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Understanding Vedic Astrology vs Western Astrology: Key Differences

Published on: 2024-10-23
Understanding Vedic Astrology vs Western Astrology: Key Differences
Category: Astro Blog

Astrology has fascinated the human mind for ages, serving as a useful tool for understanding the connection between heavenly moves and human personalities. The astrology readings and charts change in different areas because of the different cultures and faiths of the people.  Vedic astrology and Western astrology appeared as two important systems of Astrology, accepted widely for their unique methods and correct insights into human nature. 

From daily horoscopes using zodiac signs to making birth charts based on signs, Western astrology has a number of features. On the other hand, Vedic astrology uses a different schedule method than Western astrology to give a full look into the person's life. In this blog, we will study the key differences between Vedic astrology and Western astrology, exploring their different practices, systems, and features. 

Understanding Vedic Astrology 

Vedic astrology is an old Indian celestial system called Jyotish Shastra in Sanskrit, which means a heavenly body. The roots of this astrology lie in old Hindu texts where astrology is described as the right mix of faith and philosophy. 

Vedic astrology is more concerned with the measurement of the physical placement of constellations at the time of an individual's birth to determine their astrology chart. There are 12 signs in Vedic astrology, which is close to Western astrology but the times of houses are different. This astrology of elders and the Four Vedas, not only gives you information about your future or personality but also triggers a deep sense of faith. 

Here are some key parts of the Vedic astrology:

Zodiac System (Rashi): 

Jyotish or Vedic astrology is based on the actual position of the planets, stars, and constellations, using the sidereal Zodiac also called Rashi. These 12 signs cover approximately 30 degrees of the celestial belt equally. 

Planetary Periods (Dashas): 

The birth date and time of the individual tell many things about that person because of the unique planetary periods or dashas at the time of birth. Astrologers can even predict their past, present, or future using these astrology charts

Nakshatras

Vedic Astrology gives great importance to Nakshatras, also known as lunar constellations. There are 27 Nakshatras, each linked to distinct characteristics and traits.

Divisional Charts: 

Apart from the natal chart, Vedic astrology utilizes different divisional charts (like Navamsa, D-9) to offer more specific insights on certain areas like relationships and profession.

Astrological solutions: 

In Vedic astrology, it is common to recommend remedies like wearing gemstones, chanting mantras, and performing specific rituals to lessen the impact of harmful planetary influences.

Understanding Western Astrology

Western astrology, also known as tropical astrology or the astrology of the sun sign, is widely accepted and practiced in the Western regions. Its roots are traced to the ancient Babylonian and Greek traditions with their own sets of methods and principles. 

Western astrology has 12 signs, which analyze a person's birth by examining the positions of stars and planets. Similar to Vedic astrology, it also divides the ecliptic into twelve equal segments, symbolising a different sign with each segment.  It is centered around calculating the position of the sun at the time of birth to determine its sun sign. 

Here are some key features of Western Astrology:

Zodiac System: Western Astrology uses the Tropical Zodiac, which is determined by the Sun's position during the spring equinox. The Tropical Zodiac consists of 12 signs, each covering 30 degrees in the heavenly belt.

Sun Sign Astrology: Western Astrology typically involves finding a person's Sun sign, such as Aries or Taurus, in a process known as Sun Sign Astrology. A lot of individuals are familiar with their zodiac sign horoscopes, which offer general personality traits and daily or monthly readings.

Psychological perspective: In Western Astrology, a common method involves looking into an individual's inner ideas, drives, and traits. It is frequently utilized for exploring oneself and growing personally.

Horoscope Houses: The birth chart in Western Astrology is split into 12 houses, each reflecting different parts of life. The study of the planets in these specific houses and their links is done to gain an understanding of an individual's character and situations.

Aspect: Western Astrology focuses heavily on planetary aspects, which refer to the particular angle relationships between planets. These traits may be in balance (e.g., trine and sextile) or in conflict (e.g., square and opposition) and are thought to impact an individual's qualities and life events.

Key Differences Between Vedic Astrology and Western Astrology

Western and Vedic astrology have similarities, but the differences outweigh the similarities. From zodiac signs to rituals, astrology can vary in different ways. We will examine the main contrasts between these two astrological systems.

Signs 

The key distinction is the type of zodiac system utilized for astrological readings. In Vedic astrology, the Sidereal zodiac is utilized, whereas Western astrology follows the Tropical zodiac. Sidereal calculates the zodiac sign by precisely observing the positions of the stars and constellations. Conversely, the tropical zodiac provides a sign determined by the sun's position during the vernal equinox. It makes a change in a person's astrological chart.

Ascendant Houses

While mapping out houses under both Vedic and Western astrology systems, you can see some similarities. Both emphasize the ascendant or rising sign, which was located on the eastern horizon at the time of birth, defining our personalities. 

The process of measuring these houses is different in both astrology readings. In the western method of measuring these houses, the starting point is the longitude of the first house, and everything else is mapped and divided from there in an unequal manner. In Vedic astrology, all houses are equally sized which can impact the placement of your ascendant house.

Planets

Vedic astrology is more related to the moon, whereas Western astrology revolves more around the Sun. The reason for this is that Western astrology is based on the solar system taking major planets into account their calculations and connected to the seasons, which are greatly impacted by the sun's position and movements. Vedic astrology talks about the universe as a whole as it considers the visible planets and their lunar nodes which are known as the points of orbit around the earth. 

Lunar Influence

In Vedic astronomy, the moon holds similar importance to the sun. In Vedic astronomy, the moon represents the mind, feelings, and instincts. Western astrology also recognizes the importance of the moon but may not stress it as much as Vedic astrology does.

Birth Charts

Key variations are motivating each birth chart. In Western astrology, the birth chart is created using a circle where the houses and signs are plotted in a counterclockwise direction. In Vedic astrology, the birth chart is shaped differently as a square divided into 12 sections instead of a circle.

The Bottom Line 

In conclusion, both Vedic and Western astrology offer useful insights into our lives, using unique methods to provide astrology readings, astrology charts, and astrology match analysis. Whether you are pulled to the deep spiritual roots of Vedic astrology or the psychological focus of Western astrology, both methods can help you better understand yourself and the world around you. Embrace the knowledge of the stars and explore how these old traditions can bring clarity and balance into your life through custom astrology readings and astrology charts.

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