JYOTISHA - the branches

Ancient jyotishAs classify jyotiṣa in a varying manner and into several divisions.
Reference to the classification or branches of jyotiṣa can also be found in “praśna mārga”.

3 skandha	6 āṅga	Involves
gaṇita (गणित)	gola – गोल (Spherical Body)	Observational Astronomy
	gaṇita – गणित (Mathematics)	Mathematical aspects of Astronomy and Astrology
saṁhitā (संहिता)	nimitta - निमित्त or śakuna – शकुन (Omens)	Study of and Predictions based on omens and gestures
horā (होरा)	jātaka – जातक (Natal Horoscopy)	Based on Planetary positions at time of birth
	praśna – प्रश्न (Horary Astrology)	Based on (time of) question asked
	muhūrta – मुहूर्त (Electional Astrology)	Involves fixing auspicious timing for various events like marriage, inauguration etc.

saṁhitā also deals with medinī śāstra (मेदिनी शास्त्र) i.e. Mundane Astrology, which deals with predictive astrology of territorial regions and events such as earthquakes, weather changes including storms, rains etc.

horā may also deal with part of nimitta.

siddhāṁta [सिद्धांत] refers to the mathematical and astronomical part.

Sages have also classified it as:
- Astronomy, Horoscopy and saṁhitāa OR
- gaṇita, horā and sakhā (mathematical aspects of astrology).

Astrology can also be classified into:

1) pramāṇa - प्रमाण (proof):
- includes gaṇita skandha and
- deals with Mathematical Aspects of Astrology

2) phala - फल (fruit/result):
- includes other 2 skandha and
- deals with Predictive Aspects of Astrology