The Systems’ Approach

The Systems’ Approach to Vedic Astrology, often referred to as “SA,” is a modern and systematic method of interpreting Vedic horoscopes. It was primarily developed and popularized by Professor V.K. Choudhry of Gurgaon, India, based on classical Jyotish principles and refined through extensive empirical studies.

 

Here’s a breakdown of the key principles and features of the Systems’ Approach:

 

Core Principles:

 

Four Pillars of Astrology: SA emphasizes the interplay of the four fundamental elements of astrology:  

    • Planets: Their placement, strength, and functional nature.
    • Houses: Their significations and the planets influencing them.
    • Signs: The zodiac signs where planets are placed and their lords.
    • Planetary Periods (Dashas): Primarily the Vimshottari Dasha system is used to time events.

 

  • Functional Nature of Planets: A cornerstone of SA is determining whether a planet acts as a functional benefic (favorable) or a functional malefic (unfavorable) for a specific ascendant. This is based on: 

 

    • The houses ruled by the planets. Planets ruling auspicious houses (kendras, trikonas) generally become functional benefics.
    • Planets ruling inauspicious houses (dusthanas: 6th, 8th, 12th) generally become functional malefics.
    • Rahu and Ketu are always considered functional malefics.
    • There are no neutral planets in this system.

 

  • Most Effective Point (MEP) of Houses: SA introduces the concept of the MEP for each house. This point is based on the degree of the rising sign. A five-degree orb around the MEP is considered highly sensitive, and planets transiting or aspecting within this orb have a significant impact on the house’s significations.

 

  • Five-Degree Orb: Planets within five degrees of each other (by conjunction or aspect) or within five degrees of the MEP of any house are considered to have a close and strong influence.

 

  • Strength of Planets: The strength of a planet is judged by its: 

 

    • Placement: Sign, house, and aspects.
    • Longitude: Planets at 5 degrees of a sign are considered to be at full strength (100%), decreasing linearly to 0% at 0 degrees.
    • Dignity: Exaltation, debilitation, own sign, friendly/enemy signs.
    • Divisional Charts: Their placement in various divisional charts (e.g., Navamsa, Dasamsa) reveals their strength in specific areas of life.

 

  • Triple Transit: SA emphasizes the importance of the simultaneous transit of major slow-moving planets (Jupiter, Saturn, and Rahu/Ketu) over significant natal points for triggering events.

 

  • Prime Determinants: For every aspect of life, SA identifies “prime determinants,” which are the lords of the houses containing the Moolatrikona signs relevant to that area.

 

Key Features and Applications:

 

  • Simplified Interpretation: SA aims to provide a clear and systematic approach to chart analysis, reducing ambiguity and inconsistencies often found in classical texts.
  • Focus on Practicality: The system emphasizes predictive accuracy and the application of effective remedial measures.
  • Emphasis on Timing of Events: The Vimshottari Dasha system is exclusively used for timing events, with careful consideration given to the functional nature and strength of the Dasha and Bhukti (sub-period) lords.
  • Divisional Charts: SA utilizes divisional charts to assess the strength and potential of planets in specific areas of life (e.g., career, marriage, education).
  • Remedial Measures: SA focuses on strengthening functionally benefic planets and pacifying functionally malefic planets through specific astral remedies.
  • Mundane Astrology: The principles of SA are also applied to mundane (world) astrology for forecasting societal and political events.

 

Benefits of the Systems’ Approach:

 

  • Clarity and Structure: Provides a well-defined framework for interpreting charts.
  • Improved Predictive Accuracy: The emphasis on functional nature, MEP, and triple transit aims to enhance the reliability of predictions.
  • Consistent Application: The rules are applied uniformly across all charts.
  • Effective Remedies: Focuses on practical and targeted remedies.
  • Ease of Learning: The systematic nature can make Vedic astrology more accessible to learners.

 

In summary, the Systems’ Approach to Vedic Astrology is a contemporary and structured methodology that builds upon classical principles while incorporating unique concepts like functional nature of planets and the Most Effective Point of houses. It emphasizes a systematic analysis of the birth chart and transits to provide clear interpretations and effective guidance.