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, a person’s “sign” refers to their zodiac sign. This is the constellation in which the sun was when they were born.
People frequently claim that astrology is incorrect because “I’m told I’m an Aries, but the sun was in the sign of Pisces the day I was born, so let’s just chuck astrology out the window.” This is exactly what Bill Nye, “The Science Guy,” says in a brief 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! The earth has a “wobble,” which is also 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 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.
What is Taurus, the tropical sign?
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What’s the difference between the tropical and sidereal astrological signs?
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.
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 far more in sync with 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 says. “However, the problem with that approach is that accurate sun sign horoscopes are, technically speaking, big-picture orientedthey’re not 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.
Which method of astrology is more reliable?
Between these two astrological forms, there is a variation in the house system. Vedic astrologers utilize whole-sign houses, with the Ascendant’s sign occupying the first house. The four angular houses (1st, 4th, 7th, and 10th) are known as kendras and are the seat of authority in Vedic astrology. The trikonas, on the other hand, hold the areas of good fortune and opportunity (1st, 5th, 9th).
All of these distinctions demonstrate that both of these types of astrology have their unique significance. Western astrology employs a distinct methodology, more akin to an open system, in which conventional procedures for preparing the birth chart are given less weight. Traditional methods, on the other hand, are the foundation of calculation and analogy in Vedic astrology. Because we can’t view the outer planets with our naked eyes, they aren’t utilised here. The best part about Vedic astrology is that planets are directly linked to energizing qualities like yoga, ayurveda, and a slew of other key spiritual assets in India.
Western astrology can produce bizarre results because astrologers here believe on the Sun sign, which is fixed for one month, as opposed to Vedic astrology, which emphasizes the Moon, which is fixed for 2.25 days. Let us have a look at how Vedic astrology differs from Western astrology.
Moon houses aren’t very important in Western Astrology. The Sun is the most important planet here, and its position is accorded great importance. The moon houses, on the other hand, are important in Vedic Astrology. In Vedic astrology, there are 27 Constellations. They are the most important factor in making time-related predictions. It is possible to learn about the finest times in life in order to establish a successful business, purchase a home, or perform ceremonies such as weddings, partnerships, or housewarmings. The Nakshatras are also useful for assessing a person’s characteristics and gaining a thorough understanding of their mental state. While Vedic astrology can provide more precise results by focusing on the moon, western astrology is unable to do so.
Horoscope matching is a valuable feature of Indian Vedic Astrology that has been utilized to determine the compatibility of a potential bride and groom before marriage since ancient times. Horoscope matching, also known as Kundli matching, is a wonderful present for a newlywed couple. The more traits (gunas) that match, the more compatible the bride and groom are. Horoscope matching can easily reveal two people’s potential to operate well together. Such information is not available in Western astrology. Though we can perform compatibility analysis using this method, the results will not be as exact as in Vedic astrology.
Nothing compares to the precision and profundity of Vedic Astrology. Western astrology can’t compete with the Vedic system’s deep levels of wisdom and insight. We employ nakshatras in Vedic astrology to refine the meaning and expression of the chart. The time-systems analyze the signals and themes of your current existence (dashas). There are dozens of aspects (Vargas) that can assist you in extracting the intricacies of every area of your life, from marriage to death, and from happy to terrible times. Western astrology, on the other hand, relies heavily on the sun for predictions and progression, which has rendered their method ineffective for many years.
Finding a good muhurta is highly crucial in Vedic astrology while starting any new work. Muhurta is the art of choosing the most auspicious time to achieve success in any endeavor you choose. By regularly studying the cosmic position for the window period to start something new or make any crucial decision, Vedic astrologers compute the auspicious moment. In western astrology, on the other hand, there is no such precise method for determining the optimal time to start a new business.
The composition, alignment, pace, and movement of the current transits are used to foretell the future in western astrology. Western astrology is not very good at predicting events; instead, it focuses on predicting changes in a person’s attitude or how the planets will affect his character. The current planetary phase, or shift in the position of the planets in a person’s birth chart, is used in Vedic astrology to forecast the future. As a result, each planet dominates your home for a specific amount of time. Interestingly, depending on the nature of the ruling planet, that time period might be favorable or harmful. For example, the Sun reigns for six years and Saturn reigns for nineteen. As a result, Vedic astrology’s future predictions are more precise and precise.
