Sri Lankan astrology has significant importance among Sri Lankans, especially among Sinhalese and Tamils as both has similar tradition and faith. Majority of Muslims and Christians do not believe in astrology as their religions mark it as ‘forbidden’ believe and practice. Like some nations in the Indian subcontinent, Sri Lanka has a significant place for astrology. It mainly connects through Hinduism and Buddhism which are separated faiths, but same root that has similar practices such as horoscope and astrology. Note: Tamil Hindus use Vedic astrology, not Sri Lankan method.
Astrology is locally known as ‘Jyothishya’ and ‘Joshiyam’, and it literally means ‘science of the light.’ Sri Lankan astrology is same as Indian astrology which has some sects and it popularly known as Vedic astrology. However, Sri Lankan astrology has a few variations from Vedic astrology. Even though, its main concept is same as Indian method. It has same twelve zodiac signs (Rashi / Lagna) and characteristics of zodiac. There are Aries (Mesha), Taurus (Wrushamba), Gemini (Mithuna), Cancer (Kataka), Leo (Sinha), Virgo (Kanya), Libra (Thula), Scorpio (Wrushchika), Sagittarius (Dhanu), Capricorn (Makara), Aquarius (Kumbha) and Pisces (Meena).
Sri Lankan astrology and local terms
| No | Zodiac sign | Rashi / Lagna (Sinhala) | Ruling planet | |
| English | Sinhala | |||
| 1 | Aries | Mesha | Mars | Kuja |
| 2 | Taurus | Wrushamba | Venus | Sikuru |
| 3 | Gemini | Mithuna | Mercury | Budha |
| 4 | Cancer | Kataka | Moon | Chandra |
| 5 | Leo | Sinha | Sun | Ravi |
| 6 | Virgo | Kanya | Mercury | Budha |
| 7 | Libra | Thula | Venus | Sikuru |
| 8 | Scorpio | Wrushchika | Mars | Kuja |
| 9 | Sagittarius | Dhanu | Jupiter | Guru |
| 10 | Capricorn | Makara | Saturn | Shani |
| 11 | Aquarius | Kumbha | Saturn | Shani |
| 12 | Pisces | Meena | Jupiter | Guru |
There are some other planets in Sinhalese astrology. Rahu (Caput Draconis), head of the dragon/snake and Ketu (Cauda Draconis), tail of the dragon / snake are considered shadow planets. Also, the methods says that Indra ruled by Uranus, Waruna ruled by Neptune and Yama ruled by Pluto.
Historical background
Sri Lankan mythology suggest that a book named, ‘The Ravan Samhita’ was written by mythological king Ravana who received narration from Shiva, one of the main three gods of Hinduism. Also, king Ravana was mastered in astrology in he used in major events in life. Especially, there was an event where he aligned all planets to his favor during his son’s birth that made his son as mighty warrior.
Apart from the myth, the island was practicing astrology during ancient time dated back to AD 500. Kings from Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Dambadeniya, and Kotte kingdom looked auspicious times and predictions for special events. Buddhist monks, Ayurveda doctors and astrologers were good at astrology. Folk stories say that titles called, Neketh Raala, Ganithaya and Gurunnase were related to astrology practitioner. Local schools were teaching astrology and the school was known as ‘Jyothishaya Gurukula’. Also, it was written in palm leaf manuscripts.
Astrology in Sri Lanka
Astrology practices and uses among many Sri Lankan, especially for personal life matters, professional and spiritual occasions. It has a place from the birth to funeral. They use it when a child born in order to predict his/her future by birth chart and give a name to the child. Therefore, they use name astrology and calculate suitable name. It use when a child is ready to eat solid food (Indul Katagema). When the child was preparing to study, parent make a function called, ‘Akuru Kiyaweema’ where child reads her first letter in the alphabet and then writes it. Kotahalu Mangalyaya is another event that connects to a girl’s first occasion of menstruation and celebrates as puberty ceremony as per astrologer’s advice. From the marriage arrangement to wedding events, astrology plays a significant role. When planning to wear gemstones, people seek astrological connection. Sinhala and Tamil New year is based on astrological calculation and then celebrate it each year as per auspicious time. It is well connected from poor people to rich, politician and other VVIP persons in Sri Lanka.