Capsule Course: Foundations of Jyotisha (Astrology)

FACILITATOR / INSTRUCTOR GUIDE

Capsule : Foundations of Jyotisha (Astrology)

Duration: 8 Hours (4 sessions × 2 hours)

Prerequisite: Open to all

Course Description

This capsule introduces learners to the foundational elements of Jyotisha Shastra, the sacred science of time and cosmic intelligence. Participants explore Rāśis (zodiac signs), Grahas (planets), Bhāvas (houses), Nakshatras, and the ethical principles of interpretation and application.

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the karmic and symbolic basis of Jyotisha.
  • Identify the 12 zodiac signs, 9 planets, and 12 houses in a Vedic birth chart.
  • Explain the basics of the Nakshatra system and Dasha cycles.

Curriculum

  • Session 1: Cosmic Order & Karma – The Vedic View of Time
  • Session 2: 12 Rashis, 9 Grahas & 12 Bhavas – The Vedic Chart
  • Session 3: Nakshatra Basics & Dasha System
  • Session 4: Ethical Practice of Jyotisha – Remedies and Right Use

Learning Outcomes

  • Understand the symbolic and karmic basis of Jyotisha
  • Interpret key elements of a basic Vedic chart
  • Identify the practical applications and ethical limits of Jyotisha

Course Structure Overview

Session.               Title                                                                     Duration                   Delivery Mode                     Key Focus

1                                Jyotisha & Cosmic Order                                            2 hrs                                Live / Recorded                         Philosophical basis, karma

2                                Chart Elements I – Rashis, Grahas                           2 hrs                                Live / Recorded                         Signs and planets

3                                Chart Elements II – Bhavas, Nakshatras                 2 hrs                                Live / Recorded                         Houses and lunar mansions

4                                Application & Ethics                                                     2 hrs                                Live / Recorded                         Interpretation, remedies, right conduct

Facilitator’s Spiritual Grounding

  • Invoke your lineage (Guru-parampara) or personal Ishta Devata before the session.
  • Anchor the session with a brief sankalpa: ‘May this knowledge serve the welfare of all beings and the environment.’
  • Maintain a compassionate, non-judgmental tone; honor śraddhā (faith) and viveka (discernment).

Learner Engagement Tips

  • Begin with a short invocation or 3 rounds of Om; end with a Shanti Mantra.
  • Use Sanskrit terms with clear English gloss; invite questions with humility.
  • Incorporate dyads (pair-sharing) and brief journaling to deepen reflection.
  • Leverage breakout rooms (for live) or forum prompts (for LMS) for peer learning.

Assessment Plan

          Type                                                        Method                                                                           Purpose

             Reflection                              Short journal entry or verbal check-in                                           Gauge insight and personal integration

             Quiz                                        MCQ (8–10 items) per course                                                        Check understanding of key concepts

             Certificate                             Attendance + quiz ≥ 60% + assignment                                        Eligibility for e-Certificate

Post-Course Wrap-Up

  • Share slides, recordings (if any), and reading list PDFs.
  • Collect feedback via LMS form; compile insights for course improvement.
  • Suggest next-step pathways (advanced capsule or full program).

Course Fees: 

  1. All live online (Zoom Class)  courses are offered free of charge. Participants are welcome to make voluntary donations at our donation page during or after the course to support its continuation and delivery. For live online course, one can enroll here.

  2. Self-paced digital correspondence (email based) and pre-recorded video courses can be opted  only by the Members . Members will be given a password to access the course/courses of their choice available during that period.  If you want to opt for self-paced digital correspondence or pre-recorded video courses,  you shall have to apply for any types of membership offered by  the VSVV.   

Commencement of Course:

  •  Live Online Courses: Once 60 registrations are received for a particular course, the start date of live online free course will be announced on the portal. We encourage you to regularly check the portal for updates.
  • Available Digital correspondence and Pre-recorded Video course can  be started at any time by the Members.