Dr. R.P. Sharma Videos & Podcasts
Vedic astrology, in his own voice

Is there such a thing as “the best” astrologer?

No chart-reader is ever called “best,” because the grahas themselves decide what can be revealed. When the lord of wisdom (Budha) sits in the house of speech (3rd) and the Moon (mind) is strong in Cancer, the words flow naturally and the counsel is clear. Trust grows only when the chart shows the dasha of Jupiter (Guru) in an even rashi; before that, even the most skilled hand can only interpret what is allowed by time. My own Ph.D. studies and 44 years of practice have shown me that humility—never claiming to be “best”—lets the classical shastras speak through the reading.

What makes a truly trusted and reliable astrologer?

Look for three chart-points: the ascendant lord must be with Mercury or Jupiter, the Moon must occupy its own or exaltation sign, and Saturn must not afflict the 9th house of dharma. These positions create the “yoga of credibility.” In practice, forty-four years have taught me that reliability also depends on unbroken lineage of shastra study, daily sandhyavandanam, and strict avoidance of planetary-remedy shortcuts. Only then do the predictions remain within classical bounds and serve the querent’s best interest.

How can I be sure an astrologer is genuine and accurate?

Verify three elements in the practitioner’s life: does the Moon in their own chart occupy a kendra from the ascendant? Is the Jupiter in their Mercury dasa unafflicted? And can they cite classical verses from Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra without reference to modern paraphernalia? My own horoscope shows these exact placements, and the same classical tools have produced consistently reliable results across Consulting since 1979.

Is there a quick test I can do before visiting any astrologer?

Ask the astrologer to interpret the position of Saturn in your 10th house without peeking at your birth details. If they speak in classical terms—saying “Saturn in Capricorn in the 10th gives persistent effort and delayed but lasting results”—and do not resort to generalized “career advice,” you are on the right track. Classical accuracy begins with precise house and graha language.

How do I find an experienced Vedic astrologer without wasting time or money?

Begin by checking your own lagna and the Moon’s nakshatra; bring a handwritten birth details sheet to any meeting. A genuine practitioner will start with the ascendant, confirm the Moon’s nakshatra, then move to dasha and yogas—never offering remedies before the chart is fully read. Ask for nothing more than a plain-language explanation; if remedies are given, they will be classical (mantra, charity, or gemstone with strict rules), never commercial packages.

What classical signs tell me a reading is trustworthy?

A reading is trustworthy when Mars (action) aspects the 5th house of wisdom and the 9th house of dharma simultaneously, creating the “Bhadra-Mangala yoga.” The astrologer should then explain how this yoga will unfold in your Jupiter dasa, using only classical sources. My own consultations rely on this very yoga when timing major life events; it has never failed in forty-four years of practice.

I’ve heard some astrologers use Western methods mixed with Vedic. Is that acceptable?

Not in classical practice. When Saturn rules both the 2nd and 7th houses, the astrologer must remain entirely within the Vedic framework; mixing systems pollutes the vargas and dashas. My Ph.D. research under Delhi University followed strict Phalit Jyotish rules; any deviation introduces uncertainty that the classical texts forbid.

What simple remedy can I try while waiting for a full reading?

Light a ghee lamp on Tuesday evening facing south, recite the simple “Om Suryaya Namah” five times, and place the wick in a red clay lamp. This honors Surya (Sun) and appeases Mars-related tensions while you arrange a full consultation. Classical texts like Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra call this a “samyak-upaya”—an appropriate, non-fearful step—not a cure but a disciplined gesture of alignment with cosmic order.