Article by John Ryder, Australia

Why Undertake Statistical Analysis Of Jyotish Chart Indicators?

Astrology offers a thesis of correlation between star and planetary patterns and the events in human lives, suggesting that these patterns can be interpreted as an indicator of human experience. An important question is whether it is possible and beneficial to study these patterns through the looking glass of modern science, using statistical analysis to search for meaningful levels of correlation. Although some research of this nature has been undertaken within the systems of western astrology, most notably by Michel Gauquelin (1), there does not appear to be a similar body of work based on the systems of Jyotish.
Jyotish belongs to the millennia old Vedic tradition, and its teachings are preserved within the written Shastra and

oral traditions of the Vedas. This is a very well organised body of knowledge which in many ways has a strongly scientific basis, including its foundation in scientific astronomy (Gola), and the precise mathematical calculations (Ganita) required in constructing charts and working with many Jyotish techniques. At the core of the practice of Jyotish, the traditional teachings of Shastra are regarded as self-contained body of knowledge, refined over millennia of experience. It seems evident that this distilled knowledge has been well tested through the scientific scrutiny of experience, even though this record may not be expressed in a modern scientific language. At a broader level Jyotish is often described as a ‘spiritual science’, which generally refers to knowledge gained through inner vision and reflection compared to the outer enquiry of modern science. Such knowledge is highly valued in the eastern traditions and spiritual understanding and practice is an essential foundation in the traditional practice of Jyotish.

In this environment chart interpretation is founded on a thorough knowledge of Shastra and an intuitive integration of the multiple layers of influence seen in charts. Time and again very clear chart readings are provided by Vedic astrologers possessing a deep knowledge of the traditional teachings, and working with a keenly developed spiritual intuition. When experienced in this way the planetary patterns in our charts become invested with a ‘meaning’ that relates to our lives, and can certainly be held as ‘meaningful patterns of correlation’, brought forth in this case by the skillful technique of the astrologer. And while it is sometimes offered that such meaning is based upon what we may wish to hear or believe, a good Jyotish reading can be very powerful in its accurate portrayal of a life. In this context it matters little whether the indicators being used have been tested using modern statistical analysis – their strength and meaning rely upon ancient teachings and the astrologer’s intuitive focus in a sincere engagement with the client.

These techniques are very difficult to understand and learn, let alone describe or unfold through reductionist scientific analysis, and this is often cited, with some validity, as the reason that statistical analysis is not appropriate or applicable in understanding and practicing Jyotish. Certainly in a traditional context there is little reason to develop such an approach, and however we might view their origins and meaning, these traditional holistic approaches, representing the art of Jyotish, offer a highly developed and comprehensive understanding of the complex patterns of life Despite these observations the question remains; if the trends of future events can be interpreted through chart patterns, then surely these can be confirmed at some level through statistical analysis. After all, Jyotish presents itself as a predictive science, and provided the limitations are recognised, there is no reason it should not be explored using statistical analysis in a contemporary study of this knowledge. The Jyotish Shastra describes a rich astrological lore incorporating many unique systems, including the dasha periods for predicting the timing of events, the ancient lunar zodiac of nakshatras, and the yogas formed through special planetary combinations, providing a fertile ground for such research. Jyotish is aligned to the sidereal zodiac, providing a different perspective from the tropical zodiac used in Western astrology and worthy of independent analysis.

This article sets out to explore how statistical analysis might be applied to groups of Jyotish charts in a meaningful way, and presents some interesting results that demonstrate the benefits that can be derived from such work.

Aims of Statistical Analysis

The aim of statistical analysis is to determine whether the number of successful ‘predictions’ or results achieved by indicators in groups of charts follow patterns expected through random chance, or whether they follow patterns that have a low probability of random occurrence, and to assess the significance and meaning of any such results. It is commonly assumed by the scientific community that `the predictive outcomes of astrology are no better than might arise by random chance’, and while in the absence of contradictory evidence this is a valid assumption, if sufficient informed and rigorous testing has not been carried out it cannot necessarily be assumed as true. For those unfamiliar with the formal language of statistics, any initial assumption such as this is known as a ‘null hypothesis’, and the aim of statistical analysis is to determine if test results confirm or contradict this hypothesis. Any results having a low probability of random occurrence may, depending upon further analysis and other factors, provide a basis for contradicting this hypothesis, and subsequently may suggest the presence of an unexplained causality between the correlated events – in this case between star patterns and the events in human lives; as in the macrocosm, so in the microcosm.

