Although the majority of us are familiar with Western astrology and perhaps even the Chinese zodiac, there are numerous other astrological systems that some people are unaware of.
Sidereal astrology, another name for Vedic astrology, has been growing in popularity recently. The word comes from the Vedas, which mean sacred knowledge in Vedic times. It is an extensive collection of sacred writings that have their roots in ancient India. It goes by the name Jyotish as well. The sacred scriptures are known as Vedas.
When you use your birthdate, time, and location to create a natal chart in Western astrology, the same information is used in Vedic astrology to create a map of the exact positions of the planets at your birth. Even though it sounds identical to a simple natal chart, there are some important distinctions that you will discover in due course. According to Vedic astrology, the movements and positions of the planets in relation to space and time have an impact on all living things on Earth. However, according to Vedic astrology, your sign might differ from your Western astrological sign. This is true even if your sun sign and other astrological aspects, such as your moon and ascendant signs, are identical in Western astrology.
Distinctions between Western Astrology and Vedic Astrology
There are two main approaches to determining how far along a planet is in its zodiac cycle when comparing Vedic and Western astrology. For one, there’s the so-called sidereal zodiac, which plots each planet’s position relative to the fixed stars in the sky. Another approach is to make use of what is formally known as the tropical zodiac, which establishes the relationship between the planets and the spot in the sky where the Sun is at sunrise on March 1. What he calls the “tropical zodiac” is actually what we use in Western astrology. Over the last two millennia, Vedic astrology has shifted the zodiac signs to correspond with the shifting constellations. Just picture yourself gazing up at the stars and superimposing the Western astrological chart on top. The constellations would have aligned at one point, but the Earth is constantly moving, so that wasn’t the case.
Honestly, there are some who believe it’s all garbage, so whether one is more accurate than the other is kind of irrelevant if you’re asking. While Western astrology is more concerned with our individual characteristics, Vedic astrology looks at our karma and dharma to reveal our ideal life path, professional trajectory, and societal contributions.
Four Vedic Zodiac Principles
You will encounter the four Vedic life principles whether you study Vedic astrology or Ayurveda. Considered alongside other sacred texts from India, like the Bhagavad Gita, Vedic astrology serves as a gentle reminder to make the most of each moment. It sheds light on the meaning of life, karma, relationships, love, and the best times for these things to happen.
Moksha, Dharma, Artha, and Kama are the four principles. Living a moral life is central to dharma. To live a good life, one must earn money, or Artha. In Kama, we prioritize the things that truly matter to us, like fulfilling our desires and enjoying unforgettable moments. At last, Moksha is all about getting to know ourselves and attaining enlightenment. However, the connection between these principles and Vedic astrology is based on the idea that your Vedic birth chart will reveal the path to achieve them.
Reading a Vedic Birth Chart
Vedic natal charts are typically square, in contrast to the spherical ones used in Western astrology. It may still appear as a circular breakdown, though, if you obtain one for free online. Both Cafe Astrology and Astro Seek offer free Sidereal natal charts that display the breakdown in a circular format. Vedic astrology places a heavy emphasis on the 12 houses, and the square chart is the standard tool for delving into these houses. In Vedic astrology, your rising sign—located in the first house of your square chart—is considered more significant than your sun sign.
Whether your birth chart is square or round, there are some key distinctions to keep in mind when comparing it to your Western natal chart. You may not be used to having a sun, moon, and rising sign that are all the same. However, what gives the ascendant its significance? The reason behind this is that the first house teaches you a lot about yourself, from your outlook on life to your physical and mental make-up. Similar to Western astrology, you will still learn about your moon sign, which focuses on your emotions; your sun sign, which describes you personally; and your soul planet sign, which reveals the path your soul is currently following.
Vedic Astrology and the Planets
Things are about to get interesting from here on out. Earth is not included in Western astrology, but dwarf planet Pluto is. Our solar system consists of eight planets: Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. But in Vedic astrology, just five planets—the sun, moon, and two shadow planets—are considered, along with the sun and moon (which are also part of the Western zodiac). For this purpose, Venus, Mercury, Jupiter, Mars, and Saturn are utilized. Rahu and Ketu are like shadow planets—they don’t exist in the real world. This brings the total number of bodies to nine, including the sun and moon.
Venus, for example, represents love and romance in Western astrology, as it does in most planetary systems. What you do with any fame you may have is what Rahu considers. On the other hand, Ketu is the planet of spirituality and the things you can live without.
Mesha, aka Aries
As in Western astrology, Aries begins the zodiac. This sign’s approximate birth dates are April 13–May 14, but they may change as constellations shift. Aries is the first sign, so Vedic astrology considers it the leader. They are driven and decisive. Charisma and confidence define their leadership.
As Mars-ruled fire signs, Mesha people are honest but difficult. This person will take chances and persevere. They can also be irritable, selfish, and forget to involve others in their decisions and conversations due to their fire sign nature.
Vrushabha, aka Taurus
Taurus (Vrushabha) is a stable sign ruled by the Earth. They’re practical and focused. Taurus is known for preferring luxury in Western astrology. Tauruses value quality food, textures, music, and atmosphere, but according to Vedic astrology, they prioritize holding onto their possessions over seeking the best.
Vedic astrology places Taurus’ birth dates between May 15 and June 14. In this other form of astrology, they’re still bullheaded but charitable and imaginative. You’ll need to get past Taureans’ need to control everything to get along with them. Once you earn their trust, they may spoil you.
