In the lesson Foundation of Vedic Astrology, the first division of the body of Nārāyaṇa was divided into four parts. If we consider the entire body to be represented by an endless circle, then dividing by 4 would give quarters of 90° each. Let us use a special word called KENDRA for this. This Sanskrit word केन्द्र (kendra) simply means a center like a focus. If we talk of directions, then we have ONLY FOUR Cardinal directions – East, West, North and South.

As you know we have a contact class for a short period where we teach some of the topics of the PJC and get an opportunity to meet with the students. The interaction is very beneficial for both as in the end, this is a guru-shishya parampara or ancient Indian traditional method of teaching. The Gurukula system envisaged that the ‘Guru’ or plural ‘gurus’ or female ‘gurvi’ would be like the elders of a joint family system and the shishya would be like the children.

As a subject, Jyotiṣa has a few major heads which include –
• Lakṣaṇa Śāstra which means study of the omens and signs on the body and around. This includes Hastā-rekhā śāstra or palmistry which is the forte of Subrāhmaṇya or Kārtikeya
• Horā Śāstra is the forte of Gaṇeśa
• Gaṇita Śāstra including Vedic Numerology is another head
…. All these come under the three wings called Gaṇita, Horā and Saṁhitā
Once there was a debate between Kārtikeya and Gaṇeśa and Lord Śiva was the judge. Kārtikeya wrote the entire Lakṣaṇa śāstra whereas Gaṇeśa wrote Horā śāstra.

अहमात्मा गुडाकेश सर्वभूताशयस्थितः।
अहमादिश्च मध्यं च भूतानामन्त एव च॥ १०-२०॥
ahamātmā guḍākeśa sarvabhūtāśayasthitaḥ |
ahamādiśca madhyaṁ ca bhūtānāmanta eva ca || 10-20||
Simple Translation: O thick-haired (Arjuna), I am the Ātmā (soul) abiding in the heart of all beings. I am also the beginning, the middle, and the end of all beings.
Jyotiṣa Notes: The sun represents the soul and the life force in all living beings. It defines the inner nature as well as reveals the form, of all beings.