The phrases sidereal and tropical are used to denote two alternative definitions of a year, which are employed in sidereal and tropical solar calendars, respectively. They refer to two alternative ecliptic coordinate systems used to split the ecliptic into twelve “signs” in astrology. A total of 360 degrees is created by dividing each sign into 30 degrees.
While sidereal astrology defines the signs in relation to the apparent backwards movement of fixed stars of about 1 degree every 72 years from the perspective of the Earth, tropical astrology defines 0 degrees of Aries to coincide with the vernal point or vernal equinox (also known as the March equinox in the Northern hemisphere) and the rest of the zodiac from this point.
To account for the observed precession of equinoxes, sidereal astrology uses correction techniques called as ayanamsas (Sanskrit: ‘ayana’ “movement” + ‘aa’ “component”) to keep signs and constellations aligned, whereas tropical astrology uses the Northern Hemisphere’s seasonal cycle. The two systems, which were formerly synchronized some 2,000 years ago, have drifted apart throughout the ages as a result of this.
The Lahiri ayanamsa and the Raman ayanamsa are two ayanamsa systems used in Hindu astrology (also known as Vedic astrology). In Western sidereal astrology, the Fagan-Bradley ayanamsa is an example of an ayanamsa system. Sun signs measured using the Sri Yukteswar ayanamsa were 23 degrees behind tropical sun signs as of 2020. People born between March 12 and April 12 would have the Pisces sun sign, according to these calculations. According to tropical calculations, anyone born between March 21 and April 19 have the sun sign of Aries.
The genesis of the zodiac, according to Cyril Fagan, a Western sidereal astrologer, was based on a notable conjunction that happened in 786 BC, when the vernal equinox was somewhere in mid-Aries, equating to a difference of 39 degrees or days.
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What does it mean to be born under the sign of the tropical zodiac?
You probably don’t know the difference between the Sidereal and Tropical zodiacs if you’re new to astrology. This is a post for you!
If you’re like me and reside in the Western world, you’re probably an Aries (like me) or one of the other 11 signs if you know anything about astrology. But what precisely does that imply? For the most part, “sign” refers to one’s zodiac sign. This is the constellation in which the sun was when they were born.
However, you may frequently hear people claim that astrology is incorrect because “I’m told I’m an Aries, but the sun was in the sign of Pisces on the day I was born, so let’s just dismiss astrology completely.” “Bill Nye the Science Guy” This is exactly what The Science Guy says in a short video (but with his sun sign). So, what does he mean when he says that?
This is related to a phenomenon known as the Tropical Zodiac. Most Western astrologers use the Tropical Zodiac, which is based on where the sun was stationed on each calendar day 2000+ years ago. This was the time when astrology made its way from India to the “West” via Zoroastrian Persia. This sparked a major philosophical debate about predestination vs. free choice, as well as the birth of the Tropical Zodiac. That is to say, thousands of years ago, the Tropical Zodiac got locked in the sky as the sky.
But here’s the thing: the sky isn’t set in stone! As you may be aware, the earth has a “wobble,” sometimes known as the precession of the equinoxes. The sky shifts over thousands of years, and the constellation in which the sun originally shone is no longer visible on any given day! For example, I am an Aries in the Tropical Zodiac, and the sun was in the constellation Aries on the day I was born thousands of years ago. However, due to the earth’s wobble, the sun is now in the constellation of Pisces on the day I was born, indicating that I am a Pisces by the Sidereal Zodiac. Because of the precession of the equinoxes, the Sidereal Zodiac literally tracks the wobbling of the Earth!
Surprisingly, the genius rishis (enlightened sages of Vedic India) devised a mathematical method that compensated for the equinox precession! This is even more incredible when one considers that the only way this is conceivable is for someone to be able to monitor the wobble of the Earth via satellites or for 3000+ years of extremely exact astronomical observations and mathematical modeling. This implies that Jyotish, or Vedic Sidereal Astrology, is far older than the 2500-year-old date on which it was first documented in ancient India (see footnote below).
