Courses Syllabus

Hast Jyotish Diploma Program

In January 2010, the Birla College offered Introduction to Hast Jyotish, the first course in a new series of courses leading to a diploma in Vedic palmistry. 

The Hast Jyotish (Vedic palmistry) Program includes the 22 courses (670 hours) of Level I, leading to a diploma with the Birla College. This program is designed for those who wish to learn more about themselves through this ancient science. They are also suited to anyone contemplating a career as a consultant and for those who would like to incorporate aspects of palmistry into their own professions.

In addition, we offer Level II — Advanced Training  in Vedic Astrology, a 330-hour optional program aimed at giving the graduate a training that complements what he has learned during his diploma program. Level III — Practitioner Training Program, a 100-hour program designed to support the new graduate in his new career as a Vedic palmist.

Level 100 - The Hast Jyotish (Vedic palmistry) Program

Foundational courses  — Series of Three
Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of the ancient science of Hast Jyotish.

101 Introduction to Hast Jyotish — Vedic Palmistry (40 hrs.)
This course is a prerequisite for all palmistry courses in the college curriculum. Students will explore the relationship between the right and left hemispheres of the brain, and their significance in our prenatal and postnatal karmic predispositions, as expressed through the human hands. Additionally, students will study the nails, fingers and thumb shapes, as well as the seven hand types that define our constitution.

102 Intermediate Vedic Palmistry — Introduction to the Mounts (30 hrs.)
Students will study the principles, concepts, and terminology applied in the study of the mounts or parvat. They will learn to recognize the leading mount, and to identify texture, colour, consistency, capillary formation, and their significance. Students will learn to diagnose and interpret expressions of balanced, overactive, and underactive mounts.
 
103 Introduction to Remedial Measures  (30 hrs.)
Students will become familiar with the various remedial measures that can be recommended during a hand analysis in order to support the client on his path towards self-transformation. Among these remedial measures, yogic breathing, meditation and mantra recitation.

Exploring the unconscious — Series of Eight

The hand is divided into segments called mounts. Each mount relates to a corresponding planet with a specific portfolio. The mounts of the hand provide a tangible record of how we deal with each of the planetary influences, and what our challenges are. The mounts are Luna, Venus, Mars (formed by its negative and positive poles), Jupiter, Saturn, Sun, Mercury, and Rahu/Ketu.

104 The Mount of Luna (Chandra) (30 hrs.)
The mount of Luna represents the first stage of the evolutionary process. Luna pertains to the qualities of perception, creativity, imagination and sensory awareness.

105 The Mount of Venus (Sukra) (30 hrs.)
In this course, we will discover how our physical body can be a vehicle for optimum health and harmony, enabling us to transmute personal desire into unconditional love.

106 Mars Galaxy — The Mounts of Mars Negative and Positive (Mangala) (30 hrs.)
The Mars galaxy indicates the degree of assertiveness or passivity with which we embrace life from our first breath in Mars negative to our last breath in Mars positive. Ideally, Mars indicates an ability to remain calm and controlled under all circumstances, choosing not to react instinctively.

107 The Mount of Jupiter (Brihaspati) (30 hrs.)
Jupiter represents the awakening of the conscious mind. In India, it is referred to as the Guru, or dispeller of darkness. It speaks of our sense of purpose — what role we want to play in life. Jupiter stands for ambition, leadership, confidence and justice.

108 The Mount of Saturn (Shani) (30 hrs.)
Saturn indicates the necessity to search within. It represents the alchemist who is able to synthesize the experiences of Jupiter to extract a deeper meaning of life. Saturn stands for wisdom and discernment.

109 The Mount of Sun (Surya) (30 hrs.)
The study of the Sun in the hand indicates our desire to share all that we have learned from the profound nature of Saturn. The Sun relates to our soul nature that enables us to transcend any limitations. Success, charisma and integrity are all characteristics of the Sun.

110 The Mount of Mercury (Budha) (30 hrs.)
In India, Mercury stands for the Buddha and reflects to what degree we have attained an enlightened consciousness. It relates to our involvement in the world, and also to our ability to detach from the fruits of our actions. Mercury denotes intuition, spontaneity, and the ability to communicate effortlessly.

111 The Mounts of Rahu and Ketu (30 hrs.)
Rahu and Ketu are inextricably intertwined. Ketu represents the kind of circumstances attracted in the past and our attitudes toward them, whereas Rahu reflects the kind of environment we are likely to attact in the present, and how receptive we are to either making the most of it or limiting its potential by resisting opportunities. A famous Sanskrit verse tell us that “our present is the result of all our yesterdays, and the future depends on how well we live today.” This sums up the relationship between Rahu and Ketu.

