It was in the Rig Vedas that Vedic Astrology first appeared. It was born from the wisdom and understanding of ancient sages. This information is sound since it has been passed down from generation to generation without change. Vedic astrology uses the ‘sidereal zodiac,’ or the actual locations of the planets as determined by astronomers against a background of fixed stars.
Ptolemy’s Tetrabiblos, the foundation of Western Astrology, was developed in ancient Greece and Rome. The ‘Tropical Zodiac’ is a solar-based system considering the Earth’s axial tilt. The first degree of Aries and Libra is supposed to mark the vernal and autumnal equinoxes, while the first degree of Cancer and Capricorn mark the summer and winter solstices, respectively, in this astrological system. The tropical zodiac is based on the notion that equinoxes do not move through space and time.
Let’s break down the differences between the two:
MAIN FOCUS:
Vedic astrology makes use of a method known as ‘Sidereal astrology,’ also known as ‘Cosmic astrology’ since an astrologer determines our position in the universe by analyzing the positions of the planets and stars. Vedic Astrology examines all facets of our lives, from our hopes and dreams to our abilities and duties, our means and imagination, our prospects for love and family, and even our possibilities for enlightenment. It may also represent periods of illness, disappointment, or distress, imprisonment in a healthcare facility, correctional institution, religious community, etc.
The tropical zodiac used in Western astrology has strong ‘Sun’ associations. Many so-called “solar houses,” including Capricorn, Taurus, Aries, etc. In particular, it emphasizes and cares about how our solar (personality and character) side of things works out.
INVOLVEMENT OF PLANETS:
The nine planets used in Vedic astrology comprise the solar system’s outer planets, the two lunar nodes (north node, Rahu) and south node, aka the shadow planets (Ketu). The Moon orbits the Earth at an angle of 5 degrees concerning the ecliptic, and each month it passes through one of these nodes. They don’t make use of Neptune, Dwarf planets, or Uranus since they believe those planets are too little and far away from Earth to have a meaningful difference in human affairs. In addition, Jupiter rules Pisces, whereas Mars rules Scorpio, as stated by those people.
All ten planets are incorporated in Western astrology. from the Sun to Pluto Astrologers rely on all planets, including the farthest ones like Saturn, Pluto, and Uranus. Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto are the traditional rulers of the astrological signs Aquarius, Pisces, and Scorpio, respectively.
THE CHARTS
In Vedic astrology, a square chart is used. The kendras (1, 4, 7, and 10) are highlighted centrally in this diagram. The remaining homes are lined up in a counterclockwise fashion.
Many Western astrologers prefer to deal with a wheel-shaped chart. If you imagine a clock with the ascendant at noon, the first house in this chart would be at 9:00, and the rest of the houses would move counterclockwise.
THE HOUSES
In Western astrology, the first house is located at the Ascendant of the zodiac wheel, which consists of 12 houses in total. The homes are all the same size. Planets exert the most effect at the four cardinal points (Ascendant, Descendant, Imum Coeli, and Medium Coeli).
Every house in Vedic astrology is made up of an entire sign, and the Ascendant might be in any part of the First House. Bhava and Shri Pati homes are used by many astrologers as well. Kendras are the angular houses (1st, 4th, 7th, and 10th) where the planets exert their most direct influence.
THE ZODIAC
The term “Sidereal zodiac” refers to the astrological system used in Vedic astrology. It implies that the constellations and planetary positions are based on how they appear in the sky. The birthplace of the moon serves as the point of departure for these calculations. This marks the start of Aries, and from then, the other signs are based on increments of 30 degrees.
The ‘Tropical Zodiac’ is used in Western astrology. The beginning of each of the 12 zodiac signs is established by the Sun’s path around the Earth. The Sun’s yearly motion across the equator, as well as its apexes and nadirs determine the onset of each of the four seasons (the summer and winter solstices). The beginning of Aries is marked by the Sun’s northern crossing of the equatorial in the springtime, while the beginning of Libra is marked by the Sun’s southern crossing of the equatorial in the autumn.
Conclusion:
When compared to Western astrology, us, Vedic astrology is generally seen as more evolved due to its greater efficiency and precision. Many astrologers use the Dasha System, Divisional Charts & Nakshatras of Vedic Astrology since they are thought to reveal much more about a person’s character and karma.
