Vedic astrology is the traditional Hindu system of astrology that is connected with the study of the Vedas. The Sanskrit word for Vedic astrology is Jyotisa, which loosely translates to light or heavenly bodies.
The mention of Vedic astrology first appeared in the Rigveda, and it is believed that it has been around since 10,000 B.C.
At first, Vedic astrology was used to find important dates for ceremonies. As time passed, it became more about individuals. People began examining how planets moved to figure out their future and fate.
Though it is quite similar to Western astrology in guiding a person to better understand their physical, emotional, spiritual, and monetary experiences, the main difference lies in the dates. The characteristics of the signs are also pretty much the same.
Want to know what your Vedic sign is? Here are the dates:
- Aries: Mesha (April 13-May 14)
- Taurus: Vrishaba (May 15-June 14)
- Gemini: Mithuna (June 15-July 14)
- Cancer: Karkata (July 15-August 14)
- Leo: Simha (August 15-September 15)
- Virgo: Kanya (September 16-October 15)
- Libra: Tula (October 16-November 14)
- Scorpio: Vrishchika (November 15-December 14)
- Sagittarius: Dhanus (December 15-January 13)
- Capricorn: Makara (January 14-February 11)
- Aquarius: Kumbha (February 12-March 12)
- Pisces: Meena (March 13-April 12)
Difference Between Vedic Astrology and Western Astrology
Vedic Astrology follows a different calendar: Vedic astrology follows a unique calendar method. Pamela McDonough, author of Vedic Astrology for Beginners, clarifies that Western astrology relies on the ‘tropical calendar,’ linked to the four seasons that most people use. However, Vedic astrology uses the sidereal system, focusing on the shifting star patterns or constellations. Unlike Western astrology, which uses fixed planetary positions, Vedic astrology considers these changing constellations for chart calculations.
Vedic astrology focuses more on Karma and Dharma: Another difference is that modern Western astrology is more about psychology. But Vedic astrology is centered on a person’s karma. Vedic astrology also helps understand personal dharma, which is like a life path showing our natural talents and difficulties. McDonough adds, “It can help us better understand our relationships with family, friends, and life partners. Having this fundamental understanding really helps to ease and relieve stress and our emotional ups and downs.”
Vedic Astrology has a different approach to Sun signs: Vedic astrology looks at retrogrades, sun signs, and rising signs differently from Western astrology. These two approaches also interpret retrograde planets and planetary aspects in distinct ways. “All planets in Western astrology share the same type of aspect, such as a square, trine, sextile, or opposition. Vedic astrology utilizes special aspects-each planet has a specific aspect or set of aspects, along with different strengths that are applied to that specific aspect,” explains McDonough. Additionally, Vedic astrology values the rising sign more than the sun sign.
