Tajik is an important aspect in the journey of our understanding various aspects of Astrology. This is the endeavor of the encyclopedia. In this book the author has divided the study primarily in two parts. The first part dealing with various factors like the yoga, aspects and so on with an explanation of factors that makes Tajik different and unique. The second part dwells in the predictive aspects with illustrations. This book will surely evince the interest of the beginners as well as others who are in research or predictive astrology.
What will the future bring? The ancient astrologer turned the impulse to answer this question into something meaningful by mapping the night skies and attempting to see in the movement of planets and stars an impact on human lives. But did all astrologers see the same night sky? Did the observations of the Hindu astrologer match those of the Greek? How did the Egyptians and the Chinese understand the influence of the Sun and the Moon on our lives? Over the centuries, as astrology developed and evolved, it also seeped into our philosophies, religions, literature and arts. And it grew and shape-shifted in step with the times. Whereas the ancient astrologer was as much seer as astronomer, the modern counterpart is a tech-savvy innovator. Heavens and Earth examines the history of astrology, its many different systems and its development as a modern cultural phenomenon. Deeply researched and expertly narrated, the book contextualises the role of astrology in the ever-evolving human perspective of the cosmos and in understanding our place in it.
Parashari Jaimini and Tajik are the three most popular systems of Vedic Astrology. Parashar gives more importance to the planets while Jaimini considers the rashis to be more important. Tajik is mainly used in Prashna Shastra and in Varshaphal. Tajik diverts slightly always from the main stream of the traditional methods and employs newer techniques of Astrology. 'Tajik Neelakanthi', of Acharya Neelakantha, which was composed in the 16th century AD, is the base of Taik Jyotish. This does not mean that Varshaphal and Prashna techniques were not practised in vedic Astrology before this. 'Uttar Kalamrit' of Kalidas mentions and describes the computation of Varshaphal dasha which is different from the 'Mudda dasha' of Varshaphal. Apart from this, 'Shat Panchashikha' of Prithyushyas is the established classic of Prashna Shastra, which was composed centuries before 'Tajik Neelakanthi'. Ancient Kairaleeya Jyotish is also well known for considering Prashna to be their main technique. The influence of Greek and Arab culture is clearly seen on the word 'Tajik'. Arrival of the invaders from Western Asia initiated the exchange of culture between India and West Asia. This exchange introduced some newer techniques to our Vedic Astrology. One of these techniques was Tajik. This has been marked as the beginning of Tajik jyotish. Tajik word does not belong to Sanskrit. There are different opinions regarding this issue. Some scholars consider it to be a distorted from of the word 'Jatak'. Another view is that meaning of Tajik is a horse in Turkish and Persian language. The speed of this technique has been compared to that of a horse and for this reason it has been named Tajik. In any case the influence of Mohammedans on this knowledge is very clear. This is also confirmed by the other words of Tajik, namely mudda, muntha, sahams and the names of the Tajik yogas like Ithasal, Ikkabal, Ishraf, nakta, radda and khallasar etc. Moving at the average speed of 1° per day, Sun completes one round of the Zodiac in one year. For casting the annual horoscope we select the time when Sun reaches the longitude of the natal Sun. The horoscope cast for that date and time becomes the annual horoscope and the Varshaphal is decided on the basis of this horoscope. In a similar manner prediction for any year of the person's life can be given on the basis of the annual horoscope. In other words the annual horoscope is based on the longitude of the natal Sun and not on the date and time of birth. This also means that the date, day and time of the annual horoscope is generally different from that of the birth horoscope.
The notion that astrologers can unfold lives and reveal what waits at the next bend is a thought that comes to all and populist claims have inspired the author to come up with a series of books that will discuss the various aspects in astrology, putting together the research and findings by various groups and the experience gained during his journey. The purpose of the encyclopedia is an attempt to put a clear understanding of the process of astrology, taking into account the first basic principles and dealing with different topics. The encyclopedia which would consist of over eighteen books, is intended to be brought out over a period of two years. These would cover the basics in astrology and then go on to the predictive techniques, the nadi astrology, tajik, yogas, nakshatras, rectification of birth time, vargas, dashas, mundane prashna, muhurta, remedy and other aspects of interest. The advantage of this would be that both students and those who want to pursue research can progress the understanding of this science in a systematic manner. Also the complete set will be of great value to those in India and abroad who want to understand various levels and will give them the flexibility of dwelling into the complexities in a coherent manner. With the growing interest to learn this science in various countries, the readers there will find this series of books very useful. This is the first book in the series and is the most important. The foundation is based on the principles of basic astrology propounded by various schools of thought. The book covers signs, their impact, the planetary impact in each sign, the role of depositors, details on each planet and their relationship when in aspect and in the divisional charts as also the complexities they can pose. This book attempts at conveying that the basic importance has to be given to the planets, their placement and various relationship as a result of the same. The yogas, dasha, nakshatras etc. will be dealt in the other books that follow, but all have to be applied keeping in mind the first basic principles that are being enumerated in this book.