Five Ways Vedic and Western Astrology Differ
May 7th 2007 06:39
Category: Astrology
Astrology is the study of the effects of different planets on the psychology and life of an individual.
The techniques and methods used to determine the positioning of the planets and their consequent effect gives rise to different astrological systems primarily the western system and the Indian System (also called Vedic System).
While the Western Horoscope chart is circular, the Vedic Chart is square with 12 houses and the difference between the two systems does not end here. In this article I am presenting you the difference between the two systems in an easy to understand language. I am sure, like me, you also get bogged down when you read astrological readings containing words like ownership of houses, debilitation, exaltation, etc.
In Western Astrology, Sun becomes the focal point of all analysis. Vedic Astrology places more emphasis on the Moon than on the Sun. The Moon represents the mind which is a major determining factor in how one interacts with the world.
Western Astrology emphasizes on the psychological nature of the individual and puts less emphasis on future cycles and events. Vedic astrology, on the other hand, is called predictive astrology because of its ability to predict events in life. Note that these predictions may not occur in a guaranteed manner but they sure indicate a possible outcome. This is why astrology is called “Science of Indications”.
The Western Astrological System is based on Moving Zodiac System (called the Tropical or Sayana System), while Indian Astrology is based on Fixed Zodiac (called the Sidereal or Nirayana System). Due to this difference, even your sun sign can be different in the two Systems. For example, according to Western astrology, your Sun Sign is Capricorn, while as per the Indian System it can be Sagittarius.
In Indian Astrology, the times of life events are shown through a detailed system of planetary time cycles, called ‘dashas’. There is not corresponding method in Western Astrology.
Vedic Astrology gives more importance to the rising sign of the individual called “lagna”. Lagna depends on the time of birth and the place of birth. The rising sign of a human being, determines the traits and personality and enables the Vedic Astrologer to categorize the traits of every person in depth.
When you read the astrology column of a newspaper or magazine, you find that these predictions and briefings are based on sun sign of the individual and hence are more generic in nature. Analysis based on Moon Signs is more accurate and predictive. However, while knowing your date of birth is sufficient to find your Sun Sign while finding your Moon Sign requires a lot of effort. I have simplified this for you in my articles in the Astrological Section of this Blog
To get a first brush with Indian Astrology, find out your Moon Sign by following the link above and then read the corresponding prediction in this blog.
Image is from Vedic-Horoscope.in
While the Western Horoscope chart is circular, the Vedic Chart is square with 12 houses and the difference between the two systems does not end here. In this article I am presenting you the difference between the two systems in an easy to understand language. I am sure, like me, you also get bogged down when you read astrological readings containing words like ownership of houses, debilitation, exaltation, etc.
In Western Astrology, Sun becomes the focal point of all analysis. Vedic Astrology places more emphasis on the Moon than on the Sun. The Moon represents the mind which is a major determining factor in how one interacts with the world.
Western Astrology emphasizes on the psychological nature of the individual and puts less emphasis on future cycles and events. Vedic astrology, on the other hand, is called predictive astrology because of its ability to predict events in life. Note that these predictions may not occur in a guaranteed manner but they sure indicate a possible outcome. This is why astrology is called “Science of Indications”.
The Western Astrological System is based on Moving Zodiac System (called the Tropical or Sayana System), while Indian Astrology is based on Fixed Zodiac (called the Sidereal or Nirayana System). Due to this difference, even your sun sign can be different in the two Systems. For example, according to Western astrology, your Sun Sign is Capricorn, while as per the Indian System it can be Sagittarius.
In Indian Astrology, the times of life events are shown through a detailed system of planetary time cycles, called ‘dashas’. There is not corresponding method in Western Astrology.
Vedic Astrology gives more importance to the rising sign of the individual called “lagna”. Lagna depends on the time of birth and the place of birth. The rising sign of a human being, determines the traits and personality and enables the Vedic Astrologer to categorize the traits of every person in depth.
When you read the astrology column of a newspaper or magazine, you find that these predictions and briefings are based on sun sign of the individual and hence are more generic in nature. Analysis based on Moon Signs is more accurate and predictive. However, while knowing your date of birth is sufficient to find your Sun Sign while finding your Moon Sign requires a lot of effort. I have simplified this for you in my articles in the Astrological Section of this Blog
To get a first brush with Indian Astrology, find out your Moon Sign by following the link above and then read the corresponding prediction in this blog.
Image is from Vedic-Horoscope.in
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Comment by Nickoftime's Sanity Corner
wonderful post and very educational and informative...
The colors and graphs of this chart are amazing!
I will check out your link when I have more free time...
Excellent post!
Take care,
Nick
Comment by MaaUpma
Indus Guru
Vastu - The Indian Science of Dwelling
EGurumantra - Demystifying India
Take care
Maa Upma
Comment by Lilla
From The Home Front
Enviro Warrior
Dream Herald
Esoteric Bookshop
I am delighted to have found your site, as it is inspiring.
I would ask you a question as an (Aquarian) Uttara Ashada with no "celestial mate..." I am curious as to who you would reccomend as my best earthly match?
I have had many conflicting opinions from reading and whilst living in India, but so far the verdict seems to be Uttara Bhadara in the western section of Aries... would you agree?
Going to read more of your lovely posts...
Lilla ...
Comment by MaaUpma
Indus Guru
Vastu - The Indian Science of Dwelling
EGurumantra - Demystifying India
Thanks for your comments.
For a more specific study of your case and to provide answer to your question, you may send me a personal message (through Orble) specifying your date, time and place of birth and I will be happy to send you a reply.
Alternatively you can write to astroupma@gmail.com
Take Care
Maa Upma