The presence of a large body of random results can however serve to reinforce the null hypothesis. Whether this matters in the wider context of Jyotish is of course a moot point, particularly within the traditional realm of Jyotish described above. Can the world only be understood through rational analysis, or do inner vision and intuition play an equal role in a wider spiritual view? If a synthesis can be found between these two approaches a stronger platform is established however, and this makes the exploration of Jyotish through statistical analysis a worthwhile exercise – if only to properly test the opportunities and limitations in a rigorous way.
Statisticians may view this situation in terms of type I and type II errors. A type I error is an overly optimistic rejection of the null hypothesis based on limited results, and a type II error is an overly conservative failure to accept the alternative hypothesis despite clear results. From a scientific perspective astrology itself may be seen as a type I error, but from a spiritual perspective failure to appreciate Jyotish is a type II error through neglect of the insights available through intuitive understanding. And while these statements reflect different paradigms or ways of experiencing the world, insight is just as natural to the human mind as analytical thought, and these two approaches are complementary when used in a balanced manner; scientific knowledge is often gained through intuitive insight prior to rational analysis and presentation in the practical world.

In undertaking any statistical research it is important to recognise the limitations and what we might expect to find. The traditional approaches to chart interpretation have been developed in response to the complexities of life, and it seems naive to expect this complexity to be revealed through one or two simple statistical tests of isolated indicators. Many of life’s events develop through a number of influences, and often cannot be assessed through one chart indicator alone. In this context single factor analysis appears to have its limitations, and is contrary to the traditional analysis of multiple factors in chart interpretation. From a statistical perspective it is naive to reduce astrological systems into component parts without recognizing these complexities, and the requirement for re-combination and integration in some way.

When we also consider the innumerable possibilities for gathering chart data bases and the analysis of indicators, it can be anticipated that many patterns of random chance results will arise. In this context the assumption of the null hypothesis can never by clearly rejected, and this need not become the focus of statistical analysis; it is most unlikely that statistical analysis can ever (or should seek to) provide a definitive scientific validation of astrology, and our approaches are better structured to uncover statistical patterns for interest and learning. The important question is whether some meaningful patterns exist amongst the range of results, and how this meaning might be drawn into focus for the benefit of the astrological community. Should a body of successful results be developed over time these may subsequently provide a weight of evidence that offers scientific support for the astrological thesis.

Basic Probability Analysis

This section explains the basic methods of probability analysis for those readers who may not be familiar with statistics. The probability for any chart indicator to arise in a randomly selected chart can in most cases be calculated, and this information used to establish the likely number of times this might be seen in any group of charts. As a simple example the probability for the planet Saturn to be seen in either a kendra or trikona house in any chart is 1 in 2 or 50%, since these represent 6 of the 12 houses , and in a group of say 44 randomly selected charts we might expect to see this result 22 times, which is the expected random chance result for this indicator.

The probability for any number of charts X to have a positive result in the sample of 44 charts, that is X = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and so forth up to 44 charts, can be calculated using statistical theory. This is characterized as P(X = x) and is said to have a binomial distribution, notated as b(n, p), where n is the number of charts in the group and p is the indicator probability on a chart basis. An example of such a distribution is shown in Figure 1, for the case of b (44, 0.5).
It can be seen that 22 charts is the most probable result, having 12% chance of arising, but other results close to this value are also quite likely; this central ‘mass’ of probabilities indicates that most results are likely to fall in the middle range from about 17 to 27 charts. It is also seen that results greater than about 31 charts and less than about 13 charts have a very small probability of arising, and any such results are statistically interesting since there is only a small probability they have arisen by random chance. The mean expectation is denoted as µ = n × p, which in this case is 22 and the parameter (X- µ) is known as the effect size.

In statistical analysis it is normal to calculate the probability for X or more charts to arise, and this is expressed as P(X ≥ x). For example in it can be calculated that P(X ≥ 31) ≈ 1/200 (0.005) in the example distribution, which can also be expressed as P(0.005) for X = 31. This means we are only likely to find a result of X ≥ 31 once in every 200 samples of 44 charts, or once in every 200 trials. In this example the effect size (X- µ) = 9. Depending upon how the study has been designed any results for which P ≤ 0.01 (and even up to 0.05) will generally be of interest and worthy of further analysis .

