A Brief Overview Of Western And Vedic Astrology

When it comes to astrology, there are a number of different forms and aspects. In one case, Vedic Astrology, also known as the Jyotisha or Hindu form is one of the most popular. For, the practice has been around since the 19th century. While this is the case, the term Vedic is a far more recent term.

While there are some astrologists whom suggest the Hindu astrological practice was derived from Hellenistic practices, thus post-dating the practice to the Vedic period, there are many others whom disagree. In addition, while a number of authors have suggested that original forms of astrology only included information provided by omens, dreams and physiognomy, the majority still base interpretations and predictions on the alignment of planets and stars in the universe.

Both forms were originally considered to be a part of the occult. While this is the case, universities in India are now offering advanced degrees in Vedic astrological practices. Upon hearing about these offerings, a number of individuals in the scientific community protested due to ongoing beliefs that any aspect of astrology is nothing more than a pseudoscience. Regardless, in 2001, a High Court ruled in favor of the universities and has continued to allow students to acquire degrees in this area.

The practice is also considered one of the six disciplines which support Hindu observances and rituals. In the beginning, the Hindu form used a calendar to determine sacrificial ritual dates and had nothing to do with planets. While this is the case, demons were mentioned in some forms of the practice. Then, later the term graha, the word formerly recognized as demon became known to mean planet which led to new interpretations of the zodiac.

Coming from a basic foundation focusing on a connection between the microcosm and macrocosm, the sidereal zodiac is much different from the tropic zodiac. In addition, there are interpretations and predictions in the Hindu zodiac which often do not exist in the Western one. Ultimately, both aspects of astrology are used to determine personality aspects and future events though the latter is often much more difficult when it comes to the Hindu zodiac.

The Nirayana or sidereal Nirayana consist of an imaginary belt 360 degrees in diameter which like the Western or tropical zodiac is divided into multiple sections. In the Vedic tradition, each part is known as a rasi while in Western astrological practices the parts are known as signs. While extremely similar, the measurement of planets differ among the two astrological practices.

Both the Hindu and Hellenistic forms appear to be identical on a synchronous level. While this may appear to be the case, the Vedic form primarily uses the sidereal zodiac in which stars are fixed to measure the position of the planets. Whereas, measurement in the Western zodiac is based on the motion of the planets against the Sun at the Spring equinox.

In addition, Western astrological practices and astronomy have always referred to the twelve signs of the zodiac beginning with the sign of Aries. Whereas, the first introduction to the Greek aspects of astrology appeared to have occurred much earlier in history. While this is the case, the earliest astrological chart or reading to be discovered was an Indian text referring to the days of week dating back to 476 A. D.

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