Vedic astrology is an exalted tool not just for predicting events but also for timing their occurrence. The two techniques of timings events in use are the dashas [or planetary operational period] and the Gocara [or transits]. Belonging to the latter are: the simple transits of planets through various signs of the zodiac as the available in the ephemerides, the Varshaphal [or annual horoscope] and the Ashtakvarga. The first of these three methods, thought useful and easy to apply, is rather gross and can be used only to make rather generalised predictions. Varshphal and Ashtakvarga are more refined and more accurate. Between them, Ashtakvarga is certainly more popular amongst the Vedic astrologers because of its relative ease of application.