Customer Reviews

Myths & Symbols of Vedic Astrology

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Similar to Behari's "Planets in Signs and Houses" and "Fundamentals of Vedic Astrology", this semi-introductory Jyotisha text is a handy reference work for intermediate students of the vidya - with certain caveats.

Students of Jyotisha who are already educated in western astrology, and wanting to acquire proficiency in Jyotisha, may find Behari's descriptions too heavily laden with theosophical concepts, or simply too mystical. Even those who come to Jyotisha studies without western tradition background may find that Behari's theosophy overwhelms his astrology. Students unfamiliar with theosophical teachings may struggle to separate the classical Jyotisha information from his heavily embroidered cosmological context.

Having said that, the student will find value in owning one volume that fairly concisely explains the navagraha (nine planets), the twelve rashi (signs), and the twenty-seven nakshatra (lunar mansions). Since there is very little nakshatra literature available in English, Behari's nakshatra chapters, each a readable 2.5 pages, will be an important addition to the Jyotisha learner's library.

Other reference assets for learners include a detailed index (rare in Jyotisha books!) and glossary, as well as several large, appended tables. Overall, this volume is worth the purchase price. I used it to learn from, and now I teach from it. Recommended to intermediate-level students, who have already acquired basic Jyotisha terminology -- with the caution that Behari's theosophy and his astrology do need to be mentally separated, in order to make full use of the book.

I am a Western astrologer and an intermediate (slight) Vedic. Of all the books I have come across, this is my favorite. The reason I like it is because it is more spiritual and mystical than the others, and that is my style. I love this guy. He's so cool. Thank god for him.