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.
In This Article...
Is astrology based on the tropics accurate?
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.
How does tropical astrology work?
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).
Is it more accurate to use sidereal or 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.
Which astrological system is the most accurate?
Although the houses are measured out in 30 degree increments starting from the degree of the ascendant, the ecliptic is divided into twelve divisions of 30 degrees in the equal house method. It begins with the ascendant, which acts as the ‘cusp’ or starting point of the 1st house, then the second house begins exactly 30 degrees later in zodiacal order, then the third house begins exactly 30 degrees later in zodiacal order from the 2nd house, and so on. Equal house proponents believe that in higher latitudes (particularly above 60 degrees), it is more accurate and less misleading than the Placidean and other quadrant house systems.
What astrology is the most accurate?
- Overall, Keen is the best online astrology site.
- Kasamba: Free Astrology Predictions from the Most Accurate Astrologers
- Best for Zodiac Sign Readings, according to AskNow
- Oranum is a well-known website for the best spiritual astrologers.
- Mysticsense offers the widest range of psychic reading services.
Features
- You can get a reading over the phone, via email, online chat, or through a mobile app.
- You have a choice of up to 101 astrological readers.
- For new customers, introductory packages include a 3-minute free reading, a 10-minute session for $1.99, and additional minutes when you purchase an initial package.
- Keen includes a section of articles and blogs dedicated to love advice, psychics, spirits, and astrology, so you can stay current on what’s going on in the subject.
Pros
- Each new astrologer’s first three minutes are free.
- One of the most affordable and well-established astrology websites.
- One of the most useful resources for birth charts.
- Android and iOS smartphones are supported.
- Astrologers are evaluated and ranked.
Why Keen?
This platform has always adhered to its policy of providing the highest level of client satisfaction. After reviewing all of the customer comments and reviews, we’ve come to the conclusion that Keen has helped many people improve their quality of life by providing them with accurate and wise readings that give them direction and purpose in life.
#2. Kasamba: Most Accurate Astrology Predictions For Free Of Cost
Kasamba is the premier astrology site for horoscopes and tarot card readings, providing excellent service to its customers. Since its beginning in 1999, it has amassed over three million satisfied subscribers who, in addition to a wide range of astrology services, receive daily, weekly, and monthly horoscopes, as well as the popular yearly love and career forecasts.
- It provides readings in both Chinese and Vedic astrology.
- The accuracy of the panel of 97 qualified astrology advisors is well-known. Their sole purpose is to provide genuine advise, accurate readings, and divine guidance to everyone who contacts them.
- With each new advisor you try, the first three minutes are free. If you don’t want to continue with the paid portion of the session, you can terminate it before the three minutes are over. You can use this offer as many times as you like until you find an advisor who is right for you.
- A wide selection of promotional deals are available :
- Horoscope newsletters keep you informed about your zodiac sign on a regular basis.
- Phone readings and live chats
- The best place to get a tarot reading
- Best horoscope readers
- If you are not satisfied with the session, you will receive a full refund.
- After your session, give your reader a rating.
- There is no option for a live video chat.
- Top readers can be somewhat costly.
Why Kasamba?
Kasamba’s astrological procedures are of great quality and trustworthiness, and its readers are well-trained and dependable. Their birth chart readings have helped their clients make good changes in their lives by providing practical solutions to challenges in their careers and relationships. This site is clearly one of the greatest in the industry, as seen by the countless favorable evaluations and comments. Kasamba is the place to go if you want to have a life-changing experience.
#3. AskNow: Best for Zodiac Sign Readings
AskNow, which has been around since 2004, is one of the greatest astrology websites. A series of horoscope readers appear on the site’s highly interactive front page. Simply click through the psychic profiles to find one that best meets your needs in terms of experience, speciality, rates, location, and ratings. You can contact them by phone or through an online chat.
- You can test its services by asking it a free question.
- It offers some of the industry’s greatest psychic and tarot reading services.
- Psychic counselors, mediums, horoscope readers, and spiritual guides are all highly trained professionals with years of expertise.
- They are well-known for their love counsel, which has helped numerous people find clarity in the middle of love’s complexity.
