Vedic and Western Astrology: Introduction

According to astrology, which is a complex system branching into various global regions, there is a relationship between the position of celestial bodies and life in the world. These branches can be divided into two global branches: Eastern (which involves Chinese and Vedic) and Western civilizations.

●      What is Vedic Astrology?

Jyotish is the term used by Indians to refer to astrology which in India is a form of Vedic astrology. Vedic Astrology – it is an extensive study of the cosmic phenomenon and its impact on lives, and also the study that helps to predict those customized events of life.

Vedic astrology Jyotish is said to have emerged out of ancient India’s revered Rishis. For thousands of years, the information was transmitted orally from a teacher to a disciple via mantras and holy scripture. The most essential written treatise on Jyotish is the Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra.

The principles are developed on the tenet of karma; during this lifetime, we are living the path that we set or value for ourselves during previous incarnations. The areas of life where we worked hard and performed good deeds, will be more favorable in this life. And those where there is karmic debt, will attract attention through challenges.

The planets and zodiac signs reveal information about the Soul’s life journey, relationships, achievements and mistakes. They show which Path has already been completed and which needs to be taken. Vedic astrology provides an opportunity to read this code, harmonize all areas of life and become happier. 

●      What is Western Astrology?

Western astrology contexts derive from the position of the Sun with regards to the equator, and use the tropical zodiac as a source. Unlike Vedic astrological systems, the Western system of astrology does not consider the precession movement which shifts the location of the stars.

Western astrology is heavily used in popular culture and is often used to create horoscopes based on sun signs. Western astrology came from ancient Mesopotamia, which was located on the territory of modern Iraq. It was expanded with new knowledge and observations along with the development of science. Vedic and Western astrology are two global systems, each offering unique information about one’s personality and path. They have a few major differences.

Difference Between Vedic and Western Astrology

Zodiac Sign

Both the Ascendant (Rising Sign) and Moon sign are the major signs regarded in Vedic astrology, which are given more prominence than the Sun’s placement. In Western astrological systems, the particular Zodiac constellation in which the Sun is located at a person’s time of birth, is of fundamental relevance. Unfortunately, someone’s Zodiac sign in Western will not be the same as a person Zodiac sign in Vedic astrology.

Planets In

The influences of Neptune, Uranus and Pluto are not considered in Vedic Astrology, for these planets are not seen as carriers of Divine energy. Also aspects, that is the relationships between the planets, are different. In Vedic astrology they depend on the astrological houses and signs of the Zodiac, and in Western astrology to specific degrees.

Astrological Houses

In both systems, the sky is sectioned into twelve wedges, usually known as the 12  zodiac signs of the horoscope. Each sector, or house, corresponds to an aspect of life and the rigid boundary helps in charting the birthday of a person in the future. An astrologer charts the birth date and examines the state of the signs and planets in the cells to make predictions.

●      Vedic Astrology vs. Western Astrology: Core Philosophies

Both systems are built on different philosophies that are their primary difference. With Vedic astrology, the approach is centered towards understanding karma where every event in a person’s life is treated as an outcome of past actions while western on the other hand focuses more on self development, behavioral and psychological traits as well as personality of an individual.

 

●      Vedic Astrology Chart vs. Western Chart – Understanding the Structure

The construction of astrological charts is another major distinction between these two systems.

In the case of Vedic astrology, it is referred to as a Sidereal Zodiac, which has its reference based on the position of the 12 constellations around the Earth. This does consider the annual precession which is a change in position of the earth’s axis.

Because of precession, the earth tends to shift in relation to the stars at a rate of 1 degree every 72 years. Therefore, calculations of the Vedic system correspond to the real position of stars in the observable sky.

The Tropical Zodiac is based on the Sun’s position, and this Zodiac divides the sky into twelve sections. This is said to signify the point where the Sun, theoretically, reaches 0 degrees Aries on the vernal equinox, from which the rest of the story of the twelve zodiac signs unfolds. Precession is not factored in when dealing with the tropical zodiac.

This makes Ayanamsa, which is the difference in calculations between these two systems, come into play. This is the reason the zodiac signs as well as positions of the planets can be different.

Western astrology does not use “doshas” and “pancha pakshas” as part of its calculations which is widely used in the Vedic method.

Which is More Accurate – Vedic or Western Astrology?

●      Comparing Predictive Accuracy of Vedic and Western Systems

Seems like Vedic astrology has an upper hand in predicting and primarily long term predictions. This is because it uses the actual positions of the stars in its calculations. It is a spiritual science that opens up a whole universe of knowledge, closely related to Indian philosophy.  Its tools help a person follow the path of self-knowledge, become happier and realize himself in all areas of life. These include the Birth chart, upayas to planets as ways to harmonize karma, the Vedic pantheon of gods, the practice of yoga, ayurveda, Vastu, mantras, mudras, meditations and much more.

Western astrology, although it has a strong psychological component, can be less accurate for long-term predictions. It focuses on solar cycles, which gives more flexibility in interpretation, but makes predictions more general.

●      How Cultural Perspectives Influence Each System’s Approach

Vedic astrology is largely connected with the concepts of reincarnation, karma and even spiritual evolution. Whereas western astrology developed within the Greco Roman world using a more practical approach centered around the individual and their growth.

●      Common Misconceptions About Vedic and Western Astrology

The prevalent misconception related to Vedic astrology is in regard to the lack of scientific research. While in reality, the predictive accuracy of the Vedic is extraordinarily high, especially with the karmic and spiritual angle taken into consideration. On the other hand, western is branded as more ‘superficial’, due to the generalizations present in horoscopes and lack of real deep understanding of the person.

How to Choose Between Vedic and Western Astrology

●      When to Use Vedic Astrology for Deeper Life Insights

If you engage in forms of spiritual work, Vedic astrology is a good fit because it can tell you about the karmic cycles in your life, or the major events that you will encounter in the future. It assists you in grasping the various lessons that your life seeks to teach you, as well as the goals that you wish to achieve in the future.

●      Using Western Astrology for Personality and Psychological Analysis

Western astrology has its strengths in the assessment of personality traits, interpersonal relationships, as well as the various psychological conditions of an individual. If self – improvement and life strategies are of concern to you, then western astrology will be of great help to you.

●      Finding the Right Astrology System for Your Needs

In the end, the reason as to why you choose either Vedic or Western astrology comes down to yourself and what matters to you most.

Conclusion

Both the Vedic and the Western forms of astrology are powerful methods of understanding an individual and what their possible life path looks like. They are distinct from one another and their use is based on different aspects of the individual. The choice relies on your individual needs and the ones that you have set for yourself.

For those who wish to know about Vedic astrology and lack the resources to consult an astrologer as well as make a birth chart, no need to worry as the Moonly app has you covered. It is an easy and effective way to gain quality astrological guidance and wisdom.

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