including determining career, many ways to analyze transits, longevity, marriage, disease, and Ashtakavarga. Review by Michael Laughrin An excellent beginner's primer on Jyotish. 
$7.95PaperbackMy Experiences in AstrologyB.V. RamanAlso called Autobiography of a Vedic Astrologer. It reads like a novel but has more different techniques of Jyotish (and numerology) than you can shake a stick at. Every lover of the Divine Science should read this book every year. Review by Michael Laughrin. 
$5.95PaperbackSelf Learning Course in AstrologyV.K. ChoudryAn introduction to jyotish by the creater of the Systems Approach. 
$19.95PaperbackLight on Life: An Introduction to the Astrology of IndiaHart de FouwThe best of the modern Jyotish books (in the opinion of this reviewer) for useful chart analysis by serious practitioners of the Science of Light. Review by Michael Laughrin. 
$25.00PaperbackPractical Vedic AstrologyG.S. AgarwalA mini encyclopedia of Jyotish, including mantras, dashas, planets, signs, and more. You must have it on your bookshelf unless you plan to own 100 Jyotish books or more. Review by Michael Laughrin. 
$14.95PaperbackAstrology, Destiny and the Wheel of TimeK.N. RaoA modern classic by one of India's most famous astrologers and the head of the largest astrology school in the world (in New Delhi). Mr. Rao has a very organized mind, and his clear, logical approach to Jyotish is given in this volume. Review by Michael Laughrin. 
$30.00PaperbackPredictive Astrology of the HindusG.K. OjhaContains much useful knowledge of the heavenly study presented in clear, lucid English. Review by Michael Laughrin. 
$14.95PaperbackPlanets in the Signs and HousesBepin BehariThe ultimate Jyotish cookbook, in that it gives specific interpretations of each planet in each sign in each house. Review by Michael Laughrin. 
$7.95PaperbackMuhurthaB.V. RamanI use this little volume more than any other astrology book, other than the Ephemeris. It gives detailed information on matching charts for purposes of marriage, picking a good starting time for a variety of purposes and how to pick the right name for your baby, based on the time of birth. Review by Michael Laughrin. 
$4.95PaperbackAstrology in Predicting Weather and EarthquakesB.V. RamanVery useful for this all but forgotten aspect of traditional astrology. Review by Michael Laughrin. 
$4.95PaperbackMedical Astrology: A Rational ApproachJ.N. BhasinClearly outlines how to determine probable health challenges in an individual's chart and when they might occur. A MUST BUY. Review by Michael Laughrin. 
$18.95PaperbackEssentials of Medical AstrologyDr. K.S. CharakThe author is a medical doctor and good astrologer whose dual expertise benefits the Jyotish reading public. (I must point out that gaining true expertise in predicting disease and cure is a great art that requires personal training from one is who is very learned and experienced in this ability.) Review by Michael Laughrin. 
$29.95PaperbackCrux of Vedic Astrology: Timing of EventsSanjay RathSanjay Rath is one of the most brilliant minds in jyotish today. His new offering to the Vedic astrology community is a veritable encyclopedia of house analysis and how to predict what will happen when, for the important matters ruled by each house. Each chapter is filled with real-life examples concerning timing of events and why an event occurred when it did. This is a deep and insightful volume and is not for beginners. 
$16.95PaperbackHindu Astrology LessonsRichard HouckOver 25 different authors each giving a simple, useful Jyotish technique that can be applied by the serious student of Jyotisha. Review by Michael Laughrin. 
$22.00PaperbackDivine Path of PredictionTom HopkeTom Hopke has done it again, in his Divine Path to Prediction. He manages to get more "juice" out of simple house and sign placements than any astrologer I know. In his long-awaited new book, he gives some clever "shortcuts" concerning compatibility, political astrology, varsaphal (the yearly chart), and other areas. This book is appropriate for all students of the Divine Science except rank beginners. Review by Michael Laughrin 
$21.95PaperbackAstrology of DeathRichard HouckDeals with this important area of astrology using techniques from both Eastern and Western astrology. Review by Michael Laughrin. 
