Vedic Astrology Questions Answered

Dashas, manglik dosha, gun milan, remedies and how a session runs, explained for people meeting Vedic astrology for the first time.

Looking for something specific? See astrologer in Delhi or the NRI astrology hub.

What Should You Know About Vedic Astrology?

What is Vedic astrology?
Vedic astrology, known in India as jyotish, is the classical system of reading planetary positions from the moment of birth. It works from the birth chart, the dashas running through your life and the transits of the moment. The system has been practised and refined over many centuries.
How is Vedic astrology different from Western astrology?
The main difference is the zodiac itself. Vedic astrology uses the sidereal zodiac, anchored to the actual positions of the stars, while Western astrology uses the tropical zodiac, anchored to the seasons. Because of the precession of the equinoxes the two have drifted apart over the centuries. The gap, called the ayanamsa, currently sits near 24 degrees, which is why your sign can change between the systems. In practice the traditions read differently too: Vedic work leans on karma and timing through dashas while modern Western work leans psychological.
What is a dasha?
A dasha is a planetary period. At any point in life one planet holds the main charge of your chart, colouring the events and themes of those years. Reading which period runs now and which comes next is how an astrologer talks about timing rather than vague possibilities.
Is manglik dosha as scary as it sounds?
Often not. Manglik dosha describes certain placements of Mars in a chart, and classical texts list many conditions that cancel or soften it. A manglik flag is a reason to read the whole chart before worrying, since the cancellations often change the picture.
What is a gun milan score?
Gun milan is the traditional point system used in match discussions, scoring two charts across eight factors known as the ashtakoota for a total of 36 gunas. A score of 18 or above is conventionally treated as workable. The number opens the conversation and the full charts finish it, since a strong pairing can sit behind a modest score.
Can astrology predict my future exactly?
No. A chart shows tendencies, favourable and difficult windows and the questions worth preparing for. What you do inside those windows stays your choice, and no reading can promise an exact, guaranteed outcome.

Some words keep returning in the answers above, and they sound harder than they are. Here is a small word list to glance at while you read.

Sanskrit words from these answers, said in everyday language
Word you will hearSaid simplyQuestion it helps with
DashaA planet's turn to leadWhy do some years differ?
LagnaSign rising at birthWhere does the chart begin?
NakshatraOne of 27 Moon starsWhich star shapes temperament?
MuhuratA window for a fresh startWhen should a ceremony begin?
ManglikMars in certain housesIs the flag serious?
Gun milanPoints out of 36How do two charts compare?
AyanamsaGap between two zodiacsWhy does my sign change?

How Do Sessions With Riya Work?

What should I keep ready before a session?
Keep three things ready: your date, time and place of birth, the questions you most want answered and ten quiet minutes beforehand to think about them. If the birth time is approximate, say so, and the reading will be framed to match.
Can I consult about a family member?
Yes. Parents ask about a child's education, and families ask about a match under discussion. Carry the birth details of the person concerned and mention while booking that the session is about someone else.
Which languages are sessions held in?
Hindi and English, whichever you think in. Switching between the two mid-session is fine.
What kind of remedies does Riya suggest?
Simple and optional ones. A remedy in her practice is something you can do, and no purchase or fear comes with it. If nothing is needed, you will be told that.

How Do You Use This Site?

I am new here. Where should I start?
Open the kundli tool first and look at your chart. Check the day on the panchang, try a tarot draw if a question is on your mind and read about Riya before you book a session.
How do I contact CosmoRiya?
Email cosmoriyaastrology@gmail.com, call +91 92176 61748 or use the contact options. The practice sits in Janakpuri and consultations also run worldwide on video.

Some Questions Need Your Chart

These are general answers. A reading applies them to your own chart. A chart works more like a seasonal forecast than a verdict. It marks stretches of ease and strain, and the person living them still decides what to do.