Because of this great understanding of the precession of the equinoxes, the Vedic Sidereal Zodiac is able to trace the motion of the heavens, and I am accurately classified as a Pisces Sun in the Vedic system. But that doesn’t rule out the possibility that I’m an Aries! Both systems, you see, have been designed to maintain their own integrity within their own systems. In fact, I frequently refer to myself as an Aries, and I act like an Aries in a lot of ways. This could be because my Moon is in Aries in both the Western and Vedic calendars. You claim it’s your moon, but what exactly is it? Yes! Not only do we have Sun signs, but we also have Moon signs, Mercury signs, Rising (Ascendant) signs, and more!
Astrology is more than just the horoscopes you read in the newspaper and laugh at. Astrology is a broad and complex field that combines art and science. In the West, astrology has been widely dismissed due to a belief in free will, as well as an Enlightenment-era response to the Church and a rejection of spirituality and religion in favor of materialism and science. The repercussions of this reaction can still be seen in modern Western society. Science and spirituality are generally considered as complementary in India; they are not seen as mutually exclusive. One of the things that draws me to astrology is the combination of art and science. I love measurable, repeatable phenomena while yet acknowledging that the cosmos is propelled by an unseen force.
Scholars disagree on the age of Jyotish, but I believe the most accurate estimate is 500 BCE, which is when it was first formally documented. It is estimated to be at least 5000 years old in India, based on data from the precession of the equinoxes. That’s a cautious estimate; a more plausible date is around 3500 BCE, and it could be much older.
Is it more correct to use the Tropical or Sidereal calendar?
Different ecliptic coordinates differentiate Vedic or Sidereal astrology from Tropical or Western astrology. The Spring Equinox is defined in tropical astrology as the moment when the Sun enters the first degree of the sign Aries. The Sun enters Cancer at the Summer Solstice; the Sun enters Libra at the Autumn Equinox; and the Sun enters Capricorn at the Winter Solstice.
When we claim the Sun is in Leo, critics of astrology will argue that it is actually in Virgo. From the perspective of the earth, Western astrology does not consider the background of fixed stars to be a point of reference. Western astrology employs the same astronomical reference point as astronomy, dividing the ecliptic into parts beginning at the Vernal Equinox. As a result, measurements are transformed into coordinates that may be applied to any location in space. Astrology is designed to provide a mandala or photograph of the sky at birth from an immutable reference point, similar to the perspective of the soul.
Although these segments have the same names as the fixed star constellations, they are no longer in line with the constellations of the same name from an earth centered or Sidereal perspective due to the earth’s precession. The planets move through the constellations overhead like the planets move in Vedic or Sidereal astrology. Sidereal astrology cannot claim to be a more accurate or natural method than Tropical astrology because the constellations are not actually spaced in 30 degree segments. They’re merely two distinct ways of looking at astrology.
The seasonal equinoxes are flipped in the Southern latitudes, according to critics of Tropical astrology. Australia produces astrologers and even the most widely used astrology software. They utilize the Tropical orientation in their readings since it is more accurate.
Perhaps the Equinox and Solstice should not be given Northern seasonal names. The Equinox is the time when the Sun crosses the celestial equator for the second time in a year, thus it doesn’t matter if it’s the first day of Spring or the first day of Autumn. The Solstice is the time when the Sun rotates around its axis for the second time. These are the four Cardinal points or signals that simply dictate the placement of the other signs in the chart. We might remember that we’re working with metaphorical archetypes rather than actual star clusters if we used names like the Aries Equinox or the Capricorn Solstice.
Planetary positions move due to the earth’s precession, whereas Western astrologers adopt the Tropical approach as a fixed point in space. This webpage makes use of astronomical computations, the JPL ephemeris, and Vernal Equinox chart delineation.
Beyond reference points, there are other distinctions between Western and Vedic astrology. Each highlights a distinct approach to the chart, and knowing both can help you gain a better grasp of it.
Is tropical astrology reliable?
