If you’ve been a fan or believer in astrology, it is likely that at some point in time you have realized that there are multiple kinds of astrology. While many people in the Western parts of the world follow Western Astrology—which includes many different systems of its own, like the Placidus system or Whole sign system—other parts of the world follow Vedic Astrology or Chinese Astrology. Join us as we investigate the unique properties and uses of Vedic Astrology and how you may benefit from working with a Vedic Astrologer!
What is Vedic Astrology?
First and foremost, Vedic Astrology has been around for a long time—some believe it has been in use in some form or another since nearly 10,000 B.C. Vedic Astrology grew out of India and includes many of the deep spiritual traditions and practices of this culture. While Vedic Astrology has certainly evolved over time, it is still widely used in practice to this day and is often integrated into many people’s regular rituals, routines, and lifestyles.
Jyotiṣa is the Sanskrit word for Vedic Astrology. In more ancient times, Vedic Astrology was utilized to choose very important dates for culture practices, such as rituals, ceremonies, and sacrifices. Yet, as time has carried on, practitioners of this modality realized that they could even connect it to one’s individual life path, choices, relationships, and destiny. Jyoti means “light or heavenly body.” The Vedas, or “knowledge” in Sanskrit, are the religious scriptures of Hinduism. These are where the core principles and name for Vedic Astrology arises from.
Other spiritual practices, like yoga and meditation, have been connected to the advent of Vedic Astrology, as well.
Vedic Astrology utilizes the exact time, date, and place of birth to determine one’s birth chart. Then, by analyzing the celestial positions of all of the key cosmic players, constellations, and planets, one can better become aware of how their path is likely to unfold.
Are Sidereal Astrology and Hindu Astrology similar to Vedic Astrology?
Vedic Astrology, having been born out of Indian culture, is the same thing as Sidereal Astrology and Hindu Astrology. All of these names can be used interchangeably.
What are the 12 zodiac signs in Vedic Astrology? What is my Vedic zodiac sign? Why is my Vedic Zodiac sign different than my Western zodiac sign?
In Vedic Astrology, there are slightly different zodiac signs, as the wheel is ever changing and not fixed. In order to know your Vedic zodiac sign, consult the following list.
- In Western Astrology, Aries translates to Mesha in Vedic Astrology. The exact dates are April 13 to May 14.
- In Western Astrology, Taurus translates to Vrishaba in Vedic Astrology. The exact dates are May 15 to June 14.
- In Western Astrology, Gemini translates to Mithuna in Vedic Astrology. The exact dates are June 15 to July 14.
- In Western Astrology, Cancer translates to Karkata in Vedic Astrology. The exact dates are July 15 to August 14.
- In Western Astrology, Leo translates to Simha in Vedic Astrology. The exact dates are August 15 to September 15.
- In Western Astrology, Virgo translates to Kanya in Vedic Astrology. The exact dates are September 16 to October 15.
- In Western Astrology, Libra translates to Tula in Vedic Astrology. The exact dates are October 16 to November 14.
- In Western Astrology, Scorpio translates to Vrishchika in Vedic Astrology. The exact dates are November 15 to December 14.
- In Western Astrology, Sagittarius translates to Dhanus in Vedic Astrology. The exact dates are December 15 to January 13.
- In Western Astrology, Capricorn translates to Makara in Vedic Astrology. The exact dates are January 14 to February 11.
- In Western Astrology, Aquarius translates to Kumbha in Vedic Astrology. The exact dates are February 12 to March 12.
- In Western Astrology, Pisces translates to Meena in Vedic Astrology. The exact dates are March 13 to April 12.
However, it is important to note that in Western Astrology, the Sun sign is often the most important factor people focus on when learning about their zodiac sign or reading horoscopes. Yet, in Vedic Astrology, the Rising sign is far more important when understanding one’s horoscope and path forward.
It is important to note that the dates are different because they are fundamentally different systems of astrology and ways of understanding the complexities of the world, reality, and the universe.
Is Vedic Astrology better than Western Astrology?
Vedic Astrology and Western Astrology are different practices and follow unique techniques of their own. They also tie to different calendars. Western Astrology aligns with the Tropical calendar, which is the most widely used calendar in the world. This aligns the calendar, as well as zodiac, to the seasons. Vedic Astrology, however, follows a different system—the sidereal system—which charts the constellations as they move through the cosmos. Western—or Tropical—Astrology is “fixed,” whereas Vedic—or Sidereal—Astrology evolves and watches as the planets and constellations change position over time.
The best thing to know is that Vedic Astrology and Western Astrology are not superior to one or the other. Instead, they are unique ways of looking at life, one’s place in the universe, and understanding the world.
What is dharma?
In Vedic Astrology, one of the primary areas of focus is on one’s dharma—or life path. By understanding this, it can unlock intrinsic talents, skills, insight, and wisdom for each individual. This may aid us in making key choices as we move through life, as well as understand how we can better interact with others personally and professionally. By having clear and precise answers, people can be at ease with their destiny and relationships.
Also, because karma and dharma are so important in Vedic Astrology, they are actually more important overall than understanding one’s individual personality traits. Ultimately, Vedic Astrology teaches us that the core purpose of a lifetime is to evolve, pursue our true life path, and fulfill one’s destiny.
Also, Vedic Astrology focuses a great deal on the lunar nodes—which can be seen as a serpent or dragon. The North Node ties to “the Head of the Dragon,” or Rahu. This is what one devours and seeks to build toward, like material ambitions, karmic energies, innovation, and how they grow. The South Node ties to the “Tail of the Dragon,” what one “excretes or releases in this lifetime.” It is known as Ketu. One can better know about their spiritual growth and enlightenment, past life connections, how one detaches, and what one has mastered and understands from past life incarnations by looking at this. Together, by understanding this duality between Rahu and Ketu, the great awakening of wisdom can be revealed to an individual.
Does Vedic Astrology include the planets?
Yes, Vedic Astrology utilizes the planets. However, each planet has it’s own unique system of links, called astrological aspects. This also makes Vedic Astrology differ from Western Astrology, because Western Astrology has very clear astrological aspects for all planets. The most commonly utilized ones are: the conjunction (0 degrees), the sextile (60 degrees), the square (90 degrees), the trine (120 degrees), and the opposition (180 degrees).
Where do you find your Vedic horoscope or a Vedic astrologer for a horoscope prediction?
Because Vedic Astrology is wildly popular, many websites, practitioners, readers, and astrologers offer accurate horoscope readings and astrological predictions. They can aid you in understanding not only your birth chart, but in your life path and where things are headed.
Is Vedic Astrology accurate?
Vedic Astrology has been practiced for thousands of years, so yes, it can be startlingly accurate. However, working with a professional or trusted resource that specializes in Vedic Astrology would ensure that you are receiving the most accurate, precise, and insightful information possible.
Does Vedic Astrology include rituals or spiritual practices?
Yes, some people like to utilize Vedic Astrology for insight on spiritual practices and rituals. For instance, some Vedic Astrologers will incorporate gemstones, meditations, sound frequencies, candles, rituals, prayers, yoga, and mantras to help to diffuse troublesome or challenging planetary energies. On the same token, Vedic Astrologers can recommend ways to harness and amplify positive planetary energies and astrological vibrations.
What is your Vedic Astrology zodiac sign? Let us know!