$21.95PaperbackAncient Hindu Astrology for the Modern Western AstrologerJames BrahaOne of the true Western 20th Century Jyotish classics. It is utterly wonderful, useful, and complete for a book suitable for beginners. In terms of the basic meanings of the houses and the planets it cannot be beat. This is a must have book for any serious student of the divine science. It includes mantras for the planets, a fairly complete "cook book" method of interpretation, sample charts of famous people, divisional charts, and many other aspects of Vedic Astrology. I give this book an A Plus… especially for all those starting out in Jyotish. Review by Michael Laughrin. "Ever since my first journey to India I have desired to share the knowledge I was fortunate enough to receive. I have also felt a need to dispel some rather major misconceptions, the main one being the fact that Hindu astrology is extraordinarily difficult. This is not true, as will soon hopefully be revealed. Although I have always been most fascinated with astrology because of the philosophical implications and revelations which can be extracted. I have done my best to keep philosophy from this work, as that is not my present purpose. It is my intention only to present Hindu astrology in a way that it deserves to be presented, which is long overdue—a way which western astrologers can understand and utilise, and which will clear away the mystery and finally put into perspective the enormously complex techniques which make up the bulk of most textbooks on the subject. Having worked with both Hindu and western systems, it is my experience that the two greatly complement each other and together form the basis for a complete and profound astrology." —From the Introduction 
$22.95HardcoverA Thousand Suns: Designing Your Future with Vedic AstrologyLinda JohnsenIs, as the title implies, brilliant… it is perhaps the best book on traditional Indian Astrology ever written in the US. Every lover of the the divine science must have this book in his/her bookshelf. I am not giving you a choice on buying this book—you must buy it. This reviewer has spent a thousand hours studying with Hart de Fouw, and reading Thousand Suns is like listening to hours of Hart de Fouw's tapes. She has a wonderful section on upayas (remedies for difficult astrological combinations)—over one hundred pages are devoted to this subject. For the rank beginner to the advanced student. Review by Michael Laughrin 
$29.95PaperbackVedic Astrology in Money MattersP.K. VasudevThis book helps fill a big gap found in jyotish books written in English: not much work (that I know of) has been done in mundane astrology, especially in the field of financial astrology. Mr. Vasudev gives many possible directions of financial analysis for the serious student of astrological investment analysis: the sun's ingress (entry) into new signs, planet and house correlations, nakshatra correlations with price movements, and even sarvatrobhadra chakra analysis (which is supposed to be wonderfully accurate.) Those who love both market analysis and jyotish will want to add this volume to their libraries. Review by Michael Laughrin 
$19.95PaperbackDestiny in the Palm of Your HandGhanshyam Singh BirlaCreating your future through Vedic Palmistry. Includes palm printing pad. 
$29.95HardcoverArt and Practice of Ancient Hindu Astrology: Nine Intimate Sessions Between Teacher and StudentJames BrahaBased upon transcripts of several months worth of private tutorial classes. James tackles what he calls "the greatest problem facing students of Hindu Astrology today— the lack of experienced teachers in local areas." This exciting text, containing nine information-packed sessions given to student Martin Timmons, picks up where James Braha's classic text Ancient Hindu Astrology for the Modern Western Astrologer left off and demonstrates clearly why Hindu astrology has always been an oral tradition, taught from master to disciple. 
$19.95PaperbackAstrology for Life: How to Be Your Own Vedic AstrologerDavid Hawthorne, V.K. ChoudhryThis is a compendium and practical guide to the Systems Approach to Interpreting Horoscopes, which is based on the empirical studies of more than 300,000 charts. This 222-page book covers basic and advanced principles of interpretation, and includes celebrity and example charts to illustrate the book's main points. This book is for those who want a simple, effortless methodology with which to quickly and accurately read the most relevant points in a chart. 
$15.95PaperbackNakshatras:The Lunar Mansions of Vedic AstrologyDennis M. Harness, Ph.D.Provides an excellent practical presentation to this important astrological system. It shows how to access the wisdom of the nakshatras in our personal life and for our society. Through it the modern reader can understand the energies of their stars and learn how to utilize these to bring their lives into harmony with the great forces of the universe. 
