The Vedic (Hindu) system of Astrology, known in Sanskrit as Jyotish, the 27 constellations and not the 12 star-signs are the key to understanding celestial influences on our planet. These 27 constellations are known as the 27 Nakshatras, which are 300 to 400 light years away from earth. Based on a person's moon Nakshatra at the time of birth, Jyotish offers a most powerful predictive technique compared to other forms of astrology. The term "Nakshatra," when broken down into its constituent parts: "naks" meaning "sky" and "shetra" meaning "region", translate into "Sky Map." Another translation is arrived at using a different dissection: "naksha" is "map" and "tara" is "star" and so Nakshatra is "Star Map." Both meanings clearly show that in the eyes of the ancient Vedic (Indian) seers the 27 Nakshatras (constellations) and not the 12 zodiacal star-signs map the sky. The system of constellations is very ancient, dating back more than 5,000 years as they were referred to in the oldest Veda (Hindu's scripture). These lunar mansions appear in Chinese and Arabic astrology but have not received much attention in Western or European astrology. Each of the 27 Nakshatras consists of 13 degree and 20 minutes of the zodiac. Multiplying this length by 27 equals the entire zodiacal belt of 360 degrees. Vedic astrology uses a system of planetary periods called Dasha (Major Period) of various planets based on the Moon Nakshatra at the time of birth. Most important is Vimshottari Dasha, a 120-year-long cycle of planetary positions based upon the birth Nakshatra, stars. The planetary periods of Vedic astrology provide an easy and comprehensive system for judging the effects of planets throughout out our lives. The planetary periods are the most accurate system of how the planets distribute their effects through time and different stages of our lives. The major seven planets plus two lunar nodes are assigned periods ranging from 6 to 20 years.