Characteristics of a Good Vedic Astrologer

1. Has a strong Spiritual Side - follows Sadhana (Spiritual Regimen), is sincere, honest, has integrity and strong morals.
2. Follows the Hindu “Principles of Freedom” - pure vegetarian, abstains from alcohol, drugs and tobacco.
3. Practices Yoga and is learned in Vedic Philosophy.
   Has extensively studied and trained Vedic astrology with Vedic Masters, preferably in India.
4. Has good references and is associated with noted Vedic associations in India or worldwide.
5. Is versatile, and is able to work with the different branches of Vedic Astrology.
6. Has a good amount of experience in his practice, and has proof of this.
7. Does not try to sell you goods or recommend you to make any purchases.
8. Is not self-motivated, but is simply there to help you.

His Education: Where did he study? How long For? Who were his teachers?

In India, there are many institutions that offer degrees or certificates in Vedic astrology, especially in the South. However, the Jyotish claim that the best astrologers are those that followed the traditional route of “Teacher-Disciple” or Guru-Sisya, which is personally training with a master astrologer. There are a few eminent Pandits who are scholars on the science, have written books, and are respected in society for their accomplishments in Vedic astrology. Finding an astrologer who is one of these notable Jyotish, or at least studied under one, would ensure a highly professional and accurate reading.

His Expertise and Experience?

Traditionally in India, only the most gifted intellectuals could study Vedic Astrology, having to master Sanskrit and Astronomy to be able to read mathematical texts and calculate planetary positions. A competent astrologer should also have studied and trained extensively with the Five Branches of the science, as these days with the use of computers, many forgo the study of some of the branches. A self-taught astrologer should also definitely be shunned, and obviously, the more experience and expertise the astrologer has, the better his readings will be. Also asking him if he incorporates Western or Tropical Astrology could be a good ‘trick question’, because many noted Jyotish believe that anyone who mixes the two, is debasing the Vedic scriptures and is accomplished in neither, and therefore cannot claim to be an authentic Vedic astrologer.

Is he a psychic astrologer?

As we stressed before, the practice of Jyotish is not an intuitive form of divination, but is composed a highly complex scientific methods. Therefore, any Vedic astrologer who answers “yes” to this question should immediately be put under suspicion, as these people probably did not undergo the rigorous training of an accomplished Jyotish, often presenting themselves as “psychics” or soothsayers, which has little to do with the science of true Vedic astrology.

Does he try to sell you things or recommend purchases?

If the astrologer tries to sell you jewels, stones or anything that he claims will remedy any bad karma or negative aspects in your chart, beware! He is probably a charlatan, as any authority on Vedic Astrology will confirm that there is no evidence whatsoever that wearing certain jewels has any effect on the planets, in terms of appeasing them. In fact, one of the biggest scams in astrology is the selling of precious or semi-precious stones to neutralize adversity.

Does he have references?

A good way to check on the astrologer’s reputation would be to ask for his references, and asking these persons questions about the astrologer’s work, his professionalism, expertise, honesty, education, character, as well as the accuracy of his charts, predictions and so on. Hopefully the astrologer would have listed note-worthy or accomplished persons in the field, but to be sure, calling and speaking to them yourself would be a wise thing to do just in case any of them turn out to be bogus.

Does he follow spiritual practices in his lifestyle?

This may be difficult to find out, especially if using an astrologer online, but if possible, try to find a Jyotish who observes the lifestyle practices of a Vedic Brahmana, who traditionally werethe only ones allowed to study and practice Vedic astrology in India. These people had spiritual masters, or gurus, a vital necessity in fully understanding the science and having the spiritual qualities and discipline to provide knowledge and guidance. Aside from that, these Vedics were deeply spiritual, learned in the Vedic scripture, pure vegetarians, practiced yoga and meditation, and of course stayed away from any vices or immoral behavior.

How does he conduct his consultations? And does he provide printouts or tapes of the reading?

This is primarily for your convenience and obviously does not indicate if the astrologer is any good or not. Checking out what options you have and what services the astrologer offers in terms of some kind of record you can always refer to, is always beneficial. Of course, seeking out an astrologer whom you can deal with in person is imminently better than a telephone or online reading. Also, the matter of having a record of your reading should also be clarified before the reading, as many astrologers don’t warn you in advance that they won’t be supplying a printed copy of the reading. Decide on how you would like the reading recorded, and ask the astrologer if he offers what you require, be it a print out or perhaps an audio recording. If he will not be doing any recording for you, request permission to bring along a tape recorder, or arrange a transcriber to record the reading for you.

Does the astrologer guarantee your satisfaction?

A decent astrologer should be able to offer you some kind of guarantee for his services, not in the sense that you will be pleased with his insights and predictions, but at least satisfied that he did a professional and accurate job, exhibiting a good degree of expertise and knowledge.