Statistical Analysis of Predictive Patterns in Groups of Jyotish Charts – Part 1

From a scientific perspective such results can always arise from time to time on a random basis, and the best way to test their strength is to establish a second independent replication sample of similar charts, and see if the result is repeated. For example while we might expect to happen upon a 1/100 sampling pattern from time to time, the probability of finding two 1/100 results for the same indicator in two independent samples is very low, in broad terms about 1/10,000.

Some Considerations in the Design of Studies

Many important layers of meaning in Jyotish charts are uncovered using finer techniques such as the divisional charts and dasha bhukti analysis, and it is very difficult to find large numbers of publically available charts with sufficiently accurate birth times to confidently work with techniques such as these, where indicators can vary with small changes in the birth time. For this reason the scope for a comprehensive statistical exploration of the full range of Jyotish techniques is quite limited, but the opportunity remains for working at a broader level with the rashi chart parameters which only change on average every 2 hours. If some strong results can be found at this level, these can enhance our confidence in the fundamental systems that underlie all of this knowledge.

Many features must be considered in the design of any study, including the size of the data sample, the criteria applied for selection of charts in the group, and the reliability and accuracy of the charts. Establishing large data bases of accurate charts involves a lot of work, but other approaches can be followed that utilize smaller and more accessible data bases. One interesting feature of the Gauquelin studies was that charts of the mosteminent' lives seemed to offer the clearest results - representing thehighest example’ of those aspects of human life being studied. Such charts are commonly studied by astrologers since in many instances they provide clear examples of important teachings, suggesting a good area for statistical analysis.

Study Methodology

Taking a lead from these observations, a controlled sample of the charts of important national leaders was assembled. This was deliberately chosen so that the sample is almost the same as the defined population, whereby any strong results will stand with some interest. This allowed a focused study to be carried out using a relatively small data base of charts . Key features of the study methodology include:

Working with a population of political leaders of major nations of the 20th century, forming a self-contained data base of `highest example’ charts. The final group of 44 leaders’ charts was selected from full sequences of leaders of the USA, UK, France and Germany, with final selection based on the reliability of recorded birth times.

Developing a wider confirmation group of 44 political and eminent charts. These included available charts of leaders of India, Italy, Russia and Canada, and along with US Vice Presidents these provided a further 26 charts of high profile political leaders. The group was completed using sequences of British Monarchs, Japanese Emperors, Presidents of the 3rd & 4th French Republics and some other eminent persons. Together with the leaders charts these formed combined groups of 70 political charts and 88 political and eminent charts

Working with clear events that could be accurately compared with chart predictions. Many chart predicted outcomes such aspersonality' traits are of a qualitative nature and susceptible to subjective judgment. In this case the timing of theactual event’ of highest elevation to national leadership was studied.

The Vimshottari dasha is a very powerful tool offered by Jyotish for the timing of events, and was used for testing chart predictions of the timing of elevation. This is an established multi factor technique, presented as a complete system in the Jyotish Shastra. All analysis has been based on the Maha dasha periods only .

There are many Jyotish techniques that can be used to select dasha planets that might activate the event of elevation in life. At a basic level this can be studied through analysis of the 10th house indicators, but the yogas available in Jyotish offer a stronger view of such important events, and this strand of analysis was developed in some detail. Working with the timing of yogas through the Vimshottari dasha offers an integrated approach consistent with the holistic techniques of Jyotish. The yogas studied were those based on the kendra and trikona lords including the well known Raja Yoga combinations associated with elevation in life. The method used for selecting and prioritising these yogas is described below.

Despite having accurate birth times, in some charts the ascending degree is close to the edge of a sign, with the possibility for an alternative ascendant with a small change in birth time. To deal with this a `chart sensitivity weighting adjustment’ or w/a value was evaluated on a probabilistic basis, and results adjusted accordingly. This approach offers a reasonable weighted assessment of the possible influence of minor chart inaccuracies on the group result.

Three further chart groups were studied; a secondary confirmation group of 44 celebrity charts (movie stars & entertainers of international fame), a control group of 44 `normal’ lives, and the losing candidates in 27 elections.

