Astrology course for beginners: where to start, and in what order
Start with four building blocks, in this order: the 12 rashis (signs), the 9 grahas (planets), the 27 nakshatras (lunar mansions) and the 12 bhavas (houses). Then learn to find the Lagna and read a chart. RishiSetu’s Basic Astrology course starts exactly here, one idea per lesson, and never asks about something it has not taught yet.
- No experience needed
- One idea per lesson
- 10 languages
What should a beginner learn first?
Each step uses only what the steps before it taught. Skipping ahead makes every later topic harder.
- 01
The 12 rashis
The twelve signs of the zodiac, in order, each with its lord. - 02
The 9 grahas
The Sun, the Moon, five planets, Rahu and Ketu, and what each signifies. - 03
The 27 nakshatras
The finer divisions of the zodiac that the Moon moves through. - 04
The 12 bhavas
The houses of the chart and what each stands for. After these, you are ready to read a chart.
What is a birth chart, in one paragraph?
A birth chart (janma kundali) is a map of the sky at the moment and place of birth. It shows which rashi was rising on the eastern horizon (the Lagna) and where each of the nine grahas stood among the twelve rashis. The Lagna’s rashi becomes the 1st bhava, and the rashis after it, in order, become the 2nd to the 12th bhavas.
What mistakes do beginners make?
- Mixing Western (tropical) and Vedic (sidereal) signs. The two zodiacs are now about 24° apart, so many people have a different Sun sign in each.
- Memorising predictions before the basics. A placement means little until you know the sign, house, lord and strength behind it.
- Reading one placement on its own. Every graha is read with its sign, house, lordship, dignity and aspects together.
- Learning from fear. Topics such as Sade Sati are taught as timing techniques, not as warnings.
How much time does a beginner need each day?
Ten to fifteen minutes a day is enough. RishiSetu lessons take 5 to 8 minutes each, and a short daily review brings back what you missed. Regular short sessions work better than a long one once a week.
Guruji, your guide
Questions people ask before they start
Inside the app, you can ask Guruji about any lesson, in your own language.
Is astrology hard to learn?
The basics are not hard, but there are many of them: 12 rashis, 9 grahas, 27 nakshatras and 12 bhavas, each with its own meanings. Learned one at a time and practised on charts, they become familiar within weeks. Reading charts well takes longer.
Can I learn astrology on my own?
Yes, if what you learn from is structured and gives feedback. Many people start with books, which explain but cannot check your work. RishiSetu checks every practice answer against the calculated chart and explains the reason.
Do I need to be good at maths?
No. You count signs and houses and add degrees, which the lessons teach step by step. The positions of the grahas are calculated for you.
Which classical book should a beginner read?
Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra is the root text of the Parashari tradition, and Brihat Jataka and Phaladeepika are the other main sources. They are easier to follow once you know the basics, so many learners read them alongside a course rather than first.
Your first lesson takes about five minutes
Sign in with your email, choose your language, and start at the beginning. RishiSetu keeps your place.
