Key Difference – Vedic Astrology vs Western Astrology
Vedic Astrology and Western Astrology are two distinct systems with a key difference. Astrology is a science that examines cosmic objects and makes predictions about events in the lives of individuals based on the position of the sun, moon, other stars and planets. Western astrology is widely known and involves the study of horoscopes, whereas Hindu astrology, also called Vedic astrology, makes predictions based on the movements and positions of celestial bodies. These two systems of astrology have notable differences.
Key Takeaways
- Vedic astrology, based on jyotisha, calculates the position and movement of celestial bodies, while Western astrology predicts future events in an individual’s life based on tropical zodiac.
- Vedic astrology is cosmic astrology, whereas Western astrology is sun-based.
- Vedic astrology was developed by sages in India much earlier than Western astrology, which was developed by ancient Greeks or Babylonians 2000-3000 years ago.
What is Vedic Astrology?
Vedic astrology, or Hindu astrology, is based on jyotisha, a system of calculation of the position and movement of heavenly bodies. This astrology uses the real positions of planets in the backdrop of certain celestial bodies that remain fixed or permanently in the same position, also known as sidereal zodiac. Vedic astrology is based on the knowledge and wisdom of rishis that lived in India thousands of years ago. Their knowledge was passed down orally to generations but was later compiled into written form, which forms the core of Vedic astrology. Vedic astrology takes into account planets like Sun, moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Rahu, and Ketu, the two nodes of the moon while deciphering events in an individual’s life or future predictions. It does not take into account Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto, as these planets are considered too far away and insignificant to impact an individual’s life. Jyotishis use the exact date of birth and time to create a horoscope, allowing the astronomer to predict the beginning and end period of a good or bad period in the individual’s life.
What is Western Astrology?
Western astrology predicts future events based on the tropical zodiac. Developed by the Greeks and Babylonians 2000 years ago, these civilizations believed that the sun, being the center of the solar system, asserts a significant influence over Earth. In this system, the relationship between the sun and the Earth’s tropics is essential. Western astrology concludes that the heavens remain fixed compared to Earth, but they made a mistake as Earth does not return to its original position after completing one circle of the sun.
What is the Difference Between Vedic and Western Astrology?
Vedic astrology is based on jyotisha or the system of calculating the position and movement of celestial bodies, while Western astrology is a system of predicting future events in an individual’s life based on the tropical zodiac. Vedic astrology is cosmic astrology, while Western astrology is sun-based. Vedic astrology is also called sidereal zodiac, while Western astrology is called tropical zodiac. Astrologers make your horoscope based on your date and time of birth, as well as the nashatras and dashas in Vedic astrology. In contrast, the date of birth determines your sun sign in Western astrology. The chart is square in Vedic astrology and circular in Western astrology. Vedic astrology was developed by sages in India much earlier than Western astrology, which was developed by ancient Greeks or Babylonians 2000-3000 years ago.
