Western Astrology vs. Vedic Astrology: Understanding the Differences
There are a few key distinctions between Western Astrology and Vedic Astrology. Fundamentally, they have many things in common, but their differences can make a big impact on the horoscope being interpreted. Western Astrology relies heavily on Sun Signs. Vedic Astrology relies heavily on Rising Signs, as well as transits and significations related to the Moon. We’ll explain the fundamental differences in calculation for these two systems below.
Astronomical Basics and the Precession of the Equinoxes:
In ancient times, people relied on the night sky for guidance, as there was no electric lighting. The stars were their source of light and inspiration. The part of the sky relevant to both systems is the zodiac, a band where the Sun, Moon, and planets appear to move. It’s about 16 degrees wide.
Now, here’s where things get interesting. The Earth doesn’t rotate on a perfect axis, and this phenomenon is known as the precession of the equinoxes. Over thousands of years, this causes a shift in the position of the stars at the vernal equinox, which is the point where the Sun crosses the celestial equator. In Western astrology, this shift means that the starting point of the zodiac ribbon, which is often associated with 1 degree of Aries, changes over time. In essence, the Sun occupies a different constellation at the vernal equinox over the course of millennia.
Constellations and Signs:
Different cultures divided this band of stars into constellations, each associated with specific archetypes. The confusing part is that both Western and Vedic astrology use twelve constellations of 30 degrees each, with mostly identical names and images.
Two Major Differences:
- Zodiac System:
- Western Astrology uses the tropical zodiac, starting from the Sun’s position at the vernal equinox, which changes over time due to the precession of the equinoxes.
- Vedic Astrology uses the sidereal zodiac, where 1 degree of Aries remains 1 degree of Aries, regardless of the Sun’s position at the equinox.
- Definition of “Sign”:
- In Western astrology, your “sign” is the constellation the Sun occupied at your birth, and it changes every 30 days.
- In Vedic astrology, your “sign” is the constellation on the Eastern horizon at the time of your birth, representing the individual. It changes much faster, about every two hours.
So, the apparent similarity in signs breaks down when you consider these differences.
Gemstone Prescriptions:
Both systems use gemstones, but they do so differently.
- In Western astrology, there are birthstones for each Sun sign, but their meanings are not deeply connected to the signs.
In summary, Western and Vedic astrology may share some surface similarities, but their underlying principles and gemstone practices differ significantly. Vedic astrology’s gem prescriptions are based on personalized analysis and a deeper tradition, making them unique and valuable for individuals. The precession of the equinoxes adds an extra layer of complexity to the understanding of zodiac signs in Western astrology.