The Bṛihat Parāśara Horāśāstra (BPHS) is the Dictionary of Vedic astrology and is therefore eternal in nature. Maharishi Parashara’s orally transmitted teachings provide deep insights that are still applicable today. Here are ten distinct lessons from this ancient work:

1. Prognostic & Prediction Techniques

The Sastra outlines intricate wefts and warps of the subject, with mathematical and geometrical pattens, and procedures for forecasting various life events. These include personal milestones as well as broader societal shifts, based on the positions and movements of the seven planets and the alignments and conjunctions/unifications of the cosmos.

2. Spiritual Insights

The BPHS offers guidance from the mystic and prophetic realm. These energies from the surrounding universe, can urge individuals to align their lives with cosmic rhythms to find the path to enhanced harmony through the journey of life.

3. Ethics in Astrology

Interestingly the composition has also focused on the ethics involved in Astrology and practicing with a higher level of conscience, molarity and code of integrity. Parāśara stresses that the ethical duties of astrologers involve promoting honesty and compassion. The well-being of those seeking guidance is extremely important as it has an impact on the life choices people make for very important life situations and events.

4. Emphasis on Nakshatras

The Nakshatras or constellations refers to the lunar mansions. Their names are related to prominent stars and asterisms. Refenced in both Hindu and Buddhist astrology, the impact of Nakshatras on individual destinies and personality traits is explained.

5. The Dasha System

The term Dasha in Hindu astrology refers to planetary periods that signify when the positive or negative effects of planets manifest based on their positions in signs (Rasi), houses (Bhava), combinations (Yogas or Raja Yogas), or aspects (Drishti). The Dasha Paddhati, a system of Directional Astrology, is distinct to Hinduism and is not found in other traditions. There are various Dasha systems, with Parashara noting forty-two, but currently, only two are widely used: Vimshottari and Ashtottari.

6. Yogas and Their Effects

Yogas of the planets are unique planetary combinations and their implications, which can reveal aspects of wealth, health, success, and challenges in a person’s life. We have all at some point heard about different kinds of yogas – Raja Yoga, Dhana Yoga, Sannsaya Yoga and Saraswati Yoga. The Yoga-karakas are planets that confer dignity, honour, fame, political success, financial and reputational prosperity.

7. Remedial Measures

Remedial measures is another focus area and crucial aspect of the manuscript. When we read charts and our astrological maps, we understand peaks and ditches in our lives. Peaks obviously signify a high. However, when we are in the ditches, we need solutions. Parashara has elucidated various remedies to alleviate negative planetary influences, including the use of mantras, gemstones, and rituals.

8. Ayurveda

The Indian Vedic systems and Ayurveda are often in sync with one another. Therefore, Parashara tells us about the connections and integration of Astrological principles with Ayurveda. Now this brings us to area concerning our health and well-being. It is a wonder how planetary positions can affect health, however we are advised not to wait for the planets to get well. Eating right, exercise and frequent checks can help us stay healthy. Even with all the astrological remedies suggested in the text scripts, prevention is definitely better than cure.

9. General Events

The great transcript also addresses occurrences, incidents and happenings. It forecasts events related to nations, weather patterns, and natural disasters, demonstrating its wide-ranging relevance. This can be corelated with accurate scientific systems and monitors that can help humanity. It also impacts our preparedness in dealing with catastrophic calamities.

10. Karmic Retribution

Based on the Hindu principles of Dharma and Karma, this is the closest astrological system that predicts and minimises the effects of karmic retribution. It uses Transits, Progression, Solar and Lunar Returns, Ruling Planets, Retrograde, Dasha Systems… and the list goes on. We are certainly at the cusp of the evolution of various world systems of astrology, but the teachings of BPHS remain relevant on an enduring basis.