Understanding the subconscious through the major lines — Series of Three

In the following courses, the three major lines (awachetan) of life, head, and heart will be thoroughly examined with regards to their origins, terminations and formations. Emphasis will be placed on the diagnosis and interpretation of these lines that reveal our physical, mental and emotional health respectively.

112 The Heart Line (Hradaya Rekha) (30 hrs.)
The heart line serves as an indicator of our loving disposition and emotional makeup; it also provides information concerning the physical condition of the heart organ itself. From a spiritual standpoint, the heart line reflects the capacity for engendering the qualities of generosity and forgiveness.

113 The Head Line (Mustishk Rekha) (30 hrs.)
The head line relates directly to our intellectual faculties. From a physical standpoint, it yields information regarding the actual organic condition of the brain. Psychologically, this line reflects our degree of intel¬ligence, mental refinement, and concentration. In addition, we see the potential for spiritual qualities such as intuition, composure, and dedication.

114 The Life Line (Jeevan Rekha) (30 hrs.)
An analysis of the life line yields valuable information about our physical well-being. The line’s formation indicates the state of health, the degree of stamina, and the condition of the nervous system. It also reveals the extent of our enthusiasm for life and our willingness to undertake challenges.

Our conscious expression: the minor lines — Series of Four

The minor lines show to what extent we have been able to dive into our subconscious in order to bring its wealth to the surface of consciousness. The minor lines signal an awakening. They appear on the hand as we become motivated to experience life more consciously.

115 The Saturn Line (Bhagya Rekha) (30 hrs.)
The Saturn line reveals the extent to which we are anchored in our own unique purpose. It indicates to what degree we wish to structure our life. It provides the outlet for the major lines of life, head and heart to express themselves. A Saturn line indicates that we have something to live for, to be in love with, and to be dedicated to, and that we have the motivation and focus to achieve our life ambition.

116 The Sun Line (Surya Rekha) (30 hrs.)
While the Saturn line reflects our efforts, the Sun line speaks of the successful fruition of our work. The Sun line develops as a result of our belief and satisfaction in what we are doing. The aura of magnetism that we create around ourselves subsequently attracts the appropriate circumstances and associates into our life.

117 The Mercury Line (Budha Rekha) (30 hrs.)
The formation of a strong Mercury line indicates that an ability to communicate effortless with others has been developed. It reveals our ability to focus our attention unimpeded by reason, emotion or physical concerns. When the Mercury line is fragmented, it is an indication to what degree any illness, whether physical, mental, or emotional, hinders our self-expression.

118 The Girdle of Venus (Sukra Rekha) (30 hrs.)
The presence of a girdle of Venus indicates that we are able to translate our sensory impressions into some form of creative expression that can touch the hearts of others. An improperly formed girdle of Venus, however, indicates that we may have difficulty channeling our feelings. Through case studies we will explore how we can develop a positive girdle of Venus.

Vedic Astrology (hast jyotish) — Series of Three

Students gain an understanding of the planets, signs and houses, and explore the relationship between the planets and the signs.

119 Introduction to Jyotish (20 hrs.)
This course includes a brief history outlining the metaphysical roots of Jyotish. The sidereal astronomical viewpoint that forms the basis for Jyotish will be thoroughly explained. In addition, students will be introduced to the fundamental elements of Jyotish — the planets (grahas), signs (rasis) and houses (bhavas).

120 Intermediate Jyotish (20 hrs.)
Students will learn how to interpret the planets according to their classification in relation to the twelve signs of the zodiac — rulership, detriment, exaltation, fall, friend, enemy and neutral. Case histories will be studied.

121 Hora Class (20 hours)
The interpretation of the hora (approximately translated from Sanskrit as “time”) is an integral part of a palmistry consultation. Used in tandem with the analysis of a client’s handprints and the timing of the consultation, it assists in setting the tone and determining the thematic direction that the client and palmist will take during a palmistry consultation. As well, when skillfully interpreted, it can become a precise method of both understanding and working with the client’s current and most pressing concerns. Course content includes the study of: the significance and analysis of the ruler of the first house and its placement, the analysis of the position of the sun, moon, and aspects being made upon them, how to decipher the strength of the first house, and so forth (minimum prerequisite – 101 Introduction to Hast Jyotish, 119 Introduction to Vedic Astrology and 120 Intermediate Vedic Astrology*).

