Vedic astrology presupposes a baseline spirituality that is mainly lacking from mainstream Western astrology techniques, as evidenced by its roots in ancient religious writings. Vedic astrology isn’t a personality test or an in-home psychoanalysis; rather, it provides instructions for living life with spirit and intention. In Vedic Astrology, the Four Pillars or Purposes revealed by a birth chart are:
1. Dharma: The way you fulfill your spirit via your daily activities; the reason for your existence.
2. Artha: How do you make money and meet your basic needs?
3. Kama: How do you pursue your dreams?
4. Moksha: How do you get enlightenment or spiritual liberation?
The zodiac system is the other main distinction (and the one that gets the most attention) between Vedic and Western astrology. The tropical zodiac, which is based on the seasons and the Earth’s relationship to the sun, is used in Western astrology. The first day of Aries Season in the tropical zodiac is always the Spring Equinox. The sidereal zodiac, which places the planets’ positions against a backdrop of stars, is used in Vedic astrology (Sidereal means stars).
The stars and constellations do not remain in a fixed place due to the Earth’s tilt and erratic orbit. Every 72 years, each fixed star travels one zodiac degree. The sidereal zodiac accounts for this movement through a correction method known as ayanamsas, whereas the tropical system does not. As a result, your Vedic astrology sun sign may differ from the one you know from Western astrology.
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Is there a difference between Vedic and sidereal astrology?
In current times, Vedic astrology is known as sidereal astrology. The main astronomical difference between tropical and sidereal astrology is that they employ distinct timing systems, with Vedic astrology using a sidereal timing method.
Astronomers use the sidereal timekeeping system to keep track of Celestial Objects and their exact positions in the sky.
The term “sidereal” comes from the Latin word “ford sidus,” which meaning “star” or “nakshatra.”
The duration of a sidereal year is the time it takes for the Sun to complete a full round and return to the same location with respect to the star or nakshatra from whence it began.
The length of a sidereal day is 23 hours 56 minutes and 4 seconds to be precise. As a result of the equinox’s precession, the sidereal year is approximately 20 minutes longer than the tropical year.
This disparity is caused by the precession of the Vernal equinox, which implies that the Earth’s rotating axis is progressively changing and takes 25,800 years to complete a full rotation.
Tropical astrology aligns the Northern Hemisphere’s vernal equinox with 0 degrees of Aries, or the Sun’s position at the March equinox. The equinox precession is not taken into account in this system, hence the rest of the zodiac circle is defined from this point.
The sidereal system, on the other hand, defines all zodiac signs as a point relative to the motion of stars caused by the equinox’s precession.
As a result, the two systems drift 1 degree apart every 72 years, because one system accommodates equinox precession while the other does not.
As a result of this disparity, planets’ positions in tropical birth charts have moved away from their real positions in the sky with respect to the stars or nakshatras in modern times.
The difference between sidereal and tropical astrology was extremely slight when tropical astrology was adopted during the Hellenistic period (32332 BC).
As a result, when tropical astrology was first used, the tropical and sidereal zodiacs were practically perfectly aligned.
This also suggests that, at the time, tropical birth chart calculations were nearly in tune with actual star placements.
0 degrees of Aries of the Vernal Equinox (aka First Point Of Aries) corresponds to the real Aries constellation at the moment. In tropical western astrology, however, it no longer correlates due to the equinox’s precession.
The Earth’s axis has wandered to around 6 degrees of Pisces from the Hellenistic period to the present day and age, since the equinox shifts approximately 1 degree every 72 years. By the year 2600, it will have moved to Aquarius.
As a result, the difference today is about 23 degrees, which is about the length of a full sign of 30 degrees.
Many planets on the tropical birth chart are misaligned from their real positions in the sky during the birth, according to all of this information. As a result, the sidereal and tropical birth charts diverge.
The mismatch is repaired in the sidereal birth chart using an unique corrective degree called Ayanamsha.
Ayanamsha Correction
Now, when the birth chart is calculated using a modern calendar that accommodates the tropical year (which is approximately 20 minutes shorter than a sidereal year), there is a conflict with the actual positioning of the Sun and other planets in relation to star positions.