We know that Vedic astrology adjusts the signs for precession, whereas Western astrology preserves every sign at the same time of year regardless of the season. This isn’t to say that Western astrology isn’t accurate or that Vedic astrology isn’t. Because, as we all know, astrology is all about the positions of the planets in the sky, not the signs. The tropical and sidereal zodiacs are both inaccurate in terms of astronomy. The constellations do not form a full 360o circle in the sky, and most (but not all) of the constellations closest to the ecliptic are explained by astrology (despite the reports, there is no 13th sign called Ophiuchus).
The tropical zodiac is more indicative of our material culture and society because it is linked to the seasons and the sun’s rising to summer and descend to winter throughout the year. The sun represents our ego, which tends to take precedence over everything else. The sidereal zodiac is more reflective of our soul’s journey and spiritual path because it corresponds to the stars and the wider backdrop of the cosmos. Neither is more correct than the other, and they both have valid points to make.
What is the distinction between the tropical and sidereal zodiacs?
The tropical zodiac is based entirely on the sun, with the signs aligned with the ecliptic. The sidereal zodiac is determined by the sun’s position in reference to the constellations as seen in the night sky (measured in the early morning when the sun rises).
Which of the zodiac signs is the most accurate?
You might be hesitant to consult your rising sign daily horoscope if you’re a creature of habit who has long relied on your sun sign. According to astrologer and horoscope writer Mackenzie Greer, your rising sign is much more attuned to your real life and all of its complexity, which is why learning how to interpret your rising sign is worthwhile.
“Reading for your rising sign provides your horoscopes a level of precision that sun signs can’t match.” Astrologer Mackenzie Greer
“People frequently object to this advice, believing that their sun sign is the only truth,” Greer explains. “The problem with that approach is that accurate sun sign horoscopes are, technically speaking, big-picture focused; they aren’t fine-tuned to the nitty-gritty details of the here and now.” “Because your rising sign decides where all the houses or sectors of life are built up in your birth chart, reading for your rising sign offers your horoscopes a dead-on accuracy that you just can’t obtain from sun signs,” says the author.
Who is a follower of sidereal astrology?
You are a blend of both signs if you were born within three days of another sign.
The sidereal system has always been used by ancient societies such as the Egyptians, Persians, Vedics, and Mayans. They thought it was more accurate since it is based on a real connection between the moment of birth and the natural world, rather than a theoretical location based on the earth’s seasons.
The Thirteenth Zodiac Sign
In the tropical system, there are twelve signs. With the addition of Ophiuchus, the sidereal system has the same signs.
The serpent-bearer constellation is known as Ophiuchus. It’s depicted as a man clutching a snake.
If your birthday is between December 7 and December 18, you were born under the sign of Ophiuchus. This indicates that you are vivacious, magnetic, inquisitive, impetuous, and astute. You have a yearning for information and understanding. You’ve got a great sense of humour.
You, on the other hand, are envious, secretive, obstinate, and have a terrible temper. When you mistrust someone, you cut them off from your life for good. You’re an introvert who avoids circumstances in which you don’t have control.
The Traits Of Each Sidereal Sign
The tropical system also contains the remaining twelve zodiac signs. The personality features linked with each sign are similar, despite the fact that their dates differ.
In case yours differs from what the tropical system predicted, here’s a breakdown of each sign:
You are active, tenacious, and heroic if you are an Aries. You’re also irritable, abrasive, and argumentative.
Tauruses are amorous, grounded, and supportive zodiac signs. You’re also conceited, possessive, and obstinate.
You are adventurous, versatile, and vibrant if you are a Gemini. You’re also a liar, distracted, and superficial person.
You are kind, helpful, and creative if you are a Cancer. You’re also a shut-in, hypersensitive, and defensive person.
You are generous, amusing, and warm if you are a Leo. You’re also conceited, envious, and blunt.
You are practical, methodical, and resourceful if you are a Virgo. You’re also cynical, guarded, and stressed out.
You are friendly, fair, and appealing if you are a Libra. You’re also indecisive, manipulative, and without a strong opinion.
