A Brief Overview Of Western And Vedic Astrology

By Jose Edwards


In astrology, the two most common forms of astrological readings come from either Hellenistic or Hindu astrology. While Vedic astrology is basically the same as the Hindu practice, the term Vedic did not become popular until during the 1970s. Whereas, both practices have been around for quite some time, with Hindu forms becoming more well known during the 19th century.

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.

Originally Vedic and Western forms were thought to be part of the occult. Whereas, times have changed as there are a number of Indian universities now offering advanced degrees in Vedic form. In the beginning, a number of scientists protested the course offerings as being nothing more than pseudoscience. However, in 2001, the High Court favored the practice and allowed the universities to move forward with such offerings.

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 Hellenistic and Hindu forms also appear almost identical on a synchronous basis. While appearing to be the case, the Vedic form primarily refers to the sidereal zodiac in which the planets are measured amidst fixed stars. Whereas, in the Western tradition, the measurement of the planets takes place closest to the Sun at the time of 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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