Vedic or Hindu astrology, also known as Jyotish, is a centuries-old practice with its roots tracing back to the Vedas. At the outset, both Vedic and Western astrology study the cosmos and have some fixed elements like the 12 zodiac signs, their symbols and characteristics. But if we look at Vedic vs Western astrology from a more nuanced point of view, there are some major distinctions in the way both are studied and practised.
How Western and Vedic astrology differ from each other
Roots and origins
Vedic astrology is categorised as one of the Vedanga or a field of Vedic studies that focuses on the predictions to live better. Its base is mainly spiritual and its scope is based on two main principles: karma and dharma. Its origins can be traced back to 5,000 BC.
Western astrology, on the other hand, is rooted in ancient Egyptian and Babylonian philosophies of life, which are fairly recent than the Vedic astrology originating in the Hellenistic period around (332-30 BCE).
Zodiac system: Sidereal vs tropical zodiac
The basic and main difference between Vedic and Western astrology is how the zodiac signs of the natives are calculated and how a birth chart is prepared. Jyotish uses the sidereal zodiac system where the exact map of the constellation and the sky is taken into account using an individual’s time, date and place of birth. This is nothing but the exact map of the stars used like a GPS to guide the natives with predictions. The calculations are made using the position of the stars and their movement.
The tropical system is based on the Sun’s influence on the Earth and the seasonal changes caused by its rotation. In the sidereal zodiac, an adjustment is made to calculate the differences caused by the Earth’s tilt on its axis. This is known as Ayanamsa. Western zodiac does not use this calculation to adjust the precession caused by the equinoxes.
Planets and their influences
Western astrology focuses on the ruling planets: Mars, Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune, Uranus and Pluto. Nine asteroids, namely Ceres, Chiron, Eros, Hygeia, Juno, Pallas, Psyche, Sappho and Vesta, play a huge role in interpreting the birth chart of the moon and sun sign.
Vedic astrology is based on the concept of Navagrahas (nine planets) and the celestial bodies counted in this are the Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu (North Node) and Ketu (South Node).
The theory of karma and its absence in Western astrology
Karma theory is based on the balance created by the native with his good and bad deeds in the present and past life. Vedic astrology employs a person’s karma into three types: Sanchit (accumulated from past life), Prarabdha (fructifying in the present ) and Agami (expected in the future).
Western astrology does not have the concept of the past or the afterlife. Hence, karma theory is irrelevant here.
Predictive vs psychological approach
Besides the technicalities, there are quite a few dissimilarities in the overall approach of Vedic astrology vs Western astrology. While Vedic or Indian astrology is based on the Prashna Kundali (predictive astrology), Western astrology is all about self-improvement in the present realm of reality.
Vedic astrology takes a more spiritual approach, but Western astrology sticks to the principles of philosophy to understand the native’s psychology.
(Hero and feature image credit: Alexa/Pixabay)
Frequently Asked Questions
Both studies have their specific methods and interpretations, and they have evolved into nuanced practices. While there can be discussions about which approach is more accurate, it depends on the natives to choose what suits them and their life experiences.
Vedic astrology uses a sidereal approach to derive zodiac signs which is considered accurate as it calculates the exact position of the celestial objects and also mathematically adjusts the tilt of the Earth’s axis.
Astrology is a highly subjective practice and no one system is better than the rest.
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Written by
Preeti Kulkarni
Senior Digital Writer, Astrology and Wellness
After completing her PG in New Media from the Asian College of Journalism, Preeti has worked in a daily and a magazine before finding her calling in digital journalism. A lover of single malts and an avid pop culture junkie, you can catch her at the movies on weekends or binge-watching the latest shows on OTT when she is not busy preparing her toddler for his Hogwarts letter.
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