$19.95PaperbackBeneath a Vedic SkyWilliam LevacyBeneath a Vedic Sky by William Levacy (who has been trained as a teacher of Transcendental Meditation) is a gargantuan assembly of a huge amount of useful knowledge of the "Science of Light" known as jyotish. With its wonderful CD-rom it is a tremendous bargain at $19.95. It is one of the best books for beginners in Vedic astrology on the market. All of the important aspects of Hindu astrology are dealt with in this volume. 
$16.95PaperbackDigital AstrologyRichard HouckA wonderful book. It is a very clear and thorough presentation of the Ashtakavarga system, which is an essential part of jyotish once one gets past the stage of rank beginner. He adds some Western astrology to the mix with secondary and tertiary progressions; nonetheless the purity of the Vedic message is there. Ashtakavarga (meaning "eight-fold division") is the method for truly accurate transit analysis. It also has many other uses, including the measurement of house and planetary strength. In addition, he has several practical chapters at the end of the book where he applies this system to compatibility, career, health, and children. Review by Michael Laughrin 
$12.95PaperbackThe Systems Approach for Interpreting HoroscopesV.K. ChoudryJyotish is like a vast river whose beginning and ending are unknown. However, we can move about the river and on its bigger tributaries. The Systems Approach, created by V.K. Choudry, is one of the noteworthy branches of Jyotish in the second half of the twentieth century. It is a simple, coherent, useful approach to doing jyotish. Most of his ideas, such as the importance of Moolatrikona sign position to determine the beneficence or maleficence of any graha for a given ascendant, derive from classical Jyotish—especially Brihat Parasara Hora Shastra. Other ideas, such as the middle of a house being the most effective point of the house, come from common sense and the mainstream of Jyotish. Review by Michael Laughrin 
$12.95PaperbackHow to Study Divisional ChartsV.K. ChoudrySpecialized applications of the Systems Approach. 
$6.95PaperbackHow to Identify Significant Events (Through Transit)V.K. ChoudrySpecialized applications of the Systems Approach. Special Features:
$9.95PaperbackThe Impact of Ascending SignsV.K. ChoudrySpecialized applications of the Systems Approach. 
$7.95PaperbackPredictive Techniques and the Application of Astrological Remedial MeasuresV.K. ChoudrySpecialized applications of the Systems Approach. 
$7.95PaperbackApplication of Prasna AstrologyV.K. ChoudrySpecialized applications of the Systems Approach. 
$4.95PaperbackThe Stars and Your FutureManik Chand JainA wonderful writer who tends to be ignored amidst the plethora of new jyotish books on the market. This title gives the meaning of each and every degree of the horoscope, and has wonderful practical value in the interpretation of charts. Review by Michael Laughrin 
$6.95PaperbackRahu and KetuManik Chand JainLike Karmic Control, by the same author, this book deals with the north and south nodes and their depositors. Rahu and Ketu are the most mysterious and most important grahas in any horoscope and this book will give, in clear and lucid language, their meanings in every chart. All possible combinations are dealt with. Review by Michael Laughrin 
$6.95PaperbackKarmic Control PlanetsManik Chand JainLike Rahu and Ketu, by the same author, this book deals with the north and south nodes and their depositors. Rahu and Ketu are the most mysterious and most important grahas in any horoscope and this book will give, in clear and lucid language, their meanings in every chart. All possible combinations are dealt with. Review by Michael Laughrin 
$14.95PaperbackThe Greatness of Saturn: A Therapeutic MythRobert SvobodaRecommended for anyone who has felt Lord Shani's "bite." Knowledge is power. Reading this book will help one learn how to work with (and not against) Saturn's energy. Review by Michael Laughrin. 
$14.95PaperbackPlanets and ChildrenK.N. RaoThe best book available concerning astrology and children. Specifically, Mr. Rao deals with many astrological considerations concerning childbirth: fertility, infertility, curses that prevent childbirth, etc. (Note: The potential mother's chart and the potential father's chart must be examined to get a clear indication of future children. Rao offers some remedial measures to help couples that want children. (Note: This book does not deal with the child's chart after it is born; normal rules of Jyotish interpretation apply to the child's chart after birth.) Review by Michael Laughrin. 
