Vedic astrology
India's system of astrology, which uses the stars' actual positions and 27 lunar mansions called nakshatras.
Also: jyotish, jyotisha, kundli, nakshatra
Jyotish, meaning the science of light, is the Indian tradition of astrology and was one of the six auxiliary fields of study attached to the Vedas. Its classical texts include the Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra. Unlike Western astrology it uses the sidereal zodiac, which follows the fixed stars, and gives much weight to the Moon's position among 27 nakshatras and to planetary periods called dashas. A birth chart, the kundli, is cast for a child's naming, and families commonly compare the charts of a couple before marriage. Astrologers also choose an auspicious time, a muhurta, for weddings, housewarmings and business openings. Indian courts and universities have debated whether it counts as science.