Working with Yogas

While numerous yogas are described in the Jyotish teachings, to achieve a focus in statistical analysis only those yogas that express the positive qualities of kendra and trikona lords as agents of ‘action’ and ‘fortune’ were studied. These included the Raja Yoga combinations between the kendra and trikona lords or the two trikona lords, Parivartana (exchange) Yogas between the opposing kendra lords, Co-Worker Yogas formed by pairs of strong kendra lords, Maha Purusha Yogas formed by single strong kendra lords, and yogas formed by single strong trikona lords. This can also be seen as a way of nominating strong kendra and trikona lords in charts through their participation in these yogas. Many other yogas for eminence and elevation are described in the Jyotish teachings, and no claim is being made that the adopted approach is definitive or necessarily representative of best practice in the field; it simply provided a useful focus for statistical analysis.

These kendra and trikona lord yogas are quite common in charts, and as many as 2 or 3, or even more can be present. Although this provides good material for analysis, it also means that many options are available in some charts, and in the search for statistical focus it was necessary to make further selections between multiple yogas when these arose. While no explicit rules for such selections are given in the teachings, patterns of emphasis are often indicated, and following further consultation with teachers a selection sequence was formulated; in general terms this system assigns priority to two planet yogas over single planet yogas, and kendra and trikona lord yogas over yogas formed between paired trikona or kendra lords. It also applies distinctions between the kendra and trikona lord yogas based on the house lords which are involved, using the sequence: 10-9, 4-5, 10-5, 4-9, 1-9, 1-5, 7-9 and 7-5.

Other considerations including the house placement of the yogas and extremes of weakness in any of the yoga planets were also introduced in the latter steps of this process. These required an element of judgment and introduced a subjective element compared to the earlier steps which are quite prescriptive. An adjustment has been included to allow that some of these judgments may be subjectively in favour of results, and has been called the ‘sensitivity buffer’ or ‘s/b’ adjustment.
Full details of this priority sequence are described by Ryder (2). It was developed over about 3 or 4 stages during study of the leaders charts, and was followed consistently in the testing of the other chart groups, except for some fine tuning of the last steps.

While these priorities may vary among astrologers, the proposed sequence follows reasonably well recognised Jyotish priorities, and attempts to replicate their use in chart analysis through a series of controlled steps for the purpose of statistical analysis. In this sense it seeks to create a common ground between the holistic world of chart analysis and the rigorous requirements of statistics. The need for such rigor need not preclude this kind of work; as will be demonstrated further on results can be defined in zones of certainty that allow for some ambiguity in the procedures.

This ‘Selected Yogas’ approach allowed the selection of 1 or 2 strong kendra or trikona lords from each chart for analysis, where the relative strength of these planets is defined through the yogas they participation in, and is the basis for the main analysis which is presented. Further analysis some of the strongest timing linkages was also carried out using the wider group of all kendra and trikona lord yogas, bringing up to 5 planets into play in some charts. This will be described as the ‘All Yogas’ case.

Associations between Yoga Planets and the Dasha Lord

In a Jyotish chart each planet may influence or be influenced by a number of other planets in several ways, and it is possible for the nominated yoga planets and the dasha lord at time of elevation to influence each other in many ways. Although this complicated the analysis, all of the following linkages between the yoga planets and the dasha lord were studied:

A yoga planet acting as the dasha planet, expressing its indications directly as the dasha planet.
A yoga planet conjunct with the dasha planet, transferring its indications by association.
A yoga planet aspecting the dasha planet, transferring its indications by aspect.
The dasha planet aspecting a yoga planet, thereby activating its indications.
A yoga planet as sign dispositor of the dasha planet, thereby influencing its behavior.
A yoga planet as nakshatra dispositor of the dasha planet, thereby influencing its behavior.
The dasha planet as sign dispositor of a yoga planet, thereby activating its indications.
The dasha planet as nakshatra dispositor of a yoga planet, thereby activating its indications.

These linkages may also be studied in combination cases.

Analysis and Results

Using these procedures groups of planets which influenced or were influenced by the selected yoga planets were nominated according to each of the above linkages, and compared with the Vimshottari dasha lord at the time of elevation in each chart. The main results of this analysis are described below. (The detailed probability analysis will not be described here.)