As a result, the planetary positions in a tropical birth chart are out of sync with the real positions of the planets.
The correction degree in Vedic sidereal astrology, on the other hand, automatically synchronizes the current calendar year with an actual cosmic calendar (sidereal solar year).
In Vedic astrology, this is known as Ayanamsha. To be more explicit, during the creation of the birth chart, the most accurate True Lahiri/Chitrapaksha Ayanamsha, which is presently exactly 22.46047 degrees, is inserted, which synchronizes the equinox drift.
As a result, we can calculate the exact position of the planets in relation to actual star positions.
While the equinox continues to shift 1 degree westward every 72 years, the Ayanamsha will ensure that proper sidereal calculations are made.
Ayanamsha can be simply defined as the difference in degree between tropical and sidereal planetary locations, whereas the sidereal is true and represents actual planetary degrees.
For example, if you were born on September 10th, 1994, your true Sun sign is Leo (sidereal), not Virgo (tropical).
This is why the Sun sign in the Vedic sidereal astrology birth chart differs from the Sun sign in the tropical or western astrology birth chart.
Most people born under distinct Sun signs, both tropical and sidereal, may probably relate to the sidereal Sun sign better in terms of character and inner soul.
Vedic Weekday
This also means that a person’s sidereal birthday differs from the date on which he or she is born on the calendar. The actual birthday is known as a Vedic Weekday, and it is significant because each day is ruled by a different planet.
When a person is born on the Vedic weekday of Wednesday, for example, it implies that his or her soul was sent to earth by Mercury or Hermes, which reveals a lot about the native’s soul mission.
Because the zodiac signs differ in both astrological traditions, the attributes of zodiac signs change slightly as well. The qualities of tropical zodiac signs must be altered and changed in accordance with the precession of the equinox, whereas the characteristics of sidereal zodiac signs have remained constant from the dawn of time.
This is why, when reading birth charts in sidereal, it is feasible to rely on ancient texts.
This is also why tropical and Vedic astrology readings are performed differently. Both lead to accurate and precise results, but from quite different perspectives. The planetary lordships and aspects, for example, are radically different in both systems.
It’s also possible to check this with just your eyesight. If you look at the night sky and observe a planet in a precise position with regard to the stars, you’ll notice that your sidereal birth chart has the exact same position as the actual sky, yet your tropical western chart has a different location.
If you don’t know how to identify planets with your naked eye, you can use an astronomical program like Stellarium to examine actual planetary positions and compare them to the Vedic sidereal astrology birth chart for the same date and time you’re looking at the sky.
Astrology, Philosophy & Religion
To begin with, astrology is not and has never been a form of witchcraft because it derives its results from genuine science and physical objects rather than ghosts or magic.
Witchcraft or magic is severely prohibited in religion because it entails going against God’s will by changing the fate of events and individuals. Anything that contradicts the all-powerful God is sinful, and astrologers definitely agree on this.
Instead of finding surrealistic techniques to artificially boost fortune, astrology focuses on actual facts and provides wisdom to deal with reality. Astrology seeks to tell us that everything in this universe works according to God’s will. We can recognize who we are and why we are here by looking at our charts, which will help us align our spirits with God’s will.
Jyotish, or ancient astrology, is based totally on Dharma, or righteousness, which implies it was formed by supreme beings with the help of God and archangels. It was intended to help humanity become enlightened via wisdom and discover the way to Almighty God.
Jyotish, or the science of astronomy, is an important aspect of Vedanga, which is a compilation of Hinduism’s most fundamental teachings. In truth, Hinduism is the world’s oldest religion, dating back to roughly 7000 BCE, and focusing solely on righteousness, much like the religious teachings of all other religions throughout history.
With that in mind, Jyotish, or the study of light or creation, teaches that there is only one source of all beginnings, the almighty God.
