Sage Narada is one of the 18 propounders of Vedic Astrology. He was a revered Sage, a wandering musician and storyteller spreading the knowledge of divine wisdom. He is born from the knee of Lord Brahma and is blessed with the cosmic wisdom of understanding the cycles of time. He serves as the divine messenger to the Gods and has played key roles in the Ramayana and Mahabharata that greatly influenced the narrative of the Epics.

 

Narada carries with him a Khartal (a percussion instrument) and a Tambura named Mahathi which he uses to sing devotional hymns and songs in praise of Lord Vishnu, in addition to imparting intuitive clairvoyance through music. Chanting the name “Narayana” out of adoration and love for the Lord earned him the respect of a capable strategic counsellor to the Gods.

 

Narada is seen travelling through the three realms of Swargaloka, Mrityuloka, and Patala and maintaining cosmic balance through his interactions with the Gods, Demons and Humans alike. Narad Muni’s deep devotion to Lord Vishnu gave him the opportunity to become a trusted servant of the Lord and possessing the profound knowledge of the Vedic scriptures, including Astrology and Vaastu, the science of arrangement and system of architectural design, layout, measurements and spatial geometry.

 

Most notably his understanding of Astrology imparted to him by Maharishi Skanda and Sanandana gave Sage Narad an extra dimensional approach to understanding the laws of the universe through the stars. He was an expert on Ganita (mathematical principles) focusing on techniques to determine the position of celestial bodies, Jaataka (horoscope) focusing on birth charts, life span of an individual, Yogas (special astrological combinations), Karma (right action), Hora (time), and Samhita (cosmic knowledge) covering planetary movements, Muhurat which are auspicious timings for rituals and predictions related to birth, marriage and health of an individual.

 

In the Bhagavata Purana Canto 1, Chapter 4 and Canto 7, Chapter 15, he explains the effects of planetary positions on the body and mind shaping individual Karma. He also offers remedial advice by changing specific mantras, prayers and performing rituals to neutralize adverse influences of planets like Shani (Saturn), Rahu and Ketu (Dragon Head & Tail). In the Mahabharata (Shanti Parva) he is seen offering advice to King Yudhisthira on the effects of eclipses bringing shifts of power and fate. He explains the importance of certain planetary combinations and their impact on worldly affairs.

 

In the Padma Purana (Uttarakanda), Narada explains that planets act as agents of karma. The planets keep a storehouse of individual past actions, and this is reflected as karmic bonds in one’s current lifetime. “Karma rules the planets, and planets shape one’s destiny,” he says, emphasizing the interconnectedness of planetary positions and the fruits of past Karma. The Vishnu Purana and Brahma Vaivarta Purama contain instructions and discussions on the science of time, celestial movement of nakshatras, horoscope analysis, illusions or Maya.

 

The Narada Purana talks about devotion, meditation and karma yoga as a means to liberate oneself from the effects of planetary karmas. It emphasizes that devotion to God can triumph all negative influences of planets. Spiritual wisdom and Bhakti are primary means of achieving this objective. According to the treatise, there are specific rules for the observances on inaugural days of the Yugas and the transit of the Sun.

 

Observances of inaugural days falling in the bright half of the month must be carried out in the morning and the two falling in the dark half must be carried out in the afternoon. The Tropical Transit (Ayana) is based on the time of day and the transit duration of sixteen Palas or units of time. In the southern region (below the Tropic of Cancer), the mornings are considered and the northern region (above the Tropic of Capricorn), afternoons are preferred. The equinox period known as Visuva is considered to be highly auspicious for observances.

 

Fasting is observed on Tithis, a lunar day calculated based on the moon relative to the Earth-Sun axis. Specifically, it is the time the Moon takes to move 12 degrees away from the Sun. Fasting must be observed correctly otherwise it could lead to misfortune and loss of wealth. Exchanging gifts must also be made during the right time and with proper intentions.