The Subject

Jyothishya (Astrology as it is called in the West) is a study of light and light emanating celestial bodies (called Grahas, in Hindu Astrology) and its impact on animate and inanimate life around us in a very holistic dimension.  

A branch of  traditional Indian wisdom of Vedic origin, covering various walks of life, health, longevity, marriage, children, career, business, gains,  losses, assets, liabilities, honour, shame, achievements, failings, governance (people coming into power, their efforts, intrigue/politics, welfare, employment, war, taxes etc], weather,  epidemics, contributions to society etc. 

There are other branches of traditional wisdom of Vedic origin like

The knowledge was acquired with observation, intuitive power, rigorous and a righteous way of life, penances and meditation had bestowed upon the dedicated few. The branches include 

Ayurveda (medicine) herbal and roots and all form of natural substances, according to this science no product of nature is useless, every creation of nature has some inherent potential use, even to cure. These  may be natural herbs, roots, flowers, leaves, fruits, plants and soil to cure the most simplest to complex health disorders.

Yantra (in scripted texts on copper plates, or Panchalohas - an alloy of five metals mixed metal comprising of Gold, Silver, Copper, Brass, Lead) and imbibed with some power to perform a specific task like healing, shield against ill-health, financial losses, childlessness etc). To enhance prosperity, family, quality of marriage, ward of evil-eye/spells etc

Tantra (a similar act on a lesser level mostly verbal). Short term benefits.

Mantra (a empowered chant, chanted verbally, some have a prescribed number of recitations and when done in multiples of them produced the desired effect,  at times with offering of sacrifices to a fire pit called Homa or Havan for various above said gains include bringing rains, bearing children, establishing authority etc).

Vaastu - Living area and its surrounding, materials used for homes, lay-outs for homes, work places, temples, city planning etc..

Navarathnas=Gems Which are an alternate way of mitigating or reducing evil results of a planet in a horoscope and if possible help weaker planets give their destined results to the proportion destined in a horoscope. In areas of health, domestic bliss, financial health.

All such knowledge resources were normally passed on from  the learned Gurus to their desiring Sishyas (disciples). Who lived with them in a community called GuruKulam or Ashram, the Guru's were financed by the Kings and public at large, the students lived with them till they had finished the training they came for. Children drawn from all walks of life lived in a simple home, irrespective of them being a prince or a common man's son.

Where the learning was groomed more towards a systematic, just and equitable order rooted in humane values along with scientific temper.

Much of  which deteriorated in the middle ages under corrupt and tyrannical regimes. Who used the religious and educational institutions to pursue their selfish interests. 

Religion and religious beliefs in every civilization are testimony to such bigotry  rulers who used it as weapon to enslave the gullible lay-men.  

Who used the defeated subjects as cheap or forced labor for their own ends. The British and the European empires in the 15th century onwards were the worst of the lot.

Such heinous policies have made an impact in a destructive trend fair play, living standards,  on true knowledge and vast depth of quality information for the humankind remained in the dark under the shackles of brute power.