Book excerpt: Astrology is both Science and Art. Hence only the talented can appreciate and understand it. Rightly Visnugupta declares that nobody other than a sage can master the ocean-like science of astrology. The great Varahamihira declares, No sin will creep into a place that is sanctified by the presence of a true astrologer. No person who studies and divines the course of destiny will ever be found in hell, but will reside permanently in the world of Brahman. This book brings to the fore not only the rationality of astrology but also the nature and structure of the correct knowledge that our forefathers possessed regarding the predictable influences of planets on human beings, and gives a spiritual bias to astrology. The reader is taken step by step in this work from the rudiments Viz., the distribution of constellations in the Zodiacal belt which is divided into twelve Signs, and the planetary hierarchy, through the method of calculating the ascendant and other houses of a natal chart, assessment of the strengths, influences, aspects, affliction, mutual relations etc., of the planets, to the final stage of reading the brighter and darker sides of the subject`s life, his chances of success and failure, their periods, ingress of the soul into the mortal coil and exit thereform as well as its departure to other worlds according to its karma. In this book an attempt has been made to give a good account of the science of astrology, with a view to making the reader a good and true astrologer. It also shows that astrology does not make man a fatalist, a helpless automation in the hands of a merciless Fate. It should, on the other hand, help him to take to self-exertion and self-help. This hoary lore, according to the author, is to be practised not for selfish ends, but to guide the needy and the distressed, to remove the cause of their suffering and to turn their attention towards God. Contents Preface to the First Edition, Preface to the Third Edition, 1. General Principles, 2. Planets' Characteristics, 3. Lagna and other Houses, 4. Planetary Strength, 5. Moon's States and Constellations, 6. Rectification of Birth time, 7. Span of Life, 8. Rasi Effects, 9. On Bhavas, 10. Conception and Birth, 11. Ududasas, 12. Yogas, 13. Rajayogas, 14. Issue, 15. Matrimony, 16. Female Horoscopy, 17. Disease, 18. Description of Decanates, 19. Death, 20. Profession, 21. Transits, 22. Astakavarga, Appendix, Index.