Questions to ask a Jyotish practitioner
If you consult a Jyotish practitioner, a few questions help you judge the reading. The aim is to understand the method, the sources and the limits, before accepting any conclusion.
What it is
Ask which ayanamsa and house system they use, whether they check the birth time, which texts they rely on, and what they would not claim. Ask how they reach a conclusion and whether they consider a second view.
How it is worked out or read
A good practitioner can explain the rule behind each statement and admit uncertainty. Be cautious of anyone who promises outcomes, asks for payment for a fixed result, or discourages you from talking to others.
Where it appears on this site
For how to judge sources more widely, see the good sources article. The fees and scams article covers payments.
About the chart itself
Before any reading, ask what birth details the astrologer is using and how they will handle any uncertainty in the time. Ask which ayanamsa and house system they use, and which chart style they draw. These questions are not a test; they make sure both of you are looking at the same chart, and they make it possible to compare the reading with another one later.
About the method
Ask which texts or traditions the astrologer follows: Parashari, Jaimini, KP or a regional school. When a yoga or dosha is mentioned, ask for its definition and whether cancellations have been checked. When a period is said to be difficult, ask which dasha or transit the reading relies on. A good practitioner is usually glad to explain, and the explanation helps you judge how much weight to give each point.
About predictions
If the reading includes predictions, ask how confident the astrologer is and what the prediction rests on. Ask whether the prediction describes a tendency or a definite event, and what range of outcomes it allows. Be cautious about exact dates for major events such as marriage, illness or death; responsible practitioners avoid such predictions, and the tradition itself urges caution about them.
About remedies and fees
If a remedy is suggested, ask what it is meant to achieve, whether a simple form can be done at home, and what the total cost will be. Ask whether the astrologer or an associate profits from selling the remedy, gemstone or puja. Agree on the consultation fee in advance. If you feel pressured, it is entirely reasonable to say you will think about it and leave.
About yourself
Finally, ask yourself what you want from the reading. A person seeking reflection on their life, a muhurta for an event, or an introduction to their own chart will get the most from a reading by saying so at the start. Writing down a few questions beforehand helps keep the conversation focused and makes it easier to remember what was said.
Afterwards
After the reading, write down the main points while they are fresh, and give yourself time before acting on any of them.