Branches of Jyotish/ Vedic Astrology
Vedic astrology (Aagam Shaastra / Jyotisha- futurity sciences) has three main branches:
Siddhant (Astronomy): Astronomy & its application to astrology
Sanhita (Mundane astrology): Covers Mundane astrology, predicting important events related to countries such as war, earth quakes, political events, astro - meteorology, financial positions, electional astrology; house & construction related matters (Vaastu Shaastra), animals, portents & omens etc.
Hora (Predictive astrology): This branch has the following different styles / sub branches:-
Jaataka Shaastra / Hora Shaastra (Natal astrology / horoscopy): Prediction based on individual horoscope.
Muhurta or Muhurtha (Electional astrology): Selection of beneficial time to initiate an activity to get maximum fruition from the life activities.
Swara Shaastra (Phonetical astrology): Predictions based on name & sounds.
Prashna (Horary astrology): Predictions based on time when a question is asked by querent / querist.
Ankjyotish / Kabala (Numerology): A branch of astrology based on numbers.
Nadi Astrology: An ancient treatise having detailed predictions for individuals.
Tajika Shaastra / Varsha Phal (Annual Horoscopy): Astrology based on annual solar returns.
Jaimini Sutras: A non-conventional method of timing of events based on Famous Indian astrologer, Acharya Jaimini.
Nastjaatakam (Lost Horoscopy): Art of tracing / construction of lost horoscopes.
Streejaataka (female astrology): A special branch of astrology dealing with female nativities.
Other related branches
Graha Samudriki (Astro-Palmistry): Palm reading as horoscope.
Hasta Rekha / Samudrika Shaastra (Palmistry): Based on palm reading.
Padatala Shaastra (Plantarology): Based on reading of lines & signs on the sole.
Shakuna Shaastra (Omens): Predictions based on omens & portents.
Swapna Vidya : Interpretation of dreams.
Kapala Vidya (Phrenology)
Aakriti Vidya (Physiognomy): Based on structure & moles on the body.
Kerala Jyotisha: Predictions based on querrist reply regarding name of flower or colour or touching part of body.
Remedial Astrology: Various modes of propitiation of planets based on planetary positions in nativity, transits, elections & for religious functions.