Mithuna, aka Gemini
Vedic astrology calls Gemini Mithuna. This sign is around June 15–July 14. As an air sign and duality, this sign communicates well. Like Western astrology, this duality can be indecisive. Depending on which side is most prominent, it may feel there are competing wants.
Geminis are party animals and brighten any room. People like them because of their outgoing personalities, but their chatter can lead to gossip. If you’re not ready to go to the party or go home, they may show you their impatient side.
Karkat, aka Cancer
Karkat, the Vedic name for Cancer, falls between July 15 and August 14. Cancers in Western and Vedic astrology are family-oriented and nurturing. The crab’s hard shell seems to protect them and make them appear tougher. This water sign is one of the most sensitive due to its inner workings.
As a water sign, they are emotional, but not in the way you might expect. They are more sensitive and protective than we think, so they don’t cry much. They don’t let others win. While they may not cry, their emotions are often constant and may manifest as compassion or defensiveness.
Simha, aka Leo
Lion Simha introduces the fiery, passionate second fire sign. Vedic astrology places Leo between August 15 and September 15. Leos love attention and impressing others, just like in Western astrology. They’re charismatic and self-confident, but some find them narcissistic.
Action-oriented Leos can be demanding and possessive, but they love helping others and want to be respected and trusted. If you can handle their drama and need to be the center of attention, they make great friends and acquaintances. Sun-ruled, they like bright, optimistic things and spreading warmth when they can.
Kanya, aka Virgo
Kanya, or Virgo, is an earth sign represented by the virgin (again, the signs’ objects/animals are similar). This zodiac runs from September 16 to October 15. Kanya people are smart and hardworking (due to their earth connection).
Due to their need for perfection, Virgos can be very critical of others and picky about their lives, from who they let into their inner circle to what they bring into their homes. They have no time for frivolous things, but they always make time for family, which is important. Earth signs are loyal and won’t flee conflict. They dedicate themselves to their families because they want perfection there too. This sign also enjoys solitude.
Tula, aka Libra
Vedic astrology calls Libra Tula. As the scales represent Libra, balance and justice are its themes. This zodiac sign is active October 16–November 14. Libras are social, both Western and Vedic.
Libra is a mix of human and animal, which may explain its keen instincts. They’re graceful and balanced. The scales of Justice represent them, so they always want peace. Venus rules Libra, making its people passionate. They focus their passions on creative endeavors rather than people, leading to an interest in the arts. They also like to move forward at work and in their intuition.
Vrushchika, aka Scorpio
Scorpio’s Vedic name is Vrushchika. This sign occurs around November 15–December 14. Scorpio needs some life lessons. These lessons reflect Western astrology’s negative views of the stinger sign. Scorpio can balance their life by controlling their urges. Without it, they may have problems with others throughout their lives. Though emotionally aware, they can get into situations they could have avoided. Passionate and attractive.
Scorpio is secretive in Vedic and Western astrology. They may be trustworthy with your secrets, which is good. However, they may keep their feelings to themselves from loved ones.
Dhanu, aka Sagittarius
In Vedic astrology, Dhanu represents Sagittarius, The Bow. Between December 15 and January 13, this sign is born. The fact that Thursday is lucky for Dhanu people is fun. They are also overly optimistic. Western astrology calls Sagittarius a traveler who loves to explore the world and themselves. Vedic astrology describes them as a basic fire sign who wants the best.
It may be their energy, but this sign loves sports. If you’re a Sag who doesn’t like sports, try traveling, starting a business, or another extreme hobby. You may inspire others to succeed. According to Western astrology, Dhanu people are independent and outgoing.
Makar, aka Capricorn
Makar, a Capricorn, has dates between January 14 and February 11. The goat is important to this sign in Vedic astrology. Great climbers, goats set high goals because of their steadfastness. Capricorn may be the hardest worker in Western astrology because of this drive to succeed. Capricorn gets impatient with small things daily. However, patient with long-term goals.
Despite being ultra-realistic, they are impulsive and want attention. Earth signs can find balance when they achieve life satisfaction, whether that’s finding a partner or career success. Sadly, they also worry too much about others’ opinions.
Kumbha, aka Aquarius
Aquarius, the Western water bearer, is Vedic Kumbha, The Pot. Between February 12 and March 12, they were born. Vedic astrology calls the water bearer the universal man, even though it’s usually a woman. It represents humanity, with the water pouring from the pot symbolizing the mind’s uncontrollability.
As in Western astrology, Aquarius is an intellectual air sign. This sign, ruled by Uranus like the planet, is unpredictable but innovative. Aquariuses are good communicators, but their faces don’t always show their emotions, making them hard to read. Being different is more valuable to Aquarius than fitting in.
Meena, aka Pisces
Pisces, called Meena in Vedic astrology, is the last sign. Born between March 13 and April 12, you may be a Meena. Due to its two fish symbols, this sign has a paradox. Western astrology considers one fish dark and the other light. This sign’s overwhelming intuition and compassion may be due to having a little of every sign. Pisces can use their intuition to know things they wouldn’t otherwise. Pisces are unstoppable when they trust their gut and look beyond appearances.
Pisces is known for dwelling on themselves, even when things are good, in both astrological systems. They have a vivid imagination, but when their dark side emerges, they swim away and may not return.
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