Indian astrology has roots from Vedas. It is one of the six Vedangas, i.e., a branch of Vedas, and dates back to the Vedic period. Several of the remedial measures prescribed in the Indian astrology are as per the Vedic system. Hence, it is popularly called as Vedic astrology too.
Other Vedangas are Siksha or phonetics, Kalpa or ritual, Vyakarana or grammar, Nirukta or etymology, Chhandas or metrics and Jyotishya or astronomy & astrology. These are listed in Upanishads.
It is impossible ascertain the exact time of origin of Indian astrology as most famous historians differ wildly, while trying to fix our Vedic period itself. It may be around 3000 t0 5000 BC. Indian mythological texts refers details of the horoscopes of Lord Krishna, Lord Rama and many ancient Indian illuminaries, recorded thousands of years ago. There are clear reference about eclipses, reckoning of auspicious timings in Maha Bharata. There areseveral astrological classics today written by Rishis like Parashara, Varahamihira, Garga, Jaimini and Sahadeva etc.
Astrology has mainly two branches. .....