Foundational Integrative Training

Students will be able to put into practice all that they have learned during the diploma program.

122 Integrative seminar in Vedic astrology and palmistry (30 hours)
The objective of the Integrative Course in Vedic Palmistry is to provide students with experience in analyzing, critiquing, and relating ideas from the disciplines of both Vedic palmistry and astrology. Students will fine tune their interpretive skills of the mounts, major and minor lines, while taking the hora and client’s rashi into consideration. The major and minor periods of a client’s astrological chart will also be analyzed. Timings of the hand will also be emphasized in order to pinpoint important issues and find proactive solutions for clients’ current life challenges (minimum prerequisite – 101 Introduction to Hast Jyotish and 119 Introduction to Interpreting the Hora).

Level 200 - Vedic Astrology Advanced Training

In each of the following courses, students will learn the 144 combinations of each planet and node in the twelve signs placed in the twelve houses. The relevance of the significator house and the effect of the aspect formed by the planet on the opposite house will be studied. Case histories will help illustrate each of the combinations.

201 The Moon in the Signs and Houses (30 hrs.)
The Moon (Chandra) is studied to determine our potential for creativity and intuition. Depending on the sign and house placement, an analysis of the Moon will also reveal degrees of sensitivity, nurturance, and inspiration. The Moon denotes our degree of objective or subjective perception, imagination or hallucination. It relates to the mother aspect within us.

202 The Sun in the Signs and Houses (30 hrs.)
Sun (Surya), the center of our solar system, relates to our heart chakra and is referred to as atma in the east, meaning soul. Depending on the sign and house placement, a study of the Sun will reveal to what degree we have self-confidence, passion, conviction and integrity. The Sun denotes degrees of magnetism and success. It relates to the father aspect within us.

203 Mercury in the Signs and Houses (30 hrs.)
Mercury (Budha), in vedic mythology, is the son of the Sun and the Moon. It is considered to be a hermaphrodite planet that contains both the yin and yang aspects of our nature. Depending on the sign and house placement, Mercury, which relates to Lord Buddha in the east, reflects degrees of ease of communication, detachment, humor and enlightenment.

204 Venus in the Signs and Houses (30 hrs.)
Venus (Sukra) is the planet of love and harmony. Depending on the sign and house placement, Venus indicates to what degree we exhibit love, care, and concern for the welfare of others.

205 Mars in the Signs and Houses (30 hrs.)
Mars (Mangala) is the planet of war and peace. Depending on the sign and house placement, the dynamic energy associated with Mars helps strengthen our nervous system to embrace life with poise and confidence.

206 Jupiter in the Signs and Houses (30 hrs.)
Jupiter (Brihaspati) is the planet that relates to the Guru — indicating higher knowledge that dispels the darkness. Depending on the sign and house placement, a study of Jupiter reveals our higher mind — our degree of knowledge, understanding, and sense of purpose.

207 Saturn in the Signs and Houses (30 hrs.)
Saturn (Shani) is the planet associated with the attributes of discernment, wisdom and self-mastery.  Depending on the sign and house placement, an examination of Saturn reveals to what degree we have foresight and vision, allowing us to perceive the difference between accurate and false impres¬sions.

208 Rahu in the Signs and Houses (30 hrs.)
Rahu, also known as the North Node, is the indicator of our present environment. Depending on the sign and house placement, a study of Rahu shows to what extent we are aware of our immediate circumstances — the eternal now — enabling us to connect with the potential of each moment.

209 Ketu in the Signs and Houses (30 hrs.)
Ketu, also known as the South Node, is the indicator of our past karma.  Depending on the sign and house placement, an analysis of Ketu reveals our potential to connect with the karmic path we are meant to walk in this lifetime. Ketu also shows if we have a clear understanding of the karmic implications of our actions.

210 Advanced Techniques in hora Interpretation (30 hrs.)
The objective of Advanced Techniques in Hora Interpretation is to provide students the opportunity to experience a more in-depth interpretation of the hora chart through the knowledge they acquired from this advanced Vedic astrology program.

211 Advanced Integrative Seminar (30 hrs.)
The objective of Advanced Integrative Seminar is to provide students the opportunity to experience a more in-depth analysis from the disciplines of both Vedic palmistry and astrology. Students will fine tune their interpretive skills of the mounts, major and minor lines, while applying the knowledge they acquired from this advanced Vedic astrology program, including the advanced techniques in hora interpretation.