The difference between Vedic astrology and Western astrology
The differences between Vedic astrology and Western astrology explained.
Vedic astrology and Western astrology are two distinct systems of astrology that originated in different parts of the world and have evolved separately over time.
While both systems are used for understanding personality traits, predicting events, and offering guidance, they differ in several fundamental ways:
1.Historical Origins of Vedic Astrology VS Western Astrology
Vedic Astrology: Vedic astrology, also known as Jyotish, is an ancient system of astrology that originated in India more than 5,000 years ago. It is based on the Vedas, which are ancient sacred texts of India.
Western Astrology: Western astrology, on the other hand, has its origins in ancient Babylonia and Egypt, and it later evolved in the Hellenistic period in Greece and Rome.
2. Zodiac System
Vedic Astrology: In Vedic astrology, the zodiac is sidereal, which means it is based on the fixed positions of stars and constellations as observed from Earth. This system uses a 12-sign zodiac, but the signs are aligned with the actual positions of the constellations.
Western Astrology: Western astrology uses a tropical zodiac system, which is based on the position of the Sun relative to the Earth's seasons. The tropical zodiac does not directly align with the constellations and instead starts at the vernal equinox (the beginning of spring).
Why Vedic and Western doesn’t astrology match up…
Vedic astrology takes into account the precession of the Earth's axis, which causes a slow shift in the position of the equinoxes and the solstices over time. This precession, also known as the precession of the equinoxes, causes a gradual shift of the tropical zodiac in relation to the fixed stars in the sky.
As a result, the sidereal zodiac and the tropical zodiac no longer match up perfectly, and there is an approximately 23.5-degree difference between the two systems. This means that the Sun, Moon, and planets appear to be positioned in different zodiac signs when using the sidereal system compared to the tropical system.
3. Calculation Methods:
Vedic Astrology: Vedic astrologers use complex mathematical calculations to determine planetary positions and their influences. The system also considers the concept of "dashas" or planetary periods, which play a significant role in predictions.
Western Astrology: Western astrologers also use mathematical calculations to determine planetary positions, but the emphasis is more on the aspects (angular relationships) between planets and their influence on the individual's chart.
4. House System:
Vedic Astrology: Vedic astrology uses a different house system called the "Placidus house system," which divides the birth chart into twelve unequal houses based on the time and location of birth.
Western Astrology: Western astrology uses various house systems, with the most common being the "Placidus" and "Equal House" systems. The Equal House system divides the chart into twelve equal segments, while the Placidus system creates unequal house divisions based on the latitude of the birthplace.
5. Interpretation and Focus:
Vedic Astrology: Vedic astrology places a strong emphasis on karma and spiritual growth. It aims to provide insights into a person's soul journey and how past actions may influence the present and future.
Western Astrology: Western astrology is more focused on individual psychology and character analysis. It tends to provide insights into a person's personality traits, relationships, and life events.
It's important to note that both systems have their followers and practitioners, and individuals may resonate with one system more than the other based on cultural, spiritual, or personal preferences.
My personal take on this is that the Western system is a more masculine, linear and analytical approach that misses a lot of the subtleties of the quantum reality.
In my opinion, the Vedic system is a more feminine approach and I feel that it is closer to the “truth” as it relates to the actual current position of the planets in the sky.
Although, I don’t adhere to any sets of rules, religious beliefs or dogma in my Hearstcaping membership, the Vedic system being more focused on a soulful approach to personal and spiritual growth, this is the system that I refer to in our New Moon and Full Moon sessions.
Find out more about the Heartscaping membership HERE
