The American Council of Vedic Astrology (soon to become the American College of Vedic Astrology), founded at the inspiration of prominent members of the Indian Council of Vedic Astrology based in Delhi, has developed a standard curriculum for training to professional standard in Jyotish - Vedic Astrology. This is offered primarily through a tuition programme with tutors approved by the council (I tutor students worldwide by phone). It amounts to about 600 hours which can be accumulated through tuition, supervised homework and private study, Dr David Frawley’s correspondence course (200 hours equivalent), approved workshops / conferences / seminars and most consultations attended. This is the phase I, equivalent to an AA degree. Phase II, is a further 600 hours which I also tutor. This is BA level. If you complete this and have a BA from any accredited college or university then you can proceed to an MA in Jyotish from the Hindu University of America, based in Florida, which is an accredited course.

NATURE and GOAL of the COURSE

This comprehensive homestudy course explains Vedic astrology (Jyotish) in clear and modern terms, providing many practical insights how to use and adapt the system. For those who have had difficulty approaching the Vedic system, the course provides many keys for unlocking its language and its methodology.

The goal of the course is to provide the foundation for the student to become a professional Vedic astrologer. The course can be taken as part of a longer program of training in Vedic astrology through the American Council .of Vedic Astrology (A.C.V.A.).

No previous background in Vedic astrology is required, but a background in either Vedic or Western Astrology can be helpful.. The course starts at a beginning level but goes in depth into its subject. Since 1986 over five hundred people have taken the course, more than any other Western correspondence course on the subject.

The correspondence course is provided and supported in UK by Andrew Foss of ShriSource for those studying with him.

FORMAT

The course includes detailed study questions and study exercises at the end of each of the nearly thirty lessons, and detailed test questions at the end of each section to return for grading. Students can contact ShriSource if they have additional questions based upon the course though tuition on the subject is a separate service.

Certification for the course is given to students who answer all test questions satisfactorily. The course takes about 200 hours of study to complete. The course includes a complete chart print out (though not interpretation; include your birth data to get the print out).

Part 1 Foundation of Vedic Astrology
Background of Vedic Astrology, Study guide to the Astrology of the Seers book, Planetary types, Advanced study of houses, Shadbala, Horoscope judgment, Business astrology, Relationship astrology 1 Comparative method and 2 Computative method, Vimshopak, Jaimini astrology, Glossaries.

Part 2 Astrology of Healing
Astrology and Ayurveda, Astrology, diet and herbs, Subtle remedies colours, flowers and aromas, Gem therapy 1 and 2, Mantra, Planetary deities and yantras, Spiritual astrology, Chart rectification, Sample charts, The four element system of healing.

Part 3 Advanced Material
Nakshatras (lunar asterisms 1 and 2), Karmic astrology and the lunar nodes, Horary astrology, Astrological forecasting (Muhurta) 1 Nakshatras, and 2 Tithis and related factors, Ashtakavarga 1 the basic system, Ashtakavarga 2 the timing of events, How to give a Vedic Astrological reading 1 Background, and 2 Procedure, History of Vedic Astrology, Mantra in depth.

NEW: Part 4 Workbook
Many example charts worked through in detail with important appendices. Invaluable addition to the course.

AUTHOR

Dr. David Frawley (Pandit Vamadeva Shastri), is recognised in India as an authentic Vedic (Vedacarya) and astrology teacher (Jyotish Kovid I.C.A.S. 1993). He has studied with B.V. Raman and many other important Vedic astrologers. He is the founder and Director of the American Institute of Vedic Studies in Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA.

Dr. Frawley is one of the main organisers of the American International Symposiums on Vedic Astrology and is currently serving as the first President of the American Council of Vedic Astrology (A.C.V.A).

I offer this to support those pursuing the ACVA curriculum or for those just just wishing to cover a few topics or simply to have someone to bounce their questions off. This can be done on the phone. I'm also equipped for videoconferencing. Please book the time to conect at least a few days in advance. A great way to progress is to combine some tuition with attending intensives. Retreats will be held in special places around the world.