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About Vedic Astrology
What is Vedic Astrology?
Sage Parashara is credited with much of the early development of the Vedic astrological system and there has been a long line of esteemed astrologers following in his footsteps, such as Varahamihira, Satyacharya, and others. Vedic Astrology helps us analyze behavior and forecast events so we can anticipate good outcomes for our actions. Vedic philosophers tell us that the best way to get out of trouble is not to get into trouble in the first place. Vedic Astrology provides a road map for effective living, in tune with the laws of nature. The astrology of India marks the start of the first point of Aries in a different manner than Western Astrology. Vedic Astrology calculations indicate that the Sun rises at about 6 degrees of Pisces in the spring equinox morning and not at 0 degrees Aries (as indicated in the West). This difference is due to the earth shifting back on its axis (precession) about 1 degree every 72 years. Vedic Astrology adjusts for this "wobbling" of the axis, the Western Systems do not.
In addition to the 12 Sun signs of the zodiac, Vedic Astrology, uses 27 Moon signs or secondary constellations called "Nakshatras". The Vedic system employs a set of 16 types of birth charts ("Shodasavargas"), not just one, and uses a forecasting system called the "Vimshottari Dasa" which tracks events in the birth chart up to a 120 year life period. Vedic Astrology has very strong connections to spiritual development and consciousness and suggests 100's of remedial measures to counteract negative influences in the chart. So Vedic astrology not only can help indicate what behaviors and time periods might be favorable or unfavorable, it also has methods to help us fortify ourselves to deal with life events more powerfully.
How accurate is Vedic Astrology?
How does one determine whether someone is a good astrologer or not?
How is Vedic Astrology different from Western Astrology? Vedic Astrology marks the start of each new astrological year in terms of the stars or constellations, employing marker stars to identify the start of the first point of Aries. The Western systems mark the start of Aries in terms of the earth and its spring equinox season. Its zodiac does not represent astronomical positions as accurately as does the Vedic system. The two systems are about 23 degrees apart in marking the starting point point of Aries due to Vedic astrology adjusting for the back wobbling of the earth's axis and the Western system not. Unless you were born between the 15 and 20th of the month, your Sun sign moves back one sign in Vedic Astrology. In addition, the Vedic system has literally hundreds of predictive techniques based on lunar signs, on multiple chart divisions and the like. Vedic Astrology puts more emphasis on the Rising Sign and the Moon than on the Sun and has deep roots in philosophy and development of consciousness. One of the hallmarks of Vedic astrology is that it also employs certain remedial measures to help fortify the client in the event of unfavorable birth positions or planetary periods. Vedic astrology not only informs the client as to opportunities for growth and times of challenge, but can recommend specific measures to help improve life's conditions.
Which is better Vedic or Western Astrology?
How can Vedic Astrology help me? Everyone should be able to anticipate the approach of danger so that they might fortify themselves against it, or if the event were positive they would want to promote that time. Using Vedic Astrology in a competent and thoughtful way can help a person pick positive actions and develop the ability to anticipate positive outcomes for a healthy and progressive life. The personal analysis you receive in a reading will aid you in identifying and achieving goals more quickly and concisely. An astrological consultation is similar to reading a map. It helps you to arrive at your destination more quickly with a minimum of detours and dead ends. Astrology helps you grow in self understanding and self sufficiency. It allows you to add more capabilities to your life in manageable, evolutionary steps. |
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Vedic Astrology is an astrological system from India. Jyotish, as it is also called,
has its roots in the ancient Vedic civilization of India. Some scholars indicate it
is over 5000 years old and pre-dates Western Astrology. The word "Veda" means pure
knowledge, hence the term "Vedic" astrology. Some astrologers in India also call this
system "Hindu" astrology. Historians remark that the word "Hindu" is most likely derived
from the name of an ancient river in India.
So the first point of Aries in the Vedic system is around April 14, about 23 days later
than is indicated in Western systems. The sky that we see at the time of the equinox is
not the same sky that people saw 2000 years ago. The earth has shifted back on its axis,
making it appear as if the signs have preceded. It also means that unless you were born
between about 15th to 20th of the month, your Sun sign shifts back 1 sign (about 23 degrees
i.e. the Ayanamsa or difference of the starting points of Aries in the two systems). It should
also be noted that Vedic astrologers put more emphasis on interpretations based on the rising
sign and on the Moon than on the Sun.
The results of Vedic Astrology are highly dependent upon the skills of its practitioners.
It is also very important that the astrologer be familiar with the variables and the significant
societal influences that are present in the culture of the client. Vedic astrology puts a lot
of emphasis on the development of the consciousness of the astrologer so that they might process
information completely, correctly and in a timely manner. Many people report that a competent
Vedic astrologer can satisfactorily indicate outcomes and identify behavior with an accuracy
over 80 % or higher. Advanced astrologers who have spent time developing their awareness with
spiritual practices, and who have read thousands of charts, can add several percentage points
to the success of their interpretations. Ultimately, the proof is in the pudding. If people
get results, they continue to seek the services of an astrologer. If we look at durability
as an indicator of value, we can see that Vedic astrology has been around benefiting people
for many thousands of years.
People often seek an astrologer based upon the positive recommendation of a friend or sympathetic
supporter. Good astrologers can be seen leading a balanced life, not indulging in excessive behaviors.
They know what is going on in their community and nation. Helpful astrologers speak the truth
sweetly and uplift the client, phrasing weaknesses in a positive manner. Ultimately, the astrologer
should be specific and correct and the information provided should be useful for getting the
results desired. A good astrologer will not work with you so much on a Yes or No or fortune
telling level, but will partner with you to help guide you into a set of behaviors that will
lead you to increased success and happiness in your life.
Vedic scholars, obviously biased somewhat towards their own research, have come up with many
discoveries that point to the possibility that Vedic astrology is the root of most Western
systems practiced today. Having never practiced or studied Western Astrology that much, I really
can't talk directly about the value found by many of its proponents.( I made a promise to myself
many years ago not to talk about things I know nothing about). I came to Vedic Astrology from
the start preferring to keep it simple for myself and just learn one system well. Many people
who come to me for readings, often tell me they have derived some benefit from Western astrology
but are intrigued by the magnitude of techniques and the depth of forecasting available in Vedic
astrology, not to mention the logic of its closer match to true astronomical positions.