NAKSHATRAS, by Dennis Harness

The nakshatras are the most "vedic" part of Vedic Astrology, and easily one of its most fundamental and powerful tools. These 27 "moon constellations" have been the basis of Indian culture and practice since the time of the vedas, and retain their importance today. In Nakshatras, Dr. Dennis Harness provides a useful and often humorous introduction to this essential jyotish technique. The first section of the book deals with the nakshatras one at a time, digging into their individual characteristics, meanings, and positive and negative aspects. He also includes a page of famous examples for each. The second section of the book brushes the surface of some deeper considerations of the nakshatra system, such as muhurta (choosing good times to do things) and the yoni kuta (a traditional relationship compatibility technique). As you begin to recognize the power of the nakshatras, you will find yourself reaching for this little gem more and more often. -- RECOMMENDED

DIGITAL ASTROLOGY, by Richard Houck

Rick Houck (d. 2001) was an amazingly brilliant astrologer who is still my favorite author in the field. His work is always fresh and original, even when dealing with topics that are literally thousands of years old. In Digital Astrology, Houck tackles the important Vedic Astrology technique known as ashtakavarga, which literally means "the system of 8 points." Ashtakavarga, as Houck explains, is a unique Indian tool that allows a jyotishi (Vedic Astrologer) to rate the power of planetary transits. Ever wonder why a Jupiter transit through Cancer is having no effect? Or why the Sun's passage through Virgo each year seems to supercharge a chart far beyond what you expect? The ashtakavarga system can often explain these variations, and make it straightforward and reliable to predict them. Digital Astrology is a joy to read, filled with the author's personal stories and anecdotes related to the subject. If you want to get the most out of Vedic Astrology, this text is a must. -- HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

THE DIVISIONAL CHARTS by Dinesh Sharma

The varga or divisional charts are one of the most powerful tools in the Vedic Astrology toolkit for turbocharging the specificity and accuracy of your predictions. Yet most astrologers content themselves with only refering to the navamsa, or ninth divisional chart. This is often not because of an unwillingness to do so, but lack of knowledge about the proper way to use the other main divisional charts. In his book, The Divisional Charts, Dr. Dinesh Sharma seeks to fill in the gaps about how to understand and apply this excellent system of subcharts. Using the divisional charts, an astrologer can pinpoint exactly where in a person's life the effect of a planet will be felt, as well as getting deeper insight into the nature and extent of a paticular effect. A good way to begin to learn this method of improving your astrology. - RECOMMENDED