Working initially with the main group of 44 leader’s charts, these 8 linkages between selected yoga planets and the dasha lord at time of elevation were analysed. In most cases the number of charts where the yoga planets were successfully linked to the dasha lord fell close to the random expectation, with (X- µ) values in the range from 0 to 3 . However a ninth combination case of the ‘dasha lord disposited in the signs or nakshatras of the selected yoga planets’ was successful in 33 of the 44 charts, compared to the mean expectation of 21.5, giving an effect size (X- µ) = 11.5. This result reduced to 31 charts having (X- µ) = 9.5 when the w/a adjustment of -2 charts was applied, for which P = 0.0025 (1/400).

Altogether a total of 9 linkages and 4 stages in the yoga selection priorities were studied in finding this result. The odds against finding a result of P = 0.0025 by chance in a group of 13 trials are about one in 31 or 3.2%. As the normal level accepted in the social sciences is better than one in 20, and possible sensitivities in the chart data have been compensated using the w/a value, this is considered a strong result. This suggests that the case of strong yoga planets exerting influence as dispositors of the dasha lord at the time of elevation of political leaders and other eminent persons is worthy of further analysis.
The same test was applied to the groups of 44 political and eminent charts and the 44 celebrity charts. The results are summarised in Figure 2 which shows the effect size of results for various combinations of these chart groups:

n = 44 political leaders’ charts only

n = 70 combined leaders and confirmation political charts

n = 88 combined political and eminent chart group

n = 132 combination group including 44 celebrity charts

The mean p value for the indicator under study, determined from the chart based probability values of the linked dasha planets, varies between 0.48 and 0.49 for each case. This means that the selected kendra and trikona lords in the yogas, in most cases about 2 per chart, on average disposit about 50% of planets. This establishes the mean expectation or p value listed at the bottom of the figure for each chart group, and we would expect the nominated planets to disposit the dasha lord at the time of elevation in about 50% of charts on a random basis.

The effect ratio X/µ represents the ratio of the number of successful results above the mean, and the line of X/µ = 1.44 represents a projection of the result achieved for the 44 leaders’ charts alone. Two additional lines are shown, representing (X- µ) values that have 1/100 (P = 0.01) and 1/1000 (P = 0.001) probability of arising by random chance.

The `actual results’ from the selected yogas analysis are marked by the upper broken line, and the ‘w/a results’, after application of the chart sensitivity weighting adjustment, are shown by the solid line. The lower bound results line includes the s/b adjustment which is discussed further below. Several features can be observed:

The w/a results for n = 44 and 70 political charts have similar X/µ ratios of 1.44 and 1.42. Since there is no logical reason in a random chance theory of astrology that the additional 26 political charts should follow a similar pattern as the 44 leaders charts, this is a strong confirmation result.

The w/a result for the combined group of 70 political charts is (X- µ) = 14.3. P ≈ 0.0004 (1/2500), consistent with the strong confirmation pattern noted above. As reported above some fine tuning of the yoga selection rule was carried out at this stage, and this result was achieved following some 15 indicator tests. It can be shown that the odds against finding this result by chance in a group of 15 trials are about 1 in 170 or 0.6%. As possible sensitivities in the chart data have been compensated using the w/a adjustment, this is a very powerful result.

Results for the eminent and celebrity charts are not as strong as those achieved in the political charts, but show similar trends. This is reflected in the combined groups (n = 88 and 132) which show a diminishing effect ratios X/µ = 1.36 and 1.27. The w/a value of (X– u) = 17.9 in the full group of 132 charts, for which P ≈ 0.001 (1/1000) nonetheless reflecting a meaningful contribution from these charts. The event of elevation is more varied in the celebrity lives, but has generally been taken as the first major rise to international fame. This often occurred at a young age and is more difficult to assess in time than the elevation of political leaders to highest office.

The shaded area on the chart indicates the extent of the combined w/a and s/b adjustments. This approach acknowledges the presence of hard to control sensitivities in both the chart and yoga selection procedures, and results have accordingly been shown as a likely range. This can only be narrowed through a more precise analysis than is possible with the available birth data and range of Jyotish techniques that must be considered.

The lower bound results remain extremely strong however, especially for the group of 70 political charts where X = 46, (X- µ) = 12.3 and P ≈ 0.002 (1/500). Similar analysis of the combined group of 88 political and eminent charts gives an adjusted result of X = 55, for which (X– u) = 12.4 and P ≈ 0.004 (1/250). When the celebrity charts are included in the full group of 132 charts X = 79, (X– u) = 13.9 and P ≈ 0.01.