$16.95PaperbackVedic Astrology: A Guide to the Fundamentals of JyotishRonnie Gale DreyerVedic Astrology is an excellent introductory text, covering all the basics. The material is well organized, highly readable, and easily accessible to anyone with a sincere interest… A job well done. Review by James Braha 
$17.95PaperbackMuhurta ChintamaniGirish Chand SharmaBesides Kalaprakasika, this is the second classical text available in English on muhurta. Muhurta is a branch of Jyotish that specializes in selections of auspicious days for special occasions. The chapters on vastu and marriage are excellent. 
$17.95PaperbackAstrology of the SeersDavid FrawleyA modern classic in the genre of general books about the astrology of India. In it the reader will find references to all the important building blocks of Jyotish, including planets, signs, houses, nakshatras, yogas, and methods of prediction. Also Dr. Frawley is licensed in both ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, strong emphasis is placed on medical astrology. Remedial measures, including gems, mantras, and general methods of charity are given good coverage. A wealth of example charts is offered as instructional devices. Frawley's book is useful for all levels from the rank beginner to the expert. Review by Michael Laughrin 
$50.00Hardcover: 2 Volume SetBrihat ParasaraMaharishi ParasaraThis is a one of its kind translation and is considered the classic gospel book on Jyotish. Maharishi Parasara was considered the father of Hindu astrology. New revised edition. This is the main classic text on the divine science and is a must for any serious student. 
$80.00Hardcover: 2 Volume SetBrhat SamhitaM. Ramakrishan BhatAn Encyclopedia of astrological and other subjects. Some of the material covered: planetary movements from astronomical and astrological points of view, signs of men and women, rituals, architecture, omens and their meanings, and much more. 
$40.00HardcoverKalaprakasikaIyerA classic text on muhurta (timing of events.) Deals with diverse topics such as birth, marriage, and travel. 
$9.95PaperbackLearn Astrology the Easy WayGauri S. KapoorThis is a highly recommended complete introductory and dependable self-instruction on Jyotish. 
$28.00Paperback: 2 Volume SetElements of Vedic AstrologyK.S. CharakThis one is destined to be the most comprehensive and practical of introductory texts. The most important topics are covered with clarity and precision. Highly recommended for serious introductory students who love thoroughness in their studies. Not for the curious. 
$9.95PaperbackLearn Hindu Astrology EasilyK.N. Rao, K. Ashu RaoA simple-to-understand primer on Vedic astrology. 
$20.00PaperbackEsoteric Principles of Vedic Astrology: A Treatise on Advanced Predictive TechniquesBepin BehariThis book presents the ancient Hindu astrology in its occult and esoteric aspects. Traditional practitioners often failed to defend the veracity of the subject and dispel the skepticism of modern intellectuals. The ancient revelations have been restated here to meet contemporary requirements. The ancient seers presented Vedic astrology under various assumptions and in allegorical and symbolic languages. They assumed poly-dimensional extension of human consciousness, which was closely related with planetary impulses. Apart from the general approach to this ancient science, the study presents in depth the astrological description of the nature of man. It also provides deeper implications of various planetary combinations. Advanced practitioners as well as general readers will find the book informative, illuminating and highly rewarding. About the AuthorBepin Behari, an economist by profession, an alumnus of Patna and London Universities, retired from service to the government of India as a diplomat. He has studied Vedic astrology for more than fifty years and has published more than fifteen books on the subject. He has lectured in several European countries and in the United States. His articles have been published in English, Dutch, and Spanish. Currently some of his books are being translated into French and German. He is recognized as one of the foremost Vedic astrologers of the world. His Revelation of Lunar Mansions and Zodiacal Signs has already acquired an international readership. His forthcoming title The Law of Ultimate Destiny is expected to lay down a novel foundation for New Age astrology. 
$14.95PaperbackFundamentals of Vedic Astrology (Vedic Astrology Handbook I)Bepin Behari
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