HOW DOES VEDIC ASTROLOGY (JYOTISH) DIFFER FROM WESTERN ASTROLOGY?

  • Jyotish uses the Sidereal (based on the stars) zodiac vs. the Tropical zodiac (based on the point of view of the earth) in Western Astrology.  The sidereal zodiac accounts for a phenomenon that is known as “the precession of the equinox”.
  • Your ascendant or rising sign is usually shifted back one sign or approximately 24 degrees in Vedic Astrology.  The Vedic system is a more accurate astronomical representation of the Sun’s position in relation to the skies. Western astrology emphasizes the Sun’s relationship to the earth and seasons.
  • The Vedic system is a more accurate description of the placement of the planets in the heavens. Vedic astrology pays more attention to your Moon sign than your Sun sign, which is emphasized in Western astrology.
  • We do not use the outer planets – Neptune, Pluto, and Uranus. We incorporate the North and South nodes of the Moon – Rahu (N) and Ketu (S).  (These do not have the same interpretation as in Western astrology.)
  • In Vedic astrology, you experience planetary cycles throughout your life which impact the occurrence of events in your life. Western astrology does not use these detailed cycles.
  • We do not utilize the concepts of squares, trines, or mid-heaven in Vedic Astrology. Vedic astrology utilizes various sub-charts to predict the outcome and timing of events. There are charts for your career, spouse, children, parents, health, and spiritual progress, just to name a few.

What is Jyotish?