The history of astrology has been rooted in the life of people thousands of years however not every system perceives the cosmos in a similar manner. The modern day traditions that have been followed most closely are Vedic Astrology (also Jyotish Shastra) and Western Astrology.
Although they both explore the impact of planets on the life of human beings, they have a lot of differences in terms of methods, computations, and philosophy through which they practice it. Understanding how to distinguish between Vedic vs Western Astrology will enable you to determine what system would be most reasonable to you, depending on the belief, the purpose, and the personality.
Origins and Foundations
Jyotish Shastra or Vedic Astrology.
One of the oldest systems in the world which was established in Rig Veda, Atharva Veda and other text books of Vedic scriptures is Vedic Astrology. These scriptures were consulted to provide initial guidelines on the selection of good times (muhurtas) to conduct rituals and other forms of ceremonies.
The point was obvious: the cosmic timing has potent implications, and it determines harmony, success, and the result of significant activities.
But Jyotish was this which Maharishi Parashara brought up to the scientific state in modern times, through his masterpiece work Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra, he studied and developed ideas such as:
- Muhurtas (auspicious times).
- Planetary influences
- Dashas (planetary periods)
- Yogas (planetary combinations)
Parashara perfected the doctrines of muhurtas and combined it with the positions of the planets, nakshatras (lunar mansions) and the astrology of prediction. His work changed Jyotish into a predictive system that has nowadays evolved to be a comprehensive birth chart, life prediction system as well as choosing favorable moments.
To put it simply, though, the early Vedic traditions had the concept of muhurtas, it was Parashara who introduced Jyotish into a precise science of planetary influences and timing.
Western Astrology
Western Astrology was developed in ancient Babylonia, Greece and later spread under the Roman and European influence. It is more about psychology and personality characteristics and sun-sign interpretations.
Western Astrology, despite the fact that it also relies on the movements of planets, aims at assisting people to comprehend their inner world, emotional setups, and self-evolution.
The Fundamental Disagreement between Sidereal and Tropical Zodiac.
The greatest difference between the vedic astrology vs western astrology is in the zodiac system which is followed by both.
Vedic Astrology works with Sidereal Zodiac.
Sidereal zodiac takes into consideration the changing position of the earth (precession). It implies that Vedic astrologers determine the positions of planets via real constellations of the sky.
Consequently, your zodiac sign as dictated by Western zodiac sign might be different than your Vedic zodiac sign.
Western Astrology is based on the Tropical Zodiac.
The tropical zodiac fails to adapt to the precession of the earth. Rather it starts at the spring equinox annually. The Western Astrology is more in line with seasons, not the true positions of the constellations.
Prediction vs. Personality: What Each System Is Concentrating on.
Vedic Astrology: Astrology and Guidance by Karma.
Vedic Astrology is great predictive and karmic.
It is intended to resolve such questions as:
- What are the significant life events?
- When will changes happen?
- What will be the favourable and challenging planetary periods (dashas)?
Since the Parashara system is a compilation of dashas, yogas, and nakshatras, the Vedic Astrology is very insightful in matters of timing and, therefore, ideal in matters of marriage, career, finances, traveling, and even health.
It is also due to this reason that the individual usually takes the guidance of the best astrologer in India to get accurate muhurta and path of life.
Western Astrology: Psychological and Personality.
- Western Astrology is more egocentric. It helps people understand:
- Personal strengths and weaknesses.
- Emotional triggers
- Behavioral patterns
- Mindset and instincts
Western Astrology encourages emotional clarity and self-understanding in lieu of major life events.
Structures and Techniques of Charts.
Vedic Charts
- Make time predictions by use of dashas.
- Include 27 nakshatras
- Emphasize the Moon sign
- Take into account planetary dignity, divisional charts and yogas.
- Great emphasis on karma, destiny and spiritual development.
Western Charts
- Emphasize the Sun sign
- Such aspects include trines, squares, sextiles.
- Make use of psychological archetypes.
- Give attention on free will and individual development.
Which One Should You Follow?
Vedic and Western Astrology differences: Which one is better:
- You need to get the time or moment of occurrence, predictions and karma details very right – VEDIC ASTROLOGY.
- When you want to know yourself and understand how to feel – WESTERN ASTROLOGY.
Vedic Astrology is liked by many because it includes accurate calculations and extensive affiliation with ancient wisdom refurbished by Maharishi Parashara. Others like western Astrology have the modern psychological approach.
Final Thoughts
In making a comparison of vedic vs western astrology, the two systems are effective though they are based on different purposes. Its predictive depth, sidereal calculations, the detailed studies done by Parashara, and its close relationship with auspicious timing (muhurtas) are the distinguishing features of Vedic Astrology. Western Astrology is glamorous in the domain of personality and emotional conduct.
In the end, you can read both of them- they both have their own pieces of advice, which can help you on your way to clarity, development and self-understanding.
