Here is a brief overview of three ways Jyotish helps ensure harmony between couples interested in marriage.

1. Moon Nakshatra
2. Astrological Compatability Readings
3. Auspicious Timing for Marriage

1. Moon Nakshatra
In India, even those who do not really follow Jyotish astrology will often say to another person, 'Aap Chandra Nakshatra hai? (What is your Moon Nakshatra)?' This subtle, emotional compatibility is often used as a key factor in determining compatibility - even among the lay people.

This can easily be determined from a basic chart printout. You need only to supply birth time, place, and date. You may find free sites online that do the printout for you, or other sites may only charge $10-$15 (USA). In India a chart would cost much less. You will find right on the chart the words Chandra/Nakshatra or Moon/Nakshatra - that will be what you are looking for.

If you are reading this article because it was a link from VedicFriends.com, you would add your Moon Nakshatra in your profile. You would need to speak with an astrologer (jyotishi) to learn with which nakshatras your sign(s) you are compatible.

2. Compatability Readings
When you have found a person who you have become friends with, and it is becoming more serious, it is a good time to confirm how strong the compatability really is.

There are modern and traditional metods of determining compatability. You can contact jyotishis (astrologers) online or locally for such readings. Ultimately any two people can make a marriage work, but for an easier, more harmonious time, confirming higher compatability early on will make the road more smooth.

3. Auspicious Marriage Days
Now that the charts show compatability, it is wise to choose an asupicious day to get married. Here Jyotish uses Muhurtha (event timing) to find when the couples and the cosmic stars are best aligned for a blessed marriage. Again, finding a jyotishi will be required.

To find astrologers, search online, or ask for referrals. There are enough incompetent people practicing jyotish (either charletons or merely fear/negativity-based) to be cautious about who you choose.

The Vedic purpose of marriage is to go to God together. The marriage vows are sacred pacts between the couple and God. Marriage is a most spiritual life-path.

To help people find like-minded people - sorting out those people who have Vedic, Ayurvedic, Jyotish, Vastu, Organic, Vegetarian, Ethical, Spiritual interests - and avoid wading through masses of people who
don't share your Vedic lifestyle, we have created a free Vedic Friendship site [vedicfriend.com]. Here you may freely register, search, and contact folks with whom you feel you might like to start a friendship, and possibly lead to marriage.

May God bless your relationship