Based on a conservative assessment including the w/a and s/b adjustments, the lower bound result of X = 46 charts for the full group of 70 political charts represents a 1/500 sampling anomaly; this is very powerful in the context of a self-contained sample population of eminent 20th century world political leaders, and based on an indicator that is most relevant to this population group. While many Jyotish techniques are complex and difficult to apply in a statistically rigorous manner, this result demonstrates that these uncertainties can be incorporated in the analysis and meaningful results still achieved.

Analysis was also carried out for the All Yogas case, and in all chart groups the w/a results fall close to the P = 0.01 level; along with the lower bound s/b results, this confirms the strong foundation that underpins the more refined Selected Yogas analysis.

Similar analysis was carried out for the control group of charts and the losing candidates’ charts, and in both cases results were very close to the chance expectation. These `null results’ for less elevated lives contrast with the strong results achieved in the chart groups of elevated lives, giving further emphasis to their meaning.

A Practical Application

This analysis has provided strong support for the concept of kendra and trikona lord yoga planets acting as sign and nakshatra dispositors of the dasha lord at the time of elevation of major political leaders, providing support for these important Jyotish teachings. This work has demonstrated the potential benefits of statistical analysis in refining our understanding and application of the wide range of available Jyotish techniques, and for example in this case supports the use of the following predictive rule:

“Elevation of leaders is likely to be seen during the dasha periods of planets that are disposited in the signs or nakshatras of strong kendra and trikona lords in charts. The primary basis for selection of these house lords is through the yogas they participate in, but other factors such as position and other strengths are also used in this assessment. “

This rule was used to compare the prospects of the winning and losing candidates in 27 US, UK and French elections, and it was found that this approach offered a meaningful basis for selection of the winning candidate in about 80% of cases, compared to a random prediction of 50%.

Statistical Support for Some Fundamental Systems of Jyotish

The indicators incorporated in the above predictive rule are based on the following fundamental systems of Jyotish;

• The Vimshottari dasha system which describes the unfoldment of life’s patterns in time.

• The 12 signs of the zodiac and their rulers as house lords.

• The 27 nakshatras and their planetary rulers introduced through the Vimshottari dasha system.

• The kendra and trikona lord yoga combinations, including the Raja Yogas and other important yogas formed by these planets. These yogas relate to elevation and provide the driving force for elevation in this rule.

• The 12 houses and their qualities, reflected here through the auspicious kendra and trikona house lords in yogas, also providing a basis to help prioritise between multiple yogas in charts.

• The influence of dispositor planets as rulers of both signs and nakshatras.

Each of these systems has played its part in the overall result, and the creation of a statistical whole has relied on each component in a multi factor approach, providing statistical support for the underlying systems. The foundation of these timing patterns is the Vimshottari dasha, a stand alone multi factor technique presented as a complete system in the Jyotish Shastra.
Much has been written about all of these systems which need not be repeated here, except to reinforce several key principles.

The Solar-Lunar Zodiac of Jyotish

Perhaps most importantly these results rely upon the integrated working of the solar and lunar zodiacs of Vedic astrology. This is seen clearly through the yogas, which are defined and gain their power through house rulerships in the solar zodiac, acting as nakshatra rulers of dasha planets, both of which elements are defined through the more subtle realm of the lunar zodiac. This ancient knowledge is embedded in the heart of Jyotish, and there is an inextricable link between the mystical constellations of the nakshatras and the everyday events of the world described through the solar zodiac. Viewed here through a statistical methodology, this solar-lunar zodiac has played a central role in understanding the timing of elevation in the lives of modern leaders, highlighting the contemporary application of this ancient system of astrology.

Dispositors

The importance of the dispositor influences must also be highlighted; these create a comprehensive web of linkages at the heart of this system, through which the energy of the strong kendra and trikona lords has been expressed in the case under study. These linkages were also important in bringing the nodal planets Rahu and Ketu into play as dasha lords, providing effective connections between all planets in the charts; the statistical results have confirmed the importance of dispositors providing an integrating web within the solar-lunar zodiac, working with strong house lords on the one side, and the dasha planets of elevation on the other.