As a result, practicing and studying astrology is not considered wicked because it does not include the use of sorcery or witchcraft to change people’s conduct. Astrologers, on the other hand, focus on God’s natural will and employ celestial bodies as a translation of that will.
In other words, astrologers see all natural events, such as planet motions, as a sign from God, indicating the correct and moral path. Furthermore, astrology places a strong emphasis on righteousness and the accomplishment of karma, which is allocated to us by the Almighty God.
Furthermore, Vedic astrology focuses on attaining salvation, or the purest form of the soul, which allows one to enter heaven and return to the one and only creator, almighty God. This demonstrates that Vedic astrology focuses solely on soul purity and justice.
Wisdom is of the greatest worth or benefit. Wisdom has brought tremendous joy and happiness to those who have been endowed with it. This is because wisdom aids us in distinguishing between moral and immoral behavior. As a result, wisdom promotes justice, ethics, and morals.
Meteorologists, for example, predict or precalculate climate and weather conditions in order to assist humanity in preparing and acting appropriately.
Predicting climate calamities such as storms and hurricanes, for example, is critical for community well-being and hence a holy act.
In reality, in medieval times, astronomy and astrology were employed to forecast weather, which was crucial for seafarers.
Birds rely on the stars to navigate in the natural world. When humans rely on stars, which are God’s pure creation, it becomes simpler to find a route to ultimate fulfillment or to reconnect with God by escaping material illusion.
Astrology operates in the same manner that astrologists evaluate the cosmic climate in order to lead people down the right road that is in line with the will of the one and only almighty God.
Vedic sidereal astrology, according to the above, is acceptable for everyone, regardless of cultural background, nationality, or religion.
What is the difference between tropical and sidereal astrology in Vedic astrology?
Two separate zodiacs are used in two of the most popular branches of astrology. The Tropical zodiac is used in Western astrology, but the Sidereal zodiac is used in Vedic astrology.
Is it true that sidereal astrology is more accurate?
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.
What is the distinction between Vedic and Western astrology?
Vedic astrology is based on the sidereal zodiac system, which calculates planet placements based on where they can be seen in the sky in relation to constellations. The tropical (fixed) zodiac, on the other hand, is used in Western astrology. This system is based on four seasons, which symbolize the movement of the Sun, equinoxes, solstices, and the tilt of the Earth on its axis.
Is Vedic knowledge more reliable?
Are the Rolling Stones superior to the Beatles? Is indica better than sativa? Do you want to tell the truth or take a chance? These are the kinds of questions that need to be considered, as well as the kinds of decisions that need to be made. Vedic astrology is far more intricate than Western astrology, making it both more accurate and more difficult to grasp for beginners. Furthermore, others argue that because the cosmos, as well as our beating hearts within it, is continuously in flux, Vedic astrology, which accounts for this flux, delivers more acute insights and practical knowledge. I believe that the more you know, the better off you are, and as an indecisive Gemini rising, I strongly advise getting a personal reading from a specialist or experts who are knowledgeable in both schools of astrological thought. Shine brightly.
Vedic astrology employs a house system.
The 12 houses, like the 12 zodiac signs, form the foundation for one’s existence in astrology. Because each house in the birth chart is divided into 12 equal pieces, they make a 360-degree angle when combined.
They are not, however, the same as the zodiac wheel. Each of these houses is connected by a distinct sign. Each one symbolizes a different aspect of your life.
st House-
The first house is also referred to as the ‘Lagna’ or ‘Ascendant.’ It’s known as the self-portrait house since it depicts you and your appearance. Physical personality refers to your physical appearance, temperament, nature, bodily structure, childhood, health, ego, and sense of self.
It has an impact on your life choices, as well as your perception of your own strengths and flaws. Along with your preferences, dislikes, and the image you want others to have of you based on your beliefs, attitudes, and viewpoints.
The head and face are the key features of the first dwelling. It encompasses the skin, the forehead, the hair, the brain, and so on. If your 1st house is weak, you may experience headaches, acne, scars, and other issues, according to Vedic astrology. This house is associated with the sign of Aries.
Is sidereal astrology superior to tropical astrology?
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.