Because it is based on more exact astronomical principles, Vedic astrology appears to be more upright than western astrology. The best part about Vedic astrology is that the astrologers consider not just the natal chart but also the dasas, or periods of different planets travelling through different signs, and their impact on people’s lives. In addition, Vedic Astrology places a greater emphasis on the Moon sign than the Sun sign. The reason for this is that the Moon changes signs every 2.25 days, whereas the Sun takes around a month, so predictions based on the Moon are more accurate because our moods and circumstances change frequently. Second, because the moon governs the mind and emotions, predictions and analyses based on the moon’s position are more accurate. Vedic Astrology, in contrast to western astrology, can provide more concrete and detail-oriented ways of prediction.
Planets, signs, and houses are used in both Vedic and Western astrology to produce the chart. Vedic astrology, on the other hand, takes into account “Because it depicts the sign that was rising on the eastern horizon at the precise moment you were born, you” to be the rising sign. This is more precise than using a calculator “In Western astrology, “sun sign” is employed to prepare your chart. The reason we say this is because the sun has been in the same sign for the past 30 days. Your rising sign, on the other hand, was thought to be the exact minute on the day you were born. When it comes to making an astrology chart, the sun is undeniably significant, but so are the other planets, particularly the moon.
Vedic astrology encompasses astrological gemology, color therapy, mantra therapy, and a slew of other techniques for counteracting the harmful effects of the planets in our life. Western Astrology does not provide such a solution, which is one of the main reasons why western systems cannot match Vedic Astrology’s immense power.
Western astrology focuses on assessing an individual’s psychological nature, although it is ineffective at predicting future events. Vedic astrology, on the other hand, produces more predictable outcomes when it comes to predicting when specific events would occur. Vedic astrology is founded on karma, therefore it accurately describes an individual’s karmic tendencies and when they can be developed to that individual’s benefit. In western astrology, there is no technique for using karma to reap future advantages.
Yearly Vedic astrology predictions are more accurate and reliable than Western astrology predictions. All of these forecasts based on signs are generic. In western astrology, the sun sign is used to predict the year, therefore all people born in the same month are assigned to the same sun sign. They would be inheriting a certain set of traits. However, when utilizing moon signs to make a yearly prediction, two people born in the same month but at different times may have distinct birth stars. This is why Vedic astrology forecasts are more accurate.
You may have questioned why, according to Western astrology, your Sun sign is Aries, but in the Vedic system, it is Cancer. You may also notice differences in your rising sign and the placement of other planets in new signs. This occurs because a horoscope is calculated differently in Vedic and Western astrology. Both employ distinct methodologies to make predictions about a person’s nature, conduct, life events, and major events. Because the Western system is based on the Sun, it is superior at assessing physical and psychological patterns. Because it is based on the lunar system, which has a stable constellation, the Vedic system is considerably better at explaining the soul nature and predicting future occurrences.
Another advantage of the Vedic method over the Western system is that it employs the Dasa Predictive System. Depending on the planet, a planetary Dasa can last anywhere from 6 to 20 years. Vedic astrology not only assesses the circumstance, but also calculates the outcome of karma and offers a remedy to mitigate the bad effects of planets ruling your home. Thus, the Vedic system is more accurate because it has remained intact for thousands of years, and its base is the knowledge employed in modern astronomy with reference to any astronomical phenomena that occur inside the system. Let us be proud of our Vedic system!
Is the sidereal zodiac correct?
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. However, this does not imply that Vedic astrology is “more accurate” or that Western astrology “isn’t real.” 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 mostbut not allof 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 do the planets in your horoscope mean?
If you check your horoscope every day, have CoStar and The Pattern downloaded on your phone, or dabble with tarot cards, you probably think you’ve got astrology down pat. But, according to personal astrologer Hedy (also known as Nymph of Neptune), your birth chart is where it all begins and ends. “Reading a birth chart may really expose areas of your life that you may not be aware of, both conscious and unconscious,” she explains. “It’s about finding psychological equilibrium and taking charge of your life so you can better regulate your tendencies,” says the author.
Do you want to learn more? We turned to Nymph of Neptune for all of the answers to this ostensibly complicated process.
What exactly is a birth chart?
In a nutshell, your birth chart depicts the position of the planets in the sky at the time of your birth. Nymph of Neptune explains, “It’s a snapshot or map of the position of the planets or stars at the time you were born.” “Each planet has a unique impact on a different part of our lives, as this demonstrates.”
In essence, this means that we all have personality traits from numerous zodiac signs in our horoscopes, and these traits correspond to different aspects of our lives. Venus, for example, regulates relationships, so if your Venus is in Scorpio, it implies you embody those characteristics in your relationships i.e. passionate, intense, loyal, and sexual.