- All of your information is safe and secure.
- You also have the option of seeking help without disclosing your identity. Your identity is kept hidden, but you still receive your reading.
- If you are unhappy with the services, you can request a complete refund.
- The first five minutes are completely free.
- The readers are reasonable at $1 per minute once you’ve signed up.
- Horoscopes are available on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.
- Master and Elite advisors bill by the minute, with hefty fees.
- There aren’t many bilingual readers.
Why AskNow?
AskNow offers a lifetime’s worth of wisdom and guidance, and its customer satisfaction policy is a compelling reason to use it. Many customers enjoy the care with which its counselors listen to them and come up with viable answers, especially in their love lives. Signing up with AskNow for the Ask a Free Question feature is also a good reason.
#4. Oranum: Popular Site for Best Spiritual Astrologers
If you’re looking for a wide range of options, Oranum is the place to go. It has been around for eight years as one of the greatest astrological sites. It allows you to choose the style of reading you want depending on a specific time zone and language, and it connects you with a variety of psychics and spiritual consultants. Before you sign up, you can have a live astrological session with them.
- The website is appealing and simple to use.
- In comparison to other sites, it offers a wide range of possibilities. You can choose from Chinese, Indian, Karmic, Vedic, and Western horoscope readings in addition to basic horoscope readings.
- When it comes to finding the best expert advisers, the filtering options are really useful if you have a specific style of reading in mind.
- Attend live readings without revealing your identity.
- The best spiritual astrologers can be found here.
- There is a mobile app available.
- When you sign up, you’ll get $9.99 worth of free credits.
- There are readings available in a number of languages.
- Accessible blog that is both exciting and educational.
- The mobile app isn’t particularly user-friendly.
- Phone readings are not available.
- Packages are costly.
- There is no money-back guarantee.
Why Oranum?
Oranum’s appealing design entices you to use its services. You may effortlessly navigate through its filtering features to find the greatest value from the multitude of possibilities available. You can watch live psychic and online astrological readings as a visitor without being asked to pay right away as a possible client.
#5. Mysticsense: Most Variety of Psychic Reading Services
Mysticsense is one of the top websites for assisting individuals with love troubles and other life challenges. Its advisors are always willing to listen to your concerns and give you sound advice. They can be reached at any time of day, including holidays, by phone, chat, or video. Its intelligent filtering engine allows you to personalize your search and narrow down your favorite advisors. Each advisor has gone through a series of tests and evaluations. So you’re confident that you’re selecting the best of the best.
- At Mysticsense, we have a team of astrological experts who can read your birth chart and energy. You can also choose between wise, straightforward, empathetic, expressive, or thoughtful tones for your reading.
- The site is known for providing angel card readings and one of the top online tarot readings to help you brighten your spirits.
- Mysticsense knows your difficulties, whether they are related to your work, education, finances, or relationships, and will assist you in making the best decisions or choices possible.
- You can phone in at any time or set up a call schedule.
Video conversations allow you to connect with your adviser in a more intimate way, which is very useful for tarot card reading sessions.
- There is a wide range of advisors to pick from.
- New members get a five-minute free trial.
- Sessions that can be customized
- Policy of 100% return within 48 hours
- Monthly horoscopes suited to your specific requirements
- New spiritual writings and blogs on a variety of topics are available.
- The advisors are inexperienced.
Why Mysticsense?
Its advisers are qualified and talented. Aside from unique deals for first-time consumers, the company’s commitment to maintaining confidentiality works in its favor. The majority of evaluations are positive, indicating that the site is dedicated to honesty and integrity.
Is tropical astrology a form of Western astrology?
The Zodiac Signs The tropical zodiac is used by most western astrologers, which begins with the sign of Aries at the Northern Hemisphere Vernal Equinox, which occurs on or around March 21 each year. 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 exactly is the distinction between a tropical and a sidereal chart?
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.
What is the accuracy of Vedic astrology?
Nakshatras, Dasa, Apaharas, Divisional charts, and other elements of Vedic astrology can be found. These offer in-depth analysis and insight into a person’s life. As a result, it is the most accurate astrological principle.

