How we know
Every fact is checked against the texts themselves.
Sources, openly named
Our rule
We use a fact only when we have found it in a public-domain text. We check two independent sources where possible. A passage read in full context can also support a fact. When sources disagree, we show both.
Every fact is checked against the texts themselves.
The labels matter
Vedic
Facts from the Vedic corpus, including the Taittiriya Samhita and Atharvaveda. Only these facts may be described as coming from the Vedas.
Classical
Classical Vedic astrology comes from later texts. The animals, natures and figures on this site carry this label.
Sky
Observational astronomy. Evening seasons are approximate for mid-northern latitudes. You can check visibility in a planetarium app or outside.
The texts we use
Vedic
Taittiriya Samhita 4.4.10
A. B. Keith, 1914
The Vedic list of stars and their gods.
Vedic
Atharvaveda 19.7
W. D. Whitney, 1905
The 28-star hymn, including Abhijit, and older star names.
Classical
Surya Siddhanta ch. 8
E. Burgess, 1860
Real stars, junction stars, classical gods and figures. The equal divisions are described in chapter 2, verse 64, cited in the chapter 8 notes.
Classical
Muhurta Chintamani 6.25-30
Khemraj, 1879
Nakshatra animals and the three natures.
Classical
Muhurta Chintamani 4.12
Khemraj, 1879
The nine daily Taras. Daily calculations are not part of this guide.
Sky
observational astronomy
Approximate evening visibility, rather than a textual tradition.
What we leave out
We do not publish claims that we have not verified in the corpus. This includes star myths and planetary period rulers. Other texts in our research library are not used as evidence until their relevant passages are checked.
Explore the 27 stars →