What is Vedic Astrology – 101 Guide

If you love astrology, you’ve no doubt charted your birth chart, downloaded various apps, and perhaps analyzed your astrological compatibility with love interests. But did you know that Western astrology is not the only system of astrology that exists? This is your introduction to Vedic astrology (warning: this may confuse you with how to read your horoscope).

History of Vedic Astrology. The Sanskrit word for Vedic astrology, or Hindu astrology, is jyotiṣa, which loosely translates to “heavenly light/body”, and the system seems to have first appeared in the Rigveda, a classical text. ancient of India (although some l ‘claim). has existed since 10,000 BC. AD).

“Vedic Astrology has within it the spiritual and mythological traditions of ancient Indian culture,” says Moondance Vedic Astrology founder and author of Vedic Astrology for Beginners, Pamela McDonough. “Even today, in much of India, jyotish is an accepted science and, for many, part of their way of life.”

In its early days, Vedic astrology was used to determine important days for sacrifices and rituals. Over time, it became more personalized; people began to study the planet’s movements in an effort to understand their own destiny. It is related to other ancient Indian practices, including yoga and Ayurveda, and similar to western astrology, it “gives us a guide or road map to better understand the physical, emotional, spiritual experience. and even money,” says McDonough.

Differences between Vedic and Western Astrology.

1. Vedic astrology uses a different calendar. 

As McDonough explains, Western astrology bases its charts on the “summer calendar” (used by many countries around the world) and the four seasons, while Vedic astrology charts are calculated with the help of this calls the sidereal system, which examines changes. and visible constellations. . (Western astrology does not change in the same way and works with specific planetary conditions.)

2. Vedic astrology talks more about your karma and dharma.

Another interesting difference is that modern Western astrology has become more spiritual, while Vedic astrology is based on individual karma, according to McDonough. Vedic astrology also seeks to provide insight into our personal dharma, or way of life, and reveals our natural gifts and challenges. “It can help us understand our relationships with family, friends and life partners. Having this basic understanding really helps to reduce and reduce stress and our high emotional levels,” he says.

3. Vedic astrology has different methods for retrogrades, sun signs and rising signs.

The two systems also have different ideas about what a retrograde planet actually means and what certain aspects of the planet represent. “All the planets in the Western sky share the same type of aspect, such as a square, trine, sextile, or opposition,” McDonough says. \”Vedic astrology makes use of aspects: each planet has its aspect or arrangement of aspects, and the different powers attached to that particular aspect.”

Vedic astrology also considers your rising sign more important than your sun sign. Vedic and Western astrology are two systems of astrology with some similarities and some differences. Both Vedic and Western astrology focus on time and space and have the same twelve zodiac signs. Where they differ, says Trivedi, is in their understanding of star positions. As a result, the day of each zodiac sign also changes, almost as a complete sign. For example, if you are a bold Aries child (like me!) in Western astrology, you may be a water Pisces in Vedic astrology, depending on your date of birth.

Here’s why: “Vedic astrology is based on the sidereal zodiac system and is calculated and observed in the sky in relation [to] the constellations,” Trivedi explains. On the other hand, “Western astrology is tied to the tropical fixed zodiac system that is mainly based on the movement of the Sun. It is based on the four seasons that represent the movement of the Sun, the equinoxes, and the solstices, and that .like the tilt of the Earth on its axis.

In other words, the main difference between the two is that Western astrology focuses on the immediate astronomical system, while Vedic astrology also takes into account other aspects of the constellations. Another way to look at it: Western Astrology is more associated with the Sun while Vedic Astrology is associated with the Moon.

Another difference between the two systems is that Western Astrology focuses on psychology, while Vedic Astrology focuses on karma, dharma, and the unique way of life of each person. According to Trivedi, both astrological systems have their merits and values ​​and are powerful – one is not better or better than the other. He added that many people now refer to both to strengthen their findings.