You are passionate, courageous, and magnetic if you are a Scorpio. You’re secretive, compulsive, and inquisitive.
You are optimistic, eager, and daring if you are a Sagittarius. You’re also rash, careless, and self-assured.
You are responsible, ambitious, and diligent if you are a Capricorn. You’re also frigid, gloomy, and unforgiving.
Aquarius people are self-sufficient, open-minded, and imaginative. You’re aloof, irrational, and idealistic as well.
You are reassuring, compassionate, and insightful if you are a Pisces. In addition, you are gullible, clinging, and self-pitying.
What Does A Sidereal Birth Chart Tell You?
Houses reflect the aspects of your life that matter the most to you. Your home, for example, could be linked to issues of inner calm and togetherness. It could also be linked to issues of openness, healing, and life’s depth.
The qualities of your life are represented by signs. That could entail being creative, playful, and open about who you are with others. It could also imply creating a legacy via hard work, patience, and endurance.
Planets describe your life’s fleeting experiences and characteristics. Mercury, for example, is associated with interactive learning. Mars is associated with taking charge of one’s own destiny. Saturn is associated with the formation of structures.
You should also glance at your sun, moon, ascendant, and chart ruler when looking at your birth chart.
The sun and moon are symbols for the most basic aspects of your personality. The sun indicates your expressive, externally focused side. The moon indicates your contemplative, deeply focused side.
Your ascendant, on the other hand, reflects the attributes you are acquiring as a result of your life experiences. It shows you how your life will unfold and how your personality will grow depending on your life events when used in conjunction with your chart ruler.
There are many websites where you may search up your own birth chart by entering your date of birth, time of birth, and location of birth.
Should You Rely On Sidereal Astrology Or Tropical Astrology?
The question of whether the sidereal or tropical system is more accurate is hotly debated.
Despite the fact that the tropical system is more prevalent in Western countries, Hindu astrology still uses the sidereal approach to make forecasts.
Both systems, on the other hand, have flaws. The tropical system is built on seasons, which are inverted in the northern and southern hemispheres, posing a dilemma.
Meanwhile, in sidereal astrology, the constellations do not completely align with the signs, hence sidereal astrologers disagree where the zodiac begins.
Whether tropical astrology or sidereal astrology is more accurate is a matter of debate. You have complete freedom to choose whichever system makes the most sense to you.
Is tropical astrology a form of Western astrology?
The zodiac Most western astrologers use the tropical zodiac, which begins with the sign of Aries at the Northern Hemisphere Vernal Equinox, which occurs every year on or around March 21. The Western Zodiac is based on the Earth’s position in reference to fixed, designated points in the sky, as well as the Earth’s seasons.
What is the distinction between sidereal astrology and Western astrology?
The location of the zodiac is the main variation, thus based on the system you use, you’ll get various predictions. The Tropical signs are based on the location of the Sun, whereas the Sidereal signs are based on fixed stars.
How do the houses of the zodiac work?
When it comes to astrology, it turns out that knowing your zodiac (or sun) sign is only the beginning. When it comes to deciphering your personal chart, planets, transits, elements, sun *and* moon signs, and houses all come into play, and it’s all very complex. Each house is controlled by a corresponding sign, and the entire zodiac wheel is made up of 12 signs, 12 houses, and 10 planets. Your birth chart is determined by the signs and houses in which the planets were at the time, place, and date of your birth. The zodiac signs and houses are both based on the Earth’s 24-hour revolution around its axis, but the zodiac is based on the sun’s yearly rotation around the Earth, while the houses are based on the Earth’s yearly rotation around its axis. The rising sign in the east becomes your first house at the moment of your birth.
In astrology, who is Lilith?
In astrology, what is the Black Moon Lilith? The black moon, also known as the Black Moon Lilith, is the point on the moon’s orbit where it is the furthest away from Earth. Lilith, unlike the planets and asteroids in your birth chart, isn’t a physical entity, according to the AstroTwins.