What is time if it is not aligned with the rhythms of the cosmos? What is destiny if it is divorced from the laws of nature? Jyotiṣa, the ancient Indic science of celestial observation, is not mere fortune-telling—it is a profound study of cosmic cycles, timekeeping, and human destiny intertwined with the movements of the universe. Rooted in the Vedas, Jyotiṣa is both a mathematical science and a metaphysical framework, where astronomy (nakṣatra-vidyā) and astrology (hora-śāstra) come together to illuminate the grand interplay between the macrocosm (Brahmāṇḍa) and the microcosm (Pindāṇḍa).

Unlike modern astronomy, which limits itself to the physical study of celestial bodies, the Indic perspective sees the universe as a living, conscious order (ṛta). The planetary influences (graha) are not arbitrary forces but manifestations of cosmic intelligence, affecting the subtle energies of human life. The Siddhāntic tradition of astronomy, seen in texts like Sūrya Siddhānta, precisely calculated planetary orbits, eclipses, and the Earth’s axial rotation long before the Western world acknowledged them. Meanwhile, Muhurta and Jātaka Śāstra apply these calculations to the domain of individual and societal life, revealing patterns of karma, auspicious timings, and existential alignments.

This section of the Journal of Sanātana Dharma invites deep inquiry into the Jyotiṣa tradition—its mathematical foundations, philosophical underpinnings, and practical applications. How did Indic seers develop precise astronomical models thousands of years ago? How does Pañcāṅga (Hindu calendar) reflect an advanced understanding of lunar and solar cycles? Can Jyotiṣa provide a more integrated model of time that modern physics fails to grasp? What is the role of grahas beyond deterministic fate, and how do they serve as karmic indicators rather than fixed prophecies?

We welcome contributions on:

• The Siddhāntic tradition of mathematical astronomy (Āryabhaṭīya, Brahmagupta, Bhāskara)
• The Vedic Pañcāṅga system and its use in ritual, agriculture, and daily life
• The calculation of eclipses and planetary movements in ancient India
• The 27 Nakṣatras and their influence on cosmic and individual consciousness
• The Dasha system and how planetary cycles reflect karmic unfoldment
• Comparative analysis of Jyotiṣa with Western astrology and contemporary astronomy
• The relationship between Muhurta and the science of auspicious timings
• The philosophical basis of time (Kāla Tattva) and its implications for destiny and free will
• The impact of celestial configurations on historical events and societal trends
• The misuse and commercialization of Jyotiṣa—how to restore its scientific and spiritual credibility
• The esoteric connection between Jyotiṣa and Yogic, Tantric, and Vedantic traditions

Jyotiṣa is not fatalistic determinism but a dynamic interplay of cosmic energies, guiding human life through wisdom rather than superstition. It offers a bridge between the visible and the invisible, the physical and the metaphysical, the measurable and the transcendental. We invite scholars, astrologers, astronomers, and seekers to explore the multifaceted dimensions of Jyotiṣa—a discipline that is as relevant today as it was in the Vedic age, illuminating the eternal dance of light, time, and consciousness.