Vedic Vs True Sidereal Astrology
What is actually the difference?
1 September 2024
Two prominent approaches to sidereal astrology are Vedic astrology and true Sidereal astrology. Vedic astrology, with its deep roots in Indian tradition, relies on the sidereal zodiac, aligning itself with the fixed stars and ancient spiritual practices. True Sidereal astrology, however, represents a modern, more astronomical perspective, adjusting not only for the fixed stars but also for the actual sizes of the constellations. While both systems aim to connect individuals with their charts, they do so through different methodologies and cultural lenses.
Vedic Vs Western Astrology
Among the fundamental astrological systems are Vedic astrology and Western astrology. Vedic astrology is rooted in the ancient traditions of India, with Western Astrology rooted in Western tradition. Each astrology system has its own way of calculating the signs, called the zodiac system. The most commonly used zodiac system used by Vedic astrologers is sidereal astrology - where the zodiac is determined by using the visible sky. Western astrology, on the other hand, most commonly uses tropical astrology as its zodiac system - which relies on using the seasons instead of the visible sky.
Being born in the West, true sidereal astrology fundamentally uses Western astrology techniques. However it diverges significantly from Western practices by using the sidereal zodiac, instead of the tropical one. Outside of this difference, true sidereal astrology, as it stands today, uses primarily Western astrology principles.
Vedic Astrology Principles
Vedic astrology, also known as Jyotish, is an ancient system that has been practiced in India for thousands of years. It is deeply embedded in the cultural and spiritual fabric of the region, guiding individuals in their daily lives, spiritual journeys, and even in matters of health and wealth. One of the fundamental aspects of Vedic astrology is its reliance on the fixed stars as a reference point. This means that the positions of the planets are calculated based on the actual constellations in the sky, called sidereal astrology, rather than on the seasonal points used in tropical astrology.
In Vedic astrology, the twelve zodiac signs are aligned with the fixed constellations. This alignment accounts for the precession of the equinoxes—a phenomenon where the Earth’s axis slowly shifts over time, causing the zodiac to gradually drift backward through the constellations. As a result, the zodiac signs in Vedic astrology are approximately 24 degrees behind those in tropical astrology. This difference is crucial because it means that most people who identify with a particular Sun sign in Western astrology might find themselves belonging to the previous signs in Vedic and most other forms of sidereal astrology. Vedic astrology further divides the zodiac into 27 nakshatras, or lunar mansions, splitting each zodiac sign into different parts.
Nakshatras and Their Importance in Vedic Astrology
One of the defining features of Vedic astrology is its use of nakshatras, which are unique to this system. Nakshatras are 27 (or sometimes 28) divisions of the sky, each associated with a specific star or group of stars. It is particularly in using the Nakshatras where Vedic astrology remains true to the visible sky.
Each nakshatra is divided into four quarters, or padas, which further refine the zodiac signs. Each pada is associated with specific stars in the sky, giving each its unique interpretation. The nakshatras are also associated with specific deities, elements, and symbols. For instance, the nakshatra of Rohini, ruled by the Moon, is associated with fertility, beauty, and creativity, making it a favorable placement for those involved in artistic or nurturing professions.
True Sidereal Astrology
Being born in the West, true sidereal astrology, also known as astronomical astrology, differs in its methodology. Like other forms of sidereal, true sidereal astrology adjusts for precession, ensuring that the zodiac signs correspond to the actual constellations visible in the sky. However, true sidereal takes it one step further and maintains the actual size of the constellations. In other forms of sidereal, like those used in Vedic astrology, the signs are given an even 30-degrees each. However, in the sky the constellations vary in size and true sidereal takes this into account.
True sidereal astrology, used mostly by astrologers in the West, challenges the conventional tropical system by arguing that astrology should reflect the real positions of celestial bodies. Like other forms of sidereal, tropical divides the zodiac into twelve equal parts. For example, the constellation of Virgo is much larger than the constellation of Libra, a fact that true sidereal astrology takes into account when determining zodiac signs.
Unlike both Vedic and tropical astrology, true sidereal accounts for the 13th zodiac sign, Ophiuchus, which wraps above Scorpio, and actually passes through the ecliptic like the other zodiac signs. This method offers a more astronomically accurate view of the sky, allowing astrologers to connect more deeply with the true essence of the sky.
True sidereal Vs Vedic Astrology
While both Vedic and true sidereal astrology use the fixed stars, their differences lie in their methodologies and cultural contexts. Vedic astrology is a deeply spiritual practice, intricately linked to Hindu philosophy and religion. True sidereal astrology, on the other hand, is a zodiac system primarily used in the West for providing an accurate representation of the sky. Both reference the visible sky in their own ways. With Vedic using their nakshatra system and true sidereal using the actual size of the constellations.
True sidereal astrology appeals to those in the West who seek a direct and observable connection between the sky and their astrological chart, without the additional layers of technique and interpretation found in Vedic astrology. The debate between the two systems is ongoing, with proponents of each highlighting the strengths of their preferred method. In modern astrology, some have even suggest merging them together by using the true sidereal zodiac system with Vedic astrology. However, it is clear that both Vedic and true sidereal astrology offer profound insights into the human experience, each in their own distinct ways.