The influence of sign dispositors is well recognised and recorded in the teachings of Shastra, and the nakshatra dispositors are often studied when working with the Vimshottari dasha, acting as over rulers which exert a level of influence over planets in their nakshatras. While this technique does not appear to be covered in the written Shastra, Keven Barrett (3) has indicated that these teachings are recognised in the oral traditions of Jyotish . The successful statistical results rely upon strong kendra and trikona lords acting in similar measure as both sign and nakshatra dispositors of the dasha planets, offering support to both techniques within the solar lunar zodiac.

Strong Kendra and Trikona Lords Combinations

The Raja Yogas formed by associations between kendra and trikona lords were assigned the highest priority in the yoga selection rule, following the importance given to these yogas in Shastra. These selections, along with the other two planet yogas, were made ahead of the strong single planet yogas, and provided the foundation for the successful `Selected Yogas’ case. These two planet yogas enhance the energies of each planet in a complementary manner; seen through the statistical analysis this provides a stronger force for elevation than single kendra or trikona lords in their own or exalted signs.

Design of the Vimshottari Dasha System

While formulation of the Vimshottari dasha system around the nakshatras and Moon is consistent within the philosophies of Jyotish, the sequences and durations of the dasha periods do not follow any evident patterns. This feature is central to the successful statistical results however, and was explored by changing the arrangement of the dasha periods and sequences in one of the statistical analysis models.
Working with the 44 leaders’ charts, this procedure was carried out in two stages; firstly all of the dasha periods were assigned an equal duration of 13.33 years, and secondly the dashas sequence was slipped by one so that Venus became ruler of the first nakshatra in place of Ketu. In both cases the results were similar to random chance; the new dasha patterns effectively deconstructed the successful statistical result, which has evidently relied upon the unique sequences and durations of the dasha periods given in Shastra. This raises the interesting question; how easy would it be to experiment with these dasha sequences, without a computer, and by trial and error create a pattern that nominates the correct dasha planet in 73% of charts representing a 1 in 500 sampling anomaly; let alone devise such a system?

The Application of Statistical Analysis in Jyotish

Analysing apeak' event in the lives of a small number ofhighest’ individuals has proven a fruitful area of study. Life is very focused in the lives of leaders at the time of elevation, and it has been possible to locate some strong statistical patterns in these charts using the multi factor techniques of Jyotish, offering meaningful support for many of the fundamental systems of Jyotish which underpin these techniques. The successful results provide confidence to develop further studies around these integrated Jyotish techniques.

If the application of statistical analysis facilitates a deeper understanding of the validity of the Jyotish teachings, this can only heighten appreciation of the difficulties for anyone to establish these complex systems on the basis of observational science alone. This naturally leads to greater respect for the spiritual content of these teachings. While at one level a scientific approach is limited, if an accurate assessment can be drawn out through statistical analysis, even to a partial extent, this can heighten support for the overall thesis.

While a strong sense of destiny has been revealed in the leaders’ charts, the destiny of the nation and free will of the people also play an important role in the selection of leaders. There is never 100% certainty as to who will be elevated to national leadership, but the tendency for certain events to transpire certainly does appear to be `written in the stars’ for this group of charts. At one level it seems quite extraordinary that meaningful patterns of Jyotish chart outcomes have been observed that are highly unlikely to be random; at another level, to the astrological community, this no doubt provides confirmation of what is well known through many generations of experience.

Bibliography

Michel Gauquelin `The Spheres of Destiny – Your personality and the planets’. (J M Dent and Sons Ltd, London, 1980)
John Ryder, ‘Predictive Patterns in Vedic Astrology – a Statistical Approach’ (John Ryder, www.vedicstats.com, Sydney, 2010)
Keven W Barrett, ‘Understanding the Moon’s Nodes Rahu and Ketu’. (Astrolabe Australia, 1996.)

About Author: John Ryder holds an honours degree in Civil engineering and has worked with international engineering consultancies for over 30 years, at times holding senior management positions. He is based in Sydney Australia and has followed a strong interest in Jyotish for many years; his engineering background led to development of the statistical approaches reported in this article. He has studied with Komilla Sutton and Keven Barrett, and dedicates this article to Keven who passed away earlier this year. Keven received his training in Vedic astrology in India, and passed on a deep knowledge of Jyotish to his students in Australia. Among the many teachings Keven shared, he always emphasised the importance of the nakshatra dispositor of the dasha lord, which has been strongly supported in the statistical analysis reported below. Without Keven’s guidance and inspiration this work would not have developed in the right direction, and all credit is due to Keven and his lineage of great teachers in India.