Chausar Astrology (also known as Chaupar Astrology) is an ancient form of astrology that combines the elements of traditional Vedic astrology with the use of the game Chausar (also known as Pachisi or Ludo in modern times). The game of Chausar, which has its roots in ancient India, is believed to hold deep astrological and spiritual significance, and it was often associated
with the workings of fate, destiny, and fortune.
While Chausar (the game) is primarily a board game involving dice and pieces, Chausar Astrology takes elements from this game to interpret aspects of a person’s life, personality, and future. The system of Chausar Astrology isn't as widely recognized or practiced as mainstream Vedic astrology, but it has an interesting historical context that blends astronomy, numerology, and spirituality.
Key Concepts of Chausar Astrology:
1. The Chausar Game:
o Chausar (also called Pachisi or Chaupar) is an ancient Indian board game that was played on a cross-shaped board with four arms. It was often referred to as the “royal game of India” and was particularly popular in the courts of Indian kings and emperors, such as the Mughal emperors.
o The game is played with pieces that move based on dice rolls. The pieces'
movement and the outcome of the dice throws were seen as symbolic
representations of the forces of fate or karma influencing a person's life.
2. Astrological Influence of Chausar:
o The game of Chausar itself was often interpreted as a microcosm of life's journey. The dice rolls represent the unpredictable nature of destiny, and the paths of the pieces symbolize the various stages or challenges a person may face in their life.
o The movement of the pieces on the board was seen as a metaphor for how
external events (such as planetary positions, karma, and the influence of other
people) influence an individual's life.
o In Chausar Astrology, the dice rolls and the way a person’s pieces move on the board were believed to represent planetary influences and divine will at play in the individual’s life.
3. Astrological Interpretation of Dice:
o In Chausar Astrology, the dice play a central role. Just as the roll of the dice
determines the movement of the pieces in the game, astrologers who use this
system might interpret the roll of the dice (or the numbers they correspond to) to gain insight into a person’s fate, character, or life path.
o The numbers on the dice correspond to different planetary influences or house positions in a person's birth chart. The resulting roll can be interpreted as reflecting current astrological conditions or potential future events.
4. Divine or Karmic Patterns:
o Chausar Astrology emphasizes the connection between the game and karma.
The outcome of the game, with its unexpected wins and losses, is symbolic of the role that karma plays in shaping one’s experiences.
o Good moves or fortunate rolls in the game could be seen as symbols of favorable planetary aspects, while bad rolls might indicate a period of struggle or challenges caused by negative planetary influences.
o The movement of the pieces on the Chausar board is thought to correspond to the unfolding of life events, and an astrologer might use these movements to predict future developments or offer advice.
5. Numerology and Cosmic Forces:
o The use of dice in Chausar Astrology introduces a numerological element into the practice. The numbers on the dice can represent specific energies, planets, or cosmic forces. For example:
▪ A 1 might symbolize new beginnings (ruled by the Sun or Moon).
▪ A 4 could indicate stability and structure (ruled by Rahu or Ketu).
▪ A 6 could symbolize balance and harmony (possibly linked to Venus or Jupiter).
o These numbers may be cross-referenced with the person’s birth chart to create a more personalized reading.
6. Symbolism of the Board:
o The Chausar board has a specific design with a cross-shape, which some
interpretations link to the crossroads of destiny. This layout, with its intersecting lines and paths, is seen as representing the interconnectedness of fate and how the choices we make can lead to different outcomes.
o Each arm or space on the board can be associated with different astrological
houses or planetary positions, with the pieces moving through them in a way
that symbolizes the individual's journey through different phases of life.
Example of a Chausar Astrology Reading:
In practice, a Chausar Astrology reading might involve an astrologer casting dice or drawing numbers, observing the path of the pieces on the board, and correlating this with the individual's astrological chart. The reading could offer predictions or guidance based on:
• The dice numbers or rolls
• The symbolism of the movements of the pieces
• The alignment of astrological elements (planets, houses, and signs)
The astrologer may also incorporate personal symbols that arise from the Chausar game to provide a deeper understanding of the person’s current life situation or challenges.
Connection with Vedic Astrology:
Chausar Astrology can be considered an extension or variation of Vedic astrology, as it shares many principles and reflects an emphasis on fate, karma, and divine influence. However, it introduces a more symbolic and interactive component, based on the game of Chausar, which reflects the unpredictable nature of life and destiny.
The use of Chausar in astrology emphasizes that life’s journey, like a game, is influenced by both chance and choice. While planets and cosmic forces may provide the backdrop, the path an individual takes is often shaped by decisions, actions, and karma accumulated over time.
Modern-Day Use:
Chausar Astrology is not as widely practiced today as traditional forms of astrology such as Vedic or Western astrology, but it still holds cultural significance, especially in India, where the game has been revered as a royal pastime. Some modern astrologers might use it in an eclectic or experimental way to complement their practice, blending ancient traditions of numerology,
astrology, and divination with the symbolic elements of the game.
Conclusion:
Chausar Astrology is a fascinating and symbolic form of divination that combines the ancient game of Chausar with astrology and numerology. It uses the movement of pieces on a board and the roll of dice as metaphors for fate, karma, and planetary influences, offering insights into life’s unpredictability and how external forces shape one’s destiny. While not widely practiced today, it offers an intriguing lens through which to explore the intersection of astrology, chance, and human agency.